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So it's St. Patrick's Day and everyone's feeling a little Irish!
There are many myths told about the Irish: that they’re fighters, they’re stupid, they’re belligerent, or that they never forget. Nonsense!
The truth about the Irish is much harder to pin, and much more elusive than they’re given credit for. Even the great Sigmund Freud himself thought it pointless. “This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever,” he wrote.
So how can you tell the reality from all the myths? Well you can start here, with IrishCentral's top ten myths about the Irish.
1. The Irish are always friendly
Many Irish people will happily give you the shirt off their back, but others would much prefer sue you for it (especially if there’s a disputed family will in the mix somewhere). Usually the Irish are genuinely friendly, but like anywhere a lot depends on who you are, where you are and what you are.
Quibbling aside, the land of a hundred, thousand welcomes deserves its reputation because the truth is that most Irish people can be so kind and considerate it will take your breath away. But like anywhere, a few nettles sprout among all the roses, so tread carefully betimes.
2. The Irish are religious
Even avowed Irish atheists will call upon all the angles and saints when there’s a crisis or they’re in danger. But that doesn’t mean they’re deeply religious, it’s just a reflex hardwired into them from birth. You trip, you sprain your ankle, you’ll call the Lord’s name (and many others).
The truth is most Irish people are much closer in spirit to Father Ted than to Rome, and they always have been. James Joyce, as always, put it best: “O Ireland, my first, my only love/Where Christ and Caesar are hand in glove.” If you can reconcile those two opposing forces and learn to live with them without giving it another thought, you’re well on your way to being Irish yourself.
3. The Irish can sing
Two words: Ronan Keating. Make those three words: Chris De Burgh. Let’s face it, even housewives favorite Daniel O’Donnell is no threat to Luciano Pavarotti - and he’s dead. Not every Irish man can sing a rousing rebel song on request, despite what you see every time in the movies.
Irish people can however reduce you to heaving sobs with their songs about lost love, lost land and faded hopes. Be warned: otherwise perfect social evenings can be brought to a standstill by the power of just one Irish ballad competently sung. Your guests may weep copiously or begin to think about snow falling faintly, and faintly falling, and if it does happen just go with it, it’s the Irish way.
4. The Irish are stupid
Pull the other one. You’re in the native land of the scholar (the saints, like the snakes, were evicted long ago). Trust me, all those Paddy the Irishman jokes you heard growing up (about the guy who always gets it wrong) are an expression of anxiety, not contempt. People have been calling the Irish thick for centuries. They’re fools.
Take Edmund Spenser, the Elizabethan poet, for example. He tried to denigrate the Irish in his genocidal pamphlet “A View of the Present State of Ireland,” written in the early 1590’s. Spenser’s propaganda pamphlet argued that Ireland would never be totally pacified by the English until its language and customs had been completely destroyed, if necessary by violence. (Irish rebels, possibly acting on his own advice, later drove him from his County Cork home).
For many contemporary scholars Ireland’s James Joyce is the true heir to William Shakespeare simply in terms of his influence and cultural impact.
5. The Irish are charming
Anyone who has ever ordered a cheese sandwich from the joyless drudges who staff the Bus Aras canteen in County Monaghan knows this is not true. The Irish are not always charming. In fact some Irish people have perfected a stare of such hostility and perfect contempt that the memory of it will never leave you.
6. The Irish have red hair and freckles
Just as not all Irish women are tempestuous redheads crying out to be tamed by an avuncular John Wayne stand-in, not all redheaded Irish men are leading donkeys carrying turf bags to the fair.
There are quite a few blonds (bottle and natural) knocking about the old sod; black hair and brown or blue eyes are a common feature too (think of Cillian Murphy or Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Nowadays Ireland has become a much more intercultural place, so it may be time to update your image of it.
7. The Irish are happy to start a fight
Whilst it’s fair to say the Irish are a passionate lot, it’s wrong to assume they’re always spoiling for a knockdown fight. In fact when someone makes a fool of himself by acting belligerently in public most Irish people will cringe and designate him a fool – and when an Irish person comes to that conclusion about you, you’ll be considered a fool all your days.
