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At the heart of journalist Mark Bulik’s exhaustively researched book, “Ambush at Central Park: When the IRA Came to New York,” there is the story of a bold plot to kill an informer, one Patrick Joseph “Cruxy” O’Connor, who had made his way to New York City in hopes of eluding the Irish Republican Army’s grasp. But there is so much more to this book. You’ll learn rich details about the operations of the Cork […] Read More

Review: “Sara & Gerald …Villa America and After” By Honoria Murphy Donnelly  With Richard N. Billings Sara and Gerald Murphy had an uncanny knack for infusing even the quotidian with an artistic  flair. These wealthy sophisticated Long Island Brahmins sailed for Europe in 1921 with their three young children disillusioned with what they perceived as the cultural aridity of post-World War I America. Their destination was Paris.  They were not famous but they were destined to become […] Read More

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and cranberries, always synonymous with the holiday, are poised to make their annual appearance alongside turkey and side dishes and in quick breads like this one enhanced by orange zest and juice.  It’s sweet enough for dessert but not-too-sweet for breakfast or afternoon tea. I like to bake it in a 12 x 4 x 2 1/2-inch tea loaf pan (the same capacity as a 9 x 5-inch loaf […] Read More

Irish Philadelphia: You are choreographing a piece for BalletX. It’s a world premiere and what’s it called? Marguerite Donlon: Yeah, that’s right. It’s a world premiere and it’s called “Big Wig.” Irish Philadelphia: And where is that coming from? Marguerite Donlon: Well, the inspiration came basically from my childhood of Irish dancing. Back in Ireland, that’s all we ever did. There was no other kind of dancing at that time. And I just remember as a child, first […] Read More