Are Shaquille O'Neill ancestors Irish?

Question

I was browsing the web about him and they said he was originally Irish. Is he really? He's such a good player.Thank you.

Answer 1

 The O'Neills originated in County Tyrone in what is now known as Northern Ireland and many O'Neills still live in what is known as the 'O'Neill or Red Hand' county. The 'RED HAND' is a historic symbol of the O'Neills and can been seen in the flag of the province of Ulster to his day.  In 1609, Hugh O'Neill, one of the ancient chiefs of Ireland who had defied the forces of the English crown for many years, left Rathmullan in County Donegal to go into exile in Italy, this is known as the 'Flight of the Earls'.  The Fight of the Earls was to represent the last resistance if the native Irish against the invasion of the English.  Many of the O'Neill clan retreated to the Sperrin Mountains of north and east Tyrone and many O'Neill families still live in these areas today.  I am sure Shaquille O'Neill would be welcomed with open arms in any part of Tyrone.  Perhaps he might be interested in a trial as a mid fielder with the Tyrone GAA team!