The March 10th election of the Irish Parliament’s, called the Dáil, failed to decide on a new Taoiseach, despite four candidates facing the vote: Enda Kenny, Fine Gael, the majority, center-left party leader and current Prime Minister; Fianna Fáil, the majority center-right party, leader Míchaél Martin; Sinn Féin, the Irish Republican party, president, Gerry Adams; and Richard … [Read more...] about Irish Government in Turmoil
Politics
Digging Up the Past
Robert Schmuhl takes us behind the scenes on a decade-long research project that culminated in his book Ireland’s Exiled Children: America and the Easter Rising. Facts are stubborn things,” John Adams famously remarked. Less known, though, is a clause he added to complete the thought – “and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they … [Read more...] about Digging Up the Past
Gerry Adams: A Period of Change
In 1991, Irish America magazine published one of the first interviews with Gerry Adams. (As far as we can tell, Playboy was the only other American magazine to interview Adams before that.) In March, of that year, as the 75th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising loomed and violence continued on both sides in Northern Ireland, Patricia Harty traveled to West Belfast to interview the … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams: A Period of Change
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
Induct Anne Anderson
Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson will become the first female member of the Philadelphia chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, an honorary role, at a St. Patrick’s Day dinner this year. The occasion marks the first time any chapter of the Friendly Sons has allowed a woman to be a member.
“I am delighted by this decision, especially as we approach the centenary … [Read more...] about Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
Induct Anne Anderson
Irish Presidential Awards
Three Americans received Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Awards on December 3rd last year. Tom Moran is a hugely successful businessman and a well-respected humanitarian. Born on Staten Island to Irish American parents, he is the chairman of Mutual of America, and Concern Worldwide (U.S.) and a noted philanthropist when it comes to Irish causes. He has been an … [Read more...] about Irish Presidential Awards