“I Thought I Was 50% Irish. Turns Out, I’m Just 19% — But 100% Proud”

Every year, as St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, I find myself reminiscing about a trip I took years ago—a journey so special that it’s etched not only in my memories but in my soul. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that changes the way you see the world and, more importantly, yourself. This particular trip was to Ireland, where I ventured with my dad and his brother, Phil Doocy—my godfather, and the father of Dallas legend Matt Doocy—to trace our family roots and connect with a heritage I thought I already knew so well.

Growing up, I always believed that I was 50% Irish and 50% Swedish. A neat, tidy split. A heritage I could easily claim and feel proud of. In fact, I wore that 50/50 balance as a badge of honor—something that defined my identity. But, as it often happens when you start digging into your family history, things are rarely as simple as they seem. A DNA test and Irish records later revealed that I’m not 50% Irish as I had assumed, but actually only 19%. Surprised? Yeah, so was I. But as I like to joke, “Well, 19% beats 0% any day of the week.”

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Despite the surprising revelation about my genetic makeup, the emotional and cultural connection I felt with Ireland during that trip was undeniable. The number on the DNA test didn’t change the powerful sense of belonging I felt in the land of my ancestors. Ireland was more than just a place on the map—it was a feeling, a connection that transcended percentages. For me, it was about the stories, the people, the land, and the memories I created, not the percentage of Irish blood flowing through my veins. And that was what made the trip, and my relationship to the Irish part of my heritage, so meaningful.

The Roots of the Journey

The journey to Ireland wasn’t just about tracking down records or getting some answers to a family mystery. It was about honoring those who came before us, about stepping foot on the soil where our ancestors had lived, worked, and built lives long before us. It was about exploring the heart of a nation and reconnecting with the past, something I had always wanted to do but never had the chance to fully understand until I was standing in Ireland itself.

We traveled across the country, stopping in small villages and towns, visiting local landmarks, and meeting locals who welcomed us with open arms. It wasn’t just about seeing the sights—it was about feeling the spirit of the country and understanding the struggles and triumphs that shaped our family’s history. We explored the beauty of Ireland’s green hills, the history found in the cobblestone streets, and the culture that has survived for centuries. It was a deeply emotional experience that connected me to something far larger than I had ever imagined.

As we journeyed through Ireland, I realized that no DNA test could ever truly capture the essence of what it means to be Irish. It wasn’t about percentages—it was about the stories, the music, the laughter, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Irish culture is not something you can quantify—it’s something you feel in your heart, something that resonates with you as you walk through the streets of Dublin or visit the rural villages where your ancestors once lived.

The Surprising DNA Test Results

Before we set off for Ireland, I had always believed that I was 50% Irish. This assumption came from stories passed down through generations, tales of ancestors who hailed from the Emerald Isle. I embraced this fact wholeheartedly. It was part of my identity—a key piece of who I thought I was. But when I took a DNA test, I was in for a shock. It turns out I’m only 19% Irish.

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To be honest, my initial reaction was a bit of disbelief. I’d always been so sure about my Irish roots, and the discovery that my genetic makeup was not as I had expected was jarring at first. But over time, I began to embrace the new information. 19% may not be the 50% I had envisioned, but it was still a connection to Ireland. And as I walked through the land of my ancestors, that 19% became something much more powerful than just a number. It became part of my story, part of my identity—a piece of my past that I would carry forward, regardless of the exact percentage.

The DNA test, in its own way, forced me to look deeper into my heritage and realize that family history is more than just genetics—it’s about the relationships, the culture, and the connections that bind us to the past. It’s about understanding who we are and where we come from, not just the numbers that show up on a report. In many ways, this revelation about my Irish ancestry helped me appreciate the journey even more, because it wasn’t just about finding out the “truth” about my roots—it was about experiencing Ireland in a way I never had before.

The Experience in Ireland: More Than Just a Percentage

In Ireland, I didn’t need a percentage to feel like I belonged. As we visited the towns and villages where our family had lived generations ago, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection. I walked the same cobblestone streets where my ancestors might have walked, stood in the same churches, and looked out at the same rolling hills. The sense of belonging was palpable. Whether I was 19% Irish, 50% Irish, or 100%, the essence of Ireland was embedded in me in a way that no DNA test could capture.

The warm locals, the rich culture, and the deep history made me feel that this was where I truly belonged. The Irish have an incredible way of making you feel at home, regardless of your genetic background. The connection to Ireland wasn’t just about my heritage—it was about the experience of being part of a larger community and embracing the stories that have shaped so many lives before mine.

And it wasn’t just about family history. It was also about the culture and the traditions that have survived for centuries. From the music to the food, to the laughter shared in pubs, Ireland’s soul comes alive in the hearts of its people. And as I stood in the land of my ancestors, I realized that heritage is more than something we inherit genetically—it’s something we carry with us in our hearts and pass on to future generations.

The Legacy of Family, Not Numbers

Now, as I raise a glass of green beer each March in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I think back to my trip to Ireland and the time I spent connecting with my roots. I think about my dad and Uncle Phil, who made this journey possible, and the memories we created together. I may not have the perfect percentage of Irish blood that I once thought I had, but I do have the memories, the stories, and the connection to something far greater than any number could represent.

Heritage isn’t about the percentage of your bloodline—it’s about the stories you carry forward, the love that binds you to your family, and the pride you take in the cultures and histories that shape who you are. It’s about honoring the past and ensuring that the lessons and values of those who came before us continue to influence the way we live today.

 

A Celebration of Irish Heritage: It’s About the Love We Carry Forward

This St. Patrick’s Day, I’ll be celebrating not just my Irish heritage, but the love and connection I feel for my family and my roots. Whether you’re 1% Irish or 100%, the most important thing is the pride we take in our heritage and the way we carry that pride forward. As I raise a glass and think of my trip to Ireland, I’m reminded that heritage isn’t just about genetics—it’s about the love we carry with us and the connections we build through our shared history.

Sláinte! 🍀

The Importance of Embracing Our Roots

P.S. If you’re tracing your roots or simply celebrating with friends, remember: you don’t need a perfect ancestry breakdown to feel connected. Sometimes, the smallest percentage carries the deepest pride. This journey, this St. Patrick’s Day, is not about having the perfect genetic map—it’s about feeling at home, honoring our past, and celebrating the traditions that bring us together.