The most misunderstood metropolis in the United States is New Orleans. Mention the city and the mind instantly provides Francophile associations. The French Quarter is its most famous neighborhood, France's pre-Lenten Mardi Gras celebration is the biggest annual bash, and Fleurs de Lis flutter on the municipal flag. Regardless of popular thinking, New Orleans could as easily … [Read more...] about Sláinte: Breakfast at Brennan’s
New Orleans
The Mother of Orphans
“She was a mother to the motherless; she was a friend to those who had no friends; she had wisdom greater than schools can teach; we will not let her memory go.” Sara Cone Bryant, from "Margaret of New Orleans," in Stories to Tell Children(Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1908) There’s a small park in New Orleans, on the corner of Camp and Prytania Streets, which exists … [Read more...] about The Mother of Orphans
Ireland-New Orleans Symposium
Heather Humphreys, Ireland’s Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, together with other Irish dignitaries visited New Orleans in November to take part in a program of activities that drew attention to the enduring impact of Irish immigration on the Crescent City. The influence of Irish immigrants on New Orleans’ … [Read more...] about Ireland-New Orleans Symposium
In America Premieres
in New York
The A-list was in full force for the New York City premiere of Jim Sheridan's latest film In America. Many fans and friends of Sheridan were out to support the semi-autobio-graphical film for its holiday opening. In the movie, a family immigrates to America from Ireland and grapples with life in a new country. The couple are poor and have to steal an air conditioner when summer … [Read more...] about In America Premieres
in New York
The Irish in New Orleans
By Harry Dunleavy
May/June 1994
They built the roads and the canals, and died in their thousands from yellow fever. They competed with slaves to load cotton on the ships bound for Liverpool. Ships that would return crowded with famine Irish. They owned coffee houses. They took part in politics and some lucky ones became millionaires and sugar plantation owners. Harry Dunleavy writes on the extraordinary … [Read more...] about The Irish in New Orleans