8. The Irish are drunks
The Irish don’t drink more alcohol than any other western nation; they just have more conspicuous fun in the process.
9. The Irish are great storytellers
Well yes, and no. Whilst it’s true there are Irish people who can tell tales to delight or terrify you, they’re not all born with the gift. In fact the Irish have produced the woman that literary experts agree is the worst novelist who ever lived. Amanda McKittrick Ros was born in Ballynahinch, County Down in 1860 and according to The Oxford Companion to English Literature is “the greatest bad writer who ever lived.”
Amanda self-published her own series of novels in the late 1890’s and instantly won a devoted following, but the critics savaged her. McKittrick Ros faith in her own talent was undiminished however, and she replied by calling them variously: “bastard donkey-headed mites, clay-crabs of corruption, denunciating Arabs, evil-minded snapshots of spleen, talent-wipers of a wormy order.” Her revenge is that today we quote her, and not her detractors.
10. The Irish never forget
Not true. Ask Thierry Henry. After his handball at the qualifying France versus Ireland World Cup match, there are literally millions of Irish people desperately willing themselves to forget what he did. Their attempts to do so may be as insincere or short lived as Thierry’s apology, but give them some props for the effort.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.molliepmac | Mar 26, 2013, 08:24 AM EDT
ciaradexy;- the label "Plastic Paddy" originated in the UK in the 1980s. It was used by the arrogant 1980s Irish immigrants to Britain to describe the British born children and grandchildren of the Irish who had emigrated to UK in earlier decades....the " Remittance men and women" whose financial aid kept the republic afloat. That same arrogance can be found in some Irish born today. The joke is that the children of those 1980s emigrants to Britain are now themselves considered “Plastic Paddies”. The Irish Diaspora could use the term Plastic Paddy to describe many of the Irish born in Ireland. You know the ones, they support Brit soccer teams, read Hello magazine to see what the Royals are up to and despise anything to do with Irish language and culture. Perhaps we should describe them as Plastic Brits?
Eireannach | Mar 18, 2013, 01:53 PM EDT
A lot of these characteristics can be attributed to the 'Scots-Irish', rather than the native/ethnic Irish. Many readers of IC will be of Scots-Irish descent,(a wholly American term). These people are from Ulster, and are of Scottish and English ancestry, and have millions of descendants in the US.
ciaradexy | Mar 16, 2013, 03:01 PM EDT
Ancavker, plastic paddy is the term given to anyone who isnt irish but claims to be. American, British, whatever.
anglo-norman | Mar 16, 2013, 02:30 AM EDT
misswhisp- Name one miracle in modern times?
anglo-norman | Mar 15, 2013, 08:43 PM EDT
misswhip-There are no miracles
audreybolton | Mar 15, 2013, 02:46 PM EDT
Who can forget that dreadful eejit Michael Flatley.? His insistence on marrying an Oirish Colleen (the image of his first Polish wife) and having an Orish baby and living in an Oirish castle to show the rest of us he was more Oirish (an inferiority complex?). His claiming he invented Riverdance (he only did half the chorography, the lovely Jean Butler and other Irish dancers did the rest and was an employee of Moya Doherty and her husband John McColgan who really invented the show and put up the finance). They had to fire Flatley because he wanted to take over the show. His father's ancestors fought at the Battle of Clontarf and were related to the High Kings of Ireland you know(prove it!)Aren't we all! For God's sake Flatley give it up we are all on to you. He's the subject of many a joke in Ireland. He lives tax free in Monoco. He dosen't visit Ireland anymore we're to poor now. My niece is with Riverdance and will be dancing in Dublin this Summer so go and see the best and the original Irish Dance Show in the world celebrating it's 18th year!
