And so it begins. A new year, and already a happy one with the election of an Irish mayor in Boston. And who better to embody the tough, tireless, tender trajectory of our Irish story, than Marty Walsh, son of immigrants and champion of the working class. Marty’s campaign, aimed at a range of ethnic and social groups, echoes the political leadership of … [Read more...] about The First Word: We Are All Immigrants
The First Word
The First Word: Making a Difference
by Leave a Comment
This magazine was created to bring you the stories of our people. And, as is often the case, the best stories are those where the mind and will win out over circumstances. One such story is of Michael Dowling, a man born into poverty whose commitment, focus and extraordinary hard work have brought him to the top in the health care field. The narrative of Dowling’s life raises … [Read more...] about The First Word: Making a Difference
The First Word: Faugh A Ballagh
by 7 Comments
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner, from Requiem for a Nun (1950) Irish America’s impact on the history of America is well established, as the articles in this issue will attest. From titans of industry such as the silver king John Mackay, to the boxer John Morrissey, who was behind the fabled racecourse at Saratoga Springs, and on to … [Read more...] about The First Word: Faugh A Ballagh
The First Word: Sláinte! Good Health
“What’s exciting is that millions of families . . .will have access, some for the first time, to quality, affordable options in just a few months.” – Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius As the national debate on Obamacare takes center stage we thought it an opportune time to interview Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius, née Gilligan, and to focus on health issues … [Read more...] about The First Word: Sláinte! Good Health
The First Word: Grace and Healing
The First Word, by Patricia Harty. Our hearts weep for Boston. This most Irish of American cities has seen its share of tragedy, but when the bombings at the marathon turned a sporting celebration into a scene of destruction, it was a fresh horror that is hard to process. This city, where at least a quarter of the population are of Irish heritage, is one of the cornerstones … [Read more...] about The First Word: Grace and Healing