A time to celebrate Irishness

I was greatly honoured to be invited as Grand Marshall of the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade. Little did I think, growing up as the son of Irish emigrants on Chicago’s south side, that I would be a future Grand Marshall for Ireland’s second largest city.

St Patrick’s Day is a fantastic celebration as it gives us a reason to celebrate our Irishness and reflect upon the innate and developed cultural richness that we have.

This national holiday is a reminder to cherish this culture and be proud of our heritage, whether we are Ireland born or part of the worldwide diaspora. We have some of the most talented musicians, dancers, artists, writers, and entertainers in the world with 14 Oscar winners and nine Nobel laureates.Many people think creating Riverdance was my first break, but for me, my big break was years before that, when I was invited to dance on stage with a truly iconic Irish band, The Chieftains.

Culture is an innate part of Irish people. For me, it’s a great joy to play the flute in a session or a sing-song in a local bar, where everyone joins in. We live in a warm-hearted nation where family and friends are of utmost importance, and the culture of extending a welcome to visitors is paramount. Going for a pint, having a cup of tea, a bit of craic, or a friendly chat are all things that Irish people take for granted.

Irish culture has a global reach with its sons and daughters scattered around the world, and unlike any other country, Ireland’s national holiday is cele-brated internationally with elaborate parades, traditional dinners of corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew, and beer flowing green.

My parents were always keen for my siblings and me to have a grounding in and an affinity with our Irish heritage. My grandmother Hannah taught me my first dance steps at the age of 11. Little did I know then how instrumental those early jigs and reels would come to be in later life.

Irish culture has provided me with a career and good life for my family. I’ve put my heart and soul into making my home in Castlehyde, Co Cork, where I have lived for 15 years. I cannot speak highly enough of the local people who are so friendly and genuine.

The Cork St Patrick’s Day parade will be a chance to honour my roots and appreciate how much Ireland and Cork have enriched my life. I’m sure my parents will look with on with pride.

Here’s to a fantastic St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cork and a continued love of culture in Ireland.