What is an Irishman?


It's not shamrocks or shillelaghs that makes the Irish true
Nor clay pipes or leprechauns or Galway Bay so blue
It's their boundless sense of humour and their warm and gentle smiles
It's their trust in human kindness as naive as a young child's


It's their hatred of oppression and compassion for the weak
It's their love of family, faith and country and the words with which we speak
It's a sea of wild emotions with lots of tears and laughter too
And yes, an Irish temper that can explode without a clue


It's a Celtic's sense of combat and the will to work til dark
Tis courage to face misfortune and the strength of one's own heart
It's their gift for song and poetry and of music for our ears
It's pride in Ireland's traditions and its folklore of the years


It's a spirit not a costume that makes the Irish proud
Cross continents and oceans and mountains tall and loud
It's a feeling words and pictures cannot too well relate
And for those who are not Irish, can only hope to emulate


by Pat Gallinagh, Ironwood, Michigan, USA
(Roots - Joyce, Knockrickard, Mayo Abbey)


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The Nallys of Rockstown in County Mayo, Ireland