St. Patrick's Day Magazine 2019

irishpost.com

A celebration of Ireland in London - March 15, 16 & 17 PROFILE OF JAMES NESBITT GRAND MARSHALL OF THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

M U S I C, POETRY , FOOD, CR AIC A ND RO L L! GREEN SCREEN THE BEST OF IRISH FILM

THE LIFE OF ST PATRICK FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS

IRISH MUSIC A SHORT HISTORY

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A FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE

JOIN IN LONDON’S ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS St Patrick’s Festival 2019 in London will present the very best of Irish arts, culture, heritage, food, film, comedy and music, showcased over a weekend of celebrations.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has recognised the inclusiveness of the festival, and has spoken of his pleasure in helping one of London’s many communities mark their national day.

Spanning three days, from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17, London’s St Patrick’s Festival brings together Londoners and visitors to the capital to celebrate the contribution Irish people have made to the city.

The festival will culminate on Sunday with the world-renowned St Patrick’s Day parade. This reaches a crescendo at Trafalgar Square where a world-class line-up from the world of Irish culture and music will take to the main stage.

Also on hand will be the best of Irish fare, with fresh produce and traditional dishes such as Irish-style smoked fish and chips and Clonakilty black pudding - all, and much more, on offer at the Irish Street Food Market.

New to the festival this year is a ‘pop-up’ Gaeltacht run by Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain, where people will be able to learn more about the Irish language.

There will also be Irish dancing workshops and ‘have-a-go’

sessions for hurling, playing the bodhrán (the Irish drum) and the uilleann pipes.

London’s Irish community will be central to the celebrations with the Irish Cultural Centre, the London Irish LGBT+ Network, the Council of County Associations and the Gaelic Athletic Association hosting stalls at Trafalgar Square.

Events across the three days also include an Irish Film Festival running at Regent’s Street Cinema, featuring a programme inspired by the theme #LondonisOpen, plus a full concert line-up at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith.

On Sunday, bands and artists from the Irish community will be performing and busking at London Underground stations.

The festival is supported by sponsors Tourism Ireland, The Irish Post, Bord Bia, J B Riney, J Coffey Construction, Moriarty Haulage Ltd, The Porterhouse.

Londoners are also being invited to take part in a photocall on Trafalgar Square to mark the annual celebrations, those wanting to take part or to find out more should visit: https:// www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/ photo-call-tocelebrate-stpatricks-daytickets-55273759302

PROGRAMME GUIDE Messages from the Mayor of London and the Irish Ambassador to the UK Page 4

Profile of actor and Grand Marshall James Nesbitt Pages 24 & 25

The St Patrick’s Day Parade Page 6

Places in Ireland associated with St Patrick Page 26 & 27

Map of the Parade Page 8

The Camden Music Trail Page 30

St Patrick –who was he?

Page 10

A timeline of St Patrick’s Day through the ages Pages 34 & 35

Irish food guide Page 12 A guide to the Trafalgar Square concert Pages 14 & 15

Irish Poems on the Underground Page 39

Profile of singer/ songwriter Don Mescall Page 16

Irish Film London festival Page 40

Profile of the London Celtic Youth Orchestra Page 18

Irish Walking Tours Page 42

St Patrick’s Day Mass Page 19

Surprising Patricks Pages 44 & 45

A guide to Irish music Page 21

Hugh O’Connor Interview Page 46

St Patrick’s Festival at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith Page 22

Irish recipe for brown bread Page 46

St Patrick’s Festival guide is designed and produced by The Irish Post, 88 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY www.irishpost.com

@theirishpost theirishpost Production: Ellie Klopfer Advertising: Marita Quigley, Oisin Kavanagh Editor: Mal Rogers

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN I’d like to welcome everyone to London’s celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day This weekend is a highlight of our cultural calendar and I’m incredibly proud that we are again hosting such a spectacular celebration of Irish arts, culture, food and music.

This year we are in uncharted waters and as Mayor I would like to say to the Irish community: ‘London is Open’.

The Irish community has done so much to enrich London over many generations, making our capital a livelier, warmer and more vibrant place to live, work and visit, and these celebrations are a fitting tribute to their vital contribution.

On Sunday our world-renowned St Patrick’s Day parade will return and I’m particularly pleased that the Grand Marshall this year is the award-winning actor James Nesbitt.

Tens of thousands of Londoners and visitors will line the streets to enjoy Irish bands, dance troupes and spectacular pageantry as we turn the capital green.

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At Trafalgar Square we’ll showcase the best in Irish music, song and dance in a spectacular show that I’m delighted will be compèred by talented TV presenter Angel Scanlon. There will

be great food to enjoy at a street market, arts and crafts in the family zone, opportunities to learn more about the Irish language, and try dancing, hurling and range of musical instruments.

We’ve also got a series of other events across the weekend including a celebration of the latest and greatest Irish film and animation at the Irish Film Festival at Regent’s Street Cinema.

This year’s theme is diversity and inclusivity, and is inspired by our campaign to show the world that London Is Open to all.

Of course these festivities are not just a time for our city’s Irish community, they see Londoners from all backgrounds and visitors to the capital coming together to celebrate.

That’s what occasions like this are all about people from all communities embracing and celebrating each other’s cultures, and showing the world that London is Open – open to people, open for business and open to new ideas.

However you choose to celebrate, I would like to wish a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone here in London, in Ireland and around the world.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!

