“Ireland’s DNA,” a program that allows people to track their genealogical history, has been officially launched today. Through analysis of a person’s DNA, researchers can trace back a person’s ancestors through the centuries.
The Irish Times reports on the new genealogical program commencing in Ireland, inspired by a similar Scottish project.
“We are planning it as a national project,” said Dr. Gianpiero Cavalleri who is one of the three founders of Ireland’s DNA. “The more people that get involved, the more we can understand about Irish history from the resulting dataset.” Dr. Cavalleri is a biomedical research lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and heads its epilepsy genetics group.
The project in Ireland was launched after a similar began in Scotland just six months ago. The Scottish project was created after the publication ‘The Scots: A Genetic Journey,’ a book that explored the genetic history of Scots.
The Scottish genetics book received plenty of positive feedback, Dr. Cavalleri founded with the two authors of the book Scotland’s DNA project to help finance further study of the country’s collective genome The two authors of ‘The Scots: A Genetic Journey” Dr James Wilson, a geneticist at the University of Edinburgh, and historian Alistair Moffat.
Almost 1,000 people have paid to have their DNA ancestry assessed in Scotland already. “Now we are going to use the same concept for Ireland,” said Dr. Cavalleri.
Cavalleri initially got the idea some years ago while at Stanford University after he became fascinated with the idea that you could identify past human migration by looking at the male-only part of the genome, the Y chromosome.
“With DNA you can really go deep into the past to learn where your ancestors came from,” said Dr. Cavalleri. No doubt, with the ever expanding Irish diaspora around the globe there will be an increasingly large pool of people who will want to trace their genealogical origins.
While delivering completed genomes was overwhelmingly expensive decades ago, the prices have since fallen making it simpler to create genomes in order to track ancestry. With the completion of about 20,000 genomes so far by labs around the world and has thus opened up the possibility of direct Y chromosome comparisons between individuals and groups.
“Up until recently we might have had a genetic signature for the northwest of Ireland collectively as being Irish. What has happened since is we can split up the Irish type. The higher resolution comes from the sequencing of the human genome.”
“We look for markers and see what they are telling us,” he says. “A marker is part of the DNA that is different between people. Those differences arise with each generation.”
While most an individual’s genome is made of a mixture of the mother’s and father’s DNA, the Y-Chromosome in males does not mix in a substantial way. Cavalleri likens it to the Olympic torch as individual runners carry it from city to city on the way to the games, with each carrier leaving a mark on the torch. The Torch essentially remains the same, only slightly altered.
“By looking at those spelling changes you get a sense of how those people have moved. After all, we are part of one big pedigree,” said Dr. Cavalleri.
The Y-Chromosome, however, is unique to males. Female lines can be traced via mitochondrial DNA that is only passed along by female lineages. Similarly, women can co-opt either a brother’s or a father’s DNA to show the ancestry, according to Dr. Cavalleri.
Surprisingly, the price isn’t to do so isn’t astronomical. €250 to analyse both the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA and €210 for either one or the other.
Dr. Cavalleri insists that the data retrieved is kept private. “The data is all stored separately on a server, it is not shared with anyone,” he says. “It is only used for ancestry. It is not used for any medical purposes. It is only used to study the history of Ireland and Scotland.”
Interested in learning more about tracing her DNA history? Head to irelandsdna.com to learn more.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.camdenTown | May 21, 2013, 04:11 PM EDT
"A 1970's study by Andrew Greeley of the Univ of Chicago showed people identified as "Anglo-Saxons" to be at the bottom of the economic strata even though they were given so many advantages." "It was the Irish who taught their cousins in England to build with stone." ^ Can you provide a source for either of those *ridiculous* claims.
bunkerhill | Apr 08, 2013, 02:43 PM EDT
I am having a difficult time understanding the posters on this site. Ireland has a glorious prehistoric history which others, most notably "Vikings" and "Anglo-Saxons" would love to have, and have repeatedly stolen. What would make anyone think the results of this supposedly accurate DNA would portray the Irish and their descendants in a positive light. Given the past histories leaning towards the preservations of the idle royals over "Angleland" and "Scandinbavia, a very distorted history of "mighty conquering" has been put forth as if this was a good thing. Only good for the royals. ." The natives of Iceland maintained their Irish roots down through the centuries and the prestigious publication National Geographic questioned the roots of the glorious "Icelandic Sagas" as they were so close to the sagas of Ireland. The royal cousins across Scandinavia extending into "Albion" or "Angleland" former names for England actually called the Icelanders "liars" even though there was no comparable history anywhere in their "claimed" territories. Former US Presidential candidate Romney proudly proclaimed his "Anglo-Saxon" origins while a US public looked on in horror. A 1970's study by Andrew Greeley of the Univ of Chicago showed people identified as "Anglo-Saxons" to be at the bottom of the economic strata even though they were given so many advantages. The Irish and Jews came out on top, although today I suspect the Asians would be right up there with them. I would be very wary of these DNA tests although I do like Dr. Tyrones Bowes for his presevation of the Irish castles and the old Irish who owned them. It was the irish who taught their cousins in England to build with stone.
