By Ray O’Hanlon
A "Museum of Irish America" in the nation’s capital? The plan is being seriously studied by the New Jersey-based Irish American Cultural Institute.
Former Emerald Isle Immigration Center director Carolyn Ryan is spearheading the institute’s efforts to make the museum a reality.
Ryan has recently been appointed the IACI’s special projects director.
According to the institute, the museum project "aims to recognize the significant contributions of the Irish to the rich fabric of the United States."
John Walsh, president and CEO of the IACI, said the institute was delighted to have Ryan in charge of the feasibility study.
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"We believe her knowledge and skills, combined with her energy and enthusiasm, will help lift the Museum for Irish America off the drawing board and make it a reality," he said.
Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, Sean O’Huiginn, said he welcomed Ryan’s appointment and wished her every success in her mission.
"The outstanding contribution made by people of Irish heritage of all traditions in the United States means that such a museum would commemorate a truly important strand in the history of both countries," the ambassador said.
Fenians on hold
Lawyers for Celtic rapper Chris Byrne are awaiting a decision by a Manhattan federal judge on whether to hear Byrne’s libel case against the British Broadcasting Association on U.S. soil.
The BBC has filed a motion with the court backing its argument that the $5 million libel suit brought by Byrne should be heard in a British court.
"The decision is expected any day. I think the judge will deny the motion," said Byrne’s attorney, Russell Smith.
"I don’t think the judge will buy the BBC’s argument that it will be seriously inconvenienced by having to come to New York to contest the case."
Byrne, who also goes by the stage name Seanchaí, brought his suit earlier this year after a portion of his rap song "Fenians" was used on a BBC television documentary on the recently concluded Florida gun-running trial.
The suit alleges violation of U.S. and international copyright law but also includes a number of allegations against the BBC by Byrne, whose music has long reflected his republican views about Ireland.
Chicago rally
The group Chicago Irish Immigrant Support is urging Chicago’s Irish community to lend its weight to a rally this weekend in support of undocumented immigrants in the city. The rally is set for downtown Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 23.
"We hope the rally will put the politicians here on notice about the plight of the undocumented," said Maureen O’Looney of CIIS.
The group believes that there are several thousand undocumented Irish in the Chicago area and is supporting a nationwide campaign that would grant amnesty to the undocumented of all nationalities.
Chicago Famine memorial
The Chicago-based An Gorta Mor Commemoration and Education Committee has received a $10,000 grant for the erection of the proposed Chicago Irish Memorial.
The donation has been pledged by State Senator Walter Dudycz, a Republican from the 7th District.
Sen. Dudycz is urging all other Chicago elected representatives to donate to the Irish Memorial fund.
Dudycz handed over his check to the An Gorta Mor committee at a recent meeting.
An Gorta Mor is planning a "Mass of Recognition and Remembrance for the Irish Hunger Martyrs" on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, 720 N. State St.
The Emerald Society of Illinois Pipes and Drums will perform at the Mass as will the Irish American Heritage Center Choir and the Irish Academy of Music. A food drive will be conducted in conjunction with the Mass with proceeds being donated to Catholic Charities of Chicago.
More information is available at the An Gorta Mor website, www.irishfamine.com, or by calling (773) 775-1514 or (847) 255-1144, ext. 16.