Top ten Irish people to celebrate this Christmas

In the spirit of Christmas IrishCentral gives thanks for those worth celebrating in 2010

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, December 16, 2010, 3:18 AM

Updated Thursday, December 16, 2010, 3:33 AM

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Olivia Wilde arrives at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards

With Christmas day fast approaching, many people find themselves lost in the mania of the preparation for the holidays.

Despite most people in Ireland being less well off financially this year, here at IrishCentral.com we think we is more important than ever to give thanks for what we have and so in true Christmas spirit we have come up the top ten people of 2010 to celebrate.

Michael Flatley

Love him or hate him, this is man who is still flying the flag for Irish dance around the world. The Lord of the Dance creator recently embarked on yet another world tour, which showcases the true talent and beauty of Irish dance. Talking about his age recently Flatley said 50 is the new 30.

READ MORE- Michael Flatley is the top lord again

Emma Donoghue

Just one of Ireland’s countless literary talented, Emma Donoghue wowed critics this year with her latest novel “Room”. The Irish writer’s seventh novel was shortlisted for the 201 Man Booker Prize. Born in Dublin, the award winning author now lives in Canada with her family.

Narrowly missing out on one of the world’s most coveted literary prizes, Emma reminds us why Ireland was once described as the land of saints and scholars.

Conan O’Brien

Considered one of the funniest Irish-Americans around, Conan O’Brien had a tough year after his late night talk show with NBC was bumped by Jay Leno. Walking away with a golden handshake, Conan launched his new show entitled “Conan” in November with cable television station TBS.

From a whale watching incident with Tom hanks to a dance lesson with Chritstina Aguilera, Conan’s new slot has proved to be a popular, testifying to the funnyman’s talent.

Celebrating her 90th birthday earlier this year, Maureen O’Hara still remains one of Ireland’s favorite Hollywood starlets. Fit, healthy and more glamorous than ever, O’Hara recently told the Irish press that it is one of her dreams to discover Irish acting talent. Plans for a new drama center have been unveiled in her west Cork home village in her honor.

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laff1948 | Dec 17, 2010, 12:02 PM EST

We are blessed by the Irish Americans we have in the US. But this Christmas my US heart is in prayer for our Irish families on the Isle. Bless you all in a time of economic upheaval and political disappointment. We know how you feel and you are in our prayers. Wish I were there with you.

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irishwxman | Dec 17, 2010, 12:06 AM EST

I love how they call Olivia Wilde Irish American, and her "Irish Parents"...plural. Her father was born in London. He grew up in Ireland...and "Cockburn" is a Borderlands name. That's like calling a Japanese person born in Japan, but growing up in Ireland, an Irishman. Her mother is of German decent...as Redlich is a German name. SO While her pops gre up in Ireland, and that grants her dual citizenship....calling her an Irish American is not exactly true. She is slammin' hot though.

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fuerte181 | Dec 16, 2010, 07:27 PM EST

why aren't there pictures of them?

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greenferrett101 | Dec 16, 2010, 09:48 AM EST

I love this. I have emailed it to all my friends. What about Bono? No irish people seem to like him...?!

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