Clare Henney: October 2009

For as long as I can remember I have always had an interest for all things Irish. One possible reason for it could be because of how I was brought up and how it often involved someone Irish in one way or another.

I grew up attending Sunday mass in a church run by Irish priests. In college, I went to a school founded by Irish brothers and even had an Irish teacher. When I started working, one of the places I worked in was in a condominium unit where I had befriended a Filipina and her Irish husband and we had often talked about Ireland and the culture there. I always loved learning things about Irish culture and for some reason, I had taken a liking to some Irish musicians and celebrities as well.

As a little girl I always loved watching Pierce Brosnan on Remington Steele. I was also a big fan of Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block. I had no idea that both guys were of Irish descent when I first became a fan. Later on, I also became a fan of the boy bands Boyzone and Westlife, both of which came from Ireland. I was even a big fan of Boyzone’s lead singer, Ronan Keating. Then there’s The Corrs, one of my favorite bands. Too bad they’re not around anymore.  Oh well, at least there’s another Irish band out there that I like — The Script.  I know U2 is also an Irish band, but they don’t seem to have that Irish sound about them that I like in the other two bands.  I like them don’t get me wrong, I just don’t love them as much as the other two.