133 Comments

• kurtjohnson | Jan 18, 2011, 09:00 PM EST

  How ironical!!

• Towngate | Jan 16, 2011, 09:04 PM EST

  JACERS! QUICK!- ONE OF YOUR 'IGGERANTS' HAS ESCAPED!

• kurtjohnson | Jan 16, 2011, 06:47 PM EST

  Under the towntroll ethos, this "britain" thing should be broken up into hundreds of governable euro regions eventually superseded by a World government. This will end the phony british identity which has created so much misery for the world. Modern ethno supremacism began with the british terror state and could end there once this whitehall contrivance ceases.

• Towngate | Jan 16, 2011, 04:09 PM EST

  I AM HEARTBROKEN: for you karenduffy. Your post is really honest and moving. I only wish you could save yourself all that heartache by just accepting that who or whatever you are that has developed into the nice person you seem to be. Jackersagain and I have been having a bit of fun with this subject as you may read below, but Ireland is an much invaded island with many different identities since the Ice Sheet rolled back and therefore its people must be as mongrel as it gets! It is interesting to realise the ice covered all of the island we now call Ireland but only two-thirds of the big island next door. It follows that they were probably the first to re-populate the little patch to the west. So your heritage will lead you back through many invading and occupying peoples such as the current occupants, Norsemen, Thuata de Dannan, Fir Bolg or Milesians, Celts, Romans, Scots, et.al. before finally reconnecting to ancient 'britain' and so on back through europe to our real roots in Africa! Karen, you are truly a sweet child of Nature and a good citizen of World. I hope one day that will be good enough for you and provide you with the validation you crave. This Certificate is an insult to you and a cynical political ploy by a disgraced ‘government’.

• Towngate | Jan 16, 2011, 03:53 PM EST

  I AM HEARTBROKEN for you karenduffy. Your post is really honest and moving. I only wish you could save yourself all that heartache by just accepting that who or whatever you are that has developed into the nice person you seem to be. Jackersagain and I have been having a bit of fun with this subject as you may read below, but Ireland is an much invaded island with many different identities since the Ice Sheet rolled back and therefore its people must be as mongrel as it gets! It is interesting to realise the ice covered all of the island we now call Ireland but only two-thirds of the big island next door. It follows that they were probably the first to re-populate the little patch to the west. So your heritage will lead you back through many invading and occupying peoples such as the current occupants, Norsemen, Thuata de Dannan, Fir Bolg or Milesians, Celts, Romans, Scots, et.al. before finally reconnecting to ancient 'britain' and so on back through europe to our real roots in Africa! Karen, you are truly a sweet child of Nature and a good citizen of World. I hope one day that will be good enough for you and provide you with the validation you crave. This Certificate is an insult to you and a cynical political ploy by a disgraced ‘government’.

• karenduffy | Jan 14, 2011, 01:05 PM EST

  I an so delighted to see this after years of disappointment at seemingly a tenuous claim to Irish roots. There is uncertainty on both sides of my lineage as at grandparent level there is second generation Irish status but illegitimacy also, so I have no way of knowing who the nationality of my paternal grandfather nor maternal grandfather (whose mother was Irish but there is no record of his father). My own son counts as Third Generation through his father and will be ticking the Irish box in the forthcoming census. My own Father was raised by his Irish grandmother in Ireland before being adopted at 7 years old, when his grandmother died. I have been so close, yet it seems so far to my Irish heritage and now at 52 I am over the moon at the prospect of a certificate, together with my recently rightful birth name of Duffy. Grateful thanks. Karen Woods Duffy

• kurtjohnson | Jan 12, 2011, 12:16 AM EST

  Perhaps hateful and racist anglo-supremacism can be bred out of existence bringing an end to the global nation mugging projects.

• kurtjohnson | Jan 12, 2011, 12:11 AM EST

  Given our common descent, bring on more mass third world immigration and Sharia law to the british terror state!! After all, they mugged the nations supplying the cheap labor immigrants so they deserve them much more than Ireland!

• jacersagain | Jan 11, 2011, 08:23 PM EST

  I agree Townie... Cheers m'Bwana. *Drums a thumping* Let's get all those thousands and thousands of iggerants out of the swamp NOW and let's move on and on... (Psst Townie, I am their leader... which way did they go?)

• Towngate | Jan 11, 2011, 08:04 PM EST

  Jakers.: Ah well, we have done our best to explain that a certificate of heritage - although a nice idea - to show a connection to Ireland for people who can't prove a connection to Ireland! - when those who can, get a Passport! - its all just plain daft!. .......... As for our African origins, you're right: Our Middle-eastern (pro anti) pals on here seem to think the M-East is in Africa! .........If any proof were needed to demonstrate that we first wriggled out of a mudswamp in east Africa as a single cell amoeba millions of years ago, we only have to read some of the attempts at 'Commentary' by certain contributers to this site who are still clearly struggling for breath on the lower edge of the swamp, when the rest of us moved on to sophisticated heights of advanced ironical humour! Cheers!

• jacersagain | Jan 11, 2011, 05:43 PM EST

  @Towngate... I tried despairingly to make contact using the drums. All I got back was echoes off the walls of Jerusalem... Or it cuda been the walls of Mecca. D’ya think the middle-eastern Jews and Muslims are in cahoots, interfering with my Catholic dispatches and desire to find my roots?

• kurtjohnson | Jan 08, 2011, 08:03 PM EST

  Since the most recent scientific data suggest original descent from the middle east, I think that the british terror state should follow the lead of many of its Muslim neighborhoods and obey Sharia law.

• kurtjohnson | Jan 08, 2011, 07:51 PM EST

  Towntroll, given your views on common descent/ethno-nationalism, I assume your support unrestrained third world immigration to your homeland britain? Perhaps britain should be more accomodating to the language, laws, and customs of its more recent immigrants?

• Towngate | Jan 08, 2011, 08:43 AM EST

  ANYONE who wants to go back to Ireland now - needs to be Certified!

• Mairin67 | Jan 05, 2011, 03:50 PM EST

  I wouldn't refuse if Aer Lingus and Bord Failte offered me a commission on encouraging folks to go to Ireland. People need to just go and stop all this nonsense about certiifcates and discounts.

