I know there were Irish protestant but I wondered about the wakes. Too my understanding the Irish wakes were designed for what we now call the now "embombing" ---- pouring "the drink" down poor desceased Uncle Patrick perserving him for awhile and the singing and dancing and drinking went on and on . At the end poor Uncle Patrick was the lucky one as he didn't need to sober up. :-) . My family from Dallas county were al prostant Irish but I just wasn't sure if they just enjoyed an excuse to drink or if there were actual wakes.-- I know in my day they are a wee bit calmer but at times in the past they still like to drink their souls into heaven. My poor husband was introduced to half the extend family at one. :-) LOL Betty Flanagan McBee -- Irish blessings to all of you and Erin go Braugh too;0)