Where are you from?

March 17th, 2018 – Brooklyn 

Today is my grandmother Philomena’s anniversary. She was the kindest person I’ve known. She had ten children. I have first cousins in Ireland, UK, Australia and US. I have an uncle who lives in Zambia. We’ve been welcomed all over the world. We’ve worked, found friends, family and community. I am increasingly aware of the privilege that my Irish passport has afforded me.

 

Today many will be marching in parades celebrating our Irish heritage. What a massive diaspora we have. Poets, musicians, playwrights, novelists, actors, firemen, cops, teachers, politicians, business leaders,  and sadly,  a good number of racists.

 

It truly breaks my heart to hear any Irish person speak disparagingly of immigrants.  I urge anyone who takes pride in their Irish heritage to remember where our people came from and what they’ve been through. Our tiny island has had a disproportionately large influence. Let’s try to always make it a positive one.

 

Enjoy yourselves, look after each other, and while you’re at it, why not celebrate the generous and kind part of our Irish heritage with a random act of kindness.

 

Drink some water too. Water is your friend.

 

 

 

I’m playing at LIC Bar in Queens from 5.30pm -7.30pm

And at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan at 9pm.