Irish America
Irish America
The 20th anniversary of the civil rights protests in Northern Ireland is concluded, leaving the memory of hopeful time followed by a legacy of violent strife. Joseph Patrick Doherty offers a uniquely personal perspective on the dreams and hopes that were. 1968 was a memorable year. The riots in Paris, the Tet offensive in Vietnam, Soviet armies advancing on a Prague Spring … [Read more...] about Hopes & Dreams that were
The goverment press release reads: “Monday's papers reported on renewed violence in Northern Ireland which left four men dead and twelve people seriously injured. In Belfast loyalist UFF, gunmen murdered three Catholic men in a gun and grenade attack on a betting shop. The attack was described in the Irish Times as 'a virtual carbon-copy repeat of the UFF attack on a bookies … [Read more...] about Is There Any Hope?
With the election coming up in November, Irish Americans have to decide who to vote for. When it comes to Irish policy, President Clinton wins hands down for being the only president to risk Britain's wrath and put aside the "special relationship" to extend the U.S. role as facilitator between the parties in Northern Ireland. As readers of this magazine will know, Clinton, … [Read more...] about U.S. Elections and N.I.
Once again, Northern Ireland dominates headlines, both in Ireland and internationally. The Manchester IRA bomb was a huge blow for the peace process and set back support in the U.S. for Sinn Féin. Once again, Gerry Adams has to answer whether or not he can bring about a ceasefire. But the IRA is not the only problem. Day after day, it seems it is one step forward and two steps … [Read more...] about The Politics of Peace
Irish American of the Year, 1996 It was an evening that dreams were made of, a crystal clear Belfast night, the winter air crackling with anticipation. On the sound stage adjacent to City Hall, Van Morrison was blasting out his There'll Be Days Like This, the unofficial anthem of the peace. A huge and enthusiastic crowd, later numbered at 100,000 was rocking along to the … [Read more...] about The Man from Hope
