Recent Irish and Irish American Obituaries Eugene Byrne 1945-2011 Irish folk singer, festival organizer and tour guide Eugene Byrne passed away at his home in Dover, N.H. on March 24, after a long battle with cancer. He was 65. As a folk singer, Byrne, who was born in Dublin, made the stages at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Merv Griffin Show and venues around … [Read more...] about Those We Lost: Recent Passings in the Irish-American Community
Politics
President William J. Clinton: Irish America Hall of Fame
Politician, peacemaker, and hero to millions of Irish. As a major supporter of the Irish peace process, Bill Clinton moved mountains. The 42nd President of the United States took the strongest position on Irish issues ever taken by an American president. In 1994, he granted a visa to Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, fulfilling a campaign promise and stating “the U.S. cannot … [Read more...] about President William J. Clinton: Irish America Hall of Fame
Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Activist, humanitarian, diplomat. Often referred to as the shy Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith has quietly blazed her own trail while still holding true to the family legacy of public service. The last of the Kennedy siblings still living, Kennedy Smith has devoted her life to advocating for the disabled and working towards peace in Northern Ireland. Early Life Jean Ann Kennedy … [Read more...] about Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Those We Lost
Recent Passings in the Irish American Community Harold Connolly 1931-2010 Harold Connolly, who won the gold medal in the hammer throw at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, died in Maryland on August 19. He was 79. His son Adam Connolly reported that he died of a heart attack. After suffering from severe nerve paralysis as a child, Connolly underwent serious physical therapy and began … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Ted Kennedy, History Buff
As the first anniversary of Ted Kennedy’s death approaches, Thomas Fleming recalls the late senator’s fascination with American history and his desire to share that love with America’s children and his own family. “Is there anyone you’d like to dedicate this book to?” The voice on the telephone was my publisher, David Kane, president of American History Press. He was about … [Read more...] about Ted Kennedy, History Buff