Millions of Men May Be Descended From Irish King

[Astronuc]

This is interesting, but I could decide if the appropriate topic is genetics or history.

Up to three million men living around the world today could be descended from a fifth-century Irish king, according to a new study.

Research suggests as many as 1 in 12 men in Ireland carry the genes of Niall of the Nine Hostages, bolstering claims that the ancient warlord founded a dynasty that dominated Ireland for centuries.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/01/0120_060120_irish_men.html

 

[arildno]

What happens to Niall's descendants if it is proven he didn't exist after all?
Do they evaporate or something?

Nice link, though.

 

[Astronuc]

What happens to Niall's descendants if it is proven he didn't exist after all?
Do they evaporate or something?
Nice link, though.

Dunno. I hope I am not one of them. :rofl:

It looked interesting.

 

[Lisa!]

Not a difficult job to guess which 1 of PF'ers are his descendants! :uhh:

 

[selfAdjoint]

Over at gnxp someone pointed that in addition to the specifiv Y-chromosome inheritance, practically everyone of Irish descent has SOME genes from the early procreator of the Ua Niall clan and associates (whether Niall of history or someone else. They can't be sure that Genghis Khan is the procreator of that Asian descent either; it's just very possible). So since I am 1/16 Irish, I suppose I have a Niall gene or two kicking around.