When John Kennedy was elected President, he met with some outright anti-Irish sentiment, as well as anti-Catholic critics. That was in 1960.
Every St Patrick's Day, Tv and radio ads feature a barrage of stereotyped and poorly done Irish accents. (Not to mention the cartoon Leprechauns with the pug noses and long upper lips.) It's always surprised me that no one takes exception to this; maybe Irish-Americans are so assimiliated and secure that they don't feel threatened.