I have very special childhood memories of St. Patricks Day. My Mammy (Rita) ironing my beautiful shiny green ribbon to put in my hair, her pinning my St Patrick's Day badge along with a big bunch of fresh shamrock to my Sunday best and off to Mass. Then Daddy bringing myself and my brother, Aonghus, into town (Dublin) to stand on the corner of Dame Street in the freezing cold to watch the parade (apart from Santy this was the next best thing). Then home to a Sunday dinner and it wasn't even Sunday, followed by green and orange jelly (jello). What a day! Have you ever marched in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade? I have never marched in the parade. Five essential Irish albums that should be part of everyone's music library: The Chieftains - San Patricio; The Chieftains - Reel Music/the film scores; The Chieftains - Long Journey Home; The Chieftains - Long Black Veil; The Chieftains - Water from the Well.
How much green do you wear on March 17th? On St. Patrick's Day I wear fresh shamrock if I can get my hands on any here in N.Y., and a green ribbon pinned to my coat. Do you eat corned beef & cabbage on St. Patrick's Day? How about soda bread? I do not eat corned beef & cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. I usually eat roast lamb with mint sauce and roast potatoes . . . a Sunday dinner. Favorite Irish film? My favorite Irish film is "Nora," which is about James Joyce and his wife Nora. I play Eva Joyce in the film. Favorite Irish book? My favorite Irish book is "Ulysses." I'm also very fond of William Trevor's collection of short stories. Favorite Irish song? My favorite Irish song is "Boulavogue." It was also a favorite of my Granda, Felix O'Reilly. Complete this sentence: The most Irish thing about me is . . . everything.
