Proud to be Irish

Requiem4adream

Came across the original Riverdance clip from Eurovision '94, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Mc03_rlWo

proud to be Irish is all i can say.

So....

what makes you proud to be Irish? Anything you want, person, place, event, thing, food, drink... yore ma(mmy) even!! Positivity please!

FruitLover

Can't think of much to be proud of, but it beats being English.

Requiem4adream

Hmmmm....it's a start i suppose!! Jaysus what is with people! If this was a "scumbag-attempted-robbery on the Luas" we'd have 50 replies already giving out loads! Trying to inject some positivity and sense of national identity into AH! Come on!!

WhiteWashMan

FruitLover wrote: »

Can't think of much to be proud of, but it beats being English.

says more about you rather than anything about being irish or english tbh.

pow wow

That we have a heritage everyone else wants a piece of I guess lol.

Without entering into any touchy debates I am proud of where 'we' came from and what 'we' have achieved as a country.

Now Bertie....he'd be on the other list.

MrJoeSoap

Um... hurling I suppose. And the fact that we're all a great bunch of lads and lassies.

Balmed Out

Our great pub scene, the stunning scenerey, that the flame of an independant irish identity was never extinguished, our folklore, our rich literary tradition and barrys tea.

Crumble Froo

we live in a very beautiful country, in general, i find the people quite friendly, our language is beautiful, as is our folklore, hurling is a fantastic sport, the sheer atmosphere at all ireland time, for an amateur sport.

damonjewel

Our Passion in things that matter, our easy going cool in things that don't matter, our sense of humour. Literary tradition, Music tradition, Our Mythology and Celtic folklore. The fact that when we go elsewhere in the world we are instantly liked because of our nationality. Beautiful scenery here too.

phasers

I'm proud to be part of a nation that has a really relaxed attitude towards everything

same reason celebrities come to Ireland

Pigman II

Nothing really. It's just a place where I was born. There's lots of good stuff here but it's not as tho I'm actually 'proud' of it.

Intothesea

That we're a handful of people on a small island who have
emerged from black history with an unbroken spirit. That we are
dreamers and poets in an international lineup of warmongers and
empire builders. The philosophical, humorous and literary proclivities
of the average person. The quick wit and loyally rebellious heart.

And a lot more besides

arybvtcw0eolkf

And home and abroad we can be proud of our Irish defence forces.

Pj!

Club Orange and Tayto

Laslo

WhiteWashMan wrote: »

says more about you rather than anything about being irish or english tbh.

Doesn't say anything about him tbh.

I'm not proud to be Irish at all. I'm not ashamed either but I've never really been proud. I think 'national identity' or general jingoism is silly. If anything, I'm proud of the family I come from.

mike65

This should be really good by page 4.

Mike.

_blank_

mike65 wrote: »

This should be really good by page 4.

Shut up Englishman, and get out of this thread!

MagicMarker

phasers wrote: »

I'm proud to be part of a nation that has a really relaxed attitude towards everything

same reason celebrities come to Ireland

I'd agree with that.

As for sport, heritage, history. I can't be proud of that because i simply know nothing about GAA or our History and i really don't care.

Creamy Goodness

that for a country with such a small population we seem to ****ing absolutely destroy countries when it comes to musical output.

SimpleSam06

Cremo wrote: »

that for a country with such a small population we seem to ****ing absolutely destroy countries when it comes to musical output.

Its not just music either, I've employed artists for various jobs from every corner of the globe, and honestly, its damn hard to beat the Irish for quality artwork. Thats not just parochialism either, even local clients wherever I am agree.

DJ_Spider

I'm English but have irish roots. (my natural mother was from Galway), I moved here nearly 2 years ago, and must say that the irish seem to be a lot prouder of thier country than the english. Heck, we don't even really celebrate our patron saint's day! A few flags and maybe some drink offers in the pub, but that's about it.

I am happy here and have found everyone very friendly, cheerful and always willing to help. Also very sincere and don't put on any airs & graces like th english. So although I am not from Ireland I am proud to say I live here. In fact I hope to become an irish citizen. Oh and not just so I can have 2 passports! LOL

Kintarō Hattori

I think we need to drop all this proud to be 'xxx' crap. The world is slowly changing and borders are disappearing. We should concentrate on being better human beings. Pride and nationalism breed racisim and hate and it isn't a good thing.

