The beautiful island of Ireland has endured a history that is pock-marked with struggle and oppression, with religious division and self-serving administrations. It has sacrificed its youth in wars, its generations in famines and emigration but it has never forsaken its calling that Ireland is a beacon of dignity, humanity and a home for words and literature of every description.Across the centuries, whatever its joys or torments, its poets have assembled verse that speaks from its soul. These fifty poems can never be a complete package of Ireland. They give glimpses, aspects, insights and thoughtful views and opinions of a nation that is proud, free and gloried with a history that few others can carry. That few others possess. From Katharine Tynan, Francis Ledwidge, Isabella Valancy Crawford and Thomas Moore to James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W B Yeats this roll-call of wordsmiths speaks of Ireland and for Ireland.
There is a day in March when people of Irish descent, in whole or part, and those who just wish to partake of the Shamrock Isle's legendary hospitality, come together the world over to celebrate the world's most popular National festival: St Patrick's day.That day is March 17th, the traditional anniversary of his death in 561. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is acknowledged as the one who brought Christianity to its shores and drove out the snakes! Although it is now generally accepted that snakes never inhabited Ireland and it's more likely a reference to the driving out of pagans or druids.Now we celebrate not just St Patrick or St Paddy's day but all things tinged with the green, all things Irish and its culture with parades, céilís, parties and the wearing of green clothing or shamrocks, and the hours, long into the night, are filled with laughter and good-natured exuberance. Although the day can coincide with the church rituals of Lent the restrictions on eating and drinking are lifted and this gives added impetus to the imbibing of alcohol, the whirl of dance and the clatter and chatter of a vibrant celebration. Our poets revel with the words and verse on every aspect of the day.
