First Genetic Map Of People Of Ireland Is Presented By Irish, British And American Researchers

AncientPages.com - The first genetic map of the people of Ireland has been presented by a team of Irish, British and American researchers who analyzed data from 194 Irish folks with 4 generations of ancestry across the island.

DNA samples from 196 Irish individuals with four generations of ancestry linked to specific areas across the island of Ireland, have been collected by researchers led by RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and the Genealogical Society of Ireland.

Researchers have identified 10 distinct groupings (clusters), roughly aligned with the ancient Provinces; seven linked to ancient Irish kingdoms and three of shared British-Irish ancestry, as well as the impact of such important historical events as the invasions of the Vikings and the Ulster Plantations.

The places of the 10 clusters recognized within the Irish inhabitants perceived to mirror both the borders of the 4 Irish provinces – Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht – or historic kingdoms.

Interestingly, the Vikings had a better affect at the Irish gene pool than up to now anticipated.

“… We find evidence of a west-Norwegian-like ancestry that we believe is a signature of the Norse Vikings. We also observe the impact of historical events such as the Ulster Plantations on the DNA of the people of Ireland,” Edmund Gilbert (RCSI), first author on the paper, said.

See also:

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Analyses of the DNA reveal geographic clusters within Ireland: so far seven of ‘Gaelic’ Irish ancestry, and three of shared British-Irish ancestry.

The map reveals very subtle genetic DNA differences between people across the island.

“People frequently display a strong sense of regional identity, and it now appears there may be a scientific basis for it,” Prof Gianpiero Cavalleri from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland said.

However, “it does not mean someone from Munster is dramatically different to someone from Donegal in looks or traits.”

Key findings are:

• That prior to the mass movement of people in recent decades, there were numerous distinct genetic clusters found in specific regions across Ireland.
• Seven of those revealed so far are of ‘Gaelic’ Irish ancestry and describe the borders of either Irish Provinces or historical kingdoms.
• The remaining three are of shared Irish-British ancestry, and are mostly found in the north of Ireland and probably reflect the Ulster Plantations.
• Two of the ‘Gaelic’ clusters together align with the boundaries of the province of Munster, and individually are associated with the boundaries of the kingdoms of Dál Cais and the Eóganacht.
• There are relatively high levels of North-West French-like (probably ‘Celtic’), and evidence of West Norwegian-like (probably Viking) ancestry within Ireland.
• There is evidence of continual, low level migration between the north of Ireland and the south and west of Scotland.

The findings will add to the knowledge base required to improve the diagnosis of diseases where genes play a strong role, particularly for populations of Irish ancestry, according to Prof Cavalleri.

Diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis, are more common in Ireland compared to mainland European populations. Multiple sclerosis is more common in the northern part of the island.

The findings are revealed within the magazine Scientific Reports.

Original story - here.

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