Every year Irish politicians joke that in America St. Patrick’s Day lasts at least a week. This year, it seemed closer to two months. Ireland dominated the agenda of senior American policy makers in March and April with three, weeklong events: The annual St Patrick’s pilgrimage of Irish political leaders…

“Those in power write the history, those who suffer write the songs.” – Robbie O’Connell Readers of BostonIrish know that the Great Hunger, an Gorta Mor, radically changed Ireland and its relationship with the world. Neither BostonIrish Magazine nor its readership would likely exist had the 1845–1852 catastrophe not occurred…

“It’s not as important where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes DUBLIN — Ireland’s population was 2.8 million (4.3 with the North) in 1960 and is projected to pass 8 million (10 with the North) by 2050. All political parties accept that to…

BostonIrish Column August 2022 Letter from Dublin: Looking good — but don’t put the mockers on it! By Timothy Kirk August 30, 2022 New St. James Children’s Hospital On an autumn day in Boston, when the blue sky is clear, the sun is warm, and the radiant color of the foliage reflects off the Charles River in a beauty that can take your…

“Better an hour early than a minute late,” my Dad used to say. My principal concern in planning a day trip to Belfast on March 25 was that I arrive at the inaugural in-person event of the John and Pat Hume Foundation on time. I prefer the train, but the…

Christy Moore in full flow at Vicar Street Letter from Dublin: Winter Journal, March 2022 Letter from Dublin/Timothy Kirk,It has been a rocky road back to normality in Dublin. In early December, the citybostonirish.com Letter from Dublin/Timothy Kirk It has been a rocky road back to normality in Dublin. In early December, the city started to be itself again. Buskers were back on Grafton Street and live music returned to the pubs. Then the Omicron wave…

COP26 in Glasgow was a disappointment to environmental activists but history will record it as a key step in combating climate collapse. …

Ireland Emerges from Pandemic and Brexit Stronger -and Closer to France- than Ever Ireland endured the longest pandemic lockdown in Europe. The vaccination program started later and more slowly than most countries due to supply chain challenges and the limited leverage the small country had with vaccine producers. Surprisingly, Ireland…

“In fairness”… “In all fairness” … “To be fair” … “Let’s be fair” … “Be fair now, lads!” … “Fair play” … “Fair play to you” (or to her, to him, to them et al). All are common phrases referring to the concept of fairness that is invoked in everyday…