Mossy Monk

FruitLover wrote: »

Can't think of much to be proud of, but it beats being English.

Do you have experience of being English?

Requiem4adream

eo980 wrote: »

I think we need to drop all this proud to be 'xxx' crap. The world is slowly changing and borders are disappearing. We should concentrate on being better human beings. Pride and nationalism breed racisim and hate and it isn't a good thing.

Respectfully disagree. Our culture, heritage and history inherently form a part of who we are, who are parents are, who are children will be. Self-pride and being a good human is always something to advocate of course. Of course it's possible to be proud of where you come from without hating on other countries identities and cultures.

Anyway there is no question mark in my OP so keep the negativity for a different thread.

Back on topic, few more things - best fans in the world for sporting events, always observing national anthems impeccably and carrying themselves with class at foreign events. Very generous country for charity. I remember going to the Burren on a school trip and being in awe of the place; we have a very beautiful country to be proud of.

faceman

With Ireland as it is today, the only thing to me that gives me a sense of pride for being Irish, that can be contributed to being bore from being Irish, is our music.

Unfortunately this country has let me, and others down so gratuitiously on many occasions.

Sonnenblumen

eo980 wrote: »

I think we need to drop all this proud to be 'xxx' crap. The world is slowly changing and borders are disappearing. We should concentrate on being better human beings. Pride and nationalism breed racisim and hate and it isn't a good thing.

Pride and nationalism has defined much of the world today, being human beings fair enough but I would hate to think where amoebic outlooks would get us?

gurramok

eo980 wrote: »

I think we need to drop all this proud to be 'xxx' crap. The world is slowly changing and borders are disappearing. We should concentrate on being better human beings. Pride and nationalism breed racisim and hate and it isn't a good thing.

Ah here we go, pc types claw out from the woodwork to attack you for being proud were your from!:eek:

faceman

gurramok wrote: »

Ah here we go, pc types claw out from the woodwork to attack you for being proud were your from!:eek:

i didnt 100% agree with eo980 but we are more and more seeing in the world how your national identity is becoming less and less important on a macro level. Look for example at what we as a nation have gained from being a member of the EU.

Its fine to be proud of where we are from but that shouldnt make us better (or worse) than anyone else

mike65

Requiem4adream wrote: »

. I remember going to the Burren on a school trip and being in awe of the place; we have a very beautiful country to be proud of.

Was the scenery created by the Irish or was the litter flowing out the bins created by the Irish?

Mike.

faceman

mike65 wrote: »

Was the scenery created by the Irish or was the litter flowing out the bins created by the Irish?

Mike.

oops, sorry for laughing Requiem4adream, wont happen again...

shane86

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-8ZBXsBOE8

x 30 billion

Apart from that, our ability to drink and the fact women abroad love our accent.

Apart from that its a windy overpriced godforsaken hole. Roll on Australia in 2008.

Kintarō Hattori

Requiem4adream wrote: »

Anyway there is no question mark in my OP so keep the negativity for a different thread.

So only those who agree with you can reply in this thread? You started a thread on a public forum.

gurramok wrote: »

Ah here we go, pc types claw out from the woodwork to attack you for being proud were your from!:eek:

I'm far from being PC. It's all well and good to be proud of who you are and where you've come from but with so much emmigration and the ease of travel we are starting to see a global identity emerging and I believe that nationalism can be an obstacle in the road to a better way of thinking and social outlook. Look at Ireland in the last 10 years, we have so many other cultures here now and it's changed beyond more than anyone could have imagined. It's part of the bigger global identity that I mentioned.

faceman wrote: »

i didnt 100% agree with eo980 but we are more and more seeing in the world how your national identity is becoming less and less important on a macro level. Look for example at what we as a nation have gained from being a member of the EU.

Its fine to be proud of where we are from but that shouldnt make us better (or worse) than anyone else

All I'm saying really is nationalism and pride are fine but it shouldn't stop you from looking at something great. Just look at the thread's that get started often on AH about foreigners with the amount of people who are annoyed because they aren't from here, don't eat our food, don't socialise like us. These people give out because foreign people aren't like us and don't act like us. They don't see that things are changing and hopefully for the better because they are blinded partially by nationalism and pride.

Dave!

The ready availability of coke probs

MagicMarker

Requiem4adream wrote: »

Came across the original Riverdance clip from Eurovision '94, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Mc03_rlWo

proud to be Irish is all i can say.

