...which suggest another approach: I'm (tá) not "Gaelach", I'm (is) a Gael.

_________________
A language belongs to its native speakers, and when you speak it, you are a guest in their homes.
If you are not a good guest, you have no right to complain about receiving poor hospitality.

I think I might be inclined to flip that on its head. As I'm reading the English, it doesn't so much matter to the poster that he's Irish ethnically (even though he may well be), but that Irishness defines who he his.

It really is a challenge to translate directly. Perhaps something like:

Is cuma nach bhfuil fuil Ghaelach agam; tá croí/anam Gaelach agam: It doesn't matter if I have Irish blood; I have an Irish heart/soul.

(not 100% sure of the grammar in that sentence, though)

Redwolf