What is Irishness?
One question and seventy million answers.
There are seventy million people in the world who call themselves Irish or are of Irish heritage. We want to find them and find out what their Irish link means to them. That’s what the SEVENTYMILLION project is all about. If you want to find out more about the project, get involved or just meet other Irish people, visit the SEVENTYMILLION social network.
March 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
For me, it’s about seeing the world a certain way, a human way, seeing people for who they are regardless of their suffering or their success. The generations that have gone before me have left their mark I feel. It gives me strength and helps me make sense of the world.
March 15th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Being Irish means not taking yourself too seriously!
March 15th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
To be wary of the lure of nationalism
March 17th, 2008 at 7:26 am
My Irish link (convict great-great-grandfather transported to Australia in 1854) gives me an historical identity and a part of me feels connected to Irish people everywhere.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:33 am
It means having a little in common with a lot of second generationers of every stripe…
March 17th, 2008 at 11:55 am
It’s delightfully strange.
March 17th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Very interesting project. Best of luck.
March 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Fun, music and luck
March 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
For me, it’s about seeing the world a certain way, a human way, seeing people for who they are regardless of their suffering or their success.
March 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
The highest level of donations per capita during LIVE AID gig in 85 for famine relief in Africa.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Gives me an excuse for my passions for Irish Whiskey, Irish Music, and Guinness.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:10 am
It means an ache to come home every time I visit.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Unplanned visit from Australia took me to the village of my great grandparents and their children. Mighty experience I will never forget.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
You like to read newspapers.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Somewhere down the family tree I am related to the great Michael Davitt. What he believed in and strived for in his difficult life, for his people gives me hope. And I love a good pint of Guinness in proper old pub.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
We’re always known for our cheeky charm and a love for social living. And sure, if it means a free pint, I’ll turn up with a pig under me arm!
March 20th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
My husband is Irish, which makes my daughter half Irish, and then I myself am Irish through my great grandmother who was a Dubliner. I have never really considered myself as Irish before - particularly as I am also part French and Swiss. However, when I visited Ireland I felt affinity for the place and its people - it’s friendly and warm, romantic and beautiful.
March 21st, 2008 at 2:32 am
I feel that my Irish is part of my wonderful diverse heritage.
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Ireland is one of the very few places that can form a kinship with your soul. There is something alive and glorious about it.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Rebel heart. Anti-fascist. Ready to mix with all colours and creeds. Literate - not given to swallowing Sun-speak celebrity tat stupidity.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Irish and proud.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
There was a great pride I felt growing up Irish. Now I appreciate my ancestors and am proud at how far the country has come!
March 25th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
An underrated intellectual inheritance.
March 26th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’m very much proud of it.
March 27th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Pureblood - through and through
March 27th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
It is part of my life
March 30th, 2008 at 10:51 am
It’s my culture, my parent are Irish and I love visiting the old country, visiting family, meeting up with old friends, enjoying holidays there.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Our family are Irish by osmosis … both imbibing (Guinness, Jamesons) and saturation (Connemara rain, Atlantic surf)
April 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
Being Irish means despite our small stature, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Having an unique language, music and culture that has been propagated throughout the world
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Hope to visit Ireland soon
April 4th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Being Irish mean everything to me. Its the reason Im kicked out of bars, the reason nobody knows waht I”m talking about when I say “the state of yer man over there.” Its the reason nobody can pronounce my name and the reason I say things “jaysus, its only rain, you wont melt” and “Is the snow sticking?”
April 5th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Can’t wait to see what this project finds out about the global Irish. Seventy million people to find, and one year to find them.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Irish is a way of living
April 9th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Great
April 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
It will be interesting to see where Irish people are, not so much the obvious places like the USA & Britain, but I wanna see where else our great travelling people have gone! Erin Go Braugh
April 9th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
It gives me a great sense of history
April 9th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
To have inherited a great love of music and culture.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Being Irish, as I am (1,2,3 and 4 generation), means being able to convey all the ideals and morals we have inherited from our ancestors, including a good sense of humor, to our children. and hopefully they will continue to do the same.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Since I grew up in Ireland, it never meant much to me until I left. Now I appreciate all the things I took for granted, having music, sports, slang, etc. in common with everyone around me. I can’t wait to move back. I love the US too though. Rebels abu!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Cork by the grace of God
April 10th, 2008 at 1:57 am
I am a Cork girl living in Brisbane!
April 10th, 2008 at 9:47 am
A sense of history and unity.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
The categories don’t really include me. My nearest Irish born ancestors are my grandparents, yet both my father and I were brought up in Ireland. The family seems to have a history of temporary emigration, but return to Ireland. Better make sure none of my kids get born when I’m living abroad!
April 10th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I’ve filled this out wrong. “Technically”, I was born in Sussex, England, but I grew up in West Cork. If you’re born in a stable, does that make you a horse etc?
April 10th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I was born in London, moved back to Ireland when I was two and came back to Harrow 24 years later. The best of both worlds really. There is a huge Irish community in Kenton and it feels good to be part of it!!!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
It means everything
April 10th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
This looks like a great project. I’m sure once it gets a lot of users the map will be fun to browse.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I was born in Ireland and brought up in England surrounded by Irish people. We spent all our summers in the mountains on the farm that I was born on in County Mayo. I have always regarded myself as an Irish person and have a deep rooted love of Irish music and culture.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
April 10th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I was born in the United States. My great-great grandparents came over from the Bantry area in the middle 1800s. I love knowing who I am and where I came from. There are too many people these days that don’t know their roots and it’s a shame. I am Irish Proud!
April 10th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Being Irish means being happy out-going lively
April 10th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Proud to be Sheridan!
April 11th, 2008 at 3:00 am
It is part of my life
April 11th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Proud of our culture no matter where we are in the world!
April 11th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Being second generation Irish means that I am proud of my roots and heritage.
April 11th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Very proud of my Irish roots.
April 11th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I am proud to be Irish by descent.
April 11th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
It’s in your blood
April 12th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Everything!
April 12th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Being Irish gives you a huge sense of pride and a lot of respect for those that went before in times that were difficult for varying reasons and yet helped make Ireland an admired country and race across the globe.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
As a teenager in the 70s it was very difficult being Irish with all the bombings etc, however its great to be able to celebrate our culture openly since peace broke out.
April 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I am very proud of my Irish roots
April 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Despite being born in London to Irish parents, I hold a Irish passport instead of a British one, as I am very proud to be Irish.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Being Irish is in your soul and a feeling hard to explain to someone who isnt !
April 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Always have been Irish - Wouldn’t want to be anything else
April 12th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Could not survive being anything else.
April 12th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
HALF IRISH AND PROUD OF IT!
April 12th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
There are no Irish associations in this part of Kent hope to move to Ireland asap. Slough has a great Irish community.
April 13th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Wouldn’t want to be anything else. We have a lot to be proud off and why wouldn’t we?
April 13th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
We have a culture which is worldwide and envied by others. That’s why everyone wants to be Irish on St Patrick’s day.
April 13th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Despite one of the smallest nations on earth, we have left an indelible mark on the world. The music, dance, literature, sport and other aspects of the culture have been propagated to the four corners of the globe.
IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE, I CAN SAY I AM IRISH!!!!!!!!!
Slan go foill!
April 13th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Estoy empezando a participar en grupos, foros y reuniones, de la comunidad Irlandesa en Argentina. Sobre todo me interesa la genealogia y como obtener datos en Irlanda.
April 13th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Gway boy… Why would you want to be anything else???
April 13th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
It’s my culture, I consider myself though to be more London Irish. So part English and part Irish. I love Ireland though, the freedom it offers, the countryside, the music, the easy way of life, meeting up with family and old friends.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Being Irish gives me an unique personality and heritage. I have lived away from Ireland for 40 years but still refer to it as “home ” which my family here in England find difficult to understand.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Growing up in Coventry I new no different and thought everyone came from Ireland. A true Irishman born in Coventry.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I have many Irish ancestors from all over Ireland, so picking one particular county was hard. And nearly all of my ancestors are the same of generations back. Counties Antrim, Armagh, Donegal, Derry, Clare, to name a few. To me, being Irish means I am a part of a great heritage that very few get to descend from. I treasure all of my ancestral homelands, from Germany to France to Scotland to England to Ireland, but each holds a different piece of my heart. Oh, and if anybody knows the origins of the last name McMuldren/McMuldrum other than County Antrim in the 1930s, I would be very appreciative!!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
My great-great grandparents both were from County Cork and left in the early 1850s.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
My heritage means a lot to me. I am proud to be Irish.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Like the idea of the website, good luck with it ;-)
April 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
My great great grandparents were Irish and came initially from Limerick via Mayo to Preston… I am very proud to be Irish heritage and think many more of us here should have retained some pride in our Celtic ancestry.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Except for my immediate family, all my relatives live in Ireland which gives me the opportunity to visit Ireland often. It’s amazing that the Irish people were able to overcome all the hardships they endured and survived to become a great nation.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
While I was born here in the USA, I felt like I was home while in Ireland visiting with family there.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Love of nature, the seasons & cycles of life, friendships, family, ancestors.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:53 am
It means to keep my ancestors close and to connect with Gaelic Traditionalists in the Hearthland of Ireland and in the Diaspora
April 15th, 2008 at 5:54 am
It means part of my roots and I’m very glad to be in it.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I love feeling I’m part of a strong, resilient, intelligent, witty and pragmatic people.
April 15th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Ireland is my home where I go for sanity
April 15th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I am starting to think in my ancestors. I look at my dad and I feel sad, he is around 80 years old. He is so proud of his origins, and I know so little
April 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Very, very proud.
April 15th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
To be Irish is great but it has always been a disappointment that we do not join group national organisations to make our presence felt in the countries we now dwell in.
April 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Being Irish is the best thing for me. I love Ireland
April 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I love Ireland, the nips of alcohol are more than Australia or the UK. The Irish are a fun-loving bunch, fully able to take the micky out of themselves and you’ve got to love that. This is a great part of the Australian culture and I think it could be where we get it from.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Being proud to be Irish
April 15th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Where are all the Irish in Bournrmouth?? :)
April 15th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
My ggggggreat Grand Father was born in Galway, Ireland in 1715. He came to South America and married in Buenos Aires in 1749, were he had a very long descendance. I’m proud of Irish ancestors and I will be very happy if some day I could go to Ireland.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:58 am
I was born on St. Patricks Day in 1948. I celebrate my heritage by tracing the many ancestors. While some of my great grandparents came from County Louth, some also came from Mayo, Kilkenny, Galway, and Limerick. Some also emigrated from England and some from Newfoundland, as well as those that came directly from the old sod.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I feel very proud of my Irish background. I’m doing my family tree at the moment and knew 3 of my grandparents were of Irish descent but now of found out all four are. My daughter does Irish dancing. I remember as a child going home to Ireland on the boat I was always sick. Thankfully we fly now. x
April 16th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Just different!
April 16th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
My Irish pride runs deep. I love the fact I am from Irish heritage. I go to as many Irish Festivals as possible, at least 4 a year. I have 5 tattoos, all of an Irish theme. My dad(RIP) instilled in me that being of Irish heritage was a great thing. He taught me about Irish history, politics, music, folklore,etc. Many of my friends are in Irish organizations. I love all things Irish!!!!
April 16th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I like so much Irish people.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Kiss me quick, I’m Irish!
April 16th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Great pride to be of Irish parentage and love visiting Ireland two or three times a year.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I like being Irish because its a well known area, it’s good for kids and the people are nice! We have quite a lot of activities going on in our country but St. Paddys is the best! Lots of people see that, they enjoy and you should too… *Star fruit*
April 20th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
There is no finer feeling than to know that I am a born and bred Irishman whose only regret is that I no longer live in Ireland, although I hope to rectify this as soon as I retire.
April 20th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I preside the O’Beollain Clan society of the Rio de la Plata and the James Joyce Society of Bahia Blanca
April 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
100% Irish and proud. X X X X The whole world wants to be Irish on 17th March St. Patrick’s Day and we all know why, don’t we? …..YOU CAN’T BEAT THE IRISH FOR THE CRAIC, WE’RE WARM, FUN LOVING, AND ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULL. SO PROUD TO BE IRISH XXX
April 21st, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I have lived in my adopted country for over 40 years and came here when I was sixteen. I have never forgotten where I came from and am very proud to be Irish.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 am
Everything.
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
A sense of pride in being part of a cultural background and heritage that has formed an identity throughout the world.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
One of seventy million
April 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
It’s the strongest part of my heritage, and it informs my views of the world.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
It is helpful to know your roots and links to the past.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
As I learn more about my ancestors on both sides, it has been interesting to discover so much new and interesting about “the old country” that I never knew. It has give me a neat sense of history and of place as well as an appreciation of what my ancestors went through to start a new life here in the US.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I am very proud of my Irish ancestors and all the hardships they had to overcome.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I am proud to be Irish and consider it a blessing.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
It means a lot - although I was born in England I took Irish nationality when I first obtained a passport. This was in 1973 when it was very difficult to be Irish in Britain because of the bombings etc. I felt I had to stand up and be counted as I was proud of my parents & what they had achieved, also my other relatives, and my parents friends, many of whom endured a lot of hardships when they first came to England. I feel very attached to Ireland, I feel at home when I am there, and I feel proud of my roots.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I didn’t grow up around my Irish family but connecting with my cousins in Ireland was like finding myself.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:08 am
My great-grandfather was a very special person to me, and he was the keeper of the oral family tradition. I remember sitting on his lap when I was just a little girl and hearing all the stories about family members back for generations. He passed away when I was 17 years old, so I have many special memories. He passed on to me the love of being Irish, and the love and respect of family. My pursuit and goal is to find and contact as many descendants of our Irish family as I can. I am making good progress I think - having located and contacted cousins in Ireland, England, Australia, and the USA in the areas of New York, Jersey City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Providence, San Francisco. The search for family is my passion, and I try to help as many others as I can while the search is on for my own. I manage two websites - Southern New England Irish and Carlow Cummins Families - both of which offer information and source material for others to use to search for their own Irish families.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:46 am
I am Australian born but like so many other Australians my ancestors are Irish. My father was born in Ireland and I am so proud to have Irish blood. What a blessing!