So....

what makes you proud to be Irish? Anything you want, person, place, event, thing, food, drink... yore ma(mmy) even!! Positivity please!

Just watched that clip.. Why can't RTE do anything like that today? Everything in that Clip was perfect, the performance, the sound production, the camera work.

It's all gone to shíte now.

Mr. CooL ICE

@eo980 - I think you're getting mixed up between national pride and patriotism. There's a thin line between the two, patriotism being the worse (IMO), as it can be associated with racism, etc. National pride... well it doesn't really need explanation.

I'm extremely proud to be Irish. I can't really explain it, but wherever I end up in life, be it moving abroad or whatever, I will never forget where I came from.

faceman

LordChessington wrote: »

@eo980 - I think you're getting mixed up between national pride and patriotism. There's a thin line between the two, patriotism being the worse (IMO), as it can be associated with racism, etc. National pride... well it doesn't really need explanation.

[hits nail on head]

wrote:

I'm extremely proud to be Irish. I can't really explain it, but wherever I end up in life, be it moving abroad or whatever, I will never forget where I came from.

But is anyone from any nation ever not?

Mr. CooL ICE

faceman wrote: »

But is anyone from any nation ever not?

Aaahhh, good point. I wasn't really talking in the amnesia sense of forgetting, but rather 'hiding' your heritage. It doesn't really apply as much to national now that I think of it, but I was kinda thinking about a mate of mine who always takes the piss out of his mother, as her own father was a settled traveller and she is ashamed of it, to say the least.

shane86

faceman wrote: »

But is anyone from any nation ever not?

Sometimes.

Polish workmate was telling me about his Czech housemates. They speak English to each other, intend to stay here forever and basically think the homeland is a kip. I think some countries are prouder than others, and we are a proud one.

Requiem4adream wrote: »

Came across the original Riverdance clip from Eurovision '94, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Mc03_rlWo

LOL In fits of laughter at this, I was in Coppers (ugh, I know) a few months back in a right state with a pile of yank birds from my mates college giving it loads to that tune :eek::eek: I watched some documentary where someone claimed that performance had given this country the kick up the arse it needed to revital;ise its economy

Then again, Rockys speech after defeating your man in Moscow pretty much brought about the fall of communism so who knows.....

dlofnep

I'm proud for a number of reasons. We overcame struggle during the famine - the struggle of immigration into the US where we turned their opinion from treating us like dogs into today's scene where everyone and their grandmother is "Irish".

We overcame struggle from imperialist Britain and despite their consistent attempts to oppress and colonize us, we fought to the tooth and nail. Not only in 1916 but the civil rights marches in Derry where we opposed the inequalities of Catholics. Where 10 brave men gave their lifes for their rights - once again - to stand up against the British oppressive machine in 1981.

Infact, it's been a common trait throughout our history that we've overcome many different struggles. But as a people, I'm proud that we've maintained an identity, through music, language and culture.. It's fun living in Ireland and being Irish. We are the envy of many and disliked by few.

I'm glad to have been born here and will spend the rest of my days here.

Requiem4adream

eo980 wrote: »

So only those who agree with you can reply in this thread? You started a thread on a public forum.

The thread is asking what makes you proud to be Irish. If that answer for you is "nothing" or "not proud" or anything like that, why bother replying to it. I'm in no way interested in hearing of the million and one things people feel are wrong with this country to not make you proud of it.

Watching the clip of Riverdance from the Eurovision, the imagination, talent, skill, energy, vibrance, the majestic solo from Katie McMahon, everything that went into that breathtaking 7 mins are the kind of things to be proud of.

Anyway keep the positivity coming

Dudess

Pigman II wrote: »

Nothing really. It's just a place where I was born. There's lots of good stuff here but it's not as tho I'm actually 'proud' of it.

+1. It doesn't make sense to me to be proud of being Irish just because I was born here - I could have been born in France. It's just an accident of birth - not an achievement. That said, I do get kinda teary when I hear stories of Irish people who emigrated to the States with nothing and made great lives for themselves, despite experiencing great hardship.

mike65 wrote: »

This should be really good by page 4.

Mike.

DesF wrote: »

Shut up Englishman, and get out of this thread!

I think Englishmen are sexeh!

eo980 wrote: »

I think we need to drop all this proud to be 'xxx' crap. The world is slowly changing and borders are disappearing. We should concentrate on being better human beings.

Agreed.