bunkerhill | Mar 15, 2013, 02:37 PM EDT
When we think of Ireland we see Newgrange built before the pyramids, along with so many passage graves, beautifully illustrated books and magnificent ancient chalices and jewelry. A history lost and replaced by Hollywood garbage like "Ryan's Daughter" and "Four Feathers" which appeared recently on our garbage TV. We also see the first known people to declare "All men are created equal," the foundation of our unique USA. You don't have to look far to see who is threatened by this premise. A friend who recently saw the horrid "Ryan's Daughter," on TV asked me why the "Irish" would treat a poor English soldier so badly. I told her to google "The Royal Munster Fusiliers" and she was totally astonished. Hooray for Hollywood and their very well known connection to the royals and banksters of England. The Anglo-Normans named Thomand and not the English. My wife's family came from Clare and indeed do know their history. It is rarely mentioned how many English were killed by Henry VIII continuing down to Oliver Cromwell who even killed the English king. The Irish going back in time have the most varient ancestry in Western Europe. All the invaders loved the Irish women and married them. The Irish women made them into Irish "Patriots," as they did like to fight so why not the the cause of Ireland. Incidentally DNA has also proven the "Anglo-Saxon invasion of England is another fairy tale to serve the royals and Hollywood.
leahkinsella | Mar 15, 2013, 12:46 PM EDT
I blame Peig Sayers (whose droning on we hated at school) and Hollywood "Oirish" films e.g. The Quiet Man, Tom Cruise's Far and Away (the worst Irish accent ever on film). Being asked if all Irish Women had red petticoats, my drinks being dyed green, if there were Leprecauns, Banshees (another Hollywood myth), did we eat a lot of potatoes, corned beef, boiled bacon and cabbage (can't stand either). Are we constantly being bombed and shot and living in a warzone? THIS IN THE AGE OF THE INTERNET, WISE UP FOLKS. One American 16-year-old told me recently St. Patrick fought with DeValera and Collins in the 1916 Rising. We tried to tell her St. Pat was originally a 5th Century Welsh shepherd man who was captured as a slave by Irish pirates who invaded Wales and brought here to Ireland. He did not introduce Chistianity to Ireland, it was already HERE. He eventually escaped back to Wales and then went to Cointental Europe to be educated by monks and came back to Ireland and travelled to the different Irish kingdoms to spread the word of Christ. All this is confirmed in his writings which are on display in Trinity College, Dublin. She refused to believe this so this St. Patrick's Festival when she comes to Dublin, we have arranged for her to meet an Irish historian who will sort her out. BTW I was born a blonde blue eyed girl (some grey is coming through now).
curtisjohnson | Mar 14, 2013, 09:59 PM EDT
"Thomond is the name given to the ancient area in the west of Ireland that was changed by the English to Clare when they divided the Island into counties. " Thomond was somewhat larger and encompassed most of Limerick.
curtisjohnson | Mar 14, 2013, 09:53 PM EDT
cromwell usurped the norman established totalitarian state with his own petty dictatorship and paved the way for the commercial oligarchy which still governs (and, thankfully, is slowly replancing the "anglo-norman" population). He also killed and enslaved plenty of english people (most of the victims at Droghenda were english).
anglo-norman | Mar 14, 2013, 09:09 PM EDT
Cromwell was a good man
Smyrnian | Mar 14, 2013, 06:13 PM EDT
Antoman - what? Acid went out in the 1960's man. Are you on a 'trip'?
antoman | Mar 14, 2013, 12:36 PM EDT
People all over the world have us Irish to thank for the webbing between their fingers and toes. After Atlantis sank beneath us we thread water so long before coming ashore in Ireland, that slivers of skin had developed between our fingers and toes. We then went on to populate the planet.
Seanmor | Mar 14, 2013, 09:53 AM EDT
#4: A cousin of mine if totally convinces that this statement is always correct. She firmly believed that everyone who was raised in Ireland, including her own parents, are/were dopes, dunces, donkeys. But, according tio her, our stupidity is not entirely our own fault; we are sorely lacking in intelligence because of the terrible conditions in which we grew up. We experienced misary, poverty, drugery, ignorance and superstition, malnutrition and starvation, illness and disease. Therefore,our very low level of intelligence is quite understandable because of our horrible upbringing.
ancavker | Mar 14, 2013, 09:15 AM EDT
Will: So do enlighten us WIll where are you from? Oh and Plastic Paddie is for the Irish in Britain of Irish ancestry. Get it right.
