Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:03 AM

I am taking a bit of privilege here by putting this in at the top of the page, but it references music and heritage, and I want all my friends here to see it.

It is that time of year, when folks who know little of their heritage, customs and language put on funny hats, drink copious amounts of green beer (yech!!!) and proclaim that they are "Irish". But I want all to know that there are many, many more here in the land of my birth that understand that they are Yanks, but they hold on strongly to the customs and identity of their ancestral homeland, and spend the days celebrating them. I once asked an ex pat why they thought that was. The answer was that we were forced from that land, and more importantly, culture. The reason the culture piece is important is because it is a culture of music, friendship, and hospitality. For the immigrants and their children and grandchildren it is the culture of ordinary folks struggling against the outrageous barbs of trying to survive. Or at least that is what we held onto.

In order for those of you to understand us "Plastic Paddys" a bit better, I am going to paste the dedication of my band's latest CD in which I describe where we live:

There are these places, scattered around the North American continent, that are special to the grandchildren of Ireland. These are the places where the people of the Irish Diaspora, chased from their beloved homeland by the Great Hunger and centuries of repression and discrimination, settled in and created a new life, yet clung stubbornly to their identities as the children of Ireland. One of these very special places is the area in and around the parish of St. Patrick, located in Parnell, Michigan. The Irish came to these green rolling hills of hardwoods and fertile land, and the place names reflect their pride in their heritage. The village is named after a famous Irish orator, Charles Stewart Parnell. The township is named after the famous Irish Nationalist, Henry Grattan. It is the place that remains the spiritual center of the Irish in West Michigan, and a stroll through its graveyard is like a stroll through a graveyard in Ireland. You will see old Celtic crosses, and names like Byrne, McGee, Malone, Verlin, Doyle, Driscoll, Gahan, Hefferan, Nugent, and so many more. This is the place that spawned The Conklin Céilí Band. It is to this place, and to the descendants of those that risked all to come here, that we dedicate this recording. It is fitting then that we would come together on the banks of Bear Creek at Cannonsburg in the parish of St Patrick's - Parnell, in the heart of Irish America, to hold the sessions that would become this CD.

Here is an earlier thread that I described "Irish Michigan" in.

I am starting this thread to foster a better understanding of the people that describe themselves as "Irish American". Much of what folks criticize us for is deserved. But I have seen other ethnic celebrations, such as Pulaski Days (Polish) and Oktoberfest (German) that end up the same way, with much drinking and revelry, and only a backwards glance at the heritage and culture. Perhaps this is rooted in folks that were forced into a new land by conditions they faced, and just trying to hold on to something they knew, and it evolved into what it is. But more importantly, in my opinion, is that they were trying to hold onto that which makes them human. We should use these occasions to celebrate that which makes us unique, and to take note with that which we have in common. If we could learn to do that, instead of being suspicious about the way someone talks, where they say their prayers,the color of their skin, who they love, or of ancient grievances against a whole people (whether they were the oppressor or the oppressed), then just maybe we can turn the corner on the dangers that we see in the world today. At least that is my prayer, realistic or not.

So to all in this dear village of Mudcat, that I have loved so well, I offer you blessings and happiness on the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Patrick and in all days to come.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: open mike
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 02:20 PM

I played 2 hours of Irish/Celtic music on my radio show to celebrate Irish culture. The contributions of these immigrants were substantial to the development of the American society, especially as they were instrumental in building canals and railroads. This allowed commerce and travel to grow. When I think of how much-loved trains are, I give thanks to those who helped to create the rail ways and lay the rails and tracks! Perhaps I should not mention it here, but I can't help but think of the news that came out recently about a tragedy that occurred in 1832 near Philadelphia. Are there any songs devoted to the 57 Irish rail road workers who gave their lives at Duffy's Cut in PA?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duffy%27s_Cut
http://www.examiner.com/city-buzz-in-long-beach/ghost-story-leads-brothers-to-mass-grave-at-railroad-site-pennsylvania

(another sad fact of history is the story of the San Patricio brigade from the Mexican American War...many songs and movies and books talk about this battalion including a recent album by the Chieftains and Ry Cooder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Battalion
and David Rovic's song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4BGrNrkbMU)

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 05:23 PM

Laurel, I have been following the Duffy's Cut story with great interest. It is a fascinating look back at the times. All the excavation there is being done on a volunteer basis. Remains, as they are found, are having attempts made to identify them, and some are going back to their families for burial. For those identifiable, there are several cemetaries that have agreed to inter them properly.

Our latest CD has a San Patricio's song entitled "John Riley".

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,Charley O'Neill
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 06:14 PM

yeah, good old st patrick, a welshman who drove all the snakes (ie, pagans) from ireland and restricted freedom of choice and yeah religion has been really great for ireland, yeah!!lets celebrate!!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 06:18 PM

Lets celebrate St Georges day and have a one day holiday.

swing low sweet chariot.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 06:33 PM

I should have known that some idiot wouldn't read the post and see it in the larger context that it was written. I know I am asking a lot here, but if you want to debate the issue of religion, and whether it is idiotic or not for a welshman (or was he english?) to be celebrated, or whatever, could I please prevail on you to start your own thread and not hijack this one? I think my post makes it clear that this thread is in the larger cultural context, and is about bringing some understanding as to the Irish American to my friends in Ireland, Scotland, Great Britain, and the rest.

Please, I am asking you to give it a rest and stay on topic,

Mick

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 06:37 PM

you have much to say my friend, calling me an idiot does not intimidate,hard luck mick lad

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 06:38 PM

Mick
Wales and Scotland and Ireland want their own independance and get bank holidays.
St george for England is not allowed.
That makes me angry.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: skarpi
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:00 PM

Irish / American ...
Icelandic / Canadian ...

strange .....both nations people fled the the hunger and poorness

just came into my head ...sorry Mick ....stick to the topic :O)

kv Skarpi

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:00 PM

If you are still a moderator I would suggest making it a moderated thread and let people start other discussions, particularly relating to Plastic Paddies, elsewhere. mg

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:07 PM

OK, that was poorly thought out and reactionary on my part. I am sorry for having said it and offer my apologies.

But the point remains. This is not a thread that was intended to shoot at the church.

As to whether there should be a bank holiday in England for St. George's Day, sounds good to me. We celebrate that in my town, but not on anywhere near the scale as St. Pat's.

Whether you approve of the church or not, whether you like the term Irish Americans or not, whether you operate from a stereotype of what constitutes an Irish American or not, on the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Patrick (which is probably more of a cultural event than a religious event for most of Irish American) I offer my best wishes and hope you will read the whole post of mine as well as the linked post in an earlier thread.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:11 PM

I thought about that Mary, but I (unlike some others) generally would rather the conversation just roll along with the bumps in it. I usually won't delete or use my considerable editing abilities unless absolutely necessary such as in the case of personal attack or complete hijack from anons.

I would just rather prevail upon folks to respect my wishes. Sometimes I get pissed off and shoot out terms like "idiot", but later know I will have to apologize. I am not afraid of debate, but I think it should go in a thread designed for that. The debate here is simply one of understanding why Irish Americans cling to the old values and customs in varying degrees.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Amos
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 07:28 PM

Jaysus, I think being Irish would be an honor and a privilege; to be one of the heirs to such tongues and spirits would surely elevate one to the ranks of the demigodlets!!

But there's always a sourpuss in the back room of every party, so don't let it fret ya!! Dinna fasch thysel', Mick!! Celebrate with due joy and let the sodden sojers sit by the wayside as they will.



A

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 08:06 PM

Call me picky if you want to, Mick, but isn't 15 March a bit previous? I thought today had more to do with Romans getting stabbed in the back.

DC

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 08:18 PM

LOL, Doug. Yes, but I have a bit of time tonight while I am sitting here on a borrowed computer. My performing schedule the next few days will preclude me from being in here much at all.

All the best,

Mick, not wearing a toga, and watching his back

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Mar 11 - 10:50 PM

I shall don orange to honour my father, whose ancestry included Scots from Ulster, and a plastic green shamrock pin so I won't get pinched and I love these traditions. And my red-headed grandson will probably wear his shirt which says something about the luck of the Irish. It was the one day of the whole year I knew my dad and I would speak on the phone after he moved away. He loathed the lack of anything Irish happening in the wilds of Utah; always felt rather lonely out there on St. Pat's day. If I had a copy of it I would watch Darby O'Gill and the Little People as my old, first generation Irish-American friend used to do.

Of course, I will also put on some GOOD Irish music including a CD by a certain Mickus Giantus to which Morgan and I will enjoy belting out Danny O'Shea as well as a few others along with the band.

Thanks, Mick, it's good to see you having time to post a bit.

