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St. Paddy's Day greeting
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Subject: Happy St. Paddy's Day ! From: katlaughing Date: 15 Mar 99 - 05:39 PM WARNING! THIS IS NOT A THREAD FOR CYNICS WHO CAN'T STAND SAPPY GREETING CARD PABLUM!***Big Grin*** I can't stand it, either, but SOME of THIS one was okay, so: A friend, whose Irish, sent me a card for the holiday and I kind of liked some of what it said, so, decided in honour of the day, that I would post it to share with you all. Hope you enjoy it and the day! -katlaughing-
Irish are huggable. Irish dream in green. Irish sing songs when they're happy and then sing them even louder when they're sad.Irish dance dangerous jigs and write passionate poetry and can tell the most magical stories of all. Irish have the biggest welcome mats in all the world and miss you the most when you're away. Irish are the guardians of the little bit of heaven that once fell very gently from the sky... May you find a bit of heaven on St. Patrick's Day, and for all of your tomorrows ever after. |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: j0_77 Date: 15 Mar 99 - 07:32 PM The best Irish site on the Web - great humour too - http://vocal.local.ie/ |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Lonesome EJ Date: 15 Mar 99 - 08:49 PM And then there's my favorite Irish toast; "May you be in Heaven 5 minutes before the Devil knows you're dead!" |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Bruce O. Date: 15 Mar 99 - 09:36 PM For real Irish traditional, you might find something of interest on John Moulden's Ulstersongs website. members.aol.com/jmoul81075/ulstsong.htm |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 15 Mar 99 - 11:39 PM Thanks Jo77 & Bruce! LEJ et al, here's my very favourite: "May you never forget what is worth remembering; or remember what is best forgotten." |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Jack Hickman - Kingston, ON Date: 15 Mar 99 - 11:53 PM An old Irish Toast:
May the road rise up to meet you, my friend And a short one: May your roof never fall in, and those under it never fall out. Keep the Faith. Jack Hickman |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 16 Mar 99 - 12:06 AM Okay, here's another: Leave the table hungry. Leave the bed sleepy. Leave the tavern thirsty. and...
May those who love us, love us. |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: alison Date: 16 Mar 99 - 02:49 AM Hi, Herer's a site with all sorts of St Pat's bits and pieces...(screen savers etc) Thanks to all of you who have helped me with lyrics and chordsover the last few days... I'll be thinking of you all on the 17th........ Slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Liam's Brother Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:10 AM A Happy St. Patrick's Day to all sons and daughters of the Gael... whether you be in Ireland or spread around the world like jam all over a toasty crust... whether you be Irish through and through with perhaps a little Viking, Norman, Scots, English or something else mixed in... whether you're only one who dreams at night or day of castles, kings and harpers, or... whether you're just one who loves to share our songs, music, dance, sorrow and mirth. Wherever you are tomorrow, may it be like the last verse of "The Galway Races"
There was half a million people there of all denominations
All the best to all of you, |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: George Henderson Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:17 AM The Nenagh Singers Circle are visiting Banagher tonight for their monthly singing session. This is the best way to open Paddy's day celebrations and we are looking forward to it with eager anticipation. It is strange but Paddy's Day is not really celebrated that much in rural Ireland. It is a day though when those who have given up Guinness for Lent are allowed to break out and most do so in voluminous quantities. Anyway from Nenagh we would like to wish all Mudcatters a very happy ST.PATRICKS DAY. George Henderson |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Martin _Ryan Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:22 AM George Now there's a thought! Banagher tonight - might see you there. Regards |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Cara Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:38 AM Could you (collective) put some more toasts up here or post a link to a site for them? THanks! |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: j0_77 Date: 16 Mar 99 - 12:12 PM May you never die till the skin of a gooseberry makes a nightcap for ya
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Big Mick Date: 16 Mar 99 - 02:25 PM Hal Boyle wrote this and my daughters make me read it to them, so I thought I would read it to you. Now sit still class..........Barbara and Alison, would you please stop teasing the boys,....thank you. What is it to be Irish? How can you put the wonder of it into words? If a psychiatrist stretched himself out on his own warm couch after his last customer had gone home, and he dreamed of the man he himself would most like to be, - well, he might be perfect, but he'd still only be half an Irishman on Saint Patrick's Day. What is it to be Irish? It is to have an angel in your mouth, turning your prose to poetry. It is to have the gift of tongues, to know the language of all living things. Does an Irishman pause and turn an ear to a tree? It is because on this day he wants to hear what one sleepy bud says to another as it opens its pale green hands to the warm sun of spring. What is it to be Irish? Oh, on this day it is music. Not just the cornet in the parading high school band, but the deep, deep music of living, the low, sad rhythms of eternity. The Irishman hears the high song of the turning spheres, the dim lullaby of the worm in its cocoon. All the world is in tune, a tune that only he can hear. What is it to be Irish? It is to live the whole history of his race between a dawn and a dawn - the long wrongs, the bird-swift joy, the endless hurt of his ancestors since the morning of time in a forgotten forest, the knock-at-his-heart that is part of his religion. What is it to be Irish? It's only the realization that he is descended from kings. It is the realization that he is a king himself, an empire on two feet striding in power, a strolling continent of awe. What is it to be Irish? Why, on Saint Patrick's Day, to be Irish is to know more glory, adventure, magic, victory, exhultation, gratitude and gladness than any other man can experience in a lifetime. What is it to be Irish? It is to walk in complete understanding with God for twenty-four wonderful hours. Happy St. Patricks Day to all of my friends at the 'Cat |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 16 Mar 99 - 03:52 PM Ah, Mick, ya' made me cry, again! That was truly beautiful! Thank you very much. And thanks to you all for looking beyond my orginal, greeting card sappiness and for contributing to this thread. While I don't know where this came from, I just found it is inscribed on the monument to Jim Reeves in Carthage, Texas, and seems appropriate to the sentiments expressed here and elsewhere on the 'Cat:
"If I, a lowly singer, dry one tear Make Merry, Fare Well, and Fare Safe! katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: skarpi Iceland. Date: 16 Mar 99 - 05:20 PM Happy st.Patricks Day to all of you, here in Iceland we are gone a have a small festival at the Dubliner pup in Reykjavik at the st.Patricks day and I know it is gone be fun. Sl n go foil. skarpi Iceland. P.s Dan thank you for those words you wrote. |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Robin McG Date: 16 Mar 99 - 07:27 PM "May the Lord keep uou in his hand and never close his fist too tight on you." "May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and the road downhill all the way to your door." "May you live to be a healthy, happy 100 years old with an extra year to repent." I'd proably be needing more than an extra year and I'll be saying"Here's to the health of your enemies enemies." Have a happy but safe St. Patricks Day! |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Frank McGrath Date: 17 Mar 99 - 06:42 PM May your joys be lasting and may your woes bring wisdom. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all. |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Susan A-R Date: 17 Mar 99 - 09:41 PM Nice thread. Ah well, I did NOT serve corned beef and cabbage at the restaurant today. It's a vegetarian establishment, specializing in asian food. But I did serve "Pady's Thai" (lots of groans to that one) and GREEN curry, and a lovely green key lime pie for dessert. Guess the world really is Irish today. Now all I need is a good stout. . . |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 17 Mar 99 - 11:42 PM Mmm, veggie fare, sounds good! But I'm not sure I could stomach green curry! It's been a lovely day here, bright sunshine all day, litle chilly, but no wind, so it was just enough to put a lilt in your step! Just watched a special on BBC America, called "You should have been here last night" a feature on irish trad. music. It was really wonderful. G'night all and here's to many more of the same or better. katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Mar 99 - 12:52 AM It was a fine day and I send Best Wishes to my Irish Traditionalist friends and ALL of you here at the Mudcat. A fine place we have and may it always be so. catspaw |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Big Mick Date: 19 Mar 99 - 12:02 PM I am only just now recovering, even though I only tipped three jars of Uncle Arthur's (Guinness for the rookies among you) all day. My St. Pat's revelry began with a gig on Friday. Following the sage advice of my mentors here on the 'Cat I have ceased to consume alchohol when performing and my throat last's much longer. I do, however, catch up at the end of the night. But I digress. On Saturday, it was off to Grand Rapids to direct the staging of the Parade (in GR and Detroit it is held the Saturday before St. Pat's)and then act as Master of Ceremonies for the gathering after the Parade where I saw my 7 year old perform with her Irish Dance troupe for the first time publicly. It was joyous. Then