This year marks the beginning of a three-year full archeological study of the 1798 Battle of Vinegar Hill site in County Wexford. The Rebellion battle, in which over 1,000 rebels were killed, was not a comprehensive defeat for the Irish, but significantly changed the momentum of the 1798 Rebellion. “At the end of this study we hope to have a more complete picture of what … [Read more...] about Vinegar Hill Archeological Study
News from Ireland
New Chair for University of Limerick Foundation
Loretta Brennan Glucksman is the new Chairman of the Board for the University of Limerick Foundation. Formerly the chairman of the American Ireland Funds, the Allentown, Pennsylvania-born philanthropist and her late husband, Lewis Glucksman, have made major contributions to the university over the past 20 years, funding key projects such as the Frank McCourt Chair in Creative … [Read more...] about New Chair for University of Limerick Foundation
Coin for McCormack
The Central Bank of Ireland issued a 10-euro coin, their first new collection coin for 2014, to celebrate the life of Irish tenor John McCormack (1884-1945), who reached worldwide fame for his repertoire of both operatic and popular songs. Eight thousand coins retailing at 44 euro were minted. Born in Athlone as the fourth child in the McCormack household, John won the coveted … [Read more...] about Coin for McCormack
Ballymurphy Inquiry Moves Forward
Relatives of 11 people killed in Belfast by the British Army in 1971 met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in January to ask him to lobby the British Government to set up an independent panel inquiry into the deaths of their family members. It was an emotional moment for the families when the Taoiseach gave them his support. A family member interviewed on RTÉ said, “It was the first … [Read more...] about Ballymurphy Inquiry Moves Forward
Ireland’s Social, Cultural Environment Is Harmful to Mental Health
Cuts to services, fear of crime, and loneliness brought on by emigration of loved ones have led to a huge surge in calls to a helpline for the elderly, The Irish Examiner reported at the end of January. Senior Helpline is the country’s only listening service for older people. In 2013, the center received more than 28,500 calls. The 345 volunteers who run the organization saw … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Social, Cultural Environment Is Harmful to Mental Health