Jim Smith

1 month ago | irishecho.com | Ray O'Hanlon |Daniel Neely |Jim Smith |Anthony Neeson

For the past 40 years, the Irish of Birmingham, Alabama have taken it to the streets to mark St Patrick's Day. With warnings of extreme weather and tornadoes on the horizon, this year's parade through downtown Birmingham, planned for Saturday 15 March, had to be called off – though the annual gala did go ahead (and sold out). However, to keep the tradition alive, parade linchpin Marty Connors organised a small band of never-say-die supporters to carry the flag for Ireland on a mini-march.

1 month ago | irishecho.com | Jim Smith |Jay Mwamba |Daniel Neely

I've got a real treat in the media yoke for readers this week. “Dan Gurney & Christina Dolphin,” the new album of traditional music performed on flute and button accordion by its namesake musicians, is a captivating collection of instrumental tracks. It’s an album that showcases the exceptional talents of two outstanding artists who have created something truly special and I consider it a must-listen for fans of the pure drop sound.

1 month ago | irishecho.com | Jim Smith |Jay Mwamba |P.J. Cunningham

Despite the best efforts of Councilor Ed Flynn and other city officials to curb the disorderly conduct, excessive drinking, and violence that has marred prior St. Patrick's Day Parades in South Boston, Sunday's parade again resulted in numerous arrests, some which followed assault and battery on police officers.