It was Frank McCourt who first brought Sive to New York. A friend at the Irish Players, a 1950s New York theater group, now defunct, that showcased Irish classics, requested that he carry her over. And so the playwright John B. Keane traveled up to Limerick from Listowel to hand Sive over to Frank, who dutifully carried her across the water. The National players decided not … [Read more...] about Sive and the Ghosts of Ireland’s Past
Patricia Harty
The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
“Rise again, rise again / Tho’ your heart, it be broken / Your life about to end / No matter what you’ve lost / A home, a love, a friend / Be like the Mary Ellen Carter / Rise again.” – Words from the “The Mary Ellen Carter” as sung by Tommy Makem. (The Mary Ellen was a ship). We have a plethora of features in this issue and a fresh new look to celebrate the beginning of our … [Read more...] about The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
Governor Martin O’Malley’s March
Youngest mayor of a large city at 37, governor at 43; it’s possible that Martin O’Malley, fueled by family, Jesuit ideals and Irish history, will march all the way to the White House. Martin O’Malley is easy on the eye – very easy on the eye. He’s handsome, young, and he’s got talent. He paid his way through college playing music – Irish music. His band, O’Malley’s March, has … [Read more...] about Governor Martin O’Malley’s March
The First Word: The Might Green
“The Irish courage, spirit and humor so clearly shown by our immigrant forebears are going to be even more crucial to meet the challenges of the financial markets of the 21st century.” – Donald Donahue, Chairman-elect and CEO, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation. Who knew that the Irish would be so good with money? It’s not as if we have had a lot of … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Might Green
The First Word: That Time of Year!
Mórtas Cine. Pride in our heritage! It's that time of year, and thought we don't need an occasion to feel pleased to be Irish, it's kind of nice to be the center of attention as the St. Patrick's season rolls around. We can look forward to reruns of The Quiet Man, watch the Irish Tenors and The Celtic Women, and enjoy Visions of Ireland, which showcases scenery that is so … [Read more...] about The First Word: That Time of Year!