When Congress ordered the official reading of the Declaration of Independence, Irish-born Charles Thomson performed that duty on July 9, 1776, it was Irish-born Charles Thomson who called upon to organize the procedures for the election of the first president of the United States. The election over, Congress appointed Thomson as its representative to inform George Washington of … [Read more...] about Charles Thomson: America’s Forgotten Irish Son
Six Things You Didn’t Know
About Mark Kelly’s Roots
About Mark Kelly’s Roots
It’s an understatement to say that Sen. Mark Kelly has an impressive resume. Navy Captain turned astronaut turned Senator and married to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, retired from Congress, and became a formidable gun control activist. Then there’s the fact that he’s a potential candidate for Vice President of the United States. … [Read more...] about
About Mark Kelly’s Roots
A People’s President
Mary McAleese was elected president of Ireland in October of 1997. It was an astonishing outcome. Just a few months previously, the 46-year-old law professor at Queens University in Belfast was hardly known in the Irish Republic and the notion that a Northerner could be elected president of Ireland seemed a farfetched one. Then in one of the most stunning ascents to power in … [Read more...] about A People’s President
The Music Makers
These photographs represent wonderful meetings and friendships with traditional Irish musicians which originated over twenty years ago when we arrived in Ireland for a two-year sabbatical in 1977. After numerous concerts, pub sessions, dances, and house parties, both in Ireland and in the States, I can only affirm that the soul of Ireland is deeply embedded in the music. That … [Read more...] about The Music Makers
Historic Times in Ireland
Every once in a lifetime or so comes an opportunity to reflect on truly historic news which affects all Irish Americans of whatever class or creed. The peace agreement signed in Northern Ireland on Good Friday after much burning of the midnight oil by all the parties concerned qualifies for the term "historic" and has been portrayed as much by the world media. There are many … [Read more...] about Historic Times in Ireland