History will be the ultimate jury, but Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, one of the architects of the lrish peace process, is likely to emerge as one of the key Irish politicians of the 20th century. Unionists see him as a machiavellian schemer, with no commitment to peace and reconciliation with their tradition. The SDLP -- and one suspects the British government -- are also … [Read more...] about Gerry Adams Up Close & Personal
In This Issue 1998
United in Grief
At 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, August 22nd, the dream of a united Ireland was finally realized. Protestant, Catholic and Church of Ireland bells rang in all parts of the island signifying a striking moment of unity. Was this a dream realized or a nightmare lived? The bells tolled out not in celebration, but in mourning, and all over the island of Ireland, people stopped whatever … [Read more...] about United in Grief
July / August 1998
September / October 1998
Roots: The Kavanaghs
Unlike most of the families covered in this column, the origin of the Kavanaghs or Cavanaghs can be traced back to one specific person. This was Donal, the son of Dermot McMorrough, a twelfth-century king of Leinster. This Dermot has an infamous place in Irish history since it was through his invitation that the Normans first came to Ireland, in 1169 AD. Dermot's son, Donal, … [Read more...] about Roots: The Kavanaghs