Top O’ The Morning To All

Céad Míle Fáilte

A hundred thousand welcomes!

Dublin goes Green!

Get outa me garden Ya snakes Ya!

Get outa me garden Ya Snakes Ya!

And Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland in 432 AD.

Watercolour painting, 18 x 24 cm. (7 x 9.5 in) on 300gm (140 lb) cold pressed acid free paper.

“So, what are you doin´ for Paddy´s Day in Fuengirola?

“Agh, the usual routine on St Patrick´s Day, Mass, J.Bs then El Castillo for Richie´s Dublin Coddle”.

There is also a parade in Benalmadena and a dinner with the Irish Club Marbella  either worth a visit. I will be at Avenue Cafe on the main street in Marbella where an exhibition of my paintings will be displayed. Before that I will be in The Playwright in Elveria doing a live interview for the Hannah Murray show on Talk Radio Europe (c. 2.15 pm).

Guaranteed no shortage of chat, craic, singin´ and drink!

I always thought that Saint Patrick was all to do with drink, a day off school and work, pubs closed and a dog show in the RDS in Dublin. But NO!

I checked it out on the net and lo and behold:

It is unclear exactly where Patricius Magonus Sucatus (Patrick) was born–somewhere in the west between the mouth of the Severn and the Clyde–but this most popular Irish saint was probably born in Scotland of British origin, perhaps in a village called Bannavem Taberniae. (Other possibilities are in Gaul or at Kilpatrick near Dunbarton, Scotland.) His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon and a civil official, and his grandfather was a priest.

About 405 AD, when Patrick was in his teens (14-16), he was captured by Irish raiders and became a slave in Ireland. There in Ballymena (or Slemish) in Antrim (or Mayo), Patrick first learned to pray intensely while tending his master’s sheep. After six years, he was told in a dream that he should be ready for a courageous effort that would take him back to his homeland.

He ran away from his owner and travelled 200 miles to the coast. His initial request for free passage on a ship was turned down, but he prayed, and the sailors called him back. The ship on which he escaped was taking dogs to Gaul (France). At some point he returned to his family in Britain, then seems to have studied at the monastery of Lerins from 412 to 415.

He received some kind of training for the priesthood in either Britain or Gaul, possibly in Auxerre, including study of the Latin Bible, but his learning was not of a high standard, and he was to regret this always. He spent the next 15 years at Auxerre were he became a disciple of Saint Germanus of Auxerre and was possibly ordained about 417.

It is said that in visions he heard voices in the wood of Focult (Focault) or that he dreamed of Ireland and determined to return to the land of his slavery as a missionary. In that dream or vision he heard a cry from many people together and he read a writing in which this cry was named ‘the voice of the Irish.’

There is no reliable account of his work in Ireland, where he had been a captive. Legends include the stories that he drove snakes from Ireland, and that he described the Trinity by referring to the shamrock, and that he singlehandedly–an impossible task–converted Ireland. Nevertheless, St. Patrick established the Catholic Church throughout Ireland on lasting foundations: he travelled throughout the country preaching, teaching, building churches, opening schools and monasteries, converting chiefs and bards, and everywhere supporting his preaching with miracles.

At Tara in Meath he is said to have confronted King Laoghaire on Easter Eve with the Christian Gospel, kindled the light of the paschal fire on the hill of Slane, confounded the Druids into silence, and gained a hearing for himself as a man of power. He converted the king’s daughters. He threw down the idol of Crom Cruach in Leitrim. Patrick wrote that he daily expected to be violently killed or enslaved again.

And a bit more!

We are told that often Patrick baptized hundreds on a single day. He would come to a place, a crowd would gather, and when he told them about the true God, the people would cry out from all sides that they wanted to become Christians. Then they would move to the nearest water to be baptized.

On such a day Aengus, a prince of Munster, was baptized. When Patrick had finished preaching, Aengus was longing with all his heart to become a Christian. The crowd surrounded the two because Aengus was such an important person. Patrick got out his book and began to look for the place of the baptismal rite but his crozier got in the way.

The bishop’s crozier often has a spike at the bottom end, probably to allow the bishop to set it into the ground to free his hands. So, when Patrick fumbled searching for the right spot in the book so that he could baptize Aengus, he absent-mindedly stuck his crosier into the ground just beside him–and accidentally through the foot of poor Aengus!

Patrick, concentrating on the sacrament, never noticed what he had done and proceeded with the baptism. The prince never cried out, nor moaned; he simply went very white. Patrick poured water over his bowed head at the simple words of the rite. Then it was completed. Aengus was a Christian. Patrick turned to take up his crozier and was horrified to find that he had driven it through the prince’s foot!

“But why didn’t you say something? This is terrible. Your foot is bleeding and you’ll be lame. . . .” Poor Patrick was very unhappy to have hurt another.