Ajreaper | May 21, 2012, 12:02 AM EDT
As horrific an idea as this may be why don't you whiners and complainers read up about the Profile? I know information classified as "facts" or scientific research scares the crap of you who may find that actual relevant information tramples all over your thoughts and ideas. Bythebay what is your fascination with figurines- seems a tad unhealthy. Besides there's little room for it amongst my leprechauns and certificates of Irishness.
abhainn | May 20, 2012, 05:38 PM EDT
Like all nationalities, the Irish are a mongrel lot with a genetic heritage from the Partholonians, Fomorians, Tuatha Dé Danann, Firbolgs, Milesians, Celts, Britons, Saxons, Spanish, Vikings, Norse, Germanic, and Norman blood. There are no thoroughbred races in the world. Even Niall of the Nine Sausages wasn't purebred.
citizen69 | May 20, 2012, 04:18 PM EDT
@Seanmor: Yeah, the DNA evidence has already proven that Loyalists or the plantation population in general are basically indistinguishable from "native" Ulster folk. It shows that the general population of Britain & Ireland are the same race and we are all mainly descended from the indigenous peoples who originally settled on these Islands from Iberia after the Ice Age. Celts, Anglo Saxons, Normans & Vikings are only a small influence on our genetic make-up.
Springfield9 | May 20, 2012, 02:32 PM EDT
Alright. I already have 111 DNA markers done. I did it on a lark. It's fun ..... since there is no "Civil" interest.
GeorgeDillon | May 20, 2012, 01:16 PM EDT
"ciaradexy you Unionist fool. Get a life and some sunshine you obsessive computer nerd". 1.
Tooreenagrena | May 20, 2012, 08:04 AM EDT
ciaradexy you Unionist fool. Get a life and some sunshine you obseesive computer nerd
Seanmor | May 19, 2012, 08:06 PM EDT
One wonders if these DNA tests will establish genealogical links betweeen the Irish and the 3 former Galician 'regions' in Europe: Galicia in northwest Spain, whose current residents are gallegos: the 19th century Kingdon of Galicia, whose teritory is now divided between Poland and Ukraine; Galatia in what is now central Turkey, whose natives were the Galitians to whom St. Paul whote epistles in the first century A.D. Another question also comes to mind: Will the same DNA tests prove that North of Ireland Loyalists are ar 'racially' different from their Nationalist neighbors as Eskimos are different from Zuluz, because some would have us believe that is so.
OBPiper | May 19, 2012, 05:44 PM EDT
This is extremely naive at best. Each male can each trace one of thousands of ancestors through his Y-DNA and each woman can trace two of hers through her M-DNA. But, this is like finding a network of streets in a subdivision devoid of plans, homes, automobiles, landscaping, utilities, and esp. people! What needs to be done is to map our genomes and show the relationship of each of our genes to those of past peoples. Amateurs.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 02:15 PM EDT
If anyone is interested in Ireland, Leinster and Katy Taylor won big today. Im sure catholics and donkeys are still having a great time though too so no need to wipe your tears with your aran jumpers.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 02:09 PM EDT
Do I have to google them for you or can you ask your carer to do it for you?
GeorgeDillon | May 19, 2012, 01:01 PM EDT
Ciaradexy, you bigot: Care to tell us more about these so-called tribes? You're an utter idiot, one of the stupidest people I've ever encountered.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 11:31 AM EDT
The celts were from central europe anyway so if people think they're 100% irish celt, they're wrong. If they trace further back they#ll find that they#re from central Europe originally and not Ireland at all.
citizen69 | May 19, 2012, 10:28 AM EDT
What these DNA tests have revealed is that there is very little 'Celtic' about the inhabitants of the so called Celtic nations.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 07:01 AM EDT
Niall of the nine hostages!?You have more in common with Georgie of the nine sausages.
ciaradexy | May 19, 2012, 06:54 AM EDT
Haha! george, there ARE Palestinian tribes! Youre showing your lack of education right there!
GeorgeDillon | May 19, 2012, 02:05 AM EDT
Ciaradexy wants to know "Who did the DNA testing on Niall of the Nine Hostages?" Ajreaper, you sound about her intellectual equal, you help her out.
GeorgeDillon | May 19, 2012, 02:04 AM EDT
"related to some Palestinian tribe". The Palestinians are a nation not a tribe, you dope ciaradexy.
ciaradexy | May 18, 2012, 04:12 PM EDT
Aj, whats Trinity U?
Dompedro | May 18, 2012, 04:01 PM EDT
Cavelleri says the info will be will be private. No different, it seems, from several other labs in the US (Family Tree) and Britain (Oxford) who have been testing for ten or so years and I think that their prices are comparable. What's needed is a searchable database (with individual IDs protected) so one and all can compare his/her DNA on a larger stage than merely having the professor tell you who he thinks you are. A half a dozen years ago there were several published lists of DNA test results of "Irish"subjects that revealed Ra1, Rb1, E3b and other signatures. If the data is not shared with anyone, how can it be used to "study the history of Ireland and Scotland"? Unless Prof Cavelleri has already assumed the mantle.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 03:49 PM EDT
The more of you who spend your money on this test, according to this advertisement article, the better the tests will get!!!!! And the larger the DNA database will be!
muirisobric | May 18, 2012, 03:29 PM EDT
This is my last comment on Irish Central. Slán
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT
ajreaper, hon, you women no doubt will love shopping on Grafton Street when you connect with your DNA family at the Gathering and get those lovely Niall of the Nine Hostages replica figurines. The figurines might even have changeable costumes! With your clan names on them!