April 25th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Truly a part of a great heritage –strong people who came to the states and made a new start. Ireland today is a far cry from Ireland of yesterday –I am proud of my grandparents for coming to the states YET holding on to and passing on all things Irish.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:08 am
It means I came from some place and have people who came here looking for a better life for their descendants. My extended family has always been proud of being Irish, singing Irish songs, listening to tales from the elder members of our family and that of others. I plan to visit Beara and both take soil from their graves in Colorado and take it to Ireland as well as bring some soil back to place on their graves.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:33 am
I have always loved being an Irish American person and know they are the best in the west. My maternal grandfather became a citizen, made his daughters the same. My paternal grandparents never got to this country, but they loved it from afar. My children have served it and their father, whose ancestors also came here, loved it and became a citizen from Canada.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:26 am
I am married to an Irishman (born in Dublin), and have my Irish citizenship through marriage. The first time I visited Ireland (now over ten years ago) it felt like coming home, and I found it very difficult to leave. I have now visited four times, and each time it gets harder and harder to leave. The Irish people I’ve met have all been lovely, friendly, welcoming and good-natured. All eight of my father’s eight great-grandparents were from Ireland - from counties Antrim, Down, Kerry and Cork. But I’ve always felt most at home in Cork - particularly in Beara. I think Ireland is the most beautiful place on earth, and I think that the Irish are the nicest people one could ever meet.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:53 am
I grew up with my Nana telling me stories of Ireland and Castletownbear, she sang me Irish lullabyes and listened to old 45 of rebel songs. She was the kindest person I have ever known and, I guess to me, to be Irish is to honor my Nana. I am very proud of my Irish history and the qualities I have inherited from my ancestors.
April 25th, 2008 at 6:10 am
I have a huge pride in my Irish roots and in my father who was a MacAlpine fusilier
April 25th, 2008 at 6:17 am
It is a source of great pride to be an Irish descendant. The love of Ireland and all that it stands for is passed on down to my children and grandchildren never to forgot all the pain and suffering that was suffered during the famine in Skibbereen.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I am really proud of my Irish ancestors. Apart from my mother’s mother I have others my great great grandparents too on my dad’s side. Would love to get over maybe one day I will be lucky enough.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Of the Hanley clan from Castletownbere, Beara Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland
April 25th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’m very proud of my ancestry and link to the Emerald Isle. My dream trip is one that includes visits to both of my grandparents’ childhood homes, one in Cork and one in Carlow. Being Irish is like being any other strong culture - it’s in your blood. When I hear traditional Irish music, I have to stop and listen. Sometimes it makes me cry, for it sounds like the voices of my ancestors calling out. I will hear my grandmother’s voice in the sound of the pipes. For as long as God lets me live on this earth, I will miss that voice. Maybe, if I ever do get to visit Cork, I will hear that voice again.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Lucky to be Irish!
April 25th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
My Irish family has taught me to be very proud of the Irish, we alway march in the parades to show all the unity of the Irish, Family, Love, Unity… Forever
April 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I am very proud to be Irish. It is my goal to someday visit Ireland.
April 26th, 2008 at 3:10 am
I just loved everything about Ireland when I visited in 1996. I hope to visit again in the not too distant future. The people, the countryside, the food, their humour. JUST EVERYTHING.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I’m very proud of my Irish heritage. My ancestors were survivors whose indomitable spirit lives on in their descendants!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:06 am
From Bere Island, Bantry Bay, my grandfather came to the USA. I hope to visit the homeland this year.
April 27th, 2008 at 1:24 am
I love being Irish and showing people what the Irish are really like! Slainte
April 27th, 2008 at 2:59 am
My grandfather was a Sullivan from Adrigole and my grandmother a Sullivan from Glengarriff. I have learned so much from the wonderful members of the Beara List, and can’t wait to visit.
April 27th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
My Irish ancestor came to Charleston, SC during the Civil War and fought on the Merrimac as a 17 year old boy. He was captured and jailed in Castle Thunder in Richmond, VA. When he returned to Charleston, his mother and sister were gone. He never saw any of his family of origin again. James T. married and had 12 children. One of the older “boys”, James K. Brady, was my mother’s beloved grandfather. I have not been able to find any evidence of his birth or family history on or near Bere Island where he wrote that he was born. One story is that Mr. Brady walked down to the end of the farm road near his house before every meal…to see if there was someone walking along who might want to join the family for the meal. That hospitality and interest in those who “pass by” is a family trait.
April 27th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Being Irish makes me proud and special. I have made 9 trips to Ireland, each one wonderful and unique. God bless the Irish. Karen Sullivan
April 28th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
The world, the moon and the stars. Learning to speak Irish - love her history, songs, people and beauty.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Although born in the USA, being Irish is a huge part of my identity. Let me share a little “vignette” with you: my mother’s oldest brother was born 12/10/1903 - exactly 1 week to the day before the Wright Bros. famous first flight. Yet, he was the first person I ever knew to fly in a commercial jet plane (summer of 1960). It’s incredible to consider how the world changed for people of his & my mother’s generation. It took them 6 days to come over by boat. Most of them couldn’t afford to go back (1 trip, perhaps, if they were lucky). Plus, a week over and a week back on a ship - they couldn’t be away from their jobs or families that long. The advent of jet travel changed things. Unfortunately, they had to wait about 35 years for it. And now we have the Celtic Tiger. People mustn’t forget how poor Ireland was 100 or even 75 yearrs ago. But, for as poor as it was, it still had the most beautiful culture. Anyway, there is no other ethnic background I’d rather have than the wonderful one I do have: Irish!
April 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Always a bit of craic to be had with the fellow countymen and women. There is no-one like us.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I am very proud to be Irish and I enjoyed my trip there, to visit my relatives. I plan to take my husband and two boys there in two years.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Great craic!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I love the people, their music and most of all their dancing
May 1st, 2008 at 8:52 am
I am secretary of County Brighton, a new, fast growing Irish Society that exists to support and promote the music, literature and culture of the Irish community in the south east of England. Sign up for an email newsletter at countybrighton@ntlworld.com
May 1st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Proud of Irish music and Irish culture, especiality its popularity worldwide.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Being Irish means everything to me. I am so proud to be Irish, I love Ireland, the people, and the music. I go as often as I can to visit family and friends.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Helena, Montana, and Butte, Montana (just an hour away) were settled by many Irish during the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Irish culture is highly valued, and there is great interest in Irish dance, Irish music, and the Irish language. Butte, Montana, in particular, has a long and deep history of Irish citizens, many from the Beara Penninsula. It is worth a visit, particularly during the An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival in the second full weekend of August.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:39 pm
To be part of a nation that has contributed a lot to culture and humanity
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Nothing really, my heritage has never been taught to me, but I would like to grow my roots and possibly visit Ireland one day and become an active Irish citizen.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Great great great grandfather came from Hacketstown, Co Carlow about 1855
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Being Irish to me means pride and being comfortable where I’m from and where I am. I now feel us Irish are the Riverdance people as opposed to all the negatives we’ve had over the years. Thank you Michael Flately and a special shout to Jack Charlton!!! Plus a mention to all our other heroes including Senator George Mitchell, they have all made my life a lot easier.
Slainte
Denis Flynn
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
It means I belong to a special and proud people who have never been afraid to say what they are and where they are from. Erin Go Bragh!!!
May 4th, 2008 at 11:41 am
What it means to be Irish? Not sure about that one. Very happy to be so and cant think of any other nationality I’d rather be.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
My great great grandparents came from Castletownbere, Co Cork; this give me a pride in being Irish
May 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
It means proud of being Irish. Having history you can take pride in. Love of animals and being tolerant of other people.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Would love to learn more about my Irish ancestors. Am at a stand still with where they originally were from in Ireland
May 5th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I probaby enjoy it WAY too much!
May 6th, 2008 at 1:28 am
There were two families that came over around the same time. They were named Crawford and Daviess. Both families came in the mid 1700s and settled in Missouri.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:47 am
It means the world to me. My grandfather and my husband grandfather both came over to the usa. My husband and I where married on St Patricks Day in honor of our grandfathers. Also my husbands name is Patrick.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Growing up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood in Philly was the best. The Irish are great story tellers though I really didnt learn all that much about Ireland and the rich Irish Culture until I moved to Detroit.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I am ethnic Irish, in a cultural limbo, unable to support England football team but would be laughed out of town if i described myself as Irish to Irish people, even though I feel that I am. But I was brought up and educated in England, ive never lived in Ireland, I am like an ingrate suckling child who smites his nurse maids breast. Irish people I identify with, although it really pisses me off when I meet ignorant Irish people who slag off the English and made dumbass comments.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Being Irish is the greatest gift God could have ever given to me!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I am currently tracing my ancestry and have gotten as far back as my great grandfather who was born in 1849. But I have not been able to find out where yet. As for having Irish heritage for me it means being a part of a great heritage and a fine people. I enjoy all things Irish and have developed a taste for Guiness. I have nearly fifty web sites saved on my computer that are all Irish.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Irishness is about being a part of a strong culture and tradition that other nationalities simply dont have
May 6th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I was a single parent for a long time. My nuclear family is very disconnected, so I focused on my Irish backround for strength and to give my children a stronger sense of family and values that they couldnt get from aunts/uncles and grandparents. They are now grown and very successful adults. Both have a great respect for their Irish backround and tell me that that the values and belief they were raised with gave them the solid ground to build from.
Being Irish has always been part of my identity but I was shocked on our trip to Ireland because I felt almost a sense of peace. It is as though it was where I belonged. We are going back next year!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
It means everything!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Tis like a morn in spring
May 6th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I want to come back.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:39 am
What a wonderful heritage we have to know what our parents had to endure in Ireland and how they had to imigrate and and then how well they did in a new land without much education or money.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
It makes me heart swell with pride to be Irish…I guess it’s hard to say why but it must look like fun to others as they seem awfully jealous!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Being in Ireland is being Home.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am proud to be 100% Irish - both my parents came from Co Limerick, and both my grandfathers fought for Ireland’s independence. I would go back and live there, but for my 2 Aussie kids and 2 Aussie grand kids! When I do go back, I feel I have come home, and my family there are as close as my family here. I just wish the distance wasn’t so great, and I could go home every year!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I think knowing where your ancestors come from helps solidify your American roots while adding some depth of your understanding of your family culture.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
lucky to have been born in ireland and to grow up in an uncomplicated world, given a love of learning and to always be curious as to what is around the corner!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Quiero conocer mi propia identidad conociendo el origen de mis ancestros.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I’m half Irish on my dad’s side good ol Ballingarry in North Tipperary. My Mum was a Londoner like me. Unfortunately they are both no longer with us. Miss them both. Dad is resting back in ballingarry in the family grave RIP. I often visit there and try to see as much of Ireland as poss as each year passes. It’s a wonderful place, full of wonderful people. I highly recommend you visit there asap preferably in the summer months.
Up Tipp.
Dave.
May 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I was given away at the age of a year old. I’ve just learned of my heritage. I have always been drawn to things of a Celtic nature. Now I know why. I feel we are of a proud, courageous and romantic nature with a lot of fun thrown in. I am proud and very pleased to find out that I can say, with my head held high, I am IRISH!
May 10th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Great to grow up there with good values and great senses of humor!!!! Before heading off to New York!
May 10th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
My father is Irish (born in Listellick, North Tralee, Co Kerry in 1931) and my Mother has Irish roots. I love Ireland - particularly Kerry - and try to go there once a year. My favourite journey is driving from Killarney to Kenmare through the beautiful National park, past the Lakes and McGillicuddy Reeks mountain range. I also love the journey to Dingle and always stop off at Inch beach. These journeys keep me going throughout the year! I’m so proud to be Irish!
May 10th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I cant wait to return to Ireland!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I’m into genealogy but haven’t been able to find out much about my Irish side in Chicago, where they were before New Jersey. My father, who was 100% Irish, died when I was 10 years old and I lost contact with other relatives until about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, when I found my cousins, they had no information or memories that could help me in my quest. Loved our trip to Ireland and would love to go back again! I just wish I had more info to search for records over there.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Being Irish means having a sense of fun.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Would like for my kids to be raised Irish. Great family values and sense of humour is much more important than “drive to win at all costs” mentality
May 12th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I am just finding out about the Patten name and its connection to the O’Brien family. All my family on my fathers side have passed—-so I will have to dig to find out any real information. I always had a love for anything Celtic—-must be in the blood. I am very proud to be part Irish!
May 13th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I have GREAT PRIDE in my Irish Heritage and yet, sadness for the way these Irish Emigrants were received when they came to this country. The Irish came to America to escape the oppression and hardships that they were experiencing in Ireland. America did not open their arms to these emigrants but rather, quite openly, denied them work by posting signs Irish need not apply. In spite of their experiences with this discrimination, they moved forward and have played an important role in our American History.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I’m here since I was 3 years of age so do not know any other way to be. For me the marker of our identity (and I speak generally) is the way we interract between ourselves and our natural ability to interract infomally and easily with strangers. I really notice the marked difference between ourselves and the English in the ways we socialise; for example, the nightlife I find is very agressive in English cities. A priest (from Kerry) once said to me that “we must remember that we Irish are islanders, and have all the positive and negative characteristics that goes with that”. A wise man! Dia libh
May 16th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Love being Irish, too bad you can’t ask my late mother.
