W.B. Yeats: French Poet, Irish Heritage, 20th Century
Vive la France: Celebrating a Franco-irish Tapestry on Bastille Day
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As France celebrates its national day, Bastille Day, itS a moment to cheer “Vive la France” and acknowledge our nearest EU neighbor and steadfast friend throughout history, in both good times and bad. The past and cultural ties between France and Ireland are deep and multifaceted, offering a rich tapestry of shared experiences and influences.
A Haven for Irish Exiles and intellectuals
For centuries, France has served as a refuge for many Irish figures who, for various reasons, found themselves in exile. Literary giants like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and oscar Wilde all spent notable periods in France, drawn by its vibrant cultural scene and intellectual freedom. These luminaries, through their work, not only enriched French culture but also carried a piece of Ireland with them, forging a unique connection between the two nations.
Charles de Gaulle: A Frenchman with Irish Roots
Perhaps the most prominent figure embodying the Franco-Irish connection in recent times was Charles de Gaulle, widely regarded as the greatest Frenchman of the 20th century. De Gaulle himself acknowledged the significance of his Irish ancestry, which he felt deeply. Upon his resignation as France’s president in 1969,he chose to spend a six-week break in Ireland.
he explained this personal pilgrimage with a profound sense of instinct: “It was a kind of instinct which brought me to Ireland. Perhaps it was because of the Irish blood which flows in my veins – for we always come back to our origins – but also because it was Ireland.”
De Gaulle’s lineage traced back to the McCartans of Kinelarty,County Down. following the confiscation of their lands by the Cromwellians, Patrick McCartan and other leading Irish families fled to France. Patrick McCartan’s execution in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, in 1653, marked a poignant moment in this historical exodus.
Famously, de Gaulle held a strong aversion to England, famously vetoing Britain’s attempts to join the European Economic Community (EEC), later the EU, on two occasions. Winston Churchill once remarked on this sentiment, stating that de gaulle “hates England and has left a trail of Anglophobia behind him everywhere.”
another French President with Irish Ancestry: Patrice de MacMahon
De gaulle was not the only French president to boast Irish heritage. Patrice de MacMahon, who served as President of France from 1873 to 1879, also had significant Irish roots. He was a descendant of Mahon, son of Muirchertach Ua Briain, who was himself the High King of Ireland and a great-grandson of the legendary Brian Boru.
Like de Gaulle’s ancestors, MacMahon’s family also faced land confiscations in clare during the Cromwellian era. A branch of the family subsequently relocated to Limerick. Their support for the deposed King James II, who was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, led the MacMahons to seek refuge in France.
In France, the MacMahon family became a distinguished military dynasty. Patrice MacMahon’s own military achievements earned him the prestigious title of Marshal of France and the Dukedom of Magenta. His election as President of France’s Third Republic in May 1873, with overwhelming support from the National Assembly, underscored his prominence and the respect he commanded. He passed away in 1893.
The very name “france” itself originates from the Latin “Francia,” referring to the Franks, a Germanic tribe who played a pivotal role in the formation of the nation.This etymological link further highlights the long and complex history of European peoples and their migrations.
On this bastille Day, as we celebrate France, we also celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship and shared heritage that connect France and Ireland, a testament to centuries of intertwined history and mutual influence.
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