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Articles by Daniel Neely
Four Mourned After Waterford Arson Attack
A priest has told mourners that an “act of total evil” was responsible for the deaths of Kim and Phillip English and their sons Callum (12) and Jayden (nine). The young family died last week in an arson attack on their Birchwood Estate home just outside Waterford city. Two other children, aged 14 and six, remain in a critical condition in hospital. Two people appeared in court on Saturday charged in connection with the attack on the family home.
Dennis J. Schock named Irishman of the Year
The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies (GCUES) has named Dennis J. Schock, President of the United Sanitationmen’s Association Local 831, as its 2027 Irishman of the Year. Dennis Schock, born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to Robert E. Schock and Mary Schock, both of proud Irish descent, began his family's American journey in 1890 when his paternal grandparents emigrated from Kilkenny, Ireland. They initially settled in Bangor, Maine, before establishing their roots in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Yeates has storyteller’s sensibility
I want to start this week with the major news that Aidan Connolly will step down as executive director of New York’s Irish Arts Center. For 20 years, Connolly has been a leading voice in New York’s cultural life, making bold programming choices and bringing the community a beautiful, state-of-the-art building that has become an important home for Irish arts in the city.
EDITORIAL: Saints and Sailors
We have just marked another Columbus Day. Also Indigenous Peoples' Day - though only the Columbus part of the day is an official federal holiday. And, as is the case just about every year, there is attention paid to the matter of who from Europe first discovered what would become known as The New World. The Washington Post and the BBC, to name but two, carried Columbus Day stories focused on Leif Erikson, the Norwegian Viking who, in the Post account, voyaged to present-day Canada.
Brilliance with touch of grit
This week, Irish Arts Center is hosting two “ITMA: Drawing from the Well” concerts.
GERRY ADAMS: The message is a very simple one: No. Going. Back.
AS I write this column the situation on the Garvaghy Road is no closer to resolution. The Orange Order wants to walk through a nationalist community. The residents say no. Outside of political unionism there has been widespread anger and shock at the decision of the Parades Commission to make a determination to facilitate that march. In July the Commission had said no to a march. What changed? If it was wrong for the Orange to march in July, or for the past 28 years, why is it okay in September?
Lawyers Walk
Pic of Day: Criminal defense solicitors, supported by criminal law barristers, stepped up their protest today over the new legal aid fee structure for Irish trial courts which hear the most serious criminal cases in the State. Photo shows the protesters after walking out and standing on the steps of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie. This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
Staten Island Remembrance
Pic of Day: Attending last Sunday's commemoration of Famine era immigrants on Staten Island were (front left) Mike Cusick, President and CEO of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, NY State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick behind him, NY State Senator Brian Kavanagh (front right) and behind him NY State Assemblyman Charles Fall representing Staten Island. This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
Aisling Center Will Celebrate 30 Years
The Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center in Yonkers will mark its 30th anniversary at its annual dinner dance on Friday, September 25 at Mulino’s at Lake Isle in Eastchester. This year’s event, according to a release, will honor Peter Connolly, Jr. of the Yonkers Fire Department, Pauline M. Galvin, Esq., the current City of Yonkers Civil Service Commissioner and accomplished attorney-at-law, and John Keegan, the Immediate Past President of the Emerald Guild Society.
McEntee in NY
Pic of Day: Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, is in New York this week and during the gathering of nations for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. She is pictured here speaking at a reception at the Irish Consulate on Monday evening. Full report in this week's print/digital edition of the Echo. Photo by Nuala Purcell. This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
Great story via outstanding music
In the media yoke this week I have “The Sligo Fiddle Playing of John Frank Vesey: I Would Know it is You.” A two-CD collection of tracks recorded over decades that captures the playing of a great Philadelphia-based fiddler from Sligo at his best, it tells a great story through some truly outstanding music. Vesey is a fabulously interesting yet sometimes under-recognized fiddle player who was was born into a musical family in Ballincurry, Co. Sligo in 1924.
Sensational Shane
Sensational Shane News September 14, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: An exultant Shane Lowry raises the Amgen Irish Open golf trophy after his extraordinary triumph Sunday in the tournament held at the Trump Ireland Doonbeg course in Count Clare. Lowry, winless for the past four years, ran away with the tournament eventually winning by an extraordinary margin of 11 strokes over second place finisher Patrick Reed of the United States. Inpho photo/Dan Clohessy.
Keenan was one of the greats
I want to start this week by acknowledging Siobhán Long, traditional music writer and my counterpart over at the Irish Times, who I understand has retired. Long has for decades written with a voice that’s carried real weight.
