Ed Sheeran is no stranger to wearing his heart on his sleeve in his songs, but a recent interview has stirred emotions for a different reason.
While chatting on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Ed shared that he identifies culturally as Irish—a sentiment that has sparked a wave of debate across social media.
Born in Yorkshire and raised in Suffolk, Ed’s claim caught many off guard.
But for Ed, this isn’t about where he was born—it’s about where his heart has always been.
A Family History Full of Love and Division
Ed’s connection to Ireland isn’t just emotional—it runs deep in his family tree.
His dad, John Sheeran, comes from a large Irish family based in Belfast.
John is one of eight children born to Nancy Mulligan and William Sheeran—a couple whose love story broke the mold.
Nancy was a Catholic from the Republic of Ireland, and William a Protestant from Northern Ireland.
Their union during World War II was met with intense resistance from both sides.
It caused a family divide so deep that almost no one attended their wedding. In fact, only Nancy’s twin sister showed up.
Their story—painful but deeply romantic—inspired Ed’s 2017 hit “Nancy Mulligan.”
The Romeo and Juliet That Inspired a Hit Song
Speaking about the couple, Ed once described their romance as a “Romeo and Juliet” tale.
His grandfather, who worked as a dentist, even melted down gold teeth to make a wedding ring.
They wore borrowed clothes to marry and started a family of eight children, including Ed’s dad.
Over the decades, they built a life in South London above William’s dental practice, before eventually moving back to Ireland.
Despite the initial family drama, their love stood the test of time.
Ed’s Deep Bond with His Grandmother Nancy
Nancy Mulligan passed away in 2023 at the age of 98, but her bond with Ed was unshakable.
He spent many holidays at her home in County Wexford, soaking in the music, culture, and warmth that would shape his creative soul.
Sadly, Ed had to miss her funeral due to his high-profile copyright trial in New York.
His father spoke at the service and explained that Ed was heartbroken but had to “defend his integrity.”
Still, Nancy always saw him as the same “lovely boy,” no matter how famous he got.
Supermarket Flowers: A Musical Tribute to Loss
Nancy’s passing didn’t just leave a personal void—it inspired Ed to write “Supermarket Flowers” from his Divide album.
He shared on social media that the lyrics came from the moment they packed up her hospital room.
He praised the nurses and caregivers who had been so supportive during Nancy’s final days, and he hoped the song would serve as a heartfelt tribute to the woman who sparked so much of his musical spirit.
Ed Defends His Cultural Identity on Louis Theroux’s Podcast
In his podcast interview, Ed said, “I class my culture as Irish… my dad’s side has seven siblings and we spent all our holidays in Ireland.
My first musical memories were there, listening to traditional Irish music.”
He explained that even though he was born and raised in Britain, he doesn’t feel confined by that identity.
“It’s not just about where you’re born. It’s about how you were raised, how you feel, and what you connect with.”
He added that Ireland feels like a second home, especially musically, calling it the place where he’s had the most success.
Some Fans Say “Fair Enough,” Others Say “Not So Fast”
As you might expect, not everyone agreed with Ed’s cultural identification.
Some fans on social media fired back, suggesting he was “pretending” or “confused.”
A few sarcastically asked if he could now start for Ireland’s national football team or join the Gardaí.
Critics also took jabs at his music, calling “Galway Girl” a cringeworthy collection of Irish clichés.
One user even joked that it was “missing only a shout of ‘Up the Ra!’”
But Others Came to His Defense
Not all the reactions were negative. Many people empathized with Ed’s experience, pointing out that it’s common for people to identify with their heritage even if they weren’t born there.
Some reminded others that his father is Irish, and spending childhood summers immersed in Irish culture clearly left a mark.
“He looks like us too,” one user said, while another added, “You can be born anywhere—culture is about more than location.”
Ed Sheeran’s Identity Isn’t Black and White
At the end of the day, Ed’s story highlights how complex identity can be.
For him, Ireland represents more than just a branch on his family tree—it’s the place where he formed some of his earliest memories, musical roots, and family traditions.
So whether you agree with his self-description or not, there’s no doubt that his heartstrings are forever tied to the Emerald Isle.