Sláinte,

kathleen

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 09:47 PM

I wish I had real life people to do stuff with but I am through doing anything on St. Patrick's day unless people are somewhat Irish-American. It just is no good. I will socialize the other days of the year. I don't want to hear they don't sing that in Ireland or hear the word Plastic Paddy or hear especially folk singers make fun of the songs that my ancestors sang..music hall or whatever. Traditions got lost, the language got lost (there were most likely Gaelic speaking communities in the midwest USA including where my ancestors ended up in Iowa. It is very sad to me that people from outside the culture felt it necessary to destroy a living tradition. I wouldn't do that to anyone else..tell Mexicans that is not how they sing it in Spain etc. But anyway, I have a famine song on MP3 if anyone (except those on my bad list) wants..just email [e-mail]. mg

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:12 PM

We're gonna celebrate on Saturday the 19th. There will be a vat of mashed potatoes and some sausages, and guests will be in charge of bringing the dreary stuff - like vegetables.

We will project Irish tunes and airs (with chords) onto the living room wall, and whoever wants to can play along. Non-musicians play Scrabble and listen. We will have harp, autoharp, guitar, flute, recorder and percussion. Anybody who wants to can play spoons. If we ever find the shakey egg, they can play that, too.

mg, I liked your comment that "I wouldn't do that to anyone else..tell Mexicans that is not how they sing it in Spain etc."

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Beer
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:31 PM

Well, Joe my accordion buddy will be playing with me on Sunday for an hour and i will have my Orange and Green tie on. I think it is safe to do this in Canada.
But here is a site to be shared with you all. Bobad sent it to me and the Irish Music is great.
Ad.

http://www.accuradio.com/

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:41 PM

Luke Kelly ..boy from Killan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXvt25IsIZ0

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:45 PM

john mccormack wearing of the green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X0mHDs6DcY

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:46 PM

bing crosby Himself dear old donegal

bing crosby

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:49 PM

McNamara's band as it should be sung

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqgYzPSAZrA

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:58 PM

same old shillelagh bing crosby

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:04 PM

wild colonial boy clancy brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgbxh8Lsgx4&feature=autoplay&list=PL51B4CDB8748F1486&index=1&playnext=2

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:08 PM

Ad. and Bobad, thanks for the link! GREAT music!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:11 PM

Danny boy by Liam McNeely http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfkGocmCiE&feature=related

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:14 PM

As a son of the Celtic dispora I can relate closely to Mick's sentiments. My people came from Scotland's Hebrides came to Cape Breton due to clearances a few years before the potato famine. With them they brought and maintained their music and culture. Cape Breton also received and welcomed many from Erin. They spoke the same language although a different dialect. The music and dance was similar and traditions of each was absorbed by the other. Ad a mix of Acadian French
into the pot and it is sweeter still. Today some of the finest Celtic musicians here are Mi'kmaq (MicMac)Indians. They were Mics and Macs long before the white man arrived.
I raise a glass to all of my Irish friends!
                     SLAINTE MHATH !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 11:36 PM

This is a bit frustrating I must admit. It is 12:30 AM here, 1/2 hour into St. Paddy's Day. I sit at my computer surrounded by 4 guitars, two banjos, a fiddle and a bohran. Upstairs my wife sleeps and she has to rise at 5:30 AM to go to work. I am a deep lover of Irish music, especially the rebel songs, and I am fighting the urge to lay a hand on any of them, even though my playing ability sucks.
Och Hell I'll just raise another glass!
                            Slainte!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 03:40 AM

Have a nice day.

Here is a very nice version of On Raglan Road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zftcuVQDcNM&feature=related

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: open mike
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 04:23 AM

My Crossroads radio show last Saturday was an
all-Celtic/Irish special celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
It was recorded and is archived here:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13280730
tune in for two hours of jigs and reels !!
yours truly, Your Radio 'Common 'Tater

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 04:24 AM

And this has always been one of my favourite songs from the Dubliners

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GlweCUixao&feature=related

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Mo the caller
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 05:17 AM

I celebrated the Eve of St. Patricks Day at our English dance club by calling some dances (written by an American and an Englishman) to tunes by Carolan (played by a band from Scotland), an American style contra dance written by an English woman to some Irish reels, and finished with the English (ceilidh) dance Circassian circle, to the tune Mouse Behind the Dresser, played by Shaskeen.

I thought of doing a figure from a Set Dance, but thought better of it. And my plan for a dance for each of the colours of the flag came unstuck because I had 10 couples and the White dance was for 6 couples.

The Irish have a great folk culture. So have the English. It's great to learn each other's and share.

Who cares where Patrick came from. George certainly wasn't English.