LETTERS: Honor The People
Editor: President Trump arrives in Doonbeg, County Clare this weekend for a golf holiday, anticipating TV cameras and newsreels following his every move. I so wish we could just ignore him and instead honour the people whose legacies he has trampled all over in his few short years in office. The MMR vaccine is in the news because Trump wants to separate the vaccines and give one measles, one mumps, then one rubella, all at separate visits. Missing from his message is the voice of children.
EDITORIAL: 25 Years
We will hear the line again and again in the coming days. I can't believe it has been 25 years. But it has been a quarter of a century since the peace of a peach of a late summer day was shattered by a barbarous attack on New York City, the Pentagon, and in the blue sky over Pennsylvania. This Friday, September 11, America and much of the world will remember September 11 2001, a day that will truly, and to borrow from FDR, live in infamy.
LETTERS: Time for Compassion
Editor: At the end of last year, the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan astonishingly voted against legislation that aimed to ban fox hunting and save our native wild dogs from horrendous cruelty and death. Meanwhile, a Bill to ban hare coursing was overwhelmingly defeated in the Dáil on July 8 by 125 votes to 24. Minister O’Sullivan, whose department disgracefully enables coursing by issuing hare capture licences, is abundantly aware of the associated suffering.
Cherish the Ladies to get Gradam award on Sunday
I have bits and bobs this week about Cherish the Ladies, the Irish Tenor Banjo Summit in Baltimore, Solas and the Prodigals. Lots out there touch on, really, as summer starts to come to end and we begin to settle into the Fall! First off, a huge, hearty congratulations to Cherish the Ladies, who will receive the “Grúpa Ceoil / Music Group” award at this year’s upcoming Gradam Ceoil TG4 ceremony.
Hudson Valley Irish Fest Returns
The Hudson Valley Irish Fest will return for its 17th annual gathering on Saturday, September 19 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York. The popular festival is staged at the Riverfront Green Park on the banks of the Hudson River and will run from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Fest will once again bring together the very best of Irish music, culture, heritage, and community in a family-friendly celebration and the wide array of acts will include returning performers as well as new ones.
Searching for Ceramics in South Kerry
The directions to Fermoyle Pottery in Ballinskelligs, South Kerry, were vague at best. I read that it was “hidden up a narrow laneway just off the Cahirsiveen Road”; someone else told me, “It’s not too far from the main R567 Skellig Ring Road”; and a charming woman out walking her dog suggested I go to the chocolate factory (Skelligs Chocolate, St. Finian’s Bay, The Glen), inquire there, “and don’t forget there’s free chocolate tasting.” Perfect. Thanks.
Vallely's death a major loss
The world of traditional music was shaken this week with news of the passing of Eithne Vallely. A remarkable figure in Irish music, she was a musician and educator who for over 60 years served the Armagh community and contributed to traditional music’s betterment. Her death is a major loss. Vallely, née Ní Chiardha, was originally from Lifford, Co. Donegal. She grew up with musicians on both sides of her family and first learned her tunes on the whistle as a schoolgirl.
Timely Grant for Chicago Gaelic Park
Chicago Gaelic Park has received a $5,000 Local Tourism Grant from Visit Chicago Southland to promote Irish Fest which takes place this coming weekend August 21-23, at Chicago Gaelic Park 6119 W. 147th St. Oak Forest. The $5,000 grant will be used to promote Irish Fest in various publications throughout the midwest. The Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest, said a release, annually draws 15,000 visitors to Oak Forest and the Chicago Southland region.
Golden Girl
Golden Girl News August 17, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: Newly minted European Championship Heptathlon Gold Medal winner Kate O’Connor arrived back at Dublin Airport Monday. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie.
Into the West with no plan
Will had some money because he worked the devil shifts at a chemical plant. He made mud for 12 hours, four days a week. Mud that was used as lubricant for massive machinery as I understood it. They manufactured paint also. Stuff that makes the world turn like a color wheel of capitalism and a progress that seems to deplete us. I was on the dole and in a crap rock band and writing nonsense.
Milwaukee hosts school & festival
Hello, everyone! Writing to you this week from Milwaukee, Wisc., where I’ve been all week, taking part in CelticMKE’s Summer School and Milwaukee Irish Fest. My first time here, I was invited to give several lectures and to perform the music of the Flanagan Brothers in a group that includes Diarmuid Ó Meachair (melodeon) and Brendan Dolan (piano).
Pomplas's latest is bold step
First off congratulations to everyone who went over to Belfast to compete in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann! At the time of writing the Fleadh had not yet officially ended nor had I seen a list of winners, so I’ll wait until next week to give individual congratulations. However, I’ve heard nothing but good things from the Fleadh-bound. Belfast has proven itself a brilliant host city and it seems a good time was had by all. I’ll look forward to hearing more news over the course of the week.
