☘️ Weekly Dose of Irish – Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 ☘️

Dia dhuit, my friend!

Can you feel it? That little buzz in the air? The countdown to St. Patrick’s Day is officially ON! Only 12 days to go until we all become a little more Irish (even if you already are!). ☘️

This week, we’ve got a bit of Irish history, a sprinkle of facts, a cheeky joke, and a mini-quiz to get you in the St. Paddy’s spirit. So grab a cuppa (or a pint, no judgment here!) and let’s dive in.

Remembering Pat Ingoldsby (1942–2025) ☘️

This past week, we lost Pat Ingoldsby, one of Ireland’s most unique and cherished poets. Born in Dublin in 1942, Pat was more than just a writer—he was a storyteller, a humorist, and a man who found poetry in the everyday.

You may remember him as the poet selling books on the streets of Dublin, his makeshift bookstands on Westmoreland Street or outside Clery’s becoming a beloved part of the cityscape. His poetry was quirky, heartfelt, and unpretentious, often blending humour with deep insight.

Pat wrote about everything from seagulls and bus drivers to the mad beauty of Irish life, always with a twinkle in his eye.

We featured one of his beautiful poems, "For Rita, With Love," on the blog this week.

You can read it here:

Irish Poem: For Rita, With Love by Pat Ingoldsby

So today, let’s raise a cup of tea (or something stronger) in his honour and remember him through his words:

"Have you ever seen a seagull's toenails?

Nor have I.

I've been looking since I was six."

Rest in peace, Pat—Dublin won’t be the same without you. 💚

☘️ Did You Know? – St. Patrick’s Day Special

• St. Patrick wasn’t Irish! That’s right—he was actually born in Roman Britain and was kidnapped by Irish raiders when he was 16. He eventually escaped but later returned to spread Christianity in Ireland.
• There were no snakes in Ireland to begin with. The story of St. Patrick driving out the snakes? Symbolic. The "snakes" were likely a metaphor for pagan practices. But let’s be honest, it makes a great story!
• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t in Ireland. The first recorded parade took place in New York in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army.
• The tradition of wearing green came from Irish rebels. The colour originally associated with St. Patrick was blue, but during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the "wearing of the green" became a symbol of Irish nationalism.

😂 Irish Joke of the Week

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey".

Miraculously, a parking place appeared. Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

🧐 Mini Irish Quiz – Test Your Irish Knowledge!

1️⃣ What does "Sláinte" mean?

a) Cheers

b) Good luck

c) Happiness

2️⃣ Where is St. Patrick believed to be buried?

a) Dublin

b) Downpatrick

c) Killarney

3️⃣ What is a traditional Irish dish often eaten on St. Patrick’s Day?

a) Fish and chips

b) Boxty

c) Corned beef and cabbage(bacon and cabbage)

(Answers at the bottom! No peeking!)

🍀 Irish Quote of the Week

"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,

May good luck pursue you each morning and night." – Irish Proverb

📬 Recommended Newsletter – Love Ireland ☘️

If you love all things Irish (and let’s be honest, you do!), you’ll enjoy Love Ireland—a fantastic newsletter celebrating Irish culture, history, and traditions.

Their latest piece, Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, is a great read as we get closer to March 17th. It’s full of insights on how this beloved holiday is marked around the world.

Give it a read, subscribe, and soak up even more Irish magic! 🍀

🕰️ This Week in Irish History

🗓️ March 6, 1846 – The worst year of the Great Famine began. Known as "Black ’47," it was the most devastating period of starvation and emigration in Irish history.

🗓️ March 9, 1932 – Éamon de Valera became Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland for the first time. He would go on to shape modern Ireland for decades.

🎉 Final Thoughts

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, expect a LOT of Irish fun coming your way next week!

How are you celebrating? A pint of Guinness? A good Irish session? Or just a bit of craic with friends? Let me know!

Until next time,

Slán agus beannacht,

Stephen Palmer ☘️

📝 Quiz Answers: 1️⃣ a) Cheers 2️⃣ b) Downpatrick 3️⃣ c) Corned beef and cabbage