Jay Mwamba
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Articles by Jay Mwamba
Hibernians Welcome Garvaghy Road Decision
The Ancient Order of Hibernians National President Seán Pender has welcomed the decision by the British Secretary of State for the North of Ireland, Chris Bryant, to prohibit the proposed Orange Order march along the Garvaghy Road.
KIRWAN: One of the Best Nights of the Year
The Irish Echo Labor Awards is one of the best nights of the year. Not only does it give you an insight into the Labor movement in America, it offers a glimpse into the soul of the nation itself. At the 2016 Awards I realized for the first time that Donald Trump would win the upcoming presidential election. This occurred when a union leader unequivocally stated that while leadership was sticking with Hillary Clinton, membership was largely pro-Trump.
'An outpouring of joy'
John Walsh got a simple question at the Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast. It came from a woman who’d been pushing a pram that had two small children. “Do you work for the council?” she asked him outside the front of City Hall where various acts, traditional and otherwise, were performing on the main stage that Monday afternoon. “I do work for the council,” said its chief executive. “This is wonderful,” the woman told him.
Lansdowne impress in 12-goal spree
A 12-goal scoring spree over a 48-hour period saw Lansdowne Yonkers advance to the next round of the National Amateur Cup, and record a second victory in the American Premier Soccer League. The blitz began against Osner’s FC, opposition from the United Premier Soccer League [UPSL], who were annihilated 8-1 in an Amateur Cup tie at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers last week Thursday. Lansdowne were all over Osner’s, a Haitian-American side out of Brooklyn, from the first whistle.
WNT ready for semifinal play-off games
Republic of Ireland women’s Head Coach Carla Ward has named a squad of 25 players for the two-legged World Cup semifinal play-off against Kazakhstan. The first leg in on Friday next in Astana with the second leg in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork on Oct. 13. When the draw was made a few months back Kazakhstan were ranked 100th in the world, while the Girls in Green are ranked 21st in the world so we will be hot favorites to progress.
EDITORIAL: Drummed Out
Longtime readers will be well aware of the fact that the Echo has focused not infrequently on the role of Irish Americans in defending the United States, and this from the Revolutionary War years right up to the present day. We are rightly proud of this role. Irish Americans have been in the front lines through time and around the world.
Lansdowne Yonkers improve to win in cup vs. Red Hook
Lansdowne Yonkers cleared another tough hurdle in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, blanking in-form Red Hook FC 3-0 in the second qualifying round at Tibbetts Brook Park last Saturday. Atop the United Premier Soccer League’s [UPSL] American North Conference with seven wins from as many league matches, Red Hook put up a gutsy fight before succumbing to the National Amateur Cup losing finalists.
Parson nabs try record; Irish woman takes over at St. Andrews
Beibhinn Parsons became Ireland’s record try scorer on Sunday as Ireland beat Japan 31-24 in their second game in the WXV Global Series at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The 24-year-old winger from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, got two tries on home soil to bring her test tally to 24 for Ireland, on a day where Ireland just about did enough to edge out a plucky Japanese team. Meanwhile it was a bad weekend at club level as all four Irish provinces lost their opening games in Round One of the URC.
Lansdowne salvage 3-3 draw
Recent signing Edgard Kreye struck late in unrelenting wind and rain at Garfield High School in Garfield, New Jersey, to salvage a 3-3 draw for Lansdowne Yonkers against plucky SC Vistula in the American Premier Soccer League [APSL] last Sunday. The new Bhoy from U.S. amateur champions El Farolito of Californian averted a shock Lansdowne defeat with three minutes of regulation remaining after Vistula had come from behind to lead 3-2 with goals in the 72nd and 77th minutes.
Physicists convert microwaves to light helping quantum computers communicate over optical networks
A layered magnetic semiconductor called CrSBr converted microwave-driven magnetic excitations into coherent optical signals across a bandwidth of about 300 megahertz. The experiment used coupling between magnons and excitons, allowing microwave information to modulate reflected laser light without optical or microwave cavity enhancement.
