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Irish America

Roots

Joe Biden’s Irish Roots

By Megan Smolenyak, Contributor
IA News April 12, 2023

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It’s well known that President Joe Biden spent his early years in the very Irish city of Scranton, Pennsylvania. But what about his ancestors? Genealogist Megan Smolenyak, who also traced President Obama’s Irish roots, has delved into the President’s family tree and unearthed a few surprises. How can you not love a name like Finnegan Biden? I find it charming when family names … [Read more...] about Joe Biden’s Irish Roots

Irish Family History Day – January 24

By Adam Farley, Editorial Assistant
January 22, 2013

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Irish Family History Day is Thursday, January 24. In partnership with The Gathering and the launch of more than 21 million birth, marriage, and death (BDM) certificates to the site, FindMyPast.com has declared Thursday, January 24 to be “Irish Family History Day.” It’s more than just a nominal accolade though, because this Thursday the site is opening their Ireland records to … [Read more...] about Irish Family History Day – January 24

My Mother the Imposter: A Roots Mystery

By Dermot McEvoy, Contributor
February / March 2013

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A search through Dermot McEvoy’s family history revealed an eye-opening secret. Here’s what he discovered, plus a guide to researching your own Irish ancestors. (This article has been updated since its original publication to reflect the most recent re-location of the General Registry Office.) Mary Josephine Kavanagh was born in Dublin on March 18, 1907. She was my mother, or … [Read more...] about My Mother the Imposter: A Roots Mystery

Roots: Clan Gatherings

By Adam Farley, Editorial Assistant
February / March 2013

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Clans are getting together this year. The following Clan Gatherings are an easy way to experience The Gathering while rooting yourself in a shared clan history. Plus, it’s a great excuse to skip over to Ireland and connect with people around the world who share your name, your mother’s name, or even your mother’s father’s grandmother’s name. To find a comprehensive listing of … [Read more...] about Roots: Clan Gatherings

Roots: The Bold O’Briens

By Liam Moriarty, Contributor
December / January 2013

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The O’Briens are an illustrious and prominent clan that has shaped the history of Ireland. The name, also spelled O’Bryan or O’Brian, means “of Brian” indicating descendance from Brian Borumha mac Cennetig, or Brian Boru, the celebrated High King of Ireland. Brian Boru (925-1014) received the throne of Thomond (an area which covers much of modern day County Clare as well as … [Read more...] about Roots: The Bold O’Briens