There are probably multiple definitions applied to what is a very interesting term. I was just talking to someone at the LDS church near me and she said a lot of Irish came in through the Carolinas..I knew New Orleans and of course Boston, Baltimore, Quebec, New York, New Brunswick..also ports up the Missippi. Also labor was in such demand in the midwest that farmers somehow met boats somewhere and carried immigrants off to the midwest...

Anyway, it is hardly an unheard of category. I heard it when I was probably 5, because my father told us that he was one, according to his definition...I think many people use it to mean the black curly hair..so the very distinction of being Irish (as he was) was further enhanced by being black Irish. They were very proud of it and rightly so..same as a redhead or blond or whatever should be proud...don't begrudge anyone their pride, especially if they have struggled mightily in dangerous or low-paying jobs, etc. etc. mg