The Irish in New Orleans

In this well-researched volume, historian Dr. Laura D. Kelley tells the colorful, entertaining, and often adventurous history of the Irish in New Orleans. From Bloody O'Reilly in the eighteenth century to the great churches and charitable organizations built by the Irish Famine immigrants in the nineteenth century to the Irish-dominated politics of the twentieth century, and including Irish dance, music, and sports, the author introduces readers to a hitherto untold story of one of America's most historical cities. The book also includes essays by Betsy McGovern recalling her involvement in the city's Irish music scene and Terrence Fitzmorris discussing wakes and funerary practices of the Irish. The lively and readable text is beautifully illustrated with photographs by Carrie Lee Schwartz that convey the continuing vibrancy of the Irish community of the Crescent City.