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Number 1 would surely have to be an obsession with 'Irishness' itself. I don't think I know an Irish person who doesn't love to talk about ourselves, our place in the grand scheme of things, or the state of the country. In comparison to where I live in England, where its rare to meet someone with an opinion on anything to do with their country.

AZ - that list would be a start alright, but I immediately thought of my ould one who only ticks the language box there. Hates sport and trad ceol but is the most Irish obsessed introspective nationalist I know!

I don't think the lad was saying you have to like all aspects of Irish culture - the gah, dancing, trad ceol etc etc - just simply that having a distinct culture is one of the major determinants of nationality.

On the advancing 'Britishness' in NI? I'm not from there myself so wouldn't be 100% qualified to comment but it appears to me in recent years more of an advancing 'northern irishness'. Like its becoming its own distinct identity. Diluted Britishness. Cementing of this new identity I feel is the biggest threat to nationalists all Ireland desires than any solidification of the Union.