As Irish as Paddy’s Pig!

It is a popular American euphemism that on Saint Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish. Thus we see the entire country enthusiastically embracing what it supposes to be Ireland’s most notable propensity, on that annual event: a talent for copious drinking. In reality, it’s become just another American advertising and marketing feeding frenzy. The popularity of Saint Patrick’s Day is not confined to America, of course, since thanks largely to the famine-caused Irish diaspora that began more or less in 1845, Gaelic-ancestoried individuals are today found in plentiful supply all over the globe (few things are more weird, I can assure you, than watching the ecstatic annual Tokyo celebration of Saint Paddy’s Day!). As the day draws nigh, please try to shun the urge to drink green beer, attempt fake brogues and wear ridiculously bizarre, pseudo-Irish headgear and for the lov’a Mick celebrate with a bit of constraint. We genuine Irish-Americans will be grateful for your moderation, I assure you! As for the particulars of Irish history, women have always played a prominent role in the fight for Irish freedom. There is a bibliography at the end of this blog that lists several very worthwhile books on the subject of Irish women and their courage and spirited contributions toward securing freedom for Ireland from England’s cruel harness.

My father, who was a good Irish Catholic, possessed the usual colorful…