Then Aengus said in a low voice that he thought having a spike driven through his foot was part of the ceremony. He added something that must have brought joy to the whole court of heaven and blessings on Ireland:

“Christ,” he said slowly, “shed His blood for me, and I am glad to suffer a little pain at baptism to be like Our Lord” (Curtayne).

In art, St. Patrick is represented as a bishop driving snakes before him or trampling upon them.

At times he may be shown

(1) preaching with a serpent around the foot of his pastoral staff;

(2) holding a shamrock;

(3) with a fire before him; or

(4) with a pen and book, devils at his feet, and seraphim above him.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Nigeria (which was evangelized primarily by Irish clergy) and of Ireland and especially venerated at Lerins.

Paddys Day 2009 Interview on Fuengirola TV – watch it on YouTube

Beannachtái Lá Fhéile PádraigShona dhaoibh.

Sláinte!

¡Feliz Día de San Patricio a todo el pueblo de Fuengirola!

Two of the usual suspects to be seen over Paddys Day (week). A direct descendant of Saint Patrick (L) and a walking Saint (R).

Interestingly, the things that Saint Patrick never got involved with as far as we can tell is, drink, dressing up, dancing, singing or craic of any sort!

What do the Dublin children think about Saint Patrick? Watch the short video.

2012.

Ambasáid na hÉireann Madrid Tel:    + 34 914364093 Fax:    + 34 914351677 madridembassy@dfa.ie www.irlanda.es

Embassy of Ireland Madrid Embajada de Irlanda Pº de la Castellana 46-4º 28046 Madrid

2011.

A Chairde

Dear Dolores and Roger

It gives me great pleasure to forward to you the text of the Message from the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the occasion of St Patrick’s Day 2010.

On behalf of myself and all my Colleagues in Ireland House in Madrid, I wish all Irish people and indeed all friends of Ireland in Spain a very enjoyable St Patrick’s Day.  I hope that you will be able to join us in some of the celebrations planned to showcase Irish culture in the coming weeks.

Warm regards.

Justin Harman

Irish Ambassador

Madrid

Download here. President of Ireland.rtf – Message from the President of Ireland 2010.

Saint Patrick’s Day message 2011 from President of Ireland, Mary McAleese

Beannachtai na Féile Pádraig ar chlann mhór dhomhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar ár lá náisiúnta ceiliúrtha féin.

My best wishes to everyone who is celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day 2011. All across the world, on this our famous national day, Irish people and their friends join in joyful, fun-filled celebrations of our great heritage and fascinating culture. It’s a day that reminds us of the enduring solidarity of the global Irish family, the strength it gives us and the pride.
Beset as we are by economic difficulties, we take hope and inspiration from past problems transcended, from the peace which is growing in our land and from the depths of courage and generosity which underpin the rich community and civic life we enjoy.

We know St Patrick was an immigrant but he was also a volunteer. It is volunteers at home and abroad who not only fly the flag for Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day but, all year round, build up and sustain a culture of generosity that enriches life in so many different ways. They are the backbone of our country and they are its heart and its soul. On the 17th March, these volunteers will mobilise under the banner of St. Patrick in a national and international showcase of the indomitable Irish – especially, the volunteering Irish at their very best. Then it will be back to the committees, the fundraising, the planning, the helping and the daily turning up which are the stock-in-trade of the volunteer.

In this year with its special focus on volunteering and on this day of parades, music, dance and colourful spectacle which is so reliant on volunteers, I send my warmest wishes and thanks to all who organise and participate in this great global festival. May you have a very happy and very special Saint Patrick’s Day 2011.

MARY McALEESE
Uachtarán na hEireann

MARCH, 2011

Teachtaireacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig 2011

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ar chlann mhór dhomhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar ár lá náisiúnta ceiliúrtha féin.

Cuirim mo dhea-mhéin chuig gach aon duine atá ag ceiliúradh Lá Fhéile Pádraig 2011. Glacann Éireannaigh agus a gcairde ar fud na cruinne páirt le chéile ar an lá cáiliúil náisiúnta seo againne i gceiliúrthaí áthasacha spraoiúla ar ár móroidhreacht agus ar ár gcultúr draíochtach. Is lá é a chuireann i gcuimhne dúinn comhdhlúthaíocht bhuanseasmhach chlann mhór dhomhanda na nGael, agus an neart agus an bród a ghineann sé sin.

In ainneoin na ndeacrachtaí eacnamaíochta thart timpeall orainn, glacaimid dóchas agus inspioráid ó shárú fadhbanna san am atá caite, ón tsíocháin atá ag déanamh dul chun cinn inár dtír agus ón tréine mhisnigh agus fhlaithiúlachta atá ina buntaca leis an saol torthúil pobail agus sibhialta a gcaithimid.

