Irish Mexicans (Spanish:Irlandés-mexicano orHibernomexicano;Irish:Gael-Meicsiceach) are inhabitants ofMexico that are immigrants from or descendants of immigrants fromIreland. The majority of Irish immigrants to Mexico wereCatholic.
A few Mexican Irish communities existed inMexican Texas prior to theTexas Revolution. They were fully integrated into Mexican society at the time and were linked to their host society through inter-marriage, a shared language, and business ties.[2] When revolution broke out, many Irish sided with Catholic Mexico against Protestant pro-U.S. elements.[3] TheSaint Patrick's Battalion was aMexican Army unit of mostly Irish soldiers who deserted from the U.S. army during theMexican–American War.[4] Veterans of the battalion were awarded with the Cross of Honor for their service to the Mexican government.[5] In some cases, Irish immigrants or Americans left fromCalifornia (the Irish Confederate army ofFort Yuma,Arizona during theAmerican Civil War in 1861) and blended into Mexican society instead.[6]
Álvaro Obregón (O'Brien) waspresident of Mexico during 1920–1924 andCiudad Obregón and itsairport are named in his honor. ActorAnthony Quinn is another famous Mexican of Irish descent. There are also monuments in Mexico City paying tribute to those Irish who fought for Mexico in the 1800s.[7]
Louis CK, Mexican descended comedian and actor, mother wasIrish American, father was Mexican/Hungarian. CK (Szekely) was partially raised in Mexico City[8]
Margo, Mexican actress and dancer of Irish descent