EDITORIAL: Words Mean Something
Back in 1992, at the Irish American Presidential Forum in Manhattan, Bill Clinton would utter words that would reverberate over time, into his presidency, and beyond it. Clinton did not utter words supporting a united Ireland. But he did say things that would turn America's eye towards Ireland in a manner that had never been seen before. So, a question. Has President Trump turned America's eye again with his words in Ireland last weekend that quite clearly stated his support for Irish unity?
Good to get back to the USA
Rosie Timmon is returning to her home away from home. And no sooner will she have landed in New York City than lovers of great music will get to experience her live on stage as the guest star at the Rockaway Craic Fest, which happens this Saturday, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Connolly’s Rockaway Beach on Beach 95th. “I’m excited to get back,” said the Dublin-born singer-songwriter after a year in Australia. “It was nice to get a change of scenery for a while,” she said. “My sister is in Perth.
Lansdowne Yonkers beat old rivals NYAC in cup
Captain Seamus Keogh curled in an 86th minute free-kick to edge Lansdowne Yonkers past old rivals New York Athletic Club [NYAC] 1-0 in the first round of the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers last Saturday. The match was the Bhoys’ first outing since their 3-1 extra time loss to California’s El Farolito in the Fritz Marth National Amateur Cup final in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last July.
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.
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.
Trailblazer Taylor bows out with Croke Park win
She began her fistic career posing as a boy at a time when women’s boxing was restricted in Ireland. Last Saturday, Katie Taylor drew more than 82,000 fans to Dublin’s Croke Park for the final bout of a trailblazing career as one of the greatest female boxers in history. The 40-year-old U.S.-based Bray native put on another clinic to outclass previously unbeaten Frenchwoman Flora Pili over 10 rounds.
LETTERS: The Time is Now
Editor: Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently remarked that he “goes bananas” when members of his own party raise the question of a Border poll. But perhaps the more important question is why an Irish Taoiseach should be so frustrated by discussion of a democratic mechanism explicitly provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. The problem is larger than one unfortunate phrase.
EDIITORIAL: Andy Burnham's Table Talk
Not for the first time has a British prime minister put his foot in it when Northern Ireland is under the foot. Andy Burnham, visiting the North, informed one and all that a referendum on Irish unity was "off the table." Whose table? There are many tables in Irish politics; in British politics too. The unity question might not be on a table, literally or figuratively. But it's part of the political furniture whether Burnham likes it or not.
Ireland win gold & silver medals in world rowing championships
On Sunday Ireland claimed two silver medals on the final day of the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam with Fiona Murtagh shining in the single sculls, and Mags Cremen returning to the podium alongside Konan Pazzaia in the mixed double sculls. On Friday Cremen and Zoe Hyde took gold in the women’s double sculls final and Team Ireland.
McKenna vows 'war mentality'
When the final bell sounds, Saturday’s historic Croke Park event card may wistfully be remembered as Katie Taylor’s swan song after a glorious ring career. But for another veteran on the card, there are hopes of a new beginning. Tyrone “The Mighty Celt’”McKenna, who at age 36 is nine years Paddy Donovan’s senior, is promising an “all-out war” and lots of blood when he meets ‘The Real Deal’ in the 10-round co-feature to Taylor’s retirement fight with unbeaten Frenchwoman Flora Pili [12-0, 2 KOs].
Ireland's largest lake under threat
Lough Neagh is one of Ireland’s great natural wonders. Covering nearly 400 square kilometers, it is the largest freshwater lake in Ireland and Britain and supplies about 40 percent of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. But for me, its importance is also deeply personal. For generations, my ancestors lived along its shores, fishing for the eels, pollan, perch, bream, trout and pike that thrived in its murky waters. When I returned recently, however, the Lough I remembered was difficult to recognize.
GAA big likes soccer friendlies
Following the success of the recent friendly at Croke Park between Manchester United and Leeds United, Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna says he would like to see a game between EPL clubs become a regular event to boost GAA revenue. Security concerns saw the capacity reduced from 82,000 to 75,000 for the Manchester-Leeds game, but a reduced capacity might not be a problem between clubs who don’t have intense rivalry issues.
Donovan takes risk 'to stay active'
Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan, the International Boxing Federation’s ([BF] #1 welterweight contender, isn’t concerned about risking his mandatory challenger position when he faces veteran Tyrone “The Mighty Celt” McKenna [25-6-1, 8 KOs] on a historic card at Croke Park in Dublin on Sept. 5. Headlining the show billed “Once Upon a Time,” is women’s prizefighting icon Katie Taylor in her farewell fight.
