SOCIAL MEDIA

Saturday, March 17, 2012

It's Saint Patrick's Day

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I was reading about St. Paddy's Day in Huffington Post today and realized I need to post about it. There are all kinds of misconceptions surrounding this the most Irish of celebrations! My best friends are Irish and I have travelled to Ireland several times, both with them and on my own, but never have I once been served corned beef and cabbage. I am quite certain that that is an American take on the Irish celebration. I do, however, believe that as a nod to our Irish brethren we should wear green, anyway, it looks quite good on most everyone.

I love Ireland.  I truly believe it to be Heaven on Earth. It is green, hence the "Emerald Isle" nomenclature but more than that the spirit of the place is hardy, kind and poetic and perhaps most importantly, never lacking in a sense of humor. It is unlike anywhere else on Earth and if you have travel plans in the near future, you may want to put Eire on the list.

I moved to Italy in my youth and my first friends were Irish folks. I am still friends with them today. I cherish them, though they are far away...O'Donoghue Clan, Cooney's too...I love them.  Irish people are some of the greatest people I have ever met in my life! Lorraine at our wedding, entirely entertaining, the Murphy's extraordinarily generous, Eimear and Brian beautiful and clever, Adrienne, Carrie and Nicky, the best and most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for, Sean perhaps the best humor of anyone I've ever met in real life and Fintan an outstanding host!

Since I was 9 years old I have found myself wishing I was truly Irish, not an American with some Irish ancestors...I mean really, really Irish. On a particularly theatrical day, or when the mood strikes, I am fortunate enough to be able to, quite authentically, mimic a fine Irish accent - that's what Alan Murphy has said, anyway.

St Patricks Day, even with myths and misconceptions is a celebration of the Patron Saint of one of the most charming countries in the world. And we celebrate by wearing green, eating, drinking and being with friends. And donning the beloved Shamrock! I feel like this post is sort of all over the place. I'm feeling a bit sentimental. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day, all!

Slan!

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 It has long been believed that Ireland has no cuisine to call their own. I, however, have been educated by an Irishman who is to be respected for not just his knowledge but his strong brogue and fine hand at pulling a pint, about the history of Irish cuisine - Thank You, Neal McEnearney. There was a clear and definite gastronomy in Ireland but unfortunately, the sweet land of myth, legend, history and Tir Na Nog, was invaded by barbarians, The Spanish, Vikings and the English over and over  again so their culinary arts, unfortunately, were overrun by invaders. Good thing brown bread  (soda bread) survived! I have a recipe from my second mother (Maiden name 'Finn,' married name 'Murphy') but I think it would be a breech of family secrets to share here. So sorry, but if you click here, you'll be led to a good authentic recipe.

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