I would be very surprised if any Irish person were remotely offended by your post. I wasn't.

As for the offensiveness of the term ... let me search my feelings ...

nope ... not bothered about that either ...

My view on this thread is as follows ...

1. You display a clear and welcome consideration for the feelings of others.

2. The rule I set for myself is that an honest question, born of natural human curiosity and asked politely is healthy and valuable.

3. A polite and informative answer will no doubt include any information pertaining to the sensitivity of the subject.

4. Honest open discussion of sensitive issues creates understanding and heals old wounds.

5. Anyone who might give you a hard time for asking an open honest question in a considerate manner when you know you have been thoughtful in the way you have phrased it should be ignored. There are some who will take opportunities to bash you regardless.

It's about common courtesy which you clearly possess in abundance.

(In my opinion)