That unmistakeably Irish sense of humor, the undeniable Irish work ethic, the emotional tenor of Irish music and dance, a love of education that became the genesis of America's parochial schools, and, of course, a penchant for politics -- these were the foundations of a distinctly Irish America, characteristics that made an indelible mark on the American landscape.
MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU is a nostalgic look back, telling the story of the Irish experience in America using vintage film footage, photos and personal memories, including interviews with original Riverdance star Jean Butler, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes), the late singer Rosemary Clooney, Irish folksinger Tommy Makem and bandleader Paddy Noonan.
Starting out with little more than their faith in God and each other, in scarcely more than a century the Irish had made their way from Ellis Island to the White House, creating an American legacy emblazoned in the American consciousness with John F. Kennedy's inauguration. MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU looks at the Irish experience in America with visits to New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and southern California and examines the roles that family, community and tradition played, and still play, in the transformation of Irish immigrants into Irish Americans.
The Irish-American phenomenon is driven by their ability, in spite of great obstacles, to keep going, to live life to the fullest and to triumph over adversity - qualities that helped them shape a sensibility that remains a strong element of the Irish-American character. As radio host Adrian Flannelly observes in the program, "There's a tremendous satisfaction in knowing that you can be American and Irish at the same time and that has a great ring to it."
The program pulses to music that captures the vitality and pride felt at the best Irish ceilis - popular evenings of music and dancing. MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU keeps alive the values and traditions of the Irish culture in an experience you don't have to be Irish to enjoy.
The program is the third in WLIW New York's series of cultural documentaries, which includes THE ITALIAN AMERICANS and A LAUGH, A TEAR, A MITZVAH.
Underwriters: The O'Sullivan Children Foundation. Producer: WLIW New York. Executive Producer: Roy Hammond. Senior producer/director: Brian Skene. Producers: Leslie McCleave and Susanne Byrnes. Format: CC STEREO.
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