Does the diaspora matter? That was the key issue of discussion at the U.S.-Ireland Forum. The first ever conference on the Irish diaspora was held in New York City in November. It drew upwards of 1,000 people over two days, and was hailed as a great success. Growing up in Ireland I don’t think that we ever really understood the concept of Irish America, or indeed, … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Diaspora
The First Word
The First Word: Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
My god, what they went through to get here. Whenever I forget the lot of early Irish immigrants to America, something pulls me back. As I write this, I have open in front of me a book called Forgotten Ellis Island: The Extraordinary Story of America’s Immigrant Hospital by Lorie Conway. (Smithsonian Books). Lorie’s book is dedicated to her son Max “whose great-grandfather … [Read more...] about The First Word: Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
“Rise again, rise again / Tho’ your heart, it be broken / Your life about to end / No matter what you’ve lost / A home, a love, a friend / Be like the Mary Ellen Carter / Rise again.” – Words from the “The Mary Ellen Carter” as sung by Tommy Makem. (The Mary Ellen was a ship). We have a plethora of features in this issue and a fresh new look to celebrate the beginning of our … [Read more...] about The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
The First Word: The Might Green
“The Irish courage, spirit and humor so clearly shown by our immigrant forebears are going to be even more crucial to meet the challenges of the financial markets of the 21st century.” – Donald Donahue, Chairman-elect and CEO, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation. Who knew that the Irish would be so good with money? It’s not as if we have had a lot of … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Might Green
The First Word: That Time of Year!
Mórtas Cine. Pride in our heritage! It's that time of year, and thought we don't need an occasion to feel pleased to be Irish, it's kind of nice to be the center of attention as the St. Patrick's season rolls around. We can look forward to reruns of The Quiet Man, watch the Irish Tenors and The Celtic Women, and enjoy Visions of Ireland, which showcases scenery that is so … [Read more...] about The First Word: That Time of Year!