Ten patriotic facts about the Irish in America

hello mairin67....you are right in what your saying....plastic paddys kinda annoy me.

"Real" meaning go to Ireland. Learn where your family is from, the town, the people. Visit the homeplace if possible. Walk where they once walked and learn about the Irish culture. Don't just sit on this side of the Atlantic and shout "I'm Irish" just because you celebrate St. Patrick's Day or have red hair. When someone asks you where your people were from - be able to answer them. It's annoying to see so many people attach themselves to the superficial, stereotypical, Hollywood version of being Irish. There is so much more to it than that and anyone who is Irish should be proud to find out what that is. I'm no 'expert' Woundedknee, I have been lucky enough to travel different places in this world , enough to realize the American version of other cultures is what we want it to be and not always true to that culture. I have no problem with people who say they are Irish, but if they are going to make such a loud statement about it (as is typical in this country), I say you should be able to back it up.

Mairin: "All I am saying is connect in a REAL way." ---- Seeing you're such a big expert, why don't you give a few tips as to how that should be done?

Sorry, JoyfulJim, 100% Irish here. Both parents born and raised in Ireland, all relations still there, spent all childhood holidays in Ireland and continue as an adult. Lived and worked in Ireland for a few years......twice. "Youse" are missing the point....just sayin there is a difference between a genuine, sincere interest in one's heritage, not the touristy, too ra loo ra stuff you see on this site. Americans just don't get when they are being had because they want to connect with their heritage. All I am saying is connect in a REAL way.

The drunk in the Galway bar said 'Don't bother your head with IrishCentral. There's nothin' on it worth tuppence'

And George, you didn't notice that our drunken friend Waterskhill speaks of Columbus using a telescope in 1492. Another fascinating addition to our historical knowledge, since telescopes weren't invented until a century afterwards!

What's your source for the story about Columbus, Water? Have you discovered a previously lost Columbus diary? Strange that in the diary we do have--the only account of the voyage that exists--there's no mention of your story. Maybe because it's baloney some drunk in a Galway bar concocted?

Columbus shoved the Irishman ashore and watched through an eye glass (telescope) from a safe distance to see if the natives were hostile. St.Brendan got as far as The Azores and returned in triumph that he had reached 'the New World' Lief Ericcson was gay and lived happy ever after with a Mohican. The reason the Indians were welcoming and friendly to the Pilgrims on Plymouth rock. It entered the folklore and smoke signals that white folk were not murderous and could be trusted. End of story.

I think mention should be made of the foreign born winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Greatest number---no surprise here--- was IRISH with Germany second. Too bad when I visit the land of my birth I find anti-Americanism is rife. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! God Bless America!!!!!!

I think it is great, my ancestors on the paternal side, O'Rourke came over in the 1600's, probably as indentured servants! The Brits seemed to want their property. I am very glad they made it to America whatever the reason! Love the Irish heritage, love my country.

Taylor55 : Are you implying that the goal of The San Patricio's was to encourage unfettered illegal immigration into the U.S. ?. Wow !. They were trying to get out of the U.S. !. The U.S. Army at that time was run by blue-noses that crash-landed on Plymouth Rock. They showed as much dignity and respect to these men as they did their pack mules and artillery. Winfield Scott trabajando con El Diablo; salvege Los San Patricio's durmiendo con Dios !.

Hello Georgie & Mairin : As I view your comments I get the distinct impression that both of you might not be Irish !. If Irish Central is a fluff factory so be it. It is our fluff !. Youse ( guess where I'm from ) should pump your bilge water on sites like Red Hand Commando & Combat 18. I'm sure the Mensa candidates there would appreciate you more then we do.

taylor 55: I support you 100%. We have the crazy situation where the Irish say they have to come here because there's no work in Ireland, just at the same time as the Irish government is recruiting tens of thosuands of foreign migrants to work in Ireland. I say send all illegals home from the US, and that includes the Irish illegals.

What about the unpatriotic Irish in America facts? Like the San Patricio Brigade of Irish Americans who fought on the Mexican side during the Mexican-American war? Seems you have taken up the San Patricio Brigade goals again recently, by supporting a mass illegal alien amnesty which would give control of the US Southwest back to Mexico through overwhelming demographics, and have Americans pay for it to boot!! You can get a good idea of their mindset at Mexica movement.org. If you really want to be patriotic Americans, tell the Irish illegals to leave on the next Aer Lingus flight then apply to enter legally from Ireland.

Being of Irish descent, I am not surprised at all that the Irish have accomplished.