Irish America

Irish America

New Years

Weekly Comment:
Times Square’s Waterford Crystal New Year’s Eve Ball

By Adam Farley, Deputy Editor
December 27, 2017

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For the 18th year in a row, Waterford Crystal will be the focal point for over one billion pairs of eyes as the Waterford Crystal Times Square New Years Eve Ball begins its descent at 11:59 New Years Eve. The ball, the current iteration of which has been in place since the 2007 centenary of the Times Square ball, is a collaboration between Waterford Crystal and Philips Lighting … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment:
Times Square’s Waterford Crystal New Year’s Eve Ball

The President’s New Year Message

By Irish America Staff
February / March 2015

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President Michael D. Higgins’s Christmas New Year message, broadcast from Aras on Uchtairan on December 31, remembered the Irish abroad, those who assist them, and the communities which have welcomed them. Higgins also encouraged those “who may be feeling distressed or lonely to look beyond the long dark nights, to the promise once again, of the dawning light of Spring,” adding … [Read more...] about The President’s New Year Message

Sláinte!: The Night of the Big Portion

By Edythe Preet

January/February 1995

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In Ireland the last night of the year was called Oiche na Cada Moire, The Night of the Big Portion. It was common practice to have a big supper that night to ensure a full cupboard and plenty to eat in the twelve months to come. Of course, the custom dated back to a time when crop success meant the difference between feast and famine. Spells and incantations were invoked to … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: The Night of the Big Portion