Irish Eclectic

By Brian McGowan A term often heard today is “The Irish Diaspora.” It refers to the roughly 70 million people living throughout the world today whose ancestors left Ireland over the past several centuries. Many groups, of course, have their

By Brian McGowan This Friday, Oct. 18 marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of eminent Irish-American scholar and prolific author Thomas Cahill. When Cahill, a Bronx native, died, he left behind an impressive body of work, including his most

By Brian McGowan Were the “Famine Irish” the lawless, illiterate and ignorant louts portrayed in popular media such as “The Gangs of New York?” Or do they deserve better treatment? They do, argues award-winning historian Tyler Anbinder. His fourth book,

By Brian McGowan Back to the New World for an interesting peek into our own revolution and the role that many Irish, born or descended, played in it. Given that we’re in the month of August, of special note is

By Brian McGowan June is a month that most often brings up tales of James Joyce and his master work, “Ulysses,” or treatment of ancient Celtic festivals, such as Mid-Summer Eve. Been there in these pages; done that! This month

By Brian McGowan In Irish lore and legend there is a strong belief in mystical powers bestowed upon some by virtue of their order of birth. Most prevalent of these is a role that blesses certain males who just happen

By Brian McGowan It’s that time of year again – March – the “Holy Season” of parades and festivities in honor of Saint Patrick, who continues to grace this column from time to time, more often than not. Not alone

By Brian McGowan Today’s heated discussion about immigrant hordes swamping our pristine shores should surprise no one. In a case of history repeating itself, the debate today closely echoes efforts during the 1800s to counter perceived threats to America’s future.