My grandmother always told us that there are only two kinds of people in the world: the Irish, and those who wish they were.
I finally went “home” in 1998 after having been involved with Project Children here in Ohio. I had become good friends with the coordinators in Belfast and had looked up my grandmothers family who had descendants still alive.
I agree with you. I love to get texts or phone calls. “When are you coming home next?”
A friend there once explained that Ireland will always be home because the Irish were forced to leave. They did not want to go. My cousin said that Irish has been spoken “since the beginning of time”so every Irish person should have Irish.
So you have inspired this 70 year old lady to learn Irish!!!
I always love reading your comments and hearing more about your story. Thank you for sharing with me. :) I am so happy to hear that you were able to have that experience and keep that connection in your life. It also means so much to me to know that I inspired you to learn Irish! Lean ar aghaidh - keep going!
Scéal Iontach Briana. Unfortunately for me I grew up not knowing much about my Irish ancestry. It’s only in recent years that thosaím ag iarraidh to make a connection. There were a few stories though. One in particular was that when my father was born, the Irish side sneaked him out of the house to get him baptized Roman Catholic before the “heathen,” Lutherans could do anything about it.
This is so beautifully written. I'm in awe of your linguistic journey and love the way you've weaved the Irish language into this piece 🤍 diolch, go raibh maith agat, for your generous sharing. I also really appreciate the influence of strong women across the generations in your journey and would love to read more about the Irish women in your family.
Thank you! As far as the style of mixing in the Irish, that was inspired by the book I referenced throughout (Gaeilge i Mo Chroí: Irish in My Heart) and Molly’s beautiful and smart style of writing. You are very right, I owe a lot to strong women through the ages and I would love to explore that more too!
Go raibh maith agat!
My grandmother always told us that there are only two kinds of people in the world: the Irish, and those who wish they were.
I finally went “home” in 1998 after having been involved with Project Children here in Ohio. I had become good friends with the coordinators in Belfast and had looked up my grandmothers family who had descendants still alive.
I agree with you. I love to get texts or phone calls. “When are you coming home next?”
A friend there once explained that Ireland will always be home because the Irish were forced to leave. They did not want to go. My cousin said that Irish has been spoken “since the beginning of time”so every Irish person should have Irish.
So you have inspired this 70 year old lady to learn Irish!!!
I always love reading your comments and hearing more about your story. Thank you for sharing with me. :) I am so happy to hear that you were able to have that experience and keep that connection in your life. It also means so much to me to know that I inspired you to learn Irish! Lean ar aghaidh - keep going!
Scéal Iontach Briana. Unfortunately for me I grew up not knowing much about my Irish ancestry. It’s only in recent years that thosaím ag iarraidh to make a connection. There were a few stories though. One in particular was that when my father was born, the Irish side sneaked him out of the house to get him baptized Roman Catholic before the “heathen,” Lutherans could do anything about it.
😂 That is a good story, though! Tá mé sásta that you are making that connection now. :)
Is fear Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste I mbéal Gael. Only ag rá. Beir bua. Dónal
Such a wonderful story, and you’re a good writer. The book Angela’s Ashes got me interested in Ireland . Have you read or seen the movie.
Thank you so much for that compliment! I have heard of it but I’ve never read it or seen it, but I’ll add it to my list! :)
Thank you—you taught me my first irish sentence ♥️Gaeilge i mo chroí féin!
Ar feabhas - fantastic! I'm happy to hear that :)
This is so beautifully written. I'm in awe of your linguistic journey and love the way you've weaved the Irish language into this piece 🤍 diolch, go raibh maith agat, for your generous sharing. I also really appreciate the influence of strong women across the generations in your journey and would love to read more about the Irish women in your family.
Thank you! As far as the style of mixing in the Irish, that was inspired by the book I referenced throughout (Gaeilge i Mo Chroí: Irish in My Heart) and Molly’s beautiful and smart style of writing. You are very right, I owe a lot to strong women through the ages and I would love to explore that more too!
I have a heart for the Irish.
Mise freisin - me too.
An rud is fearr dá léigh mé riamh 💚 tá na deora liom 🥹
Go raibh míle maith agat, a chara. ❤️ Chreid tusa ionam ón dtús.
https://www.rte.ie/gaeilge/2024/1114/1480695-molly-nic-ceile-ta-an-ghaeilge-ina-croi/
Yes! And she won! :)