Just the Facts, Please!

So...here are some fun facts about the Irish in America that I found while scouring the internets this morning at 5 AM. See how dedicated I am to bringing you a morning full of fun and information. No, really, I am! (No, really, I am just lazy and found this information to keep from having to write a post this morning...my Irish self is just too sleepy!) Thank you YAHOO for this bit of education this morning...ya'll have a great Tuesday!

FUN FACTS...

St. Patrick's Day began as a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.

The first parade for the holiday occurred in New York City on March 17, 1762. It featured Irish soldiers who served in the English military.

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman attended the parade. In 1995, Congress proclaimed March to be Irish-American Heritage Month.

36.5 million U.S. residents claimed Irish ancestry in 2007, more than eight times the 4 million-plus population of Ireland itself.

Massachusetts residents were twice as likely to claim Irish ancestry as the nation overall, with a rate of 24 percent compared with 12 percent.

Those with Irish heritage were more likely to have higher household income, own their own homes and earn educational degrees. Specifically:

• 32 percent of Irish Americans older than 24 held at least a bachelor's degree and 92 percent held at least a high school diploma, compared with 28 percent and 85 percent for the entire U.S.
• Households headed by an Irish-American received a median income of $56,966 in 2007 compared with $50,740 for all households.
• 72 percent of those Irish-headed homes were owned, compared with 67 percent for all households. The remainder rented.

There are 4 towns in the U.S. named after a shamrock, the emblem of Ireland. They are Mount Gay-Shamrock, W.Va.; Shamrock, Tex.; Shamrock Lakes, Ind., and Shamrock, Okla.

9 places are named after Dublin, the capital of Ireland.

More whimsical Irish-themed towns include Emerald Isle, N.C., and the township of Irishtown, Ill. Townships named Clover exist in South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Minnesota is also home to Cloverleaf

(hmm...this is me again... I am feeling the need for a road trip to have my picture taken at all these road signs!)

Living Happily in the Moment!

Bev