So with Saint Patrick’s Day, we have once again seventeen Irish heros from all sorts of media. Enjoy!
17) Rory Dugan AKA Cu Chulainn from Gargoyles
In this Gargoyles episode the gargoyles had been to Avalon, and are trying to get home. Avalon never sends anyone where they want to go, but where they are needed. The crew find themselves in Ireland.
In Ireland, Rory Dugan is constantly being nagged by his father to get a better job, but he just enjoys being in the land, being a part of it. His best friend, Meghan is trying to get him to go to America, but Rory does not want to leave.
When the Gargoyles come into the land, the evil Banshee imprisons them as she is going to destroy all of Ireland. Bronx manages to slip away and he comes upon Rory. When the Banshee tries to bring destruction, Rory reawakens with Bronx’s help, into the ancient figure Cu Chulainn, to battle once more.
Why Cu Chulainn is Awesome:
At first glance he is just a sweet guy in love with his home country and trying to do what he wants, even though he is constantly pressured by his father. You wouldn’t have pegged him for some kind of warrior, that is until he transforms and becomes this awesome figure.
For more on Gargoyles, go to A FANtastic Voyage
16) Mickey McGinnes from Hell on Wheels
Hell on Wheels is an amazing show that I just absolutely love. Hell on Wheels takes place after the Civil War, in which railroad companies are trying to create raillines all over the United States. Thomas “Doc” Durant is the one who is in charge of the investors and building the railroad. Thor Gundreson is his security man, known as the Swede, even though he is Norwegian. They oversee a huge group of people: freed slaves, immigrants, and others leaving the South and North looking for jobs. Cullen Bohannon, an ex-confederate soldier, becomes foreman of the railroad, but unbeknownst to anyone, Cullen has a secret vendetta, to kill the men who raped and murdered his wife and child.
Why Mickey McGinnes is Awesome:
Mickey McGinnes is the younger brother of Seán and one of the many immigrants coming over from Ireland to make their fortune in America. He and his brother don’t actually work the railroad, but have a picture show that they charge workers to see photos of Ireland, along with singing and playing Irish music. Now I’ve only seen season one, so this might change later, but Mickey is a sweet guy who is trying to achieve his and his brother’s dream; along with helping to take care of their improvised family back home in Ireland. His biggest flaw is that fails to think things through all the time, but is adorable and sweet enough to gain your forgiveness.
For more on Hell on Wheels, go to Fandom Love
15) Roux from Chocolat (2000)
A woman and her daughter move to a small French town to open a chocolate shop. With their unorthodox ways, they begin sweetening up the village. But not everything they do is accepted. As Lent approaches many find their chocolate being immoral; many are appalled at their encouragement of the gypsies; and few approve of their influence over a townswoman to leave her abusive husband. Now the two find themseves deciding whether to stay and fight, or run away and start anew.
Why Roux is Awesome:
Roux is barely in the film, but of what we do see we like. And I’m not just talking about the fact that he is played by Johnny Depp. Roux is an Irish gypsy that is trying to raises money by selling handcrafted bracelets. He also is an excellent handyman and a musician. He uses both talents to assist Vivienne, the chocolate shop owner, in repairs and entertainment. In addition to that, he has a great heart, caring for an orphan gypsy girl.
For more on Johnny Depp, go to Krueger Town
14) Sam McGuire from Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire was a show about a preteen girl; trying to become her own person. She often would spend the episode talking to her inner self (shown by cartoon). She had two quirky parents who actually parented (rare for TV); an annoying, younger brother, Matt; and two best friends, Gordo and Miranda. Lizzie was crazy about the hottest guy in school, Ethan, and was constantly bullied by the most popular girl in school, Kate. It was a hilarious and endearing show.
Why Mr. McGuire is Awesome:
Lizzie’s dad is very quirky, for instance he paints gnomes. He was a bit of a nerd growing up, and continued through the rest of his life. Often times he leaves the parenting up to his wife Jo, as he never punishes as much as Jo wants and agrees to things that could be possibly dangerous, (for instance some of Matt’s pranks). But, Sam is always there for his kids when they need him. He helps Lizzie out with her insecurities, is supportive of the activities they want to do; and above all makes sure he has time set aside for them.
For more Lizzie McGuire & Family, go to Night of the Day of the Dead: Lizzie McGuire (2001)
13) Seán McGinnes from Hell on Wheels
Hell on Wheels is an amazing show that I just absolutely love. Hell on Wheels takes place after the Civil War, in which railroad companies are trying to create raillines all over the United States. Thomas “Doc” Durant is the one who is in charge of the investors and building the railroad. Thor Gundreson is his security man, known as the Swede, even though he is Norwegian. They oversee a huge group of people: freed slaves, immigrants, and others leaving the South and North looking for jobs. Cullen Bohannon, an ex-confederate soldier, becomes foreman of the railroad, but unbeknownst to anyone, Cullen has a secret vendetta, to kill the men who raped and murdered his wife and child.
Why Seán is Awesome:
Seán is the older brother of Mickey (#16) and is also one of the many immigrants coming from Ireland in hopes of a better future. Seán, being the eldest, is much more responsible, hard-working, and thinks about the future and what his actions may or may not bring about. As I mentioned above, Mickey is short-sided and lives in the now, Seán is the one thinking ahead, making sure they can provide for themselves, and send money back home to the family. Mickey’s impetuousness can get the two into trouble, whole Seán’s level-head gets them out. When the Swede wants money from them in order to “protect” their business, Seán does not want to pay. In fact, he becomes an instrumental figure in ousting the Swede from the company. Now as I have mentioned before, I have yet to watch the rest of the seasons, so his character might change, but for now he is one awesome man.
12) Lizzie McGuire from Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire was a show about a preteen girl; trying to become her own person. She often would spend the episode talking to her inner self (shown by cartoon). She had two quirky parents who actually parented (rare for TV); an annoying, younger brother; and two best friends. Lizzie was crazy about the hottest guy in school, Ethan, and was constantly bullied by the most popular girl in school, Kate. It was a hilarious and endearing show.
Why Lizzie McGuire is Awesome:
What other preteen girl growing up in the ’90s-2000s didn’t want to be Lizzie McGuire? Lizzie was awesome as she was just a regular girl, trying to live a normal life, but as we know life is never normal. She had amazing clothes and was always involved in cool things; such as going to a Scottish poetry night, in a mystery dinner party, meeting Aaron Carter, dating Frankie Muniz, having an amazing 1940s swing dance, a zombie Halloween, etc. Every preteen wanted to live her life and be just like Lizzie, a awesome girl with a heart of gold.
For more Lizzie McGuire, go to Disney Lesson
11)Det. Lt. Mark McPherson from Laura
I highly recommend reading my review of this film, or watching the movie yourself. It is really amazing, a great whodunit and film noir.
In this film noir, Det. Lt. Mark McPherson is investigating the death of the beautiful, intelligent, i.e the perfect woman; Laura. Even though Laura is someone that everyone would love, and no one would want dead, there are actually quite a few people on McPherson’s suspect list; including her cousin, fianceé, and best friend. As he continues to investigate he encounters an even bigger surprise.
Why McPherson is Awesome:
At first McPherson is cold, gruff, and concludes that there is nothing that special about Laura, every dame is the same. If you read between the lines you can see that McPherson had his heart broken, and since then has had a poor view on women and love. However, as he starts investigating into who Laura is and looking at all her things, he begins to fall in love with who she was, melting that icy exterior and showing his true caring heart. When Laura appears, he has to investigate her; never allowing personal feelings to come before the job, but at the same time is able to finally let down his walls and find true happiness.
For more on Laura, go to Murder is My Favorite Crime: Laura (1944)
10) Hannah McDermott from Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson
Hannah is Irish and proud of it. She lives on Galvston Island with her parents, and has a burgeoning photography buisness, Picture This! Hannah is constantly stuggling as she feels she is second best. Second to her sisters as they are all married with kids; second in photography to Drew Kincaid, etc. She keeps trying to get a leg up on her competition, but finds herself second, as always. She tries to get on board with Bella Neeley, Club Wed’s famous Wedding Planner, and finds herself in one crazy adventure involving Bella’s large family, a country music diva, a famous actor, and of course her competition: Drew Kincaid. As she goes along she finds her faith tested, along with discovering that her judgements of what she thinks of people, and how she feels people think if her may not be right at all.
Why Hannah is Awesome:
Hannah is a very real character that is trying to find her place and foothold in the world. She tries to control everything, but soon discovers that she must give it all up to God. She does befriend Bella in order for Bella to improve her business, but immediately apologizes to Bella and starts to be with her just for the friendship of Bella. When she discovers that she is wrong about Drew, she begins to trust him and treats him as nice as possible to make up for it.
For more on Janice Thompson, go to Pizza Power
9) Joe from Bend it Like Beckham
Jesminder “Jess” Kaur Bhamra is from an orthodox Sikh family living in London, England. Her parents are very traditional, and don’t approve of her love of football/soccer. One day, Juliettte “Jules” Paxton, spots her playing with friends and invites her to join the girls’ football league. She does, but has to hide it from her family, along with dealing with the clash between her culture, race, and dreams. She becomes very close to the coach Joe, which causes issues as her now best friend Jules has a huge crush on him; along with the fact that he is not a good Indian boy. Everything comes to a head when the tournament falls on the same day as her sister’s wedding; forcing her to make a choice.
Why Joe is Awesome:
Joe is an amazing guy. He had to deal with racism all his life, as he is thoroughly Irish. His father wanted him to be the best soccer player ever, pushing him when he had an injury, and causing him to blow his knee. Brokenhearted as he could no longer play, he instead took over the job of coaching, starting a girl’s league. He is kind and sweet; yet still tough and great at working with the girls to achieve their maximum levels.
When Jess comes on the team he is a great support and encourager as he understands what it is like to be different. He really tries to get her to go for her dreams and not give up because of what her family thinks. He ends up falling for Jess, and even though she wants to keep it a secret because of her parents, he pushes it forward; wanting everything out in the open. The two becoming a couple when he is no longer her coach.
And the last reason why Joe is awesome? He’s played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, one of the most attractive men ever to be here on the planet. He just has stunning eyes, smile…*swoon*
8) Drew Kincaid from Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson
Drew Kincaid is a good ole’ Irish boy. He served as a Marine and then moved home to Galvston Island to take care of his mother after his father died. He started a photography buisness and has been blessed by being named Bella Neeley’s #1 pick along with having photographed famous Brock Bensen, TV icon. He meets Hannah McDermott at an interview, and soon after finds himself running into her. He is very intrigued with Hannah and starts making excuses to see her more and more.
Why Drew is awesome:
Drew is a true romantic hero. He is always kind and sweet to Hannah, interceding when a guy tries to become too familiar with her. He never considers her as competition, but an equal and is always very honest and forthcoming with her. He is always willing to lend a hand, sympathetic ear, or an extra camera. When Hannah says they can’t date because their families have been feuding for decades (a story her father told her that proved false), he researches all her can to create a truce, as was done in the old country, and proposes in Gaelic. *Swoon*
7) Nate Ford from Leverage
In Leverage Nate Ford brings together different criminals; hacker Alec Hardisan, thief Parker, grifter Sophie Devereaux, , and hitter Eliot Spencer; in order to take down the corrupt. What starts out as a one time thing, becomes a company as they travel all over the U.S., Africa, etc; and commit various cons: being a chocolate taster, pretending to be a famous fashion designer, taking over a private school, taking over a cooking school, etc.; in order to help out the little guy getting shafted.
