James T. Farrell (1904-1979), born in Chicago to a struggling Irish Catholic family, became a celebrated writer by drawing on his own experiences in his well-known Studs Lonigan trilogy. As we celebrate the centenary of Farrell’s birth, Pete Hamill, himself the son of Irish immigrants, explores the character of Studs and writes about how Farrell influenced his decision to … [Read more...] about Young Lonigan
Culture
Joyce, Joce, Joass, Jorse, & Joyes
Although the surname Joyce may automatically be associated with author James Joyce, the name has an ancient past, with both Irish and Norman antecedents. Derived from the Brehon personal name Iodoc, which is a diminutive of iudh meaning lord, the name was adopted by the Normans in the form Josse. While some scholars believe that the name developed from the French Joie, which … [Read more...] about Joyce, Joce, Joass, Jorse, & Joyes
Graduation Day
Seated at the right of this photograph is my mother, Elizabeth "Bess" Cashen when she was 13. She was valedictorian of the class of 1909 in St. Mary's School, Wharton, New Jersey. The other students in the photograph are (clockwise from left) Elizabeth Bobo, Leo Sodon, and Anna Harman. Bess was one of 11 children born to John J. Cashen, an iron miner, and his wife, Sarah … [Read more...] about Graduation Day
Ireland: Culture and Heritage
When summer comes, Ireland's in her glory. Lazy sunsets linger for hours in a softly glowing night sky. Every nook and cranny of the land turns lush and green. Roses ramble wildly up cottage walls and over stone stiles. Towering hedgerows turn country lanes into fragrant flowering tunnels. Music wafts on breezes everywhere. Fairs and festivals spring up like mushrooms after a … [Read more...] about Ireland: Culture and Heritage
Talking Tremane
Five phrases are all you'll need to get along in this part of Ireland. If you learn to use them fluently you can hold your own in almost any conversation. Not only will they help to keep the patter flowing, they'll also lend you an aura of wisdom that the natives will respect. Repeat after me: Nothing strange in the world. I'm easy. Ah, what harm? There's no panic on … [Read more...] about Talking Tremane