May 21st, 2008 at 6:10 am
Going to a Roman Catholic school meant that most of the pupils were either Irish or Irish descent. I left school 30 years ago and still have many friends who I still drink with from that school. I still bump into friends parents and have a drink with them too. I think that this is beause of the Irish upbringing that I had. It instills a sense of loyalty in you, a sense of belonging.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Both my parents were born in Ireland - Mum from Tyrone, Dad from Co Offaly. I grew up learning about my culture and heritage playing Irish music supporting Irish culture in many ways. I define myself as Irish and I am proud to be so.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
This is a fantastic project so we can all stay in touch with our roots.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Wonderful
May 27th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I have been having fun finding out how deep my roots to Ireland go back. I knew I was Irish on my Campbell side, but found out I also have an O’Donnell side through my great great grandmother on my Dad’s side. It makes me proud to find out where they came from and how they struggled but made it in life.
May 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
The land of soft rain, lush green, legends, patriotism, hardship and warm and friendly people. My parents came to England to find work after the war and, I believe, always had the yearning to go home. My mother died at Christmas aged 87 and never really felt settled here. When she said home she was talking about Wexford!
May 31st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Being Irish is one of the greatest things my father left me; I’m very proud to belong to such amazing group of people! Erin go brath! Up the rebels! Kisses from Argentina (the greatest settlement of Hibernian people in a non English-speaking country) A big hug!
June 1st, 2008 at 12:18 am
I have 4 Irish grandparents. And I am proud of them.
June 1st, 2008 at 1:25 am
Irishness means to me enjoy the feeling of belonging
June 1st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Irishness means conviction to me.
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 am
I have Irish blood and it’s my pride. I hope to visit Ireland before I die. VICTORIA
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
It’s always been part of me, although I was born in Argentina I consider myself 50% Irish.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Irishness to me:
Knowing that you belong in the country of your birth,
Knowing that you belong there because that’s where your ancestors came from,
Having knowledge about the history & culture of the land and its people,
Protecting what you hold dear to you: Faith, Identity and Freedom.
June 4th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
By the grace of God himself am I lucky enough to be born in Ireland. No matter where I live in the world for my career, I always miss home. There’s no craic like Irish craic and I miss the Irish people and sense of humour so much. We are a strong people who stick together no matter what.
June 4th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Writing about the history of the GAA in Canada http://www.trafford.com/07-2929
June 5th, 2008 at 1:29 am
Proud to be Irish.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
From my head to my toe does my Irish blood flow, from my ancestors it comes, to my children it will run
June 6th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Pride, and being part of a world wide nation of Irish. A country born and that grew from oppression to create the famous Celtic football club.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
It’s what I am :-)
June 8th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Committee member of the Irish Heritage Society of Canada. Committee member of the Ireland Monument Project, Vancouver BC. Member of the Irish Women’s Network of BC.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:05 am
I wish to visit Ireland next year with my rugby team, and maybe find some members of my family.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Hi to all FBI (Foreign Born Irish) and Irish folks. Lets paint the globe green…
June 12th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Part of my heritage, interesting!
June 13th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hibernis Ipsis Hiberniores
June 14th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Proud of my Irish roots… James [DIGAN]
June 14th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Isn’t everyone just a little bit Irish? When I lived in Japan, I met lots of Oharas. They must have left Eire with the Earls.
June 15th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Less than being a U.S. American more than being just a U.S. American.
June 16th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Come Find Us
June 20th, 2008 at 1:34 am
It’s part of being proud of who you are. Understand where you’re from and you’ll know where you are going, you’ll know your direction in life. Those that don’t learn from history are bound to repeat it. Learn about your roots and you understand yourself more.
June 21st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Gives me a unique voice both in accent and perspective.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I grew always being proud of my grandparents having come from Ireland. My fathers parents left Co Mayo and did not meet until they came to Minnesota- they had grown up less than 20 miles apart. We have visited their birthplaces and have been lucky enough to connect with cousins who still live on or near their original homes.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
God bless Ireland and the U.S.A
My Irishness is my heritage. It is myself. It is my religion, music, language. It is my Father and my Mother and all the relatives I never met.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
My husband is also of Irish heritage.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Having Irish ancestry is wonderful. I want to visit Ireland, but before I do, I would like to find out in what counties in Ireland my ancestors were born. So far, I have the following surname interests: Hanley, White and Lee. My website: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/a/r/Carole-J-Magnuson/index.html
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
When I was 11 years old my father sent me to live (and go to school) in Ireland. I stayed in my uncles home in Kiltimagh. I attended the same school my father went to.
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
We were brought up knowing our heritage somewhat. My father still belongs to the Knights of Columbus and we used to go to get togethers they put on. He also had a good friend that used to throw parties and the whole family would go. The men would start singing old Irish songs (after quite a bit of the drink) and the women would cook and bake some traditional foods. We had lots of fun.
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I (William Michael Fitzpatrick) am now long dead and buried in Saskatchewan but I immigrated to Churdan, Greene, Iowa in 1888. If you know about me or my relatives…
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Being Irish means loving your family, and respecting prior generations for all that they endured. My father talked so much about his parents. I never got to know them, as they died before I was born. My children adored my father. He didn’t live to see his great-grandchildren, but he would love how they’ve been brought up to be proud of their Irish heritage. They have Irish names, and one grand-daughter does Irish dance. Our oldest daughter honeymooned in Ireland. We live in a hard-working, blue-collar town that has many Irish descendants in it. Its a great atmosphere for our grandchildren to experience.
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I can’t explain it; I’m half Polish and quarter Irish and French but it is only the Irish that I really take to heart. When my Polish dad took my sister and me to Ireland in 2000, I felt I was home. I didn’t want to leave and I feel I’ve left part of my heart there. Hope to go back again soon; would live there if I had no children or husband to keep me here. It’s in my soul.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 am
50% Irish heritage so I am very interested in Ireland, particularly Counties Mayo and Roscommon.
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:20 am
My grandmother, Elizabeth Cunniffe was born in Co Galway. My grandfather, Thomas Joseph Winston, was born in Co Roscommon
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 am
Almost all of my ancestral branches originate in Ireland. The Daugherty branch may have come from Donegal between the 1600s and mid 1700s. The Cain branch emigrated in the 1700s and I have no idea where they had lived in Ireland. My great great great grandfather was John Muckle and I believe he was from County Down. He arrived in the USA in January of 1834. I do wish I could find family in Ireland.
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
My Irish ancestry makes me what I am and helps me to understand my great love of Ireland
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Very interested in geneology
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 pm
My grandmother, Elizabeth Cunniffe, was born in Co Galway. My grandfather, Thomas Joseph Winston, was born in Co Roscommon.
June 24th, 2008 at 1:50 am
To me, Irishness means means love, loyalty, pride, laughter, joy of music, courage, strength from hard work and never giving up on life.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I love the music, history, scenery, and people of Ireland. I wish I had known my paternal grandmother Annie Connole, born 1868 Ennistimon, Clare. She immigrated to Leeds, England 1885 and married Thomas Rider Pullan born in Leeds. I have a first cousin who was born in Leeds and he now lives in County Armagh with his Irish wife in her parents family home.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:32 am
English as it is spoken in Ireland reflects the history of its people because it borrows the idiom of the native Irish tongue and allows it to shine forth and be understood by those of us who do not speak it
June 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
My two great grandparents came to the US in the early 1900s. Thomas Towey from Kilgarriff, Cloontia, County Mayo and Mary Jordan from Carrareagh, Bonniconlon, Ballina, County Mayo.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Very proud to be irish. The Irish are well respected every place.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
To me Irishness means the love for the country, its people, its culture etc. Although I have brothers & sisters in Scotland, my roots are here in England, but my heart & home will always be in Ireland.
I was in Donegal a few years ago & the lovely beaches there were deserted & that was in the summer time. You could have a whole beach to your self & be at peace with the world. It’s just a different way of life in Ireland, away from the cities of course.
Irish Traditional music is the love of my life. My self & my wife go to an Irish music session every Tuesday night. I’m learning to play the accordion at the moment, it’s a two row button accordion & I am making some progress. The jigs/reels/polkas/waltzes etc. are a dream to listen to & it makes a man feel good, I’m proud to be almost Irish & part of this great music. Let’s not forget the lovely Irish ballads, love songs, sad songs, rebel songs, all with a story to tell within the song.There has been some great Irish films as well.
Irishness means to me, anything Irish that gives me the feel good factor it might be a sad song, a film or great Trad, Irish music. Well done to the founders of this site.
Kind regards
Charles Gallagher
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
I would love to visit Ireland again as its been 40 years, I have lost touch with everybody.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
An understanding and love of Irish people and culture
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I am proud to say that I am Irish and always let people know. I cannot stand people who try and make little of Ireland. We have nothing to be ashamed off, but we have a lot to be very proud off. I visit Ireland every year and can see the changes taking place each year, all for the better I’d say. Ireland is held in great esteem in every country around the world, and quite rightly so I’d say.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I take great pride in being Irish and in spite of everything and no matter what happens I love Ireland. I especially love Roscommon the place of my birth but every place in Ireland is precious to me. Being Irish does not give me any great advantage over anybody else but even if the opposite were true there would still be this unquenchable pride within me in just being Irish.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Ireland is my home. It’s the Craic - the people, the slowness of the land - though that is fading now. It’s the only place I feel truly at home - I’ve worked in 37 countries so far - and of them all? I’d rather be at home. If I ever go missing, send the Hounds to Doolin.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I love being Irish but the Ireland I left 20 years ago is very different from today. The people are not as laid back as we once were the drug culture has infiltrated to an awful degree….but I suppose things must change ….shame
July 4th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I always enjoy my visits to my ancestral country of Ireland. 6 of my great grandparents were born in Ireland and migrated to Queensland Australia in the 1870s.
I listen to Mid West Irish Radio (Internet Service) each morning. This radio station broadcasts from Ballyhaunis Co Mayo. It is a great way of keeping in touch with all things Irish.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Irishness means love of country, family, simple life, slowness of lifestyle, and most of all friendliness
July 5th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I was raised in Ireland and loved every minute of it. Came back to the U.S.when I was sixteen and became even prouder of my ancestry when I learned of all the great contributions the Irish made to this fantastic country and to the world in general. God bless all of you.
July 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Although I’ve never been there, I have always felt a distinct pull towards things Irish/Celtic, as if it’s to my true home. My dream is to go there someday, maybe even relocate if I can. I believe that my strength, as well as my musical and writing ability, come from my Irish ancestry. What a beautiful heritage!
July 8th, 2008 at 2:47 am
To me, Irishness means family, connectedness, loyalty, belonging, love.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Instilled in me by my grandfather is a sense of pride in our heritage and loving all things Irish.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Being of Irish descent has always been very important to me. The love and appreciation of my Irish family was instilled in me by my great-grandfather, who lived to the age of 87 when I was 17, so I knew him well. I have wonderful memories of sitting on his lap at a very early age and listening to all the stories he had to tell of the old country and of family. Going back to Ireland to visit was going home, and I felt as comfortable with my cousins there as if I had known them all my life. I think I have…
July 9th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
It’s where my heart is. It’s culture moves my soul; it’s rhythms are on my tongue and in my feet. I speak of going home and at home even though I live in England.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I’m proud of my Irish heritage. It’s what has given me a strong character and the ability to bounce back no matter what the odds. I go home whenever I can.
July 12th, 2008 at 5:21 am
I feel growing up in Ireland was very beneficial to me. The caring community, the laid back approach to life, the importance of family life and religion all helped give me a sound footing to face the many challenges that lay ahead.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Well, when I go back “home” I’m called English by my relatives… go figure
July 13th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Ireland forever
July 14th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Home and being surrounded by people like me who look like me and who have the same set of values and customs
July 14th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I love Ireland, for all the good reasons
July 15th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Irishness means fun and laughter and loads of Craic
July 15th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
A sense of pride in a heritage and culture that has influenced and continues to influence the world.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:03 am
I wouldn’t be here if not for Ireland, and I wouldn’t be heading for Eternal Glory with the Saints and Scholars otherwise. Shame on the apostate generation of the day!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:15 am
I am proud to be a descendant of the people who helped build our country, Canada.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:11 am
A connection with my ancestors and a proud identification with a happy, fun-loving witty people.
July 17th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
The Irish music and Irish dancing have great appeal for me. I lose myself in both whenever I can. I proclaim to all who will listen that I am Irish. Living in Canada (the land I choose) allows me to be part of the Irish Community wherever I am. There are lots of Irish clubs/associations one can join to meet other Irish people, or people who “would-be Irish”!!
July 18th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
July 18th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
My heritage is extremely important to me
July 20th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I have written a book on Irish Diaspora those who left Ireland during the years 1940 to 1990 from all of Ireland and all traditions, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. There are 128 first person accounts of their childhood experiences, why they left Ireland and why Canada. Please feel free to contact me through the website for the book launch information –the book is published by The Liffey Press. Many thanks and best of luck with this site. Warm regards Eleanor
July 20th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Irishness means loyalty to my family loyalty to my Irish roots. I think it makes me
July 21st, 2008 at 5:23 am
Although I was born in Canada, my Irish heritage is so important that I became an Irish Citizen. I’m still trying to catch that little darn leprecon my grandfather spoke about! Maybe soon!
July 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Both my parents are Irish and my Irish background is a very significant part of who I am and how I live my life. One can find many links in my daily life to being Irish from the sports I follow (including GAA games), to the books I read and the music I listen to. I visit Ireland as often as I can and I am fortunate enough to have a great circle of friends and relatives there to meet up with. I was born in Canada and I love being Canadian as well, but you cannot full describe me without acknowledging my Irish heritage.
