As a young woman growing up in County Kerry, Maureen Flavin Sweeney dreamed of moving to the United States.  However, Belmullet in County Mayo, on Ireland's Atlantic coast, was as far west as she got.  There, she worked as a postal clerk and, on June 4, 1944, made a weather report that changed the course of history.  She was 21 years old. Constructed in … [Read more...] about How Maureen Sweeney’s Weather Report Saved D-Day

It is perhaps understandable that we tend to remember with pride the many  Irish immigrants who came to America with nothing and, by spirit and determination, achieved greatness.  Yet, we must not forget the many more Irish men and women who came to America and often experienced hardship and tragic ends despite their best efforts; their stories should also be … [Read more...] about From the Great Hunger in Ireland to Starvation in America: The Sacrifice of Owen Moloney

In June 1866, a battle-hardened group of Irish-American Civil War veterans embarked on a daring mission: to invade British-controlled Canada and use it as leverage to secure Ireland's independence.  The group of Irish veterans had christened themselves "The Irish Republican Army" (IRA), the first time that name would enter the lexicon of the Irish-British conflict.  This was … [Read more...] about The First Fenian Raid, Ireland’s Exiled Children Put Britain on Notice

Hercules Mulligan, an Irish immigrant, became an unsung hero of the American Revolution.  Though the musical 'Hamilton', whose chief goal is to entertain,  has introduced his name to a broader audience, Mulligan's real contributions as a spy and hero of American independence are far more compelling than the play suggests.    Mulligan was born in … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot

Fr. Kevin Devine came from a strong Irish American family.  His brother Finbar Devine was for many years the face of the N.Y. St. Patrick's Day parade as the Drum Major of the NYPD Pipes and Drum. On May 3, 1956, Fr. Kevin was ordained at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York.  He served as a parish priest for the first six years of his vocation.  … [Read more...] about Fr. Kevin Devine, The Grunt Chaplain