Two types of people…
March 17th means many things to many people but in vast swathes of the western hemisphere it means being Irish. The old saying, ‘there are only two types of people in this world, those who are Irish and those who want to be!’ rings true today.
Being of Irish descent myself and not that long ago either, I don’t feel the need to wear green and eat cabbage but nonetheless today is a special day for me. There is something uniquely interesting about the Celtic cultures and at this point in our history it is the Irish story which is revered most of all. The true story of the Irish , wherever they find themselves, has not been pretty but one common feature emerged at each juncture of the story. That feature has been education, look around any fire house or police precinct in the USA and you will probably find a good selection of Irish names and family links. Look also in the schools, the doctors offices and the city halls and yet more Irish names come to the fore.
Yes, education was and still is highly valued in the ‘Emerald Isle’ , it is seen as a ticket to greater things
So why has this small nation had such a profound impact on modern life across the globe? Could it be the ability to tell a story like no other, to entertain, to find humor in everyday things
Were all social media portals fed with Irish wit and candid observations perhaps we would not feel the need to automate our postings and instead actually want to be ‘live’ as we post for fear of missing the ‘craic’!
I have a small wooden notice board which reads: ’ The secret of Irish diplomacy is to tell a man to go to hell in such a way that he actually looks forward to the trip’
I am constantly amazed by the efforts some cities outside Ireland go to in order to demonstrate their love of the Irish culture. Green rivers and parades are standard fare these days as people from all around claim a slice of Celtic DNA, even if it is only for a few hours
Is not St. Patrick’s Day really the ultimate template for a worldwide social media event?
Talk about engagement, fun and passion! Perhaps tomorrow, as we take off the garish green hat and red bearded wig, we might dare to snatch a piece of the Irish recipe for our own work and spread a little more happiness as we go.
see you on the long and winding road……. Patrick