July 21st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I am very proud of my Irish background. I have been raised in a very Irish community with very Irish traditions. I am first generation Canadian and so is my husband, therefore our kids are pure Irish blood!! (they also look very Irish!). Even though our children are 2nd generation Irish, they are proud of their roots.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Culture, History, Music, Hurling to name but a few
July 21st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Humour, the Irish have such a sense of wonderful humour. They laugh at themselves. We love to talk politics and solve the world problems! My family go back for generations.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Culturally I am Irish (though I wasn’t born in Ireland I grew up in Ireland and my whole family are Irish) - I think in an Irish way, my humour is Irish, my value system comes from Ireland. Being Irish also means a thirst for knowledge, culture and people.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 pm
My Irish family are witty, kind, hospitable, clever and hard-working country people, mainly devout and almost entirely without pretension but with the most complicated family politics imaginable. I’ve visited them many times since I was a child (though you always need to be keenly aware of who’s talking to whom and who’s feuding over land or legacies from decades earlier.) I’m proud to be associated with them but they consider me to be a foreigner (which I am, having grown up in Canada) so I don’t really get hyped up on my Irish identity although the EU passport is terrific and it’s wonderful to see Ireland become a prosperous country in my lifetime. My Irish Dad couldn’t wait to get out of the stifling society of 1940s Ireland and left at the first opportunity for the Middle East, London and eventually Sudbury, Ontario. I admire him very much for the way that he rejects the romantic excesses associated with Irish identity that have been an excuse for so much hyperbole and violence. Like many Irish emigrants, he thinks of himself as distinct from many Diasporic Irish-descended people who make such a lavish display of attachment to a country most of them have never visited which is all kind of embarrassing. As I’ve learned, the Irish from Ireland, like my dad, are very protective about who they consider to be Irish which is different from Canada where even people with the most tenuous claims to Canadian nationality are recognized as such. I consider myself to be first a Canadian though I’m quite amused and informed by my conflicting, Irish and Ukrainian ancestry and yes, I am proud of them but mainly for their idiosyncrasies.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 am
I was born and raised in Ireland and emigrated on one of the last ocean liners leaving Cobh in 1967. Lived in Ontario for many many years. Came to Newfoundland 4 years ago and found that all I had been missing was restored to me. I felt an immediate connection to the people, land, culture and ways of the Newfoundland people. More Irish than the Irish in many ways as the culture has been preserved. There are very strong ties between Ireland (the homeland) and Newfoundland and much visiting back and forth between the two islands and cultural exchanges also.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I take pride in being Irish. In this world of one country invading another, I am proud that Ireland doesn’t invade nor does it help any other country to invade. It minds its own business. I am also proud that no matter what trouble Ireland has in its own country, the people still sing, play and tell stories and carry on with life in a happy way. The Irish people have the best attitude in the world, they are also the happiest.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I left Ireland because of a job but my heart is still there………27 years later. I love been Irish and am very proud of where I come from. I visit each year as my family are all still living there and it keeps me grounded. The sense of humour is beyond any culture that I have come across and it is no wonder they do not understand me most of the time. I have worked on keeping my accent and this has helped me no end…people just love the accent. I find when we are away from our roots we appreciate all that we had as money is not everything.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The rich history, the craic, music and Irish wit
July 24th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Originally my grandparents name was Doherty, but the c got added when they immigrated into Scotland (where my dada was born) and has stuck ever since. Still, I do celebrate my Irish background with many of my Irish friends.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:34 am
If my children and grandchildren didn’t live so close and I would never be able to leave them, but I would love to travel to Ireland every year for six weeks at a time. My grandmother Bessie Maguire must have filled me with the lilt of Ireland and she must have told me a million stories before she died…but I was too young to remember much as she died when I was 10…but at 20 years I returned to the country of my dreams, fell in love with it and have walked the roads and paths my grandmother and her family traveled. I still have family living there and hope to pass the contacts on to my own children that are close in age to those that live on the land my family owned.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Having been born and raised in Belfast, you take it for granted. Once you leave it becomes imprortant and you reflect and appreciate your past experiences there.
This year our daughter is representing Toronto at the Rose of Tralee competion in August so once again our heritage comes to the forefront of our minds and we reprioritize. Keep your fingers crossed for Karina, she’s a great girl!
July 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Irishness to me is a culture of which I am proud. I see the “Irishness” in my family, and have often said about my grandparents that “they were not long off the boat”, in their mannerisms and ways. My family has a great love of children and the old and infirm, and I have been blessed to be able to pass that on to my own children. I would dearly love to visit Ireland some day, and go to the counties from which my forefathers and mothers made their way to Canada, in order to offer opportunity and freedom to their childrens, childrens, children. I am eternally grateful to all of them for that.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Since childhood, I have always felt a strong connection to my roots. I have followed this up with two visits to Ireland and a lot of genealogy and have determined that my mothers maternal grandparents, born 1839 and 1855, were born in County Leitrim and County Donegal respectively, and that my fathers mother was born in Tralee in 1869. My fathers paternal grandparents were married in Killarney in 1860. When I arrived in Ireland, I had this feeling of being at home, that I belonged. I was able to locate the street where my grandmother was born in Tralee and cannot explain the feeling of knowing I was walking the same neighbourhood that she had walked some 100 years earlier, or visiting a church across the way where your grandmother was in all likelihood baptized.
What does Irishness mean…a wonderful sense of humour which seems to transcend generations, love of music, song and dance; kindness, and devotion to religion.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
I just love being of Irish ancestry, it’s just cool
July 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Being Irish is truly a blessing. The Irish people are some of the friendliest in the world, with a rich cultural heritage to be proud of.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:12 pm
This is #292 and the vast majority before me obviously have a very real pride in being wholly or partly Irish. Much of it is emotional and touching and understandably so. Sorry to throw in a discordant note here, but we should also remember the large numbers of ethnic Irish second generation in the UK (probably not elsewhere in any great numbers) who do not admit to being Irish, some get quite agitated when challenged. A few of my extended family come to mind! This may be the result of an acquired inferiority complex cultivated over the generations in Ireland when Britain ruled a quarter of the world. To these ‘lost’ Irish’ I say shame! You are culture-deficient, you may fool yourselves
July 31st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I feel proud to be Irish - I love anything Irish.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I was somewhat embarrassed with my heritage as a young man. But as I reached my early 20s, I began to embrace it and am now very proud of my heritage. Having a father like mine, who cares so much about Ireland helps.
August 8th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Proud to be an Irish-American
August 11th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Well, since my first (dearly departed) husband was truly Irish (he grew up in Dublin), the fact that I have three great-grandparents with names common in the Six Counties (Cowan, Lowry, & Yates) wasn’t terribly appreciated by his family, so I’ve never felt that I could claim to be Irish. But maybe, according to this project, I am one of the SeventyMillion. How cool is that!
August 12th, 2008 at 7:01 am
My ancestors were Easons and McGuires, among others. They were Ulster Irish, some of whom fought in the American War of Independence, some fought in the War Between the States. I love Irish traditional music, and occasionally go to festivals to hear the best.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Irishness means to me being proud of who I am and how far I have come.
August 16th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Irish to the bone
August 16th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I was always aware that I was of Irish ancestry, my father was very proud of being Irish-American and Catholic. My own avid interest in Irish culture and history started when I had a hotel in Santa Monica, CA and we got a lot of Irish guests. The Irish visitors would always comment on my last name and would instantly feel a bond with me. I also really enjoyed my visits to Ireland. In Ireland the good folks were friendly and once again always were familiar with my last name. (In the US, half the time I’m called McDonald or McDoughnut or something off!) Finally in the early 1990s, I had an opportunity to start an Irish American newspaper which is still going strong in its 16th. year.
I really enjoy being an Irish American, it is to me, the best combination in the world. My entire family enjoys Irish Music, discussing Irish history and attending Irish events and fairs throughout the US.
Thanks to Nick and the 70 Million project, a lot more people around the world will be able to share their great Irish Experience and Heritage.
Slán agus beannacht Dia ort,
Jim McDonough
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I am always proud to say that I am Irish. I hope that I have instilled the love for the Irish in my children and grand children. I have traveled to Ireland three times and I am looking forward to going there sometime in the near future.
On my third visit to Ireland, I visited Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, I felt that I had come “Home”. Castlepollard, was home to my Bacon, Fagan, Kiernan, Gibney and Halton families. I am still unsure where my Coffey and Walsh/Welsh families lived.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
My love for Ireland will never die. I hope one day I will go back to my roots. For me it was a sad day the day I sailed away from my Irish home, but I will return to my Ireland.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
To be Irish??? To belong to a nation which has never-never partaken in Colonial exploitation in the Americas, Africa, or Far East. (Many of the rest have-Britain,Germany,France,Italy….. even little Belgium has a shady past in the Congo) Rather, I belong to a nation which has sought to heal and build these torn (post-Euro-Colonial) countries. We have bullied no country. With our non-oppressive modern history we are accepted at face value wherever we travel in the world. I believe, our genuine UN peace-keeping efforts are admirable and our delivery of a peaceful Christian message and service to the world poor is not without merit. Oh - And we just like to have fun.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:14 am
My father grew up with his Irish grandparents( she from Cork and he from Kerry) and learned to say his prayers in the Irish. My Gram had Uncles and cousins in Ireland whom she visited in the 1970s. When I went in 2004, I saw Dursey Island, where my great grandfather came from.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I am proud to be Irish. My great grandfather was John McKenna the concert flautist in the early 1920s until the late 1930s. I am delighted that he was loved by many and I’m blessed to be part of it.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Now that I am able to travel I find I want to know more about my Heritage.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:54 am
My Irish heritage means a lot to me… It identifies where I come from and who I am. I am proud to be Irish and I was prouder still when I was able to take out dual citizenship and hold an Irish passport.
I take an active interest in all things Irish and keep up-to-date with events in Ireland through the web version of the Irish Times and also through IrishAbroad.com, a website for members of the Irish Diaspora.
Would like to learn to speak Gaeilge but it is difficult to learn. I am interested in Hurling and also in Gaelic Football and try to keep up to date with the GAA finals and score when I can… difficult here in Taranaki to get info on such things and Sky do not broadcast the info…
September 14th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Want to find out all or anything that I can regarding my distant ancestor and the homeland before I visit Ireland.
September 14th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
As a holder of an Irish passport, I am an Irish citizen born on foreign soil. I consider myself to be an American 1st, then an Irishman, then any number of things.
My Irish heritage provides me a sense of history. Not only family history, but the history of the Irish people. While my mothers parents were of German heritage, there was not a close connection to their family’s past.
I feel an obligation to pass this on to my children. It is an unspoken responsibility, but it is there.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I am proud to be Irish, but there is a distinct divide in the country everything seems to revolve around the Dubs and Leinster rugby. There is more to Ireland than inside the Pale. The modern day politicians should take a leaf out the lives of Collins and Pearse who were proper leaders of the country.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Always proud to be Irish despite all that has happened since leaving Renagown. Still have contact via email with relatives in Kerry. Still follow the Gaelic Games
September 20th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Pride! Whether it is my Irish blood, or simply the influence of the fine Irish woman my lovely Grandmother was, I know I wouldn’t be the capable woman I am without it. The Mayo Irish and descendants such as myself seem to be able to maintain the character and courtesy more commonplace in the past without detaching themselves from the present. To me this heritage has furnished us with lively minds, witty tongues, an inherent gentle politeness and strength of character in adversity. I am incredibly proud of my roots.
September 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I am proud to be Irish, and always let people know that I am Irish even though I do not have an Irish accent.
September 21st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I have always been interested in my Irish ancestors. My G-Grandfather THOMPSON came from Tullyvallen Armagh arriving in 1860s. Another line my GG-Grandfather WRIGHT and family came from Dunmanway, Cork. My daughter holds an Irish Passport through her father’s line. My father-in-law always said New Zealand was as green as Ireland, he arrived in 1927, from Ballymena in Antrim. So with all the Irish links the interest is great. I am Convenor for the Irish Interest Group (Waikato) and at our meetings we try to help our members find their family roots in Ireland.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Pride. I am so proud to be Irish it gives you a sense of belonging to a great country where so many heroes died for our nation. Although now living in England my wife and I take our two young boys home to Donegal at least 3 times a year.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Part of, belonging to something
September 27th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I was afraid that I would not come back to the States after going to Ireland the first time. I would like to retire there and get my citizenship but with the dollar so weak we may not be able to afford the pint…
September 29th, 2008 at 10:22 am
A sense of belonging to a tribe/clan of people who have given the world so much from so little.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Very important…Love all things Irish….Music etc etc…..
September 30th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Everything I love the music the culture and the craic
September 30th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I am very proud of everything Irish, the music, the culture and the craic. I visit cousins in America that are third and fourth generation Irish and feel the same about their Irish roots.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:13 am
Miss Ireland and family. I’m very proud to be Irish. And proud when I hear so many of the people I meet here feel Irish.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:18 am
Ireland calls to me. It is hard to describe the feelings that I had on my first trip to Donegal, but I feel at home there. I am the family historian and it is great to know all of my cousins. I am proud of my heritage and I love sharing it with others.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:28 am
Im proud of the fortitude of my Irish GrGrandparents and my Grandmother to leave beautiful Ireland to make a new life. My dream is to go back to see the cottage in Ballintoy where both my GrGrandparents were born. Would love to connect with ancestral relatives and share genealogy.
