Irish America

The Irish in America

Striking Gold – Transcontinental Railroad Turns 150

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
May 10, 2019

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Irish contributions to American history received a special recognition this week. The 150th anniversary of connecting the First Transcontinental Railroad was commemorated in a two-day celebration in Utah May 9 and 10 at Promontory Point, the state landmark where the Golden Spike connecting the track’s east and west branches was struck on May 10, 1869. The railroad was six years … [Read more...] about Striking Gold – Transcontinental Railroad Turns 150

McAllister Can Stay for Now!

By Maggie Holland, Assistant Editor
May / June 2019

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At the request of many prominent politicians, including senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsay Graham, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has intervened to postpone the deportation of former Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) member Malachy McAllister.  McAllister, 59, was jailed for seven years for attacks on Royal Ulster Constabulary … [Read more...] about McAllister Can Stay for Now!

Irish American Partnership Grants $10,000 in Honor of Michael Dowling

By Maggie Holland, Assistant Editor
May / June 2019

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The Irish American Partnership announced a special grant of $10,000 to Ahalin National School in County Limerick during its annual New York Business Leaders Breakfast on April 10, 2019, in honor of Limerick native Michael J. Dowling, who is president and CEO of Northwell Health, the largest integrated health care system in New York State. Dowling delivered a keynote address … [Read more...] about Irish American Partnership Grants $10,000 in Honor of Michael Dowling

The Ireland Funds Gala

By Irish America Staff
May / June 2019

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The Ireland Funds 44th annual New York Gala raised over $2.3 million for Irish charities and causes. Actress Saoirse Ronan, Verizon’s Ronan Dunne, and Bridgewater Associates’ Eileen K. Murray were honored at the 2019 gala, which was held at Chelsea Pier New York on May 2. “Tonight’s gala is such a testament to the unwavering bonds between New York and Ireland,” said John … [Read more...] about The Ireland Funds Gala

Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance

By Ellie Shukert, Contributor
May / June 2019

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A group of workers on the docks serenaded the passengers with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and “Come Back to Erin.” The sirens of other ships in the harbor wailed while the 314 Irish brides waved, held up their 140 babies, and sang “Auld Lang Syne” through floods of tears as the Henry Gibbins, a 12,000-ton U.S. Army transport vessel, sailed away from the Herdman Channel, … [Read more...] about Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance