He fought for the development of Irish and Canadian national identities that would transcend their component groups.
Religion has been important to the Irish American identity in America, and continues to play a major role in their communities.
He retained a strong sense of his Irish identity, and returned every year for holidays.
TV3 programming has often been criticised for having no "distinctive, clearly Irish identity".
So the Irish are investing time and money to hang onto their Irish identity.
Gaelic culture and language forms an important part of the Irish national identity.
This was, in part, due to the political need for an individual Irish identity.
"It's part of the Irish identity to become an American citizen," said the husky, 24-year-old man with rusty hair and sober blue eyes.
These communities replaced the older Catholic ruling class, which shared with the general population a common Irish identity and set of political attitudes.
In every sphere, including language and music, it has been a struggle to achieve an Irish identity.