Is eol dúinn go raibh Naomh Pádraig ina inimirceach ach ba oibrí deonach é chomh maith. Is iad na hoibrithe deonacha sa bhaile agus i gcéin a choinníonn an bhratach ar foluain ar son na hÉireann Lá Fhéile Pádraig agus ar feadh na bliana, a chothaíonn agus a bhuanaíonn cultúr flaithiúlachta a shaibhríonn an saol ar an oiread sin bealach. Is iad siúd cnámh droma, croí agus anam ár dtíre. Ar 17 Márta tiocfaidh na hoibrithe deonacha seo le chéile faoi mheirge Phádraig Naofa i sárthaispeántas náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta ar na hÉireannaigh dhochloíte – go háirithe na hoibrithe deonacha Éireannacha i mbláth a maitheasa. Ansin fillfidh siad ar na coistí, an bailiú airgid, an teacht i gcabhair agus an freastal laethúil ar ionann é agus gnáthamh an oibrí dheonaigh.

I mbliana agus muid ag díriú go speisialta ar obair dheonach agus ar an lá seo de pharáideanna, ceol, rince agus léirithe mórthaibhseacha a bhíonn ag brath chomh mór sin ar oibrithe deonacha, cuirim mo dhea-mhéin agus buíochas ó chroí chucu siúd uile sa mhórfhéile dhomhanda seo. Go raibh Lá Fhéile Pádraig 2011 an-sona agus an-speisialta agaibh.

St. Patrick’s Day Greeting from An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD

As Taoiseach, I am honoured to represent my country on the day that celebrates the best of being Irish.

Of course, being Irish means many different things to many different people. Our identity is something that has changed and broadened to embrace a more diverse population at home as well as a global diaspora of some 70 million people.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity for us to celebrate who we are and to show the world that although we are a small country we are rightly proud of our heritage. In fact, our culture and our traditions have become part of the fabric of the many other nations that we have contributed to building.

This year as we mark the feast of our patron saint we think of all members of our extended global family and friends. We reinforce those relationships that are so important to us and demonstrate our ability to make connections.

As a nation, our enduring strength has always been our people. And we have much to offer. As we face the future we can be certain that whatever challenges we face we will work together creatively to overcome them.

May I wish you all a very happy and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day. Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phádraig.

Enda Kenny TD
Taoiseach

Thank you Madam President and Ambassador Harman.

And now it´s over for another year! Here is a Muppets take for your enjoyment.

2011 background.

Lots of fun and facts at http://www.irishabroad.com/stpatrick/

About St. Patrick

St. Patrick’s Breastplate – A Prayer to say on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick: fact and fantasy
Did you know that the Shamrock predates the red poppy? Or that St. Patrick was not averse to bouts of temper?…

St. Patrick’s Profile
Name, Nationality, Family, Education, Achievements…

Ten things you didn’t know about Ireland’s patron saint

Patrick goes eyeball to eyeball with the King
It’s often said of the Irish that we are an irreverent bunch, with a cynicism towards authority and a healthy disrespect for figureheads and trappings of grandeur. Did Irish impertinence emerge with St. Patrick?

The History of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He died at Saul, Downpatrick Ireland, on the 17th of March 460 AD….

The Confession of Saint Patrick
“I am Patrick, a sinner, most unlearned, the least of all the faithful, and utterly despised by many….

St Patrick’s French Connection
Research shows that St Patrick is associated with several places in France.

Padraig
by Daithi Fleming
St. Patrick- the man. In just a few hours, people around the globe will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (or the feast of Saint Patrick). Some will exhaust their brains and bellies with alcohol, some will visit an Irish pub (some not so Irish at all) and all that entails, and some will engage in behavior and activities that St. Patrick would find inexplicable.

Dinner for Two nights
by Linda Davis
Today I spent the day cooking. There was a green salad with toasted coconut, toasted almonds, strawberries, kiwis and oranges topped with a strawberry balsamic dressing, corned beef with carrots, a green apple and cabbage casserole, a white cheese tart made with dubliner irish cheese and egg whites and a Dublin coddle.

Enjoying the research…
by Corrie McDermott
So I have been working on a romance novel since January. It’s probaby a quarter done.
The book takes place in Ireland where I have never been and after reading some other romance authors who are American but wrote books in Ireland, I wanted to be sure I was well researched. Some of the books I read were full of horrible cliches!

St Patricks Day 2011 Flashmob. Central Station, Sydney, Australia.
Irish Dancing including members of Riverdance and school children in spectacular Central Station Sydney. Over 100 dancers spread St Patricks Day cheer in Sydney.

St. Patrick’s Day at the White House
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the White House as they host a St. Patrick’s Day reception. March 17, 2011.

President Barack Obama to visit Ireland in May 2011