• Towngate | Jan 03, 2011, 08:17 PM EST

  THE DRUMS!THE DRUMS! @jacersagain: The natives are revolting enough without "flusthering their minds wid rubbidge o' thoughts of Shamrock roots reaching down to Africa!" The lemon-whiskered auld swine: 'Uncle Peether! Uncle Peether!', will become very confused trying to load his rusty ould bullets into a Machete and work out how to lace up his Kaftan! ...........If you like;Scroll down to dec 30 @ 04.38 and dec 31 @07.38 for support of your view. Meantime May your Plough cut up to the Makers name and The Stars shine down on us all! .........Slainte m'Bwana!

• JTravis | Jan 03, 2011, 04:12 PM EST

  MY ancestor from Ireland was a French Huegonot who was chased out of France and migrated first to Ireland and eventually to Massachusetts Colony just after the Pilgrims. Do I get a certificate of Irishness?

• jacersagain | Jan 03, 2011, 03:04 PM EST

  Will some IrishCentral journalist, or the best friend of a Christmassy-drunken one, please make it clear that getting a Certificate of Irish Ancestry is not the same as getting an Irish Passport? Jeeze! At this rate of stupid thinking and hoping, I’ll qualify for an African Passport. Why? – Because that’s where all descendant human beings have their roots. And that’s scientifically indisputable. So where can I apply for my Certificate of African Ancestry?

• Searlit | Jan 03, 2011, 02:33 PM EST

  Mairin67, excellent idea, why don't you set up a business that will help the Irish diaspora find their family relatives in Ireland? That is, if you think they want to be found. I've been to Ireland three times and would love to go back.

• Towngate | Jan 03, 2011, 07:15 AM EST

  Mairin67: Spot on! - or 'Bang on the Money'. My point exactly!

• ardgehane | Jan 02, 2011, 07:30 PM EST

  good on ya!

• Mairin67 | Jan 02, 2011, 03:22 PM EST

  I don't get it...what does a piece of paper prove? It seems to me that the very people this scheme is targeting are the people in my mind that would have already researched their histories and have found a real connection to Ireland. Do you need a certificate for that? I am a strong proponent of backing up what you claim, so.....have all the people who want these certificates ever even been to Ireland? If so, great! But for those who haven't, what has stopped you? If you are so interested and proud of being Irish, why haven't you visited Ireland and found your families? Too many people in the US attach themselves to the American version of being Irish (ie; wearing green on St. Patrick's Day, etc). To me, that is not good enough. bottom line, it seems like a tourism scheme to me to get people over to Ireland and that's fine. Just call it that. Also, why should certificate holders get a "discount" and others do not? I smell $$$$.

• sirpeter | Jan 02, 2011, 01:54 PM EST

  Searlit..;)

• Searlit | Jan 02, 2011, 01:00 PM EST

  Alright, it's all aired out now. We can take a deep breath, then say a toast to free speech. Slainte!

• sirpeter | Jan 02, 2011, 12:30 PM EST

  Searlit..It's not about been a good or a bad guy,it's about weather it's fact or opinion. He didn't have respect for the many Irish/Americans who most of them clearly liked the idea of a having a cert, and Towngate didn't respect that..That's why he gets snarled at. Some here couldn't see the point of a cert and that's fine..But Towngate shows contempt..I take him up on that because his contempt..far outweights his points

• sirpeter | Jan 02, 2011, 12:19 PM EST

  Wrong again Creaky..I keep a copy of every post i write..you know the way it is..Click!! Damn!! page changes. No creaky..I keep a record of who i snap and snarl at.Only you Towngate..GeorgeDillion/Woundedknee and I did have a few strong words with Dublinjas.But that was a while back.I changed my mind about barnyjo,I don't agree with his views,well he does make some good points,but he seems to be genuine.That's only three posters Creaky,So since you have made the point that i Snap and Snarl at everyone.As i said..I keep a copy of every post..Let them come forth and prove me wrong.If you are correct,then i will be wrong..."He also appears to assume Ownership here" (your incorrect assumption)Germany and the Jews (only an idiot would try and take that out of context to make me look bad)So let,s see what people think.I'll drop back here to see.Since you want the posters here to pass judgment.

• Towngate | Jan 02, 2011, 11:50 AM EST

  SPOT ON Ajreaper! there are people who get up to complain about people complaining .... and so it goes on to infinity... take no notice ... its only harmless anonymous fun ... but laughter often turns to crying and then to: (Quote @ 08.12).."There is one Danger, though, and that is that someone might take his ramblings at face value and act on them. ..............I respectfully direct you to the current ‘Margaret Thatcher ...’ strand where @ 10.34 he makes the most disgusting and mindless statement regarding GERMANY and THE JEWS!"

• Ajreaper | Jan 02, 2011, 10:05 AM EST

  LOL, simple truth is, there are people who get up everyday with an overwhelming need to have something to complain about and someone to argue with. They cannot help but to go about their day "correcting" everyone they encounter- you must think luike them, act like them or believe in the things they do and if not- well they'll go about trying to "fix" you. You have to admit- online its at least entertaining!

• Towngate | Jan 02, 2011, 08:12 AM EST

  SEARLIT: (HNY!) Thanks,but don't worry about me. It will be a sad day for Ireland when the likes of him can even attempt to leave a lasting trace here as he does not appear to possess even the most fundamental skills of comprehension, analysis, intelligence or knowledge needed to Comment on the interesting Blogs and Posts on this terrific American site. (Shsssh! - He seems to thinks it’s Irish! ) He also appears to assume Ownership here: speaking for the editors, snapping and snarling like a mad pup at everything and everyone he can't understand or disagrees with, rather than confining his views on the actual Articles Posted, as we Members are kindly invited to do..................... Judging by the long list of people he has abused personally and those who have taken issue with him it is obvious he is not taken seriously. ..............................There is one Danger, though, and that is that someone might take his ramblings at face value and act on them. ..............I respectfully direct you to the current ‘Margaret Thatcher ...’ strand where @ 10.34 he makes the most disgusting and mindless statement regarding GERMANY and THE JEWS!

• Searlit | Jan 02, 2011, 12:17 AM EST

  sirpeter, Towngate's not a bad guy. I think it's more that one sometimes has had to experience something in order to really understand it. I don't know, we're all walking wounded, I think. Peace.

• whatISinAname | Jan 01, 2011, 02:33 PM EST

  I think it is cheap. When you use to register in the foreign birth register book the effective date was the year of birth. This allowed you to pass on you Irish citizenship to your next of kin. Thus grand children of Irish born could pass it along to their children. The good old Irish Government changed that law a few years ago to the effective date not being the year you were born but the year you applied thus freezing out any children born before the new effective date. It stinks and the Irish government screwed this next generation out of something and are trying with this "ancestry certificates" to cover it up. The great grandchildren of Irish born are not stupid and are going to be a lost generation eventually to the Irish State.

