The Irish In America: Long Journey Home
The Irish in America: Long Journey Home is a 6 hour miniseries that chronicles the important role the Irish have played in shaping America. It explores the causes of one of the greatest human migrations in history, and traces the struggles and successes of these millions of immigrants. It has been filmed in Ireland and New York City and distributed by Walt Disney. The soundtrack, by Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains and Elvis Costello won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1999, and features music from some of Ireland’s leading talents, including Elvis Costello, Sinéad O’Connor, Van Morrison, and the Chieftains.
Episodes
“The Great Hunger” chronicles life in Ireland up to the Great Potato Famine of 1845, which caused the death of an estimated million and triggered mass emigration. Narrated by Michael Murphy.
The second chapter begins after 1845 and looks at how the Catholic Church helped make the Irish "a respectable people." Also, there are profiles of prominent Irish-Americans like boxer John L. Sullivan and millionaire miner John Mackey.
Part 3 celebrates Irish-American politicians Alfred E. Smith, who ran for the Oval Office in 1928, and President John F. Kennedy. Also included is a sketch of playwright Eugene O'Neill. Michael Murphy is the narrator.
The final film of the Emmy-winning PBS series tells the story of how, after years of struggling against prejudice, the Irish finally found success and acceptance in America. With a soundtrack by The Chieftains and Elvis Costello.
