J. Anthony Gaughan Beidh Tú Alright: An Irish Language Journey, by Joe McHugh (Red Stripe Press / Orpen Press, €19.99 / £17.99) This book is an illuminating and eventful account of a Donegal man’s journey through often conflicting aspects of Irish life, culture and language. Everyone , but especially those who are doubtful on the…
On Thursday, April 3 2025, the International Theological Commission published a statement on this anniversary entitled Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour: 1700th Anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025). The statement emphasises that the faith of Nicaea is the faith common to all Christians. “The year 2025 is therefore an invaluable opportunity to…
Swift Blaze of Fire – Olympian, Cleric, Brigadista: the Enigmatic Life of Robert Hilliard, by Lin Rose Clark, (Lilliput Press, €18.95 / £14.95) On February 22 1937, Reverend Robert Hilliard died of his wounds at Castellón, in eastern Spain. It was a singular end to the life of a remarkable Church of Ireland clergyman. There…
I’ve often wondered if ‘Cultural Catholicism’ is better than no Catholicism. It may be more a matter of routine and cultural identity than deep faith, but at least people are arguably, however superficially, on the right track, which may eventually lead them to something deeper. As Doris Day sang: ‘Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps’. This becomes especially…
Killester: From Medieval Manor to Garden Suburb, by Joseph Brady and Ruth McManus, (Four Courts Press for Dublin City Council, €17.95 / £14.95) This book is one in a series being created under the auspices of Dublin City Council entitled ‘Shaping the Suburbs’ – the old city, say within the circle of the two canals, having…
Rathlin, Portrait of an Island and other works by Kenny McKendry, current exhibition at The Gorry Gallery Dublin, 20 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2; contact gorrygallery@icloud.com, or by phone 01-676-319. The offshore islands of Ireland have long exerted a fascination over many Irish people, with their interest being focused on the islands of our wild western coasts.…
This year celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of French composer Maurice Ravel. Born in the Basque country very close to its border with Spain on March 7, 1875, Ravel died in Paris on December 28, 1937. His mother was also Basque with his father coming from Switzerland. The family was culturally rich, with…
Dancing with Time, by José María R. Olaizola SJ (€14.95 / 12.95) When this book first came into my hands, the title brought to mind at once Anthony Powell’s twelve volume novel A Dance to the Music of Time (1951-1975) concerning the continually shifting and ever interacting aspects of the life of a Welsh…
In today’s diverse and scattered media landscape it’s rare to find a programme that everybody is talking about. Adolescence (Netflix) has bucked the trend, with its grim tale of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a female classmate. It’s dark stuff for sure, but relevant considering news stories of children murdering children. We surely have…
Viva la Poesia!, edited by Antonio Spadaro SJ (Edizioni Ares Rome, €18.50); an English language version for the international market is due soon. While the Pope was recovering during his recent stay in hospital yet another new book bearing his name appeared in the book shops of Rome. Entitled Long Live Poetry! it focuses on…
Renata Milán Morales
Brendan O’Regan
Peter Costello