November 2023
-
Review: “Telling Stories,” by Sabina Clarke
“Telling Stories” is a compilation of interviews by journalist Sabina Clarke, based upon conversations convened with the 44 individuals highlighted in this eclectic book. Spanning Ms. Clarke’s career from 1988 to 2019, the personalities on display offer a spectacular array of human crisis, candor, and interest. Figures defining in the history of Northern Ireland discuss with Clarke the details and process of that region’s peace negotiations, including Gerry Adams and Sen. George Mitchell, respectively interviewed in […] Read More
-
Kevin Burke Draws a Sellout Crowd in Philly
By Robin O’Brien Hiteshew On Thursday, November 16, the Philadelphia Ceili Group presented a solo concert by fiddle player Kevin Burke at the Irish Center. It marked the first time in twelve years Kevin has appeared in Philadelphia. Attendance was approximately 135 in the fireside room of the center and it was clear that they were there to see Kevin. Most knew his playing from the various bands Kevin played with through the past forty […] Read More
-
Barry Keoghan Stars in Philly Film Festival Closer: A Review
By Nathan Lerner Film Critic For three consecutive years, the Philadelphia Film Festival has allocated some of its most coveted slots to vehicles that showcased Irish talent. In 2021, the festival’s opening night film was Belfast, the loosely autobiographical work, penned and directed by Kenneth Branagh. It recounted his childhood in Northern Ireland’s capital city. In 2022, the festival kicked off with The Banshees of Inisherin. The tale was set on a fictitious island in Galway Bay, off the […] Read More
-
Paul & Theresa Murtagh Honored
On Friday night Lincoln Hall at the Union League was full to capacity with well wishers,who had come to spend the evening with the 2023 American Catholic Historical Society’s Barry Award recipients, Paul and Theresa Murtagh. They were honored for hosting many philanthropic causes and supporting the Irish Catholic community. Congratulations on a well deserved honor.
-
Cranberry Bread: A Seasonal Favorite
Cranberries take center stage this month in both sweet and savory dishes. One of my favorites is this quick bread, sweet enough for dessert but not-too-sweet for breakfast or afternoon tea. The versatile little berry is widely available in markets now, so buy a few bags to use for Thanksgiving and a few to freeze for later. You’ll find other cranberry recipes in my latest cookbook Festive Flavors of Ireland. Order signed copies at irishcook.com (Recipe below.) […] Read More
-
Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame Inductees 2023: The Conaghan Family
By Lori Lander Murphy When the Conaghans are welcomed into the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame as 2023 inductees, it will be both as a family and as individuals who have devoted their lives to their Irish community. Sarah, Karen and Mary Conaghan consider themselves exceedingly fortunate to have grown up as the daughters of Tom and Mary Conaghan. They couldn’t help but be influenced by the parents’ who met at a dance hall […] Read More
-
RUNA: When the Light Gets In
Like many of us, Shannon Lambert-Ryan recalls the pandemic as a dark time. Since the gradual return to normal life, the Philadelphia area-based lead singer of Celtic roots supergroup RUNA says, “there was finally a light coming up at the end of the tunnel.” The idea of members of the band being able to play together again fostered a fresh new round of creativity. The result is the ensemble’s new recording, “When the Light Gets […] Read More
-
Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame Inductees 2023: Pat and Nancy Boyle
By Liz Kerr Pat and Nancy Boyle could very well win the title of most philanthropic couple in Philadelphia. Their generosity and dedication to those in need, particularly toward children, is unmatched. In their careers, Pat and Nancy have lived a life of service to others. Pat served as a member of the Philadelphia Police Department from 1966 to 2004, when he retired at the rank of Detective. Nancy dedicated her career to caring for […] Read More
-
Commodore Barry Award Winner 2023: Pari Livermore
By Lori Lander Murphy The Commodore John Barry Arts & Cultural Center is far from the first organization to benefit from Pari Livermore’s generosity of spirit and commitment to fundraising, but the institution better known as the Irish Center may be the most appreciative. She, along with co-chair Kathy McGee Burns, organized last year’s wildly successful Top 100 Irish Women in Philadelphia event that raised much needed funds for the Center. To the many in […] Read More
-
Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame Inductee 2023: Pete Hand
Pete Hand’s Irish heritage, like that of many Irish Americans, was always a bit of a mystery. “My family is from County Mayo on my father’s side, but I was never told how far back,” he says. “My aunt used to say that a Hand fought in every American war since the Civil War so it must have been very far back.” Mystery aside, there’s no doubt that his Irishness has always been a fixture […] Read More