Kiss me I'm Irish

"Kiss me I'm Irish," is a line revellers decked out in their Kelly green will use today as they pay homage to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.

Along with the usual festivities, many long tales will be told tonight over a pint or two of Guinness as folks head to their favourite local to sample traditional Irish fare of Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, or Sausage and Potato Coddle.

For your entertainment the Gravitas Band will be at Cecil's and Ken Hull's new band is booked in at the Bull and Quench. Not doubt favourite tunes like Black Velvet Band, Cockles and Mussels, and The Wild Rover will be part of the bands play list ... and perhaps the most famous Irish diddy "O' Danny Boy" will be tortured by many a happy patron.

Traditionally, St. Patrick’s day was a religious holiday that falls during Lent, but the day has now become a popular party day observed by everyone, Irish and the want-to-be Irish.

The biography of the patron saint starts with Irish Raiders kidnapping Patrick from the family estate in England at the age of 16, and during his 6-year imprisonment in Ireland, he had a revelation that he needed to convert the Pagans to Christianity.

Tales of Patrick’s campaign have been turned into legendary folklore, including the tale of his driving out the snakes from Ireland. Because snakes are not native to Ireland, it is easy to see how many would believe the tale.

Although tall tales have been spun about the saint, the shamrock remains a true representation his teachings. Patrick used the leaf to explain the Trinity. He used the three-leaf-clover to demonstrate how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost could all exist as separate elements of the same being.

One thing is for sure there will be a Bit O’ Blarney, plenty of pints of Guinness or Kilkenny poured, and most assuredly several hangovers.

How to cure a hangover Click Here.