Turlough McConnell is a producer and writer with over two decades experience as a creative program executive in the Irish-American market. For Irish America magazine, Turlough produces special feature supplements, overseeing content, design and all aspects of production. Recent subjects include a major feature on Boston College and the John J. Burns Library; a development profile Titanic Belfast, and the book, Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
As President & CEO of Turlough McConnell Communications, (TMCC), Turlough produces live events, multi-media products and documentary films of interest to Irish America, including exhibitions such as the international tour of Fighting Irish: Celebrating Irish Prizefighters (on tour from 2006), now on view at London’s City Hall as part of the 2012 Olympics. For TMCC, he curated the Ireland’s Great Hunger art exhibition in New York (2011), and serves as advisor to the emerging Irish Mission at Watson House Museum in New York City and Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University Connecticut.
Some Irish American history to share. Recollections from a time gone by.
Obituary
Peter J. Flynn, 81, of Barnegat, NJ, formerly of Ridgefield Park, NJ, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Born in Moylough, County Galway, Ireland, to his late parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Moran) Flynn, he is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Eileen; three loving children, Maura Opperman, Patricia Artrip and her husband, Willis and Thomas Flynn and his wife, Ashley; eleven cherished grandchildren, Annmarie, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Felicia, Meghan, Rori, Rylie, Emily, Katie, Palmer and Amelie; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Nate and Savannah; devoted daughter-in-law, Cheryl Flynn; his loving brother, Eugene and four sisters, Noeline, Patricia, Mary and Joan. He is pre-deceased by his son, Peter T. Flynn; two brothers, Cyril and Baby Gerald and two sisters, Bernie and Pauline. Peter immigrated to the United States in 1958. Shortly after arrival, he enlisted in the United States Army and gratefully served his newly adopted country for 6 years. He was a Storied Irish Football player, both in Ireland as well as the U.S. where he made his name on the pitch of Gaelic Park, in the Bronx, NY. He was named to several All-Star teams, traveling abroad to play in world renowned venues such as Croke Park in Dublin, and Wembley Stadium in London. An avid handball player, you could find him every Saturday & Sunday playing, with the same group of friends, on the very courts he was instrumental in having erected, in his adopted town of Ridgefield Park for decades. A loyal employee to Arnold Bernhard & Co/Value Line Investment Survey, he started with the company during its humble beginnings on the East Side of Manhattan, as one of its first employees. He retired in 2015 after more than 50 years with the firm. A devoted & active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No 2229, Ridgefield Park, NJ, he not only donated his time & energy, but made lasting friendships and shared laughs, with people that would endure for years. Peter was a Parishioner & supporter of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ridgefield Park for over 35 years. He was a friend to those less fortunate, often expressing discreet & silent acts of kindness.
A man of few words, he led by example and had a way of saying a lot by saying very little, or often nothing at all.
“Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis” (May his body rest in peace.)
Would you be interested in a story like this? I would be happy to supply you with copies of old writings.
A lot of sentiment here.
Tom Sexton (904) 731 7360
In the 1940’s and 1950’s the Irish Echo was my parents and relatives’ connection with the “Old Country”. It was an integral part of their lives since most were raising families and never had the opportunity to go back to visit. As a ‘narrah back’ I can’t say that I was a reader but I was always happy for them.
Recently I have happened upon a treasure trove of writings written in the 1960’s by a young Irish American woman who at the time was a wife, mother, part time college student and part time employee. These personal vignettes describe the intimate struggles, hopes and dreams for a future during a very tumultuous time of protests in the US.
Her husband was an Irish immigrant who played football for County Sligo despite being from County Galway and was selected annually to All Ireland select teams that traveled to play in Ireland.
I imagine many of your readers would like to read about a time long gone. This lady, now approaching 80 is attempting write an update.
Reply Reply All Forward
Reply Reply All Forward
Loved learning this history