Pagan past reflected in our pandemic way of life

The spirit of our ancient ancestors is visible in how we turned to Meitheal since our last St Patrick's Day

Gougane Barra, from which Cork's St Finbarr banished the lake monster Lú. Picture: Cecily Ní Loinnsigh

St Patrick's Day 2020 was like no other: the bunting was hoisted, the shamrock harvested, marching bands were ready to take to the streets. 

Right across the planet, from the Pyramids at Giza to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, iconic structures would be illuminated like the Emerald City of Oz and the mighty rivers of the world were poised to run green for just one day. But then, without warning, St Patrick's Day was cancelled.