Boston College Irish Scholar Rob Savage Wins Irish Book Award for A Loss of Innocence

Congratulations to history professor and Irish scholar Rob Savage of Boston College, whose book, A Loss of Innocence?: Television and Irish Society, 1960-72, won the prestigious James S. Donnelly Sr. prize for 'Best History or Social Science Book' awarded by the American Conference for Irish Studies.

The book, published by Manchester University Press, examines the evolution of Ireland's national television service in the 1960s and examines how the new medium helped to change the conservative nature of Irish society.

For year round details on Irish culture, history and heritage in greater Boston, visit IrishBoston.org.

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The Boston Celtics : The Story Behind Their Irish Green Theme

Bill Russell played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1959 (This story was updated in March 2024) Many people wonder why the Boston Celtics wear shamrocks on their green uniforms and have a giant leprechaun smoking a cigar as their team logo. And why is the team mascot a guy named Lucky who looks like he stepped out of a box of Lucky Charms? According to the Boston Celtic’s official web site, the name came about in 1946 when owner Walter Brown started the team. He and his public relations guy, Howie McHugh, were throwing out potential nicknames, including the Whirlwinds, Unicorns and Olympics. It was Brown who had the epiphany, saying, “Wait, I’ve got it – the Celtics. The name has a great basketball tradition from the old Original Celtics in New York (1920s). And Boston is full of Irishman. We’ll put them in green uniforms and call them the Boston Celtics.” Red Auerbach , the now legendary coach of the early Celtics, then commissioned his brother Zang, a graphic d...

Boston Mayors of Irish Descent, 1885-2021

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Visit these Public Memorials to John Boyle O'Reilly throughout Massachusetts

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Irish Boston History & Heritage

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