Because of the recent notes and URL about the Irish likely not being Celts, here is a view from a lady who likely knows more about the subject than most of us, and surely more than do I. Paul Subject: re Irish not being Celts Dear Paul: Having had our family DNA in done for the (BFOOV) - and we did the other test too for the alleles - for closest genetic matches - it was astounding to see the matches for the Nordic related numbers, as well as, Russian and central European, but by far, the most matching alleles came from Icelandic peoples, which would make sense, since the Vikings invaded these areas early on. Since I am an anthropologist - one must remember that research without empirical data CAN be swayed to represent ones ideological agenda! Somewhere in the middle lies the truth. One must also ask "who paid for the research" - this is always important in approaching the end result. Another perspective one needs to consider, it is often difficult when doing anthropology in Ireland, because being wood and other decay able materials - a lot of it, simply disappeared, in addition, to having a inhabitable coastline, where really ancient materials would have been swept away. What is interesting to consider, is that steppe peoples, from which most of us descend, went out in two different directions, those to the east and those to the west. If one would look at the decorations, burial rituals and funereal items found in the steppes, types of structure in clothing items, (when found) and tool replications, along with ornamentation - you may notice a distinct similarity. I do not doubt the validity of some of this material - I do find it hard to believe there is no viable inclusion of "Celtic" descendancy in larger numbers. That is just my perspective - always read between the lines! karen To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html