The battle for the hearts and minds of the Boston Irish took a sharp turn in the aftermath of the 1916 Irish Rising. Prior to the 1916 Rising, Boston’s Irish community had maintained some equilibrium between those who favored constitutional methods of Home Rule, and those for physical force and agitation. And within this spectrum were viewpoints about socialism and worker’s … [Read more...] about Boston and the Irish Rising
Michael Quinlin
iFest Comes to Boston
Boston is set to welcome a new Irish festival this fall, as iFest makes its North American debut at the Seaport World Trade Center September 26-28. Described as a premium showcase of contemporary Irish culture, entertainment and innovation, iFest features an all-star cast of culinary masters, musicians, fashion designers and athletes to present a taste of modern … [Read more...] about iFest Comes to Boston
Boston’s Man of the People: Marty Walsh
There was world renowned musician Yo-Yo Ma on center stage, playing an audacious solo of Danny Boy on his cello before 8,000 enraptured listeners. Mid-way through the performance and without missing a note he suddenly turned around to smile and nod at a pretty, proper Irish woman named Mary Walsh sitting behind him with her two sons, Martin and John, on either side. The mom and … [Read more...] about Boston’s Man of the People: Marty Walsh
A Thousand Days of Grace
By Michael Quinlin, Contributor
by Leave a Comment
by Leave a Comment
As we mark the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination Michael Quinlin reflects on Kennedy’s vision, his desire for a united Ireland, his love of poetry, and what his presidency meant to Irish Boston. President Kennedy’s thousand days in office marked an epoch in the Boston Irish story. One man stepping forth from a marginalized community that had struggled … [Read more...] about A Thousand Days of Grace
Boston Marathon: The Road to Recovery
By Michael Quinlin, Contributor
by Leave a Comment
by Leave a Comment
Jane Richard is dancing again. Jane Richard, the tiny Irish step dancer from Dorchester, who lost her left leg in the Boston Marathon bombing in April, endured 12 operations on her leg last Spring, followed by months of physical therapy at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Jane’s nine year old brother Martin was killed by the bomb, and both her parents suffered … [Read more...] about Boston Marathon: The Road to Recovery