Recently published books by Irish and Irish-American authors. ℘℘℘ In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen The Galway Tourist Office must just brace itself every time there’s a new book out by Ken Bruen. For every delight that Galway is known for, Bruen has the down-at-heel, dark-side alternative version. Quirky shops? Dead swans. Lovely pubs? Out-and-out alcoholism. Friendly … [Read more...] about Review of Books
Archive
Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills
Members of the O’Neill Clan (anglicized from Ui Néill, “Néill” meaning “champion”) can trace their origins back to Niall Noígíallach “of the Nine Hostages” (c. 361-452). Niall united all the provinces under his rule, using hostages as a way to get power and influence. He also was up for a spot of kidnapping and that’s how the Welsh lad with Roman parents – a lad whom we now … [Read more...] about Roots: The Ferocious and Fascinating O’Neills
Photo Album: My Grandfather, the Diver
My grandfather, Patrick Joseph Killen, (“Pop”), was born in Downpatrick, County Down, in 1897. He sailed with his sister Margaret for America in 1911, and arrived in New York on his 14th birthday. Many of his family were already here, but, sadly for him, his older sister Mary stayed behind, and he would not see her again for 57 years. In 1920, Patrick received his Certificate … [Read more...] about Photo Album: My Grandfather, the Diver
A Man of the People: Thomas J. Moran
The news of Tom Moran's death just after midnight on Sunday, August 12, 2018 hit hard. He is a great loss to the Irish, and the larger community, where he was a giant supporter of everything – from arts and education, and peace in Northern Ireland – to bringing relief to troubled spots around the globe. Tom, who was 65, had a long, successful career at Mutual of America, which … [Read more...] about A Man of the People: Thomas J. Moran
Weekly Comment:
Remembering J.P. Donleavy
(1926 – 2017)
September 15, 2017
J.P. Donleavy, the Irish American novelist and playwright who penned The Ginger Man, which was initially turned away by over 45 publishers for its sexual obscenity but eventually sold more than 45 million copies and became considered a modern cult classic, died on September 11 in a hospital near his Mullingar, Co. Westmeath home. He was 91 years old. Donleavy wrote more than a … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment:
Remembering J.P. Donleavy
(1926 – 2017)