it was off to the Old Beason's Pub to perform with my band, The Conklin Ceili Band for the Grand Marshall's party for two hours. Jumped in the car for an hour and fifteen minute drive to Battle Creek, Michigan to perform for the Irish American Club. Great bunch. Drove home and collapsed in bed at 2:30. Next day it was off to a family oriented party in Grand Rapids. Monday, we drive across the State to Flint to perform at a St. Pat's party for Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow. Wednesday we start the day at 4:15 am at the TV studio where we played the morning show. Then off to a private gig at a St. Pat's Breakfast Party, then on to a preschool daycare center. We had a ball with those kids, they were dancing and enjoying the heck out of the music. We even played The Unicorn, even though I detest the song. But it sounded great at that venue. Then it was off to Conklin for the Annual "Opening of the Fenian Pub" St. Patrick's Day Parade. Purportedly, it is the shortest parade in the world, which I will tell you more about later. Now, I must give you some background on this pub and the parade, so pay attention. There will be a test later. Alison,.....Blessings Barbara.....ahem.......would you leave the boys alone and pay attention please.......Thank You In Grand Rapids, Michigan there are a group of lads, of which I am one, who discovered years ago that we shared a love of Ireland, its music and our heritage. We are all roughly the same age. So we would sit in various bars and sing the songs of our parents and Grandparents. We called ourselves The Fenians. Nothing fancy, just a bunch of lads having fun. In those days, very few people in our town knew who the Fenians were. About ten years ago we started hearing about a pub in the wee village of Conklin, called The Fenian. Now I must tell you that Conklin is a wee village about 20 miles northwest of Grand Rapids that most people in town have no idea of where it is located. With the name of the pub, the lads knew that we had to find this place and check it out. So we drive out to Conklin and find that this town has three streets, two blocks long each, a grain elevator, a John Deere dealership, a general store and this pub named after Irish Freedom Fighters. We met Terrence and MaryAnn Reagan, unabashedly Republican in the Irish sense, trying to keep this wee pub Irish. They were not doing well, as there wasn't much draw in the area. We determine that we must begin patronizing this place. Terry is a marvelous Irish American gent, and the Mrs. herself is a typical Irish woman under full sail. Hands on the hips, and a griddle always close by in the event she has to get the attention of some lump who needs it. We, and others, encourage her to get some music in the place. At about this time, the Makem Brothers are touring and I had a promo kit as the AOH usually promoted a concert but couldn't this year. We convince MaryAnn to get the lads in and charge a cover charge to take care of the band. She books them for three nights. Now understand that the pub holds about 110 people stuffed to the gills. When it rains, there are buckets to catch the water. When it is hot, you sweat buckets. The place was jammed to the gills, and the band loved the crowd. It was a concert,in a pub setting. The word gets out and Maryann gets a call from Paddy O'Brien out of Milwaukee. Now Paddy is a musicians' musician. He comes out and plays this wee pub. Sellout again, and he loves the crowd. He speaks with others and the next thing we know, Barleycorn (before they broke up) comes to play this marvelous little pub in the middle of nowhere. Now for those that are not familiar with Barleycorn (and I find it hard to believe that you are out there)they had the largest selling record in Irish music history up until a few years ago, The Men Behind The Wire. Liam Tiernan is one of the original founders. He is so taken with this little country pub, that he speaks with Danny Doyle and he comes to play the pub. He loves it, and Tiernan and he convince Paddy Reilly (yep, the very same)that he needs to play it. He does, same result. Next we know, Sean McGuinness calls and wants to play the place. So the Dublin City Ramblers are booked. And Finbar Furey is up next and so on. Now, herself can hardly afford these acts, but they work out a deal for lodging, a homecooked meal by the Mrs., and what the door brings in. Others that have played include Peter Yeates, Brendan Nolan, Stephens Green, Moore and Broaders, and of course, The World Famous Conklin Ceili Band (you are supposed to chuckle here, that is my band). Once, while having the jar with Paddy Reilly I asked him what the fascination was with this pub. He told me that if there were some sheep outside the door to kick out of the way, he would be home when he was young. Now that you have that incredibly long winded description of this oasis of Irish Folk music in the middle of nowhere down, back to the St. Pat's Parade. Mick Bracken and Katlaughing, would you please nudge Catspaw and Phillipa and wake them up......Or at least put toothpicks under their eyelids so they look like they are awake........What,.... yes Max, I am aware