Alice,

That particular part of the book struck a chord with me also. I believe Mary said the the Shamrock was her least favourite Irish emblem. I personally like it and the story behind it's use, Shillelaghs were also used in Ireland, and leprauchauns of course are just a spin-off of the mythical fairy people. These are in themselves harmless enough but I do agree with her that Green beer and Delaney's donkey types do "smack of stage Irishism" etc. This week a major greeting card company pulled certain St.Patrick's Day cards from their catalogue due to the offensive nature of some of them. Example - A card showing an arrowed line from a bar to a table to a toilet with the caption " the St.Patrick's day parade route" is only one example.

A few years ago I was performing in an "Irish Pub" owned by a Greek, the place was of course packed for St.Patrick's day, The only people not drinking green beer were native born Irish. All other were swilling it down.

When I was a boy the Feast of St.Patrick consisted of going to mass, with a little sprig of shamrock in your lapel. It was no big celebration, a very dignified affair really.

Mary's book " The Scent of Roses" is a must as you say for anyone who admires this lady.