The term luck of the Irish has been the subject of many a scholarly argument. Irish are not an inherently lucky people. They have endured invasions, privations, starvation and more. Even the Irish songs tend toward tragedy. The debate rages over where this term came from and the origin appears to be somewhere during the early history of Irish immigrants in America.
Luck of The Irish As Irony
It has been argued that the term was ironic. When used toward early Irish immigrants in America. This early period was one where Irish were believed to be lazy and unable to succeed so when one did, it was attributed to the luck of the Irish. While discrimination was rampant during that time, there are other explanations for the origin of the term.
Luck of the Irish During The Gold Rush
The gold and silver rush brought a number of Irish and Irish American fortunes. The Comstock Silver lode was hit by a group of Irish miners who later became known as the Silver Kings. Although this explanation holds the ring of possible truth, the term still wasn’t without a derisive undertone.
An Unlikely Myth About Leprechauns and the Luck of the Irish
One other explanation put forth concerning the origins of the Luck of the Irish is that of supposedly finding a leprechaun’s stash was a lucky event that only happened in Ireland. The leprechaun luck story may not be widely accepted by scholars but it makes a colorful story.
On the whole, throughout history the luck of the Irish has not been exceptionally good. Irish history has been one of struggle and turmoil, and the fact that the nation still stands finally independent with people of such strong character can be attributed to their resilience and determination more than to luck.