Monsters in the Morning

Monsters in the Morning

You wanted the best. You got the best! The Monsters in the Morning on REAL Radio 104.1!Full Bio

 

"Russ Rollins' Journey to Discovering Irish Heritage much later in life”

"Russ Rollins' Journey to Discovering His Irish Heritage much later in life”

By: Russ Rollins

WTKS Orlando- Real Radio 104.1

March 13, 2023 4:29PM

I never knew much about my family history until four years ago when I took a trip to Ireland. My name is Russ Rollins, and I host the Monsters in the Morning on Real Radio 104.1. I had always been curious about my heritage, but it wasn't until I found myself walking down the streets of O'Halloran, Ireland that everything changed.

My mother's maiden name is Halloran, and all I ever knew was my parents were from West Virginia. I never knew I had Irish roots until I took that trip. As I wandered through the town, something clicked inside me, and I felt like I had come home. The people were friendly, the scenery was beautiful, and there was a sense of history and tradition that I had never experienced before.

I decided to do a DNA test to learn more about my ancestry. To my surprise, the results showed that I was 67% Irish. I was shocked to learn that I had such a strong connection to this beautiful country.

The genealogy center in the Irish town also revealed that my family's original name was O'Halloran, which had been changed when my great-great-grandfather arrived in America. Learning this history was like finding a missing piece of myself. I felt a sense of pride and belonging that I had never experienced before.

Since that trip, I've made a conscious effort to embrace my Irish heritage. I've visited other parts of Ireland, learned more about Irish culture, and even started listening to traditional Irish music . It's been an incredible journey of self-discovery, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about my roots.

Discovering my Irish heritage has given me a sense of pride and belonging that I never knew was missing. It's amazing how a single trip to a small town in Ireland could change my life in such a profound way. I feel like I've discovered a part of myself that was always there, just waiting to be uncovered.

Here are a few photos we took when I was in Ireland. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

RRR

Russ & Maryellen at the Cliffs of Moher

Photo: RRR

The oldest pub in Ireland.

Photo: RRR

Bonratty Castle

Photo: RRR

I don't think I would have fit in 1402 Ireland. lol

Photo: RRR

This is the "ring of love".

Photo: RRR

Leprechauns on St. Patricks Day!

Photo: RRR

St. Patrick's day in Dublin.

Photo: RRR

A church from 423 A.D.

Photo: RRR

This is the place in Dublin that makes Guinness.

Photo: RRR

Photo: RRR

Photo: RRR

O'halloran Ireland.

Photo: RRR

Going to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Photo: RRR

Photo: RRR


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