CURRENT ISSUE:  OCTOBER 2023

Akron Irish: Feel the Power

Akron Irish Powerscourt

When friends ask us about planning a trip to Ireland, Dublin is always at the top of their lists. They ask about the pubs, Trinity, Guinness and th

Akron Irish: Gone to the Dogs

Lisa O'Rourke pic

When Did Dogs Become Domesticated? At what point did this happen for dogs? Primitive man was thinking way more about food and making

Akron Irish: Haunted

By Lisa O’Rourke Shane MacGowan has left us after a long illness. In his case, long illness means that he spent over half of his adult life, with “a year, […]

Akron Irish: Charity’s End

Explore the incredible philanthropic journey of Charles Feeney, an Irish American entrepreneur who co-founded Duty Free Shoppers. Learn about his impactful contributions, including the transformation of the University of Limerick and his role in the Northern Irish Peace Process. Discover the extraordinary story of a man who gave away eight billion dollars, leaving a lasting legacy.

Akron Irish: Say What?

Bobby Sands Mural in Belfast

Explore the impactful book “Say Nothing” by Patrick Radden Keefe, delving into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Uncover the complexity of political motives, personal stories, and the enduring mystery of Jean McConville’s murder. Gain insights into the dynamics that shaped Ireland’s history.

Akron Irish: Naked and Afraid-The Armada Edition

Lisa O’Rourke recounts the harrowing survival story of Captain Francisco de Cuellar, a Spanish Armada captain who found himself shipwrecked and stranded in Ireland in 1591. He endured hardships, encountered English soldiers, and faced perilous situations while wandering naked and afraid. The story sheds light on the challenges he faced and the hospitality he eventually received from the Irish. O’Rourke also reflects on the complexities of historical morality and power struggles during that era.

Akron Irish: Nothing Compares to Sinéad

Sinéad O’Connor, the iconic Irish singer known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and unapologetic activism, has passed away. Her unique ability to embody both old and new Ireland, coupled with her unwavering candor, made her an indelible figure in the country’s cultural and social landscape.

Akron Irish: Working for a Living

By Lisa O’Rourke On a post pandemic road trip a few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves in a concrete sprawl desert. We plodded down a four-lane road, […]

Akron Irish: Secret Surfers

Surfer on a yellow surfboard surfing on waves at Strand Hill Beach in Sligo

Surfing in Ireland? Read how about the latest documentary, Keep It Secret by Irish American Sean Duggan, on how surfing became a sport in Ireland.

Akron Irish: Be Quiet

Akron Irish: Be Quiet By Lisa O’Rourke As longtime students of the Irish language, my fellow language friends and I were over the moon to hear that there was a […]