Donald O'Connor, best known for the physical and musical acumen that made him a star in the 1950s, and the mastermind behind Singin' in the Rain's famous "Make 'Em Laugh" number, died on September 27, 2003. He was 78. O'Connor had barely left the womb before embarking on his long show-business career. The son of an acrobat, Effie Irene Crane, and a circus strongman, Chuck … [Read more...] about Farewell to Donald O’Connor
People
The USS The Sullivans Visit Beara
As part of the chain of festivals from Leitrim to Beara in the summer of 2003, a flotilla of naval ships arrived in Glengarriff, County Cork on August 29. Chief among the ships was the Naval destroyer USS The Sullivans, which moored near Castletownbere for the 400th anniversary of O'Sullivan Beara's historic march from Beara to County Leitrim. Donal Cam, chieftain of the … [Read more...] about The USS The Sullivans Visit Beara
The Irish and Alcohol
When outspoken Irish President Mary McAleese criticized the "stupid, wasteful abuse of alcohol" in her country during the Re-Imagining Ireland conference in Virginia earlier this year, she sparked a firestorm that still smolders on the Emerald Isle. From the pubs to the polls to the pundits, McAleese was soundly thrashed for her opinions. Even those who agreed with her blasted … [Read more...] about The Irish and Alcohol
Arizona’s Grand
Marshal Cowboy
Howard "Bill" O'Brien, a living legend among Irish cowboys, will lead the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day parade in Arizona as the Grand Marshal. The 80-year-old replica of John Wayne has been so busy raising funds for the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation in Phoenix that he has almost neglected the Irish Cowboys Association, an organization that he founded in 1997. Said … [Read more...] about Arizona’s Grand
Marshal Cowboy
Model Behavior
from Irish Women
Although they are more accustomed to runways and photo studios than microphones and podiums, Irish supermodels Jane Bradbury and Caitríona Balfe are both leading the way in fighting for causes they believe in.
Caitríona Balfe is strongly opposed to the war in Iraq and is spearheading the anti-war movement in the fashion industry. When Irish America spoke to her, she was busy … [Read more...] about Model Behavior
from Irish Women