Irish America

James O'Neill

Hall of Fame: NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill

By Maggie Holland, Assistant Editor
March / April 2019

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“Jimmy’s not just a cop’s cop. He’s a New Yorker’s New Yorker.” When it comes to James O’Neill, New York City’s 43rd and current police commissioner, those words by Chirlane McCray, the wife of N.Y.C. Mayor Bill de Blasio, could not be more spot-on. A more fitting NYPD commissioner couldn’t be found in Central Casting. He is a steadfast New Yorker who started his career … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame: NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill

First Word: Trailblazers Past & Present

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
March / April 2019

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It was the first time that I knew the full weight of Irish America. Coming from a small country with few people, it’s difficult for an immigrant to grasp that in a place as big as America, the Irish could wield such power. I’m talking about the first Irish-American Presidential Forum in 1992. It was arranged by then-assemblyman John C. Dearie. I don’t remember the venue, but I … [Read more...] about First Word: Trailblazers Past & Present

Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
March / April 2019

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Members of the O’Neill Clan (anglicized from Ui Néill, “Néill” meaning “champion”) can trace their origins back to Niall Noígíallach “of the Nine Hostages” (c. 361-452). Niall united all the provinces under his rule, using hostages as a way to get power and influence. He also was up for a spot of kidnapping and that’s how the Welsh lad with Roman parents – a lad whom we now … [Read more...] about Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

A Long Day’s Journey:
New Ross to New London

By Sean Reidy, Contributor

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James O’Neill had a remarkable life, emigrating from Ireland at the age of five, abandoned by his father at 10, raised by a mother who spoke very little English. Yet, having little formal education, he was playing Shakespearean roles by his early twenties, and his son Eugene went on to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Sean Reidy visits the O’Neill family home in New … [Read more...] about A Long Day’s Journey:
New Ross to New London