After decades of curiosity about her lineage, Pat Sydlo-Arshan, a 73-year-old resident of Port St. Lucie, has finally connected with her Irish heritage through a DNA test. Her journey culminated in an emotional visit to her great-grandfather’s ancestral cottage in County Roscommon, Ireland, a home maintained by her family for over 200 years.

“Americans always know they’re from somewhere else,” Sydlo-Arshan told TCPalm. “All these people are ones you’ve heard of in your head, but you would never imagine meeting them.”

DNA Test Reveals Family Connections

Sydlo-Arshan’s search began with a DNA test and a message on Ancestry.com. A genealogist from Ireland reached out after discovering a strong DNA match between Sydlo-Arshan and her husband’s uncle. This revelation opened the door to a past that had long remained a mystery.

Her family’s story traces back to the aftermath of the Great Irish Famine, when her great-grandfather, Patrick, emigrated to America in 1890. Patrick settled in New York with his wife, Margaret, actively supporting Irish causes and sending funds back home.

Tragic Family History Unveiled

The family’s American journey took a tragic turn when Sydlo-Arshan’s grandfather, Martin, died in a train accident before her mother was born. This tragedy disconnected her mother from her paternal relatives, leaving Sydlo-Arshan with only newspaper clippings and fragmented stories discovered later at the Bayonne Public Library in New Jersey.

Emotional Reunion in Ireland

In November, Sydlo-Arshan embarked on a three-week trip to Ireland to reconnect with her distant relatives. Her first stop was the ancestral cottage in Roscommon, followed by a heartfelt meeting with her newfound cousin in Galway. The cousin brought a collection of family photographs, sharing stories of relatives Sydlo-Arshan had never known.

“They brought an entire bucket of pictures,” she recalled, “showing me all the people I could never meet. They told me stories about them, told me who they were.” The day concluded at a local pub with traditional Irish hospitality, creating new memories to cherish.

A Thanksgiving Celebration Abroad

The emotional highlight of Sydlo-Arshan’s journey occurred in Dublin, where the genealogist’s family hosted a special Thanksgiving dinner, believing she had missed the American holiday. “We were all sitting around saying this should be a movie,” Sydlo-Arshan laughed, suggesting actress Saoirse Ronan could portray her younger self.

For Sydlo-Arshan, a retired English teacher who once considered remaining in Ireland during a trip 45 years ago, this reunion held profound significance. “I’m 73 years old and went all this while, always wondering about them,” she reflected. “And someone gave me this gift of: these are your people.”

Global Family Connections

Today, Sydlo-Arshan’s family extends across multiple continents, including America, Ireland, and even Australia. Her journey underscores the enduring power of ancestry and modern technology to bridge historical divides.

“They just love their heritage so much, they’re so open and warm and friendly,” she said of her Irish relatives. “I feel like I don’t deserve that. I feel so lucky.” With a smile, she added, “I guess you could say it’s the luck of the Irish!”

For more information on genealogy and DNA testing, visit the official page of the National Human Genome Research Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions About Discovering Irish Heritage

How can DNA testing help trace family history?

DNA testing identifies genetic matches that can connect individuals with distant relatives and ancestral origins. Services like Ancestry.com provide tools to explore these connections.

What is the significance of County Roscommon?

County Roscommon, located in Ireland, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was the ancestral home of many Irish emigrants who settled abroad.

What resources are available for researching Irish genealogy?

Online databases, historical archives, and local libraries offer extensive resources for researching Irish ancestry. Organizations like the Irish Genealogical Society provide valuable assistance.

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