I have Irish ancestry on my paternal side - I did a lot of genealogical research a few years ago, but Ireland was difficult because the IRA burnt down the records' office. I eventually went back so far that I discovered an ancestor was in Africa about 300,000 years ago (not 100% certain as records are hazy!). Also had relatives emigrate to the USA in about 1920 - lived in Cincinnati (so some here on this Forum might be related - Hi Bro'!).
I'm as Irish as can be born bred and starved in Limerick city and no man can take that from me, proud to be everything Ireland is known for be it good or bad.