I is for Irishness
For such a small nation, we certainly pack a punch. The Irish diaspora has been put at over 70 MILLION worldwide. But there are many far flung (and not so far flung) corners where we are still unknown.
We are usually met with one of two reactions:
Faces sometimes light up in recognition and proudly show what they know of our country. It’s usually a single word – generally limited to ‘Guinness’ – but it might be ‘Bono’ and once, in northern Laos, ‘Pierce Brosnan’ (we were very impressed with that one!).
Often, however, we are met with a total blank expression. Following up with ‘Irlande’, or any such variation, rarely helps. On many occasions over the years, there have been discussions among all within earshot and then someone will come up with ‘Iceland’ and everyone will nod happily. Problem solved! We usually keep quiet and nod in agreement – we’ve been called worse!!
Irish Proverb:
If you’re lucky enough to be Irish…
… you’re lucky enough!!
(We’re (almost) everywhere – recently spotted in San Pedro, Belize!)
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Love the proverb!
I remember arriving at the ferry terminal in Dublin, being checked off on a list and being asked ‘D’ye have a driving licence, or anything like that?’ as if it didn’t matter a great deal if I didn’t.
Those were the days!!! Wouldn’t happen now!
Be thankful you aren’t Welsh. I’ve been called Irish, English and a Viking today!
A Viking!!!! – Fierce, marauding and jumping off boats – doe that fit your profile???
Hmm, humble, kind and jumping off trains maybe (usually when they’ve stopped at the platform though) 😉
Better stop wearing that helmet with the horns then!!!
How did you know about that!?
Sure there’s an app for everything nowadays!!