Why Nate is Awesome:
Nate had a con artist father, and devoted his adult life to investigating insurance claims, taking down those who tried to con the company. He saved the company millions, but when his son was sick, the company refused to pay out. He was always spurred on by his sense of justice, and this injustice of a big corporation that was supposed to help, became a catalyst to creating the Leverage team.
Of the group Nate is the mastermind, always planning, plotting, and figuring out a way to use people the best way to achieve his results. He cares about the crew, and gets to know them better than they know themselves, figuring out what strengths they have and what more they can do; pushing them to be better. In a lot of ways he fathers his team members, nurturing them and helping them stay on the straight and narrow path.
For more on Leverage, go to A Fantabulous Post
6)Thomas O’Malley from The Aristocats
When butler Edgar finds out that his rich, elderly, employer is leaving all her money to her cats, with Edgar second; he decides to get rid of them. He drugs the cat, Duchess, and her three kittens; Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz; dumping them out in the country. These pampered pets awaken to a shock and have no idea how to get home. Luckily for them, they meet a tomcat, Thomas O’Malley, an amorous animal, who is at first only interested in Duchess, but decides to help the whole family. Their adventure involves train disasters, near drowning, some silly english geese, Thomas O’Malley’s crew, and one of the best songs Disney as ever written Everybody Wants to Be a Cat.
Why Thomas O’Malley is awesome:
At first Thomas is a cad, there is no way around that. He is a wandering cat and going off with any pretty cat he can find. When he comes upon Duchess, she sees through his act and cuts him down to size with her impeccable grace. He agrees to get them a ride, throwing himself in front of a milk car, and believes that to be his good deed, unwittingly finding that false and him caught up with them again. He agrees to stay and help them find their way home; rescuing Marie twice, and giving up his pad for them to rest in. He loves Duchess, but would never dream of trying to pull her away from her home and misstress, and decides to leave. But when Edgar causes problems and Duchess needs him, he comes running back saving the family, with a little help from his friends. In the end he decides to give up his freedom and wandering ways, for a different life, one of stability, love, and family with Duchess. Besides those amazing qualities, Thomas puts the “cool” in “cool cat” and is one sweet rocker
5) Jimmy Quinn from The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
The Sparrow is set in the future and is a retelling of the Jesuit missionaries to the “New World” aka America, this time going into outer space. Emilio, a Jesuit priest, is the only crew member to survive the expedition to the planet Rakhat and he is damaged physically and psychologically, unable to reveal what occurred. The rest of the story is told back and forth between the present time of Emilio’s arrival on Earth as his fellow Jesuits try to find out what happened and flashbacks to when the expedition first began. The expedition began when music from another planet is picked up by one of Earth’s satellite. Jimmy Quinn is the one who notices this and alerts his friends: Emilio the Jesuit priest; Ann and her husband who are both doctors; and Sofia, a linguist and programer. Emilio presents the possibility of creating a mission to another planet to teach and learn about them, see more of God’s creation, grow closer to Him, etc. It quickly snowballs and the group, plus a few more characters set off for the other planet. This trip turns out to much more than they expected as they discover that history not only repeats itself, but that this trip holds more than any had dreamed of.
Why Jimmy Quinn is Awesome:
Jimmy is a sweet gangly guy, who grew up in New York and studied science. He hoped to get a job, but like most graduates, finds very few places hiring. He ends up working at a station that pays pittance, but takes it all in stride, grateful and happy to have something. I think that really describes Jimmy’s personality the best; he is kind, sweet, happy, and always grateful for the little things. When his company brings in a programer, Sofia, who will analyze his job and try to create a computer system to replace him; he isn’t petty, rude, or, mean; but just takes in his usual stride. He falls for Sofia, but she doesn’t care the same for him; and he takes the rejection better than most. He is never rude, cruel, or harsh; but goes on treating her the same way as always. This causes Sofia to take another look his way, and he eventually wins her heart. Now his treatment of Sofia is one of the sweetest things about him as Sofia had a really hard life. Her family was murdered and she found herself all alone, having to resort to prostitution to get by. She is eventually bought by a man, who doesn’t touch her but educates her; keeping her in a sense a slave, mentally prostituting her out to improve systems, create programs, etc. She is able to buy her freedom and leave, joining the crew; but has a lot of issues in how to deal with people and her expectations of them hurting her. Jimmy is able to comfort her, not judge her; listen to her, and really care about taking care of her wants, needs, and desires; something she has not had since she has been a little girl. Jimmy is undeniably sweet, and readily earned his spot on this list.
