A classic work about emigration has been revised and reissued in a twenty-fifth anniversary edition. “Models for Movers: Irish Women’s Emigration to America”, by Dr Íde B. O’Carroll, will be launched by UCD Professor Margaret Kelleher on Wednesday, 15 July 2015 at 6 pm at in the Long Room Hub at Trinity College in Dublin. The event will… Continue reading Classic work of emigrant oral history relaunched for 25th anniversary

The first-ever Global Irish Civic Forum will take place in Dublin Castle this week, with over 175 delegates from 17 countries and representing more than 140 organisations in attendance. Those attending include representatives of more than 140 organisation assisting vulnerable emigrants, supporting Irish culture abroad, networking Irish business people, and campaigning on issues affecting emigrants.… Continue reading Global Irish Civic Forum to take place this week in Dublin

Every St Patrick’s Day, I am reminded of my favourite book, The Hard Road to Klondike, and Micheál MacGowan’s poignant story of St Patrick’s Day in All Gold Creek in the Yukon. In case you’re not familiar with the book, it’s the translation from Irish of the oral memoir of Donegal native Micheál MacGowan’s adventures… Continue reading “My heart leaped up with so much joy:” Happy St Patrick’s Day!

The activist website Uplift.ie has begun a new petition campaign calling on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to end his refusal to hold a referendum on the rights of Irish citizens living overseas to vote in presidential elections. Uplift.ie says More than 120 countries have provisions for their citizens abroad to cast a ballot. Ireland does not.… Continue reading Uplift.ie begins emigrant voting rights petition campaign

Update: RTE has backed down from the decision to shut down longwave broadcasts. They will keep broadcasting for an additional two years, until May 2017. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also pledged to conduct a study focusing on the needs of listeners. Read more details at the IrishinBritain website.    There is now a… Continue reading Sign the petition to save longwave

I have an article in today’s Irish Times arguing that RTE’s impending shutdown of its longwave service will be deleterious to the vitality of the Irish community in Britain. The oldest and most isolated are the ones who will be hurt the most, but the shutdown will actually affect a broad cross-section of the community.… Continue reading Urging RTE to keep the longwave link for the diaspora in Britain