123 Comments

• Smyrnian | Feb 14, 2013, 02:18 PM EST

  Steven - Different, yes. Very different? No. Not at all. They have way more in common than they have differences. I know this after being here a few years.

• nidonnabain | Apr 05, 2012, 08:24 AM EDT

  I travel in continental Europe extensively. It is amazing to me, how many highly educated continental Europeans do not know that Ireland ever had a language of its own, as only one example of their lack of knowledge about any Ireland separate from Britain. I don't like, nor did my parents like, St. Patrick's Day hideousness. However, it doesn't represent Irish Americans at this point in time. I think Varga et al would be better to spend their time considering why the Oulde Sod has not even proudly transmitted its culture to the rest of Europe than to get high-and-mighty about Americans.

• Killy524 | Apr 04, 2012, 09:12 PM EDT

  I'll have to think about her comments when I see all of the irish products exported from Ireland into America that have shamrocks all over it. Won't be buying a bit of it EVER!! Belleek China with the shamrocks all over it....I will be sure to tell ALL of my AMERICAN family not to buy a thing that is imported from Ireland, especially if it has a shamrock on it!!

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 29, 2012, 07:31 PM EDT

  @@ancavker | Mar 28, 2012, 12:04 PM EDT>>>> Sorry but i didnt say i was TRYING TO BE ENGLISH I merely stated that in Europe and geographically speaking the Irish are very similar to the Welsh, English and Scottish more so then other countries in Europe say for example the French Or Spanish !!.... Irish people on the other hand are totally different culture to Americans different in how we speak think our humor everything is totally different.. Unles you have been to Ireland you may not recognise that.. but thats how it is,, nothing wrong with Americans but we are very different thats all.. same as Americans are different to Jpanese.. or Dutch people thats all i was saying..But i adree with what this woman Vargo said because she is correct in my point of view

• ancavker | Mar 28, 2012, 12:04 PM EDT

  STEVEN: How come so many Irish try to be English??? Oh wait you answered that question, because your cultures are the same, right? No actually you gave up yours and copied theirs, as you consider theirs to be better. Or if you are not copying theirs you try to be American. So it is OK for you to copy and ape the English and Americans, but Irish-Americans cannot identify with Irish culture. You guys get to write the rules I guess? By the way lots of Irish- Americans are only one or two generations removed from Ireland. If you knew America, at all you would understand that in many parts of the country syaing oen is Irish, ro Italian or Polish, is a matter of self-identifying; it does nto mae one any less American. Before you criticize me, I am Irish born, living in America, and I go home (yes we still call Ireland home) almost every year. So I know far more about Ireland than you would have learned in your three trips to America.

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 27, 2012, 03:06 PM EDT

  @@@@@@@oldboreen | Mar 22, 2012, 11:18 AM EDT Greetings STEVENSTAR! Re your post 22 March-I note that you appear to make no distinction between ethnicity and nationality.How very odd! I therefore assume, that you infer that the two to be one and the same thing.So for example-just for the sake of argument-Take two Irish born parents living in say,Lithuania.Their child is born in that country. He/she is therefore, of Lithuanian NATIONALITY. Agreed?? Good! Now clarify please, is that child ETHNICALLY Lithuanian, ie, of the Lithuanian/Baltic group of races? I don't know about anyone else on this site, but I eagerly await clarification. I WAS BORN IN IRELAND IM IRISH IF YOU WERE BORN IN AMERICAN YOUR AMERICAN .. IF YOUR GREAT GRANNY MOVED TO AMERICA A 100 YEARS AGO YOUR STILL AMERICAN... NOT IRISH ... IM SORRY BUT OVER HERE WE ARE NOT SO 'OBSESSED' WITH TRYING TO BE ANOTHER NATIONALITY BUT OUR OWN... '' ITS VERY LAUGHABLE AT THE AMOUNT OF AMERICAN TRYING TO BE IRISH ... BY THE WAY YES I HAVE BEEN TO AMERICA 3 TIMES, MY EX IS AMERICAN AND ALL I CAN SAY THE CULTURES THE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE ARE THOUSANDS OF MILES APART .. IM NOT DATING AN ENGLISHMAN AND IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.. AS OUR CULTURES ARE THE SAME ... UNLIKE MY STINT WITH THE AMERICAN .. ..

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 27, 2012, 02:57 PM EDT

  IM 'TRUE. IRISH IE I WAS BORN IN IRELAND I LIVE HERE AND I STILL LIVE HERE .......... TAKE IT FROM ME THIS WOMAN IS SO RIGHT WHAT SHE SAID... FOR THOSE THAT FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE SORRY .. BUT SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH,.

• irishcop025 | Mar 26, 2012, 06:53 PM EDT

  I have to agree with what I read. I have been going to Ireland since I was a child back in the 60's. The "Yanks" were always made fun of and the brunt of many jokes. The Yanks money however was alwys welcome though.

• esatdigiwank | Mar 26, 2012, 08:16 AM EDT

  G.Dillon:"You will see countless jobs--decent jobs, honorable jobs--being done by Africans, Asians,Eastern Europeans and ... Jobs like hotel receptionist, barman, cook, waiter/waitress,..sales assistant" etc. >>>Indeed, customer service jobs that a one-trick pony like Mick the Plasterer or Ned the Blocklayer does not have the inter-personal acumen for! But for the Irish that u speak of being too stupid to do this or that, you fail to recall that the can-do spirit has been bought off by handsome, lavish weekly welfare payments so that the Soldiers of Infamy could stay in power for so long. Or are you the one who is closer to Timbuctu than me? >>>Oh purleese, i realise all of what you say. I frequently use the Airport. Please don't tell me what I already know! And please Don't Assume that I am unaware of what you know!>> Also, you have point-blank not acknowledged my valid points prior, but you don't because you are Myopic to valid contributions from Others >>>I'll use whatever name I like - that is not to say that usernames I use elsewhere are vulgar. Don't Insult Me by inferring I am blind or deaf - I may refer to you henceforth with some epithet that others here address you with.

• DanOLoingsigh | Mar 25, 2012, 02:34 PM EDT

  Nice one, Dr T...Should've spotted that one!!!

• ciaradexy | Mar 25, 2012, 09:28 AM EDT

  Dont shoot the messenger folks!

• DrTrelawney | Mar 25, 2012, 09:20 AM EDT

  Bunkerhill says: "she is going to notify the newly formed Irish Defamation League" Hang on, is there really a body called the "Irish Defamation League"? Do they have meetings where they sit around telling anti-Irish jokes. Somebody should inform the red-faced busy bodies at the Irish Anti-Defamation Federation. They may then put a terrifying note on their shoddy website.

• timbobdennehy | Mar 24, 2012, 08:54 PM EDT

  from what i get in the news the irish are ready for american investment,tell that to all the people who were shafted by dell.

