Bitter truth about shamrock... and all that Paddywhackery

Fiann Ó Nualláin looks at the role of shamrock as part of a spring cleansing ritual in our healing tradition

I am no fan of St Patrick and less a fan of St Patrick’s Day. While I respect the teachings of Christ, I struggle to find those lessons applied within the corporate christianity of some institutions on this island. More especially when you look at the destruction of our Irish cultural heritage over many centuries; the obliteration of our herbal and healing traditions, as well as souperism and the loss of our true surnames and yes — all the truth that Mary McAleese has spoken this week. No intention to offend, but today, I have to speak my truth.