GAA to continue Allianz sponsorship
The GAA confirmed on Saturday that they will continue its sponsorship deal with Allianz after Central Council and the Management Committee ‘‘overwhelmingly agreed’’ to maintain the partnership. Last December, the Association received a report from its Ethics and Integrity Commission to maintain the link with the insurance group after a number of county boards passed motions at their county conventions calling for Allianz's removal.
Walsh D'Arcy: legendary activist, educator, social worker, feminist
Kathleen Walsh D'Arcy, a legendary figure in the Irish American community, died on July 18th, in New York City at Memorial Sloan Kettering after a year long battle with cancer. A social worker, feminist, educator, activist, ally of and advocate for NYC's LGBTQIA+ communities, Walsh D'Arcy was 77 years old. She was born in a blizzard on December 9th, 1948, at St. Elizabeth’s hospital in New York City.
Full To Overflowing
Full To Overflowing News August 04, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Photo of the Day: Crowds of people watching the funeral of Glen Hansard on a big screen at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin Tuesday. See full report in this week's Echo print/digital edition. Photo by Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
Galway take All Ireland title
Galway claimed their second women’s All Ireland title, their first in 22 years, in dramatic fashion over Kerry on Sunday. Eva Noone and Leanne Coen were the heroes, with the former getting the winning point and the latter scoring both goals for the Tribeswomen. There was another goal central to the drama, but it was disallowed for Kerry due to a square-ball infringement after a two-point effort fell short and went in off a Galway player.
Coleman '44 session released
Folks, some truly exciting news to announce in the world of traditional music! This past week, the record label Jazzology released “World Recording Sessions 1944,” a hugely important collection featuring the late work of legendary Sligo fiddle player Michael Coleman. Coleman, who is widely considered one of the most important musicians, if not the most important, in Irish music history, recorded just under 100 commercial sides over the course of his life.
Singer Glen Hansard Dies in Dublin Motorcycle Crash
Oscar winning Irish singer/songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a single vehicle motorcycle crash in Dublin. Hansard, 56, first achieved fame as Outspan Foster in the 1991 movie "The Commitments." He also led the band The Frames. He won an Oscar The Dublin-born Hansard died shortly after being involved in what reports have described as "a single-vehicle crash at the Strawberry Beds, Lucan, just before 4.30 a.m. That is in the west of Dublin.
Bohs take 1-0 lead to Kosovo
Shamrock Rovers were the first League of Ireland to play a game in Europe and Dalymount Park was the venue for their 6-0 loss to Manchester United in September 1957. Other League of Ireland clubs also used Dalymount as their home venue for European games and between 1957 and 2012 60 European games were played at the Phibsborough venue. The stadium was allowed fall into disrepair then and when Bohs were in Europe a few seasons back they played their home games at the Aviva.
Reconnecting with N.C. roots
In the media yoke this week is “Rule of Three,” the new album from fiddle player Maura Shawn Scanlin.
Celebrating 250 and Long Held Ties
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, recently joined academic and business leaders at the JFK Library in Boston to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the historic ties and relationship between the U.S. and Ireland. The U.S. is holding many events throughout the year to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding. The event at the JFK Library focused on the contribution and history of friendship with Ireland.
Two Presidents
Two Presidents News July 21, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: Newly elected Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians National President Sandi Swift and re-elected AOH National President Sean Pender pictured in Omaha, Nebraska where last week both organizations held their national conventions. Photo by John O'Connell. Full report in this week's Echo print/digital edition.
Castle Combs
Castle Combs News July 20, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: American country singer Luke Combs performing at Slane Castle in County Meath on Saturday. Photo Ray Keogh via RollingNews.ie.
Smiles all around at 2026 CIAW
I want to start this week by extending a massive, massive congratulations to Amy Schoch on the success of this year’s Catskill Irish Arts Week! In a stunning return to pre-pandemic form, the week she put together in her first year as CIAW director yielded an energy and spirit I’ve not seen for a good while now.
EDITORIAL: In The Spirit of 'Dagger John'
County Tyrone is sometimes referred to as "the hard country." This not in the context of scenery, but in the county's role over the centuries in Ireland's struggle for freedom. John Joseph Hughes was born into this hard soil but in later years found himself standing on even harder ground in the fast growing and rambunctious city of New York. The New York of the 1830s was not a place overly friendly towards Catholics, most especially those freshly arrived from Ireland.