• bunkerhill | Mar 24, 2012, 04:46 PM EDT

  Like Trina Vargas I am not Irish although I really like them. My wife is Irish and she is going to notify the newly formed Irish Defamation League about Vargas and see if she can be replaced with someone more suitable. My wife is especially upset as she thinks Enda Kenny is so handsome, polished, has such a nice smile and a dimple in his chin. I, myself, am all those things although I don't have a dimple in my chin. From my point of view the Irish and their diapora are great people.

• pilib04 | Mar 24, 2012, 12:28 PM EDT

  There needs to be an independent audit of the money she receives and it needs to be published in Irish and Irish American newspapers. If she is a 501c3 organization it should be available to the public, by law!

• FloridianFlower | Mar 24, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT

  Trina Vargo needs to resign from her position as head of the US-Ireland Alliance. With her mindset on cross-Atlantic relations, she cannot possibly be effective in the role. Her comments are very offensive to Irish-Americans and do not reflect my experience in interacting with Irish nationals, who are a very gracious and engaging people.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 24, 2012, 11:39 AM EDT

  Citizen Why. Freud said nothing of the sort. The story is completely apocryphal. Nobody has ever been able to find any corroboration to support it.

• CitizenWhy | Mar 24, 2012, 11:17 AM EDT

  Woodkern ... Your suggestion that Freud would have a field day with these posts is interesting, but I doubt that Freud would look. After all he did say, "The Irish are one race for whom psychotherapy would do no good."

• ciaradexy | Mar 24, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT

  Mairen, did you not understand the gritting of the teeth statement?? This woman is not criticising Americans, she is merely commenting on what she has experienced in regards Irish people. She is reporting on what she has seen and heard. The irish sense of humour is very different to the American one. You dont get irony at all.

• kaydog1 | Mar 24, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

  When you click on Trina's name, the linked article quotes President Obama as stating that the Certificate of Irishness would find "a place of honor, next to my Birth Certificate" - the writer stating that "no one would ever see the thing." LOL.

• Mairen | Mar 24, 2012, 12:59 AM EDT

  This woman should bring her nose down to earth! Those of us Americans (and there's a lot!) who have Irish heritage are proud of it! Where does she get off? Oh well, we got our good sense of humor from it; she's just exhibiting ignorance and bigotry, right? The Irish I've had the pleasure to meet, here and in Ireland, were warm, friendly and funny people and I will continue to consider them as such!

• ciaradexy | Mar 23, 2012, 03:40 PM EDT

  George,''Because if you're in Ireland go take a walk around any city or town. You will see countless jobs--decent jobs, honorable jobs--being done by Africans, Asians,Eastern Europeans and Goodness knows what else. Jobs like hotel receptionist, barman, cook, waiter/waitress, long distance driver, security guard, sales assistant etc etc.'' Most irish people go to university these days so why would they want to waitress or drive trucks? So we could stay home and do those low skilled low paid jobs or we could move abroad and get experience in our chosen field? Hmmm, I should tell my brother to come home from New Zealand as Ive head Mark Wahlberg is opening a burger bar in Dublin. Brilliant! Im sure he'll jump at the chance! Ancavker- I love trad and irish dancing howver marching bands are not Irish. They are American and there is nothing Irish about them but if they want to play some trad tunes then fair play to them! On Paddys day here an American marching band played 'Billy Jean' when they were on O'Connell Bridge. Ive no idea what that was about or maybe Michael jackson was Irish too? I brought my Nashville mates to the Cobblestone for a proper session.

• MikeMcGuire79 | Mar 23, 2012, 02:24 PM EDT

  Shades...no need to apologize to me. I agree with you fully. And defunding these elitists will take some of the wind out of their sails. I do not represent corporations or governments. I represent people, and not wealthy people at that, as does most of the Ad Hoc Committee, so I think they'll agree with me (and you) and get the gist pretty quickly.

• ShadesofGreen | Mar 23, 2012, 02:17 PM EDT

  Can i just point out that, Ms Vargo hasn't actually named any of the Irish people who are telling her this stuff. Therefore, IMO, all she's offering is unsubstantiated rumour - i.e. unconfirmed crap. So before you Irish-Americans get hot and bothered by what Ms Vargo tells you we (in Ireland) are thinking about you all, why don't you ask us? We have a media elite in Ireland who love to trash all things traditionally viewed as Irish, and it seems to me that Ms Vargo is spending her time with these people, or with a small political / wealthy elite that can afford to attend expensive Washington dinners, where it's fashionable to curry favour with 'your betters' by confusing wit with cynicism about your own countrymen/women and the Disapora around the world. We aren't (most of us anyway) laughing at you guys - we prefer to be laughing with you. Ms Vargo needs to leave the confines of her office more and talk to some of the real Irish people in this world, not the media / political / economic stooges that feature prominently at political lobbyist (sorry MikeMaguire79) dinners in America every St Patrick's Day.

• MikeMcGuire79 | Mar 23, 2012, 01:40 PM EDT

  I do not know Ms. Vargo, but as an Irish-American citizen, I find her remarks horribly divisive and quite hypocritical. There always has been, and I suspect, always will be, something of a symbiotic relationship between the United States and Ireland. For someone in her position, a position that by its title purports to embrace the American/Irish relationship, to make such comments, is a disgrace. As an Irish-American lobbyist, and one who is involved in American/Irish politics and trade, I have never heard of this woman or her organization. However, rest assured, that I will be lobbying the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs heavily to end funding for Ms. Vargo and her organization. There are quite a few worthy organizations who would, undoubtedly, put the funds to better use than denigrating the very people you are asking for funds.

• AnPiobaire | Mar 23, 2012, 01:31 PM EDT

  Am I the only one who remembers that this same Trina Vargo sparked controversy @5 or so years ago for appearing to paint Irish advocates of immigration reform as unsupportive of non-Irish immigrants?

• DrTrelawney | Mar 23, 2012, 12:47 PM EDT

  "Does anyone know where Ms. Vargo posted these comments? I apologise if it's obvious in the article...:" It is fairly obvious. Just click on her name.

• ancavker | Mar 23, 2012, 12:41 PM EDT

  And speaking of shamrockery!!!! We will be having one final blast tomorrow on Mc Lean Ave in Yonkers there will be high school marching bands (sorry ciara), and lots of other bands, step dancers and more!!! All Irish and Irish Americans, and we will march and be proud of our culture and who we are. And have a bit of fun. And we don't care what Ms. Vargo, Ciara or the rest of the Irish in Ireland think!!! After all we are not Irish, but Irish-American,and look how well we have done for ourselves here. Oh and what has Ireland 80 odd years after independence done????......... Ummmm, never mind.

• johnymac60 | Mar 23, 2012, 11:52 AM EDT

  Does anyone know where Ms. Vargo posted these comments? I apologise if it's obvious in the article but I can't see it. Secondly, has anyone started a petition to have her fired? Because if this article is true she certainly represents nothing at all Irish or Irish American.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 23, 2012, 11:19 AM EDT

  esatdigiwank (I don't know why you Irish are so obsessed with vulgarities--how come you're unable to pick a non-obscene ID?): Of course there are vast numbers of jobs in Ireland. Are you in Ireland or in Timbuctoo right now? Because if you're in Ireland go take a walk around any city or town. You will see countless jobs--decent jobs, honorable jobs--being done by Africans, Asians,Eastern Europeans and Goodness knows what else. Jobs like hotel receptionist, barman, cook, waiter/waitress, long distance driver, security guard, sales assistant etc etc. Take a trip out to Dublin Airport, and open your eyes: You'll see non-Irish check-in clerks, ground staff, workers in the cafes and restaurants, you'll even hear (probably won't understand--I couldn't) PA announcements being made by people from Poland to Pakistan. The Irish are too stupid to be able to read a notice like Flight xyz for Frankfurt will leave from Gate 123? Arrive in on Continental Airlines from the US, and your "greeter", the guy who says Welcome to Dublin, pick up your bags in such and such a place--will be African! The Irish are too stupid to be able to say over the intercom "Welcome to Dublin"? What you won't see in Dublin Airport is Irish workers! Are you blind and deaf?

• seagreen | Mar 23, 2012, 10:28 AM EDT

  Which way is it ? Sending twelve Irish to the US, or 12 Americans to Ireland. Two people have it differently. In any case , it is totally unnecessary and a waste of money in every respect. Ireland is surrounded by water (cold water) Did all of the Poles Lithuanians, Nigerians dig a tunnel under the Irish sea, or sail small boats up on the Irish coast during the night,hide in tractor trailers crossing the desert to get there? Of course they did not! They flew into Dublin, and did not fly out.There are more Irish illegals in the northeastern US than in a small Irish city. More Irish Americans in eastern Massachusetts than in the entire Irish Republic. About 50%, not only do they not know about thatched roofs or donkey carts, they could not find Ireland on a world map. For those that do know where Ireland is, it might be best to stay off their case. Rather than telling them about the gridlock traffic in Dublin and ripoff hotel rates,and surging dislike of Americans, just enjoy a snicker or two, commend yourself on your superiority, be happy you are an Irish national.

• CorknDown | Mar 23, 2012, 10:25 AM EDT

  It's always the few who take an occassion like a parade or a football match to exhibit bad behoavior and get the majority of attention. The vast majority of Irish-Americans celbrate their heritage with great pride and dignity with family and friends. But, at the end of the day, who gets the better end of the bargain between the Ireland-US alliance? The US is a huge Irish trading partner, provides many international jobs and sends countless tourists over each year with plenty of money to spend in the Irish economy. (I won't even go into the historical aspect of America providing a safe haven for millions of downtroden Irish immigrants with nowhere else to turn.)There will always be detractors for any subject under the sun, but the Irish should remember that the US will always be here for them just as we thank the Irish for the untold contributions they have made to our country and the blood that flows through so many of our veins.

• ancavker | Mar 23, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT

  The Irish laugh at Irish-Americans and we have our share of fools, and guess what we laugh at you too, and you have your own share of fools. And the Irish can be horrified all they want, well guess what we are horrified too over the behavior of so many Irish in Ireland; and I am Irish born.Before you start pouting fingers at us over here, look at your own problems, and you can start with your out of control drink culture.

• pilib04 | Mar 23, 2012, 09:18 AM EDT

  Email this article to Finegael@Finegael.com attention Enda Kenny.

• pilib04 | Mar 23, 2012, 09:15 AM EDT

  I am sure Enda is going to look into this when he returns to Dublin. Why the Irish people pay to send privileged Americans to Ireland is beyond me. Aren't there enough things to spend Irish tax dollars on. This Trina Vargo is just another self-absorbed American who has no connection to Ireland except her $300,000 salary and benefit package that the government of Ireland and the United States pays for.

• pilib04 | Mar 23, 2012, 09:05 AM EDT

  By the way, Tina Vargo "created" the U.S. Ireland Alliance in order to get a job! What a fraud.

• pilib04 | Mar 23, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT

  Sounds like a good program. But like other good programs with rotten leaders, it's going to suffer. Vargo MUST GO! What utter nonsense. St. Patrick's day is celebrated almost identically on either side of the Atlantic, by the diaspora and by the native born. Vargo is making this up or has NEVER been to a St. Patrick's Day parade in Belfast or Dublin!!! What a liar. She should not be trusted with this amount of money. $175,000 a year so that 12 Irish kids can go on scholarship to America. How much administrative cost over her salary. What are her fringe benefits. The U.S. State Department is one of the four sponsors for this organization. Finally, is she even Irish or part Irish. I know she graduated from Pitt and attended McGill. But no other info available except for her 11 years working for Ted Kennedy. I don't think the woman has ever held a real job!

• himself13 | Mar 23, 2012, 07:32 AM EDT

  READS LIKE AN APRIL FOOLS ARTICLE!

• BrianinKent | Mar 23, 2012, 06:37 AM EDT

  There is nothing new about self-serving organisations biting the hand that feeds them.Its not just Irish Organisations, but political parties, Churches,Charities, et al whose only purpose is to fleece money to fund their salaries and life styles. What cannot be denied however, is that the Guinness Brewing Company has high-jacked St Patricks day for their own marketing ends.Irish culture, history and achievements in literature, poetry, drama and music have been elbowed aside to just promote the ubiquitous black pint...

• esatdigiwank | Mar 23, 2012, 06:14 AM EDT

  George D. i am incredulous: "abandoning a country where there are lots of jobs available"? >>What jobs do you speak of? Do you forget that Ire cannot create its own indigenous jobs? Surely you don't refer to the 1000s of m u l t i -l i n g u a l hi-tech (read:hi-faluting) software programming, cloud computing jobs we are 'importing' from Stateside (not 'creating' as our industrial development crowd claim). Jobs that require foreign language skills that our blue collar out-of-work carpenters, plasterers, block-layers, shutterers, brickies, laborers, pipe-layers, roofers, scaffolders, steel-fixers patently don't have. >>Please stop sending these jobs that require skills in Swahili, Arabic, Hindi etc. Speakers of which must come to Ireland cos there are flip-all Irish to fill them!! Fuelling your influx of 3rd world immigration here. For crying out loud! (ha ha).