Enjoy your day.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 05:45 AM

Happy St. Pat's problem is it falls within the working week so unfortunately I won't be doing much except for having a quick Guiness or a Caffrey's on the way home to drink to my gran on my mother's side and listen to the Waterboys on my music player this evening. I notice some places are celebrating St. Patrick's on the weekend, I didn't know that you could celebrate a belated one, how Irish is that!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:27 AM

As an Irish born man living in England, I well understand your piece. It is very important for Irish people who emigrate or were banished from their land, often never to see it again, to keep Irish traditions alive and to spread that through the generations, so that even those born much later in foreign lands always stay in their hearts truly Irish. Through poverty, famine and slavery Ireland has been a very transient society, and through economic failure it's happening all over again today, as Leon Uris wrote in 'trinity' 'In Ireland there is no future, but the past happening over and over again. So Being 'Irish' through the centuries has become as much a state of mind as birth and location.

I go back home to Kilkenny regularly, a place where many Americans come to visit, and the one thing they often say is how at home they feel, and of course they are home.

Must day thanks to all at our Circle Folk Club last night our St Patrick's Party, Standing room only and a great new band, The Publiners, rip roaring music in the style of the Dubliners, look out for them. And a most happy St Patrick's day to all Mudcatters

Desi C

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: CupOfTea
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 01:27 PM

A day ye need all yer blessings, in truth.

For years I endured bad bar bands slaughtering tunes and singing all the drinking songs, rebel songs about a struggle they couldn't explain, and drunks attempting Danny Boy. When I was active in folk music promotion, we had several years of sponsoring a "No Danny Boy and No Green Beer" St. Patrick's celebration. It was a boon to the local Irish AA folks, families who wanted the music and not the bars, and people who loved well done traditional music. First year we had the Two Toms, elderly scions of the Irish music scene in Cleveland.

The wealth of good music that comes through the area the whole month of March is a gift, indeed, so I leave the March 17 bar carousing to the "plastic paddys" (or, as I call 'em the Green Golfshirt Irish), and catch the great bands another day. I have all year to savor the Irish, I needn't crowd it to one day only.

This is halfway through my first year of playing open mics on a regular basis, and tonight I'll be doing that in a small coffeehouse with a great listening audience. I'll play quieter things, with small introductions about the significance of the Famine, immigration, American Wakes, transportation and love of story and drama. My 15 minutes:

Intro - Slieve Gallion Braes acapella, as I learned it from Biddy (Bridgit) Malone of Chicago
Kilkelley - always remembering the tiny hall I first heard Robbie O' Connell sing it, reflecting on the similar letters in my own family history (with autoharp)
Black Velvet Band (with autoharp) a short and not so depressing song of transportation
Between Me and You - from the Irish music hall tradition, from the singing of Antoinette McKenna of Dublin. She does it with clearseach, I do it acapella.

I've got The Chieftans playing now as I write this, while through the window comes the BLATTT of those bass kazzo vuvuwhatevertheyare things and sounds of people gathering for the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade that passes by us, starting momentarily. A sea of people wearing bizzare accessories in shades of green clogs the view from our windows: smaller cities miss this phenomenon. Northern Ohio has a large Irish community, with IA clubs east and west side, and the Hibernians down in Akron, and a large summer festival. A goodly portion of the Irish here trace their heritage to Achill Island, County Mayo.

ah... here come the first marching bands. Having the NCAA championship going on here, we get pep bands from them. Oh for joy.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 02:08 PM

It is really rude calling people plastic paddies. Especially on St. Patrick's day. I am sure you ,might be tempted to call me one. I just painted all my fingernails green, instead of just the two small ones I keep green always in honor of women of Iran's struggle for freedom. I also don't know why you think it is rightous to not sing Danny Boy, a song I have never liked, but it is so important to the old people, who are now gone and we are starting to take their place. mg

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 02:31 PM

My favourite place in Ireland - http://walkaboutsverse.webs.com/#12.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: gnu
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 03:29 PM

Mick... Sandy... I know.

CARA
has a song called Exile's Son on their Asleep By The Setee CD. It is a powerful song and it applies as much to those "exiles" in Americay as for where it was written. It is a masterpiece.

Slainte Mhath one and all.

(Sandy... the wife wouldna minded a bit a Hran at midnight eh?)

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: CupOfTea
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 06:49 PM

I also don't know why you think it is rightous to not sing Danny Boy, a song I have never liked

mg - it's not the song per se, but that when one is in a bar on St. Patrick's day there is usually a drunk who (not part of the band, and likely couldn't sing when sober) insists he can sing Danny Boy. Perhaps this doesn't happen in your part of the world? It's excruciating, well on a par with Roseann Barr's rendition of the US national anthem.

The "plastic" term seems very... descriptive of a certain kind of reveler who turn Irish exactly ONE day a year by wearing plastic derbys, plastic deelyboppers, green plastic Mardi Gras beads, plastic leprechaun hats and plastic noisemakers. I might THINK this about strangers I see on the street, but I'd never call them that to their face that any more than I'd make a deal about other "what WERE they thinking" fashions passing by. It's a matter of taste.

