The Irish involvement in the American Revolution is often lost in the stories dominated by tales of the wisdom of the Founding Fathers. Now, a new exhibition at Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution seeks to change that. Called “Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier,” this special exhibition follows the untold story of Richard Mansergh St. … [Read more...] about The American Revolution and Ireland
Archive
President Higgins in the U.S.A.
President Michael D. Higgins was in New York in September for the United Nations General Assembly, where he attended many high-level bilateral meetings with other world leaders. While in New York, he also participated in various other events around the city with the Irish diaspora.At the U.N., Higgins delivered Ireland’s national statement to the General Assembly and later … [Read more...] about President Higgins in the U.S.A.
In East Mayo: A Community Where Past Is Prologue
A year-long celebration is underway to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Swinford, a County Mayo town as proud of its heritage as its time-honored strength of community. ℘℘℘The words were painted high on a whitewashed brick wall, just above a red and green Mayo flag flapping in the wind. MELLETT’S DRINKING EMPORIUM ESTB 1797“Is it true?” I ask my … [Read more...] about In East Mayo: A Community Where Past Is Prologue
Window on the Past: Stampede of a New York Cowboy
Calgary, nicknamed “Cowtown,” is home to the largest rodeo in the world, the Calgary Stampede, which annually draws millions of visitors. The first Calgary rodeo in 1912 was organized by a New Yorker with Irish roots, as Ray Cavanaugh explains.Cowboys seem like a self-assured lot. But Guy Weadick was more than self-assured; he was a bold visionary, and the … [Read more...] about Window on the Past: Stampede of a New York Cowboy
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Sawdust on the floor, two kinds of beer – light or dark – what’s not to love about this timeless New York landmark pub?℘℘℘It might not be New York’s oldest bar – the Ear Inn and Queen’s Neir’s claim to be older – but no bar in New York can match the historic ambiance of McSorley’s Old Ale House on Seventh Street in the East Village. A wall sign in the bar states what is … [Read more...] about McSorley’s Old Ale House