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WILKES-BARRE — Today, everybody is supposed to be Irish.
The old saying in Irish households that I recall was that there are two kinds of people, the Irish and those who wish they were Irish.
Let me just say, it’s all a bunch of blarney.
Celebrations like those conducted on St. Patrick’s Day — and apparently for two weeks leading up to March 17 — are to be enjoyed, but not over-indulged.
Here are some interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day from the Lincoln (Nebraska) Star Journal:
• 55 percent of Americans plan to celebrate — young people lead the charge, with 72 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds planning to revel March 17. About 63 percent of 35- to 54-year-olds will join the party, and all but 42 percent of those ages 55 and older will stay home.
• Americans will spend over $5.6 billion on St Patrick ’s Day — the average participant will spend about $40.
• Of those celebrating, 81 percent will wear green — a number that has changed little over the last decade.
• The average person will consume 4.2 drinks on St. Patrick’s Day — the fourth biggest drinking day of the year in America. New Year’s Eve tops the list, with Christmas and July 4 coming in as close runners-up.
• 1732 was the first year of America’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration — in Boston — and a parade was held.
My dad was Irish/Welsh and my mom was Polish. As a kid, I knew it was St. Patrick’s Day when dinner was served — ham and cabbage with carrots and potatoes.
My dad never wore his Irish heritage on his sleeve. Oh, he celebrated, but he did not make a big deal out of it. Nor did my mom on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day. Yes, I wore green on March 17 and red on March 19, but that was it.
And dad always rooted for Notre Dame’s Fightin’ Irish, as well as Penn State — a rare combination today, but one I still hold.
Now I’m pretty sure most of the St. Patrick’s celebrations are over, but since today is the actual day, a few more libations may be consumed.
Always, make moderation your mission. That will assure your safety and the safety of those around you, especially on the highways. And you will return next year for yet another celebration.
So whether it be wearing a shamrock, or a claddagh ring, a Celtic cross, or carrying a shillelagh, enjoy this time and be sensible in your celebration.
I have had a few Irish moments in my life that I will cherish forever.
Like the first time I stepped on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. I attended a game in Notre Dame Stadium and got access to the locker room and the “Play like a champion today” sign. I went to the Legends Dinner and sat with Leon Hart, a Heisman Trophy winner of years ago.
I stood in the administration building and went outside and stared at the statue of the Blessed Mother — “Our Lady” — atop the building. I took a picture. Somehow it turned out perfect — centered with good lighting.
Another moment came at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. I was there to cover the induction of Cardinal John O’Connor, who had been the Bishop of Scranton for a year before being elevated to his new prestigious position.
The cathedral was magnificent and the ceremony was awe-inspiring. Quite a day.
Yet I have never had the inkling to travel to Ireland and walk those green fields, drink pints of Guinness and wonder about it all. Plenty of friends have been there, several times actually, and they have enjoyed themselves each time — golfing, socializing, touring. Maybe some day.
So today I will get my ham and cabbage dinner and maybe a glass of Guinness. I’ll celebrate my Irish heritage and wish my old man was sitting next to me. Not because we would act up or sing some Irish tunes or do anything in excess.
We would just enjoy our meal and our beer and probably talk about the Yankees, or the Giants, or Knicks, or Notre Dame or today’s front page. Or we would watch Wheel of Fortune. Dad loved that show.
God bless the Irish.
Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day.