• windyacres52 | Jan 01, 2011, 02:15 PM EST

  Just some added comment's. I was fortunate to have visited Ireland twice. My friend who's son live's there, helped as much as he could. The people of Ireland were very gracious and wanted to help us find my ancestor's in anyway they could. They are a very friendly and loving people. By the way, when my grandfather came to America, he was inducted into the Army to fight in the civil war. I have a picture of him in his uniform. I am very proud to know he served our country, that's more then in this time, there are so many that has not defended their country. Ninnies! I am very proud to be of Irish descent.

• windyacres52 | Jan 01, 2011, 01:17 PM EST

  I think this is great news. I went to Ireland to get what ever I could find of my grandfather, born in Sligo County. He left Ireland in 1850. Let me explain. He fathered my dad on Sept.12, 1876. I was born Aug. 22, 1936 and my father past away 0n Sept. 12, 1936. I am now 74 yrs of age. I could not find any information on my visit to Ireland. My friend's son lives in Schull, and he took us up to Dublin to Trinity College. They could not find any records for a John Patric Regan or Reagan. All they could say, was a lot of record's were lost due to burning's. Very dispointed.

• paddygrant | Jan 01, 2011, 07:25 AM EST

  I Got a certificate once for Irish dancing, will that work as a reference to my Irishness too? LOL Seriously, I am an ex-pat and I meet lots of people claiming their heritage, I think it is a brilliant idea (no doubt it is not Martin's Idea, It is brilliant to have an extra citizemship identity, If I wsn't an Irish citizen, I would want one, If I discovered that I had any lineage to any other country I would be happy to have my birthright and ancestorship recognized, so well done for being the first to take up this initiative Ireland, soon a lot more countries will follow suit.

• sirpeter | Dec 31, 2010, 09:41 PM EST

  Searlit..No!!It's stupid according to Towngate. Towngate has his knickers in a twist over it,beats the hell out of me why.He's tearing into everybody over it. It's kind of like a jealousy or something.You appreciating something he can't. The man has never says a good word about been Irish. Just read his posts..It's like he has a deep rooted feeling of rejection because he had to go to England.When a person criticizes all the time..You know they feel bitter about their childhood..Unloved and criticized. Seems he comes on here to vent his bitterness,why other wise would he be so negative.

• Searlit | Dec 31, 2010, 07:04 PM EST

  Forgive me, I like my Celtic heritage.

• sirpeter | Dec 31, 2010, 06:08 PM EST

  Creakinggate..Where is the harm in it....Why so negative about it...Some feel they want to get one..some don't.Why is it such a big deal to you..Someone gets their Certificate of Heritage.Irish/Americans like that sort of thing.What's your problem.

• Towngate | Dec 31, 2010, 05:10 PM EST

  HOLD ON THERE! darbysgirl(Lucky old Darby!) and Mandokeith: Nobody is saying you can't be proud and Irish! - of course you can. I love the term ' ... bog and bale!' I've done the same and was VERY surprised indeed at what I discovered. You have dutifully traced your people and are duly rewarded. Please revisit the last line of my Comment @ 04.38 and you will accept it was intended for those who had actually lost touch. ............. Modern DNA shows all humans on the planet seem to emanate from only three sources. As Europeans we ‘Irish’ people probably came from the Ethiopian source, so how long before we start demanding our Certificate of African Heritage! .......... Can't you see how ridiculous it is? ................" My gggggggfather/mother/whatever left Africa ... I don't know when ...duh!...or why they came to Ireland,...duh!... I have lost all trace...duh!.. I call myself African-Irish and I'm so proud!" ..........My point was exactly what @boomerbob displays below "American" and fully aware of his ancestry. Perfect! ........................I have stated in a previous strand that the kind of recognition all Irish who have been ‘forced’ to leave since 1922 want was a choice to use their Vote either at Home or in their new Country. Imagine the sphincters twitching in Ireland if even those who ‘left’ only in the last thirty years got their say in how the place is run!

• boomerbob | Dec 31, 2010, 01:41 PM EST

  A piece of paper, or the lack thereof, proves nothing; it's in the blood, the heart and the mind where it counts. I'm an American of Irish descent, both paternal and maternal sides, from Counties Cork and Armagh. I don't like gimmicks and am deeply suspicious of them, especially when Ireland is forcing its youth to migrate from the only home they know to survive while the friggin elite rob Ireland's wealth made off the backs of her people. What purpose does this serve? How does it help the citizens of Ireland? It DOESN'T! It entices people to venture to Ireland to pour more money into the coffers of the Euro-American powered.

• darbysgirl | Dec 31, 2010, 12:50 PM EST

  I think this is wonderful! We decendants have no say in what our ancestors did or why they decided to leave Ireland. For some reason, my great-grandmother arrived in the U.S. at the age of 17 leaving her entire family back in Ireland so I have many relatives in Ireland. I am also very proud of my Irish ancestry and will definitely take advantage of this wonderful offer!

• sirpeter | Dec 31, 2010, 12:42 PM EST

  mandokeith...I do care.I'm not going to let him demean every Irish/american with his scribbling.It only takes me 3 mins to rubbish his scribblings...One small step for me.One giant leap for truth and Irish culture.

• mandokeith | Dec 31, 2010, 12:27 PM EST

  Well I don't care what Towngate says. I am EXTREMELY proud of my Irish ancestry amd have searched down to the bog and bale where they came from. I think it's great to have this certificate-even if 80 million others can apply for it. I am connected to Ireland through the family who left and the family who stayed; and some mocking retort will not diminish my love or enthuiasm.

• sirpeter | Dec 31, 2010, 09:34 AM EST

  Creakinggate..How can you have such a lack of understanding.I know you will just dismiss all the points I have made..Because that's what you always do.When i read what Searlit posted...I can understand what he is saying and it is believable and it matches with well founded facts.WASP/British Irish history even at University level is a joke and glossed over,even to this day..Who writes history? It is written by the powerful,from their perspective and omitting the true facts has never been a problem for those who write it.Irish people are accused of living in the past..We don't ..we just instinctively keep alive the truth about our history and who we are, because Irish people know our heritage has been under attack from WASP'S.