Pittsburghkid | Mar 13, 2013, 06:52 PM EDT
Irish are fighters/diplomats. Ireland was divided up into many clans. These clans would fight among each other. Before fighting they would resort to diplomacy. This is why Irish are good at politics.
Will Hamilton | Mar 13, 2013, 02:22 PM EDT
Plastic Paddies are mad on an industrial scale. There must be a Plastic Paddy factory hidden in some mountain in the US that turns out truck loads of deluded people who think they're Irish and, worse, think they know something about the country.
PhlutiePhan | Mar 13, 2013, 01:49 PM EDT
Who are you kidding? Who can forget the "hand ball"? Henry should have been "tarred and feathered". If you look at the video, he grabbed the ball with one hand and transferred it to the other. It then went to his boot and a pass in front crippled Shay Given the keeper. FIFA were the real culprits and the obvious prejudice against the Irish in seeking justice. In point of fact, the French influence at the top of FIFA was obvious with their former star looking into the matter and then ruling in favor of the French.
phinsman | Mar 13, 2013, 01:17 PM EDT
I have read that research done in Europe has shown that Ireland has one of the highest percentage of very intelligent people.
Searlit | Mar 13, 2013, 12:54 PM EDT
@seosamhoc, Thomond is the name given to the ancient area in the west of Ireland that was changed by the English to Clare when they divided the Island into counties. When Cromwell invaded Ireland, during his reign of terror, and finally got to the Burren he decided to give Irish people the option of anglosizing their names and becoming protestants or losing their lands. So, Clair may derive from De Clare, or it could be a corrupt form of an Irish name.
bunkerhill | Mar 07, 2012, 05:48 PM EST
It has been our experience that young Irish people will get up and give we seniors a seat on the Luas in Dublin, offer to carry packages etal. So many Irish are so polite and kind. They drink in Pubs and then have to go home which makes their drinking more noticable than those consuming at home. Thank you seasamhoc for your very correct answer to gerardthomas. My wife's people come from Clare and every family has a Clare, along with many Richards, Mortimers, Joannas and Louises. Yes I do believe they were from Richard Le Clare, along with the De Mortimers and FitzEustaces all Normans who became super patriots for Ireland. It was said in what was actually an anti-Irish book that the Irish women (all the invades married Irish women) had a way of making invaders into super Irish patriots. Possibly Clair was Sinclair orig. St.Clair.
hybernia | Mar 07, 2012, 01:46 PM EST
Lets give ourselves a little boost :-) We are the sons and daughters of Hibernia, Proud heirs of an ancient legacy, We've settled every corner of the globe, Driven from our homeland by famine and oppression, Or simply by the restless spirit that's our birthright. Wherever we go, we bring with us a love of freedom. A melancholy humour, a biting wit, and a golden tongue. But regardless of where destiny may bring us. We're linked to the land of our ancestors, By an ethereal thread that binds the heart, And reminds us always that we are an unique people, WE ARE THE IRISH
RichardP | Mar 07, 2012, 01:05 PM EST
There's five minutes I'll never get back...
Tigearnan | Mar 07, 2012, 12:22 PM EST
"Even avowed Irish atheists will call upon all the angles and saints ..." All the "angles"? Oh blessed 90-degrees save me?
stalinsorgan | Jul 28, 2011, 07:16 AM EDT
could never understand the fighting one if they mean wars they never won any.
Liamkeyes | Mar 19, 2011, 11:06 AM EDT
It's called "Irish Altzheiemers". We forget everything but our grudges. From what I seen, there's a lot of truth to that.
sirpeter | Mar 18, 2011, 02:21 PM EDT
I was afraid to read this article,because to take an Irish person at face value,which those who never lived here seem to do,is to get it all wrong most of the time. But I must admit Mr.Furey in what he has said,is a surprisingly good assessment. Most if not all Irish stereotyping is pure rubbish. The most obvious myth about the Drunken Irish is alot more complex.Luxembourg appear to drink the most in the world,double in fact,then what they drink in the USA.What does this mean? With all that drinking you would think there would be more noise coming from Luxembourg.But not a peep.It is quite obvious they are not falling down the pub stairs,but their own stairs at home. The French have the most alcoholics in the world.But that is no surprise.They feed their kids wine at a young age.All those vineyards and there's thousands of them with their free samples will do it every time.
