Bruce Springsteen and his proud County Kildare heritage
Although he is famously associated with the streets of New Jersey, the rock icon carries a piece of Ireland in his soul. His lineage traces directly back to a hardworking great-great-grandfather who left Short Grass County for a new life in America.
Genealogists have found that (Irish) American rock star Bruce Springsteen’s family tree can be traced back to Co Kildare.
According to the Irish Family History Centre, Bruce's great-great-great-grandfather Christy Gerrity and his sons, originally from the parish of Rathangan in Co Kildare, arrived in the US via Canada circa 1850.
In November 1853, Christy's young daughters Ann (Bruce's great-great-grandmother), Catherine, and Eliza joined their father and brothers in Freeport in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and "the family lived near each other for the rest of their lives."
Christy became a naturalized US citizen three years later.
Bruce, who was born on September 23, 1949, in New Jersey, grew up on the same block and had a great relationship with his great-grandmother, Jenni McNicolas, Ann's daughter.
Springsteen discussed his Irish roots in 2010 when he was honored at the Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards.
During his speech, Springsteen thanked the O’Farrells, the O'Hagans, and the McNicholas clans.
Thanking his "Sicilian and Scots-Irish" Patty, he joked: "Together, we carry on the Irish-Italian mating tradition of central New Jersey."
His mom and two aunts joined him on the stage for the award.
Check out Bruce Springsteen accepting the Ellis Island Award here:
Springsteen has returned to his ancestral home of Ireland plenty of times throughout his career - he recalled in his 2016 memoir "Born to Run" how the crowds at Slane Castle in 1985 scared him.
The Boss is still drawing big Irish crowds.
In summer 2023, he made a splash when he played a string of sold-out shows in Ireland. During his visit, Springsteen made time to visit Co Kildare.
County Kildare. May, 2023. 📸: Rob DeMartin pic.twitter.com/6NNjMy2ssH
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) May 11, 2023
This year, Springsteen ended another sold-out run of Irish gigs at Croke Park in Dublin, where he officially played to his 1 millionth Irish person.
During his final night at Croke Park this summer, Springsteen paid tribute to his friend, the late, great Shane MacGowan.
It was so beautiful ❤️ @ShaneMacGowan would be so delighted @springsteen is incredible and such a kind and warm hearted man ❤️ https://t.co/fzTSEhpkM3
— @victoriamary (@Victoriamary) May 19, 2024
* Originally published in May 2016, updated in 2026.