• LiamDavid | Mar 23, 2012, 05:07 AM EDT

  Besides the ridicule and slander against the Irish diaspora, what in hell does this Trina Vargo do to earn her pay check? She seems to be some sort of party hostess for a series of upscale fundraisers. The Hollywood events mentioned here sounds like a gatherings where they invite lots of Irish Americans celebrities and other Irish diaspora to this event in hopes of picking their pockets for more money for their all Ireland Anger tour and to help pay Trina’s salary. And just what was it that the American Irish had done to be judged disgraceful? Niall, Trina, bogsidebunny, and VonLiebenitz, the four of you have worked hard today in order to aggravate all of us! Perhaps all of us disgraceful Irish Diaspora should pass this article around to members of Congress and other moneyed groups, letting them know clearly what their hottest thinks of them? This just pure slander and insults by this article. It’s uncalled for and is a possible spark for hatred and distrust between the Irish on both sides of the Atlantic! Lets see if Niall allows this to be posted? Slan

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 23, 2012, 04:00 AM EDT

  shuvonn: "any Irish person who moved here in the 80's (and now) is an economic refugee". That's absolute nonsense. How the hell are the Irish "economic refugees" if they are abandoning a country where there are lots of jobs available?

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 23, 2012, 03:56 AM EDT

  bogsidebunny--Your reference to the presence of so many " Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, Romanians, Nigerians, Palistinians, etc" is well made, but you underestimate the number by a factor of five or six. There's well over a half million foreign settlers in Ireland, no one knows the exact figure. In fact we had a self-described Irish immigration "expert" on here a day or two back--a poster styling himself maceinri-- who couldn't even offer a ballpark figure.

• doyathink | Mar 23, 2012, 02:24 AM EDT

  Gee, bogsidebunny, you are such an expert on Americans, perhaps Irish tourism should think about hiring you as a good will ambassador to America. Of course, the tourist dollars might dry up as soon as all the non-refundable travel packages were used. For the record, I'm an American, Irish American and belong to an Irish American club, and I know absolutely NO ONE in America who thinks Ireland is a land of Leprechauns, Rainbows and Pots of Gold. You might want to re-check your sources on that one - if you actually have any.

• bogsidebunny | Mar 23, 2012, 12:56 AM EDT

  Greeting from the BB boots-on-the-auld-sod. The lady in this article speaks mostly the truth. Americans have a misconception of Ireland. They really think it's a land of Leprechauns, Rainbows and pots-o-Gold. In fact the citizens (indiginous ones anyway) That's deducting the 100,000 or so Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, Romanians, Nigerians, Palistinians, etc. The average "Paddy" really laughs at the imbicilic behaviour of the "Yanks" but heartly welcomes their DOLLARS. Dream on all ye who pait youselves green once a year and plan for that trip of a lifetime. They think you're FOOLS!

• crny925 | Mar 23, 2012, 12:40 AM EDT

  Trina Vargo has that typical small-minded 'Irish' mentality! Blasting all Irish-Americans based on a few bad apples; take a look in your own backyard, lady!

• dickmac | Mar 22, 2012, 11:45 PM EDT

  American Irish have done much to help Ireland ! We take pride in this. Do not judge ALL of us for the exhibits on St. Patrick's Day. It is too bad that she has such a loud voice.

• maryemoore | Mar 22, 2012, 10:50 PM EDT

  Granted there are idiots/amateurs who drink too much on St. Patrick's Day. But Ms. Vargo needs to see the pride exhibited by so many Americans marching, especially in NYC, to show their love of their heritage and of the country of their ancestors. Methinks US Ireland Alliance needs to look for a better representative. Obviously her firs name is Irish. The last thing we need with all the unemployment in Ireland is some self-hating representative trying to lure business to the Emerald Isle. I'm looking for work and would be a wonderful ambassador/diplomat!

• mark12345 | Mar 22, 2012, 09:15 PM EDT

  Only one proper answer to this rip roaring racism, from Trina Vargo (the girl with the very Irish name?) is to vote with your wallets. Irish Americans should boycott the Emerald Isle (as doyathink aptly points out) if that's what they think of them in Ireland. And just for the record I'm from Ireland. And in answer to ciaradexy's riduclous comment about Irish Americans being racist, you need to crawl back under the rock you came from. Irish Americans are the nicest and most respectful people I have ever met. But to look at the bigger picture, I have to take issue with IrishCentral for publishing such derogatory drivel. There have been several blogs now on this site which can only be described as aimed at driving a wedge between Ireland and America.

• Woodman | Mar 22, 2012, 09:08 PM EDT

  She's supposed to make Ireland attractive for tourists and business not spout off, like an idiot. How does this Varga keep the job? It sure isn't business acumen or any knack for public relations. Not much to look at either. Is she good in the sack?

• Woodman | Mar 22, 2012, 09:04 PM EDT

  Irish will be laughing all the way to the unemployment line or emigration cue, if this keeps up.

• doyathink | Mar 22, 2012, 09:02 PM EDT

  I am an Irish American with a deep respect for my grandfather's homeland, but I'm not too pleased with the lack of grace in some of these comments who categorize me as stupid, pathetic and racist, none of which I am. Next year, as much as I love Ireland, if this is the attitude the Irish have for Irish Americans, I may vacation in Scotland.

• VonLiebenitz | Mar 22, 2012, 08:52 PM EDT

  While execution would be fitting in a poetic sense it is not an appropriate response in a democracy.If indeed that is what we still have.A democracy that is.

• VonLiebenitz | Mar 22, 2012, 08:48 PM EDT

  A lengthy prison term and permanent disbarment from the world of politics will do just as nicely.See democracy can deliver justice.Now we just have to find out a way to implement this or amend and existing law or write a new one for it.

• VonLiebenitz | Mar 22, 2012, 08:44 PM EDT

  Indeed Irish Ameriacn,s are a pathetic bunch.Especially on St Patricks Day.Kenndys pandering to the powers that be is sickening in the extreme.I call for his execution if not for continuing the treason of NAMA and the IMF bailout and his continued cosying up to the corporate powers that be then for being sycophant of the most extreme kind in extremely bad taste.Now im not calling for the actual execution of dear Mr Kenny although in an ideal world this would be a fitting end for this miscreant.I am by nature an practice a pacifist.But rather that.s how i feel on the subject.As do most Irish people im sure.Outrage has a voice.and it has spoken.Under the full safeguards of free speech as outlined in the Irish constitution.Here,s how wikipedia defines it "Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without fear of censorship or punishment".Seeing as how i cant re-edit my original comment this amendment will have to do.Hope they post it. Peace.

• VonLiebenitz | Mar 22, 2012, 08:19 PM EDT

  Indeed Irish Ameriacn,s are a pathetic bunch.Especially on St Patricks Day.Kenndys pandering to the powers that be is sickening in the extreme.I call for his execution if not for continuing the treason of NAMA and the IMF bailout and his continued cosying up to the corporate powers that be then for being sycophant of the most extreme kind in extremely bad taste.

• JohnnyMac | Mar 22, 2012, 06:50 PM EDT

  Well, I'm guessing ol' Trina was not in New York City for this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations. I was, as were many of my friends. There were HUGE amounts of Irish nationals (both visitors and long term guests) here partaking mighty heavily and enjoying themselves far beyond ol' Trina's expectation. Everyone, Irish - Americans - Puerto Ricans - Canadians - Russians and many many more were all out and about celebrating lively. Ol' Trina should find a sheep and stroke it till she calms down.

