John Duddy did not attend our Top 100 Irish-Americans of the Year event on March 16. He had a good reason – he was boxing the head off Shelby Pudwill in Madison Square Garden on the way to winning his first professional belt, the WBC Continental Americas middleweight title. He made quick work of Pudwill, knocking him out in 91 seconds, bringing his record to 16-0 with 14 … [Read more...] about Duddy Wins First Title
Sports
The Dingle Races
The biggest of all flapper races in Ireland, Dingle attracts the best horses from all over the country, and a variety of jockeys, some as young as eleven. And they’re off! Bachelor brothers Stevie and Timmy Kelliher saunter up Heartbreak Hill, balancing buckets of paint and brushes as they go. Joe Ryle, self-styled “chief cook and bottle washer,” trots off to repair railings … [Read more...] about The Dingle Races
Staunton Replaces Kerr
Steve Staunton was unveiled as the new manager of the Irish international soccer team. In a surprise move, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) named Staunton to lead the new management team alongside veteran manager Bobby Robson. Staunton, 37. will be team manager and Robson, 72, who once guided the English national side to the semifinals of the World Cup. will be his … [Read more...] about Staunton Replaces Kerr
In Memory of Wellington Mara
On October 23, the New York Giants won its fourth game of the season, a 24-23 nail-biter over the Denver Broncos. After the game, head coach Tom Coughlin had his team in a circle, hands up high in victory and led a chant. "Duke! Duke! Duke! Duke!" "Duke" is the affectionate nickname given to longtime owner Wellington Mara, who had been the face behind the Giants organization … [Read more...] about In Memory of Wellington Mara
An Unforeseen Victory
No one in the boxing world thought Ireland's Kevin McBride stood a chance against Mike Tyson in the American's latest comeback fight on June 11. Prior to the Tyson fight, McBride, known in the game as the "Clones Colossus," spent his days bouting fellow no-name boxers, and confirming his reputation as a journeyman fighter. It was widely expected that Tyson would clobber him in … [Read more...] about An Unforeseen Victory