Pride and nationalism breed racisim and hate and it isn't a good thing.

True, but to be fair, not all nationalism is extreme. Some forms of nationalism are quite benign - e.g. supporting your national football team during the World Cup. But if that team happens to be England and it's beaten by Germany and you go out and smash up a load of Volkswagons and torture a load of German shepherds, then that's not so good.

dlofnep

Requiem - naturally alot of people on here are cynical, sarky people with anger built up inside and they like to vent it on threads like this.

It's brilliant being Irish. I have a cool accent, I get to see viking towers when I go into tower.. My lungs aren't polluted with smog.. The sound of the rain is soothing.. I don't get sunburnt. I don't have to worry about hurricanes, snakes, crocodiles, killer spiders, tornados, earthquakes, malaria, poverty, war and everything else that makes a country unlivable. I love my culture, the music, the language - it all fascinates me.

As for anyone suggesting that there is no need to be proud of where we're from.. YAWN. Variety in cultures is what makes it interesting to visit foreign countries.. If we didn't have this variety, earth would be as dull as a sunday mass. The earth will never be United - it's an inconceiveable possibility - so while we have the opportunity to respect and express our culture - we should.

faceman

dlofnep wrote: »

As for anyone suggesting that there is no need to be proud of where we're from.. YAWN. Variety in cultures is what makes it interesting to visit foreign countries.. If we didn't have this variety, earth would be as dull as a sunday mass. The earth will never be United - it's an inconceiveable possibility - so while we have the opportunity to respect and express our culture - we should.

2 things.

1) i take offence to you calling sunday mass dull even though i dont go often

2) re the earth being united, they used to say that about: (a) ireland and (b) europe.

Dudess

dlofnep wrote: »

Requiem - naturally alot of people on here are cynical, sarky people with anger built up inside and they like to vent it on threads like this.

It's brilliant being Irish. I have a cool accent, I get to see viking towers when I go into tower.. My lungs aren't polluted with smog.. The sound of the rain is soothing.. I don't get sunburnt. I don't have to worry about hurricanes, snakes, crocodiles, killer spiders, tornados, earthquakes, malaria, poverty, war and everything else that makes a country unlivable. I love my culture, the music, the language - it all fascinates me.

As for anyone suggesting that there is no need to be proud of where we're from.. YAWN. Variety in cultures is what makes it interesting to visit foreign countries.. If we didn't have this variety, earth would be as dull as a sunday mass. The earth will never be United - it's an inconceiveable possibility - so while we have the opportunity to respect and express our culture - we should.

None of the above explains why you'd be proud to be Irish though. Plenty of things there to be glad of and to appreciate, but why proud?

dlofnep

faceman wrote: »

2 things.
1) i take offence to you calling sunday mass dull even though i dont go often

I consider it dull. Whether you do or not is of no concern of mine.

faceman wrote: »

2) re the earth being united, they used to say that about: (a) ireland and (b) europe.

Yeah, good luck with that. Get back to me in 1000 years when Earth is still as divided as ever.

Dudess wrote: »

None of the above explains why you'd be proud to be Irish though. Plenty of things there to be glad of and to appreciate, but why proud?

Yes it does explain it - All those values (the culture, music, language) and the values I posted previously (the amount we've overcome as people) make me immensely proud to be Irish. Who are you to question what makes me feel "proud" and what doesn't?

We all know you hold no sentiments to being Irish. You're in no position to question what makes someone feel one way and what doesn't. It's freedom of choice, and as human beings we are prone to feeling certain ways to different things. For me? Being Irish makes me proud. If that concept is a little hard for you to deal with, I suggest you forget trying to even begin to debate it with me. There is nothing to debate. It's like debating why someone likes a specific music genre and you don't.. They like the genre, as I like being Irish.

Dudess

dlofnep wrote: »

I consider it dull. Whether you do or not is of no concern of mine.



Yeah, good luck with that. Get back to me in 1000 years when Earth is still as divided as ever.




Yes it does explain it - All those values (the culture, music, language) and the values I posted previously (the amount we've overcome as people) make me immensely proud to be Irish. Who are you to question what makes me feel "proud" and what doesn't?

We all know you hold no sentiments to being Irish. You're in no position to question what makes someone feel one way and what doesn't. It's freedom of choice, and as human beings we are prone to feeling certain ways to different things. For me? Being Irish makes me proud. If that concept is a little hard for you to deal with, I suggest you forget trying to even begin to debate it with me. There is nothing to debate. It's like debating why someone likes a specific music genre and you don't.. They like the genre, as I like being Irish.