4) Minnie Powell from The Shadow of a Gunman by Sean O’Casey
Shadow of the Gunman takes place in 1923 during the Irish War of Independence. Donal Devoren is a poet living in a tenement house in Ireland. Everyne suspects that he is a gunman for the IRA. Donal doesn’t proclaim he is, but he also doesn’t defute the rumors as it gives him notoriety in the building and the affection of Minnie Powell. Donal rents a home with Seumas Sheilds. Mr. Maguire, a salesman, friends with Seumas, asks Donal if he can store his case in the apartment while he is out of town. It turns out that Mr. Maguire is actually an IRA member, and has stored his case full of bombs. The IRA ambush the city, and the Auxiliary places a curfew. They later start raiding the tenements, when Seumas and Donal discover the case of bombs. Donal feels caught in his lie, and doesn’t know how to resolve it. Minnie takes it upon herself to get rid of the case, being killed in the process.
Why Minnie is awesome:
At first Minnie seems like some starstruck girl, but in reality she is a brave, young woman who deeply loves her country and cares for Donal. She believes in what the IRA wants to accomplish, and wants a free Ireland. When the raids start and she discovers that Donal has a case of bombs which will mean his imprisonment, and most likley death, Minnie steals the case and saves Donal’s life, killing herself in the process. She is a true patriot, along with being brave and kind-hearted, sacrificing herself for the love of another.
3) Samson “Sam” Flusky from Under Capricorn
I love this movie a lot, although I know I am in the minority. Now as I felt the urge to include Sam Flusky on my list, I knew that I would first have to review the film. I did for Horrorfest III, of which you can read the review if you wish (I recommend it!) For those who don’t wish to, I will give a brief synopsis.
This film takes place in early 19th Century Australia. Australia has formerly been a place where England sent their criminals, there they would serve out their sentence and live there, or return home to England. Now however, more and more “good” citizens have found themselves emigrating to Australia and civilizing the towns. The new Governor, Sir Richard arrives, bringing along his foppish, indolent, “rich boy” nephew, Charles Adare. Charles meets, Samson “Sam” Flusky, an ex-convict, former murderer, and prospering land owner. He intrigues him in a business deal and brings Charles to his house, in which he meets Sam’s wife, Lady Henrietta, who turns out to be an old family friend. Charles soon spends all his time at the house and finds something strange about Henrietta’s actions, as she is no longer the same woman he knew. As with all Alfred Hitchcock films, there is suspense, mystery, and an old secret’s truth is revealed.
Why Sam is Awesome:
Now if my little synopsis has encouraged you to watch the film, then stop reading. If you aren’t interested in watching the film, proceed.
Sam is amazing because of everything he has ever done for Henrietta. When we first watch the film we see a tough, gruff, man, but in reality there is so much more than his exterior. Everything Sam has done has been for the love of his wife. You see after watching the whole film, it is revealed that Sam is not a murder. He and Henrietta fell in love when they were back in Ireland. He was just a stable boy with nothing to offer her, while she was the lady of the house. She wanted to be with him, and they both knew her parents would not approve. They eloped and ran off to England, where Sam was determined to care for her. Unfortunately, Henrietta’s brother followed them, and tried to kill Sam. As the two struggled, he dropped his gun and Henrietta picked it up, shooting her brother before he could kill Sam. When the police came, Sam tells them he did it, as he did not want Henrietta killed or forced to serve prison time. Luckily, Sam is offered Australia instead of the noose, and chooses that. Henrietta follows him, and when Sam is out of prison, he is different, and also guilty, as he feels he ruined Henrietta’s life. He is then determined to become extremely prosperous, so that she may have the life she deserves. Unfortunately, he doesn’t know that Henrietta is full of guilt for killing her brother, Sam taking the blame, and for Sam having to serve a prison sentence when he was innocent. This causes her to go into a depression, and drink. Through it all Sam tries to love her and be there for her; bringing in her old friend Charles Adare, and firing the poisonous maid. But he still feels he is not enough, as he is from a lower class. When he accidentally shoots Charles Adare, he is headed for the noose. Henrietta admits she killed her brother, which if Sam corroberates will send her to prison and him free. Sam would rather die for Henrietta than allow her to have to serve prison time. Luckily, Charles recovers and confirms it was all an accident; allowing the now guilt free couple a second chance.
