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Roots: Walsh, Welsh (or Brannagh)

By James G. Ryan

November/December 1996

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The name Walsh or Welsh is one of the most numerous of Norman associated names found in Ireland. It seems to have been the name used independently by the many different groups of Welsh people who arrived in Ireland with the Normans during the 12th century. The name simply means Welshman and its early Norman form was "Le Waleys" but this became gradually anglicized to Walsh. The … [Read more...] about Roots: Walsh, Welsh (or Brannagh)

Bottled Wild Geese

By Norman Mongan

September October 1996

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Norman Mongan explores the contribution the Irish have made to the French wine-growing industry. Some may find it surprising that Irishmen were involved with wine-making well before Arthur Guinness invented his famous brew. Early 18th century Dublin imbibed vast quantities of fine claret, greater than the combined total of England and Scotland. The Irish "Wild Geese" who left … [Read more...] about Bottled Wild Geese

Roots: The Stout-Hearted Murphys

By Irish America Staff
July / August 1996

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One of the most common names in Ireland, the Murphy Clan has distinguished itself in every field. Among them were an Army chaplain, poet, war hero, police commissioner, and mistress. ℘℘℘ The name Murphy, the most common and widespread name in Ireland, is a derivation of the Gaelic personal name of Murchadh or Murragh, which gave rise to the different versions MacMurchadh … [Read more...] about Roots: The Stout-Hearted Murphys

American Relief Efforts and the Irish Famine

By Timothy J. Sarbaugh

March/April 1995

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Most Irish and Irish-Americans are aware of the private generosity of Americans during the Famine years in Ireland. The role of the American government is another story. "Indeed, no imagination can conceive, no tongue express, no brush paint the horror of the scenes which are daily exhibited in Ireland," observed senator Henry Clay in 1847. Calling upon the support of his … [Read more...] about American Relief Efforts and the Irish Famine

Out of Ireland: The Story Of Irish Emigration To America

From the book 'Out of Ireland' with permission from Elliott & Clark

July/August 1994

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Out of Ireland, a documentary film by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Wagner, had its first public showing at the New York Lincoln Center Irish Film Festival in June, and will air on PBS television stations sometime this fall or next spring. Using as its primary source the remarkable memoirs and letters written by and to Irish immigrants in America, from Kerby Miller's … [Read more...] about Out of Ireland: The Story Of Irish Emigration To America