An historic breakthrough was made in the Northern Ireland peace process at the end of October when the first IRA arms were put permanently beyond use in a move monitored by the International Commission on Decommissioning. In the early hours of October 23 General John de Chastelain oversaw the disposal of what was called a "sizable quantity" of the IRA's weapons, a move which … [Read more...] about IRA Dispose of Weapons
Peace
Solas for Clinton
The Irish Immigration Center in Boston is having its annual fundraising awards luncheon on November 20 at the Boston Copley Mariot Hotel. This ear's winner of The Solas Award will be former president Bill Clinton for his tireless effort to bring peace to Ireland. It was his influence and intervention that proved vital in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement. Senator Ted … [Read more...] about Solas for Clinton
The Giants’ Cause
Rioting fans, hooliganism and remote and sometimes ugly multi-millionaires have given sports a bad name in recent times. But every now and then, the world of fun and games provides an uplifting story, like the one unfolding in Belfast, where a team of American and Canadian hockey players is being heralded for improving relations between Protestants and Catholics. At … [Read more...] about The Giants’ Cause
Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Kelly Candaele talks to Gerry Adams about recent developments in Northern Ireland. ℘℘℘ Gerry Adams is no stranger to violence. In 1984, he told reporters that he believed there was a ninety percent chance he would be assassinated. Two months later, he was shot by loyalist paramilitaries. While he denies ever having been a member of the IRA, most close observers of the … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams The Way Forward
Hibernia: South Armagh
A tourist haven? Tommy Makem thinks so and he held a festival there to prove it. ℘℘℘ June, 2000. A bus packed with American tourists pulls out of Newry and takes the road to South Armagh. On one side it passes a British army observation post, currently being dismantled. On the other, a large poster advertises the first Tommy Makem International Festival of Song, which is … [Read more...] about Hibernia: South Armagh