Did you know that the first flag officer and founder of the United States Navy was an Irishman? His name was John Barry and Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said in his eulogy at Barry's graveside, "He was born in Ireland, but America was the object of his devotion and the theater of his usefulness." Barry was born in Co. Wexford, Ireland in 1745 and grew up with a great love for the sea. As a young man, he emigrated to the Crown colonies in America and by 1760, he was employed in a shipbuilding firm in Philadelphia. In 1766, at the age of … [Read more...] about Forgotten Patriot: The Courageous Story and Legacy of Commodore John Barry
Irish American Heritage Month Profiles
Andrew Higgins: The Man Who Built the Boats That Won World War II
“The Jaws of Death.” A photo by CPHOM Robert F. Sargent, USCG. A Coast Guard-manned LCVP from the USS Samuel Chase disembarks troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division on the morning of June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach It is an iconic image of WW II, a photo taken on June 6, 1944 showing American soldiers exiting a landing craft coming ashore at Omaha beach. A few months later on October 20th, another photo captured the moment General Douglas MacArthur “returned” to the Philippines, wading ashore from a landing craft. Neither of these historic moments would have been possible … [Read more...] about Andrew Higgins: The Man Who Built the Boats That Won World War II
Space, Service, and Heritage: Michael Collins
Then Colonel Michael Collins Major General Michael Collins, who as a Colonel was the Command Pilot of Apollo 11, the mission that put a man on the moon, is sadly often overlooked, but it should not be forgotten that the successful return of his crewmates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin was dependent entirely on his piloting skill in flying the command module and performing a successful docking with the Lunar module. Michael Collins was a second-generation Irish American born into a military family. Collin's father was a career soldier, attaining the rank of Major General, earning two … [Read more...] about Space, Service, and Heritage: Michael Collins
From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice’s Robes
The 1920s marked one of American history's darkest and least discussed chapters. During this period, the Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence, propelled by various factors, including D. W. Griffith's controversial portrayal of the Klan in "Birth of a Nation" (originally titled "The Klansman"), a complex mix of patriotism and isolationism following World War I, and the adoption of modern marketing techniques. As a result, the Klan transcended its Southern roots, evolving into a nationwide movement with a staggering membership of six million. To sustain this growth, the Klan expanded its … [Read more...] about From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice’s Robes
The Childhood Friends Who Earned the Medal of Honor
In the historically Irish neighborhood of Woodside, Queens, stands a monument to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the Vietnam War. On the monument are inscribed the names of 27 young men from the local Zip Code of 11377, more than any other postal code in the nation to die in that conflict. However, the Irish community of Woodside has another unique distinction touching on the Vietnam War, the story of two childhood friends from that community who would both enlist in the Marines and earn our nation’s highest award for valor, with sadly … [Read more...] about The Childhood Friends Who Earned the Medal of Honor
Annie Moore: The Brave Irish Girl Who Took the First Step Though the Golden Door
The statue of Annie Moore and her brothers at Cobh, Ireland During its period of operation from 1892 till 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered through the immigration station at Ellis Island, a name that was to become synonymous with the “Golden Door” and the “American Dream”. It is estimated that today over forty percent of the United States population can trace their ancestry to an immigrant that entered Ellis Island. On New Year’s Day Morning 1892 on the deck of the steamship Nevada stood three adolescents, Annie Moore and her brothers Phillip and Anthony. They were perhaps … [Read more...] about Annie Moore: The Brave Irish Girl Who Took the First Step Though the Golden Door
Chief Francis O’Neill, a Real Hero and a Reel Hero
When someone wants to quickly set an atmosphere of "Irishness," whether it is a major motion picture or a local Irish restaurant, they invariably use the same element: music. Music is an essential element of Celtic life; the harper, piper, and the fiddler hold a place of honor and esteem. Wherever the Irish have traveled, they have taken their music with them as one of their prize possessions, and the sound of Irish music can be heard in Dublin, Denver, and Durban. Irish music is a highly personal art form; it is an aural tradition passed on from generation to generation … [Read more...] about Chief Francis O’Neill, a Real Hero and a Reel Hero
Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America’s Independence
The Irish, both Protestant, and Catholic, were a major part of Washington’s volunteers from foot soldiers to high ranking officers. When increased Crown exploitation drove the colonists to protest, among the loudest were the Irish who had no great love for the Crown, to begin with. And there were many Irish in America’s colonies. Among them were those who fought the English theft of their Irish lands and ended up hunted men; they were followed by those Catholics and Presbyterians who fled persecution by the Church of England. Some were businessmen who had to escape the economic oppression … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America’s Independence
The Grand Old Man of Baseball: The Enduring Legacy of Connie Mack
Baseball is a sport built for superlatives and appellations; with every passing season, another member of the sport seems to be bestowed the title of "the Greatest" or a nickname. Yet, there is only one "Grand Old Man of Baseball," and there will never be another like Irish American Connie Mack nor anyone as deserving of the title. Connie Mack was born Cornelius McGillicuddy in Brookfield, Massachusetts, on December 22, 1862. His parents were both Irish immigrants, Michael McGillicuddy from Killarney, while Mary (nee McKillop) McGillicuddy was from the Catholic section of … [Read more...] about The Grand Old Man of Baseball: The Enduring Legacy of Connie Mack
Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
Patrick Henry O'Rorke was born in County Cavan, Ireland on March 25, 1837. His family emigrated from Ireland when Patrick was but a year old, eventually settling in the “Little Dublin” neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. An excellent student, he earned one of two scholarships to the newly formed University of Rochester. However, his father’s sudden death required young Patrick to take a job as a marble cutter to support his family. Patrick’s talents were too considerable to go unrecognized for long. He came to the attention of Congressman John Williams, who recommended him for … [Read more...] about Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space
Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan preparing for a Space Walk When we think of explorers, it is common to think of phrases such as "plumbing new depths" or "scaling new heights," but how many individuals can both expressions be used to literally and accurately describe their achievements? Such an individual is Irish American Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan. Kathyrn Sullivan was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Donald Paul Sullivan and his wife Barbara (née Kelly). Sullivan's grandfather had immigrated from Lauragh on the Beara Peninsula in County Kerry. She chose her middle … [Read more...] about Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space
Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick
Philip Fitzpatrick was born in Aughavas, Co. Leitrim in 1892. Like so many of his generation, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He joined the NYPD in 1926 and was assigned to Mounted Squad 1 in Manhattan. He would serve with distinction for over 21 years as one of ‘New York’s Finest’ and would prove more than worthy of the title. However, in addition to protecting the streets of New York, Patrolman Fitzpatrick had another talent that few realized until many years after his death; he was a talented poet. Fitzpatrick came from a family having a … [Read more...] about Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick
John Mackay, the Forgotten “Bonanza King”
John MacKay, the “Bonanza King” William Shakespeare observed, “The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” It speaks to the ironic tendency for society to notarize, even glorify, the darkest aspects of humanity while ignoring the noble. Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of Irish American John Mackay, the “Bonanza King.” John Mackay (pronounced Mackee) was born on November 28, 1831, on the outskirts of Dublin in the appalling poverty that was the hallmark of pre-famine Ireland. In 1840, when Mackay was nine years old, … [Read more...] about John Mackay, the Forgotten “Bonanza King”
Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
Hercules Mulligan, an Irish immigrant, became an unsung hero of the American Revolution. Though the musical 'Hamilton', whose chief goal is to entertain, has introduced his name to a broader audience, Mulligan's real contributions as a spy and hero of American independence are far more compelling than the play suggests. Mulligan was born in Coleraine, Co Derry, in 1740 and emigrated with his family to North America at the age of 6, settling in New York City. He attended King's College (now Columbia University). Mulligan opened an upscale tailor … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
A Shepherd in the Flames: The Medal of Honor Story of Fr. Joseph O’Callahan
The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor bestowed by the United States. It is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.” Achieving this honor in battle is exceptional enough; earning this award when armed only with courage and faith is extraordinary. One such extraordinary man was Fr. Joseph T. O’Callahan, S.J. Joseph Timothy O’Callahan was born on May 14, 1905, in Roxbury, Mass. In 1922, young Joseph heard God’s call and joined the … [Read more...] about A Shepherd in the Flames: The Medal of Honor Story of Fr. Joseph O’Callahan
Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Kathleen Rita McNulty was born in the village of Creeslough on February 12, 1921, the third of six children of Anne Nelis and James McNulty. Her father was Commandant of the Doe Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. On the night of her birth, he was arrested and imprisoned in Derry Gaol for two years for his republican activities. On his release, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where James worked as a stonemason and went on to establish a successful construction business, frequently working with Irish American John B Kelly, the father of … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius
Dr. J.B. Murphy Dr. John B. Murphy, known throughout his life as "J.B.," was a renowned American surgeon and medical pioneer who made significant contributions to the field of medicine during his lifetime. He was born in a log cabin in Appleton, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1857. Murphy was the son of impoverished Irish immigrants Michael Murphy and Ann (née Grimes) Murphy, who had emigrated from Ireland during the Great Hunger. Murphy grew up in a large family with six siblings. His parents strongly emphasized education and encouraged their children to pursue academic and professional … [Read more...] about Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius
Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Brigade at Antietam
General Thomas Francis Meagher and members of the Irish Brigade Did you know that the Irish had a major part in the victory on the bloodiest day in American history? It was at Antietam on September 17, 1862, and it was the victory that emboldened President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Foremost among Union forces was the Irish Brigade led by Irish-born Gen. Thomas F Meagher. Their story is an extraordinary chronicle of military valor in America’s cause; once when President Lincoln visited General McClellan’s Union camp, he lifted a corner of the Irish Brigade Flag, kissed … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Brigade at Antietam
John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
John Lawrence Sullivan, born to Irish immigrants on October 15, 1858, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, grew into an embodiment of the American Dream for many Irish Americans. His parents, survivors of the Great Hunger in Ireland, instilled in him a profound sense of identity and resilience. Though he was an excellent student and his parents aspired for him to attend Boston College and become a priest, destiny had a different plan for Sullivan. Lured by the raw appeal of professional sports, Sullivan found his true calling in boxing, a sport then shadowed by legal ambiguities and often relegated to … [Read more...] about John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
Courage, Sacrifice, and Loyalty: FDNY Firefighters Thomas and Daniel Foley
At the young age of 32, Thomas Foley was already an 11-year decorated veteran firefighter of the FDNY and a legend. He was a larger than life individual who embraced life to the fullest and seemed to excel at everything he tried from powerlifting to skydiving. Having learned to ride horses on visits to his grandfather's farm, he even excelled as a competitor on the rodeo circuit. With boyish good looks, Thomas Foley was featured twice by People Magazine and appeared in the FDNY's "2003 Calendar of Heroes." However, being a firefighter was Thomas Foley's first passion; it was all he wanted to … [Read more...] about Courage, Sacrifice, and Loyalty: FDNY Firefighters Thomas and Daniel Foley