November 1999
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators
Eoin McKiernanChampion of Education "We can give no greater evidence of our love for Ireland than to join in the race to further the achievement of Irish children." Eoin McKiernan is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities in the U.S. on Irish affairs, and includes on his resumé such job descriptions as author, lecturer, script writer, TV presenter, columnist … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders
Mary Harris "Mother" JonesMiners' Angel "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Mother Jones was one of America's most effective union organizers. At a time when few women were activists, she was a fearless crusader for the rights of American workers and became the champion of child laborers. But most of all, she was the "miner's angel" often risking arrest and … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists
Eamon de ValeraThe Long Fellow "I am in America as the official head of the [Irish] Republic, established by the will of the people in accordance with the principles of self-determination." Given that nobody born outside the United States can ever hope to become President of this nation, it is ironic that a humbly-born New Yorker was elected President of Ireland in 1959 and … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community
Dorothy DayHeroine "Don't call me a saint. I don't want to be dismissed so easily." From time to time there comes an individual whose life exposes the limitations of the written word. Dorothy Day was such a person. Her strength, singularity and ability to nudge humankind a little further up the ladder of emotional and spiritual evolution goes beyond language. As a … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community