So, you think you are Irish; well, let us see how many of these people you know.
Being Irish means many things, but you cannot say you are genuinely Irish just by having the gift of the gab, a cracking sense of humour, or the ability to drink Guinness all night long without getting drunk. In fact, you are NOT genuinely Irish unless you know at least 8/10 of these Irish faces.
While some may not know these people, we are hopeful that most of the nation will recognise and have some memories from their childhood involving these famous folks.
Let us see just how Irish you are; if you know 8/10 of these people, you are 100% Irish, and we applaud you!
10. Teresa Mannion – don’t make unnecessary journeys
This famous lady was always on our radar as a broadcast news reporter, but when her Storm Desmond report went viral, so did her name. Irish people worldwide began sharing the clip, which made everyone crack up, meaning she is one of the top names in Ireland we should all know.
9. Katie Taylor – a boxing legend
Regarding boxing, Katie Taylor is a name we all know. In Ireland, there is a tremendous sense of pride and endless support when one of our own becomes a world champion, and even if you are not a sports fan, there is no way you can be Irish without knowing the name Katie Taylor.
8. Ray D’Arcy – the face of The Den
We hope most people in Ireland (let’s face it, everyone) will know this name, especially if you grew up watching Irish TV shows. Ray D’Arcy was the face of The Den, alongside Zig and Zag, and if you know him, then you are well on your way to being an actual Irish person.
7. Arthur Guinness – the man behind Guinness
Yes, most people around the world know what Guinness is – at least, we hope they do – but not many know who exactly Arthur Guinness is. You are 100% Irish if you know this man, who was the brains behind the world-famous Irish stout that has captured the hearts of drinkers worldwide.
6. Gay Byrne – our most famous chat show host
There is nothing more Irish than watching The Late Late Show, which, if we may brag, is the world’s second longest-running chat show. It was hosted by Gay Byrne from 1962 until 1999, a period that lives on in all our memories, so if you know him, you are 100% Irish.
5. Bertie Ahern – our former Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern is one of the most well-known Irish politicians – in Ireland at least – and was our Taoiseach from 1997-2008. You cannot call yourself Irish if you’ve never heard this man or even recognise his face, but if you are well aware, then pat yourself on the back.
4. Jedward – from X Factor to Eurovision
While many of us would like to hide the fact that we know these two or that we secretly enjoy their music and cringeworthy entertainment, we have to admit that Jedward is a face – well, two faces – we should all know.
Having been part of The X Factor and represented Ireland at Eurovision, there is no way of not knowing who these guys are.
3. Michael Collins – a man that shaped Ireland
You are 100% Irish if you know Michael Collins, and we don’t mean your neighbour down the road; this is a widespread Irish name in Ireland. Michael Collins is a name we have heard over the years, either in school or in newspapers, as a leading Irish revolutionary leader in the early 20th Century.
2. Pat Shortt – one of Ireland’s best comedians
One of Ireland’s leading funny men is Pat Shortt, whom many Irish people know for his comedic talents, especially as one half of the iconic D’Unbelievables alongside Jon Kenny. You are on your way to being 100% Irish if you know the name Pat Shortt, and that is that.
1. Brendan O’Carroll – the real Irish mammy
There is no doubt that people in Ireland turn to Mrs Brown’s Boys when seeking out something funny to watch on the telly, but it is also a show that Irish people worldwide love to watch to remind them of home.
Brendan O’ Carroll is a name we all know for his comedic turn as the titular Irish mammy.
So, with that in mind, if you know 8/10 of these people, you are 100% Irish. So, how many did you recognise?
