Page "Irish diaspora" Paragraph 69

Irish settlers-both voluntary and forced-were crucial to the Australian colonies from the earliest days of European settlement.

The Irish first came over in large numbers as convicts ( 50, 000 were transported between 1791 and 1867 ), to be used as free labour ; even larger numbers of free settlers came during the 19th century, partly due to the Donegal Relief Fund.

Irish immigrants accounted for one-quarter of Australia's overseas-born population in 1871.

Their children, the first Irish Australians in the sense we understand the term, played a definitive role in shaping Australian history, society and culture.

The Irish heritage has also had a significant influence of the Australian accent and slang words.