I love everything Irish…
October 1st, 2008 at 1:54 am
Both my grandparents came from Ireland but from very different areas. My grandmother came from County Tipperary but my grandfather came from Drogheda. They did not meet until they had both emigrated to the US in the early 1900s. I made my first trip to Ireland over 14 years ago. The minute I got off the plane in Dublin I knew I was home. I bought a house in the West (Ennis in County Clare) with plans to retire there. But a divorce changed that plan a bit and I sold the house. I plan on buying a small apartment in the near future and will still retire to Ireland for 6 months out of the year. I have made long-lasting friends and I even obtained my Irish citizenship. My next goal is to learn Irish but, unfortunately, I do not live even remotely close to where I can go and take lessons. BUT I WILL LEARN! I am leaving for my yearly journey to Ireland in about a week. On this trip there are two other couples going along - neither who have ever been to Ireland. I look forward to seeing them fall in love with Ireland- it is impossible not to. My Irishness is who I am and always will be.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:56 am
I always knew I was part Irish but didn’t pay much attention to it until I did our genealogy for my Mom. We found delightful relatives and wonderful stories of my mother’s mother and her family who left Ireland in the early 1900s. My Irish heritage had always been overshadowed by my Scandinavian heritage but while watching a video on Ireland, I learned that many of the Vikings settled in Ireland. So maybe both sides of my family were actually in Ireland. It has been great fun to find out about my Irish heritage. I hope to visit Ireland as soon as possible.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:01 am
My Irish heritage is central to who I am. With a mother from Dublin and a father whose parents immigrated from Lanesboro, Co. Longford to Brooklyn, I have grown up feeling like a first generation kid. Half the time I hated being Irish, I was too white, had too many freckles and had red hair. The other half of the time I felt most at home whenever we were gathered for meals at the house, doing the jig in the living room, or visiting family in Ireland. Now my brother lives there and we’ll be going there more and more. As our sons grow up hopefully they’ll grow to love their heritage as much as we do.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:32 am
I am very proud to be Irish; so much so that we’ve embarked upon opening an Irish pub called Foynes Landing Irish Pub to bring a bit of craic to our hometown of Puyallup, Washington, USA. My great-great-great grandfather, James Johnston, came to America from County Armagh sometime after 1816 (unsure whether he came on his own or with his parents). He served in the Civil War as a chaplain (I believe) as he was a circuit Baptist Preacher. On another branch of the family tree, the story goes that my great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandmother, Honora O’Flynn (born circa 1653 in County Kerry), was ostensibly kidnapped from the southern coast of Ireland, taken aboard a ship bound for America and sold as a bride to a William Logsdon near the Philadelphia area.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Both parents are Irish and I wish I knew the language. Too bad there aren’t any classes here for that.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
This year I received dual citizenship and am now proud to claim that I am an Irish citizen!
October 1st, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hard to define the feelings my daughter and I had when we travelled to Ireland. Have spent most of our time up in Donegal which is paradise. We were with the McSweeneys twice in September 2001 and 2005 for reunions. They are really great people. We had tremendous fun. Have spent 2 weeks there twice in the past 8 years. Spent a week driving around perimeter of the island in 2001 (week of 09/11 no less - a whole other story.) We really felt very safe being in Ireland during that time; the people could not have been more understanding. Many of them had family in America and particularly NYC and were very very concerned and affected by what had happened. We felt that we had truly “come home” when we visited Ireland. It is so hard to leave every time we are there. I think if my daughter and I did not have family responsibilities here in USA we would have moved there permanently by now.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I am the current president of the Edmonton Irish club. We have about 450 members, mostly first generation Irish. Being Irish is great - being Irish-Canadian is even better!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Although I was born in Co Meath my heart lies firmly in Co Kerry the birthplace of my father. Kerry is a beautiful county with wonderful scenery. Hopefully one day I may be able to retire there.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I am very proud to be IRISH. I only wish I had known my father longer and been able to establish a relationship with relitives in IRELAND. Thank you for the opportunity to belong to the seventy-million project. GO-IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I’ve only been to Ireland once, but instantly felt so at home there. My husband and I took my parents there, because my father is full Irish and wanted to see Ireland before he passed on; he had the same reaction I did, just an immediate sense of home. Well be going back in Sept. 2009 - cant wait!
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Enjoy Irish music and songs
October 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
My Irish ancestry means a lot to me particularly living in a bigoted anti-catholic country like Scotland.
I am aware that my McLaughlin name can be traced back to the 10th Century to the times of the High Kings of Ireland inand around the Inishowen Peninsula.
I find myself having a natural affinity for Ireland despite being born in Scotland. Although I would like to see Scotland an independent Celtic Tiger like Ireland this cannot be at present while Scotland remains an inherently bigoted country were anti-Irish anti-catholic sentiment is still present despite inter-marriage of Catholic and Protestant people.
I support Celtic Football Club which encapsulates the Irish soul within Scotland - also to a lesser extent I like to see Hibernian Football Club do well but not at Celtics expense.
October 6th, 2008 at 2:56 am
I love being three-quarters Irish. My grandfather was born there and I’m proud of it! I would love to visit there someday. My grandmother was born in New York City but her parents were born in Ireland with such family names as Keanahan, Shaugnessey, Fitzpatrick, and Delaney. I have a blackthorn shillelagh that belonged to my grandfather.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:46 am
I am extremely proud to be Irish. I come from a long line of Connolly/Colgan clan. I truly feel Irish to my very soul
October 7th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I’m Irish and very proud of it
October 9th, 2008 at 12:37 am
My mother was born in Ireland in 1935. She meet my American father when he was station in England after the war. They got married and moved back to American and then back to Dublin in the 60s. I remember as a young boy with my 3 brothers and one sister living and going to school in Dublin. It was very hard times back then. Then we moved back to the States. Things went down from there. My brothers and sister always new we are from Ireland, but my mother never spoke to us ever about Ireland. As we got older we asked are mother about our family in Ireland and why we didn’t stay. As young kids back then didn’t want to leave for the States. We had family in Ireland. Not like in the States, my mother was not welcome in the States by my father’s family because my mother was from Ireland and other things. Remember, this was in the late 50s and early 60s. My mother passed on. My uncle came to the States to bring my mother back to Ireland. He has been back 3 times since. That’s when I found out I am a Irish Citizen. To make a long story short. I just came back from Dublin Ireland. It’s been 45 years since I’ve been home. I also took my son to meet his family in Dublin. He is 22 years old and in the United States Marines Corps. He now has his Irish Citizenship and passport. He is planning on moving to Dublin to work and go to College. Also, my daughter has her Irish Citizenship and passport. The point to my story is that I only wish my mother explained to us about our Irish History before she died. If not for my Uncle Tony from Dublin I wouldn’t know anything about my Irishness. Got my Irish passport. I very proud to be an Irish Citizen. J.J.Johns
October 9th, 2008 at 1:11 am
My Irishness defines me, though after 50 years in Canada and Australia that sense of my identity is also dominant. For most of my working life I have worked for different airlines so I have travelled extensively but have never lost the urge to visit “home” in an effort to stay in touch with my roots
October 9th, 2008 at 2:38 am
When I went back to Ireland to visit my relatives there I felt finally at home - I feel my cells belong to that island.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Originally from Cork City and came to Canada in 1966. Canada is a great Country. Irishness to me means roots - roots of my character, my ancestors, my culture, my sense of home, my love of sport, music and literature.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
As part of a very large family of Irish descent I’d like to find out more about my heritage.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I am happy and proud to be Irish. I love the culture, the music and the craic
It’s a long way to Tipperary but my heart’s right there
October 17th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I am proud to be half Irish
October 17th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
It’s nice to have an Irish connection
October 18th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I am proud of my heritage, in the last few years I have developed an interest in genealogy. I wish I started much earlier so I could have had the opportunity to quiz my now deceased relatives. On my last trip to Ireland in the Crossmolina area I visited with a Thomas Rowland who was the spitting image of my late father. My great grandfather arrived in NYC in 1861 and settled in Scranton Pa. He married Honora Gaughan also from County Mayo. Her mother and father and 2 sisters also settled in Scranton, one sister married a Flynn and the other a Sheridan all four families lived on the same street.
October 19th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I’m very proud of my Irish heritage.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Green and proud!
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 am
I’m one of those Ulster Protestants born with a close affinity to things British, but I still consider myself Irish and always describe myself that way. I love the Ould Sod and its people, and have gone back to visit numerous times. Like so many from Tyrone I’d give anything for a bit of fresh wheaten or a bag of Tayto cheese & onion. I think if we amalgamated the NI and Irish Football Associations like the Irish Rugby Football Union wed have a world beating team. As a sports fan I’ve loved our Irish heroes, like Eamon Coglan, Barry McGuigan, George Best, Joey Dunlop and many others. We’ve been through 40 hard years with much hate and bitterness. It should not have been so. Years ago in my farming community we were so busy trying to make ends meet that everyone helped his neighbour regardless of faith. The weather was the enemy! My prayer is that once again we will genuinely love each other as brother and sister, just as Christ has commanded us. Time to quit. By now you know where my heart is. Yes, we have a proud heritage.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I didn’t mention it at school in the 1960s or very much during the Troubles, but it was always my special secret that others didn’t have.
It’s now something that usually gets a good reception, except English and Irish think I’m joking - I sound very English! And there can be an assumption that I am Roman Catholic, which can cause embarrassment.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Its great to have Celtic roots!
October 27th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I am so very very proud to be Irish, I visit family often. There is nowhere else on earth like it
October 28th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I am proud of my Irish heritage, and hope to visit the country someday. I still have a cousin in County Sligo.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I do enjoy having a bit of the Irish in me. One day I would love to visit Ireland.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I am a professional singer of Irish songs.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I am very proud to be Irish, and maybe one day I will return to my roots.
October 31st, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Strength of people to overcome adversity.
November 1st, 2008 at 12:55 am
St Patrick’s Day was BIG at our house. I grew up feeling like Irish was the best thing one could possibly be! The old songs made me yearn for Ireland even though I had never been there. Just a few years ago I learned from M Landers (my cousin) that the Bourke banshee had traveled to the New World with the clan. I have visited the graveyard in Kilglass, Sligo where my family lived and farmed. Yes, Ireland is a as lovely as they say, and visiting was like going home.
November 11th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I love being Irish. It’s who I am. It’s about family and sticking together. Celebrating the good times and sharing the tough times. Being involved in my community and the lives of my fellow Irishmen & women. A saying I’ve heard often growing up and it’s one of my favorite “We always take care of our own.” That’s what being Irish means to me.
November 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
My paternal ancestors moved to the US at the end of the 19th century. They continued to stay in touch with their Irish family. While I have not been able to travel to Ireland, my brother and his wife have, and have returned with stories of our family’s origin along with photos of a store –O’Connors — that was owned by my great-grandparents.
November 12th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I’m very proud to be Irish. We have such a long and rich heritage. Earthy and mystical, Regal and practical. My daughters also take delight in knowing that we are descended from ancient Irish kings.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:01 am
I would love to be more connected to others, especially since i have so little family here in the U.S. My mother and her sister were the only two of eight children born in Ireland to come to U.S. that I’m aware of. All the others either moved to England or stayed in Ireland. I believe there may be one or maybe more relatives in the U.S. as I remember my mother mentioning, but I don’t recall exactly who.
November 14th, 2008 at 2:07 am
I am very proud of my Irish heritage and that all of my grandparents emigrated in the 1930s. Gaelic was spoken and our large family is the stereotypical loud, gregarious, noisy bunch.
November 15th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Being Irish means everything to me. I have often helped Irish Americans trace their ancestry, and hope to continue doing so in the future.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Means everything to me, and as soon as I can afford to buy property back in Ireland I will be returning as have never found the easy-going sense of humour anywhere else in the world.
November 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I think we’re a different people, there’s something that sets us apart from other races, it’s just a feeling. You’d be mad to invade Ireland youdd never win.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:46 am
I am proud of my Irish heritage, and I would love to find out more about it. I can feel the Irish blood in me, wanting to sing and dance and speak like the people that my Grandad grew up with. I cannot wait to go back to Ireland and spend time learning and soaking up everything that my ancestors experienced. I love hearing my Grandad talk about his childhood in Ireland, and it was so amazing to go back there and see the birthplace of his tales. I wish there were more Irish groups around my town so I could experience just a little bit of Ireland in my home!
November 26th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Being Irish abroad, there is a great sense of unity with my fellow countrymen. I see us as a nation that loves a bit of craic, a pint or two, we are one of the few nations that like to sing at parties, we love to make peace and friends wherever we go, but are never afraid to speak our minds when a wrong is done. In all the different countries all over the world in which we live, I believe we are well-liked and welcomed for our hard work and good nature.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Being Irish means a lot to me. It identifies me to everyone. I try to be involved but a lot of the true Irish folk are dying off and losing that piece of Irishness
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 am
I am proud of being a part of an ancient, mystical, Celtic race.
December 11th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Dia dhaoibh a chairde !
Is múinteoir Gaeilge mé, (páirtaimseartha) agus táim i mo chónaí anseo i Melbourne.
December 12th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I love being Irish. People think it’s great and love the accent. For me personally my upbringing in Ireland and by Irish parents has given me foundation to be decent human being, and I am very proud to say I am from Ireland!
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Karl /Nick, Greetings. Thought any more about Irish Language lessons on this excellent website?
Surely there must be someone prepared to teach us second generation(and later) Irish!
Nothing too difficult mind, just basic conversational phrases with phonetics.
For various reasons we can’t all attend classes.
Slan,
Michael
December 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Ireland is my identity, i am Irish will always be Irish and carry all the genetics of a raving paddy with me;
December 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
My parents left because their families were large and poor. They raised and educated four children, who all became successful in the business world. My parents were hard workers, loved their adopted homeland and raised us to be faithful citizens.
December 29th, 2008 at 5:31 am
I am proud of my Irish heritage and have even gone so far as to apply for inclusion in the Register of Foreign Births so that I can claim citizenship and get a passport. Someday I hope to retire to Ireland.
December 29th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I’m proud of what the Irish have accomplished in Canada’s history (and Toronto’s). I cherish my link to Ireland, as distant as it is.
December 31st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I was born and raised here. I’m very proud of that.
January 1st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I am proud to be Irish and part of such a great culture, and even though I have lived away for many years I still call Ireland my home. I love to visit all parts of Ireland as often as possible
January 2nd, 2009 at 4:33 am
Proud to be of Irish descent. Haven’t had the opportunity to visit Ireland but hope to in the next couple of years to follow up on my family ancestry. My wife is researching the family tree which is very interesting.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Love the Irish community and I am very proud of my roots
January 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Great music, great sport, great social life, great people, corrupt politicians, corrupt legal profession, corrupt business class…
January 12th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
THIS IS GREAT!!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:11 am
I was born and raised in England in an Irish household so I was always aware my Irish Heritage. We spent a number of summer holidays in Ireland when I was young. It was probably most obvious during sporting events when we would always support the boys in green. One of the greatest days of my life was being at the Giants stadium when Ray Houghton scored the winner against Italy at the 94 World cup.
