Many consider the film âSaving Private Ryanâ to be one of, if not the most, significant films on the violence and sacrifice of war ever made. Sadly, the story is not the product of a writerâs imagination, but an adaptation of an all too real story of unflinching duty and unfathomable loss. It is an Irish American story of the four Niland brothers and Fr. Francis Sampson. … [Read more...] about The Real âSaving Private Ryanâ and the Parachuting Priest
The Act of Union: “No blacker or fouler transaction in the history of man.”
Amidst the current debate on the United Kingdomâs departure from the European Union, Brexit, there has been much talk about the âUnion.â Measures that would prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland have been decried by loyalists as âundemocraticâ and a threat to the âUnion.â However, there was very little of democracy in the formation of the âUnionâ and from its inception … [Read more...] about The Act of Union: “No blacker or fouler transaction in the history of man.”
Michael Cusack, Creator of the Gaelic Athletic Association
Since its earliest history, sport has held a central role in Irish culture. The game of Hurling is one of the oldest in the world and can trace its roots back 4,000 years. Athletic prowess was a hallmark of all of Irelandâs great mythic heroes; the legend of CĂș Chulainn begins with him as a boy killing a gigantic hound attacking him by hitting him with the sliotar (hurling … [Read more...] about Michael Cusack, Creator of the Gaelic Athletic Association
Patrick OâRorke, a Forgotten Irish American Hero of Gettysburg
Col. Patrick O'Rorke of the 140 NY Patrick Henry O'Rorke was born in County Cavan, Ireland on March 25, 1837. His family emigrated from Ireland when Patrick was but a year old, eventually settling in the âLittle Dublinâ neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. An excellent student, he earned one of two scholarships to the newly formed University of Rochester. However, his fatherâs … [Read more...] about Patrick OâRorke, a Forgotten Irish American Hero of Gettysburg
The Irish General Election of 1918: A Peaceful Revolution
One can be forgiven for seeing Irelandâs march to reassert its independence as a sovereign nation as a series of rebellions and battles. However, perhaps Irelandâs greatest revolutionary act took place not on the battlefield but at the ballot box. It was the Irish General Election of 1918 and the subsequent establishment of DĂĄil Ăireann (the âAssembly of … [Read more...] about The Irish General Election of 1918: A Peaceful Revolution