Irish Americans - Heritage

Politics

Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) Heritage: Irish descent through his father, John Edward Reagan, whose ancestors hailed from County Tipperary. Contribution: 40th President of the United States (1981–1989), known for his conservative policies, including Reaganomics (supply-side economics), deregulation, and a strong anti-communist stance during the Cold War. His leadership emphasized limited government, free markets, and traditional values. Conservative Credentials: Icon of modern American conservatism, Reagan’s policies reshaped the Republican Party, prioritizing fiscal conservatism and a robust national defense.

Paul Ryan (1970–) Heritage: Irish descent through his father’s family, with roots in County Kilkenny. Contribution: Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015–2019) and U.S. Representative from Wisconsin (1999–2019). Ryan was a key figure in promoting fiscal conservatism, including tax reform and entitlement reform. Conservative Credentials: Known for his budget proposals emphasizing reduced government spending and free-market policies, Ryan aligned with mainstream Republican conservatism.

John McCain (1936–2018) Heritage: Irish descent through his mother, Roberta Wright McCain, whose family had Irish roots. Contribution: U.S. Senator from Arizona (1987–2018) and Republican presidential nominee in 2008. McCain was a war hero (Vietnam POW) and a prominent advocate for a strong national defense and bipartisan cooperation. Conservative Credentials: While a maverick on some issues, McCain’s hawkish foreign policy, support for military strength, and commitment to conservative values like individual liberty aligned him with traditional Republican principles.

Sean Hannity (1961–) Heritage: Irish descent through both parents, with grandparents immigrating from Ireland. Contribution: Conservative political commentator, host of Hannity on Fox News, and radio host of The Sean Hannity Show. Hannity has been a vocal supporter of Republican policies, traditional values, and limited government. Conservative Credentials: A prominent voice in conservative media, Hannity consistently advocates for Second Amendment rights, border security, and economic policies aligned with Republican priorities.

Military (Including Medal of Honor Recipients)Irish Americans have a storied history in the U.S. military, with many earning the Medal of Honor for extraordinary valor.

Michael Murphy (1976–2005) Heritage: Irish descent, born to Irish-American parents in Smithtown, New York. Contribution: U.S. Navy SEAL, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan (2005). Murphy risked his life to call for reinforcements, saving teammates under heavy Taliban fire. Conservative Connection: While military personnel are typically apolitical, Murphy’s service reflects values of duty and patriotism often associated with conservative ideals. The destroyer USS Michael Murphy is named in his honor.

John Barry (1745–1803) Heritage: Born in County Wexford, Ireland; immigrated to the American colonies. Contribution: Known as the “Father of the American Navy,” Barry was a Revolutionary War naval officer who commanded the USS Lexington and other ships, capturing British vessels. Conservative Connection: Barry’s commitment to American independence and military tradition aligns with conservative values of patriotism and national sovereignty. His legacy is celebrated by conservative historians.

Patrick Gallagher (1944–1967) Heritage: Born in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland; immigrated to the U.S. Contribution: U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross (recommended for Medal of Honor) for throwing himself on a grenade to save comrades in Vietnam (1966). The USS Gallagher, a guided-missile destroyer, is named in his honor. Conservative Connection: Gallagher’s sacrifice embodies the military ethos of selflessness and duty, resonating with conservative values of honor and service.

James Quinlan (1833–1906) Heritage: Born in County Tipperary, Ireland; immigrated to the U.S. Contribution: Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Civil War at the Battle of Savage’s Station (1862), where he led the 88th New York Regiment of the Irish Brigade, rallying troops under heavy fire. Conservative Connection: Quinlan’s service in the Union Army and leadership in the Irish Brigade reflect a commitment to national unity and duty, values often championed by conservatives.

Robert Emmett O’Malley (1943–) Heritage: Irish-American from New York, with family roots in Ireland. Contribution: U.S. Marine Corps corporal, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam (1965), where he charged an enemy trench, killed multiple enemies, and saved wounded comrades despite being wounded himself. Conservative Connection: O’Malley’s heroism and dedication to his fellow Marines align with conservative ideals of courage and sacrifice. He was honored at the Irish Veterans Congressional Medal of Honor exhibit in Tampa (2019).

Arts

John Wayne (1907–1979) Heritage: Irish descent through his mother, Mary “Molly” Brown, whose family had Irish roots. Contribution: Iconic actor known for Westerns and war films like The Searchers, True Grit (Oscar winner), and The Green Berets. Wayne’s roles often portrayed rugged individualism and patriotism. Conservative Credentials: A vocal conservative, Wayne supported anti-communist causes, endorsed Republican candidates like Barry Goldwater, and produced The Green Berets to support U.S. troops in Vietnam.

James Cagney (1899–1986) Heritage: Irish descent through his father, James Cagney Sr., whose parents were Irish immigrants. Contribution: Legendary actor known for roles in Yankee Doodle Dandy (Oscar winner), The Public Enemy, and White Heat. Cagney’s performances often celebrated American patriotism and grit. Conservative Connection: While not overtly political, Cagney’s work, especially Yankee Doodle Dandy, emphasized traditional American values. He avoided radical left-wing causes and was a proud patriot.

Frank McCourt (1930–2009) Heritage: Born in Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents from County Limerick; raised in Ireland before returning to the U.S. Contribution: Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela’s Ashes, a memoir about his impoverished childhood in Ireland, celebrated for its humor and resilience. Conservative Connection: McCourt’s work focuses on personal struggle and family without promoting progressive ideologies. His emphasis on individual perseverance resonates with conservative themes of self-reliance.

Mel Gibson (1956–) Heritage: Irish descent through his mother, Anne Reilly, born to Irish immigrants. Contribution: Actor, director, and producer known for Braveheart (Oscar winner), The Passion of the Christ, and Hacksaw Ridge. Gibson’s films often explore themes of sacrifice, faith, and heroism. Conservative Credentials: Gibson is known for his traditionalist Catholic beliefs and conservative views, particularly evident in The Passion of the Christ, which resonated with religious audiences.

Notes

Medal of Honor Statistics: Irish Americans have received an estimated 2,021 Medals of Honor (58% of the total 3,464 awarded as of 2009), with 257 born in Ireland, more than any other ethnic group. This reflects their significant military contributions, often tied to values of duty and patriotism.