Two Years Before the Mast
Francis O’Neill is remembered for his huge contribution to Irish music while Chicago police chief at the turn of the last century. But not many know about his life at Read More …
The Kid On The Mountain
If you drive about ten minutes outside Bantry, you might come upon a solitary flute player in a quiet glen, surrounded by the foothills of the Kerry mountains. It’s Chief Read More …
Chief O’Neill: The Movie
This blog is delighted to announce the forthcoming movie adaptation of Chief O’Neill. Cork native John Crowley (Brooklyn, Intermission) is to direct. Cillian Murphy, also a native of County Cork, Read More …
Saint Patrick’s Day
What would Chief O’Neill have made of some of the more outrageous aspects of modern Saint Patrick’s day? I remember, as a teenager in the 1980s, visiting downtown Chicago to Read More …
Chief O’Neill: The Book, Coming This Summer
UPDATE: Due to Covid-19, publication has been delayed until May 2021. Walsh Whiskey, based in Carlow, produce a fine single malt whiskey called Writers’ Tears. It is my favourite tipple Read More …
East At Glendart
Nineteenth century figures who came from the Far West and loved the Far East.
The Green Fields Of America
The story of Chief O’Neill owes a great debt to his great-granddaughter Mary Lesch. It was Mary who followed through on family stories and hunted down her famous ancestor’s unpublished Read More …
The New Policeman
The story of O’Neill as a new policeman is described in my book Chief O’Neill. I am pleased to announce that the relevant section is excerpted in the latest issue of the Celtic Junction Arts Review which you can read here: https://celticjunction.org/cjac/arts-review/#policeman
The Grassy Green Pillow
On a recent visit to West Cork, I had the fortune to properly explore Tralibane and the surrounding area. I was bowled over by the hospitality of the people there, Read More …
Bantry Chief O’Neill Festival 2019
Bantry is a beautiful town in West Cork, not too far from Tralibane where Francis O’Neill was born. This year’s 2019 Chief O’Neill festival kicks off tomorrow (September 6) in Read More …