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.
McKenna, Ward, Walsh all win at Dublin's 3Arena
World-ranked Cork middleweight “King” Callum Walsh got the action-packed encounter he had expected en route to a 10-round unanimous points decision over former European champion Tyler Denny at Dublin’s 3Arena last weekend. The non-title contest was the co-feature to Aaron McKenna’s IBF world championship victory over Etinosa Oliha in the same weight division.
Cork have edge in senior Camogie final vs. Galway
It has been a great year for Gaelic games, Limerick hurlers showing us just how skillful and resilient they are and Mayo easing 75 years of pain by bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to Castlebar and various other towns in the county for the first time since 1951. Us old timers long for a return to September for the finals, but judging by how popular the GAA is right now, if the All-Ireland finals were played on New Year’s Day or Good Friday, Croke Park would be full.
Walsh vows to press at 3Arena
Fighting on home soil for the first time in two years, world-ranked middleweight “King” Callum Walsh is promising an action-packed encounter with fellow southpaw and former European champion Tyler Denny in their scheduled 10-rounder at Dublin’s 3Arena this Saturday.
Final Ovation
Final Ovation News August 06, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Photo of the Day: People applauding as the coffin of Oscar winning actress Brenda Fricker is carried from Saint Catherine's Church, Meath Street in Dublin today. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
Trump Teeing Up September Irish Visit
President Donald Trump is reportedly set to visit Ireland next month. A central part of the visit will be a stop at the Irish Open golf tournament at Trump's own Doonbeg course in County Clare. The Open will be played Thursday to Sunday September 10-13. RTÉ reported that it "understands the visit - which will involve a significant security presence due to the likelihood of protests - will take place over at least two days, with Mr Trump flying into Ireland on 12 September.
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.
Tipperary Mountain on Fire
Tipperary Mountain on Fire News July 22, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: A wildfire that is burning across Slievenamon in County Tipperary has split into three separate fires and has moved into forests in the area. Firefighters, supported by the Air Corps and Coillte, the Irish forestry agency, are continuing efforts to contain the blaze while residents downwind have been advised to keep windows and doors closed. The public has been asked to avoid the area.
New North Secretary
Chris Bryant is the newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary of State. The Welsh-born Bryant was appointed to the post by the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office at the beginning of this week. Labour's Bryant is the eighth North Secretary to follow in the wake of Conservative Theresa Villiers who vacated the position in July, 2016. He succeeded Hilary Benn who occupied the post for two years up until this week.
Boost to sister city link-up as Boston airport chief jets in
BELFAST-Boston links will receive a welcome a fillip next month when the CEO of Massport — the Massachusetts Port Authority - visits Belfast with his top team. And Rich Davey, who is among the most-admired figures in the US transport sector, says he's delighted is visit is taking place during the mammoth All-Ireland Fleadh and West Belfast Féile celebrations. “It’s a joy to visit our sister city of Belfast during such an exciting time,” said Boston-based Rich.
Art of the headline evolves
“Messi is old, short and slow. How is he still dominating at the World Cup?” This is the headline to a recent piece from The Conversation website, the tagline of which is “Academic Rigor, Journalistic Flair.” In these digital days, an introductory line or extended subhead is often the new headline. Full sentences and periods can be used.
Yonkers fly out for semi
On the heels of a dramatic FIFA World Cup, Lansdowne Yonkers seek their own glory as they fly out to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in search of a third USASA National Amateur Cup this weekend. USASA national champions in 2017 and 2021, the Bhoys play the Tar Devils SC from North Carolina in Saturday’s first semi-final, 10 a.m. at Uihlein Soccer Park. In the second semi-final at 4 p.m. at the same venue, Chicago House AC out of Illinois takes on California’s El Farolito.
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.
Researchers define new frontier in quantum materials
Exciton–magnetism coupling and tunability in 2D vdW magnets. Credit: Nature Materials (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-026-02636-0 Researchers at City College of New York physicist Vinod M. Menon's Laboratory for Nano and Micro Photonics (LaNMP) have outlined an emerging frontier in quantum materials: atomically thin systems in which light, magnetism and electric charge are strongly intertwined.
