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.
October November 2019 Issue
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
Wild Irish Women: Marie-Louise O’Murphy
a.k.a. Marie-Louise O’Murphy de Boisfailly, Morphy, Morphi, Mademoiselle de Murph, La Belle Morphise, Louison, Madame la Countess de Beaufranchet d’Ayat, Mme Lenormand de la Gravière Flaghac, O’Murphy Lenormand, Mme Dumont, “Murphy,” and…Our Lady of the PotatoesEn quels terms en êtes-vous avec la vielle coquette? In English: What terms are you on with the old flirt? In … [Read more...] about Wild Irish Women: Marie-Louise O’Murphy
Roots: Murphy, O’Murchu, and O’Murphy
The Irish surname Murphy is a modern form of the ancient Irish name O’Murchadha, which means “descendant of sea warrior,” from the Gaelic muir, meaning “sea,” and cath, meaning “battle.” And, true to the clan’s moniker, the Murphys have traveled and battled far and wide. It’sthe most widespread surname in Ireland, and according to the 2010 census, it’s the 64th most common name … [Read more...] about Roots: Murphy, O’Murchu, and O’Murphy
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