Donald Clarke: Jimmy Kimmel was very polite about his recent Irish trip. But he is mistaken

Donald Clarke on Jimmy Kimmel's Irish Trip

TV host Jimmy Kimmel spoke politely about his recent visit to Ireland, praising the country's kindness and political maturity. However, Donald Clarke argues that Irish people are no more polite or generous than people in Kimmel's home country.

Personal Experience in New York

Clarke recalls arriving in New York City on a J1 visa about 4,000 years ago. He sought work in a field he understood and was directed to the relevant union. There, he met a woman who was exceptionally helpful, offering advice and numerous contacts.

“You came all this way without a job?” she breathed. “Let’s see what we can do.” After her assistance, she said, “Now, don’t let anyone tell you New Yorkers are rude.”

Clarke had never considered New Yorkers rude, only occasionally brusque compared to rural dwellers.

Reflection on Kimmel's View of Ireland

This memory surfaced while watching Jimmy Kimmel praise Ireland's decency and friendliness, despite a light-hearted mention of leprechauns early in his comments.

“Yes, I’m afraid he did get a mention of leprechauns in early, but, for the most part, he was here to praise our decency, friendliness and political maturity.”

Summary

Donald Clarke suggests that the politeness Kimmel admired in Ireland is not unique and compares similarly to the experience of politeness found in New York.

Author’s summary: The perceived politeness and generosity in Ireland, as praised by Jimmy Kimmel, parallels everyday kindness found in other places like New York, revealing universal human decency rather than a unique Irish trait.

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The Irish Times The Irish Times — 2025-11-02

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