Rabble-Rousers with a Social Conscience "Free Joe Now," the song by Black 47, the Irish American group spearheaded by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne in 1990, became the anthem for those seeking political asylum for Joe Doherty, the Belfastman fighting extradition to the UK. These were early days for Black 47, the gigs were mainly fundraisers for one Irish cause or another — … [Read more...] about Black ’47
Music
Music Man: Bill Flanagan
By Ray Cavanagh
IA Newsletter, January 18, 2025
IA Newsletter, January 18, 2025
The year 1955 was an active one for the nascent rock & roll genre: Little Richard emerged with his wild single “Tutti Frutti”; Chuck Berry had his first hit; an upstart Elvis Presley was physically attacked by female fans backstage; and Rhode Island saw the birth of Bill Flanagan. One of five children, Flanagan — who just turned 70 on Jan. 14 — grew up in Warwick, RI, where … [Read more...] about Music Man: Bill Flanagan
The Job of Songs
IA Newsletter, November 11, 2023
Tourists flock to the west coast of Ireland to take in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, but the real treasure lies in the soulful, acoustic sounds wafting out of pubs and living rooms of Doolin, County Clare. The denizens of this unspoiled coastal village of tight-knit neighbors and unlocked doors revel in the passion and history of their traditional folk songs, using music as … [Read more...] about The Job of Songs
News Roundup May 21, 2022
By Róisín Chapman
IA Newsletter May 21, 2022
IA Newsletter May 21, 2022
U.S. Officials Seek to Protect Good Friday Agreement House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal will lead a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation to Ireland this weekend. The delegates will participate in bilateral meetings focused on strengthening transatlantic trade relations, with additional visits to Brussels and Britain to deepen US-EU and US-UK strategic … [Read more...] about News Roundup May 21, 2022
News Roundup February 26, 2022
Róisín Chapman
IA Newsletter February 26, 2022
IA Newsletter February 26, 2022
Ireland Reacts to Russian Invasion of Ukraine This week began with news of COVID restrictions being lifted in many European countries, however, overnight, the headlines were dominated with a new story. Russia has invaded Ukraine. Speaking ahead of the invasion, Ireland’s representative to the U.N. has called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Speaking at an emergency … [Read more...] about News Roundup February 26, 2022