• sirpeter | Dec 31, 2010, 09:08 AM EST

  Creakinggate..I thank you for your response and I respect and agree with every point you make.(No points, because now you are going to go on disagreeing with SEARLIT who has these feelings).The posters who continue to chase long lost wisps of an IMAGINED connection to Ireland...suggesting they were being DISLOYAL to America.(No points,lack of understanding,Loyalty to America,with a strong affiliation to their heritage in a sea of ethnic groups is more correct)Many must have WANTED to leave.(No points.Most coerced into leaving)The condition of Ireland today, is what these people always knew it was - and are now being proved right!(No points.Those who were forced out by STARVATION and ECONOMIC repression knew exactly who was to blame..England)That it is ONLY because of the SOUND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE which Britain established in Ireland (minus 50 points.Partition was the last gift to the Irish people as SOUND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE)Creakinggate are you for real!! Serious!!

• Towngate | Dec 31, 2010, 07:38 AM EST

  SEARLIT: I thank you for your response and I respect and agree with every point you make. However, if you care to reread mine you will realise I was relating to the Cathy's Blog and the posters who continue to chase long lost wisps of an imagined connection to Ireland...suggesting they were being disloyal to America and prolonging their Mental Disturbance by not accepting their new situation. They are quite different from the ‘Living and In Living Memory’ Irish immigrant who has first hand knowledge if their deserted homeland and know perfectly well what it was to them when they decided to leave! The condition of Ireland today, is what these people always knew it was - and are now being proved right! ........................... I am fascinated to learn that Irish History is a closed book in US schools. Why do you think that is? Is that why there is such ignorance about the millions who came from Europe and brought all their skills, trades, Arts,intellects and wealth with them too! We can only review population of the landmass in broad terms, but surely not every single person was forced to leave their homeland? Many must have WANTED to leave. They made their own way! They PAID their own way. How they were abused when they got to the promised land is another matter, and one for your historians and national conscience.! ............... as for repressive regimes: allowing for the admitted gaps in your education ................ I will try and get you to understand ...........that it is ONLY because of the sound social infrastructure which Britain established in Ireland - which the Irish continued of their own free will,remember! - that is keeping our beloved little island in one piece today and making it worth the IMF/EU Bail-Out with a little extra help of a 'repressive and barbaric' loan from Britain!

• Searlit | Dec 30, 2010, 07:07 PM EST

  Towngate, I don't know if I can get you to understand, but I will try. Our ancestors didn't leave because they wanted to. It was literally a life or death matter. When they came to the US they were discriminated against, especially during the civil war where they were practically given a rifle, to fight in the war, as soon as they disembarked from the ship. They were forced to fight many other Irish immigrants on the other side. There's a lot of heartbreak in that. Then the whole history of Ireland was kept secret. We never learned anything about Ireland in school. All along it seems that the occupiers of Ireland have thought that if they were repressive and barbaric enough toward the native Irish that they would finally teach them not to be Irish. Instead, it has caused some of us to feel our heritage the more dear.

• sirpeter | Dec 30, 2010, 06:14 PM EST

  Creakinggate...That's where you are wrong again as usual.Unlike you who is infected by the anti-Irish British virus and despise everything Irish.Irish/Americans are proud of who they are, and are the descendants of real Irishmen/women.It is a Certificate of Irish acknowledgment to the Irish who had to leave. A little token that they are not forgotten...My people were forced and are still forced to leave,BECAUSE YOUR IRISH TREASONOUS LEANINGS AND YOUR KIND,IN COLLABORATION WITH BRITISH INTERESTS MESS EVERYTHING UP IN THIS COUNTRY...DAMN YOU TOWNGATE!! DAMN YOU TO HELL!!

• Towngate | Dec 30, 2010, 04:38 PM EST

  ALL THIS TALK of Certificates of Heritage, etc., as if everyone who left Ireland way back when, and for whatever reason, wants to keep 'banging on' about it! ................What about a certificate for those who made a conscious decision to emigrate and committed themselves to their new life and country. There can be a "Certificate of Acceptance" for these intelligent ones, with Tax and Real Estate breaks to reward their commitment - and a 'Certificate of Emigration for Slow Learners' - with no benefits -for the rest who bleat on about their great Uncle Paddywhack and his Aunt Biddy who came from Ballygobackwards on ‘Diddle-i-eye’ the donkey in the days before Moses! - but can't seem to trace him now! For goodness sake: Do yourselves and your country the honour of Finally Settling Down in the new country they chose for themselves... Dream about and revere the memory of your family’s former homeland, by all means, but always remember it is the place they LEFT!

• gmhempstead | Dec 30, 2010, 04:05 PM EST

  I know that both of my mothers parents were born in County Mayo and I know the towns. My fathers mother I'm told was born in Ireland but I just discovered his dad was borh in Surey England but I belive his mother was born in Northern Ireland in or near Belfast. How would I go about getting documentation so that I could apply for Irish citizenship?

• sirpeter | Dec 30, 2010, 03:41 PM EST

  Georgyboy as an Irish born,i'd wipe the floor with you on American history never mind Irish history,and you know it too

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 30, 2010, 03:11 PM EST

  CLoghry1938: 1748? That's fascinating. I'm interested in eighteenth-century immigration to America. Mind if I ask how you've been able to go so far back, and where did that ancestor come from?

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 30, 2010, 03:08 PM EST

  pattigallagher: Very good post. And you're right. A lot of Irish-Americans know far more about Irish history and culture--and even language in some cases--than does your average person born in Ireland. I remember being in Ireland at Halloween a few years back. Most of the people I asked did not even know that Halloween was originally a Celtic feast. You'd get even more ignorance if you asked about St Brigid's Day. Take a look at the posting by Irish-born posters here. Do they impress you? Sure don't impress me. I think what has happened is that culture, folklore, traditions etc., which should be transmitted from one generation to another, are no longer being handed down. The Irish parents don't know their own culture, so how can their children learn it from them? The result is the kind of empty bluster and aggressive ignorance we see here from posters such as sirpeter etc.

• sirpeter | Dec 30, 2010, 08:05 AM EST

  Carolynirish..pity you have so little info..ask around,see can you come up with something

• sirpeter | Dec 30, 2010, 08:03 AM EST

  ciarajoyce...are you on facebook?

• Carolynirish | Dec 30, 2010, 12:47 AM EST

  sirpeter, thanks but I don't have the name. It is a shame,my Dad kept all his parents birth dates but not their parents. My grandmother died when he was young and her mass card doesn't have her maiden name.I am going to see if any other cousins know anything. Will post if I find out.

