By BrianC
March 16 2005

Whilst our big party is not for another nine days, Saint Patrick's day is actually the 17th March. It is a day when the Irish, of whatever generation, and their friends celebrate the anniversary of the death of a Welshman.

The tales of who Saint Patrick was and what he did are many and varied. In most cases people agree that he was brought to Ireland as a slave, took up holy orders in France. Of all the online descriptions I have managed to dig up that on the History Channel is about the best.

Ironically this day is celebrated more by those Irish outside Ireland than those in it. In my own childhood the pubs were even closed on the day. It was in the US where, over two hundred years ago, somewhat ironically the British army first marched to celebrate the day, an Irish regiment it has to be said. Only in the mid 90's did the first Saint Patrick's parade take place in Dublin, the Irish government belatedly realizing that there was an opportunity to draw tourists to the country.

Perhaps those who live in Ireland are more cynical about their own country. Like any society Ireland has it's faults, the sectarian bigotry which has manifested itself in violence in the Northern part of the island being the most public manifestation of this. Ireland also has a long history of poor social policy and less than honest politicians. For all its faults it is however a remarkable little country. One whose people have made their mark around the world, in many different fields. One whose people and culture are generally held in high esteem.

With the increasing commercialization of the day, something we are all a part of, it is easy to get cynical about the whole Saint Patrick's thing. All I can say as an Irishman is that this day is special. For many Irish people, this author included, it is the most important holiday of the year bar none.

Happy Saint Patrick's day one and all. I look forward to raising a glass with many of you on the 26th.