| Letters  George
Carlin Interview
If the Pulitzer Prize committee were ever to award a prize for the art
of the interview it should go pronto to T.J. English. His George Carlin
interview (June/July issue) was masterly, almost like a piece of music
where the conductor knows what to get from an orchestra. George Carlin
is complex, volatile, brilliant but T.J. knew what to ask, how to ask
it, when to back off. Again, Masterly.
Frank McCourt
Received by E-mail
Father Duffy Square
The June/July issue of Irish America brought back memories of years ago,
especially when I read about the refurbishment of Duffy Square and the
article “Back from Iraq.”
In 1981 after learning of the circumstances of Duffy Square and the Father
Duffy Statue from a New York newspaper, I was moved to contact the office
of Mayor Koch. I received a reply through the Department of City Planning
promising that “The area known today as Duffy Square will retain
that name, but will be refurbished with an expenditure of several million
dollars to make it a more attractive setting for both the statue and visitors
to Times Square.”
From your article by Bridget English it appears that after a period of
25 plus years of climbing this mountain, we are at last seeing movement
in a positive direction. With the assistance of the Coalition for Father
Duffy and its partners, Theater Development Fund (TDF) and the Times Square
Alliance in cooperation with the City of New York, Father Duffy Square
will be redeveloped.
As a former member of
the Rainbow Division (42nd Infantry Division) in WWII, my interest in
Duffy Square is personal. Father Duffy, Wild Bill Donovan and General
of the Army Douglas MacArthur made a great impression on me, a youth in
high school, about to enter the fray of WWII.
When I reached the age of 18, I had the privilege of being assigned to
the re-activated Rainbow Division. On July 14, 1943 (the anniversary of
the Battle of the Champagne), at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, the Fighting 69th
Infantry Veterans (165th Infantry), along with their fellow Rainbow Veterans,
passed the torch of sacrifice and dedication to my generation.
Father Francis P. Duffy and the Fighting 69th meant a great deal to us,
and the passing of the colors to the WWII Rainbow sealed the Rainbow magic.
Over the years it has been my pleasure to share the Rainbow Reunions with
these men of the Fighting 69th and Rainbow Division. On July 14, 1973
at Orlando, Florida, the Father Duffy Chapter of the Rainbow Division
Veterans presented me a copy of The Father Duffy Story. Of course, this
was the highlight of my reunion at Orlando. I have had it rebound again.
During that reunion I also garnered some signatures of those personnel
that were there from the Fighting 69th. A great experience in 1943 and
1973.
I extend my personal appreciation as a former member of the Rainbow Division
to all who have any input into the restoration of Duffy Square and Father
Duffy Statue. All this is to be done as only New York can do it. To the
editorial staff of Irish America, thanks to you all for this coverage
of these circumstances.
James V. McNicol
Formerly 222nd Infantry
42nd Infantry
Newell, West Virginia  Flatley Is Back!
He’s back! After two issues with (apparently) no mention, you have
once again found a need to include a reference to Michael Flatley (Quote
Unquote, June/July, pg. 29). Why his almost every thought seems to be
of great importance to you, I haven’t the slightest idea; but if
the “Oily-Chested One” is somehow essential to the Irish-American
experience, then I suppose I have a lot to learn.
Enough, please!
Other than that, thanks for another good issue. It keeps looking better,
and reading better.
John Burnes
Los Angeles, California
Editor’s Note: For those who do care, Michael has a new girlfriend,
Niamh O’Brien, a 32-year-old dancer in his troupe.
Immovable Dates
Re: “The Irish Revolution in America,” June/July, p.62, fourth
to last paragraph: “…Irishmen fighting Irishmen in 1921…”
The chronology: The Truce on July 11, 1921 and the subsequent army conventions
in Dublin led to “Irregulars” occupying the Four Courts and,
with the assassination of Sir Henry Wilson, to the outbreak of hostilities
in June of 1922, not 1921.
A small point. As always, another great issue re: Irish history.
Slan agus beannacht.
Ivan Lennon
Rochester, New York The Dingle Races
We have been subscribers to Irish America for quite some time, and enjoy
it immensely. Please keep up the wonderful articles and information about
the Irish here and back in Ireland. We also enjoy the book and music reviews.
Sharon Ní Chonchúir’s story on the Dingle Races (June/July
issue), was especially interesting. As our family was originally from
Dingle, and we have visited several times, it is close to our hearts.
The understatements and tone of writing were typically Irish, and the
photographs accompanying the piece completed the appeal. Our only wish
is that we could be there to watch the races and mingle with the crowd.
Maybe next year!
Thank you,
Jane and Thomas O’Donoghue
Westfield, Massachusetts Duals Be Wary
A smile crossed my face when I read your Editor’s Note in the Letters
section of June/July assuring us dual citizens that we don’t have
a problem with our dual Irish/U.S citizenship.
However, keeping in mind the bumbling stupidity coming out of Washington,
dual citizens just might find the NSA checking on the phone calls we make/receive.
So, fellow “duals” — careful what you say on the phone.
Still smiling,
Tom McDonough
Cincinnati, Ohio  Moving Statues
Either the defense forces are going in the wrong direction, the onlookers
are looking at O’Connell’s statue, or Jim Larkin is now labeled
as Daniel O’Connell in the picture on page 11 (June/July issue).
What’s up? I can’t but think that James Connolly would be
quite amused.
The best to all.
Jim Lavelle
Received by e-mail
Editor’s Note: Although Ireland is known for its moving statues,
in this case, we
red-facedly admit that the photo was
miscaptioned. The statue in question is of labor leader Jim Larkin.
The Emerald Society’s Helping Hand
As a member of the New Orleans Emerald Society I would like to thank all
of those who helped in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I would especially
like to mention the New York Police Department Emerald Society who, in
cooperation with the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies,
set up a fund to raise money to aid those who have gallantly withstood
the worst possible adversity.
Despite the devastating aftereffects of Katrina, the Irish Channel St.
Patrick’s Day Club kept the tradition alive and held its 59th annual
mass and parade on March 11. The New Orleans Emerald Society — clad
in green kilted uniforms – were honored to march alongside fellow
officers from the NYPD.
The Emerald Society was formed by members of the NYPD on March 16, 1953.
Since then it has spread to other police departments nationwide. The goals
of the society are to help foster Irish heritage and tradition within
its ranks. The New Orleans Emerald Society was formed in 2000 and is composed
of 34 local and federal law enforcement personnel. Its highlights include
hosting the National Convention in 2005. Today, we remain loyal, patriotic
Americans, who will always honor and be proud of our Irish heritage.
George Brennan, USN Ret
Master Chief Gunner’s Mate
Gretna, Louisiana
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