Slainte

Now we all know that St Patricks day, is the most popular of the saint’s celebrations. A time every year when distant claims to Celtic origins is made, in an attempt to get a full invite to the party. If everyone who said they were Irish, went back to Ireland, it’d be standing room only. I honestly think that there should be rules put in place if you want to get involved. The first stipulation should definitely be a great grandparent link, in my case it goes back four generations, it was my great, great grandfather who came over. Originally settling in Birmingham, it was his son who moved to Yorkshire and is where the name of my garden bar came from, in honour of my dad, The Yorkshire Leprechaun.

The second stipulation should be your surname, no point trying to get into the Irish only club if your called Thompson. It is ironic though how popular Paddy’s day has become, when only a short time ago, anyone associated with the Emerald Isle were viewed very differently by society. I’m very proud of my heritage and have managed to trace back to my great, great, great grandfather and am looking forward to going to the village he came from in Westmeath. Because of my roots I’ve always celebrated the 17th March, probably more than St Georges day and think family history is very important. So to everyone with a similar tenuous connection to Ireland, Happy Paddy’s day and slainte.