Rosie O'Donnell says Irish roots trip changed her life forever

Good for you Rosie and other's too: imagine the children of clergy who can't even imagine who they are, let alone even finding out who they are.

joan1954... Try searching the LDS records on "Family Search" they have the largest records data base in the world, including Irish records.The LDS also have locations in each state with people on hand to help your search. Some of their Irish records go back to the 1600's.

Ok - Wikipedia says her father is from Donegal which makes sense given the O'Donnell name (she could be a relation of mine...) but is this accurate?

Um...I think it would be really helpful if this article would mention WHERE IN IRELAND SHE IS FROM!!??? I would be interested in knowing. I thought I once heard her say that her Dad was from Belfast but someone said no he wasn't. Does anyone know?

that was some inspiring story - now, holding another opinion, a sense of this human.

Rosie was by far the best story on Who Do You Think You Are. I watched as if it were my own family. My grandfather left Co Down with his parents and sister to cross the sea a short distance to Scotland, only to have his parents both die there leaving them both orphans 5 years later because of the living conditions in Glasgow. Many Irish fled to Scotland, but did not always find it any better, sometimes even worse. Still trying myself to find out more about their lives in Ireland, many brick walls. Shed tears with you Rosie....and hope you will have another story on the other side of your family for us. Glad we are in the USA now eh. My heart is still in the old country too though.

Though I did not find lost relatives (Though one side of my family is from Ireland!) while I was there last April, I also found that sense of home, or going home and really hated to leave. I want to go back - SOON!

Said I'd believe her-and I get called for it? Must be a lot more like her out there.

In many ways I envied Rosie as while I know the name of my great-grandmother and her father, I don't know know her mother's name. The county according to my late mother was Cavan but her only surviving brother says Mayo. I have reached a brick wall and it drives me up a wall. I, too, understand Rosie's family lack of love, mine as well didn't show it. It was felt and tangible but never rarely spoken and no more shown then when my mom was dying of cancer and her eledest brother came in a wheelchair, held her hand and the expression in his face spoke volumes. He loved her but couldn't say it. Well done Rosie!!

Good article! I'm going back to visit my hometown (Chicago) in December....and boy do I remember those cold days, Brrrrrrr, hand onto your hat Rosie!! If you need a Tour Guide for the holidays in Ireland....I'm available. I was there a couple years ago for the holidays....loved it. Went to see play "Oliver" at Nat'l Theather in Dublin...excellent! And heard the bells toll at midnight in Dublin on New Year's eve while standing outside Christ Church....what a lovely time!!! Will definitely get back there again one day for the holidays!!!

Did Rosie do Sinead?????

You know what Murph46, I'd rather spend a decade in the company of militant feminists and lesbians than a minute with you. They're much more fun.

Wearing Claddah rings doesn't make you Irish-Your attitude and lifestyle do.She was a smarmy,up tight militant feminist and lesbian.I'll give her some time to show she has changed.

I have always liked Rosie,and not always agreed with her.I think she has a great wit and a great heart. She and Oprah have many commonalities..the desire to do the thing that they think is right. I love the new show and will be a faitful viewer. Have relatives in the area and hope to be in the shows audience some day.

Good article, thanks.