A Little Bit of Irish In You?
AN ARTICLE BY CONOR
In an interview last year on an Irish radio station Jurgen klopp cracked a joke. ‘What’s the definition of a Scouser? An Irish person that can swim’.
Funny? Yes. True? Definitely. I read a report that claimed 75% of Liverpudlians have Irish heritage. The coffin ships of the Irish famine in the 19th century not only travelled to the USA, but also to Liverpool. It would be understandable therefore for the area surrounding Liverpool to have been impacted somewhat by the arrival of Irish emigrants.
In a county nearby to me in a town called New Ross there is an area called ‘Annefield’ or ‘pàirc Anna’ in Irish. It is said that in the early 19th century that a man from this area ‘Robert Samuel Graves’ of the Graves shipping company moved to Liverpool, became mayor and in his duties as mayor proposed for an area to be developed and named as ‘Anfield Lane’. This later became shortened to Anfield and the rest they say is history. See link below.
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=4575.0
My initial rationale for this topic had been some of the fantastic players from my Country that have graced the hallowed turf of Anfield stadium. Jim Beglin a local lad (to me anyway) had his career cut short by a horrific leg break. John ‘aldo’ Aldridge, Mark Lawrenson, Ray Houghton, Jason McAteer Steve Staunton, Ronnie Whelan, Robbie Keane, Steve Finnan and who could forget Steve Heighway? A bomber down the wing and later top youth development officer responsible for the success of players like, McManaman, Fowler, Owen, Carragher and Gerrard (not a bad list to have helped progress eh?)
I’ve read some comments from the locals (Liverpudlians. You know who you are) that Liverpool could be described as the ‘Republic of Liverpool’ due to its lack of government support, standing up to the media and associated institutions in torrid times, much similar to its Irish ancestors. Perhaps that’s part of the scouse charm, including welcoming greetings, and general good craic of any interactions I’ve had on my pilgrimages to Liverpool.
My mam said to me if its meant to be it won’t pass you by. That’s 4kk in a nutshell. I welcome debate, conversation and criticism on the above piece. Sure that’s what makes this site a success.
Recent Comments