Irish America

John Sweeney

Weekly Comment:
What Ted Kennedy & John Sweeney Built On

By Harold Meyerson, The Washington Post
September 4, 2015

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As we celebrate Labor Day and the history of the Irish in the Labor Movement we bring you this commentary piece from our archives. Irish American leaders had a strong influence within and over the labor movement in the U.S., the Democratic Party, and other liberal institutions, Harold Meyerson argues.  ℘℘℘ The death of Ted Kennedy precedes by three weeks the end of John … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment:
What Ted Kennedy & John Sweeney Built On

Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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Sitting with me in the sleek conference room of the AFL-CIO's executive suite overlooking the White House, John Sweeney presents a striking contrast to his surroundings. Portly in his suspenders and rumpled shirt with his jacket nowhere in sight, he appears totally unassuming. It would be easy to underestimate the man at first glance. The only way to gauge his emotions is by … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers

John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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In March, 2004, John Sweeney, then president of the AFL-CIO with three million workers under watch, was Irish America Magazine's Irish American of the Year. In this far-reaching interview with Sarah Buscher, then Irish America's assistant editor, Sweeney talked about the plight of immigrants; working families; and growing up in the Bronx, the son of Irish immigrant parents. … [Read more...] about John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

A Night to Remember

By Irish America Staff
June / July 2001

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Irish America magazine's Top 100 awards ceremony. Of all our Top 100 awards ceremonies, this year's was perhaps the most moving as we celebrated real heroes. Irish American of the Year, Dr. Jerri Nielsen, who battled breast cancer while stationed at the South Pole, movingly contrasted the community of survivors she lived with at the polar station with the divisiveness of … [Read more...] about A Night to Remember