Lelia Doolan, once described by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid as “mad, bad, and dangerous,” has left an indelible mark on Ireland’s arts and culture. She is now struggling to build in Galway a cinema complex for the people of the west of Ireland. The actress Fionnula Flanagan was searching for words to describe Lelia Doolan. It’s not so easy to capture the essence of a woman … [Read more...] about Lelia’s Picture Palace
Gabriel Byrne
Imagining Ireland With Gabriel Byrne
The acclaimed actor discusses his role as Ireland's first Cultural Ambassador, his experience as an emigrant, and his thoughts on the strong ties and the disconnects between Ireland and America. The most immediately striking thing about Gabriel Byrne, aside from his very light blue eyes and the chunky silver Claddagh ring he wears on his right hand (and the fact that he is … [Read more...] about Imagining Ireland With Gabriel Byrne
The First Word: Imagine Ireland
By Patricia Harty, Editor-In-Chief
“An Irishman’s heart is nothing but his imagination.” – George Bernard Shaw (John Bull’s Other Island) Gabriel Byrne says that the line between reality and imagination is very thin. I concur. Perhaps it’s because my father filled my head with stories of banshees and haunted fields with gates that never stayed shut. Perhaps it’s simply the beauty of the Irish countryside – … [Read more...] about The First Word: Imagine Ireland
Launch of Imagine Ireland
By Sheila Langan, Deputy Editor
A year of arts and culture in the U.S. 2011 is going to be an exciting year for the Irish arts in America. On January 7th, Culture Ireland announced its expansive project for the coming year, titled Imagine Ireland. Launched in New York City’s Lincoln Center by Cultural Ambassador and renowned actor Gabriel Byrne, Minister for Art, Sport and Tourism Mary Hanafin, and Culture … [Read more...] about Launch of Imagine Ireland
A Touch of the Heart
Gabriel Byrne is a true Renaissance man. As an actor, he is currently receiving accolades for his performance as Cornelius Melody in a New York production of Eugene O'Neill's A Touch of the Poet. As a writer, he found much success with his autobiographical Pictures in My Head, and now he's shown himself to be quite the photographer -- a photographer with a heart. For what is … [Read more...] about A Touch of the Heart