My mother's paternal side of the family arrived in New York from Ireland around the turn of the century. They made their way through Ellis Island and settled as farmers on Long Island. Eventually, they spread out across the United States and made roots all throughout New England, Michigan, and California. I always grew up with a sense of pride that I was not only Irish, but I was an Irish Catholic. I never knew how strong those ties were until I heard the following story from my grandfather:
 
During a trip from California to Detroit to celebrate the marriage of my great aunt in the late 1960s, my grandparents and the rest of the wedding guests were enjoying the reception at the local Gaelic League. My grandfather was at the bar when he looked behind the counter and saw a photograph of his great-Uncle Joe Malone. Joe was from Ireland and had immigrated to America and married my grandfather’s great-Aunt Katharine. Not surprisingly, my grandfather was shocked to see a photo of Joe at this bar and asked the bartender what the picture was doing up there. The bartender replied, "Oh, that's Joe Malone. He's a local hero. He went back to Ireland to fight the English in the IRA." Uncle Joe left his new life in American to defend his home country and fight for its freedom. Luckily, he returned victorious.    My great, great, great Uncle Joe represents my family’s pride of our Irish heritage. He’s a hero in a small Gaelic League in Detroit, and he is defiantly one of mine as well.

– Caitlin

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more