Il Papa Meets Il Bono “Holy Father, this is Mr. Bono — he’s a pop singer.” With these words the U2 lead singer was introduced to Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in September. Bono and former Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof met with the pope as part of a campaign the two celebritiesRead more..
There were fond tributes from government officials for former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and Fianna Fáil leader Jack Lynch, who died in Dublin on October 20 following a long illness. The Dáil (Parliament) observed a minute’s silence in memory of the 82-year-old former politician, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: “On behalf of the Fianna FáilRead more..
Hospitals in Ireland came to a standstill in late October when the country’s 28,000 nurses started strike action over a long-running pay dispute. Despite last minute talks between union representatives and the government, the industrial action went ahead as scheduled, making it the first time in the history of the State that nurses had goneRead more..
Reviews by Darina Molloy Big Girl Small Town by Michelle Gallen Writer Sinead Moriarty has probably gifted Big Girl Small Town with the best synopsis ever – “Milkman meets Derry Girls. A cracking read’ – which is proudly emblazoned on the Irish version of the cover. Majella is one of those outliers – ignored byRead more..
By Darina Molloy Mayo on the west coast and Louth on the east, boast some of the most historic sites in Ireland, and now locals living in the area of the Cooley Peninsula and Ballina can expect many the curious traveler on the trail of President Joe Biden’s Irish ancestors. (All images: Tourism Ireland). WeeRead more..
Recently published books by Irish and Irish-American authors. ℘℘℘ In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen The Galway Tourist Office must just brace itself every time there’s a new book out by Ken Bruen. For every delight that Galway is known for, Bruen has the down-at-heel, dark-side alternative version. Quirky shops? Dead swans. Lovely pubs?Read more..
Recently-published and upcoming books of Irish and Irish American interest. ℘℘℘ SPORTS Great Moments in Hurling By Sportsfile Great Moments In Hurling from Sportsfile is the ultimate visual history of the modern game of hurling, its major characters, and stories, beginning with the legendary era of the 1950s. Sportsfile, founded by Ray McManus in the 1980s, isRead more..
Living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Darina Molloy tells her story. In hindsight, I was always the kid with the sore tummy. Most of the time, it just meant taking to the couch with a book, which was no penance for a dedicated reader. When I was nine, IRead more..