The Irish American tag has always amused me. Why choose one relative from generations ago and claim to be whatever they were actually born? What about all the other relatives born elsewhere.

Imagine in Europe people describing themselves as eight generation French? It doesn't really happen. Are we comfortable enough in the knowledge that we are all mongrel some way back. And don't dwell on it. Our history is inbred and doesn't need a tag line.

Or could it be that we as passport holders we travel extensively and don't require the added exotica?

Irish American is a term not best recieved in Ireland itself. Always raises a wry smile and images of Ryan's Daughter.