Irish Eclectic

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.

By Brian McGowan Growing up in an Irish Catholic American family, there were several “pilgrimage” sites my parents took us to each year. One was an East 90s boarding house where my grandfather, Frank McGowan, first lived when he came

By Brian McGowan A recent Saturday evening saw a sold-out crowd at the iconic Tarrytown Music Hall, welcoming the holiday spirit with an awesome performance by Irish-American band Cherish the Ladies in their annual “A Celtic Christmas” tribute. With a