Author Mary Pat Kelly launched her latest his torical fiction novel, Irish Above All, with a gathering at the Irish Rep. on February 11. It was a lovely celebration of Irish America, as Kelly regaled her audience with tales from her life and historical notes on the journey of her protagonist, her great-aunt Nora. She displayed an image of her parents’ wedding photo (her “one … [Read more...] about Story and Song
March April 2019 Issue
Those We Lost
Recent passings in the Irish and Irish American communities. ℘℘℘ Eileen Battersby (1958 – 2018) Former literary critic and correspondent for the Irish Times Eileen Battersby died in late December 2018 in a car accident in County Meath, aged 60. Known for her incisive reviews of a wide range of literature and her enthusiasm for all subjects, Battersby was recognized four … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Galway Girl
The Transatlantic Connection That Inspired a Tribal Anthem: An encounter in Galway 20 years ago led Steve Earle to write one of his most beloved songs. Today, the connection between this small Irish city and Americana music remains. ℘℘℘ Walking along the Claddagh Quay, I turned toward the Salthill Promenade as an onshore gust whipped my jacket to my chest. The lyrics bouncing … [Read more...] about Galway Girl
Wild Irish Women: Isadora Duncan
An American pioneer of dance and an important figure in both the arts and history, Isadora Duncan was known as the “Mother of Modern Dance.” "Sans Limites" Oh, body swayed to music, Oh, brightening glance. How can we know the dancer from the dance?" – William Butler Yeats, "Among School Children" "She was a flame sheath of flesh made for dancing." – Carl Sandburg, Breathing … [Read more...] about Wild Irish Women: Isadora Duncan
The Passion of the San Patricios
Irish America looks back at the legacy of St. Patrick’s Battalion, an honor-bound group of Irishmen that championed the cause of the smaller Mexican force against the might of the American army during the Mexican-American War. “You have to understand that we Mexicans and Irish are very sentimental,” said the slight, grandmotherly figure, leaning forward in a high-backed living … [Read more...] about The Passion of the San Patricios