January 17th, 2009 at 8:15 am
C’est tellement cool parce que au Quebec et la vallee d’ottawa c est un morceau important de notre histoire.
January 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Both parents are Irish (Westmeath & Monaghan) and my heritage is very important to me. However, apart from my name there is nothing immediately identifiable as Irish about me. I am aware of the histories, literature, music and culture of Ireland and my father has returned to live in Ireland.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Being Irish means being a step dancer in the 1960s when no one else was dancing; going to church for St. Patrick’s Day; and music. It also means history and tradition. I feel blessed to belong to a community that is vibrant and strong.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
As an Irish immigrant living in the US, I’m very glad that I carry an Irish passport. We live in a transnational world but its good to know where you come from and what being Irish means as a force for good in the world.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Why did God Create alchol?
To stop the Irish form ruleing the world
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Cool idea
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
My parents are both Irish and I lived there when I was younger and only came back to England for work a couple of years ago. My friends and family still in live Kerry and my wife to be is also from Kerry.
I have very strong links with Ireland and plan to move back home when the time is right. It’s hard to explain but Ireland is different than any other place in the world.
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Although I was born and raised in Manchester I feel very much an Irish person. I have dual nationality and I am proud to hold an Irish passport. I support the Irish national team wherever they are represented, although I do get some stick from some people who can’t understand it. I don’t think they understand the cultural and social differences between Irish and English upbringings. I play traditional Irish music and I am an avid reader of Irish history. Being Irish is something that is part of my life everyday, it is who I am and it is what defines me as a person.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:40 am
This is a great organization!!
January 25th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Up for a few pints and a bit of craic.
January 26th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Anyone born in Ireland can be Irish, but I’m Celtic, right through to the back bone. I was born in Ireland, and so were all my ancestors. It breaks my heart when I try to find my ancestors, and I cannot get a birth certificate before 1864. Surely the Irish Goverment can get the records from Britain, after all, they occupied our country for eight hundred years, so how can they not have our records. I long to find a Healy who has a Pierce in the family, and whose ancestors came from Co. Limerick, as Pierce being such an unusual name, he could be called after a ancestor of mine. Come on all you Healy’s from Co. Limerick, and help this old exile to find her ancestors, and then I shall die happy. Bless all Healy’s , Tess.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I like Irish literature.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
A connect to the familial roots, history and sense of belonging. Doing my genealogy over the past few years has opened my eyes to the rich history and community spirit.
Irish ancestors from both mothers and fathers side with varying arrival dates from 1872 (maternal grandmothers side), 1895 (paternal great-grandfather & grandmother) to 1927 (paternal grandmother). My wife also has a maternal grandmother & grandfather who came here in 1927 as well.
We are planning on emigrating back to Eire in the next five years during our mid-50s after selling a big house in NYC and settling in a smaller single-story on a hillside. Both of us are amateur radio operators with experience in the emergency services and teaching others to be licensed.
January 30th, 2009 at 4:29 am
I know about my Irish family but I dont know much about what it means to be Irish. I hope to learn more on this site.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:32 pm
January 2008: It is a tough time to be Irish now. We look kind of stupid having believed we were a tiger economy. It is hard to trust that the government that presided over so much insider cronyism is going to do the necessary things to put it right, instead of simply protecting the interests they served in the good times. Still…. Proud to be Irish, and to be a citizen of the Republic.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:40 am
It’s a question I’ve been trying to answer for a long time. This site is helping to shape my definition.
More later!
February 1st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
My great-great grandparents John Gallagher (Donegal 1817) and Susan OBrien (Belfast 1820) married and then emigrated in 1841 to Belvidere, Il. He was a cabinet maker. He passed away in 1871 at age 64. She emigrated in 1842 passed away in 1898 in Belvidere at 70 yrs of age. They had 9 children. my great grandfather William Luke Gallagher born in Belvidere, IL in1866, married Susan Jane Stewart (whose father Andrew Malcolm Stewart,born 1816 in Perth, Scotland,came over in 1834 to be a wheat and dairy farmer in Wisconsin, married Susan Jane Myers from Montpelier, Vermont b.1839. They had 13 children. Andrew in Wisconsin in 1908
February 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I have a very strong sense of my Irishness since my mother, grandmother and great grandmother raised their kids alone. The family values and the drive to “make something of ourselves” even though we had so little, led me to be the person I am today; the Director of the Butte Silver Bow Public Library in Butte, America. I am proud of my heritage and I honor it by preserving all things Irish. In 2006 I traveled to Ireland for the third time to with the National Endowment for the Arts to study W.B. Yeats. My appreciation of Irish history and politics keeps me engaged as I seek to learn more. I am working on a play about Cuchulain.
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:06 am
I am very interested in my Irish Heritage. I will visit Ireland one day before I die and hope to find my ancestors. I want to find out more about Ireland and the many cultures from songs to well everything! I feel Irish! I do have other cultures in me, but feel that my Irish Culture is the strongest!
February 6th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
My Irish heritage means a lot to me. My family is from Ireland and I do have Irish blood in me and I wouldn’t change that for nothing. I do plan on visiting Ireland this year as well as next for the Daugherty family Reunion.
February 8th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
My dad was Irish and I have a strong connection with Ireland especially Mayo; I have visited a few times as I have cousins still living there.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I feel every bit Irish and I want to find out more about my mother’s grandparents who came from Ireland and settled in Chicago, Illinois where my Mom was born. Her grandfather was a blacksmith. Her grandparents died young and an aunt came from Ireland to help raise the children. There were five children and one of them was my mother’s Mom. The aunt that came to Ireland to finish raising her two nieces and three nephews was called Aunt Taddy and that was all Mom knew about her except that her last name was Fitzgerald. The United States census that would show her being the head of the household was destroyed during a fire in Chicago and I cannot find out any more about her. I do not have good birth dates etc. so I doubt if I will be able to find out any more than I already know. I do love doing the research and I am hoping to find out where they came into the United States some day.
February 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I am very proud of what we have accomplished and continue to instil that into my daughter! Our culture is very important to me and we need to hold on to it.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:44 am
It’s amazing to me having been to Ireland and then reading the Irish history to understand what my grandparents lived through, what their families must have gone through when their children came to America.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:06 am
My Irish heritage means everything to me, as I’m very Irish.
I grew up knowing I was half Irish, and feeling like I never fitted in the typical Aussie mold. I really wanted to grow up in Ireland, and when I speak of moving there, (even at my age), I say I’m moving back home!!! One day I’ll go home and dig into my Irish past.
My father grew up in Tipperary, and moved to England at the age of 17, came out to Australia on one of the emigration boats in the late 1940s. He arrived in Melbourne, and then moved to Adelaide and met my mother a few months later. They married after a 3 monts courtship, and I was their first-born.
The deepest part of me is so wanting to move back, that I can’t explain even how I feel (grammar ?)…
Here’s to the Irish!!!!
February 11th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I grew up feeling like I was as Irish as if I had been born in Irleand. 7 out of 8 of my greatgrandparents were born in Ireland. The English g-grandparent married an Irish gal. So despite the fact that I carry the English surname, I just feel 100 per cent Irish. All the relatives celebrated their Irishness with song and love for the old country. My grandparents and parents have all married “Irish” descendants as have I. Not by design, but it just sort of happened that way. Or, maybe not. Maybe we have all felt some connection to each other and our Irish roots.
February 15th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Having lived in Ireland for 50 years of my life its basically a big part of who I am, it defines a lot about me , but I find the greatest ability that being Irish gives to a person is the ability to laugh at themselves.
February 24th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I came late to my Irishness. My mum is from Boston originally and my time there with McGuinness cousins always made me curious. I attended Trinity College in Dublin for a semester and then moved back to work in Belfast on the peace at the beginning of the Ceasefire. My family just recently sold the family pub in Dalkey. I spend as much time in Ireland as possible and am raising my daughter to understand and appreciate her Irish heritage.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:36 am
My Irish heritage means everything to me - it’s where my spiritual home is and where my ashes will be laid to rest - alongside my Dad and Grandparents.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Possessing an anarchic yet disciplined spirit bordering always on the politically incorrect, sustained by spirits distilled and benign, by poetry and music, and by God knows what else; I am secure in the knowledge that I am part of a people that are always correct, especially when no two people agree on any one thing, and thus, am always on the other side of two persons arguing with each other. Being Irish is itself a contradiction: the only place in the world I am not Irish is Ireland, yet I am Irish.
March 1st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
My Heritage means a lot to me, I feel a close affinity with all things Irish. My research into my family tree leads me to both sets of GGGrandparents coming to Scotland around 1840.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I am very proud to be Irish I love to return to Ireland as often as i can to visit family and friends and visit other parts of Ireland.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I love visiting Ireland for me there is no better place it is truly God’s own country.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
My Irish heritage is really important to me.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I am extremely proud of my ancestors who endured hardship during the Potato Famine and sought out a promising life in North America. I am very active in family research for all my Irish ancestors. My dream would be to visit Ireland and the home towns where my ancestors called home.
March 8th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Born in UK but raised in Ireland of Irish parents, one from the north and one from the south. Raisred a catholic and married a northern protestant, uniting Ireland a little at a time. Left in 1983, but my daughter is back going to Trinity, where i went, so she is the bridge for our eventual return. Being Irish means a lot to me.. identity is important particularly when working abroad and besides our underperforming soccer team being Irish is internationally accepted as being cool… Irish people have a truthful way about them… even the crooks… so there is a great lack of obvious bullshit with Irish people so its a good advantage while trying to do business with these craven shysters in the middle east.
March 9th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I am very proud of my Irish heritage. I was born in the UK to Irish parents and grew up in Ireland.
March 9th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
The history, culture, language, and everything Irish is great!
March 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Mayo Memorial and Peace Park, Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. I undertake voluntary Research for the Mayo Memorial. It is a non political non sectarian project. Are aim is to find and Remember all County Mayo Personnel who have lost there lives in conflict anywhere in the World, no matter what uniform they wore or traditions they followed from the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, Merchant Navy, Medical Staff, Clergy and Civilians who were from County Mayo Republic of Ireland. The Website is http://www.mayomemorialpeacepark.org
March 12th, 2009 at 4:10 am
It doesn’t mean green beer. I feel that I am descended from a Diasporic nation or culture that reaches back nearly to the Stone Age in Europe. The heritage I have is one of interest in intellectual things related to the origins of culture.
March 14th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Even though its quite distant and quite diluted, I’ve always identified with my Irish heritage the most. The first time I went to Ireland, I started crying when landing in Dublin because it felt like I was finally coming home.
March 14th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Check out my Irish Family History blog at http://www.ceadmilefailte.wordpress.com
March 14th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Family
March 15th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I am London born, but my family origins are in Sneem Co Kerry. 14 of the children of John Lawrence Sullivan and Catherine Melville emigrated to USA between1890 and 1920, mostly to Boston and area. Someone of that family must sooner or later use this excellent website, so please get in touch, and in case you fear I might be looking for a cheap vacation, don’t worry. I’M not! Slan.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
14 children of John Lawrence Sullivan and Catherine Melville of Sneem Co Kerry, emigrated to Boston USA between 1890 and 1920. I’m the grandson of the only sibling to settle in London. Any of you guys out there? Would love to make contact. We have a very interesting history!.
March 16th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
It’s part of my soul. We have other family members, different generations as well as inlaws who are immigrants or ancestors all living in the States.
March 17th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
My heritage means roots with values, many values, all good.
March 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
It is a visual that tells us we are all together world wide
March 17th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I am very proud of my Irish heritage. It is a large part of who I am today. The culture, mores and religion are still very much a part of me. I have always enjoyed the Irish people when ever I have traveled to Europe. My closest friends are of Irish descent.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
It means so much to me that my historical novel, The Diary of a Scullery Maid, recounts the history of Irelands fight for freedom as seen through the eyes of a servant girl who had suffered unjustly through the misdeeds of a declining aristocracy. My book was rated among the top one hundred of the Historical Novels Society.
One of my childrens books The Changeling is part-written in Gaeilge.
Go dte tu slan, go maire tu ibhfad agus dealbh go deo na raibh tu.
Seosaimh ORuaidhri.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
My grandmother came through Ellis Island and ended up in Niantic, CT. I visited Ireland and saw the place where she was born and raised until she left. When I first visited Ireland, I knew when I got off the plane in Dublin that I was home. I have been back every year since and hope to spend part of every year there when I retire. It is who I am.
March 17th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
We have worked hard at our genealogy but have not been able to go back beyond 1836 when the great grandfather was born. All branches of the family have worked on this in some way, and we have been to Ireland three times. It is maddening to get so close and no farther to understanding the family tree! We don’t know what they did during the Famine and why they waited until the 1900s to emigrate. But the pursuit is a great challenge, and the heritage one of pride.
We celebrate with all our friends by having a party every year and we include quizzes and games that hold up the Irish heritage.
March 17th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Founding The OBrien Store (http://www.obrienstore.com) lets me express, though a few generations removed, how passionate I am about my Irish heritage. My son is named after two of his great great grandparents, Patrick O’Brien.
March 17th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
My interest in Ireland has been with me most of my life. I remember listening to my father, when I was little, singing on drives to visit our grandparents. He was singing very old Irish songs, and I have always loved hearing them, rare as some are. I am profoundly proud of my Irish heritage, and the ancestors who took such great risks to come to Canada and start over. They were religious, proud people and for as far back as I can remember, their biggest fear in life was that a child would go hungry or cold. That was passed down to me from my parents, who obviously inherited those characteristics from their parents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents. My dream is someday to go trout fishing in Ireland. That would be Paradise for me. I could listen to the old Irish songs forever, and never tire of hearing them. Yes, indeed, I am Irish and so very proud of my ancestors, who saw a better life in Canada for their descendants. God bless them all.
March 18th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live - Irish Blessing
March 18th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I am proud of my Irish heritage, proud of what we could be but not too enamoured with the image modern Ireland gives to the world - inflated ego, avarice, incompetence. Proud of my heritage - Yes, proud to be Irish and proud to have the opportunity to instil the values I learned growing up in Dun Laoghaire to my Irish/French daughter…….
