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

In the annals of legal history, there exists a remarkable but often overlooked legal system that predates many of the world's renowned legal codes.  Known as Brehon law, this ancient Irish legal tradition, which has origins in pre-history, offers insights into a remarkably advanced and sophisticated society.  Brehon law's unique approach to justice, its recognition of … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Brehon Law: An Ancient Legal System Ahead of Its Time

Memorial Day is supposed to be when Americans from all walks of life commemorate the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military.  Among those who deserve recognition are the Irish Americans, whose contributions and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on our nation's history.  From the battlefields of the Civil War to … [Read more...] about Can You Spare the Time to Remember Those Who Sacrificed All For Us?

In April, it is customary to see articles on what is arguably history's most famous shipwreck, the sinking of RMS Titanic after colliding with an iceberg, and the tragedy of the loss of 1500 souls, many of them Irish immigrants.  However, some sixty years prior, also in April, there was another tragic shipwreck resulting from a collision with an iceberg that also … [Read more...] about The Wreck of the Hannah

Philip Fitzpatrick was born in Aughavas, Co. Leitrim in 1892.  Like so many of his generation, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He joined the NYPD in 1926 and was assigned to Mounted Squad 1 in Manhattan.  He would serve with distinction for over 21 years as one of ‘New York’s Finest’ and would prove more than worthy of the … [Read more...] about Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick, NYPD