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 03:15 PM EDT
Ajreaper, I said those in the US claiming DNA linkage to Niall of the Nine Hostages is fact, DNA tested they say from the man himself who lived in the 4th/5th century. They may very well be interested in the little fanciful Niall of the Nine Hostages souvenir. Don't guess at anything. Caveat Emptor, mate. A fool and his money......
Ajreaper | May 18, 2012, 02:47 PM EDT
Bythebay, no one in the U.S. claimed any such thing the boys over at Trinity U. in Dublin identified the profile and you cannot claim a "DNA" link you either do or do not fit the profile. No one in the U.S. had anything to do with establishing this profile and the profile is found heavily in NW Ireland and parts of Scotland as well. Now maybe the researchers at Trinity are incorrect about their hypothesis but it's yet to be contradicted by other research and seems accepted by those involved in DNA research as it relates to genealogy so my guess is it must satisfy some standard of scientific research. Then again you have issue with things other then I heard or someone said but I am fairly certain those meet exactly no standard of scientific research at all (why let nasty things like research, science and facts get in the way of "I heard"?) If you have a problem with the profile my suggestion is take it up with the lads at Trinity- make it a day and do some shopping on Grafton street afterwards.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 02:12 PM EDT
ciaradexy, well and truly said.
ciaradexy | May 18, 2012, 02:07 PM EDT
George will probably find that hes related to some Palestinian tribe and our new friends from Angola could find out they are related to Cuchulain!
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 02:01 PM EDT
ajreaper, those in the US claiming DNA linkage to Niall of the Nine Hostages is fact, DNA tested they say from the man himself who lived in the 4th/5th century. The little fanciful Niall of the Nine Hostages figurines will no doubt be well sold during the Gathering!
Ajreaper | May 18, 2012, 01:43 PM EDT
George I am a bigot, I have no love for foolish folks and they are unfortunately not an endangered species anywhere one goes on planet earth. Bythebay that's really an interesting statement that most match the profile as in none of the research groups I am a member do the majority match the profile- but I guess there is a difference between facts and "from what I have heard". DNA testing is another tool for those who are interested in their family history and nothing more. I have done a great deal of actual genealogy some of which was made possible through connections made due to the DNA testing but then again actually doing something and hearing about it likely means our knowledge levels will differ.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 01:15 PM EDT
The Irish Souvenir shops will have little fanciful "Niall of the Nine Hostages" for those coming for The Gathering to purchase. Priced accordingly.
GeorgeDillon | May 18, 2012, 12:33 PM EDT
You bigot, ajreaper. None of those Angolans, Albanians, Australians, Azeris Armenians etc (I'm still only on /A/) will have the Niall na Naoi nGiall profile. I suppose you think you're more Irish than the New Irish?
EphraimKibbey | May 18, 2012, 11:58 AM EDT
@GeorgeDillon - you will have to take your tongue out of your cheek to swab it for your DNA. Ancestry has autosomal DNA member testing for $99 and Y chromosome DNA OR mitochondrial DNA for $179 each (both for $358.) They do not limit their findings to one country but extend it to the whole world. As an American with Irish, Hessen, Welsh, Dutch and English ancestors, that might fit my situation better. Its still a lot of money just to satisfy one's curiosity so I'll wait and see if the prices come down a bit before I start swabbing my cheeks.
Bythebay | May 18, 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
Ajreaper, I don't know why Irish Central has this advertisement for this service but I'm hearing just about everyone who has it done in the US has Niall of the Nine Hostages ancestry. Little can be said about him because little has been proven about him. He supposedly lived in the 4th and 5th centuries but of course there was no DNA collection or testing then. You'd do far better doing your actual genealogy to determine your ancestry. Caveat Emptor, let the buyer beware.
Eamonn12 | May 18, 2012, 10:57 AM EDT
@Ajreaper - I think you missed the point George was making.
Ajreaper | May 18, 2012, 10:39 AM EDT
My God George you are a complete fool- it's genealogical history of an individual- many use this is the study of their ancestory and is completely seperate from residency or citizenship and is not racist in any way shape or form. I had mine tested a couple of years ago through Family Tree DNA and my profile matches what the researchers at Trinity U. in Dublin have labeled the Niall of the Nine Hostages profile. Through the DNA testing I have managed to get connected with distant family members and am able to trade info as we research our individual family trees.
GeorgeDillon | May 18, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT
This kind of article is racist and discriminatory. It excludes all the New Irish, who now make up as much as a quarter of the population of Ireland; these people don't have any Irish DNA. How are the countless Poles, Angolans, Chinese, Bulgarians, Hindhus etc in Ireland today to feel when they read this kind of thing? Unwanted and unvalued. The author O'Shea and Irish Central should apologize to these people!