I have the greatest respect for Celtic history in particular as my maternal ancestors came to Wales from Ireland during the famine to work on building the railroad to London. My paternal ancestors are Cornishmen who emigrated to Wales when the tin mines were closing around about the same time. Some of my late wifes family are first generation Irish.
I am well versed on Irish history and am aware of the mass migration from Ireland to New York in particular, and know that a Paddy could get into the country one day and be a New York cop directing traffic the next ! (maybe an apocryphal story but a good one )
I am also aware of the large number of Irish volunteers to the British forces during both world wars. They didn't have to come in 1939, they were an independant Nation and neutral, but they did, and we as a nation are forever grateful to them.
Birmingham, apart from Liverpool (which is called the capital of Ireland) has probably got the highest Irish community in the UK, In fact one district, Digbeth is know as the Irish quarter. They say that you can tell a true Brummie because he has a shamrock in his turban !
My point about 'Irish' pubs is that there are very, very few REAL Irish, Austrailian, English etc etc etc pubs outside of their country of origin. The exception is where they are run by ex-pats and attract a predominantly ethnic clientel.
Here you will find 'The Dubliner' - well you could have a few months ago before it got burnt down ! An Irish pub? - about as Irish as spahgetti. There is an O'Neils - Irish ? - nah about as Irish as Escargot ! The Anchor - good old English pub name - IT'S A REAL IRISH PUB !! owned and run by Paddies !
Another one of the few I know of is in Edgeware London (possibly a lot like Queens with a huge first and subsequent generation Irish community). It is owned, run and staffed by Irish people. It stands between a Sushi Bar and an Indian restauraunt. Me, an Englishman from Birmingham was having my pint of porter in an Irish bar in London, when a Japanese man came up to me and asked me if it was the indian restaurant ! Now that's cosmopolitan !
My comment about Ireland sinking is an old joke made by ex-pats who have settled in their new countries and use it as an excuse to stay put.
My American Indian comments were to highlight the fact that if there is a celebration on offer, I'll find the connection to join in !
Of course it is natural for the non committed to support the underdog, but as an Englishman, my shoulders are broad enough to bear the strain. Revenge will be sweet !!!!!
