Not all Irish are Catholic potato famine victims.
Earliest large Irish migration was 1718 with five shi[s from Londonderry to Boston. These were Protestants, most we now label scots-irish.
Many others came in the decades BEFORE 1840s, playing a huge role in the Revolution and settlements moving west.
Mountain men, Texas, etc.
Were/are they not the true rednecks, after the collar they wore?
True, came some of my ancestors came to Texas in the 1850's, Name of McLennon. Claimed to be Scots-Irish and Baptist by faith.
barbraann
My Grandmother arrived in America from Londonderry during the early 1920's and for that I am greatful! She was a seamstress and came here alone to meet relatives in Philadelphia. Bella was quite a woman! She met my grandfather, a Scotsman from Johnston and they married here in NYC. I consider myself an Irish Lass!
My ancestors came from Ireland in 1760 and settled in Western South Carolina. Had 12 children, as was common in those days and worked the land themselves. I haven't found any records of Revolutionary War service, but I'm sure it was there.
I always think of my Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors as stubborn resourceful survivors and celebrate that.
My blood.