A Story of Ireland Whenever Michael Walsh thought he was finished at last with Ireland, all of it would come flooding back, like a sudden wave on a glassy sea. He had tried to rid himself of that sad green country with cheap whiskey in too many bad bars in a city that was not his own. And now, on this perfect spring day in his eleventh year of New York exile, he could feel … [Read more...] about The Exile
Immigration
Photo Album: “Give Me a Wee Step”
In this photograph taken in 1925, my mother Kathleen (far left), her mother and father Sam and Ellen Bell, and 10 other siblings pose as they leave their home in Crossgar, County Down. They journeyed to the United States and settled in Chicago, where, after only four years, my granddad died, leaving Grandma Ellen to raise a family of 11. Ellen was a woman of tremendous faith … [Read more...] about Photo Album: “Give Me a Wee Step”
Taking the Lead
by Tom Deignan Northwell CEO Michael Dowling talks about leadership, the future of healthcare, and what immigrants can teach the rest of us You could understand why someone like Michael Dowling – who grew up amidst extreme poverty in Limerick – might turn out to be a bit of a pessimist. Especially if they also spent the last two-plus years weathering the grim storm … [Read more...] about Taking the Lead
Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance
A group of workers on the docks serenaded the passengers with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and “Come Back to Erin.” The sirens of other ships in the harbor wailed while the 314 Irish brides waved, held up their 140 babies, and sang “Auld Lang Syne” through floods of tears as the Henry Gibbins, a 12,000-ton U.S. Army transport vessel, sailed away from the Herdman Channel, … [Read more...] about Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance
Judy Collins on the Town
Singer and author Judy Collins, just off an 18-month tour with Stephen Stills, and with hit song “Dreamers” on the Billboard charts, was back in New York City, her home since the ’70s, on February 4 to accept the Joe's Pub Vanguard Award & Residency for 2019. The award celebrates the career of a singular artist who has contributed to American life and pop culture. Alex … [Read more...] about Judy Collins on the Town





