'The Making of an Irish-American Princess': A lecture on Grace Kelly
Irish author, Patrick O'Sullivan gives an in-person talk at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco, on the Irish socio-economic state and the trail blazers who made her 'fairy tale' romance possible.
In "This Side of Paradise," F. Scott Fitzgerald, still only 23, wrote that Amory Blaine, modelled on Fitzgerald himself, 'suspected that being Irish was being somewhat common.' Fitzgerald's Irish heritage, and lack of independent wealth, manifested itself in an inferiority complex and feeling like a parvenu in Anglo-Saxon American society. The novel was published in 1920, just nine years before the birth of Grace Patricia Kelly. Fortunately for the young Grace, with her 'common' heritage, many would devote their lives to the elevation of the Irish race in America.
Join author Patrick O'Sullivan Greene (award-winning former equity analyst), on Wednesday 24th January 2024 at 7pm for a fascinating look at the Heritage that brought the principality so close to the hearts of the Irish, and vice-versa. His lecture, entitled 'Revolution to Royalty - The making of an Irish American Princess', weaves the experiences of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judge Daniel F. Cohalan and Jack Kelly (Olympic champion, self-made millionaire, politician and father of Grace Patricia Kelly - Princess Grace) into a set of circumstances that made the graceful Irish-American woman the much-loved princess we know today.
The 45-talk is followed by a drink & chat with friends. More details: https://www.pgil.mc/lectures/lecture-by-author-patrick-o-sullivan-greene
About the Author
Patrick O'Sullivan Greene has worked in business and finance for most of his career and is a qualified Chartered Accountant with experience in Dublin, London, New York and France. Now back in his native Killarney, he has written articles for the Irish Times, appeared on the David McWilliams Podcast, and has been interviewed on national and local media.
In 2020, Patrick published his first book, "Crowdfunding the Revolution: The First Dáil Loan and the Battle for Irish Independence." Critically well-received, the book was reviewed by Paschal Donohoe, Irish Minister for Finance, in History Ireland:
“The quality of writing and the pace of storytelling ensure that this is not a niche or specialist work of history. This is a compelling read. I wish I had written it myself”.
Patrick was invited to make a courtesy visit to present the book to President Michael D. Higgins.
His second book, "Revolution at the Waldorf: America and the Irish War of Independence," was launched in Ireland on 2nd December, and was released in the United States in September 2023.
The Princess Grace Irish Library
The Princess Grace Irish Library is a non-profit institution, under the aegis of the Fondation Princesse Grace in the Principality of Monaco. Its mission is to foster a love of Ireland, its culture, history and present day, through learning and creative thought, by engaging audiences, locally in Monaco and internationally. They have developed a rich cultural programme including author lectures, inspired by Princess Grace’s personal collection.
Considered a lively hub for Irish culture on the Riviera with an ambitious programme of events, the library fosters awareness for Ireland's best writers, poets, playwrights, film producers and musicians. Children are welcome to visit to discover Ireland and have fun with their reading and colouring kits or listen to Irish music.
'Revolution to Royalty - The making of an Irish American Princess'
Wednesday 24th January 2024 at 7pm
Princess Grace Irish Library
9 rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine
Monaco-Ville MC 98000
Tel + 377 93 50 12 25
Tickets: 10€
Or reserve a seat by emailing: info@pgil.mc and pay 10€ at the door.