July's announcement that the IRA was ending its military campaign drew a muted response from political quarters north and south of the Irish border. Although the statement was potentially historic by calling on IRA activists to unconditionally dump arms, unionist politicians again reacted skeptically to how decommissioning would take place and be independently verified. The … [Read more...] about Muted Response to IRA Statement
News from Ireland
News From Ireland
Setbacks Send Sinn Féin Reeling Having been at the center of the peace process and made huge electoral gains north and south of the border, the year has begun disastrously for Sinn Féin. A series of unrelated events has put the party under intense scrutiny for its policy and attitude towards crime and paramilitary violence. Public interest in the case of the so-called … [Read more...] about News From Ireland
News from Ireland
Maureen O'Hara Collects an Irish Oscar Maureen O'Hara brought over 700 guests to their feet at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) in Dublin when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Wearing a bright red dress the 84-year-old actress earned a heartfelt ovation, recalling her illustrious career which included her feisty performance opposite John Wayne in The … [Read more...] about News from Ireland
News: Kilkenny Rose Wins in Tralee
Kilkenny Rose Orla O'Shea emerged as winner of the 46th International Rose of Tralee Festival. The 20-year-old teacher was voted ahead of 27 competitors hailing from Ireland, Europe, America and Australia to claim the silver crown. She dedicated her achievement to her mother who died four years ago from cancer. "She made me what I am today," said the emotional winner, who … [Read more...] about News: Kilkenny Rose Wins in Tralee
News: Joe Cahill Laid to Rest
Joe Cahill, former I.R.A. chief of staff, died on July 23 at his Andersonstown home in Belfast after a short illness. The 84-year-old was buried after a huge funeral cortege carried his remains to the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery. Cahill was honorary vice-president of Sinn Féin, and the party's current president Gerry Adams paid homage to his friend at the … [Read more...] about News: Joe Cahill Laid to Rest