I like being Irish too, but there's a difference between that and being PROUD of being Irish. And if your pride in being Irish stems from the struggle of Irish people for independence, how come you have so much disdain for the catholic mass? Wasn't their catholicism of utmost importance to them in forging their identity?
I also have much respect for the Irish men and women who fought an oppressive imperialist state, but not because of the fact that they were Irish, because of the fact that they stood up to an imperialist state.

Steyr

dlofnep wrote: »

I'm proud for a number of reasons. We overcame struggle during the famine - the struggle of immigration into the US where we turned their opinion from treating us like dogs into today's scene where everyone and their grandmother is "Irish"

Totally Agree.

dlofnep wrote: »

We overcame struggle from imperialist Britain and despite their consistent attempts to oppress and colonize us, we fought to the tooth and nail.

Totally agree, they are the Original Óglaigh na hÉireann and are also the founders of todays Óglaigh na hÉireann The Defence Forces of Ireland, made up of the Army Navy and Air Corps who have a proud tradition of Peacekeeping and Saving lives and making a difference wherever they go and for that i am truly proud.

dlofnep wrote: »

Not only in 1916 but the civil rights marches in Derry where we opposed the inequalities of Catholics. Where 10 brave men gave their lifes for their rights - once again - to stand up against the British oppressive machine in 1981.

Totally disagree, im my eyes those "freedom fighters" were and always will be terroroists, i dont want anything to do with that mess, the UK can keep it for all i care or better still cut it off from Ireland and let them establish their own Nation, the Brits dont want them either.

dlofnep wrote: »

Infact, it's been a common trait throughout our history that we've overcome many different struggles. But as a people, I'm proud that we've maintained an identity, through music, language and culture.. It's fun living in Ireland and being Irish. We are the envy of many and disliked by few.

Totally agree.

dlofnep

Dudess wrote: »

I like being Irish too, but there's a difference between that and being PROUD of being Irish.

Dudess wrote: »

And if your pride in being Irish stems from the struggle of Irish people for independence, how come you have so much disdain for the catholic mass? Wasn't their catholicism of utmost importance to them in forging their identity?

Firstly - I didn't express any disdain for catholic mass. I said it was dull. There is a big difference. Your arguments are getting dreadfully weak here..

Secondly - are you suggesting that in order for me to be proud of past irish accomplishments over oppression - I have to also be proud of catholicism? That's laughable. Everything that I have previously mentioned does not require a correlation with catholicism.

Dudess wrote: »

I also have much respect for the Irish men and women who fought an oppressive imperialist state, but not because of the fact that they were Irish, because of the fact that they stood up to an imperialist state.

Well.. unfortunately for you - they were Irish.. They were our great grandfathers, our great grand-uncles.. Our very own people. If that's not something to be proud of - what is?

You're trying to understand how someone can feel proud of their country when you can't. Well, don't try to understand it. All there is to understand is that I'm proud to be Irish. I'm proud that when I abroad, someone hears my accent and says "You're Irish!" - I'm proud of everything we have achieved as a country and as a people. I'm proud of our identity. I could go on and on - but why bother? It's like explaining math to a wall.

dlofnep

Steyr, I respect your opinion we're not obliged to agree on everything. Thanks for your agreement on the other points however.

Dudess

dlofnep wrote: »

Firstly - I didn't express any disdain for catholic mass. I said it was dull. There is a big difference. Your arguments are getting dreadfully weak here..

Secondly - are you suggesting that in order for me to be proud of past irish accomplishments over oppression - I have to also be proud of catholicism? That's laughable. Everything that I have previously mentioned does not require a correlation with catholicism.

It was an integral part of their identity. You even mentioned the catholics in the north who spearheaded the civil rights movement.

Well.. unfortunately for you - they were Irish.. They were our great grandfathers, our great grand-uncles.. Our very own people. If that's not something to be proud of - what is?

They happened to be Irish - they could have been Spanish. Bottom line is, you don't really have any explanation for why you're proud of being Irish - you just are. Fair enough. I was just wondering if you had an explanation.

Steyr

dlofnep wrote: »

Steyr, I respect your opinion we're not obliged to agree on everything. Thanks for your agreement on the other points however.

Thank you Sir.