Donald Clarke: Jimmy Kimmel was very polite about his recent Irish trip. But he is mistaken

I’m glad the TV host had a good time here, but Irish people are no more polite or generous than his fellow citizens back home.

Experience in New York

About 4,000 years ago, I visited New York City on a J1 visa. Early on, I tried to get a job in a familiar field. I had to talk to the union representing that workforce.

The woman I met could hardly have been more helpful. “You came all this way without a job?” she said. “Let’s see what we can do.”

After half an hour of advice, alternative job suggestions, and useful phone numbers, she looked at me warmly.

“Now, don’t let anyone tell you New Yorkers are rude,”

she said.

Until then, I had found New Yorkers a bit brusque but no less polite than people in any big city. Few had time to chat like small-town folk.

Reflections on Jimmy Kimmel’s Comments

This memory came back when watching Jimmy Kimmel talk about his trip to Ireland. Although he mentioned leprechauns early on, he mainly praised the Irish for their decency, friendliness, and political maturity.

“Yes, I’m afraid he did get a mention of leprechauns in early, but, for the most part, he was here to praise our decency, friendliness and political maturity.”

However, I believe the idea that the Irish are especially polite or generous compared to others is mistaken.

Author's summary: Personal experiences show that politeness and generosity are not uniquely Irish traits, challenging common stereotypes.

The Irish Times — 2025-11-02