IRELAND HAS MANY great proverbs. “May the road rise to meet you.” That’s the most famous one. “Maireann na daoine ar scáil a chéile.” That’s one you probably learned for your Leaving Cert.

But the one that Trump recited today after his meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House? It’s not one many people had heard before.

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As we stand together with our Irish friends, I’m reminded of an Irish proverb – and this is a good one, this is one I like, I’ve heard it for many, many years and I love it.

Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.

Well. Who knew Ireland had such a Trumpian proverb? Unless, as lots of people suspect… this isn’t an Irish proverb.

With all due respect to the president's reputation for scrupulously checking his sources, I don't think this is an Irish proverb. https://t.co/1EvGGMsE9r — The Irish For 🖱️ (@theirishfor) March 16, 2017 Source: The Irish For 🏌🐕 /Twitter

I've got an Irish proverb for you Trump: An empty sack does not stand. https://t.co/GWfwdviBHv — John Maguire (@JMaguireCritic) March 16, 2017 Source: John Maguire /Twitter

So where does this “Always remember to forget” line come from?

It’s listed as a ‘self-esteem poem’ on this website:

Source: ellenbailey.com

It also appears on this page of ‘St Patrick’s Day blessings’, along such classically Irish phrases as “Dance as if no one were watching”:

Source: english-zone.com

FitnessAndFreebies.com also has it as an Irish blessing:

While according to Poemhunter, it’s a line from the poem Always Remember, by a Nigerian poet called Albashir Adam Alhassan.

Source: Poemhunter

A few royalties wouldn’t go amiss for poor old Albashir, we’d wager.

Dear Team Trump: Might we suggest you consult the Leaving Cert syllabus for a more suitable proverb next time? All the best, Ireland.

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