It's that time again, summer is right on us again, time really does go by so fast and we have lost a lot of good people along the way.

Connie Doolan, the man who helped bring Guinness to America and America to Guinness passed away in April. He was my good friend and a legend here in New York and across the U.S. for all that he achieved in his family life, in business, his untiring charitable work and his generosity in helping many Irish immigrants to get settled when they came over looking for work, rest in peace Connie.

In June this year we lost two great Irish-Americans in George Carlin and Tim Russert. Some time ago John Mooney profiled Mr. Russert for our sister publication The Irish Examiner USA and we have the piece for you in this issue.

Following her insightful interview with Irish director Neil Jordan in Vol. 7 No. 4 of Irish Connections Winnie Bonelli does it again?this time she chats with the star of the summer blockbuster "Mamma Mia!", Pierce Brosnan.

The movie "Red Roses and Petrol" premiered this summer across the United States. The film stars, among others, Olivia Tracey, the former Miss Ireland, (I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia last month and I have to say she is really a wonderful lady), Sean McCarthy was lucky enough to meet and talk with Olivia in New York about her past and her new life as an actor in Hollywood.

At Irish Connections we like to do our best to promote the best of up and coming artists and this issue is no exception as we feature the unique work of Saoirse Art and the photographic imagery of former rock star Owen Fegan.

The U.S. Navy have decided to honor Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005 by naming a new destroyer after him and we are proud to bring you images of this high tech fighting vessel.

Do not miss another issue of the magazine and please tell your friends to subscribe, which they can do either online, by filling out the form in the magazine - email subscriptions@irishconnectionsmag.com, or you can call (toll-free) 1-888 355-6879.

Irish Connections Magazine has also just launched its very own credit card and we hope you will apply as we try to keep our Irish heritage alive.

Thank you again for all your support,

Best regards,