Irish America
Irish America
Billy Lawless, champion for immigration reform, passes in Chicago In every march for immigration reform, amid all the Mexican and Central American marchers, you could always depend on one ruddy-faced Irishman leading a multiracial contingent of true believers behind the banner of “Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.” Billy Lawless became such a dependable voice for … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Those We Lost Emmett O’Connell (1936-2024) Emmett O’Connell died on September 14, 2024. Named for Irish freedom-fighter Robert Emmet, O’Connell was born to parents from Cork and Sligo, raised in the South Bronx, and lived most of his adult life in Wexford. Having been a champion ice and roller-skater as a teenager, Emmett went on to found several energy and mineral … [Read more...] about Hibernia: Those We Lost
Charles "Chuck" Feeney 1931-2023 Billionaire philanthropist and member of the Irish America Hall of Fame Chuck Feeney died in October, aged 92. A wildly successful entrepreneur, Feeney’s work ethic was equaled only by his goodwill. Combining the two, he founded and funded philanthropic organizations to distribute nearly all the fruits of his labors during his lifetime to … [Read more...] about Those We Lost: From a Legend in Philanthropy to a Legend of Music
Sean Kelly (1940 - 2022) What can you say about someone who’s read Finnegan’s Wake—twice—then fearlessly went on to teach that impenetrable tome? A serious Joycean, Sean Kelly was also a laugh-out-loud humorist, magazine editor, author, poet, scriptwriter, playwright, lyricist, radio actor, newspaper writer, ad guy, schoolteacher, and prolific hagiographer. He applied his … [Read more...] about Those We Lost July 2022
Stephen Downey (1937-2021) Speechwriter and communications consultant Stephen Downey died in early December 2021, aged 84. Married to lauded cabaret singer and musical theater actress KT Sullivan, Downey was a passionate supporter and aficionado of the arts, and served as president of both the Yeats Drama Society and the New York Browning Society. Born in Providence, Rhode … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