• ciarajoyce | Dec 29, 2010, 07:41 PM EST

  sirpeter: how can I contact you without putting my family history on this page? I know where a greatgrandparent was born in 1846, but don't know his parents' christian names (or his mother's family name). I do know the town in Co Roscommon, and since even when I was small, the family was strongly Republican, that may be a help (jail records?). Thankss.

• pattigallagher | Dec 29, 2010, 04:26 PM EST

  After listening to some of the 'real' Irish on this board, who would want to visit Ireland and talk outloud of their Irish American/American family heritage only to get shot down and get negative comments? I have pride in my family and will share with my future generations the family history, the stories of struggle and accomplisments, the heartbreaking tales of the "old country" and how warm and lovely the Irish are...or used to be. Regarding this certificate...The only thing it would be good for is a pretty paper to stick in my family history book. The proof is in the research and vital documents that I have spent years collecting. I wouldn't have a clue oh how to 'assert my Irishness' like the article suggests. I do think I could go toe to toe with any Irish citizen on the history of the country due to years of reading and research.

• haikued2 | Dec 29, 2010, 02:06 PM EST

  Didn't miss the point, Searlit, just having a bit of fun with it. My great grandmother arrived with the 1846 migration. She struggled raising 5 boys with little help from a husband that seems to have disappeared after the 5th child.

• kilkenny999 | Dec 29, 2010, 01:55 PM EST

  as an irishman,in this depression i would rather be jewish.

• Searlit | Dec 29, 2010, 12:59 PM EST

  I think many people are missing the point, here. This certificate is about strengthening a bond that one already feels with Ireland, the homeland that our ancestors were forced to leave, to save their lives and the lives of many of their relatives that remained in Ireland, at the time. It is a recognition of the relationship that helped build America and supported Ireland through the worst of times. All of you in Ireland that are related to the people who survived "the famine" please, appreciate this. We who have family members who had to leave, now, have something to celebrate! It can only help the current economic mess!

• Woodkern | Dec 29, 2010, 12:24 PM EST

  Wow! Ya know, that and a Metrocard will get you a ride on the subway!

• CLoghry1938 | Dec 29, 2010, 10:52 AM EST

  Since my family has been in America since 1748 I think it is a great idea.

• CitizenWhy | Dec 29, 2010, 10:26 AM EST

  I think the first certificates should go to all the crowned heads of Europe, including Madame Windsor, being that they are descendants of Brian Boru. Since Brian Boru had the only genealogy going back to Adam they wanted in on this lineage.

• anam carab | Dec 29, 2010, 10:16 AM EST

  ~ This is exciting news to me. My g'parents were from Ireland, Bridget Duignan of Longford and Peter Tighe, maybe from West Meath. They came to Lowell, MA. My mother took my 3 sisters and I to Ireland for a trip and I am returning this Summer to visit once again. I love the country, the people but most of all the music. I enjoy the Irish fests in this country but they seem to be dwindling over the years as the younger people are not interested in their heritage.

• jolynnnoel | Dec 29, 2010, 08:54 AM EST

  Just FYI for those of you looking for documentation; the LDS church has some Irish vital records on microfilm. I was able to get a copy of the birth register for my great-great uncle Patrick Ryan who was born in Lowpark, County Mayo in 1870. Hope this can help some of you.

• londonirishtom | Dec 29, 2010, 08:52 AM EST

  GeorgeDillon, thanks for correcton, it was indeed a little earlier than that in War of Independence.

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 29, 2010, 07:55 AM EST

  londonirishtom: Correction: The Custom House was not "torched" during the Irish Civil War.

• londonirishtom | Dec 29, 2010, 05:54 AM EST

  @mzfitz40 – and I hope you enjoyed your voyage of discovery…I too have probed into my family history, sometimes frustrating but often fascinating, a lot of key documents were destroyed when the Custom House, Dublin was ‘torched’ in the civil war. There are other sources such as the Kew Records office near London, well worth a visit and may hold information on some of your forebears. There are a number of websites, some free like Rootschat.com, and some subscription…you may connect with a distant branch of your family who has already acquired much information…BTW Irish Pride is a leading bakery in Ireland.

• DanOLoingsigh | Dec 29, 2010, 05:51 AM EST

  antoman – It would be much harder NOT to fall in love with a woman who owns her own brewery…though I’d settle for a small country pub myself

• sirpeter | Dec 29, 2010, 05:30 AM EST

  Carolynirish..also if not..church baptismal records go back further..if you have names or some information..i'll look it up for ya.I already got one girl all the info she needed but she did know the surname and place..but..if you have some info i might be able to help.

• topsela | Dec 29, 2010, 05:25 AM EST

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• sirpeter | Dec 29, 2010, 05:22 AM EST

  Carolynirish..Do you have any information on your great grandfather...like first name..names of some brothers and sisters..If he was born after 1864 his birth will be registered

• sirpeter | Dec 29, 2010, 05:17 AM EST

  seamusmoore..I think he was been sarcastic (ie do i get extra points for that.His children sound Irish. Does that add to our family qualifying?)So I was only joking.We'll see if he was been serious or not if he answers this.I thought he was doing a bit of tongue in cheek myself.

• mzfitz40 | Dec 29, 2010, 12:28 AM EST

  My great great grandparents arrived in New York from Co Kildare in the 1840's. They struggled to make a life here for thier children and they survived. They had a large family and over the years family ties were broken and some children ended up in orphanages. I descend from one of those children. I have spent 10 years searching to locate my family heritage and am proud of my Irish bloodline. My generation does not qualify me for citizenship so Yes I will apply for the certificate. Not because I want anything from the Irish but what is mine...My rightful blood bloodline. If some of the "pure" Irish take offense to that I am sorry. Isn't this world getting ugly enough,now, we have to fight over ones Irish pride?

• Carolynirish | Dec 28, 2010, 10:28 PM EST

  My great grandfather was a Drugan, but never learned from what part of Ireland he came from so I guess I can't get the certificate. Parent and grandparents are dead.

