US Late Show host Stephen Colbert has revealed his Cavan roots – that he didn’t even know he had himself.
The chat show king retweeted Twitter page 'Cavan Calling' who shared Colbert’s roots with fans.
They tweeted: “Did you know renowned Late Show star, comedian, and satirist @StephenAtHome Colbert has Cavan roots through his great-great grandmother Margaret McMahon, from Cootehill?
“Join us to celebrate them and the global Cavan family at #CavanCalling 26-30 July 2023 http://cavancalling.com”
A surprised Stephen retweeted the statement, writing “I had no idea! Thanks for calling, Cavan. #cavancalling”
The TV star has always been aware that he has strong Irish ancestry. According to genealogist Megan Smolenyak, 15 of his 16 great-great-grandparents were either born in Ireland or were of Irish heritage.
Stephen's Irish heritage is a mixed bag, with ancestors from areas around the country. But his Cavan roots were unknown to him until they came up on Twitter.
Research by famed genealogist Megan Smolenyak confirmed this claim. Her findings reveal that Stephen's great-great-grandfather Owen Fee was from Monaghan, and he married Margaret McMahon.
According to Megan, Owen "emigrated in March 1835 and filed his intent to become a citizen in Rochester, New York in 1837.
"He worked as a butcher there, but passed away unexpectedly in 1855, leaving his widow Margaret with five children, the youngest of whom was only four," Margaret added.
Cavan Calling takes place between July 27 and July 30. The four-day festival will feature on-street concerts, exhibitions, culinary events, music, song, dance, and more. There will also be a special two-day Ancestry and Genealogy Conference, food markets, and a street carnival.
"This exciting program highlights the exceptional creative talent Cavan has to offer. There is something for everyone, whether they are traveling to Cavan for the first time or living locally," said Cathaoirleach Cllr Feeley.
Stephen Colbert isn't the only famous face with roots in Co Cavan. Movie star Matthew McConaughey is also believed to have historical family ties to Cavan.
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