Tip O'Neill celebrations kick off

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- This year marks the 100th anniversary of former House Speaker Thomas "Tip" O'Neill's birth and the city of Cambridge is kicking off a year of celebrations this week.

The celebrations start Tuesday when a panel moderated by MSNBC's Chris Matthews will be discussing the life and legacy of O'Neill, who died in 1994. The panel included some of O'Neill's children and even one grandchild.

Matthews is host of MSNBC's "Hardball," and longtime aide to O'Neill.

The discussion will explore Speaker O'Neill's Cambridge roots and his lasting commitment to the community. The panel is organized by the Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. Centennial Committee in conjunction with the O'Neill Family and the City of Cambridge.

The event is free and open to the public.