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08th Oct 2015

10 Irish people that are almost impossible to dislike

Great ambassadors for our country

Paul Moore

Great ambassadors for our country.

If there’s one thing that Irish people aren’t short of, it’s an opinion. That’s the beauty of living in this country because we’ve a tendency to analyse, discuss and debate even the smallest of subjects.

For every person that loves the likes of Bono, Roy Keane, Conor McGregor and Rory McIlroy, there’s always somebody else that’s just itching to call these well-known faces a… (insert generic insult here).

That being said, there are some people that are so genuine, decent and likeable that it’s almost impossible to hold any ill-feeling towards them.

Such as…

1) Brendan Gleeson

Why we love him: I’ve a theory that because Gleeson was a late-comer to the world of acting, he always remained grounded, level-headed and extremely genuine. The former teacher seems to embody the virtues that Irish people really relate to because there’s an honesty and integrity to his work and how he conducts himself.

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On the acting front, his CV is absolutely stellar and it’s up there with the best in Hollywood. Braveheart, 28 Days Later, Gangs of New York, Kingdom of Heaven, Harry Potter and Green Zone are just some of the major films he’s featured in but the actor has never forgotten his Irish roots.

He has lent his status to Irish productions like In Bruges, The Guard, Breakfast on Pluto and Calvary, which have have all benefitted from his immense talent. He can also play the fiddle and his sons are all incredibly sound.

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2) Brian O’Driscoll

Why we love him: Very few other athletes have worn the green jersey with as much distinction, talent and bravery as the Leinster man but there’s more to him than just the oval ball.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way; O’Driscoll is a rugby legend whose name is known in every country in the world that loves the game.

France v Ireland - RBS Six Nations

It might take 50 years before we see a player of his immense skill levels playing for Ireland again and during his glittering career he won four Celtic Leagues, three Heineken Cups, two Six Nations, four Triple Crowns, one Amlin Challenge Cup and the Grand Slam.

Oh yeah, he also went on four Lions tours, captaining one of them, and is Ireland’s record try scorer.

As a man, I think that this story tells you everything that you need to know about his character. Hero.

Leinster v Glasgow Warriors - RaboDirect Pro 12 Final

3) Mary McAleese

Why we love her: The eighth President of Ireland has been a wonderful symbol of the political progress that Ireland has made while she has been a champion for the changing attitudes in Irish society.

She was the first female Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University and President from Ulster but her impact and legacy stretches far beyond these two notable accolades.

Queen Elizabeth II And Prince Philip State Visit to Ireland - Day 2

McAleese made it her priority to examine issues of justice, social equality, social inclusion and anti-sectarianism during her two terms and she actively pursued a policy of ‘building bridges’ with the Unionist community.

She also wasn’t afraid to rock the political and cultural status quo when required, she was criticised by the Catholic hierarchy for taking communion in the Church of Ireland and she also spoke out against homophobia.

4) Bill O’Herlihy

Why we love him: I’ve already written at length as to why ‘Billo’ was one of the greats but the real proof of just how beloved he was by the Irish people was seen on that very sad day, May 25. I’ve never seen such an outpouring of emotion from Irish people, both young and old, because Bill was special.

Forever missed, never forgotten.

Bill O'Herlihy 4

5) Colin Farrell

Why we love him: Irish people have a long history of following charismatic rogues. The names of Charlie Haughey, Richard Harris and George Best instantly spring to my mind but Farrell’s emergence as a major Hollywood star was something new entirely.

attends the "The Lobster" press Conference during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2015 in Cannes, France.

Yes, there’s always going to be haters, especially since he was a good looking man that worked hard, played even harder and seemed like he was living his dream. Even at the height of his hard-drinking, drug-taking and skirt-chasing period, he was always extremely proud of his Irish roots.

Barely an interview went by when he didn’t mention his upbringing, but fatherhood and sobriety seems to have made him more mature and level headed.

His work with the Special Olympics deserves massive praise while he was one of the very first people to publicly support the Yes vote during Marriage Equality referendum.

Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Art Auction Benefit

6) Keith Duffy

Why we love him: I don’t begrudge any Irish people their success and what Boyzone did in the early ’90s is extremely impressive.

I wouldn’t exactly call myself a fan of their music but they didn’t need me to buy their records – six UK number one singles and nine in Ireland is testament to that – but Duffy used his fame for the benefit of others, a very sound thing to do.

His daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was just 18 months old and since then he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the issue. I always think that the sign of a good person is if they can put other people’s needs before their own; he’s a very sound bloke.

Just overlook the Boyzone appearance on the Late, Late Show; we’ve managed to make it less cringe-worthy in any case.

Dear Paulie and the boys, please light our fire at #RWC2015

Posted by JOE.ie on Thursday, 17 September 2015

7) Michael Fassbender

Why we love him: I remember the exact moment when I realised that the German-born but Irish-raised actor was someone that I’d be very happy to fly the Irish flag in Hollywood. It wasn’t during a film, TV show or interview about an upcoming role but rather a Sunday morning interview that he did on Sky Sports News.

Fassbender

Liam Cunningham was also present and the two men were talking about the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. The two lads were clearly out on the lash and pulling an all-nighter but they still managed to be utterly charming, intelligent and charismatic behind those blackout shades.

I’m not one bit surprised to see his career go absolutely stratospheric and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a plethora of awards come his way. Oh yeah, he’s also incredibly self-deprecating in interviews.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Season 4

7) Shay Given

Why we love him: Sometimes it’s not the loudest person that makes the most noise because the Lifford man has quietly gone about being one of the most respected players in the Premier League and a key figure in the Irish setup.

It has been over 20 years since the Donegal ‘keeper made his debut for Blackburn Rovers and very few Irish players can match his levels of consistency and skill at the highest level.

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I’d imagine that he’s not the type of person that speaks often but when he does, everyone listens. Speaking from my own dealings with him, he’s always been an absolute gent and a pleasure to chat with.

Given is also a very kind-hearted man, he helped organise several successful fundraising events in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and he has given every single appearance fee that he earned while playing for Ireland to charity.

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8) Michael Lyster

Why we love him: GAA is a sport that splits Irish people like no other because our rivalries go beyond county borders and into the parish. Passions run high, opinions are loud and controversy pops up during every single Championship match.

It takes a gifted broadcaster to keep Messrs Brolly and Spillane in check but the Galway man has been a stalwart of RTÉ’s sporting coverage since 1980 and he’s always welcome on our TV and radio.

The amount of goodwill, support and well wishes during his recent cancer scare was further proof of just how beloved he is among the Irish public.

Michael Lyster 10/5/2012

9) Michael O’Muircheartaigh

Why we love him: There’s a certain intimacy and familiarity with those voices on the wireless because the listener regularly welcomes these radio personalities into their own home.

No one makes GAA sound better than the Kerryman because he made the impossible seem easy while also balancing witty and insightful commentary with cúpla focal.

Those anecdotes were absolutely priceless.

Micheal O'Muircheartaigh 16/9/2010

10) Paul O’Connell

Why we love him: If Brian O’Driscoll’s captaincy was defined by leading through his immense displays of skill, flair and talent, then the Munster icon is the opposite side of the same brilliant Grand Slam winning coin.

O’Connell is a natural born leader whose unshakable desire, commitment and will to win could make any person standing next to him feel like they’re 50 feet tall. His presence alone on the pitch is worth a few extra points, such is his incredible stature on the field.

Paul O'Connell 21/3/2015

What I love about him is that he’s a winner that doesn’t accept second best or a lowering of the the standards, which has been instrumental in Munster and Ireland’s success.

Away from the pitch, he’s a gentle giant of a man who seems like he has the respect and admiration of the fans and his fellow players alike.

Paul O'Connell with the RBS 6 Nations trophy 22/3/2015

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