sirpeter | Mar 18, 2011, 02:21 PM EDT
(Cont)Then you have about 10 other Countries in Europe who basically drink the same,Ireland included. But other factors have to be taken into consideration. Drink brought in a supermarket is not factored in,I read that somewhere.Off licenses are,so partial home drinking is not taken into account.Muslims in a population also lower the consumption of alcohol per head,as do the choice of other recreational drugs.New Zealand they drink the same amount as the USA,but are the highest pot smokers in the world. Pot smokers tend to drink less and don't bring as much attention to themselves,because they are so stoned. The Irish are loud in any social setting,once the craic gets going, with or without drink. But I would say the Irish are the loudest people in the world with drink.We like to have the craic. This no doubt where the stereotype came from.Conspicuous loud fun and the Irish ability to talk to anybody who is willing listen, has given us a bad name. Anyway a much more accurate way of assessing the quality of a free western society is not drink or drugs..But by the divorce rate. That will cover everything not good. Divorce and broken homes at the end of the day,lead to a cycle of divorce and broken homes. Now that's not a myth generally speaking.
BallinaLass | Mar 18, 2011, 11:27 AM EDT
I wonder if Charlie Sheen was influenced by Amanda McKittrick Ros - the similarity in style is striking. Sheen could have said this on his internet show, but with more vulgarity: “bastard donkey-headed mites, clay-crabs of corruption, denunciating Arabs, evil-minded snapshots of spleen, talent-wipers of a wormy order.”
Suivness10 | Mar 18, 2011, 11:10 AM EDT
Sounds good to me; and *very* right on.
seosamhoc | Mar 18, 2011, 09:08 AM EDT
@gerardthomas The Irish for Clare is Cláir (pronounced more like Clore) so that would explain the spelling. Not many people would have surnames from counties though, it most likely comes from the Norman name "De Clare"* (names with de and fitz come from the normans), which probably got translated to Irish "De Cláir" then the "De" got dropped at some point. This would also explain why you don't see it in collections of Irish Surnames, it's of Norman origin but the ones who settled in Ireland are said to have become "more Irish than the Irish themselves" so it's not any less Irish, it just goes further back than that. :) (*I'm not sure but I think that's also were the county gets it's name, the counties of Ireland being a norman invention) Relating to number 5, I think a culture shock for Americans is that Irish value sincerity above being falsely charming. So though we'd be disappointed at grumpy service we'd dislike even more a grumpy person pretending to be nice. Besides if you show an interest and say something like "having a bad/busy day?" they might perk up a little and you might even have earned yourself some extra cheese on that sandwich. (sometimes you just can't win though in which case I recommend sarcastic comments, AFTER you get the sandwich)
gerardthomas | Mar 17, 2011, 10:46 PM EDT
Dear Irish Central, Could you please kindly look up the derivation of my family name which is Clair? I almost never see it in most collections of Irish Surnames,so it really would be nice if you could kindly look it for me.My late father Merlin Joseph Clair always said that we got our name from County Clare,Ireland,but the Irish county is spelled Clare,while we spell our name as Clair.Also,my Great Grandmother Maggie Coyle,I was told,had long dark hair,and a small face.Never heard anything about the colour of her eyes though,I must admit.I grew up in New Orleans,Louisiana during the 1960,s,and 70,s,dear people.Thank you kindly for your time,and God bless you.From Derlin G.Clair
ciarrai | Mar 17, 2011, 07:54 PM EDT
One more thing. People with skin, hair and eyes like the women pictured above ought to be discouraged from using a sunbed. Why would you want to ruin this beautiful look? There are 4 real blondes in Ireland, don't forget.
