Past Irish American Heritage Month Profiles

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

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 “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”

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

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