A look at a controversial politician and a remarkable cleric
reveals the difference between real history and hazy history
BY PETER F. STEVENS
BIR STAFF
BY JAMES W. DOLAN
SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER
At one time, I decried the size of government, its costs and inefficiencies. On further reflection, I have come to the conclusion the “common good” may require the acceptance of large numbers of public sector workers who, in the private sector, would be expendable.
BY JUDY ENRIGHT
SPECIAL TO THE BIR
Going green doesn’t necessarily mean going to the Emerald Isle but it could.
There is much focus in Ireland today on visitors enjoying their stay without adding to the carbon footprint. Where bus tours and car travel were once the only way to see the countryside, many tourists today choose walking, cycling, and equestrian vacations.
February 1, 2014– Despite seven good-faith drafts proposing remedies for the three fundamental areas of discontent – flags, parades, and the legacy of the Troubles – the five Northern Ireland parties were unable in the end to come to an agreement. There was a short leash on Dr. Richard Haass’s negotiations, a window so relatively short that it helped preclude the Northern Ireland political parties from working through to a solution.
By Ed Forry
Dr. Bill and Rita O’Connell, longtime stalwarts of Boston’s Irish community, spent much of their life learning about “The Great Hunger,” the famine that ravaged Ireland in the middle of the 19th century. Many died from starvation, and many others sought to extend their lives by cramming into sailing ships to escape to America.
A Galway-only visit this time, maybe in May, says mayor
By Gintautas Dumcius
BIR Staff
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, who boasts roots in Co. Galway, always keeps an eye on the ould sod, but this spring, as he rounds out his first few months in office, he plans to check things out personally. “I haven’t even focused on it yet,” Walsh told the Reporter this week as he continues to settle into his new job. “I do want to go, though, probably in May.” He added that he wouldn’t be making any other stops while over there.
Dr. William T. O'Connell, of Duxbury, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2014.
Dr. Bill as he was known to many, lead an active life. He traveled extensively from Russia to South America, including 21 trips to Ireland, he skied into his 70's, and devoted considerable time and resources to a wide range of Irish cultural and historic organizations. Always at his side was his beloved late wife Rita, who was the light of his life and the true companion of his days.
BY ARTHUR MURPHY
SPECIAL TO THE BIR
Jack Shaughnessy grew up in Quincy, graduated from BC High in wartime 1944, served in the Navy, and afterwards worked with his brother Al in building a very successful crane and rigging business in South Boston. That is a spare biographical sketch, and only a small part of the Jack Shaughnessy the city of Boston came to know.
The year’s most indelible images, memories and emotions for the city — and certainly for Dorchester at-large— are connected to the April 15th terror attack on spectators and participants at the Boston Marathon. The bombings killed three and wounded hundreds more and the aftershocks of the two devices rippled across the nation and globe.