Michael Flatley, star of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames, has revolutionized Irish dance, making it relevant all over the world.℘℘℘I just always saw Irish dance differently. When I retired from competition I just knew the minute I was done that I would start trying new things that weren't really allowed in competitions. I actually felt very restricted in … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley
Irish America 15th anniversary issue
Michael Flatley
Paul O’Dwyer
Civil Rights Champion
Since his childhood in Mayo during the worst of the Black and Tan atrocities, Paul O'Dwyer has been a fearless champion of human rights. During the Red Scare and the civil rights movement he stood up for the oppressed regardless of personal cost. He was an early ally of the State of Israel and helped persuade President Truman to recognize this nation's independence. His law … [Read more...] about Paul O’Dwyer
Civil Rights Champion
Edward Kennedy
The Senior Senator
If you ask his fellow senators – liberals or conservatives – who's on their list of the hardest-working and best senators, Edward Kennedy's name is always there. Throughout his tenure he has defended the poor, elderly, and handicapped of the country, and any significant legislation affecting these groups in the areas of education, jobs, housing, or healthcare is sure to have … [Read more...] about Edward Kennedy
The Senior Senator
The Perils of Pat
Peter Quinn writes about his immigrant grandfather.℘℘℘The man on the horse is my paternal grandfather, Patrick Francis Quinn. The date is September 5, 1904. Pat is about to take his place as grand marshal of the New York City Labor Day Parade. The horse was rented for the occasion. I have the sash he is wearing in the photograph, a piece of faded blue silk embroidered with gold … [Read more...] about The Perils of Pat
Maureen O’Hara
Hollywood Colleen
Throughout her film career, Maureen O'Hara captured the essence of the Irish colleen in all its contradictions. In The Quiet Man, as Mary Kate, she went toe-to-toe with John Wayne's Jack Thornton, in one of the most rugged screen courtships in the history of film.℘℘℘There were a lot of Irish actors in Hollywood at that time, weren't there?Yes, Barry Fitzgerald, Arthur Shields, … [Read more...] about Maureen O’Hara