Irish America
Irish America
he names Dunne and Duffy have nothing in common except that they are derived from colors, the Dunnes from donn, the Gaelic word for brown and Duffy from dubh, the Gaelic for black. This is relatively unusual since the vast majority of Gaelic names are based on relationships i.e. "Son of," or "Follower of." The Dunne family name is derived from the Gaelic O'Duinn or O'Doinn, … [Read more...] about Roots: Dunne and Duffy
As all those who read this column know, my Da loved being Irish. He sang all the songs, craved potatoes and strawberries, and cooked huge breakfasts every Saturday morning. He loved words, mesmerized people with his seanachie storytelling and had merry blue eyes that always seemed to be twinkling over some private joke. He was fiercely patriotic and prone to religious debating. … [Read more...] about Sláinte! A Drop o’ the Crature
Tiger, tiger, burning bright..." William Blake's line springs to mind whenever I think of Ireland these days. Like some wondrous illustration magically bounding from a page in the Book of Kells, the tiny nation in the northern sea has suddenly leaped into action as a vital player in the European market. On both sides of the wide Atlantic, headlines blare the news: The Celtic … [Read more...] about Sláinte: Sleeping with the Tiger
These two families, although unrelated, share the same origin of their names, i.e. both are thought to derive from the Gaelic word for chieftain. The O'Malley family (from the Gaelic O'Maille) are very closely associated with the area of North Connaught and were, in ancient times, the Lords of the Mayo baronies of Murrisk and Burrishoole. The name is rarely found without the O, … [Read more...] about Roots: O’Malley and Molloys
"Every human being has an obligation to help those less fortunate." – George Mitchell℘℘℘ Father Finucane has a warm and friendly face, and a welcoming Irish smile. And he's not at all the type of person to guilt you. But every time I see him, I get a stab of conscience. It isn't anything that he says; indeed he's a most affable … [Read more...] about The First Word: Celebrate With Concern
