St. Patrick's Day in San Jose

Today is Saint Patrick's Day, St. Paddy's Day to some. It is a day of solemnity and a holy day of obligation in Ireland, and a day of both reflection and levity. From the lifting of Arthurs to the excesses of a St. Patrick's Day parade, the 17th of March is a time to celebrate all things Irish.

St. Patrick is an actual person. At the age of sixteen, he was captured by Irish raiders and dragged to Ireland, where he worked for a cruel master as a shepherd. While in captivity, he prayed and developed a deep relationship with God. One day he had a dream that it was time for him to go home. After six years, he got the opportunity to slip away from his master and walked over two hundred miles to the nearest port, where he sailed for his home in Scotland. Ireland made an impression on him, however, and he vowed that one day he would return to convert the Irish.

One of the pub grub favourites at Rosie McCann's on Santana Row is shepherd's pie, so full of creamy potatoes, veg and meat that the good Saint himself would count himself blessed to have such a splendid meal! Let's not even talk about the lamb stew(especially not on Friday!), so savoury and rich that it must have come from the flocks that he cared for so tenderly and faithfully during his captivity!

When St. Patrick returned to his homeland, he embarked on a course for the priesthood. Upon becoming ordained, he declared his intention to return to Ireland. Then, after much prayer and contemplation, and stints at other locales, he accomplished the desire of his heart and returned to the Emerald Isle. There, despite the fierce opposition of Druids and sorcerers, he spoke the word of God and turned aside their wrath.

O'Flaherty's in San Jose had the honour and great pleasure of hosting two Irish dignitaries the first week of March. The Lord Mayor of Dublin herself, Clir Emer Costello, and An Taoiseach/the Prime Minister of Ireland, Mr. Brian Cowen, were in attendance for a celebration of Ireland and St. Patrick. Bending the elbow in honour of the auld sod, they made merry with such delights as Irish Comfort and Sam Maguire Cup, and sang the songs of Ireland. An Taoiseach today has an urgent appointment with President Obama for lunch, and will be the guest of honour at a White House reception giving kudos to Ireland's patron saint as well as to the First Man of Ireland and his good lady wife Mrs. Mary Cowen.

On one occassion, Saint Patrick showed the people of Ireland that one entity can have three distinct parts: "Behold, the shamrock" he said and the light of understanding bathed them all. Another time, as he preached to them, they were slow to realize his points. He planted his staff of ash into the ground, speaking to them with earnestness until they could grasp his words. When he went to pull the staff from the ground, he had been speaking for so long that the young ash had taken root deep into the soil. And, of course, he banished the idolatry of snake worship from the whole of Eire.

Ireland is known for its fresh seafood and Rosie McCann's will never disappoint. From wild salmon and rice, to ahi, to fish stew, there is plenty of choice for those longing for a taste of Irish fare straight from the Irish Sea.

When not preaching and converting the masses, Saint Patrick, wearing a rough shirt, and leaning on his staff, would retreat into prayer. On one such retreat, Saint Patrick climbed Croagh, a high mountain to pray and fast for forty days and nights. While there, the demons of Ireland, angry and seething with revenge, surrounded him. Praying for strength and steadiness of hand, Saint Patrick strode amongst them, casting them out from his beloved land. Turning into deformed birds of prey, they crowded thickly upon him. Ceaselessly praying, Saint Patrick took the bell from the end of his staff, his trusty lam-chlog, and rang it strenuously. The clear, strong sound echoed throughout all the hills and dales of Ireland, causing the demons to flee before the ringing, screeching in pain and sorrow at their nefarious plans being thwarted. All the people who heard the bell in Ireland fell to their knees and gave thanks to God for the protection of Saint Patrick.

At Rosie McCann's, glasses will ring out with the lovely notes of wines and spirits. From pomjitos to merlots, the assortment and variety of inebriets will drive the demons of thirst away from parched throats. Drink with moderation and far from being legless, one will be transported to the realms of the angels.

At the end of his days, when Saint Patrick was growing old and limpid of eye, the good Saint Brigid and her cohorts prepared for him a cloud to shield and comfort him as he was called to home. From that day to this, the people of Ireland have enjoyed and sought the protection of their Pater Civium, Naomh Padraig, the great and good Saint Patrick.

Both Rosie McCann's and O'Flaherty's will celebrate the spirit of Ireland today, but do not forget to take some time to give thanks and raise a pint to the grandest saint of them all, the saint of shamrocks, snakes and stout-heartedness, Saint Patrick.