Irish America

Irish America

Rosemary Rogers

Kirsty MacColl,
a Musical Talent In Her Own Right

By Rosemary Rogers
IA Newsletter, January 20, 2024

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The end of 2023 saw the passing of Pogues founder Shane MacGowan, which came as a surprise to absolutely no one but set off a riotous blend of tears, jubilation, and, as befitting Shane, irreverence (hockey pucks, tea bags, and Finnegan's Wake on the altar of St. Mary of the Rosary?). Since it was Christmastime, Kirsty MacColl, unfamiliar to most Americans, was also everywhere. … [Read more...] about Kirsty MacColl,
a Musical Talent In Her Own Right

He Died an Irishman

By Rosemary Rogers
IA Newsletter, December 16, 2023

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John le Carré was born David Cornwell in Poole, England in 1931. His father, known as Ronnie, was a violent con man who landed in prisons across the globe. Olive, David’s mother, so despised him that she packed her bag and slipped away in the middle of the night. She went into hiding leaving David, then only five years old, and didn’t return to her son’s life for another 16 … [Read more...] about He Died an Irishman

Non Sanctorum in Hibernia

By Rosemary Rogers

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No Irish saint has been canonized for over 700 years - 1225 to 1975, Why? The great St. Lawrence O’Toole was canonized by the Vatican in 1225, and there has been only one Irish saint, Oliver Plunkett, canonized since then, almost eight centuries – 766 years to be exact. It’s an extraordinary fact considering that Ireland, the land of “Saints and Scholars,” was arguably the … [Read more...] about Non Sanctorum in Hibernia

The Life And Adventures of Kit Cavanagh

By Rosemary Rogers

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How the search for her missing husband turned this Irish wife and mother into a daring and dauntless soldier.She was born Christian Cavanagh in 1667, although throughout her life, she changed names and identities with particular zest. Known mostly as Kit Cavanagh or Christopher Welsh, she dabbled in surnames that included Welch, Welsh, Jones, Davies, and oddly, Mother … [Read more...] about The Life And Adventures of Kit Cavanagh

Touched by Fire

By Rosemary Rogers
IA Newsletter July 29, 2023

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Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun And left the vivid air signed with their honour. The Truly Great, by Stephen SpenderSinéad O’Connor who died Wednesday, at age 56, is one of "The Truly Great,” those heroes whose gifts and passions have granted them a kind of immortality. In the days since her death, tributes and vigils have come from all over the … [Read more...] about Touched by Fire