• seamusmoore | Dec 28, 2010, 09:55 PM EST

  haikued2 pay no heed to sirpeter, he's a Cork hoor anyway. In all seriousness, though, you need at least one grandparent for Irish citizenship by descent. As an American of Irish descent, you already possess the most meaningful piece of paper you could want: a Notre Dame diploma. None of the Kennedys has what you have. BTW, I'd claim your Scottish Kennedy relations are kin to treble All Ireland winning footballer John Kennedy of Ballylongford, not the Wexford crowd. As my late father once noted, the Kennedys of Leinster were little more than hooch purveyors until they married the Fitzgeralds from Munster, the source of their political power in Massachussetts. Hope to catch up with you at Molly Bloom's the next I head to the Southland.

• Irishsong | Dec 28, 2010, 09:19 PM EST

  In regards to some of the previous messages I would like to provide a little knowledge which a certain person below has none. My great grandparents came to this country leaving family and home behind. They scaraficed everything without that courage I would not be the American Irish I am. For those who did not grow up in an Irish Catholic home in America you have no clue as to who we are. My grandparents made sure we were proud Americans. My Grandmother use to say American by BIRTH Irish by the Grace of God which means we are proud of being Americans because by the Grace of God our Irish grandparents worked hard and built America for US. So to my Irish cousins my love will always be with you, My hand to help you and our common love of both our homelands make us strong to stand together as families are meant to. One more thing, my parents and grandparents made sure we learned ALL of Irish and American history, we celebrated both cultures, holidays and were always teased because we had irish names, faces and were Catholic, so don't assume you know anything about being an AMERICAN IRISH and yes I put American first because I am American then Irish.

• sirpeter | Dec 28, 2010, 08:56 PM EST

  haikued2...I Do..NO!! If you have any Dublin connections,it's automatic disqualification.Don't mention anything that might cause them to think you are a west brit..Diarmuid from Sligo sounds good, that's your best bet.Everything else you said isn't really Irish.

• haikued2 | Dec 28, 2010, 08:08 PM EST

  So my Great Grandmother was Rebecca Ann Murphy. Does that qualify me? My son and family live in Clontarf, does that help? He works in Dublin? Does that help, too? His children sound Irish. Does that add to our family qualifying? Does anyone know the answers??? My other Celtic connection is a Scottish Kennedy...do I get any extra points for that? I graduated from Notre Dame,known as the Fighting Irish and am very frequently in Diarmuid Noone's pub Molly Bloom's...Diarmuid is from Sligo.

• DIANNEGARVILLE | Dec 28, 2010, 08:04 PM EST

  Wonderful! Can't wait to apply! DG

• antoman | Dec 28, 2010, 07:41 PM EST

  @DanOLoingsigh..no chance of falling in love with and marrying an American woman that owns a brewery?..and getting citizenship that way?...I think thats what John McCain did.

• DanOLoingsigh | Dec 28, 2010, 06:59 PM EST

  Extract re Dual Citizenship...A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.

• Ajreaper | Dec 28, 2010, 06:32 PM EST

  Sean I struggle with understanding a southern as well as New England accents so I guess I am not much of American. My guess is if Murphy from Philly is in a pub somewhere in Ireland buying pints they'll have little problem humoring him if he wishes to brag of his "Irishness" to all in earshot, my guess is the cabbie, hotel clerk, waiter, or store clerk would as well. Maybe it would be better if we were ashamed of our heritage? Maybe change our surnames to one's not so "Irish" or apoligize for our ancestors not having immigrated from a better place under far better circumstances? My guess is though for many of you something to whine about is a daily need so if not this or us Irish americans it would be something else.

• sirpeter | Dec 28, 2010, 04:31 PM EST

  GeorgeDildo...Retract what? I hope you become one of the disappeared as well..only i don't care where you disappear. Call the cops quick..ha ha ha

• sirpeter | Dec 28, 2010, 04:21 PM EST

  Georgyboy..I hope you get a warning from someone.Bullying and insulting women.You're the type that drive young girls to suicide,like poor Phoebe Prince.You never let up with your continuous repetitive rubbish..on and on and on..like a BULLY..

• alicat68 | Dec 28, 2010, 04:10 PM EST

  This message is for TMcGinty......Wonder if we are related??!! My mom and aunt are the last McGinty living , directly in my family. I never got to meet my grandfather and his parents and siblings . They all passed away before I was born ( 1968 ). My great grandfather married a Faye Quinlan, which is my grandfathers parents.

• SeanPeregrine | Dec 28, 2010, 04:05 PM EST

  Look people, it's all fine and grand about being proud of having Irish heritage, but there IS a difference between nationality and blood. I have a French surname dating back farther than I can trace, yet I don't feel one bit French because it's not my country, not my culture, maybe if I lived their for half the rest of my life, but then I would be an "adopted" Frenchman, but I certainly don't plan to. I just want you all to take into account the difference between nationality and heritage, don't abandon your own country, you should be proud of where you're from not just where your ancestors were from. We can get very offended if you say you're Irish and have no involvement with Ireland to base the statement upon, so if you plan on calling yourself Irish-American, you better know Ireland inside-out, if you're claiming ancestry then you should know exactly where your ancestors were from, and at the very least understand our accents. There are very few people I would truly call Irish-American.

• sirpeter | Dec 28, 2010, 04:05 PM EST

  Woundedbolix..You are a liar..seamusmoore DID NOT threatened you with being murdered by the IRA in South Armagh.He hoped you would disappear in South Armagh.Most of the posters here hope that would happen.After the way you treated that defenseless women Ellenfromcork..Bullying her and insulting her,and running her off the forum. Bullying and insulting women might be the norm where you live..But viciously bullying and insulting a lady is out of order.I just hope she comes back from the tirade of abuse you gave her.Why don't you pick on me!!and not a defenseless girl.You are a creatin' for doing that.

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 28, 2010, 04:02 PM EST

  Don't lie, seamusmoore: You said that poster should be "disappeared" in South Armagh. That's an utterly disgusting threat by you, since it not alone threatens someone, but it makes light of the people who have been disappeared by your IRA friends. The latest poor guy to be found was buried a few weeks before Christmas. We don't know why he crossed the IRA, but they murdered him. SeamusMoore, it is utterly outrageous that you make these threats on a public forum. Retract them forthwith--before someone gets the cops involved.

• Ajreaper | Dec 28, 2010, 03:52 PM EST

  culchiewoman where did you get the idea American plastic paddys, as you call them, believe all Irish are freckled and red headed? That to is an absolutely silly comment as well. There seems to be at least a few who seem to harbor some very negative attitudes about Irish Americans and the Irish states reaching out to them. Anyone with half a functioning brain cell would know this is a marketing ploy to hopefully attract tourist to Ireland- and there is not a thing wrong with that at all, as Ireland certainly has much to offer vistitors and Ireland certainly benefits economically from those tourist. This is no different then companys who sell folks coat of Arms or family name history's- if it's not for you great and if it's something you are interested in then it's great as well. I think buying a car that cost as much as a house are stupid but that does not mean I should have a say in whether such cars are manufactured.