• shuvonn | Mar 22, 2012, 06:49 PM EDT

  Seriously peterson, HOW is that a joke? Some of his relatives came from Ireland, so tell me HOW is that a joke? And Towngate, many a nationality gets laughed at, that does not mean they deserve it ...

• MCCOLGAN1492 | Mar 22, 2012, 06:45 PM EDT

  BTW, the foolishness and drunkeness brings around 250 Million into the NYC economy on St Patricks Day each year. As long as no one gets hurt, embarrass us every year with that kind of $$$$$. O'Bloomberg seems to love it!!! He is no fool with the dollar...

• peterson | Mar 22, 2012, 06:37 PM EDT

  Obama --- a certificate of "Irishness). What a joke !!

• Towngate | Mar 22, 2012, 06:17 PM EDT

  Americanians are not just a joke to the Irish - the rest of the world is 'laughing behind its hand' at them too!

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 05:48 PM EDT

  Seano, theres no 'hiding' their racism. 'Irish' Americans are The most racist group I have ever met in my life and Im related to some! As you can see there are loads who are racist in regards any migrants into Ireland and yet they are the result of migration out! They cannot see that irony.

• shuvonn | Mar 22, 2012, 05:33 PM EDT

  Ms Varga is the same one who wrote that Irish people have no more right to ask for becoming legal here and that would be like putting lipstick on a pig.She stated that this was because they were not refugees which I objected to, any Irish person who moved here in the 80's (and now) is an economic refugee. Quite frankly I was offended at this comment and stated that since Irish people speak English, are willing to work, and do assimilate into American society, there is no harm in asking to be legalized, and frankly Ms Varga could do with a little lipstick herself!

• seanomelb | Mar 22, 2012, 05:23 PM EDT

  Obama is just as entitled to His certificate as any other Irish American Maybe they posters below who object to Obama receiving the cert and do not object to other Irish Americans receiving the cert are hiding their racism.Obama is our no1. black Irish American.A bitter pill for some whiteys to swallow.

• marywithers | Mar 22, 2012, 05:10 PM EDT

  IT SEEMS TRINA VARGO NEVER MISSES AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRASH IRISH AMERICANS. SHE IS JUST SOMEONE THAT THE KENNEDYS SET UP TO RUN THE ORGANIZATION. WHAT A POOR CHOICE-SHE DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH LOYALITY TO IRISH AMERICA. I REMEMBER WHEN SHE MADE A FAUX PAS ON IRISH IMMIGRATION. PLUS, SHE IS VERY OVERPAID. NOT A PENNY WILL COME FROM ME.

• Woodkern | Mar 22, 2012, 04:51 PM EDT

  Sigmud Freud would so love Irish Central,as would any psychopatholigist.

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 04:39 PM EDT

  George, Ive been having hot dreams about you for weeks now! Dont deny your feelings for me! You want to be Irish so you fantasise about me because I am Irish! its kinda sexy! Im ok with it!

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 22, 2012, 04:22 PM EDT

  ciaramurphy: "You must have some hot dreams". Don't lie, it was you who brought the topic of dildos into this site. You're a sicko. Promise us you won't refer to that subject again, people don't want to read that kind of garbage.

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 22, 2012, 04:19 PM EDT

  ciaramurphy: "Whats that all about?" Good question. I think it's about you being nuts!

• JBRAFTREE | Mar 22, 2012, 04:08 PM EDT

  On watching "Out of Ireland" Last weds, it showed groups from Cork and from Galway and, I believe Dublin trying to best the Guinness world record for the the 'most leprechauns' in one particular area. They were all dressed in tall green hats and long brwn beards, men and women!!! How brilliant is that???

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 03:58 PM EDT

  Occassio, Obama is as 'Irish' as most Americans on this site so if theyre entitled to a cert then why shouldnt he get one too?

• occassio | Mar 22, 2012, 03:51 PM EDT

  I presume that the certificate of Irishness is more of an honorary gift given in respect and camaraderie. Please don't slam An Taoiseach for this gesture. He has plenty of real issues to deal with at home. I don't know why Ms. Vargo is on such a snide rampage and why she has chosen to pop up on this occasion. The general tomfoolery and idiocy during St. Patrick's Day isn't confined to only the Irish/Irish-Americans. You've got to be out of touch if you think it is. Also, $20 million in matching funding from Ireland's hard-pressed population is a hefty sum considering that many aren't able to pay the household tax. Meanwhile, the Dublin school for the autistic is closing due lack of public funding. And Ms. Vargo wants an additional $5M from American taxpayers, who are struggling with their own financial burdens. Ms. Vargo also wants Ireland /Irish to engage with Red America, i.e., Bush/Republican states where, evidently, there are no Irish consulates. Is this her real agenda? I don't know. I do believe she doesn't have a clue.

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 03:44 PM EDT

  The only complaint my mates from Nashville had about Ireland was the amount of Americans here claiming to be Irish! It gave them a laugh anyhow!

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 03:41 PM EDT

  Thats me! Im flattered you think about me so much! Me AND dildos! You must have some hot dreams Georgie!

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 22, 2012, 03:15 PM EDT

  "sick multicultural mother"--That's a great description of ciaramurphy!

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 22, 2012, 03:14 PM EDT

  ciaramurphy: "Whats that all about?" Don't quite know, I think it's about you being a nut. Once I had that epiphany I understood everything you wrote!

• ciaradexy | Mar 22, 2012, 02:04 PM EDT

  George, youre right! There is very little of cultural significance in the parade. A load of teenage yanks in marching bands being the biggest offender. This is why Irish people dont attend the parade. You want the cultural aspect, then go to the small towns. Im sure the sight of tractors and sheep pulling prams containing dolls in their parades are much more up your street. Hopefully you wont be back to Ireland ever., you dont like Ireland or the people who live here so you have no reason to ever visit again. If you knew anything about Ireland then youd be aware of An Bród club and An G Team but you dont bother to scratch beneath the surface with Irish people. The Americans the Irish laugh at are those who act like they know what theyre talking about such as yourself, the ones with the irish great great granny. All other Americans seem to be a pleasure to meet! Whats that all about?

• RthrBHistCorr | Mar 22, 2012, 02:04 PM EDT

  Perhaps what really "Horrifies" self important snobs like Trina Vargo is how much the Irish have lost their culture in the rush to be Europeans and look what they got in return: they are now a German protectorate

• GeorgeDillon | Mar 22, 2012, 01:56 PM EDT

  Cillowen, Thanks for your very poetic description of the nasty mess that Dublin on St Patrick's Day has become. And you are quite correct--there is almost nothing of Irish tradition, heritage, language or culture in the Dublin parade. The thing is controled by an unelected committee who despise anything Irish and want to make the parade a celebration of foreign migrants, not of Ireland. You are right, the people who control access and participation in the Dublin parade are indeed "sick multicultural mothers".