March 18th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I read this quite recently. It gives one look at what it means to be Irish :
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the Dail. One
from Clare, another from Wicklow and the third from Dublin.
They go with a Dail official to examine the fence.
The Dublin contractor does some tape measuring, then works some
figures with a pencil. “Well,” he says, “I figure the job will run
about €900: €400 for materials, €400 for my crew and €100 profit for
me.”
The Wicklow contractor measures and figures, then says: “I can do this
job for €700: €300 for materials, €300 for my crew and €100 profit for
me.
“The Clare contractor doesn’t measure or figure, but leans over to the
Dail official and whispers, “€2,700″.
The official, incredulous, says, “you didn’t even measure like the
other guys! How did you come up with such a figure?”
The Clare contractor whispers back, “€1,000 for me, €1,000 for you,
and we hire a guy from Wicklow to fix the fence for €700.”
“Done!” replies the official.
And that, my friends, is why this country is in trouble.
March 18th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
It means being part of a welcoming community wherever you go to around the world - not just in Ireland!
March 18th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I am extremely proud of my Irish Heritage. Both my mother and father have Irish roots with both having the last name O’Brien. I wish I had contact with some of my Irish cousins.
March 19th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I am the eldest with my twin of 9 children born to John Dempsey and Margaret Byrne. We are first generation Irish on my fathers side and third generation on my mothers side. My fathers sister lives still in Ireland but he never went back. Nearly all of my brothers and sisters have visited Ireland and I hope to soon. We are intensely proud of our heritage and are extremely family oriented. Of course my 2 only brothers are Police Officers and there is a myriad of nurses, teachers, etc. in our family. Between the 9 of us we have about 33 neices and nephews and I think we are up to about 15 in great nieces and nephews. There are quite a few of my fathers uncles in Ireland that we know nothing about and I do have what information I have in a genealogy program that I need to update. My sister, her husband and her 2 children have lived in Ireland for a long time. I hope to be there soon.
March 20th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
My brother and I operate two Irish bars here on the Costa Blanca Spain, The Emerald Isle and The Celtic Isle. My parents are first generation and I feel it an honour being Irish I think our popularity around the world speaks for itself not to mention our great heritage and the wonderful people before us who spread Irishness to all parts of the Globe
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 am
My Irish ancestors moved to England and then to Canada in the 1700s. I haven’t traced further than my great great great grandfather, who was born in 1797. Finding O’Briens is NOT easy! I was lucky enough to visit Ireland in 2000 and fell in love with my ancestral home. I felt as if I belonged there, as if I was really home. I will definitely go back. The Irish spirit is in me. I know it was in my father and my grandfather, and I’m so proud of my history and connection to this beautiful country. I think we should all go back there and leave part of ourselves behind…maybe it would help Ireland to heal. She lost so much, lets give something back. Love you, Ireland. xxxx
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
I’ve Irish roots from 3 lines - all from before 1800. One is Brien (Obrien) from France in the 1500s. Other surnames Cannon, and Inman. It is an honor to be part Irish!
March 25th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
We value & celebrate our Irish heritage in our every day lives. Our children have Irish names. One is an Irish step dancer, the other plays the tin whistle in a young Irish musicians group. We enjoy Irish meals, & listen to traditional Irish music more than any other. We are saving for a trip to Ireland, & hope to visit many times in our lives. We’ve traced our Irish heritage many generations back & hope to visit the places were from. It’s difficult to explain the pull that a place can have on you that you’ve never even been, but the pull is definitely there, & its a strong & beautiful thing!
March 26th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I am proud to be Irish, and I will never forget my heritage.
I claim to be 109 Irish, I was born in Dublin 2 hours before St Patrick’s Day, there is a 10 premium for being born on the 17th March, isn’t there ???
March 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
You can take the Irish out Ireland but you can’t take the Ireland out of the Irish. As a son of Irish parents you can’t help but feel the pride of this great culture.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 am
I am proud of my Irishness, understanding where my family came from and what they lived through helps me to understand some of why I am who I am. I celebrate with pride Irishness and mourn when there is sadness in Ireland.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
There is an informal Irish group in Jordan, rarely meets.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I am proud to be Irish. It is a great asset to be part of a great heritage.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Not only do I love my Irish Heritage - I work for Celtic Tours. The No. 1 company in providing tours to Ireland. I get to bring people joy by sending them home again!
April 5th, 2009 at 3:44 am
VERY important to both my wife and I, we are both Irish and hope to visit the old sod soon.
April 6th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I have always been fascinated by family history. Four of my great grandparents were born in Ireland. I want to find out about them and their parents. I have been searching but it is a difficult search and difficult to find records. I would love to travel to Ireland and peruse the records in person. Maybe I will find the answers and maybe the answers will create more questions. The second is most likely.
April 14th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Being Irish means everything to me!!
April 16th, 2009 at 3:14 am
Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si
April 17th, 2009 at 6:41 am
We used to talk about my grandmother’s Irishness when I was growing up. And I read Patricia Lynches stories for children when I was a child and it gave me a sense of poetry about Ireland. I haven’t been to Ireland but I want to go to the West coast and watch the Atlantic waves break on the shore.
April 17th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I am very proud of my Irishness and as I discover more and more about my heritage I feel closer to my Irish ancestors. I hope that one day I will be able to connect with undiscovered living relatives.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I have been trying do a family tree but by “real” last name is not actually Mattis, and my father doesn’t know much about his birth father except that his last name was Montague. He was adopted by my grandmother’s second husband. Her last name was Harrop, but I have not been able to find much so far.
I do love being Irish, or part Irish. Eventually, I will find out who my relatives are somehow. If anyone is out there that could offer some help or web sites, let me know.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Not recognisable Irish names. Both British however could have been nearest sounding translations from Gaelic. Possibly lost in translation by some crew member of the boat/ passport control whilst travelling to destination.
April 24th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I have been living in Chile since 1995 and at present own an Irish Pub called Flannery´s Irish Geo Pub located at Encomenderos 83, las Condes, Santiago Tel 2336675. In addition, I have been present of The Irish Wild Geese Society that organises the St Patrick´s Festival every year. I am very proud to be Irish and try to promote the Irish Culture in Chile through supporting and organising Irish music and dance events.
April 26th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
It’s like a home from home
April 26th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
It feels like home because, after all, I’m part Irish
April 27th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Ireland is a beautiful country and I am proud of my Irish heritage. I have many family members still living there.
April 27th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Being Irish means a lot to anyone from Ireland. I own an Irish pub, “El Irlandes” to try & show Chile a bit how we do things at home. http://www.barelirlandes.blogspot.com/ Were also on facebook. I’m very proud, that’s one of our traits.
May 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I love the fact that I have Irish Blood! It explains my red hair, freckles, and fair complexion. Also, saying I’m part Irish makes others overlook my temper when it flares!
May 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Love being Irish; no better country in the world except Spain of course, and also we have crap politicians.
June 22nd, 2009 at 4:30 am
It is who I am, where my family is from, my culture and heritage.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
My Heritage means a lot to me, i take pride in a lot of Irish customs. I play accordion, just like a few members of my family. I absolutely love to watch hurlin and play it, when i get a chance. No matter what happens, no matter where I go in life. I will always be Hlaf Irish!!
June 27th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Es un marcado aporte al marco cultural en que me muevo
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
It means everything, it is really amazing to have Irish Blood running through my veins.
July 5th, 2009 at 7:18 am
I’m proud of my Irish heritage, though, sadly, I didn’t know my grandmother well and didn’t get to experience a lot of Irish culture growing up. I’m Irish on both sides of my family and always felt a distinct membership within a great group of people. The Irish have had a long and difficult history, as well as a beautiful one - and I will make sure that I live and experience more of it and that my future children will, too.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I am proud of my Irish heritage.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:06 am
I am very proud of my Irish heritage
July 9th, 2009 at 4:08 am
Very important, but still feel very connected in this country.
I love irish music and partake in Irish dancing, and attend Irish events and volenteer at Irish events, especially around St. Patrick’s week.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Siento orgullo de mis raices irlandesas. Hay algo magico cuando pienso en ellas.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Maternal ancestry Dublin & Cork.
Paternal ancestry Drumkeeran Co. Leitrim and Kent England.
Genealogy has expanded my contact with remote family.
I enjoy the company of a wide circle of Irish friends.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Proud and curious
August 8th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Even though I’m an ethnic mongrel, it’s the Irish part I most cherish and turn to when comfort is needed. Just the thought of what my Irish ancestors survived, with their tough humor and their courage, is enough to make my own troubles seem small by comparison. Always looking to find out more about my Wilkerson/Wilkinson, Mullen, and Poe relatives. Erin go Bragh!
August 10th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
It is who I am. I am attempting to learn more by participating in dna Geneology projects. It is very interesting.
I have found that my dna(M222 mutation) is concentrated in Donegal, Ulster and WC Scotland, though my ancestor came from S Ireland(Irish Free State) and was Catholic. His family left Ireland via Galway, but I do not know where he lived.
They left at the time of the English genocide of the Catholic Irish during the reign of Cromwell.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Will be visiting Ireland in 2011, but that hasn’t stopped me making friends online and talking to them on the phone.
I am more proud of my Irish heritage because of the struggles of my ancestors…… of Ireland. I love the beauty of Eire. The warmth of the people…to me this is Heaven
August 17th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I’m a proud son of Eire! I love being part of such a vibrant and rich culture. I enjoy hurling, gaelic football, and rugby. I am trying to learn Gaelic right now. I think I am lucky to be part of the two greatest cultures on earth. I hope to visit my ancestral home in Derry where my grandfather is from. To be Irish-American to me is to have the fighting tenacity to survive while acknowledging your roots. My family is still very Irish! Mass every sunday followed by a game of hurling with the cousins!
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
It’s maybe a take on life, none too serious, about having fun; but also living in UK, it’s a wider view than many folks who argue over the smallest thing. A feeling that the spirit, words, songs are important - LIFE is Important! And worshipping the Potato ;P
September 26th, 2009 at 1:41 am
ah its amazing usually everywhere you go your greeted with a smile…dont know so much about my heritage but would love to find out or even a good way to find out
September 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Gives me a sense of identity and pride
September 29th, 2009 at 2:58 am
I am very proud of my Irish heritage so much so that for years now I have been trying to compile my family history but without alot of money its extremely hard to do but i keep trudging onward. I hope to have something to show for all my years work and something to leave behind for others to continue.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Both of my Fathers parents were Irish (from Brooklyn, NY), and their parents came from Ireland (my fathers maternal and paternal grandparents). My fathers fathers family were from Kerry, and I think my fathers mothers family were perhaps from Mayo. I am not sure about this. I am incredibly proud of my irish heritage, as I am of my Scottish heritage (my mother was born in Burntisland, Scotland, and came to American as a child with her Scottish parents).
October 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am
My fathers parents parents all came from Ireland. I am incredibly proud of my Irish heritage, as I am of my Scottish heritage (my mother was born in Burntisland, Scotland).
October 16th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Irish and proud!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Where do I start?!
I grew up in a home where “Irishness” was a huge deal. We ate Irish food, listened to Irish music, learned some of the old language, and reminisced about our ancestors.
Some would say (even Irish born) that Irishness is a state of mind, something one gets by being born in Ireland, or something you get by being and Irish nationalist.
To me, this line of thinking is a real heart-breaker. The Irish people, my ancestors, were a racial group defined by culture, music, religion (modern and Pre-Christian), language, and genetics. Please… To all of those that would haller “RACIST!” There is a HUGE difference between racial and racism. One can appreciate Native American culture, but no matter how deep one immerses themselves, if the last of them died, then the blood of those people also dies. Granted, the spirit can remain.
Thankfully, the blood of the Irish diaspora are going strong in many, many countries world wide, and most certainly in the U.S. where nearly 7 Million Irish came to America during the 1800s and beyond.
I am defined by my ancestors. After all, without their bravery, courage, intellect, fortitude of character, charisma, and general Irishness, Irish-Americans like me would not have risen above the racism, classism, and inequality that so many immigrants had to bear in both their homelands and early in American history.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Im extremely proud of my heritage, even though it is distant. My grandparents had the fortune of visiting the very town that my ancestors came from during their trip to Ireland 10 years ago. I look forward to learning more during my visits!
November 26th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
With family spread from Mexico to Russia and from London to San Francisco, my Irish heritage, and that of my family, is very important to me.
December 13th, 2009 at 6:29 am
I grew up with Sheas and Flynns and Bradys and Maguires and Quinns and and McKennas and all their relations and a whole host of others. Were it not for the Irish… well perish the thought
December 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I am proud to be able to call myself Irish… but moreso, i am proud that Great America herself has risen to greatness because of my Irish ancestors and all the other Irish men and women that have immigrated to America in the 233 years that The United States has been a country. America wouldnt be the superpower we are today if it were not for Ireland.
December 24th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Lets see - me, my dad Lowell, his dad Kenneth, his dad James, his dad Frank, his dad Cornelius - Cornelius was born in Ireland but I do not know where, when or when he came to America
My daughters husband hales from Moate,County Westmeath
We LOVE Ireland, nothing left to say :)
December 28th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Irish and proud!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Irish and proud!
December 30th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I’m Irish!
