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Local Building Trades Union Helps Parents Find “Angel Eyes” to Keep Watch Over Their Preemies
By Frank KeelThe birth of a child is one of life’s most joyous experiences. But for the parents of prematurely born infants, the first few months of their frail child’s life can be an incredibly stressful time. In 2022, preterm births affected about one of every 10 infants born in America. The “preemie” phenomenon knows no geographic boundaries. Each year, in Ireland, for example, 4,500 babies are born too small, too soon and too sick. The […] Read More
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In Honor of Tea
Serious tea drinkers and wellness enthusiasts celebrate “National Hot Tea Month” in January. During the month, many extol the virtues of tea drinking for health reasons, while others simply celebrate the culture and history of tea, its diverse blends and soothing qualities. Most agree that drinking tea is the perfect way to start the New Year. But none of this comes as a surprise to Irish tea lovers, whom some say have a relationship with tea that “transcends the ordinary” […] Read More
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Fruitcake Time!
Love it or hate it, fruitcake is one of Christmastime’s most iconic foods. I make no apologies for being one who loves it, and over the years I’ve amassed quite a collection of recipes from sources near and far. While we might credit our Irish mother or grandmother with carrying on the holiday fruitcake-making tradition, we can look even further into history to uncover its possible origin. Ancient Egyptians left fruit-and-nut cakes in graves, the […] Read More
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
