The Dark Irish

The term generally refers to Irish with dark complexions and black hair. I heard it theorized once that they descended from sailors from the Spanish Armada who swam ashore and stayed in Ireland. I think it's the Celtic strain, the old Irish from before the fairer Gaels and later the Vikings invaded. Even though the Celts were spread all over modern Europe 2500 years ago the bloodline and culture remain purest in the remote corners of the continent, Galicia in Spain, the Vendee in France and in the west of Ireland. The music and dance of these regions suggests a common heritage.

But, the phrase to me brings to mind the darker side of the Irish psyche. The inclination to wish ill to the prosperous, to suspect that their misfortunes result from conspiracies against them and betrayal, and to turn bitterly on their fallen heroes.

In light of these recognized tendencies, I'm going to concentrate on how the ND hockey team has risen to the pinnacle of their sport this year and been the Cinderella team of the championship series knocking off the number one cede New Hampshire, last years champs, MSU, and all time championship leader Michigan, before falling to the Boston College Eagles. I'm not going to dwell on the bad calls inflicted on the Irish in the game. the fact that the team's captain and best player was out due to injury, or the fact that the Irish held the puck too long and didn't rush the net and couldn't score on one of six feckin power play opportunities. Oooops.