A group of workers on the docks serenaded the passengers with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and “Come Back to Erin.” The sirens of other ships in the harbor wailed while the 314 Irish brides waved, held up their 140 babies, and sang “Auld Lang Syne” through floods of tears as the Henry Gibbins, a 12,000-ton U.S. Army transport vessel, sailed away from the Herdman Channel, … [Read more...] about Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance
marriage
The Last Word:
From Celibacy to Godliness
A staggering succession of priests accused. A total failure of responsibility by bishops. Concern in every parish. On the positive side, a surprisingly strong consensus for broad reform has taken hold among the Catholic people. On the negative, the obsessive coverage threatens to take on the character of a witch hunt, as headlines blur the distinction between genuine predators … [Read more...] about The Last Word:
From Celibacy to Godliness
Marrying Madness
Marriage is back in fashion. According to The Irish Voice, more Irish couples are preparing to wed than ever before. In 1999, more than 18,500 couples married in either religious or civil ceremonies, up from 15,000 in 1995. Last year's figures are expected to be even better as many couples scheduled their weddings for the millennium year. Marriage counselors are struggling … [Read more...] about Marrying Madness
Coming Home
I always imagined my wedding as a beautiful and romantic event: My dad would walk me down the aisle, my brother would be a groomsman, and my very best friends would be there standing up for me. The "who" was easy. But when John and I got engaged in August of 1996, the "where" and "when" of our plans did not take shape so effortlessly. I hadn't lived in my hometown in … [Read more...] about Coming Home
An American in Ireland: From Madison Avenue to Bruckless, Donegal
By Kathleen Tierney O'Connell
January / February 1994
Kathleen Tierney O'Connell, a third-generation Irish American and former editor at Vogue magazine, left the bright lights of Madison Avenue to be with the love of her life, Packie McFadden, a farmer in County Donegal. As a third generation American with Irish forebears on both sides of the family tree, I was always curious about Ireland and even flirted briefly with the idea … [Read more...] about An American in Ireland: From Madison Avenue to Bruckless, Donegal