Irish America

Irish America

Irish American of the Year

Irish American of the Year: Thomas Moran

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief April / May 2008

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The name Moran is a derivative of the Irish word mór meaning big. Tom Moran, our somewhat reluctant Irish American of the Year (I suspect he agreed to accept the honor in the hopes that it would draw attention to Concern Worldwide), is big by name and big by nature. He looks like a linebacker – the kind of guy you would want in your first line of defense. And for many people, … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year: Thomas Moran

Irish-American of the Year – Ray Kelly

By Keith J. Kelly, Contributor
April / May 2006

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At the helm of the NYPD, the nation's largest police force, which is acknowledged as an international model for its cutting-edge crime-fighting techniques and facing down terrorist threats, is Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, a former Marine who likes a challenge. Ray Kelly recalls how when he was only seven years old. he'd often hop on the subway and travel down the West Side … [Read more...] about Irish-American of the Year – Ray Kelly

John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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In March, 2004, John Sweeney, then president of the AFL-CIO with three million workers under watch, was Irish America Magazine's Irish American of the Year. In this far-reaching interview with Sarah Buscher, then Irish America's assistant editor, Sweeney talked about the plight of immigrants; working families; and growing up in the Bronx, the son of Irish immigrant parents. … [Read more...] about John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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Sitting with me in the sleek conference room of the AFL-CIO's executive suite overlooking the White House, John Sweeney presents a striking contrast to his surroundings. Portly in his suspenders and rumpled shirt with his jacket nowhere in sight, he appears totally unassuming. It would be easy to underestimate the man at first glance. The only way to gauge his emotions is by … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers