This article is from page 10 of the 2011-09-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
AN INITIATIVE which will form a solid link between Ireland and America – which is the brainchild of a Quin resident – is poised to become official within weeks.
Gerry O’Neill, who has lived in Corbally, Quin, for the past 53 years, is a retired employee of Clare County Council.
A number of years ago, Gerry who is a native of Athlone – came up with the idea of presenting an official document – a Certificate of Irishness – which would certify the Irish heritage of those whose ancestors originated in Ireland. Irish emigrants and their descendants will be in a position to formalise their Irishness for a small fee.
It now appears that the certificate will be launched by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore in New York later this month.
Gerry told The Clare People yesterday that he was delighted that moves are being made to rubberstamp his idea. “It’s for the sake of the country . . . I believe that we owe something to the generation before us,” he said.
He is hopeful that any links set up or strengthened between the US and Ireland would primarily benefit the Shannon region. This idea has been supported by Independent County Councillor James Breen, who is a long-time supporter of the initiative.
“I am delighted, provided it takes the right turn. The key is that any- thing that comes out of it goes to the west of Ireland,” he said.
Gerry developed a love for the US through visits to Shannon Airport while working with Clare County Council. He visited the US more than 50 times over the years, during which time he developed several connections.
He put his idea forward to government officials in 2008 and felt it would provide an economic boost to Ireland through increased visits by those from the US.
Those who apply for the certificate will be required to submit details of their Irish ancestral connections.
Mr Gilmore said earlier this year that he expected the certificate to be in place by October and was in the process of being established “in direct response to a strong demand for such a scheme from those members of our diaspora who are not entitled to Irish citizenship”.