That Irish is Jamaica’s second-most predominant ethnicity may come as a surprise, especially to those outside the country. It all started in 1655 when the British failed in their efforts to claim Santo Domingo from the Spaniards and took Jamaica as a consolation prize.
Of course, the British also had been quite active in Ireland, where, between 1641 and 1652, about half the … [Read more...] about “Sláinte, Mon!”:
The Irish of Jamaica
Corners of Ireland
“Sláinte, Mon!”:
California’s First Irish Hunger Memorial
The community of Eugene, California welcomed the state’s first Irish Hunger Memorial at its dedication ceremony in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in September. It was the product of efforts by the Irish Cultural Society of Stanislaus County and the San Francisco Chapter of the Irish American Unity Conference, and about 100 locals were present to see it unveiled. The memorial’s … [Read more...] about California’s First Irish Hunger Memorial
Salsa Verde: The Irish in Argentina
On the bicentennial of Combate de Montevideo, May, 1814, which won the River Plate and secured Argentina’s independence from Spain, Harry Dunleavy writes about the considerable contributions made by Irish people, such as Admiral William Brown, in the formation and development of the country. In the southeastern part of South America lies the wedge-shaped country of Argentina, … [Read more...] about Salsa Verde: The Irish in Argentina
The Irish of the Miramichi
The region’s tough but triumphant Irish roots are celebrated every year at Canada’s Irish Festival. It’s no secret why folks along the mighty Miramichi River celebrate their Irish heritage so fiercely. When your roots and a good part of the history that followed are steeped in sorrow and loss, rejoicing in what is good about life and your culture is that much more … [Read more...] about The Irish of the Miramichi
Irish Place Names: Emmetsburg, Iowa
If you find yourself in north-central Iowa, staring at a statue of Robert Emmet in front of a courthouse, you're probably there by choice. At 50 miles from the nearest interstate exit, Emmetsburg, Iowa isn’t exactly a regular stop for tourists or cross-country road trippers. But the town has a long Irish history that hibernophiles will admire. If the statue of Robert Emmet … [Read more...] about Irish Place Names: Emmetsburg, Iowa