Last Wednesday, I was at The Celt Irish Pub in McKinney Texas for lunch with my daughter, Dany. It was my first visit, but not hers, as she lives in McKinney. We had a wonderful time and I really enjoyed the Shepard’s pie. Being only a few days before St. Patty’s day, talk was about the holiday, and the waiter reminded us that there are nearly 40 million American who claim Irish heritage including five million who say they are of Scots-Irish heritage. That number is almost seven times larger than the entire population of Ireland (6.3 million).
I am of Scots-Irish heritage by marriage, as my grandmother married a Scotsman long after her first husband had disappeared. (Come back on Monday to get the skinny on what happened. I’ll post another excerpt from Evelyn Evolving that reveals all.)
Grandpa Stewart was the only grandfather I knew until much later in my life, and I was always proud to be part of the clan, if only by association. He was a good man, and a wonderful grandfather, and I loved the fact that his tartan could have been the Royal Stewart tartan. It is the best known tartan of the royal House of Stewart, and is also the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. For a little girl, being even remotely connected to a queen was mind-boggling.
And it still is for this grown up girl.
So, in honor of St. Patricks’s Day, I offer you a toast and this traditional Irish prayer:
“May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.”
And Now Some Irish Quotes
“For the whole world is Irish on the seventeenth o’ March!” – – Thomas Augustine Daly
“There are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were.” – – Anon.
“Never iron a four-leaf clover. You don’t want to press your luck.” – – Anon.
Irish Proverbs
“A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.”
“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”
“Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.”
“Your feet will bring you where your heart is.”
Irish Toast
“May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.”
And A Few Jokes
An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He says, “Sir, have you been drinking?”
“Just water,” says the priest.
The trooper says, “Then why do I smell wine?”
The priest looks at the bottle and says, “Good Lord! He’s done it again!”
Q: Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Cos they’re always a little short.
Q: What is black and blue and found floating up side down in the Irish sea?
A: Someone who’s tells a stupid Irish joke
Since I don’t want to end up in the Irish sea, I will stop with that one. Do you have a joke to share? Please do. And let me know about your Irish connection, thin though it may be. If you are ever in McKinney, do stop by the Celt Irish Pub. Good food, good service and a terrific wait staff. The Yorkshire pudding rolls are to die for.