And it’s a racing cert that an English market town is awash with Guinness mid-March but what of down the road and a history of London‘s Paddy’s Day?
We’re all recovering from the last few days when half the population of Ireland got jinglier of pocket through four days at the Cheltenham Festival.
When their favourite, in this case Gallopin des Champs, comes romping home.
Of course Paddy‘s Day has become something of a misnomer over the years.
What started out as a one-day break from Lenten sacrifices when us youngsters got to eat sweets has grown.
A weekend bender
And in these more heathen days it’s a bevvy-up that stretches out over a whole week.
Which is why Cheltenham designated March 16 as their Paddy’s Day which, of course, extended into the real day.
While March 18 at the start of Paddy’s Weekend, has become a recurring celebration of Irish rugby excellence.
Or whenever it lands.
When Ireland win the Grand Slam and in the best possible style with victory over the Old Enemy, England.
Of course, you don’t have to be sporty to indulge in Paddy’s Day revelry.
And Daddy’s Little Girl has been living it up in the Dublin of her youth (insert your own city in here).
Paddy’s Day, of course, has been celebrated around the world by ex-pats for hundreds of years.
The London Irish
But London’s St Paddy’s Day celebration is oddly and shamefully no long-held tradition.
And only within this Fiftysomething’s lifetime.
Its history too is tied up with an old travel companion and Irish businesswoman par excellence, Norah Casey.
For those of you lucky enough to still live in Ireland.
Norah is instantly recognisable from Dragon’s Den.
Livingston, we presume
