Colin Lacey writes about the historic underwater cable that linked Kerry’s Valentia Island to Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, and why the island deserves to be added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The connections between Ireland and Newfoundland run deep. The Irish began visiting there as far back as the 17th century, first as seasonal fishermen, and later migrating … [Read more...] about The Transatlantic Cable That Changed the World
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Darina Molloy on the latest offerings from Irish writers
Exciting Times By Naoise Dolan Exciting times, indeed … if by exciting you mean shocking, startling, hair-raising and mind-blowing. Certainly not thrilling, exhilarating, or intoxicating. But Naoise Dolan wasn’t to know that her book would be published slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic; she’s probably had a moment or two of wry reflection since about the title. … [Read more...] about Darina Molloy on the latest offerings from Irish writers
Hamill’s Best Piece of Writing
By Tom DeignanThe year was 1997 and I was fresh out of college, with a head full of words and dreams, an ambition to tell stories that were not being told, and to dive into the hurly-burly of big ideas about America and the world. In other words, I really needed a job. By then I had already been corresponding (which is to say, pestering) great wordsmiths and storytellers like … [Read more...] about Hamill’s Best Piece of Writing
Saint Pete of Brooklyn
By Terry GeorgeI’ve met a few true geniuses in my life: the actor Daniel Day Lewis, the orator Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, the musician Van Morrison. I’ve been lucky to meet a few living saints; Bishop Desmond Tutu, the priest Desie Wilson, but I’ve met only one genius/saint; a person who combined almost unquantifiable talent in a particular field combined with a level of … [Read more...] about Saint Pete of Brooklyn
John Hume: Hero in Irish Peace Process
In July 1998, the Northern Ireland power-sharing government sat for the first time. It was an incredible historic breakthrough and John Hume could take full credit, even though he was in fading health. Senator Edward Kennedy among others came to witness his incredible achievement. It was an honor to be there on the day. STORMONT, JULY 1998: He shuffled rather than walked from … [Read more...] about John Hume: Hero in Irish Peace Process