“Cead Mile Failte” or “100,000 welcomes” is the mantra of Kitty O’Shea’s, a fine Irish pub and lobby bar reminiscent of Knightsbridge Bar at the Arlington Hotel in Dublin. The décor, Irish nosh, properly pulled pint o’ the Black Stuff, and waitstaff imported from Eire, all make for a brilliant setting. The crowd consists of businessmen and tourists staying at the hotel, except for election nights when top city Democrats are often be spotted. Kitty O’Shea’s is also popular after Bears games, being close to Soldier Field. The Chicago Hilton & Towers was the largest hotel in the world when it was built in 1927. Since then, the hotel has operated as a World War II army barracks during, the epicenter of the 1968 DNC riots, and was featured in the film, The Fugitive (1993). Who was Kitty O’Shea? The downfall of Charles Stewart Parnell. Known as the “Uncrowned King of Ireland,” Parnell agitated for Irish independence as a member of British Parliament from 1875-91, predating the Easter Uprising of 1918. After a failed blackmail attempt by the husband, it was revealed that Parnell lived with Katherine O’Shea while still married to William O’Shea. As a result of the perceived adultery, Parnell’s leadership was greatly weakened. As he tried to regain control, he contracted pneumonia during an outdoor speech. He passed away in 1891 at the age of 45, in the arms of his wife Kitty who he had married three months earlier.
Full review coming soon…
