Irish Immigrants in New York City, 1945-1995

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments The foundations for this book were laid more than ten years ago when I published my ¤rst article about the New Irish. Along the way I have been encouraged, prodded , and inspired by dozens of people and stories. I’d like to acknowledge every one but I’m afraid of omitting as many as I include. So I’d just like to thank anyone who has ever listened to, contributed toward, or commented on any aspect of this work. I could not have ¤nished it alone and am constantly overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of those I’ve encountered in the course of this endeavor. Having said that, I do want to single out certain individuals for special praise. My family deserves the biggest thanks. My husband and children suffered through my distraction, late hours, and Irish anecdotes with good humor and kind words (most of the time). But I think they were relieved when it was ¤nally ¤nished. I love them all. As for scholarly assistance I must recognize all my colleagues at New York University . Dave Reimers worked with me for years, making suggestions and reading drafts. Marion Casey was always ready with a reference, a contact, and, most importantly , her friendship. Hasia Diner read the draft and encouraged me to go forward . Thanks to everyone at Ireland House, in particular Bob Scally and Joe Lee, who read drafts, offered suggestions, and lent moral support. My association with Ireland House also introduced me to my editor, Ralph Carlson, whom I can thank for placing my manuscript with Indiana University Press and for his solid advice and patience. My appreciation extends as well to all the Irish advocacy agencies, church groups, and government programs for their goodwill and graciousness in the face of my endless questions and requests for information. This includes everyone at Project Irish Outreach, the Irish Immigration Reform Movement, the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the Irish Consulate, and the Aisling Center, among many others . Special thanks as well to Kevin Morrissey and the Irish Institute. To all those who participated in my surveys, sat for interviews, or sent me clippings , memoirs, and anecdotes, thank you. Your contributions made it possible to go forward and enriched a history that needed to be recorded. To my parents, sisters and brother, and my in-laws, thank you for your interest and cheerleading over the years. Finally I’d like to recognize two women who inspired me and nudged me to- ward the study of Irish American history. My immigrant grandmother piqued my interest in our family’s past and the study of the Irish in America with her stories about leaving the old country and making a life in America. She never thought that what she did was “historical” or special and never quite got why I was so eager to hear about her past. I cherish the time we spent sharing that past together. This book is for her. I was lucky to know another woman whose work and family life I’ve admired since my years as an undergraduate. Adele Dalsimer was an inspiration and role model for me and hundreds of other students she reached as teacher and director of the Irish studies program at Boston College. She died in 2000 and will be missed by many. So thank you all. The work has been rewarding and the process an education all its own. While the following has been touched by many hands, in the end I take¤nal responsibility for its content and tone. x Acknowledgments Irish Immigrants in New York City, 1945–1995 ...