We have two items from the interwebs to call to your attention, this day before the international celebration of Irishness.
First, we address the fake Irish idiom, “Top o’the Mornin”. As Seamus so perceptively commented, it is never said in Ireland without irony, at least in our experience.
The interweb’s smartest community, MetaFilter, offers the following American-style retort for those who are so ignorant as to further this offensive, Lucky-Charms stereotype: “And the rest of the day to yourself.” The genuine Irish usage of “yourself” makes it a real winner.
Second, we honour the best celebrations of St Patrick’s Day. By consensus of the Irish media and historical precedent, those take place in the USA. So we have a few links for your pleasure:
- Video of dyeing the Chicago River green this year. There are ads attached, thanks to the Chicago Tribune
- Easter’s early arrival this year created a liturgical snafu with the Feast of St Patrick
- By international law, every article over 150 words on Saint Patrick’s Day must mention that the first St Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the British military marched in New York City.
- Don’t forget about Croagh Patrick, the mountain in the West of Ireland that has been a site of Christian pilgrimage for about 1500 years. Some of the many tours offered to B.B. B&B’s visitors include a visit there. The official day of pilgrimage is Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July
- Talk radio in Ireland tried to stir up controversy over the Irish government’s usual observation of the day as a massive tourism and trade mission.
- More web-accessible information from the Independent: the story of the saint; commercial shamrock production in Ireland; a columnist’s take; and an exhortation to prop up the local economy.
Finally, a St Paddy’s Day research project for our most enterprising readers: What is Gorey’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade? There is some controversy over its schedule. Another article, albeit in a regional paper, implies that it is the most prestigious parade in Ireland. Also, the following notice appeared in the Irish Independent on Wednesday, 5 March 2008:
IF YOU find you have a gap in your schedule this St. Patrick’s Day, due to Gorey’s parade being held on Sunday, March 16, then you might be inclined to join in the festivities in Arklow. Arklow’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will take place on Monday, March 17, and will kick off at 3 p.m.
The organising committee has said that participants in the Gorey parade are also welcome to take part in the Arklow parade.
My google-fu failed me on this one. I know that the Dublin parade is on Monday; we’ll be there!