THE IRISH FACE IN AMERICA profiles a vibrant cross section of Irish Americans and their contributions to every aspect of society. Several well-known figures are included: film stars Martin Sheen, Ed Burns and Bridget Moynahan; Riverdance founder Michael Flatley; television personality and producer Merv Griffin; and pro golfer Mark O'Meara among them. The stories span all ages and walks of life, and capture the richness and heritage of the Irish-American experience in cities as diverse as Boston, Massachusetts; New Orleans, Louisiana; South Bend, Indiana; and O'ahu, Hawaii. Also featured are writers, firefighters, college students, performers, politicians, astronauts, and athletes. Providing a framework for these portraits of Irish-American life are longer essays by mystery writers Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark, T. J. Golway (co-author of The Irish in America), Patricia Harty (editor of IRISH AMERICA magazine), and former Coca-Cola president Don Keough. These insightful essays explore the question of what it is to be an Irish American - a subculture with enormous pride in its heritage, deeply rooted in tradition and culture yet utterly modern and ever changing.