New DNA study on Sub-Roman Britain

[Alanus]

I'm a sceptic. Using modern, living people, then setting a "genetic distance" back to an event just over 1,500 ago cannot be accurate. It's speculation.

On the other hand, when DNA samples are taken from a large number of ancient specimens, especially if the they have not overly deteriorated, a specialist can produce accurate results. As mentioned above, the real problem is contamination from those handling the ancient material. Luckily, several labs are being more careful than previously. Actual ancient DNA is an incredible tool for understanding cultures not thoroughly recorded in historical documents.

[kavan]

a new bit on pre-Anglo Saxon dna, some Roman observations;
http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms10326

From this article I conclude that the  occupants of the Roman cemetery were Irish which is most satisfactory.

[Alanus]

Hello, Kavan

The authors of the study concluded that these individuals, in all probability, were Welsh. I concur. How you determined they were Irish (in Yorkshire?) is beyond me. I can understand someone linking the northern tribes (above the Wall) to the Irish through an earlier immigration, but Not in a Roman-era York cemetery.

[kavan]

Hello, Kavan

The authors of the study concluded that these individuals, in all probability, were Welsh. I concur. How you determined they were Irish (in Yorkshire?) is beyond me. I can understand someone linking the northern tribes (above the Wall) to the Irish through an earlier immigration, but Not in a Roman-era York cemetery.

Hello Alanus,
 Of course these individuals were neither Welsh nor Irish but Brigantes. I was implying that the Brigantes were as much related to the Irish as the Welsh.
 Incidentally, I see I am classed  as a Tiro. Is not that the name of Cicero's slave who invented some shorthand symbols i.e. & etc?