In a recent issue of a prestigious American travel magazine, a well-known author wrote about the food of Ireland. After dining at one of the Republic's most illustrious hotels, he described his meal as "trendy" because the chef had used certain ingredients that were not, in his inflated opinion, Irish. What, I wondered, was this self-righteous writer talking about? Was he … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Hail to the Chef
Highlights from the Hundred
It may have been Friday, March 13th, but there were no casualties and the 100 Waterford Crystal awards remained intact at the end of a very successful night. Malachy McCourt kicked off the speeches, welcoming his fellow honorees into the hall and humorously remarking that the "intelligence quotient of the honorees is slightly diminished by the presence of some Conservatives on … [Read more...] about Highlights from the Hundred
Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Comes of Age
There was a time when rock and roll bands from Ireland were saddled with obligatory comparisons to U2. Most of the Irish bands of the 1980s, like the soulful rockers Hothouse Flowers, took many years to shed the tag of being "the next U2." This was due in part to the fact that so many Irish rock and roll bands tried desperately to be U2. Not anymore. Irish rock music has … [Read more...] about Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Comes of Age
The Irish on Ice
Ice hockey is not traditionally regarded as a sport in which the Irish have had much input, but history records a large number of Malones, Clancys and Sullivans as having been hockey heroes. Today, their legend lives on through the likes of Brendan Shanahan and Colleen Coyne. John Kernaghan looks at past and present Irish ice personalities.In repose, leaning on his hockey stick … [Read more...] about The Irish on Ice
Slàinte! A Taste of Bloomsday
Promenade. Ambulate. Ramble, rove, and wander. Trudge. Strut. Meander, stroll and saunter. Call it what you will, but moving your feet one after the other along the ground all comes down to a very basic physical activity. Walking. It's one of the things the Irish do best. No matter the time of day, the season, or the weather. From top to bottom and sea to sea, tiny Ireland is … [Read more...] about Slàinte! A Taste of Bloomsday