Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar upheld the 65-year-old tradition of presenting the U.S. president with a bowl of shamrocks in March as part of his first state U.S. visit. His week-long trip included meetings with Vice President Mike Pence, Texas governor Greg Abbott, and New York City mayor Bill DeBlasio. Varadkar also attended an event honoring the 20th anniversary of the … [Read more...] about Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s First Official U.S. Visit
Politics
Higgins Stumps for Peace and Women’s Rights in New York Visit
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, visited New York in late April. The trip saw him address the United Nations General Assembly and meet with senior international officials, as well as pay visits to several of the city’s Irish cultural institutions, including the Irish Arts Center and Ireland Funds. During his U.N. address, Higgins discussed the shame … [Read more...] about Higgins Stumps for Peace and Women’s Rights in New York Visit
George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement
COMETH the hour, cometh the man. Philosophers have argued for a long time over the importance of the individual in history. Some say the forces of change, though seemingly blind, always produce that crucial man or woman who will be their instrument and cutting edge. Others argue that unless a person with the right qualifies, attributes and vision takes the driving seat, the … [Read more...] about George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement
Weekly Comment: Irish Taoiseach Meets with Trump in Oval Office
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar met with President Donald Trump on his first official state visit to the U.S. this week, presenting Trump with a bowl of Irish shamrocks, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1950s. ℘℘℘ At the annual St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House this week, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar presented President Donald Trump with a bowl of Irish … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment: Irish Taoiseach Meets with Trump in Oval Office
Hall of Fame: Jerry Brown
Jerry Brown – who has spent more time than anyone else in the California governor’s office – has been well served by his Irish Catholic roots. Brown’s great-grandfather, Joseph, came to the U.S. from County Tipperary during Ireland’s Great Hunger, in 1849. In Massachusetts, he met his future wife, Bridget Burke, herself an Irish immigrant to America. A few years later, … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame: Jerry Brown