On February 2, Molloy College’s Irish Studies Institute held its first St. Brigid’s Day Celebration – a fun afternoon of songs and stories that held the promise of exciting things to come for this fledgling Irish Studies program. St. Brigid’s Day, a Christian feast day, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which signaled the start of spring. On Imbolc, Druid … [Read more...] about Molloy College Celebrates St. Brigid’s Day
Kristin Romano
Chuck Feeney: Irish America Hall of Fame
Chuck Feeney was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame at a gala event in New York City in March 2011. The billionaire who selflessly and quietly gave it all away. Charles “Chuck” Feeney has amassed billions of dollars in wealth. However, he doesn’t own an opulent house, a car or a Rolex. He prefers taking cabs, riding the subway, or just walking when he’s in New York. … [Read more...] about Chuck Feeney: Irish America Hall of Fame
Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Activist, humanitarian, diplomat. Often referred to as the shy Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith has quietly blazed her own trail while still holding true to the family legacy of public service. The last of the Kennedy siblings still living, Kennedy Smith has devoted her life to advocating for the disabled and working towards peace in Northern Ireland. Early Life Jean Ann Kennedy … [Read more...] about Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Review of Books
A selection of recently published books of Irish and Irish American interest. Click Here to purchase these books at Kenny's Books Recommended The Empty Family I did everything I could to not finish Colm Tóibín’s latest collection of short stories, The Empty Family. I stared out of a bus window and watched the monotonous Garden State Parkway go by; I purposely did not sit … [Read more...] about Review of Books
Roots: A Look at the Laheys and the Leahys
Have you always thought the surnames Lahey and Leahy were variations of the same name? Think again! Lahey and Leahy originate from two different Gaelic surnames. Lahey, Lahy, Lahiff, Lahiffe, Laffey, and Lahive all originate from the Gaelic surname O Laithimh, which itself is a variant of O Flaithimh. O Flaithimh derives from the Irish word flaitheamh, which means lord or … [Read more...] about Roots: A Look at the Laheys and the Leahys