The following excerpt is from an interview with my friend, Megan Smolenyak, published in the March 31, 2013 edition of IrishCentral.com
Background: Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak (who goes by Megan Smolenyak2 on her website in a nod to her married name) is a genealogist who has unearthed the Irish roots of many well-known people, including President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The author of six books, she resides in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Tell us about your Irish heritage.
“I’m half-Irish (maternal side) with roots in Cork, Kerry, Longford and Antrim. My immigrant ancestors came between 1836 and 1882 and settled in Jersey City. My closest connection to Ireland is a pair of great-grandparents, so I just miss being eligible for citizenship.”