of the storage space on the server, we are getting there, I swear...... So anyway, The Fenians has an annual St. Pat's Parade just prior to the opening of the Pub. It is billed as the world's shortest and was featured on CNN one year as such. The parade route goes from one end of Main Street to the other. OK, Frank McGrath, here is the first test.........How long are the streets in Conklin?.........I told ye to pay attention, did I not, Lad????.........Two swats on the noggin from the Mrs. griddle for you.... The parade route is two blocks long. The Parade consists of marchers, tractors, bicycles, horses and other farm animals. Spectators are not allowed. All must march. It kicks off at precisely 10:55 am and is led by the Grand Marshall, followed by Terrence Reagan (the fear an ti) and meself, and then the rest of the marchers. The problem is that the pub is halfway down the parade route, so we have never actually finished the whole route, ..........(Mick pauses for dramatic effect and waits for the laughter to die down)......but we keep trying. The pub is stuffed to the gills and Mick and the lads get up on stage and welcome everyone, the Grand Marshall gives a blessing, and the pints start flowing. Mick and the lads in the Conklin Ceili Band do a couple of hours and welcome anyone on stage that wants to join in. We do music and jokes for several hours. It is brill. And the craic is fierce. Which brings me back to the description of St. Pat's that I started some time back. When we finished at the Fenians, the lads and I regretfully leave the wee village of Conklin and head back for Grand Rapids to set up for our next gig. We play until 11pm, breakdown and finally fall into bed about half 1 in the morning, having left some 21 hours ago. Quite a day all in all. I have one gig left, tonight at 7, and that is it for about 3 weeks. I can use the rest. To all my friends here in our little community, I wish for you all the blessings of St. Patrick, now and throughout the year Mick Lane |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Animaterra Date: 19 Mar 99 - 01:18 PM Mick, it sounds like a grand and glorious time. My people (Aldriches from Sussex) settled in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids over 150 years ago, and I lived in Otsego for one year at the age of 5- I have few memories of Michigan, but you have made me want to go back! My Aldrich grandfather married a Dalton who was not proud of her Co. Westmeath ancestry, so little is known about my Irish forbears- maybe I'd find some of them in Conklin! Thanks for a wonderful story! Allison |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 19 Mar 99 - 02:04 PM Mick, Do you have any offers from publishers, yet? Could we work a deal? You are upholding the reputation of the literary and loquacious Irish very well! Well done and I hope you know we'll ALL want to be there NEXT year! Sorry, I did what I could to wake 'em, but you know I couldn't tickle Catspaw with a feather, as he's all fur and claws and he might've gotten testy!***BG*** I've heard he eats things what 'ave feathers! Fare well, katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Jack Hickman - Kingston, Ontario Date: 19 Mar 99 - 08:57 PM Greetings: I just learned the complete lines to the following, which I think is attributable to Thackeray, but I stand to be corrected:
For the Great Gaels of Ireland Sl n Jack Hickman |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Susan A-R Date: 19 Mar 99 - 09:23 PM So, how many mudcatters can we fit in this wee pub Mick? (I WAS paying attention. 110 did you say? And What are all of us doing on March the 17th in the year 2000? And I promise that I'll leave the pad thai, and especially the green curry (not as bad as it sounds, really) behind. Sounds like a lovely place.. How come Montpelier Vermont's big Irish Pub is a SPORTS BAR???? groan Susan |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Barbara Shaw Date: 19 Mar 99 - 09:44 PM I think the biggest attraction of the Fenian Pub must be Big Mick himself! Great story. On the 17th, I took the advice of Sandy Paton and went down to The Penguin Restaurant right here in my own hometown. Frank and I paid a fortune to sit at a little table eating tiny unknown morsels about 10 feet away from Sandy and Caroline, who were singing wonderful old songs. They are truly delightful to hear and to know. (Thanks, Mudcat for introducing us). The restaurant was OK, but Frank (who rarely drinks much) was pretty perturbed that they didn't have Jameson's on this of all days, which almost caused a huge scene. (There were annual toasts that required the correct ingredient, after all). He finally settled for something called John Powers, but he and Hank at the next table grumbled for quite awhile about what kind of restaurant would serve a supposedly Irish menu on St. Patrick's day and not have Jameson's. And the Guinness was in cans! So the restaurant had it's drawbacks, but the Patons (which is why we went) were worth it all. |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Mar 99 - 10:25 PM Mick, I love it...been a bit busy with ... well there's no explaining it ... but when I got