HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY!!! 

It seems that people everywhere, with the slightest Irish connection, are celebrating this week. Besides the traditional pub crawl there are many diverse events on – from concerts to prayer services. And parades seem to feature everywhere.

Here’s a sampling of what’s been happening around the world:

Let’s start with Downpatrick, the place most associated with St Patrick. Their St Patrick’s Festival runs March 9-17.

For those who want to get away from the mayhem in Dublin today why not try Galway?

London’s Irish community enjoyed a day out on Sunday.

And they weren’t the only city in Europe to have a parade.  Copenhagen was one of a number of others that celebrated in the streets.

If you fancied some saki rather than green beer, Tokyo might have been the place to be. On Sunday they held their 18^th St Patrick’s Parade.

The Irish community has always been strong in America. Check out some of their parades:

Boston

Sleepy Hollow 

Greater New Haven

And don’t forget Canada:

Toronto

I was on their first parade committee back in the early 1980s so this one has a special place in my heart.

If you fancied somewhere warmer,

Sydney would have been a good choice.

Or Montserrat in the Caribbean

 So you need not be in Ireland to join the festivities. No matter where you are in the world, there’s a good chance St Patrick’s Day will come to you.

Now that I’ve given you an overview of what’s happening around the world, maybe I’ll wash down my pancakes and maple syrup with some green beer….hmm….I’m not sure that’s quite the right combination. Oh well…Slainte!

 Beannachtam na Femle Padraig!!!