It was St Patrick’s Day yesterday, that worldwide celebration of the Scotsman who became the patron saint of Ireland, although it’s probably best to keep quiet about the last bit. Having experienced, on several occasions, the celebrations across the pond I have no doubt that Irish Americans would be distraught at the thought that the saint was not born in the gently rolling mountains of the Emerald Isle.

St Patrick’s Day is a huge deal in the USA, probably ranking alongside Independence Day and even Thanksgiving celebrations for a sizeable proportion of the population, and why not, who could object to the enjoyment of a fun-filled  party?

On my recent US trip I walked into a bar (I always was clumsy!) one early evening, some nine days before the actual Day, to be greeted by the sound of two kilted pipers and a whole host of people all dressed in green T shirts, wearing green beads and hats, cavorting around to “Paddy McGinty’s Goat” and “MacNamara’s Band”. There was one guy wearing a huge green top hat and false brown beard and, frankly, the only things missing were a couple of leprechauns and the aforesaid goat!

Yes, there’s something about Ireland that causes the average Irish-American (defined in many cases as somebody whose grandmother once consumed a pint of Guinness!) to turn all misty-eyed with dreams of a green-draped land of fantasy. Fantasy it certainly is since the vast majority have never been to Ireland nor ever will. They still call themselves “Irish” however and many true Irish people to whom I’ve spoken on the subject declare that Irish-Americans are more “Irish” then the Irish themselves.

I have suggested to various American friends that since their history and heritage is predominantly English (and when they disagree I ask them the name of the language they speak – Irish?) that they should also celebrate St George’s Day. They look at me blank faced, in fact, the same expression that many English people put on when facing the same suggestion. That’s the sad part, we English don’t even celebrate our own national day. Some of us do though and I’m sending out the invitations to my annual St George’s Day lunch today.

St George’s Day is April 23^rd, in case you didn’t know. You could at least buy a red rose!