Traditionally, February 1, St. Brigid's Day, marks the end of winter in Ireland. Unlike Groundhog Day, which is also Candlemas Day, there is no attempt to predict if winter has truly departed in meteorological terms because, as we all know, winter can impose itself in Ireland at just about anytime of year.
What is noticeable, however, is the return of daylight after the midwinter daily allowance of just about seven hours.
Irish people living in the U.S. might not exactly rush to the phone to call or text loved ones in Ireland to wish them happy spring, but in the absence of such, this page is raising a cheer.
Because after recent weather and the gloomy state of the economy on the island combining to dish up a winter of sharp discontent, the arrival of February is something that promises what is the best answer: a spring of at least relative content.
