Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Beannachtai na Feile Padraig Libh Uilig!

There was a special message sent to the Irish Community from President McAleese (President of Ireland) included in the Irish Times Magazine that dad subscribes to.  I wanted to share it with you for this special day.

"Today is a day of celebration in Ireland and for our global Irish family throughout the world. Over many decades the people of Ireland, resolute in their belief in freedom, democracy, and human rights and the pursuit of truth, justice, and peace, have worked to create the successful Ireland of today. We can all bear witness to the arduous trials of our predecessors. Yet through it, and perhaps because of it, we have built a new confidence and sense of direction – our collective aim to create a better Ireland and a better life for our children and our children’s children. "

"Many years of hard work have gone into our economic development which has blossomed in recent years. We have created a society in which the traditional welcome for the stanger is extended to people from many countries whose endeavours have contributed hugely to our economy and to enriching our cultural diversity. We are building new communities, transforming inhabitants into neighbours and neighbours into friends. Our national emblem, the shamrock, itself teaches us to honour unity in diversity even as it celebrates diversity in unity."

"To my fellow Irish citizens, and to our friends celebrating this day with us, may I say, in the words of St. Patrick himself:

A blessing on their peaks,
on their bare flagstones,
A blessing on their glens,
A blessing on their ridges.

Like the sand of the sea under ships,
Be the number in their hearths;
On slopes, on plains,
On mountains, on hills, a blessing.

I wish all of you avery happy and peaceful St. Patrick’s Day.

Go mbainimis ar fad sult agus aoibhneas as an la speisialta seo."

Our parade is this Sunday. I’m hoping for milder weather, but you never know.  Either way I’m really looking forward to it. The parade is always a lot of fun and it makes me proud to be Irish. 😀 Plus, it means Spring isn’t too far away. LOL!

This year the Dublin Canadian Association didn’t make a float, which is unusual and is rather disappointing. But, they’re bringing back the ‘Molly Malones’ with their wheel barrows. They were always a hit with the crowds.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day my friends. I’ll leave you with this old Gaelic blessing…

May those who love us, love us,

And those who don’t love us,

May God turn their hearts.

And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,

May He turn their ankles,

So we’ll know them by their limping.

Warmest Hugs!  😀