I grew up in a very Irish Catholic parish where green hair and face painting weren't that rare for parade-goers. (but not for the paraders!). I'm wearing my green and my Irish jewelry. I'm not calling you names. I've found a facile term for a division between those who are genuinely interested in their Irish heritage (or even just interested in all things Irish), and those for whom St. Patrick's day is one more excuse put on holiday gear as preparation to a drunken spree (having recovered from New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, etc).

I am sure you ,might be tempted to call me one

Whatever gave you that impression? I don't believe I know you, nor of any reason why I'd be calling you names. Opinionated I may be, but nasty with it, not something I tend to do. I wish you and your green fingertips well.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:15 PM

You do not have a clue what the people you refer to as plastic paddys know about their heritage or what has been lost. It is a very offensive term and for an Irish-American woman to use it on her fellow heritagers is plain awful. Have ye no shame? There are lots of facile terms that might have a great deal of truth but we do not use them nor do we as civilized people make fun of people who are for the most part harmless. Some are Irish Americans, some are probably Nigerian Americans or Danish Americans who don't really understand the history of the day and just want to have fun. I am fine with them doing that. I am not fine not one little bit about people putting down their own relatives perhaps or countrywomen and men. mg

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: skarpi
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 07:46 PM

I just came home from playing on St,Patricks ...
strange everyone started to slánté ...try talk funny English
the Irish way ..and the guitar players jesus ....there was no way I could follow them they played badly ..fantastic fluthers and fiddlers
and two good singers ...
but those men ran me away ...:O) so I went home and go on playing like
my teacher is telling me how ...

Enjoy your St.Patrick day every one Skál .

all the best from lovely native land 8 Iceland
Skarpi .

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Richie Black (misused acct, bad email)
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 08:00 PM

Ignore them mg. I just hope everyone enjoys the day. My mother was from Mayo, she loved her American cousins coming over to visit us in England.

There is no such thing as a Plastic Paddy, just opportunists willing to stir the pot of pugnacity.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 08:35 PM

Anyone who can receive Canadian TV:
There is a program on CBC at 9 PM tonight called Famine and Shipwreck. It gives great insight into the reasons people left Ireland in droves in the 1840's. It follows potato famine exiles from their homeland to Canada. It is on now in my timezone and is truly heart-wrenching!

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 08:43 PM

More info:
Famine and Shipwreck

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 04:37 AM

I know I'm late with this, but I cannot think of a more fitting way to celebrate the Irish and their influence in America (and elsewhere) than to flag up Odetta singing She Moved Through The Fair:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBlQmEbJiX8

Best of the Day, Mick -

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 07:15 PM

I'm not Irish, but I had a wonderful day topped by eating my favorite kind of corned beef and cabbage: a Reuben. I topped it off with 2 Irish coffees. I had drunk a Guinness the night before. Now I'm getting ready for tomorrow, St. Joseph's Day--and I'm not Italian, either.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: LadyJean
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 12:23 AM

My parents were Protestant, but I know that if someone gives you a gift with a sharp edge, you must pay them a penny for it, or the sharp edge will cut the friendship.

I know that if you wish bad luck on someone else it will come back to you three times.

I know that dogs and cats can see the Tyr Nan Og.

I gave the famine letters to the historical society. But my forbearers weren't eating that well either, if the letters are true.

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: CupOfTea
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 09:51 AM

It was a (mostly) blessed St. Patrick's day here: decent temperatures and sunshine for the parade. Not so warm as I heard it was in Chicago, but not snowing, which is always a plus in Cleveland in March!

We went up out of our hobbit hole of an office to watch portions of the parade. I was lucky enough to be up when the Cleveland State contingent went by, led by Bill Kennedy (who has a grand traditional Irish music show on WCSB) in kilt and fine form. Another delight was the marching band of the Fighting Irish of St.Vincent-St. Mary's in Akron who were playing John Ryan's Polka as they passed by here. With all the NCAA pep bands, There were a awful lot of drums (Weapons of Mass Percussion we were told) My office mate got to wave to Maureen, from the BigOffice who was part of the parade committee.

After an afternoon of incredible noise and rumpus, playing the open mic was a happy, unfrantic time with new friends & a smallish audience who listened, followed by an interesting conversation about traditional music and the flavor of Scottish vs. Irish songs. Lovely.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Blessings to all on St. Pat's 2011
From: Maryrrf
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 10:17 AM

We had a great St. Patrick's day. We played, not at a bar, but at a historic tavern that has a theater attached. We were in the theater, so we had an attentive and enthusiastic crowd for the show. It was all very civilized but fun!