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Home Page > News > First Certificate of Irish Heritage given to hero Firefighter Joseph Hunter

First Certificate of Irish Heritage given to hero Firefighter Joseph Hunter

Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore presents cert to mum Bridget

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 7:28 AM

Updated Thursday, September 22, 2011, 4:21 PM

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Eire2009 | Sep 20, 2011, 01:40 PM EDT

This is the consolation prize for those who are a generation too distant to qualify for an Irish passport. But I don't think anyone is a "sucker" just for wanting a bit of nostalgia on their wall. And there is certainly nothing wrong with honoring your heritage by purchasing an official government certificate.

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KittyMurphy | Sep 20, 2011, 01:34 PM EDT

@Ajreaper - I think you're so right. If people like the idea and want to reconnect with their Irish roots that to hell with the begrudgers.

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KSERRAHN | Sep 20, 2011, 11:48 AM EDT

Just as soon as I can get the money, I'm there. I will be so proud if I can have one. And maybe my son and grandson also. It'll be like coming home

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Rebelforce | Sep 20, 2011, 11:17 AM EDT

Exceptionally poor taste to use an Irish-American 9-11 hero in this obvious publicity stunt to hawk their money-grubbing "Irishness" Certificates. Absolutely shameless.

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Ajreaper | Sep 20, 2011, 10:56 AM EDT

LOL, some lead such charmed lives they must search hard for things to complain about. If this is on your radar as worthy of your whine then count your blessing and move on.

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gregoryny | Sep 20, 2011, 10:40 AM EDT

this really is a worthless piece of paper. Are Irish tax dollars being spent on this? the money would be better spent in this financial crisis

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Eire2009 | Sep 20, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT

For those who are actually interested: "The Tánaiste confirmed that applications for the new Certificate of Heritage can be submitted online from the end of this month at www.heritagecertificate.ie." It's €40 for the certificate (not including shipping) and the frame is extra for those who want it. €40 = $52.64 (at today's exchange rate)

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Eire2009 | Sep 20, 2011, 10:14 AM EDT

That was a nice gesture, but Joseph already had Irish citizenship based on his mum's birth in Connemara.

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Yardleypa | Sep 20, 2011, 10:01 AM EDT

I would prefer to have the cheese at least its free and more beneficial

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Rebelforce | Sep 20, 2011, 09:38 AM EDT

Any truth to the rumor that on the back of these "Certificates of Irishness" there is the famous quote from P.T. Barnum: "There's a sucker born every minute" ?

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Rebelforce | Sep 20, 2011, 09:24 AM EDT

Did they give the family a discount off the regular price of Sixty bucks for this worthless, insulting "Certificate of Irishness"?

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