A brilliant career
“Fly Now — Pay Later.” John Minihan liked that concept promoted by Pan Am and so he decided he’d make his first trip to New York, a city that had been in his thoughts since childhood days and nights spent transfixed in the Savoy Cinema in Athy, Co. Kildare. He was back again last week as the honored guest of Irish Arts Center and the government by way of the National Gallery of Ireland, which is exhibiting “Visual Poetry: The Photography of John Minihan” in Dublin through Oct. 11.
Songs rooted in the Revolution
As we all know, 2026 is the year of the semiquincentennial of the United States. Two-hundred and fifty years is a pretty sound achievement, but the occasion gives us reason to remember that the great American experiment was not just rooted in a rebellion that developed into a full-blown revolt, but that the American Revolution has proven itself a decisive time in world history. And as one might expect, the Irish were very much a part of it.
AFL-CIO's Sweeney honored on Field 7
John J. Sweeney, a son of immigrants from County Leitrim, started in the Bronx and rose to the heights of the AFL-CIO presidency, was honored Monday at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Field 7. "Moving beyond traditional memorials, in partnership with City of New York - NYC Parks, Goal 2 Goal is coordinating a community wide clean-up of soccer fields to provide youth with a safe, professional space to grow and compete,” said Victor Mooney of Goal 2 Goal.
GERRY ADAMS: A new plan for 1916 battlefield site is the way forward
THE 1916 Moore Street Battlefield site in the centre of Dublin is a hugely important historical and cultural location whose significance has been ignored by successive Irish governments for over a century. Currently much of the Moore Street terrace and adjoining lanes are under threat of demolition by the London-based developer Hammerson.
Padraig's Hat Trick
Pic of Day: Padraig Harrington notched up a U.S. Senior Open trifecta Sunday by regaining the title he won last year in Colorado. This time the Open was held in Columbus, Ohio. But the change in venue did not change the result, or indeed the top two places because, as was the case last year, the American Stewart Cink placed second behind the Dubliner. It was Harrington's third U.S. Senior Open win.
Star Shines on Clare Cottage Restaurant
Homestead Cottage, a deceptively simple but stunning 200-year-old former stonemason’s cottage in Doolin, Co. Clare, is not your average Irish cottage. While it shares the road (R478) with neat farms, seaside B&Bs, thatch-roofed cottages in various states of disrepair, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Clare Jam Shop (more on that later), Homestead Cottage just happens to hold a Michelin Star, probably the most rural of all the prestigious properties on the list.
Masterpiece from Maine duo
This week I’ve got Caitlin Finley and Will Woodson’s newest album “Once Through the Hall” in the media player. The follow up to their 2019 “The Glory Reel” (with Chris Stevens), “Once…” is a masterpiece of fiddle and uilleann pipes/flute duet playing that I think any lover of pure drop traditional music will enjoy. The music here is brilliantly executed, has superb lift and has the kind of drive that would rouse any dancer to their feet.
Congress Should Not Support Britain Shutting the Door on Truth
Fifty-four years. That is how long the families of the Springhill victims waited for justice. Fifty-four years before a British Prime Minister finally stood in Parliament and apologized for the unlawful killing of innocent civilians, including 13-year-old Margaret Gargan and Father Noel Fitzpatrick.
'Old School' has same energy with added refinement
Shortly after I started on this column in 2012, I wrote about Mick Conneely and David Munnelly’s then-new album “‘Tis What It Is.” It was high energy, and I loved it, the things I said basically echoing the blurb that they’d gotten from comedian Tommy Tiernan, who pithily described the album as “a raucous encounter between chaos and melody.” They’ve done all sorts of stuff since then and it’s always great when these two kindred players get together and with “Old School,” their newest release,...
Starmer Resigns
Pic of Day: Then Taoiseach Simon Harris and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a meeting with Irish business leaders at Farmleigh House, Dublin on September 7, 2024. Starmer, at the time, was seeking to "reset" relations with Ireland as he would also do with the rest of Europe during his term of office. That term has now ended with Starmer today announcing his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the British Labour Party. Full report in this week's print/digital edition of the Echo.
Peter Street impresses with auspicious debut
In the media player this week is the eponymous debut album from the band Peter Street, which is a great thing to have in it. Featuring four young, astonishingly good musicians who play with poise, power and great lift, it is an outstanding effort and an auspicious debut from a group that traditional music fans will definitely want to have on their radar.
Big Stakes Big Success
Big Stakes Big Success News June 08, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: New York State AOH President Tom Beirne speaks to the AOH Westchester County Board's Big Stakes Day on Saturday in Sleepy Hollow. The gathering, with over 60 attendees, is being hailed as a great success.
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