• TheYank | Mar 22, 2012, 01:27 PM EDT

  DrTrelawney,
  
  I haven't made those people up, but I may have jumped to conclusions about them in this instance.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 22, 2012, 12:59 PM EDT

  My, my, Yank. You've jumped to a lot of conclusions about a group of people that you have, in fact, just made up.

• TheYank | Mar 22, 2012, 12:28 PM EDT

  cianwaterford,
  
  I think you're right about it generally speaking. I'm sure Vargo finds a sneery Dublin set who find Irish -Americans an embarrassment along with working class Dubliners, rural people and just about anyone who isn't as "sophisticated" as they are (while their children run around Dublin drinking, vomiting while wearing silly St Patricks Day hats).

• cianwaterford | Mar 22, 2012, 12:23 PM EDT

  We don't laugh at it, sher we all get into the spirit of it here during Patrick's week. I think Vargo is wrong on this issue.

• Garinion | Mar 22, 2012, 12:04 PM EDT

  Only the Irish truly understand what it means to be Irish. And only Irish-Americans truly understand what it means to be Irish or the descendants of the Irish in America. Ms. Vargo is neither. She is an American of Portuguese descent. She can be an expert on her own culture. She will never be an expert on mine.

• lukekeefe | Mar 22, 2012, 11:51 AM EDT

  BTW, my son was born in a Hospital in Pennsylvania 12 months ago. HE IS IRISH.

• manhattan | Mar 22, 2012, 11:26 AM EDT

  Thank you Yank for explaining the how and why we celebrate that day.

• CitizenWhy | Mar 22, 2012, 11:23 AM EDT

  Now isn't being easily horrified a delicious form of self-indulgence?

• manhattan | Mar 22, 2012, 11:21 AM EDT

  The Irish laugh at Irish Americans the way they celebrate St. Patricks Day? Well lets laugh when Ms. Vargo asks for money from Irish American here. Sadly the Irish are no longer the same people that were our Irish relatives who immigrated throughout the 19th and early 20th century. We still have a romantic view of Ireland and are shocked when we come up against the Anti American people there now. Not all but enough to turn me off from ever going back.

• CitizenWhy | Mar 22, 2012, 11:20 AM EDT

  One person's opinion, so what? Some Irish American behavior on St. Patrick's Day is clownish, but many behaving badly are not really Irish-American, just Americans out for a good time in what has become the the Northern US states' Carnival - St. Patrick's Day, coming at the end of winter and the beginning of spring (or a sure promise of spring). Carnival is a time when limits are off and craziness is OK. In many ways The St.Patrick's Day parade is an Irish-American invention but it has also become a generic American event and American culture will determine what to do with it. The Irish favor will never be lost but in America it is a more than Irish/Irish-ASmerican event.

• Springfield9 | Mar 22, 2012, 11:19 AM EDT

  Obviously this writer should have her water tested for toxins. Most of the "fools" on March 17th are young people. The serious cultural offenders (for the most part) aren't, in the slightest bit, Irish. Giving BHO a certificate is the disgrace.

• oldboreen | Mar 22, 2012, 11:18 AM EDT

  Greetings STEVENSTAR! Re your post 22 March-I note that you appear to make no distinction between ethnicity and nationality.How very odd! I therefore assume, that you infer that the two to be one and the same thing.So for example-just for the sake of argument-Take two Irish born parents living in say,Lithuania.Their child is born in that country. He/she is therefore, of Lithuanian NATIONALITY. Agreed?? Good! Now clarify please, is that child ETHNICALLY Lithuanian, ie, of the Lithuanian/Baltic group of races? I don't know about anyone else on this site, but I eagerly await clarification.

• feliciamaisey | Mar 22, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT

  @STEVENSTAR:From your posts, it seems as if you know as little about Americans as you do the whole of Ireland. Who do you think you are to speak for everyone; we would be in a fine mess as a whole school of thought if everyone was as shallow as your posts.

• TheYank | Mar 22, 2012, 11:07 AM EDT

  Are there Irish people who laugh at Irish-Americans? You bet there are. Donald Clarke's article from a few weeks ago proves that. Are there Irish people who don't laugh at Irish-Americans, but who find some of the Irish-American ways of celebrating our Irishness a little over the top? Sure. But who cares?
  
  The Irish-American experience is different than the experience in Ireland. Celebrating St Patrick's Day in a ridiculous & excessive manner is a reaction to our history as outsiders in America. In the early days we used St Patricks Day as a means of declaring our right to be called Americans. These days that battle is well and truly won and we celebrate that victory with silly hats and shirts and the odd tipple. Some people insult that memory with tee-shirt slogans, but they can't question our right to be what we are: American citizens drawn from Ireland's lost sons and daughters.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 22, 2012, 11:03 AM EDT

  I quote, Murph: "So if I get it right Steven Tar then why the article about Irish Americans getting stupid-can't have it your not Irish while one of yours writes about the Irish" I literally have no idea what this illiterate gibberish means. Could somebody please translate it into English?

• KevinPKavanagh | Mar 22, 2012, 11:01 AM EDT

  With regards to Trina Vargo, she clearly needs to be placed in the Unemployment Line immediately - she is stealing money and warrants no further mention. With regards to Irish Americans acting improperly during the St. Patrick's Holiday, that is a terrible, yet often stated, generalization. There are 310 million Americans, with approx. 12% claiming Irish heritage, so that means there are over 37 million of us and I can assure you that the EXTREME MAJORITY act fine on St. Pat's and every other day - not fair to generalize an entire group of people because of a few... Also, if you look around any Pub on the Holy Day, you will notice that a large percentage of those who have "exceeded their limits" have no Irish heritage at all. Regarding StevenStar's comments, I'm not sure where to begin, there was so much I disagreed with....I spend alot of time in The Emerald Isle, North and South, as my parents were born/raised in Galway. I LOVE Ireland and the reason for this love is the people. With so many family and friends in Ireland, and having the honor to have spent the past 30 years getting to know them all better, I am quite confident that the majority of those in Ireland are quite fond of the Americans. Do they shake their heads, at times, when witnessing acts which are unusual to them? Of course they do (& visaversa) but that is to be expected when discussing peoples of different cultures. However, being different does not take away one's respect nor fondness for each other. I am confident (& pleased) that StevenStar of Dublin, and his mis-guided statements, are in the extreme minority. With regards to RHegarty and his concern with what appears to be alot of IrishAmerican bashing, please do not fret nor concern yourself over the loud, offensive rants of the very few (Vargo, Starr, Donnelly, et al) - they do NOT speak for all of Ireland!!! Slainte!!

