By standing shoulder to shoulder, hope for the future will triumph over the hurt of the past." – President of Ireland, Mary McAleese We were delighted to see Jennifer Connelly (cover story) take home the Oscar for her performance in A Beautiful Mind. Connelly is not only a beautiful star, but she's also a hell of an actress with a great mind. In this interview with Penelope … [Read more...] about The Fist Word: Touch of the Poet
The First Word
The First Word: Friendship, Love & Loyalty
"We never know how high we are until we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the skies," – Emily Dickinson Putting this issue of Irish America together has been an extraordinarily moving experience. There are stories that made us cry. Stories of incredible courage. And stories that brought us hope. And through it all we got to connect with … [Read more...] about The First Word: Friendship, Love & Loyalty
The First Word: Love Lights Up The Darkness
"We want to tell the people of Afghanistan that we don't hold them responsible for the actions of a few terrorists.... As Americans, we're bigger than Sept. 11." – Emergency Service Unit Detective Thomas McDonald The New Year is approaching fast as I write this in late December. Looking back on what started out as such a hopeful year, it is hard to see back past the darkness of … [Read more...] about The First Word: Love Lights Up The Darkness
The First Word: No Rhyme What Reason?
"History says, don't hope on this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime the longed for tidal wave of justice can rise up, and hope and history rhyme." – Seamus Heaney from The Cure At Troy. For a brief time in August, hope and history rhymed in Northern Ireland. The IRA made a significant move towards putting their weapons beyond use and the hope of a … [Read more...] about The First Word: No Rhyme What Reason?
The First Word: “Dear Sir or Madam”
When Northern Ireland comes to lunch, it can be uncomfortable. It nags at complacency and the notion that everything will be okay and peace will hold, even though there are signs that say otherwise. On June 19 – a beautiful New York morning – I make my way to the Mutual of America building on Park Avenue for a National Committee on American Foreign Policy lunch to hear … [Read more...] about The First Word: “Dear Sir or Madam”