Irish America

Irish America

Tip O'Neill

U.S. Support for Ireland Should Not Be taken for Granted

By Ted Smyth
IA Newsletter, January 7, 2023

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Sometimes Irish people seem to take the resolute support for Ireland from President Biden and the US Congress for granted as if it is the natural order. For a small nation, Ireland enjoys privileged access to power in Washington essentially because of the exceptional commitment of both powerful and ordinary Irish Americans to their heritage and to alignment on key … [Read more...] about U.S. Support for Ireland Should Not Be taken for Granted

35 Years: 1985-2020

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Looking back at Irish America’s premier issue we see that it set the tone for what was to come: a thorough investigation into what it means to be Irish American. Thirty-five years later, we are still answering that question and still pondering the answers. Enjoy these quotes compiled over 35 years. -The Irish America Team 1986 Tip O'Neill “Growing up as a youngster in … [Read more...] about 35 Years: 1985-2020

Reagan Democrats, Biden Time, and The Irish Swing Vote

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If things were never simple they are even more complicated now, when we talk about the “Irish vote” as the 2020 presidential election nears. A 2017 Newsweek headline put it bluntly: “Why are all the conservative loudmouths Irish American.” The short answer: Um, they’re not. The longer answer: It’s complicated. But 2020 may finally be the year we recognize the many shades of … [Read more...] about Reagan Democrats, Biden Time, and The Irish Swing Vote

Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

By Mary Gallagher, Assistant Editor
March / April 2019

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Members of the O’Neill Clan (anglicized from Ui Néill, “Néill” meaning “champion”) can trace their origins back to Niall Noígíallach “of the Nine Hostages” (c. 361-452). Niall united all the provinces under his rule, using hostages as a way to get power and influence. He also was up for a spot of kidnapping and that’s how the Welsh lad with Roman parents – a lad whom we now … [Read more...] about Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills

Book Reviews

By Tom Deignan, Columnist
June / July 2001

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NON-FICTION A larger-than-life Irish American politician finally gets the treatment he deserves – praise and criticism, that is – in Tip O'Neill and the Democratic Century, by Boston Globe writer John A. Farrell. The key aspect of this book's title is the second part. Not only is O'Neill's life, growing up working-class in heavily Irish Boston, fascinating, but the … [Read more...] about Book Reviews