Up and down and across the United States, the coming weeks will witness parades, festivals and gatherings celebrating the best of all things Irish. It is a truly extraordinary phenomenon, one arising from a single day in the month that doesn't even warrant official recognition as a holiday.
Well, regardless of its unofficial status, St. Patrick's Day is a de facto holiday and any and all are free to enjoy it. And heavens knows, in these hard times, we could do with a bit of a break.
Green trumps grim any day, and every day from March 1 to 31.
