Classy expressions like these fill Frank McCourt's Irish childhood:
Me daughter can prepare any class of stew or fries.
If ye be any class of husband!
This 'class' is a little more than 'manner,' for the implication of 'high standard' or 'good quality.'
Is it pretty much  an Irish thing?
I've only ever heard the word used in that sense orally in the movies, which are hardly good sources. Just as our language is different in written and oral form, it's a third language on the stage and screen (among other things, people take turns speaking, so we can hear, and they get to the point, so movies don't run ten hours. )
I've read, though, an observation, that if someone often uses the word "class" to describe something, it's a sign that he has none. That certainly would have been the Irish at least at one point in our history. Come to think of it, I can't remember where I read that, but it was conversation in fiction, which is that same third language or perhaps a fourth one.)
Yes. It's meaning #8 which is under discussion.  According to The Dictionary of American Slang, this sense developed in the 1870s. The question is, is it "an Irish thing"?
deaconB said
Yes. It's meaning #8 which is under discussion.  According to The Dictionary of American Slang, this sense developed in the 1870s. The question is, is it "an Irish thing"?
I believe it is meaning #1 from Peano's posting that is referenced in Robert's original post. The stew is obviously one of a collection of common things. The husband reference could make you think twice but I think the presence of the word of makes the difference. If the quote had said, "If ye be any class husband!" I would agree with meaning #8, but "class of husband" make him one in a collection of husbands.
As far as an "Irish thing,"Â I have no comment.