Isn’t Sam just the most amazing guy ever? And played by Joseph Cotten.
For more on Under Capricorn, go to The Past of a Man: Under Capricorn (1949).
2) Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Buffy is a teenage girl who has discovered she is now The Slayer, the one who is to hunt vampires, demons, and other monsters. She is teamed up with Willow, computer expert and witch; Xander, loyal but not always thinking things through; Cordelia, the prom queen; and Oz, computer expert, band member, and werewolf. Buffy is trained by her watcher, Giles, the school librarian. Along the way she meets the tall, handsome, brooding Angel; a vampire with a soul, who helps her destroy evil.
Why Angel is Awesome:
Angel was an normal Irish man living in the turn of the century Ireland, when he was attacked and turned into a vampire. Sorry Dracula, Edward, and all the like: Angel is the hottest vampire to walk the planet.
When he lost his soul during the vampire transformation, he was changed from a kind, caring, sweet man into pure evil. A group of witches put a spell on him, transforming him back to being his kind, tender self. He is one of the most romantic figures as he is just so incredibly sweet and caring to Buffy. He always tries to help her and protect her, to the best of his abilities.
In one episode Buffy is injured by demon blood, and will die unless they can get it’s heart, the antidote. He immediately goes out to get it, running around in daylight, burning and practically killing himself, in order to save Buffy. So romantic!
The saddest episode was when Angel left, as he knew he could never be with Buffy. For one thing, he’s a vampire and she’s a human. And the other, when he becomes incredibly happy, he will lose his soul and become evil once again. It was heartbreaking to see him go, but at least he came to the prom with her, to make her happy one last time. I love him as he is just my type.
To find out who you should be with, go here.
For more on Angel, go to Simply Fantastic
1) Steve Rogers aka Captain America from Captain America comics and films
Steve Rogers, later to be Captain America, was born in New York to poor Irish immigrants. His parents both died of disease, leaving behind a sickly, scrawny son. He was a true patriot, disturbed by the Third Reich and Nazis, wanting to help fight in WWII. Unfortunately, he failed all the tests due to his many medical issues, but was put on the list of people possible to become a super soldier. He was given the serum and turned into a man with peak strength, agility, stamina, and intelligence. He later becomes the only one, as the scientist who created the serum was killed without writing down the steps & chemicals. He then becomes the Captain America, fighting the Red Skull and eventually leading the Avengers.
Why Steve Rogers is Awesome:
HE IS CAPTAIN AMERICA! That is all that really needs to be said. I just absolutely love Captain America and I think he is one of the best superheros ever. He is so earnest, sweet, utter perfection! I could go on and on, but I have before in my post Simply Fantastic. Read it for some hardcore fangirling!
For more on Captain America, go to Simply Fantastic or Fanning All Over the Place
So that ends another Saint Patrick’s day post.
I hope you all enjoy it and have a great day filled with green, soda bread, corn beef, and cabbage.
For more Saint Patrick’s Day posts, go to At the End of the Rainbow
For more on Disney, go to If the Shoe Fits: Why Cinderella is Actually Awesome
For more quizzes, go to Don’t You Forget About Me
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