As a genuine Plastic ( or rather East Irish ) the term " Black Irish " is very appropriate to all our Cork family - especially my eldest brother Desmond, who could pass for a bona fide Afghan any day. But rather than the Armada, I have been told that there are two views on this according to current thinking; 1. These are the original indigenous inhabitants of Britain, blue eyes, black hair etc. etc. The hunter gatherers, first farmers. 2. That there was much trading with people sailing from North Africa and Iberia, with the usual consequences....... And " lace curtain Irish " was always used as a put-down by my mother, who certainly was an expert! Slan, Mary