It is often argued in these welcome days of cultural diversity and inclusiveness that nobody has a patent on being Irish.
However, Ireland's old wild goats might have a thing or two say on that point.
And, unusually for such a contentious topic of conversation, they have real science and real history on their side.
Indeed, a recent research project involving leading scientists, archaeologists and historians has found that Ireland’s wild goats are direct descendants of those kept by the country’s Bronze Age farmers more than 3,000 years ago.
The collaborative research project involving UCD, Queen’s University Belfast, and international partners, confirmed the genetic link.
The findings reshape the understanding of Ireland’s agricultural past and bolsters conservation efforts for the Old Irish Goat, those involved with the project claimed.
Researchers analysed goat remains from Haughey’s Fort in Co Armagh, dating to around 1100-900 BCE, and also remains from the medieval town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim.
Radiocarbon dating, and genetic and protein analyses were used to confirm that the Armagh goat's remains were from the Late Bronze Age. The oldest goat remains identified in Ireland to date.
Genomic comparisons of both the Armagh and Carrickfergus goats revealed that these ancient animals share their strongest genetic affinity with the critically endangered Old Irish Goat population that survives today.
Ireland's Old Wild Goats have been associated with the country for over 3,000 years.
Known historically as 'an Gabhar Fiáin' – the wild goat – the Old Irish Goat is deeply rooted in Irish folklore, echoes of which are evident in Kerry's Puck Fair and the traditional song 'An Poc ar Buile'.
Surviving today in small feral herds, the goat has long been viewed as a symbol of resilience and wisdom.
In the past their hardiness, capacity to survive on marginal land, and nutrient-dense milk, made them invaluable to small farmers.
"This research is a huge milestone for the Old Irish Goat, and provides powerful scientific validation of what local communities and conservationists have long believed – that the Old Irish Goat represents a living piece of our ancient heritage,” said Sinead Keane of The Old Irish Goat Society.
“It also underscores the urgency of protecting this critically endangered breed, which carries within it a living genetic record of Ireland’s ancient past,” she added.
It is often argued in these welcome days of cultural diversity and inclusiveness that nobody has a patent on being Irish.
However, Ireland's old wild goats might have a thing or two say on that point.
And, unusually for such a contentious topic of conversation, they have real science and real history on their side.
Indeed, a recent research project involving leading scientists, archaeologists and historians has found that Ireland’s wild goats are direct descendants of those kept by the country’s Bronze Age farmers more than 3,000 years ago.
The collaborative research project involving UCD, Queen’s University Belfast, and international partners, confirmed the genetic link.
The findings reshape the understanding of Ireland’s agricultural past and bolsters conservation efforts for the Old Irish Goat, those involved with the project claimed.
Researchers analysed goat remains from Haughey’s Fort in Co Armagh, dating to around 1100-900 BCE, and also remains from the medieval town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim.
Radiocarbon dating, and genetic and protein analyses were used to confirm that the Armagh goat's remains were from the Late Bronze Age. The oldest goat remains identified in Ireland to date.
Genomic comparisons of both the Armagh and Carrickfergus goats revealed that these ancient animals share their strongest genetic affinity with the critically endangered Old Irish Goat population that survives today.
Ireland's Old Wild Goats have been associated with the country for over 3,000 years.
Known historically as 'an Gabhar Fiáin' – the wild goat – the Old Irish Goat is deeply rooted in Irish folklore, echoes of which are evident in Kerry's Puck Fair and the traditional song 'An Poc ar Buile'.
Surviving today in small feral herds, the goat has long been viewed as a symbol of resilience and wisdom.
In the past their hardiness, capacity to survive on marginal land, and nutrient-dense milk, made them invaluable to small farmers.
"This research is a huge milestone for the Old Irish Goat, and provides powerful scientific validation of what local communities and conservationists have long believed – that the Old Irish Goat represents a living piece of our ancient heritage,” said Sinead Keane of The Old Irish Goat Society.
“It also underscores the urgency of protecting this critically endangered breed, which carries within it a living genetic record of Ireland’s ancient past,” she added.
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