A Chat with Mary Higgins Clark The Queen of Suspense did not come by her title overnight – Mary Higgins Clark’s 40+-year career in literature and consistent domination of the New York Times Best Seller list have made her a household name in the mystery genre from the release of her very first suspense thriller, Where Are the Children? She has since been renowned for her … [Read more...] about On the Edge of Our Seats
Irish Heritage
First Word: Inventing The Future of Medicine
You would think after all this time as editor of this magazine, I would cease to be surprised at the mighty achievements of Irish-Americans. We have showcased the measure of that success down through the years, and yet the honorees profiled in this issue give me pause. The incredible work that they do – in research institutions, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare … [Read more...] about First Word: Inventing The Future of Medicine
Pittsburgh Couple Finds Ancestors Are in the Same Boat
On their first date ten years ago in a French restaurant in Pittsburgh, John Kudlik and Susan Showalter, both part Irish, discovered they had something in common. John, a historian, is the great-great-grandson of Daniel Dowd, a farmer who came to America on the Jeanie Johnston in 1849. When he told Susan his family was from a town in Country Kerry called Ballymacelligot, she … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh Couple Finds Ancestors Are in the Same Boat
Kennedy,
O’Kennedy, Ó Cinnéide
The Irish Kennedys are descended from Dunchaun, the brother of the mighty King Brian Born. The name comes from his father Ceann Eidig, meaning "helmet head." Appropriately, the arms of the Kennedys have three helmets.
From the 11th-15th centuries they were Lords of Ormond. The Kennedys dealt with the various conquests and confiscations better than many other Gaelic families. … [Read more...] about Kennedy,
O’Kennedy, Ó Cinnéide
Irish Roots: The McNamaras
The hotel lobby buzzed with conversation. Irish inflections mingled with accents from New Zealand, Australia, England, Canada, and various parts of the U.S. And above the hum the name would grab my ear. "McNamara." "McNamara." As a reflex, I'd ram. And almost instantly smile and shake my head, laughing to myself at how often I kept doing that. Back in America, if I heard my … [Read more...] about Irish Roots: The McNamaras