On the subject of "Plastic Paddies" and all that. I've zero issue with people of Irish descent supporting the Boys in Green as their country. I've zero issue once they behave appropriatly and represent the country well. If I come across a Glaswegian in a Celtic jersey singing our national anthem in English i'll just roll my eyes. If they put the green Irish jersey on and mix with us without bringing their Celtic baggage with them then fair enough
There are plenty of people in Britain who are born and brought up feeling Irish though. My own aunt and uncle, both doctors moved to Chesire in the early eighties and brought up their three kids there. If you told my three cousines they were English or British they'd quickly tell you they're Irish. 2 of them moved to Dublin once they finished Uni.