FDNY boxers raise $80k
With local Irish amateurs Tim Egan and Declan Friel on the card, the Fire Department of New York [FDNY] boxing club raised $80,000 for charity at its10th annual “Thrilla in Camilla” show at St. Camillus Church in Rockaway Beach, Queens. The event, under open skies, included eight FDNY pugilists against opponents from various clubs in the New York.
Marking The Day Independence Came To New York
News, even big news, moved a little slower in those days. America's independence was declared on July 4th 1776. It would take five days for that standout headline to make it to New York City, a hundred miles or so from Philadelphia. So, this Thursday, July 9, New Yorkers will gather in Lower Manhattan to commemorate the most important days in the city’s history: July 9, 1776, the day word of independence reached New York City, and the Declaration of Independence was read aloud.
Tour de Kerry
Tour de Kerry News July 08, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: No, not the Tour de France but the Ring of Kerry Charity Challenge with these riders at the top of Molls Gap on their way to the finish line in Killarney. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
Once more before the summer
It was a warm June night, and the sun was still shining when we arrived on June 10 at Slainte in Oakland, Calif., for the Irish-American Writers and Artists salon. First up and a first for our West Coast salon was the hilarious and elegant magician Magic Genii, who regaled us with illusions and card tricks, that did not always work but made for more laughter. Magic Genii just celebrated her 25th anniversary as an illusionist here in the Bay Area. Marcia B.
Happy Fourth and 250th
Happy Fourth and 250th July 02, 2026 by Irish Echo Staff Pic of Day: The cover of this week's Echo is a tribute to all who battled for America's independence 250 years ago. The Echo office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the holiday. The office will reopen on Monday, July 6. We wish all our readers and advertisers a happy and peaceful July 4th.
AOH Honors Immigration Champion Collins
The Ancient Order of Hibernians has bestowed a prestigious National Immigration Award upon former New York Supreme Court Justice John Collins, honoring his historic role as National Chairman of the American Irish Immigration Committee, when he led the fight against the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which, according to an AOH release, "devastated legal Irish immigration." The award, signed by AOH National President Sean Pender, was presented on June 24th at an event at the Heritage...
BUA wins 2 at FDNY 'Thrilla'
BUA Boxing duo Timmy Egan and Declan Friel were both victorious last Friday on the 10th edition of FDNY’s “Thrilla in Camilla” card at St. Camillus Church in Rockaway Beach, Queens. Egan outpointed Bronx firefighter Oliver Patrouch in their 165-pound scrap while Friel recorded his first amateur win with a commanding performance over emergency medical technician Patrick McKeown in the 158-pound division. “Yeah, the two boys done well.
'A Quiet Love' for Craic LGBT Film Fest at NY Irish Center
Craic LGBT Film Fest is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, and will be hosted in partnership with the New York Irish Center, which is the venue. The Film Fest will feature “A Quiet Love (An Grá Ciúin),” directed by Gary Keane, which is Ireland’s first feature documentary told entirely through Irish Sign Language.
Duff joins Andrews at Brentford
Damien Duff surprised a lot of people last week when he was confirmed as assistant manager to Keith Andrews at Premier League club Brentford. The 47-year-old Dublin, who won 100 Irish caps, has been out of the game since quitting as manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne 12 months ago. The previous season Duff managed Shels to win the League of Ireland Premier Division for the first time in 18 years.
Cork Louth advance to last 8
Cork, Galway, Louth and Tyrone have emerged as the winners of Round 2A and advanced as seeds in the All Ireland quarter finals to be played on the weekend of June 27/28. Meanwhile, eight teams will vie in Round 3 next weekend for the other four spots in those quarter finals.
Eagleson joins LV-based Zuffa
Continuing its acquisition of Irish talent, Las Vegas-based Zuffa Boxing has signed amateur featherweight standout Dylan Eagleson to a long-term promotional agreement. The southpaw out of Bangor, Northern Ireland, is scheduled to make his professional debut in a six-round bout on August 8 at Dublin’s 3Arena, against an opponent to be named.
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