This is no can of beans; no hill of beans either because, and we are acutely aware of this, we are writing about people and their lives and the way that so many, by their labors loves and efforts, coalesce into that far flung and historically crucial community we know as Irish America.
As long term readers are aware, we mine an especially rich vein in the story that is the Irish of America. And unlike some veins of yore, this one will never run out. Our collective story, in all its parts, is a mother of motherloads.
Perhaps it's to do with the Irish love of a good story, a good yarn. Perhaps it's to do with the fact that we are not, by nature, a passive people and bring to all our endeavors a spark and an energy that seems surprising in its breadth and scope given the relatively small point of origin that is the island of Ireland.
Whatever the reason behind the phenomenon that is the Irish in America, all months of the year, not just this one, we feel privileged in what we do and humbled by the fact that we can only ever cover a portion of a magnificent drama.
In doing our work we are, of course, helped along the way by readers, not a few of them extremely diligent watchers and scouts who are quick to let us know things that are going on, going well, or not too well.
We thank them for their interest and heart felt commitment.
We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our advertisers, those who are featured in this issue, those who are with us in other issues, all year through, and even once a year. You too are playing your part in bringing to life an account of a people who have played a truly remarkable role in making our Irish world so well worth writing about. Happy Saint Patrick's Day to one and all.