ciarrai | Mar 17, 2011, 07:49 PM EDT
When I first saw number 3 and Ronan Keating I saw it as Ronan Tynan and I was annoyed. That's is because I love Ronan Tynan. The NY Yankees sunk even lower in my sights after the way they treated him. Second, number 2: yes, the Irish are religious, but the Church's handling of the molesting priests will do it in. No. 6: come on, there are about 4 real blondes in Ireland. Back in 1973, you never saw a blonde. It's all fake now. Finally, that was a nasty swipe at the workers at Bus Aras in Monagnhan. Not everyone can have a nice job at this little, insignificant website.
kiawoman1 | Mar 17, 2011, 04:14 PM EDT
Guinness Beer and a good Irish meal go good together! Wish I could go back to Ireland for a visit. Happy St. Patr8ck's Day to all!
cillowen | Mar 17, 2011, 03:17 PM EDT
Thanks for nothing.
patricia1123 | Mar 17, 2011, 02:24 PM EDT
I'm from NYC, now transplanted in TX. I miss the fun of St. Patrick's day in NY, the parade, the green bagels, and the wonderful Irish tunes in the downtown pubs. I was fortunate enough to visit Ireland just before returning from a three year stay at a military base in England. The trip was wonderful and I hope to return there someday. I'M Irish on both sides, my mon was a Corcoran, my dad was O'Rourke, and St. Pat's day has always been my special day. Tonight we will have corned beef and cabbage and a wee bit of Baileys Irish Cream. Happy St. Patrick's Day to All. Patty O'Rourke
DANOLO13 | Mar 17, 2011, 11:58 AM EDT
"4. The Irish are stupid" If the writer truly wants to argue this remark, then should have not even addressed it! MICHAEL FUREY, you're the fool for trying to state the Saints were sent out of Ireland. Ireland was free as Catholic state, a slave as anything else
SingleDonald | Mar 17, 2011, 11:56 AM EDT
I wish all a joyous St. Patrick's Day, 2011! I, an Italian American, attended Catholic grade school in Woodside, Queens, and loved the Irish songs, taught to us as March 17th approached. I also took a liking to Irish girls, early on. One classmate in Grades 1 & 2 made the 75 Most Influential Irish Women in America, 2 years ago. I would love to aee her again, despite the passage of all these years! I wish the best for her advertising company!
MIdlander | Mar 17, 2011, 11:30 AM EDT
I once remember hearing a song called " All our wars were merry and all our songs were sad". It put the whole Irish mentality into context.
carrickcourt | Mar 17, 2011, 11:16 AM EDT
Hey the Irish are like other people in the world. Big surprise. There is a bit of truth with stereotypes about the Irish, as it has to come from somewhere.
DaveyBoy | Mar 17, 2011, 11:01 AM EDT
and another thing very smart there is Irish whiskey and Guiness beer
DaveyBoy | Mar 17, 2011, 11:00 AM EDT
I think the Irish are great and always hospitable they do have alot of great singers and writers and are the best when it comes to partying and celebrations I know because my family is all that and so are my family back in Donegal
bunkerhill | Mar 17, 2011, 10:55 AM EDT
My wife is Irish and she has family members who are brilliant and very well known. My family fought in the revolutionary war for freedom and I find the Irish everywhere will fight for the truth and freedom. I love their uplifting songs when they sing about the beauty of nature in their homeland, the beauty of their women, their love of family and the sad songs of their struggles for freedom and their sadness at having to leave their homeland and everything they loved. I used to love country western but so many of their songs are downers. I don't know many people who would refer to their homeland as a "little bit of heaven." Also my wife and I have traveled extensively in Ireland and I was so impressed by their beautiful homes and gardens. One thing I think they are very remiss about however is that they have never put forth their ancient history of Newgrange and the many mini stonehenges scattered around the island. My wife told me her Irish born father used to be incensed by the American History books who put the "Vikings" forth as the first people to sail on the North Atlantic in the seventh century. Clearly this had to anger people, clearly seafarers, who came from a North Atlantic island as far back as 5000 years ago. Also did you know that Irish DNA going back in time is the most varied in Western Europe and that half the Icelanders have Irish roots. Ano no they did not sail down and kidnap the women. It is so sad that so much of history is devoted to a conquering mentality.
adrienrain | Mar 17, 2011, 10:15 AM EDT
Ah the Saints and Angles! Especially the Angles!
