Here in the States, St. Pat's day is generally celebrated by the singing of what has been called "Oirish" songs...that is songs of tin pan alley and not the traditional songs of Ireland. Usually St. Pat's day is complemented by green beer and plastic bowler hats and an excuse to tie one on.

Some of these Tin Pan Alley songs in my view are pretty good. Danny Boy as Londonderry Aire recently renamed Derryaire (as in she had a London derryaire) is a venerable tune as is the Rose of Tralee and then the lovely Thomas Moore's songs which are not Tin Pan Alley but associated with American parlor music of the 1800's.

A Little Bit of Heaven and I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen are staples and reflect the repitiore of John MacCormick ( a fine tenor).

Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly and the George M. Cohan songs are usually sung as listed above in other posts.

I think that St. Pat's day might be a good opportunity to intersperse authentic and beautiful traditional Irish songs along with the Tin Pan Alley staples. Anyway, on a St. Paddy's gig, that's what we try to do.

Frank Hamilton