Did Mrs. OLearys cow start the Great Chicago Fire of 1871?
A. No. That story was invented to blame a tragedy on what was then America’s most despised immigrant group. Still, in the 1950s, Chicago placed its new fire academy on the site of Catherine O’Leary’s barn. Even politicians can have a sense of humor. Q. What else should I know? A. The Irish brought us Halloween. Leif Ericson was half Irish. An Irishman designed the White House. Twenty-six of our 44 presidents have been at least part Irish, including our current one. Irish-Americans created modern boxing and wrestling. More Irish-Americans are Protestant than Catholic. Christina Aguilera, Ben Stiller and Muhammad Ali are part Irish. Some of America’s greatest heroes (including Audie Murphy and Neil Armstrong) and worst criminals (Jesse James and Timothy McVeigh) were Irish, too. Q. Who’s your Paddy? Isn’t it “Patty”? A. Please, no. “Patty” is the nickname for Patricia. In Irish Gaelic, Patrick is “Padraig.” Irish golfer Padraig Harrington is called “Paddy.” So was his father Patrick. Q.