Phaenius | Mar 17, 2011, 09:57 AM EDT
How about melencholy?
Phaenius | Mar 17, 2011, 09:56 AM EDT
I've been a teetotaler because I am both Irish and Cherokee, both rumored to be weak concerning the drink...now I am looking at the Indian portion to account for the weakness in the presence of "firewater." How about Humer? Do the Irish have a grand sense of Humer, as I have remembered hearing throughout much of my life?
haikued2 | Mar 17, 2011, 09:48 AM EDT
The drinking thing is somewhat interesting...many think that if it weren't for whiskey the Irish would have conquered the world;)
haikued2 | Mar 17, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT
sounds very much like most other folks, just a more popular group. And if the Norwegians hadn't visited, and stayed to some extent, the red hair and freckles might not be seen as Irish. The Viking influence on Ireland is still very evident.
ktyeagley | Mar 17, 2011, 09:34 AM EDT
good to know
bad | Mar 17, 2011, 06:49 AM EDT
I simply agree,not to disagree,what I tink maybe blarney
Katanne48 | Mar 17, 2011, 02:35 AM EDT
You just can't pin monikers on any group of people. We are all different, no matter where we are from.
Leighannie | Mar 17, 2011, 02:26 AM EDT
That is Charming AND Tempestuous!
Leighannie | Mar 17, 2011, 02:25 AM EDT
I'm so glad to see "The Irish are Drunks" on the list. I'm so sick of hearing referrences to drinking green beer, just the Irish being drunks to begin with. Personally, I don't even touch the stuff. I do believe that we fair skinned, green eyed, redheads are quite AND tempestuous however, LOL.
jackieo | Mar 16, 2011, 09:09 PM EDT
so true
modo313445 | Mar 16, 2011, 08:35 PM EDT
Number 4 also used by the British as an excuse to dominate the Irish for so many centuries. They honestly believed they needed to save the Irish from themselves.We stupid Irish could never rule ourselves as well as the British could.
MECAREW | Mar 16, 2011, 08:30 PM EDT
pretty accurate....
pacifist | Mar 16, 2011, 03:32 PM EDT
Debunking the myths: Number 5 - Most of us are charming, but unfortunately therre are those referred to by Michael Furey. Number 6: Michael Furey is both right and wrong. There aren't that many redheads, but there aren't all that many blondes. Many have blue eyes or green, but quite a few are dark eyed. And it is true Ireland has become much more multicultural ethnically, religiously, socially and politically. Number 6: In most areas people rarely get into a fight although a lively argument is the most anything will reach. Number 8: Many of us still drink to excess, especially on special occasions. But the statistics show we are drink more than most Europeans. Number 9: We probably do have a greater number of story tellers, but not ones from history or based on myth - usually rooted in our life's experiences. Number 10: Again partly true, partly false. Some of us have forgotten in the sense that we don't hold old grudges about things inflicted on us. Others - again unforunately - will not forget and hold it like a poison in their hearts and minds forever.
pacifist | Mar 16, 2011, 03:16 PM EDT
Debunking the myths: Number 1 - generally most of us in most areas are friendly, helpful and will offer a helping hand. Unfortunately there are some - far too many - who have developed an anti-American attitude. Number 2: Most Irish do not follow the Fr. Ted model, but unfortunately too many are still subservient to the Roman Catholic Church and have not risen up to challenge the TCC on their betrayal of children who were victims of sexually molesting clerics. Number 3: Rarely do we indulge in singing or listen to maudlin songs about lost love, land and faded hopes. And rarely, if ever, are guest reduced to tears. Number 4: The thick ones amongst us can still be found, but more often than not they have a sly, cunning undercurrent and smart arses may find themselves feeling thick. I'll comment one the remainder shortly!
pacifist | Mar 16, 2011, 03:05 PM EDT
I'm afraid there are a few myths mixed in with this piece debunking Irish myths. One is the suggestion is that we don't drink more than our European counterparts. The unpalatable truth is that we do drink far more than many of our neighbouring countries.