• lukekeefe | Mar 22, 2012, 10:53 AM EDT

  @STEVENSTAR Don't think for one second that you represent "most of us irish". I was born and raised in Ireland & moved to NY 20yrs ago. It is the ultimate compliment to the people of Ireland for the way people like me have been treated over here. A huge number of Irish Americans support EVERYTHING Irish, which people in Ireland need to start doing. Every Irish pub that opens up, every Irish plumber, every Irish real estate agent, every car dealership that has an Irish background are, for the most part, the most successful people/business' in their trade in that area because of the support they get. I grew up working in hotels in Ireland & i know each & every employee respected the fact that these American tourists were always polite, fun to be around & very important to the survival of our economy. Its idiots like @STEVENSTAR that has Ireland where it is today. Biting the hands that feed them. How quick they forget. Vargo, as a person in such an important position, should watch her loud mouth and realise that she is speaking for a lot of people & not just her narrow little mind.

• Murph46 | Mar 22, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT

  So if I get it right Steven Tar then why the article about Irish Americans getting stupid-can't have it your not Irish while one of yours writes about the Irish.Until you and Trina sort it out I have to go around and tell everyone here who know me as Irish ,that I'm not on your word!

• Woodkern | Mar 22, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT

  "assumed DEMOGRAPHIC", gabhaigí mo leithscéal!

• fluffydoom | Mar 22, 2012, 10:47 AM EDT

  @STEVENSTAR: I'm Irish born and raised. I just hope that any one reading your comments realise that people in Ireland in general are capable of dignified communication because any one having read your comments may not think so... Cap Locks are not your friend. I've worked in the states probably for a total of 4 years although not consecutively. I have learned that Americans embrace their heritage (Irish/Italian/Polish/Wherever) because their country is so young, unless you're Native American you are of foreign decent and I think fair play to all of them embracing their heritage no matter where it came from. I didn't laugh when Obama was given his certificate of Irish Heritage, I don't see the problem. My main problem Irish-American culture is that they seem to be offended very easily why americans insist on calling Paddy's day Patty's day and the outrage at "Kiss me I'm Drunk or Irish or Whatever" t-shirts I think that's funny, I want that t-shirt in fact. So to every one who wants to embrace your Irish heritage come to Ireland and see how its done and learn to laugh at yourselves. And also no matter what country your born there's always trolls like StevenStar hiding behind his cap locks.

• bushmanirish | Mar 22, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT

  Regrets? As an Irish American, I'm likewise embarrassed by our behavior on St. Patrick's day. As an American, I'm downright angry about this award since Mr. Obama only refers to himself as "a skinny black kid". Only in Ireland is he magically Irish; perhaps the Leprechauns helped?

• Woodkern | Mar 22, 2012, 10:36 AM EDT

  I would like to assure the Irish readers and posters here that many of us well-adjusted Americans are equally (if not, more) horrified by those who display such lack of upbringing in the course of celebrating their assumed "heritage". To be fair, however, some in Ireland are culpable themselves in maintaining the myth of the "Irish"-American, a synthetic contrived democratic manufactured for the purpose of selling alcohol and Aer Lingus flights.

• JHShanahan | Mar 22, 2012, 10:30 AM EDT

  To "StevenStar," burdened as you are by poor spelling, punctuation and the lack of a flashlight to find the CapsLock key (to say nothing of the facts), here's a wee bit of news you can use: It is reliably estimated that well over 10% of the 40 million Americans of Irish descent are eligible to claim Irish citizenship. That's a number currently greater than the population of Ireland. Some of those folks (myself included) choose to live in Ireland and spend our hard-earned American dollars here. And we vote here, choosing as best we might from what's on offer. No 90-day visas needed either -- the Irish passport does the job. Finally, to allay your fears about sinking, a wee read of Irish history will tell you that this was once an island with over 8 million people, and no sign of the water levels rising. For a country and people that need every tourist dollar and euro it can get, you'd be well advised to be a bit more welcoming in your views and remarks.

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 22, 2012, 10:09 AM EDT

  @@@Murph46 | Mar 22, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT Since Irish are only 12% of American population,someone please tell me how she segregated the 12% out of the crowd of American Lithuaniana,Poles,Italians etc.That means 88% of revelers could be OTHER than Irish.>>>>>SORRY MURPHY U ALSO HAVE TO RESPECT OUR CULTURE AND HOW WE IRISH THINK OVER HERE IN IRELAND.. IF YOU WERE BORN IN IRELAND YOUR IRISH IF YOU WERE BORN IN FRANCE YOUR FRENCH IF YOU WERE BORN IN ENGLAND YOUR ENGLISH ..IF I MOVED TO ENGLAND TOMORROW AND MY SON WAS BORN IN LONDON THEN HE WOULD BE ENGLISH THIS IS HOW OUR 'EUROPEAN' CULTURE WORKS .. IF YOU WERE BORN IN AMERICA YOUR AMERICAN ... THE POPULATION OF IRELAND IS 4.3 MILLION ITS VERY SMALL INDEED .. IF THE 12MILLION AMERICANS (WHO HAVE IRISH ANCESTARY CAME HERE TOMORROW .. IRELAND WOULD SINK .. LETS GET REAL..

• sgbradey | Mar 22, 2012, 10:03 AM EDT

  AS AN IRISH-AMERICAN...I love and cherish my Irish blood(of which,unlike obama i didnt have to dig back to the 1400's for one person...)I have taught my children, and will be teaching my grandchild that our heritage is vital to who we are...my Irish ancestors came thru Ellis Island and made their way here and worked hard to build Irish-American roots. I love the fact that we have St.Patrick's Day...I just wish that the Irish/Scottish Americans could an entire month dedicated to teaching about our historical cultures and the influences on the American culture. So...Vargo...if you have such a problem with the Irish-Americans...then like someone else stated..go do something else!!! We don't need you!!!

• rhegarty | Mar 22, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT

  There appears to be a trend in IrishCentral to bash Irish Americans lately. This is the second time I have commented on IrishCentral over this issue. There will always be people who drink green beer and wear stupid hats and carry on with the usual stereotypical shenanigans around the holiday. But I find myself apologizing for those and making a case about the love Irish Americans have for Ireland. It's getting all a bit tired. I have been to Ireland several times and enjoyed every part of it. I felt welcomed and enjoyed the craic...I hope I am not the brunt of some joke where people are laughing at my Irish American identity behind my back. That would be sad. As for Trina Vargo...maybe she should study her mission statement a bit more: "US-Ireland Alliance Based in Washington, D.C., and Dublin, Ireland, the US-Ireland Alliance includes members from both the United States and the island of Ireland. It educates the American public about contemporary Ireland and builds ties to strengthen the relationship for future generations." Trina, not sure your attitude is building anything but animosity. Maybe you shouldn't be taking that portion of your salary from the US Government at all.

