Mark Kelly is the new Senator-elect for Arizona, filling the late Senator John McCain's seat. Mark Kelly – just elected to the U.S. Senate – had already lived quite a life. He’d served as a fighter pilot, flying over three dozen combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. Then he applied to become an astronaut with NASA. As did his twin brother Scott. They were both … [Read more...] about From Space to Washington -Captain Mark Kelly Takes on a New Endeavour
Tom Deignan
Crime Pays for John Banville
By Tom Deignan Will Real John Banville Please Stand Up! Wexford native and Booker-prize-winner John Banville has spent his celebrated literary career exploring the slippery nature of identity and reality. Characters in Banville’s dazzling, challenging novels, such as The Untouchable or Athena, slip in and out of personas, and conceal so many secrets from friends and family … [Read more...] about Crime Pays for John Banville
Irish Links at the U.S. Open
When Caddyshack star Michael O’Keefe showed up at the U.S. Open this week, it was just the latest big role played by the Irish at the elite golf tournament. From the Irish Americans who dominated the Open’s early days, to top 21st Century golfers like Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy – both competing this week at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York – the Irish have left … [Read more...] about Irish Links at the U.S. Open
Reagan Democrats, Biden Time, and The Irish Swing Vote
If things were never simple they are even more complicated now, when we talk about the “Irish vote” as the 2020 presidential election nears. A 2017 Newsweek headline put it bluntly: “Why are all the conservative loudmouths Irish American.” The short answer: Um, they’re not. The longer answer: It’s complicated. But 2020 may finally be the year we recognize the many shades of … [Read more...] about Reagan Democrats, Biden Time, and The Irish Swing Vote
Father-Son Sea Saga60 Years in the Making
By Tom Deignan This past Father’s Day, Kelly Walsh went a long way to pay tribute to his Dad – almost 40,000 feet under the sea. Kelly’s father, Don, is one of only a handful of other human beings who have explored the ocean at such great depth. “It’s been such a once in a lifetime experience, to complete this circle with my dad,” said Kelly Walsh, 52, speaking to Irish … [Read more...] about Father-Son Sea Saga60 Years in the Making