• seamusmoore | Dec 28, 2010, 03:45 PM EST

  georgedillon I live in the USA, Washington DC, not Ireland; therefore, I am NOT Antoman, who thinks that you ARE woundedknee. Regardless of who you are, if you read my original post on "Irish emigrating to Poland" thread, you will see I did not threaten anyone. Merely suggesting that someone visit an area, that in all likelihood, would have little tolerance for their rantings does not constitute a threat. As for yourself (assuming you are George Dillon), I hereby appoint you "Away from Home" Secretary on Immigration for Ireland. The salary, unfortunately, is commensurate with your qualifications: ZERO.

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 28, 2010, 03:08 PM EST

  Posters like seamusmoore aka antoman should be warned off and banned from this site. Personal attacks and threats may be the norm in Ireland, but they have no place here in the US.

• antoman | Dec 28, 2010, 02:49 PM EST

  I'm gutted for you woundedbollix. Bwaahaaahaaaa.

• nanaben7 | Dec 28, 2010, 02:35 PM EST

  Hey I think this is a great idea. I've always been connected more to Ireland. My grandparents came to this country in the early 1900's from cty clare.

• invercauld | Dec 28, 2010, 02:17 PM EST

  I believe it is great. My wifes great grand father came from Belfast. He was Andrew Anderson born about 1845. We were over a couple of years ago. We went to PRONI but could not find any info. the micro film was not very clear. Also my mothers people were Butlers from the south.I believe from Kilkenny

• WoundedKnee | Dec 28, 2010, 02:13 PM EST

  seamusmoore has threatened me with being murdered by the IRA in South Armagh. I have reported seamusmoore's death threat made against me. I don't expect Irish central to do much about it, because they allow this kind of abuse to fester unchecked until it goes to its logical extreme--a death threat by seamusmoore. However, regardless of Irish Central's failure to police this site, all posters should be aware of this death threat by seamus moore.

• TMcGinty | Dec 28, 2010, 02:11 PM EST

  I've been visiting relatives in Mayo since 1992. This summer will be my 10th trip. I don't need a certificate of Irishness to tell the world where my heart resides, but agree with the idea of making it easier for those who wish to visit Ireland. i'll continue to visit Manulla & Castlebar with or without. Like allcat68, my great grandfather(McGinty) and great grandmother(McDonnell) came to the States in the late 1800's. Andy Irvine(Planxty) says it best in his song "My Heart Tonight Is In Ireland." Check it out on YouTube! Up Mayo!

• sirpeter | Dec 28, 2010, 02:01 PM EST

  @smurphy..Don't knock it..It will be an official document,It might be the first step to duel citizenship and your kids might be able to dodge the draft if their is a call up and run away to neutral Ireland.But the best bit from what i hear is you also get some free cheese with your cert. ;)

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 28, 2010, 02:00 PM EST

  beachline: Are you sure? If you have US and Irish citizenship I would think your children qualify for both too.

• GeorgeDillon | Dec 28, 2010, 01:58 PM EST

  Sirpeter wrote: "What about dem immigrints? They shouldn't be left out! Why can't the Poles and Slovaks get their certificits too?" Good post, sirpeter.

• IrishDorothy7 | Dec 28, 2010, 01:56 PM EST

  Love it!!! Where and when do I apply????, please.

• sageclan | Dec 28, 2010, 01:27 PM EST

  This is great! I have been looking into dual citizenship, but was too late! I am so excited! I have been doing a great amount of genealogy, and Irish on both sides, great grandparents. Looking forward to my trip to Ireland!

• smurphy | Dec 28, 2010, 01:23 PM EST

  the day I need a "certificate of Irishness" will be the day hell freezes over. This is an insult!!! Since when did any self respecting irish man or woman need to certify. With that said, I'm willing to swap my passport any day of the year. How 'bout that Fexco?

• sullivab | Dec 28, 2010, 12:58 PM EST

  I'm in! Can't wait to find out the details and take advantage of any discounts on my long awaited trip to Ireland. It's #1 on my bucket list now.

• alicat68 | Dec 28, 2010, 12:54 PM EST

  This is exciting news! My great grandfather( McGinty) came to the States as a child. It was like in the late 1800's. One day I hope to retire in his hometown.

• seamusmoore | Dec 28, 2010, 12:51 PM EST

  Anyone ever seen the Killinacully episode "The Visit" (2nd season, I think) where the US President attempts to visit Killinascully, allegedly, the home of his great, great, great grandfather (Mickey Madison)to escape a sex scandal. Perhaps, the Irish govt can have Dan Clancy can conjure up an ancestral background (like he does in the episode)to go along with this "Certificate of Irishness". I hope none of your ancestors took the soup, though.

• celticsweetie | Dec 28, 2010, 12:51 PM EST

  I think this is great but one thought. Considering the dire financial situation in Ireland I would recomend a fee to cover cost to print and mail-at least. Even at $1 per request,if only 20% of those elligible requested you would still make needed funds to help the general budget. I for one would be willing to pay. Just a thought.

• Spiddal | Dec 28, 2010, 12:44 PM EST

  Where do I sign up?

• mkuhn8820 | Dec 28, 2010, 12:25 PM EST

  I think this is a wonderful idea. As soon as I can get real evidence of my Irish ancestry (other than my Mother's word), I would certainly apply. I visited the country 2 years ago and love Ireland. I could easily make it my home away from home.

• plezga123 | Dec 28, 2010, 12:14 PM EST

  My Irish ancestors came from Ireland in the early 1740's, and I am from the McKinley clan (the same as our former President William McKinley). Would I be eligible? Someone please let me know by email PlezGA1@aol.com Thanks so much.

• oldboreen | Dec 28, 2010, 12:02 PM EST

  Culchiewoman-Several interesting points in your post,the 'piece of paper' proving one's Irish ancestry is surely nothing more a desperate attempt on the part of the Irish government to raise a few dollars/euros.Sad to have to say this,but said document will at best be just a folksy scrap of paper. Anyone born outside Ireland and possessing an Irish passport (duel nationality in my case)will know that the presenting said passport impresses no one in Ireland, so the proposed 'Irish ancestry' document is hardly likely to carry much weight! Don't waste your money folks!

