Shamrock Aborigines: the Irish, the Aboriginal Australians and their children

Shamrock Aborigine' is the sentimental nickname to denote Aboriginal Australians with Irish descent. The Shamrock's green, round-leafed trinity has become a national and religious symbol of Irishness, associated with both Saint Patrick and good luck. This humble wild plant suggests closeness to the earth and a grounded sense of place. As a signifier for a rural people, it also evokes many intangible so-called national characteristics such as a quirky sense of humour, a cherished memory of magical creatures or faerie, a storytelling 'gift of the gab' and a love of emotive ballads. 1 Moree's Aboriginal rugby team is called the 'Shamrock Aboriginal Warriors'. 2 They wear green, white and a shamrock emblem. Earlier clues that Aboriginal people may have adopted the emblem include an 1890s a a with a shamrock carving. From the tablelands district of New South Wales, it is now held in the Australian Museum. 3 Some contemporary Darug people believe their ancestors intermarried with the Irish to provide immunity from the near-devastating contagion of smallpox.