Madam, – Visiting Dublin city centre on Saint Patrick’s Day for the first time in a few years, I was horrified to see one side of our most gracious Georgian squares – Merrion Square – transformed into a giant kitsch funfair, with the centre of this awful spectacle outside the doors of our National Gallery of Ireland, not far from the doors of one of our finest hotels, where overseas guests were staying. Not surprisingly, this tacky affair attracted a rowdy, unpleasant and partly drunken crowd, all “celebrating” the national day.
I wonder just whose idea this was? Could such an event not be sited elsewhere in the city? Why could this part of Dublin not be used to showcase positive things about Ireland at this difficult time? The best of Irish food for example, or something of a cultural nature? It’s difficult to imagine any other capital in Europe allowing such a tacky affair to take place in such a location. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It was interesting to see readers’ views on the reasons we celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th). One expressed outrage at celebrating “a Catholic saint” under the present circumstances, while another suggested our celebration of St Patrick should be replaced by a Republic Day on the June bank holiday.
In fact, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated as both a liturgical and non-liturgical holiday, and many people globally participate in this holiday as a celebration of Ireland itself. Honouring either cause is optional and not imposed.
Christianity was brought to this country in the early 5th century by Christian missionaries, the most notable of whom were Palladius and St Patrick, the former being a married bishop, incidentally. Bridget of Kildare and Colmcille were also former patron saints, but by the 8th century St Patrick had become revered as our true patron saint, and to many people worldwide he will continue to occupy that special place in Irish and Christian history, and so he should. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Pat Kennedy is incorrect in describing St Patrick as a “Catholic saint” (March 17th), as he is venerated by all Christian denominations on this island. Even Ian Paisley regards him as a role model. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I hear St Patrick did not clear all the snakes out of Ireland. He just moved them to another parish. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Garrett Murray makes some fine points about changing the national holiday (March 17th), but where would it all leave us “up here”? – Yours, etc,