For me being Irish is the one thing I am most proud of. My heritage has been passed down through my family and it has always kept me grounded. I know of my 3nd cousin, Augustus “Gusty” Spence, who helped founded and fought for one of the largest Protestant paramilitaries, the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force). When he was in Long Kesh (Maze prison) in 1977 he was quoted as saying the following:

“We are living in the most socially and legalistically oppressive soicety
in the Western Hemisphere, the manifestations of which are strewn over that
society like scabs. The fears of Roman Catholics will not go away because a
bunch of bigoted Unionist politicians say so, and make no mistake about this
word ‘Unionist’, because we are Unionists, too, even though we could never
agree with those fascists who hold the reins of power. Do they realize that
the IRA was a natural manifestation of Cathlic fears just as the UVF and UDA
were born of Loyalist fear?…………All warring factions must put aside
their weapons. Eventually Loyalist and Republican must sit down together
for the good of the country.”

We were taught not to hate, but to never turn our backs on our heritage. In Ireland this weekend most people will be eating Bacon or pork and cabbage. That is the typical Irish St. Patrick’s day dinner. The Irish immigrants brought the tradition of corned beef, so in honor of my families immigrant heritage we will be having corned beef. So if you raise a pint this weekend, drink a toast to me. I will be drinking one to all of my family, friends and readers.

I have corned beef and colcannon cooking now and I will be starting the soda bread. I will be cooking for the next couple of days as I like to make some for all my friends and neighbors.

Sláinte agus saol agat
Bean ar do mhian agat
Leanbh gach blian agat
Agus bás n Éireann

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona dhuit