For the day that’s in it.
Yes, it is easy to dismiss Saint Patrick’s Day for all of the toe-curling kitsch.
Yet, it is the point in the global calendar when we have a day set aside to express who we are.
Indeed, it is also an opportunity to celebrate that we still exist as a people.
For there were vast resources marshalled against us for centuries with the objective of extinguishing our influence as a distinctive part of humanity.
Across the world, today Irishness has been acknowledged and applauded.
Although it is understandably a big deal here in Ireland it really is a festival of the diaspora.
I remember the Big Fella instructing me to get the biggest Tricolour I could find in Donegal and mail it ASAP to South Korea!
He attended this trad session in Seoul with said Tricolour.
Across the planet what this little island has given to the world in terms of culture, music, language and literature is lauded.
From New York to New Zealand the Irish and their friends step out and have the craic.
Of course, the centre point of any Saint Patrick’s Day festivities is the parade.
Sadly, viewers in Scotland’s greatest city have their own programme.
That is why this piece in the Times caught my attention.
The entire piece can be read here (paywall).
The political elite in modern Scotland often likes to strike a pose that they are, in some way, more inclusive and more ethical than their rulers in London.
When it comes to Scotland’s own Irish they rather fail on that count.
Sneering at the multi-generational Irish community in Scotland is still consequence-free activity for any political representative.
In recent years I have written two bespoke plays for an excellent theatre group in Glasgow who premiered my works in the city’s Saint Patrick’s Festival.
In both “Hame” and “Rebellion” I explored the theme of anti-Irish racism that still runs through Glasgow like an open sewer.
It is on days like this that I’m glad that the bean chéile and myself took our toddler son and infant daughter out of that place and reared them here in Dun na nGall.
Yes, dear reader that’s only two.
We also managed to smuggle Number Three past the customs checks and she first saw the light of day under an Irish sky.
One day Scotland might stop abnormalising itself apropos the Irish and Irishness.
I will know that process is happening when someone shows me images of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade going through the centre of Glasgow.
Until then:
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
For the day that’s in it…
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If only for economic reasons, the absence of a Paddy’s Day Parade is a missed opportunity for Glasgow.
New York City attracts huge numbers of visitors / tourists in the off season – and the bars in Manhattan typically generate a full month’s takings on just that one day alone.
My story is not too dissimilar to yours. I left Glasgow in 1967 aged 19 because despite leaving school with plenty of highers (I was quite a bright boy) I had difficulty in finding a job with my Irish-Catholic background and a distinct Irish surname. When, during my many interviews, I was asked what school I went to (no CVs in those days) I knew the game was up. I headed south where my ancestry was not a problem and have never looked back.
Much as I would like to see a St Patricks Day Parade in Glasgow, it won’t happen because of the Klanbase and O/O.
St Patrick’s day
Well Phil it was a great scene to be had when driving home from work tonight the people of Dalmuir (next to Old kilpatrick) all out in all thier Irish regalia. It put a a giant smile on my face, they were out in force. Its a real shame that not one council in Alba even puts on a parade to celebrate the Irish who have helped to build Caledonia. These individuals I saw tonight are proud of their roots and weren’t letting nobody tell them otherwise. With your recent blog I’m in total agreement and see that the Scots are a backward, racist, bigoted none progressive race. The green brigade said I best, the patriot or the terrorist, it depends on who’s vote your wanting.
God bless you and yours
John Clark
Not true John. We’ve had St Patrick’s celebrations here in Coatbridge for over 20 years now, supported financially by the Local Authority, culminating in a street party on the Saturday nearest the day.
Unfortunately COVID has put paid to that over the past few years but it will hopefully, fully return next year.
Hence my specific comments about Glasgow.