Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and I am Irish, so…ten things you never knew about me (and were afraid to ask).
1. My great-grandfather on my father’s side was from Dublin. He apparently kept his accent even though he was living here. My maiden name, Conroy, is about as Irish as you can get.
2. I have been trying, on and off, to learn Irish Gaelic and have been unsuccessful. It’s beautiful, but tough to learn.
3. We’re also supposedly descended from Spanish royalty who migrated to Ireland.
4. Bailey’s Irish Cream is my favorite alcoholic drink ever. I have a bottle in my fridge as we speak (and no, I don’t get drunk on St. Patty’s Day. Pity!)
5. I’ve always worn green on March 17th. Always.
6. I don’t have the typical Irish red hair. But someday I might. 😉
7. I have a novel-in-progress, Soulfire, which is based on the leannan sidhe, which are Irish fairies who give mortals inspiration in return for their lifeforce.
8. Asha from Fey Touched goes by the name Saoirse — which is Gaelic and means “freedom.” Which fit beautifully as Asha is on the run from her people when the book begins. Joe, who takes her in, doesn’t find out her real name or identity for quite some time (and even to this day, sometimes I say “Sore-raise” instead of “sair-sha” in my head. Phonetic is not my friend).
9. Asha’s mother is Eilidh, another Gaelic name. Totally a nod to my Irish heritage.
10. I have never been to Ireland, but plan on visiting there sometime before I die.
11. Bonus! I used to think I had an Irish accent as a kid. (I don’t.) I didn’t realize that you had to live in Ireland or be from Ireland to have one. I naturally assumed that because I am Irish, I’d have the accent. (Wishful thinking, as I’ve always loved the sound of it).
So there they are, 11 facts about me and my family. I hope you’re all dressed in green and getting drunk…or something.
Éirinn go Brách!