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 22, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

  @@@@@@donnaboyle70 | Mar 22, 2012, 08:01 As A proud Irish American I find myself highly insulted by Ms.Vargos' comments .My boyfriend ,a native of Cork Ireland assures me that her comments were off the wall and that Irish people do naot in any way feel that way andmiss vargos should not be speaking for all irish people!>>>>>>>>>>>SORRY DONNA TRUE SHE MAY NOT BE SPEAKING FOR EVERYONE IN IRELAND INCLUDING YOUR BOYFRIEND ...BUT TRUST ME SHE IS SPEAKING FOR THE MAJORITY OF US IRISH PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN IRELAND .. SORRY BUT ITS TIME TO WAKE UP TO REALITY ..AND GET AWAY FROM THE 'HOLLYWOOD' FANTASY IMAGE OR IRELAND THAT MOST AMERICANS SEEM TO HAVE ...

• DrTrelawney | Mar 22, 2012, 10:00 AM EDT

  Enda Kenny may be an idiot, but, as I understand it, he knows where the cap-lock key is on his computer.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 22, 2012, 10:00 AM EDT

  Enda Kenny may be an idiot, but, as I understand it, he knows how where the cap-lock key is on his computer.

• STEVENSTAR | Mar 22, 2012, 09:55 AM EDT

  I'M IRISH WRITING THIS FROM DUBLIN IRELAND - MS VARGO IS SO RIGHT, SHE COULDNT HAVE GOTTEN IT MORE RIGHT.. WE ARE LAUGHING ..!! AS AN IRISHMAN WE DO NOT BELIEVE IN IRISH AMERICANS WE BELIVE IN AMERICANS WITH IRISH ANCESTERY !!.... FOR AN EXAMPLE IF ANY AMERICAN WANTED TO COME TO IRELAND YOU CAN ONLY COME IN HERE ON A 90DAYS HOLIDAY VISA AND THAT ALSO APPLIES TO SO CALLED IRISH AMERICANS.. HOW IRISH DOES THAT MAKE YOU? NOT A LOT.. AS FOR ENDA KENNY HE IS AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE GIVING OBAMA A CERTIFICATE... THIS GOT VERY LITTLE PUBLICITY OVER HERE IN IRELAND.. BUT AS FAR AS MOST OF US IRISH ARE CONCERNED ENDA KENNY IS AN IDIOT...

• Murph46 | Mar 22, 2012, 09:50 AM EDT

  Since Irish are only 12% of American population,someone please tell me how she segregated the 12% out of the crowd of American Lithuaniana,Poles,Italians etc.That means 88% of revelers could be OTHER than Irish.

• cd5925 | Mar 22, 2012, 09:45 AM EDT

  With all of the vitriol and back-stabbing here in the states on the political scene, Ms Vargo can't help herself but to jump on the bandwagon. We love Ireland here. We love our country too,, but some of us do not have limits and some party too hard. That is a shame here and abroad. Ms Vargo, maybe it would be best to find something else to do. Something that you know about. Guessing and forming public opinion buys you NO cred here or in Ireland.They may be laughing at some of us, (but not all of us) but they laugh at themselves too, and that's what I love about Ireland born Irish. Love em!

• Bailey2000 | Mar 22, 2012, 09:43 AM EDT

  I don't think I have ever ever ever heard any Irish person distance themselves from Irish America. Yes to Irish eyes some of the over the top Greenness is a tad embarassing in a country where taste in clothes used to be a little more low key. Similarly Irish Americans aren't really that sold on the drinking and swearing that is so much part of "modern Ireland". Hey thats life

• BillyFitz | Mar 22, 2012, 09:38 AM EDT

  RichardP - then Ms Vargo is in the wrong line of work.

• RichardP | Mar 22, 2012, 09:36 AM EDT

  It may be undiplomatic and insulting but she spoke the truth

• BrendanDunphy | Mar 22, 2012, 09:35 AM EDT

  Hey Ms. Vargo: when you lump 40 million Irish-Americans into one stereotype, you know what that makes you? It makes you a bigot. It is a shame that a country that was on the receiving-end of bigotry for 800 years is now producing so many bigots of their own.

• JimmieM | Mar 22, 2012, 09:35 AM EDT

  Its just the wossifacation happing in Ireland... the weak and feeble are finding a voice. No strong and intelligent person or people can be "horrified" or "offended" because some fools go put on stupid hats and get drunk.... grow up, stand up, and be a Person.

• DrTrelawney | Mar 22, 2012, 09:27 AM EDT

  Ms Vargo's previous post (if I correctly understand the garbled syntax) suggests she has also fallen out with every state body and semi-state body on the island.

• BillyFitz | Mar 22, 2012, 09:25 AM EDT

  Go ask the British Govt for help Ms. Vargo. I guess our money isn't "green" enough.

• JHShanahan | Mar 22, 2012, 08:51 AM EDT

  Clued on by Larry Donnelly's earlier comment, I went to Ms. Vargo's blog (not a place I frequent, I have to admit) and found the source of the offense in her own words. For someone who has to buy her bread off the largesse of the American taxpayer and the continued goodwill of the Irish government, Ms. Vargo has done a remarkable job of skewering both. Perhaps she's come down with the same disease that is afflicting many in political circles these days: foot-in-mouth disease. As to the conduct of Irish Americans during St. Patrick's Day, all I can say is what a distinct honour it was to look over my shoulder as we paraded up 5th Avenue and to see the fine men and women of the New York City Corrections Emeralds and Pipe Band marching behind us. I don't know what planet Ms. Vargo might be on -- but from Washington, DC to New York City, all I saw this past week were fellow countrymen and women conducting themselves with great pride and dignity. Well done to all!

• like2tweet | Mar 22, 2012, 08:43 AM EDT

  The source of her comments is on her blog, if you click on trina vargo name in first par

• LarryDonnelly | Mar 22, 2012, 08:26 AM EDT

  I've just read Ms. Vargo's blog piece in which she attacks the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and, yet again, Irish America. In addition to making the offensive comments Niall repeats above, she praises Donald Clarke's vile diatribe against Irish America in The Irish Times that I recently responded to on Irish Central. Ms. Vargo says that Mr. Clarke, at least, does "get it." I hope that many more people - especially those in government on both sides on the Atlantic - read Ms. Vargo's blog piece. And I hope they conclude that her US-Ireland Alliance deserves not one more red cent.

• JHShanahan | Mar 22, 2012, 08:22 AM EDT

  This is a tough piece, Niall, on both Trina Vargo and former Senator George Mitchell. Before being accepted at face value -- and listening to the roars from your readership of "let's hang them from the yardarm" -- it would be very important for you to cite your sources. Unfortunately, that's not in your piece, and I'm not able to locate any printed references to either Ms. Vargo's statements or to comments by others as to the manner of Senator Mitchell's fundraising initiatives. I think it absolutely important that you cite your sources -- and do so quickly, so that objective folks can do a bit of fact-checking. Thanks.

• donnaboyle70 | Mar 22, 2012, 08:01 AM EDT

  As A proud Irish American I find myself highly insulted by Ms.Vargos' comments .My boyfriend ,a native of Cork Ireland assures me that her comments were off the wall and that Irish people do naot in any way feel that way andmiss vargos should not be speaking for all irish people!