Hundreds of unmarked and forgotten mass graves scattered across the Irish countryside are a silent testimony to a human tragedy of appalling and unimaginable dimensions.In the late spring of 1985, I asked a local historian in Westport, Co. Mayo, if he knew of any burial places associated with the ‘Famine.’ He brought me to the outskirts of the town and pointed to what appeared … [Read more...] about This Holy Ground
Issues
Reflections on the Great Hunger
The following commentaries, from writers, politicians, actors, activists, artists and business people, culled from 25 years in Irish America, offer unique, personal perspectives on the starvation of our forefathers.Peggy Noonan, author and political commentator, interview, July/August 1990 “The first time I ever went back to Ireland, I met a very old man named Paddy Kennedy, … [Read more...] about Reflections on the Great Hunger
Mo’s Mission
Marjorie “Mo” Mowlam (1949-2005), was a British Labour Party politician who served as Northern Ireland Secretary from 1997-2001. She helped bring about the Good Friday Agreement, signed April 10 1998. Throughout her term as Secretary Mo proved a force to be reckoned with. All the while, she privately battled brain cancer, which was the cause of her death on August 19, 2005.Mo … [Read more...] about Mo’s Mission
Ed Sullivan The Talking Head
"It's gonna be a really big shoo..." He had his own unique way of pronouncing the word, but every Sunday at 8 p.m., over 30 million Americans turned their TV dials to The Ed Sullivan Show and watched him become part of history. From 1948 to 1971, Sullivan hand-picked the greatest names — known and unknown alike — in music, comedy, stage and screen to perform live. Showcasing … [Read more...] about Ed Sullivan The Talking Head
Dublin Anniversary of Handel’s Messiah Premiere
On April 13, 1742, the great German composer, George Frideric Handel, performed his famous oratorio Messiah in Dublin. The world premiere occurred in Musick Hall on Fishamble Street in Temple Bar. Commemorating the 270th anniversary, on April 13, 2012, Our Lady's Choral Society, conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn, sang the composition on the street where it was originally … [Read more...] about Dublin Anniversary of Handel’s Messiah Premiere