Rabble-Rousers with a Social Conscience "Free Joe Now," the song by Black 47, the Irish American group spearheaded by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne in 1990, became the anthem for those seeking political asylum for Joe Doherty, the Belfastman fighting extradition to the UK. These were early days for Black 47, the gigs were mainly fundraisers for one Irish cause or another — … [Read more...] about Black ’47
Irish American
Ireland’s Wildlife Youngsters
By Sarah Loughnane, Editorial Assistant / Social Media & Events Coordinator
Ireland is fortunate enough to have a diverse range of wildlife that is consistently booming. Although, the past few weeks have been tough with one storm after another, Ireland’s Wildlife species are pushing through and sticking to their springtime schedules. Here’s a few of Irelands native wildlife youngsters to brighten up your day and encourage you to conserve and … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Wildlife Youngsters
Hall of Fame: Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher Jean Butler
By Tom Deignan, Columnist
march / april 2020 href="https://www.irishamerica.com/in-this-issue-2020-march-april">By Tom Deignan, Columnist
march / april 2020
A few years back, the Irish dancing community was dealt a series of devastating losses. Four celebrated dance masters – Jimmy Erwin, Jerry Mulvihill, Michael Bergin, and Peter Smith – passed away in close succession.“All I could think,” recalls Riverdance choreographer and dancer Jean Butler, “was the steps and stories that died with them. The dances live in the … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame: Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher Jean Butler
Hall of Fame: Judy Collins Singer, Songwriter, Social Activist
It is difficult to define or to encapsulate Judy Collins in under 2,000 words. Ironically though, perhaps just two words can provide an insight into this remarkable woman’s activism, career, and song choices: they are, “amazing grace.” Everything Judy has done in her long and varied life have shown ability, creativity, tenacity, and – grace. These two words also happen to be … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame: Judy Collins Singer, Songwriter, Social Activist
Hall of Fame: Patrick Doherty, The New York Official Who Uses Investment Power to Promote Human Rights.
New York Official Uses Investment Power to Promote Human Rights Patrick Doherty recalls one of many St. Patrick’s Day parties on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where his parents met, and his grandparents still lived when he was young.“The parade in those days ended at 96th Street. So, each year my grandmother basically invited the whole parade back to their apartment,” … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame: Patrick Doherty, The New York Official Who Uses Investment Power to Promote Human Rights.