Politics at fault as peace process hits dust bin again
By Diarmaid MacDermott
Readers of this column will have lost count how many times I have written that the Northern Ireland peace process is in crisis and that the carefully assembled Good Friday Agreement reached in 1998 is in danger of collapsing.[More]
 

Makem offers suggestions to tyro songsters
By Deric Green
Noted performer Tommy Makem is out and about, still carrying his tunes — with every right to be proud of 50 years of fantastic music under his belt. His second annual Armagh song festival earlier this summer attracted thousands of locals, plus hundreds of international fans who favor all things musically Irish. [More]
 

Tipperary's toddlin' lad returns home to stay
By Cian McCormack
After leaving Nenagh and traveling the back roads of one of the most remote places in north Tipperary, I found myself standing at the white glossed door of a 350-year-old cottage looking for Shane MacGowan. A note book was clutched tightly in my hand.[More]
 

Callino quartet makes the classical scene
By Sam Healy
The members of the Callino String Quartet claim to be exhausted after a grueling mini-tour, but to me they seem fresh as daisies. Indeed, their youth, cheer and (it would be unprofessional of me to omit this germane detail) undeniable beauty seem wholly at odds with the traditional image of the chamber ensemble, hoary and somber. [More]
 

Watch out for the undulations
By Michael Muckian
A strong crosswind blew across the bog, catching us sideways as we peddled our 15-speed bicycles. Traveling the hilly terrain of the Connemara peninsula in a narrow line along narrow, bumpy roads, we met few humans and fewer cars. [More]
 

Poet puts emotions on the line
By Martin Russell
Describing Mary O'Malley's literary output is like attempting to pack sardines into a tin. There's always so much and so little space. The Moycullen (Co. Mayo) native is the featured poet at this year's Milwaukee Irish Fest, with what seems to be ton of books as well as an extensive presence in anthologies to her voluminous credit. [More]
 

It's back in the saddle for Buffalo Bill
By Martin Hintz
Brian Downes alternates between riding herd on a desk at the Chicago Tribune and lassoing a group of Wild West performers who were the hit of the show grounds at the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee this July. [More]
 

Her Dear Old Donegal
By Larry Kirwan
At 3 a.m., she would invariably materialize by the jukebox, caressing an Amstel and looking like dynamite. Although our relationship was casual, even by the standards of those days, our routine was quite formal. I would send her over a drink and then hover nearby, until she got rid of whatever jerk was trying to pick her up. [More]
 

Row, row, row your boat
By Carrie Trousil
Have you ever wondered if there is local access to a good Irish workout? Aside from hurling or doing the Guinness arm curls. Well, there is an option, thanks to the Irish Currach Club of Milwaukee. [More]
 

Celtic drinkers could boogie on down
By Carrie Trousil
Bettina Arnold spends a lot of her time digging up links of the chain connecting modern Celtic identity to civilizations long past. In fact, her archaeological research has brought her into contact with remains dating back to 1000 B.C., and interestingly enough into regions that no one would think to consider lands of Celtic origin, namely Germany and France. [More]
 

Painting the Town Green: 
How a pipe dream over a few pints of Guinness became the world's greatest Celtic festival
By Martin Hintz
Twenty-two years ago, hardy bands of Irish gathered in Beer Town's pubs. The craic (native Irish for let the"good times roll") was superb in those almost-Druidic days. Frothy pints of stout were sipped while the conversation flowed around music, music, theater, music, music, poetry, music and — heck — more music. [More]
 

Turning August Emerald
By Martin Hintz
The drums go bang and the cymbals and the horns they blaze away. And the McAteers, Mahoneys and Meagans all march along — pleased as punch with the wearin' o' the green in mid-August. After all, next to the High Holy Days of St. Patrick's March Madness, Milwaukee Irish Fest brings out the Emerald Isle in everyone...regardless of national heritage. [More]