I received a most interesting email from an Irish fellow this morning. I assume he visited my website.

I sent him a polite reply, but I thought I'd share the email with the Xmarks rabble to get their thoughts. I've left his name out for privacy.

Hi Alan,

I am from Co. Armagh, Ireland. I am staying with family in Ohio and work in an Irish Pub. About once a month I meet some Plastic Paddy (*1) who is wearing a Kilt. This individual claimed it to be Irish. I reluctantly informed him that In present day Ireland the kilt is still seen very much as being 100% Scottish, and the current "crop of county" and district tartans are unknown in Ireland, having been designed in Scotland, Manufactured in Scotland and marketed primarily with the Irish-American market in mind.... because lets face it.... they eat that sh*t up, and i must emphasise that it is sh*t. As they have neither been designed or manufactured in Ireland, Basically... an Irish Kilt, is'nt.

If you like wearing a kilt for the sake of wearing one, (I imagine this is the case)... Fair enough. Its just not to be confused as being the tiniest bit Irish. That would be mis-information. Take a trip over, ask an actual Irishman, then wait for the laughter.

Kind regards

****

*1) A 'Plastic Paddy' allegedly knows little of actual Irish culture, but asserts their identity, claiming it to be Irish. A plastic paddy retains a strong sense of Irish cultural identity despite not having been born in Ireland, ever visited there or being of only partial (if any) Irish descent; generally used in referance to Irish-English or Irish-Americans. Percieved as irritating poseurs by Irish nationals.