January 1st, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Irish and proud
January 5th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I am just finshed setting up a company with a friend that enable people to purchase 200 square feet of land in Ireland and its very affordable. Celabrate you Irish heratage by owning a little piece of home, visit http://www.celticplots.com for more information.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Irsko je muj prava dum
January 25th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
As someone who has moved around all my life - it is the only place that gives me a sense of identity. Especially as I am now married to a true Irish lass from Clare and two of my kids have Irish passports.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:54 am
I strongly identify with my Irish heritage. I love Irish literature, music, art and music.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Since Canada is part of the New World, we are still asked for our ancestry. It is very interesting to know how my relatives arrived here. I wish I knew more about that time period in the history of Ireland, and I am proud of how brave and strong my ancestors must have been to move to an unknown place and survive with virtually nothing to help them. I wish someday that I could visit Ireland with my parents, who also have never been there. To me being Irish means hard working people who love their families.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Proud to be Irish
February 19th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Im extremely proud of my Irish Heritage. It is a heritage steeped in a magnificent culture, language and history.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:36 am
My mother was a Daugherty. Quite a few years ago, one of my uncles had traced our heritage back to an ancestor who left Ireland for the US in 1742, so we were aware of that part of our heritage. Just a few years ago, we learned that the ODochartaigh clann held an international reunion in Inishowen every five years. We attended a special reunion in 2008 (the 400th anniversary of the assassination of the last clan cheiftain, Cahir “Rua” ODochartaigh). We learned so much more about our roots and the area our clann occupied. We were entranced by the fascinating history, beautiful scenery, and friendly people we found there. We are planning another trip this summer to attend the 2010 ODochartaigh reunion. We are literally counting the days! We have become so obsessed with Ireland and our Irish heritage we have made ourselves obnoxious!
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:46 am
Left Ireland when I was 21 and I have never lived in an area with a big Irish community - so I feel a bit isolated.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:47 am
I have just recently become more interested in my Irish heritage. I am a counseling student and my graduate school is very multicultural focused. I have learned a lot about other cultures and therefore became more interested in mine own background - even though it is quite distant. I believe my Irish link enables me to consider how my ancestors lived and what their life was like - in Ireland and when they moved to the USA. My ancestors experience when they relocated was most likely a difficult, exciting, and scary adventure and I contemplate how this influenced their values, behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, etc. I also wonder how all this was passed down generationally to me! I would love to visit Ireland when I have enough money and time!
February 26th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Even though Im only Irish on my mothers side, it is definitely the dominent side. I have been to Ireland about 12-13 times. There is a real spiritual connection with Ireland for me.
February 26th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
My Familys heritage was denied me because of beliefs and the “Troubles”. Most of what weve learned has been on our own, chasing down government records on two sides of the ocean and by Internet. Im proud of my familys past, and hope to gain Irish Citizenship soon. Thanks for your help in this
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Irish and proud
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:43 am
Spent many years competing as an Irish Step dancer. Just bought my daughter her first pair of ghillies and I am enjoying watching her follow in my foot steps. In the winter we enjoy St. Patrick Day shows and in the summer many Irish Festivals. My husband is Italian and I enjoy teaching his family about the culture.
March 7th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Irish and proud
March 8th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
I will go to Ireland before I die. my mother said I used to wake up crying in the middle of the night and beg to go home and point to pictures of Ireland when I was three. Gave her the creeps!! lol Need to go!!
March 8th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
My Irish heritage means so much to me and my family. Its a sense of belonging to a community and a larger family in a very uncertain world.
Most of my superstitous beliefs, Ive been told; come directly from my grandmother who learned them all from my great-grandmother (all Irish).
I am proud to be of Irish descent. I will soon belong to local clubs in my area, since I wish to connect to this heritage even more.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
My father and aunt told many stories of the struggles of their grandparents. I feel a part of them and work on family history to honor them.
March 18th, 2010 at 3:33 am
My Irish heritage means a lot to me, as I am a direct descendant of Sir Henry Long of Longfield, who was martyred on the front steps of his home. I am very proud of my Irish ancestry, and love Ireland’s music.
March 20th, 2010 at 12:54 am
My grandparents died before I was born, and there was a lot of family history that was never talked about, leaving most of our story unknown. We didnt know much beyond the fact that we were Irish, and there was always a lot of pride in that.My mom and I began researching our genealogy last year and discovering more about our Irish past has been a gift. Our Irishness is a key to the family legacy and Im learning about myself and gaining a picture of relatives I never got to meet. My immediate family is very close,and has grown a lot with the births of my nieces. Im glad they will have this pride and knowledge to pass on to future generations.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Irish and proud
April 17th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
My Irish heritage is extremely important to me. Although I could only post one county, I have multiple counties in Ireland my ancestors came from. One side even came over and fought in the American Revolution. I will see Ireland before I die and am proud to be part of this amazing culture. My husband is also of Irish heritage and is a Butte, Montana boy.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
It’s who I am and who I am searching for.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I have discovered I have at least 2 Great Grandparent links to Ireland, probably I have more? One Great Granddad ,Patrick Hannan, came to Newcastle Upon Tyne (Jarrow) via Govan (Glasgow to work in the shipyards. He was from Randalstown in Antrim. I am proud of my heritage, they were hard working people and I am proud of how the Irish helped shape Tyneside. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/news-archive/2006/09/25/irish-eyes-are-set-to-smile-on-tyneside-again-72703-17815359/
Where I was brought up is Called Little Ireland, so many Irish people came to live there. I now live in Spain but I am proud of Tyneside and its links with Ireland.
May 4th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
My mother was adopted , so being Irish means a lot to me. It is all that I have
May 4th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Irish and proud
May 5th, 2010 at 4:42 am
Irish and pround
May 5th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
My Irishness is a special link to my grandfather who was very proud of his Irish ancestry and we celebrated the traditions of storytelling and drinking and just plain stubborn-ness everyday. I was the first person born in our family since my great-great grandfather who had red hair and that made me extra special in my grandpappys heart. I miss him everyday…
May 5th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Being Irish is a huge part of who I am. My grandmother taught me the music , and dancing as a child, and I have studied the history extensively.. ST. Patrickks Day was as important as our own birthdays in my household and the blessing still sits by the door in mine and my childrens homes.
May 10th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I want to see home and take my name back to where we belong…
May 16th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I am retired from the US Army, Military Police and currently working at the Federal Court House in Jacksonville, Florida as a Court Security Officer. I am very proud of my Irish heritage.
May 19th, 2010 at 1:16 am
My maternal great grandparents were both born in Ireland as was my paternal grandfather. Because I am mostly Irish my heritage means a lot to me and I am very proud of it. When I first visited Ireland I felt a spiritual connection to the land, the people and the culture. I grew up hearing the stories from my grandparents and while they have been dead for many years I know that they would be proud to know that many of their grandchildren have traveled back to the old sod to pay homage.
May 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 am
Meabhraionn an cheist sin raiteas a thug Sean O Riordain, file, trath. Duirt se nilim ionam ach ball de chorp san mo shinsir agus tuigim do go huile is hiomlan. Is ionann an sceal do chach, ni bheadh ann do dhuine againn mara mbeadh na gluinte a thainig romhainn. Is as an gculra is an oidhreacht sin a fuinneadh is faisceadh sinn. Na daoine a thainig romhainn a dhein mise, is leo gach ni da bhfuil agam agus ni ligfeadsa san i ndearmad go brach na breithe.
May 27th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Did my schooling in Ireland and finished in 1946. Worked in Dublin till i left in 1952 and joined the R.A.F. in which i did 16 years.When i came out there was no work in Ireland or England so i came to Australia where i have now retired. Two of my four children have visited Ireland a number of times . I have two brothers and a sister living in Ireland and one brother living in Birmingham in England. It means a great deal to me to be of Irish parentage in that i have traced my family to Limerick and have also designed a family crest and had it proven by on the 11th Febuary1994.I do miss the family in Dublin a lot , but i phone quite a bit as well and keep in touch with them.
June 7th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I found growing up in England as an Irish-born child was no fun. At that time (late 50s/early1960s) many English people thought of Irish people as thick ignorant Paddies who dug roads for a living. My schoolmates took the Mick out of me mercilessly because of the way I spoke. I was a quiet kid and could not live with this and so I set about fitting in, losing my accent and trying to be English. I married an English girl and have 3 great kids who are only marginally aware of their Irish roots. My thought is, what really does it help to bang on about being Irish, English or anything else. If you asked my Dad who is now dead and gone this 20 years what he thought about Ireland I think he would have a lot to say about it was about who you knew in those days and not what you knew which is why he had to leave Ireland to find a job which paid enough to keep a family. I think being in the US or Australia you might have a rosy picture but the reality is often a bit different.
June 20th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Contrasting the good life we have now with the very hard life my Irish ancestors had around the time of the Great Famine and what impact that had on the families.
In addition to the traditional Ireland migration - Ireland to US, Ireland to Australia - I’m also chasing the lesser known Ireland to Glasgow and Northumberland migration with three generations of Irish (Keirven) living near Newcastle towards the end of the 19th and early 20th century before migrating to Australia.
June 21st, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Ive been researching my genealogy several years and was thrilled to finally find a link to the “old country.” When I finally found the birthplace of my ancestors, the photos just filled my heart. Ireland is number 1 on my “before I die” list. Surely there’s no place more beautiful on God’s green Earth!
June 24th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I am very proud of my Irish ancestry and have worked hard to trace my family back across the Atlantic but I don’t seem to be having much luck there. My family lived in very hard times (as I’m sure most Irish did) and it would mean a lot to me to be able to honor them by finding the place they came from and visiting there. I will see Ireland one day!
June 26th, 2010 at 12:59 am
My Irish heritage means so much to me. It would be a dream to visit my homeland. I have actually spoken to relatives that still live in the family ancestral home where my great grandfather was born! I am so proud to always exclaim to others that I am Irish and I am so proud and honored. When my grandmother’s family came here in 1917, 8 of 10 siblings arrived and 2 remained in Ireland. Both of my great grandfathers’ parents also came from Ireland. My grandmothers side from Co Tyrone and Co Sligo, and my grandfathers people came from Co Cavan and Co Tyrone. My grandfathers family arrived her in 1860. My family mostly still live in New York and have been marching in the New York St Patricks Dsay Parade representing Co Tyrone for DECADES. I have uncles and cousins that play bagpipes,drums and fife. One day I will visit there and I know it will be unforgettable.
June 30th, 2010 at 12:34 am
When I was growing up, mother and I lived with my grandparents. My grandmother was born in the USA but she was IRISH through and through. She even spoke a little Gaelic. I attended an Irish Catholic grade school for 8 years and we were very aware of all things Irish. St. Patrick’s Day was very special at our home, school and church. I got married and moved away and kind of lost touch with the Irish heritage that I was brought up with but as I got older, I realized how special and important that heritage actually is. I have travelled to Ireland 2 times and always felt a kinship there. I love Irish music and was told that I must be true Irish because my toes automatically start to tap when the music starts.
July 1st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I am involved in setting up a Memorial to what the Irish did for other Nations
July 9th, 2010 at 11:20 am
My Irish heritage has always been buried deep despite carrying an Irish name around all my life; Irishness has never been a dominant part of my life or personality except for St Patricks Day!
July 11th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I’m 100% Irish and have always been very proud of it, but had a rather romantic notion of what that meant until I spent and extended time in Ireland. Ireland is part of me and I feel totally at home there. Her history is my history, every bit as much as that of my home state of Montana…perhaps more. It’s hard to explain the connection that comes from gripping a handful of County Limerick soil.
July 11th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
My ancestors came to New Brunswick, Canada sometime between 1803 and 1828, there were 2 or 3 brothers, my ancestor John married Sarah Unknown born 1808, Tyrone, his brother James born Londonderry 1814 married Christianne Fearon born 1818 Richibucto, her family came from Whitehaven, England, a sister Lucinda born in Londonderry married Robert Timpson, they all settled at Bass River, NB. John and Sarah had at least 7 children. The community is fairly isolated in a rural area where the fresh water meets the salt water, they first worked in shipbuilding, then farming and lumbering for 200 years we live on the same family farm, they were Orangemen originally, associated with St. Marks Presbyterian Church, LOL 33, the church was modeled after St. Giles, Church of Scotland, they were in Ireland about 100 years after leaving Scotland, the Coat of Arms was passed down and the family bible of John Joseph Thompson, eldest known son of John and Sarah. I am a local genealogy and history buff, lots of Scots/Irish in our community arriving during these early years, all Protestant til the 1840s with new settlements opening at that time. I have a fansite on facebook “Wild Heart of Kent”. Come for a visit! Thanks!
July 17th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Very proud of my Irish roots. Just wish I could get home more often.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
On behalf of the Irish Argentine Association of Buenos Aires (Argentina), I would like to invite your Association to the first International Irish Diaspora Congress held in Argentina since 1921. The Congress is programmed for June of next year, 90 years later!.
Preparing this kind of event requires an enormous effort and thus we are currently in the process of determining whether our sister associations across the globe are interested in our proposal. Our idea is to organize an International Congress on Irish emigrants and their descendents which will include conferences and seminars on a body of different topics.
Subjects of Interest:
The Irish Diaspora
Literature and the Irish Emigrant
Fundraising for Irish Associations
Irish Education abroad
Irish Dance
Irish Music
History of Irish Emigration
Business Opportunities for Irish Descendents Abroad
Other: (Please specify)
If this proposal is of your interest, please complete the following questions:
Is your Association interested in participating? YES- NO-
How many members of your community will be able to participate?
How many days would you be able to spend in Argentina: 3 days - 5 days- Week – 10 days.
Please fill out the following information:
Name of the Association:
Name of the contact:
Country of origin:
Postal address:
Email:
Telephone:
Type of Association: Social – Sporting – Educational– Cultural– Other (please specify).
In the coming months we will establish an estimative budget that will cover the expenses involved with the project; including the Congress’ logistic and operational fees, accommodation, meals, transportation and other costs.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Jorge Mackey
President
http://www.asociacionirlandesa.com.ar/?langen
August 11th, 2010 at 5:28 am
When I was a child I felt “Irish” but when I asked a family member was told I wasn’t. Despite this I didn’t believe them and still “felt” Irish. Years later I found out that I have more Irish blood than anything else and I am proud of it !
August 12th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Irish and proud
August 31st, 2010 at 10:35 pm
My auntie pat told me my great great grandmother was Irish.
So I’ve got a bit of Irish in me.
I have always liked the Irish maybe thats why.