to read this thread through I really felt like I was THERE!!! Maybe you think it's long, but I thought it improved the hell out of my past few days. Thanks Mick, and to all the rest for making me so much better. Love the Cat and this fine community here...when do we put in the horse shoe pits? And where? Best to you all, catspaw |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 20 Mar 99 - 12:21 AM Mick, I just called my 82 yr young dad and told him about your message...just mailed him off a copy. He could relate. This week, he went out to entertain every day except Tuesday, and I think two nights, as well. It is his life, now, like it couldn't be when he was keeping a roof over our heads (five of us and mom). It is so good for him. I wish he could travel more easily and meet some of you. If any of you ever go to Utah, you'd BETTER let me know, so I can point you in his direction. Thanks and Catspaw, hope everything is alright with you; you make this an enjoyable and open-minded community, too, ya' know?***BG*** kat |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Big Mick Date: 20 Mar 99 - 10:32 AM Dear Allison, Kat, Susan, Barbara S., and Catspaw, Thanks for your very kind comments. I am happy that I could bring you a bit of Conklin. It really is a special place. And wouldn't I love to have all the 'Catters with me on St. Pat's!!! The town and the pub would never be the same. Allison,I would be happy to help you with any information you would like. I live very close to Otsego, and would be delighted to check any of the public records available to help you sort out your family history. Let me know. Kat, You are always so kind with your comments about my wee stories. I am gratified to know that your Da could relate and that it brightened his day. I just love your posts, and your spirit. You flatter me to suggest that someone might be interested in them. Thanks for the compliment. Susan, Don't you dare leave the Paddy Thai and green curry at home!!! As long as it isn't green beer, it is OK. I will get to Montepelier at some point and I intend to look up this restaraunt and enjoy the chow. Barbara Shaw, my old 'Cat friend, Don't you just love the way the 'Cat just keeps going? New voices, and ideas all the time. Our town is developing very nicely, Thank you. And I envy the hell out of you for being able to see Sandy and Carolyn up close and personal. Sandy is truly one of the joys here at the 'Cat. Such a treasure. I have been very busy but I need to get a letter off to him. I will bet the show was great. Oh, and tell hubby that John Powers is a very good substitute for Jamesons when the need arises. In Ireland, some folks think it is superior to John Jamesons very finest. It is my considered opinion that Jamesons is better with Powers running a close second. Catspaw, I am glad you responded because it gave me a good chance to tell you how much I enjoy having you in our community. I always enjoy your posts, you have the knack of being irascible without being offensive. You have a great edge and a great sense of humor that I enjoy terrifically. I believe the 'Cat is a better place for your presence. And I hope that whatever ails you is temporary and that you are OK. All the best, Big Mick Lane |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Philippa Date: 20 Mar 99 - 11:42 AM Happy spring equinox. I think the lines offered by Jack Hickman were by G K Chesterton. It's not true, you know! |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Big Mick Date: 20 Mar 99 - 12:03 PM I believe that Phillipa is correct...........on both scores. And a belated Happy St. Pat's/Spring Equinox to you, as well, friend Phillipa. Mick |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: katlaughing Date: 20 Mar 99 - 01:00 PM We'll be dancin' and howlin' at the moon, tonight!***Grin** Spring Equinox is my favourite! Very Merry to one and all and thanks Big Mick for you kind comments! The feeling is mutual! katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: GUEST,annie hong kong Date: 17 Mar 06 - 06:16 AM As you slide down the bannister of life .... may the splinters always face the right way. Happy St Paddy's |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: Janice in NJ Date: 17 Mar 06 - 05:27 PM Yes, a Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all!!!! And this greeting comes from an avowed Free Thinker. Let's never forget the words of our nation's Proclamation of April 24, 1916: The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien Government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past. Cherishing all of the nation equally means exactly what it says: Protestant as well as Catholic (and vice versa), Pagan as well as Christian, Free Thinker as well as believer, lesbian and gay as well as straight, traveller as well as domiciled. Let's practice that ideal in deed as well as in word. Now let's party! |
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Subject: RE: St. Paddy's Day greeting From: SINSULL Date: 17 Mar 06 - 05:33 PM Mick, May you be in heaven a week before the devil knows you're gone. SINS, ringless |
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