February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
We are indeed proud of the fact that the Irish Echo has served the Irish community in America for three quarters of a century. But more than that.
We are acutely conscious of the pivotal role that the Irish have played in forging this great nation over many decades. We’ve seen it happen, we’ve reported it in detail since our very first issue in 1928.
When Echo founder Charlie Connolly saw the first issue off the presses he was doubtless conscious of the fact that the newspaper business is not for the faint of heart.
But as luck would have it, the Monaghan man’s timing was very near perfect.
Ireland was still emerging from the trauma of war even as Irish America was reaching the point where it could imagine one of its own in every top office in the land, even the presidency.
During the years that would lead up to the election of President Kennedy, the Echo was a window through which newly arrived immigrants from Ireland could better understand their new world.
It was also a means by which Irish Americans could learn about the island their forefathers and mothers had once called home.
The paper’s role as a bridge between Ireland and America drew into its offices a cast of characters and personalities that would result in a paper that was able to radiate a sense of consistency and permanency, even as it went through the many changes in form and appearance that are the inevitable lot of a newspaper.
Seventy five years ago, the Echo was delivered into the hands of eager readers by horse and cart. These days, readers must do a little legwork of their own, or none at all if the internet is their preferred option.
No matter how they read the Echo, they can be assured that the product in their hands, or at their fingertips, is of the highest quality, though never so complacent about itself that it doesn’t strive each and every week to be even better.
A hallmark of the Echo’s stability has been the very small number of owners and publishers. Charlie Connolly was followed by three members of the Grimes family, Patrick, John and Claire, and now myself. I am in excellent company.
All those who have contributed in so many ways, big and small, to the Echo over the years are too numerous to mention here. But all of them can claim their share of a great and continuing story.
The Atlantic may seem smaller these days but the world is ever more complex. How the Irish fare in it, no matter where they call home, will continue to draw us together in that sense of oneness that is most exemplified by reading the same newspaper, be it in New York, Boston, Belfast or Dublin.
The Irish Echo is celebrating many yesterdays, but all the while looking ahead to our many tomorrows. We sincerely hope, indeed we invite you, to be with us every issue along the way.
Sean Finlay, President and Publisher.