• midlandsmiss | Dec 28, 2010, 11:52 AM EST

  'm very grateful for this - I just missed being ale to apply for dual citizenship when still it applied to Irish-born g-grandparents in the 80's. This is a nice acknowledgement of my own ancestry. I travel to Ireland frequently, and this will mean a lot to me.

• beachline | Dec 28, 2010, 11:37 AM EST

  Hooray !! I have dual Irish-American citizenship and my children would like to claim the same status, but, cannot because of the Grandparent rule. I understand the certificate is only paper but it would make delightful birthday presents for the kids. Where and when can I sign up ??

• lclynde | Dec 28, 2010, 11:30 AM EST

  Just a note to edinboron -- the word "scheme" is interchangable in Ireland with the American word "plan."

• donal1951 | Dec 28, 2010, 11:12 AM EST

  I would hope the same discounts on travel, lodging, etc. are granted to those of us who actually hold dual citizenship because of a parent _ my father in my case _ or grandparent born in Ireland. I have family with whom I stay in touch and I'm not getting any younger. And in at least one post, there seemed to be a bit of confusion over the legal standing of this new certificate, which is that it has none. Other than the discounts, it's a nice piece of wallpaper, that's all. Mind you, I do not oppose it, but I doubt if I lacked an Irish passport I'd waste my money on it. And since I have the Irish passport, there's no need to.

• ballyhip | Dec 28, 2010, 11:05 AM EST

  If your Irish, you might look like football legend, Paul McGrath. As for the Armada "landing", it was hardly that. The defeated Spanish fleet sought food and stores to continue their trip home but largely met feirce storms andtheir executioner in the person of Boetius Clancy, High Sheriff of Clare.

• FastEddy | Dec 28, 2010, 10:58 AM EST

  Park that next to, my application for astro-naught flight school application ...

• culchiewoman | Dec 28, 2010, 10:52 AM EST

  Ajreaper: You obviously don't understand the gist of seamusmoore's post. Among the American 'plastic paddies' there's the common misconception that the Irish are this red-haired, freckled breed...sadly, too common. I am very dark, tan easily and am frequently mistaken for Italian, Jewish, Native American and Hispanic. I was born in Cork and mum's family are in Wexford, dad's Dublin and Limerick. But the gist of this is why would any American of 2nd or 3rd generation want a piece of paper proving their Irish ancestry? Why do you need to prove it? There are so many things the Irish government needs to be doing right now...delivering justice to survivors of Ireland's Magdalene laundries, acknowledging their own history in the baby-export and child abuse business, and not least an economic disaster. Oh wait...that's right. Selling 'Irish ancestry' certificates to American 'plastic paddies' will help offset some of that disaster. Silly me.

• sonshine1949 | Dec 28, 2010, 10:45 AM EST

  I think it's a wonderful idea. I have been very disappointed by the fact that I cannot claim Irish citizenship because my grandparents and great-grandparents were born in America - however, my great-great-grandfather was born in County Cork and moved to County Longford before emigrating to America and serving in the civil war. It is a part of my history of which I am proud and this certificate will provide validation to my ancestry. Hoo-Rah!!!

• Ajreaper | Dec 28, 2010, 10:39 AM EST

  Seamusmoore- what does an Irish person look like? Absolutely silly post on your part.

• Annetherese | Dec 28, 2010, 10:38 AM EST

  I think it will be great to apply for my Irish citizenship certificate! My paternal grandparents came to the US from Ireland when they were teenagers, met and married in NYC. Many of us came over because of the potato famine or financial hardship, and I feel very connected to my Irish heritage and would like to take a trip there to find my O'Sullivan, Dennehy and McDonough relatives! Thanks for the information!

• OrenTruitt | Dec 28, 2010, 10:33 AM EST

  I'm in! I'm a proud American and proud of my Irish ancestry which is to far back to qualify for citzenship. But anything that will get us discounts on travel to Ireland is good.

• seamusmoore | Dec 28, 2010, 10:26 AM EST

  If you think that you need this certificate, then you really aren't Irish. My father, who was born and raised in Ireland not far from where the Armada landed, had a great retort when people would say to him that he didn't look Irish: "if you actually have to tell somebody that you are Irish, then you probably are not."

• fisherperson | Dec 28, 2010, 10:21 AM EST

  Tornaway: My sentiments EXACTLY but I fear it's wishful thinking...

• Tornaway | Dec 28, 2010, 10:13 AM EST

  Ancestry to the "Great Famine" emigration should be a path to citizenship if you were from the Counties that suffered and emigrated. I have a paper trail and so do millions.

• Searlit | Dec 28, 2010, 10:07 AM EST

  This couldn't be happening at a better time. The New Year will be a little brighter, now.

• JHShanahan | Dec 28, 2010, 10:03 AM EST

  For Irishlassred: American security clearances (DOD and otherwise) are not jeopardized by dual citizenship. All you have to do is to declare it. The State Department's official position is that dual citizenship is not a problem and that granting or recognizing dual citizenship is a matter governed by the laws of the "other country" (in this case, Ireland). I held a USA security clearance for years with my dual citizenship status declared on the application forms. Relax and enjoy your dual nationality.

• Edinboron | Dec 28, 2010, 09:44 AM EST

  There is something about it being referred to as a "scheme" over and over that is putting me off.

• mandokeith | Dec 28, 2010, 09:40 AM EST

  Please keep us informed as to updates. I'm ready!

• culchiewoman | Dec 28, 2010, 09:33 AM EST

  How wonderful that they can issue certificates of 'Irish ancestry' yet still can't manage to give Irish-born adopted citizens access to their own birth certificate. Priorities skewed?

• Irishlassred | Dec 28, 2010, 09:31 AM EST

  Yes! Finally! I qualify as my grandparents were born in Ireland but can't jeopardize my son, and son-in-law security clearances by having dual citizenship so this is just wonderful! (They "say" no problem with dual citizenship until you have it and are declared a foreign national and these hard working young people get jammed for something they had nothing to do with. This becomes a more doable solution.) I cannot wait to honor my grandparents this way!

• DawnMarieH | Dec 28, 2010, 09:20 AM EST

  How do we apply?

• antoman | Dec 28, 2010, 08:45 AM EST

  Fungee the dolphin down in Dingle would have one of these certificates if it had pockets.If the holders of these certificates get a discount on the price of beer I'm gonna claim one for meself.