A MESSAGE FROM THE IRISH AMBASSADOR TO THE UK, ADRIAN O’NEILL On behalf of myself, my wife Aisling and all the Embassy team, I’m delighted to wish all the readers of the Irish Post a very happy St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to express our deep connection to being Irish, to reinforce those strong bonds with Ireland, andalso a time to be proud of the hugely positive contribution that the Irish community has made to every aspect of British society. For those of us here in Britain it is a chance to celebrate the warm and enduring friendship between our two countries. This year we started these cultural celebrations with a fantastic programme of St Brigid’s Day events across London, honouring the enormous talent and creativity of Irish women.

As our attention turns towards St Patrick, an exciting programme of events will once again be taking place across the length and breadth of the country. My wife Aisling and I, as well as my Embassy colleagues, feel privileged to be representing Ireland during the forthcoming festivities. We are also very much looking forward to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe joining us this year in London, as well as Minister of State Brendan Griffin in Scotland.

Last year was my first St Patrick’s Day as Ambassador here, and I was deeply impressed with the dedication of those who organise events in their communities. It takes a huge effort from organisers and volunteers, as well as great support from local authorities. I want to thank all those involved in making St Patrick’s Day such an inclusive, vibrant and joyful celebration.

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Irish people are well known for being great ambassadors for our culture and society, our values and humour, and our ways of storytelling – through writing, poetry and song. I am delighted that we will be bringing these skills to the London Underground once again this year, when Minister Donohoe and I will each be reciting Irish poetry to inflict upon unsuspecting commuters!

Being Irish on St Patrick’s Day is an expression of fellow feeling or cultural affinity, as much as of citizenship or heritage, and is open for all to join if they feel so inclined.

St. Patrick’s Day this year of course comes at a particular moment in the long history of these islands, as the UK prepares to leave the EU. I know that many Irish people in Britain have expressed concerns about the possible impact of this departure on their lives. I want to reassure Irish citizens here that in all scenarios they will be able to continue to live, work, study, access healthcare and social services and travel freely between Ireland and the UK, thanks to the continuing operation of Common Travel Area between our two countries.

So once again a happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all. It is a time when we can be truly proud of the contribution Ireland and her people have made both here in Britain and around the world.

I hope you all thoroughly enjoy the celebrations.

Beannachtaí na féile Pádraig oraibh go léir.

C E L E B R AT E

ST PATRI C K'S F E STI VA L 15 – 17 March 2019

London

Ireland

Celebrate London’s emerald heart with music, dance, food and legendary entertainment across the city, and a festival in Trafalgar Square on 17 March. london.gov.uk/St-Patricks

#StPatsDayLDN

#LondonIsOpen 5

THE LONDON ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: SUNDAY, MARCH 17 The first St Patrick’s Day parades were held, not in Ireland, but in America, from as early as the 17th century. The Irish Diaspora, trying to preserve the link with home, decided to publicly celebrate their heritage.

Since then the idea has spread all over the world. Everywhere, St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irishness, and a way for members of the Diaspora to renew their links with home.

The London St Patrick’s parade is not quite as old as some around the world, but it has established itself as a key event for the Irish in Britain community, and for those interested in Irish culture, heritage and music.

Over 50,000 people will line the streets from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square to watch a display of all things Irish.

As the parade makes its way past the statue of Eros and along a 1.5 mile route down towards Pall Mall, the sound of Irish music will fill the air. Fiddle music will float on the breeze, the sound of the accordion will waft across SW1, and a colourful procession of Irish marching bands along with energetic dance troupes will strut and skirl their stuff. In short, it will be like a cross between a fleadh and Mardi Gras.

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This year the parade will be led by the 2019 Grand Marshall, actor James Nesbitt.

Sports clubs, Irish dancing schools and community organisations will be pooling their resources to make this a St Patrick’s Day to remember.

The procession will snake its way towards Trafalgar Square where a world-class line-up of Irish culture and music will take place on the main stage.

The show will be compèred by RTÉ and BBC TV presenter Angela Scanlon. Visitors to the square will see a showcase of London Irish talent from every generation.

In addition a special family zone will provide games, arts and crafts and walkabout performances based on mythical stories from Ireland. Look out for characters like Pirate Queen Gráinne Mhaol and the giant Fionn Mac Chumhaill.

The very best of Irish fare will be served up - think fresh produce and traditional dishes such as Irish-style smoked fish and chips and Clonakilty black pudding. All will be on offer at the Irish Street Food Market.

PARADE ROUTE From 12 noon Hyde Park Corner > Piccadilly > Haymarket > Trafalgar Square > Whitehall

Images courtesy of iStock

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ROUTE OF ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE, MARCH 17

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ST PATRICK: THE PAT FACTS With St. Patrick’s Day almost upon us, Mal Rogers gives us the lowdown on the World’s Most Popular Saint: Name: St. Patrick, although in his early years he was probably called Maewyn Succat - but, un-spoiler alert; facts about Patrick are very hazy. There is even a theory that there were two Patricks, which if true should be acted on immediately. We want two St. Patrick’s days from now on!

OK, let’s see what we can do. In the meantime - Official Title: 1st Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh, Apostle of Ireland. Until his ascent to the Holy See he was presumably known locally as Mr. Succat.

Unofficial Title: St. Paddy, St. Pat. His tombstone in Downpatrick, with admirable understatement, states simply his name in Irish: Padraig.

Age: 1600, give or take.

Nationality: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, British, Italian - take your pick.

Appearance: A cross between the early Billy Connolly and Pope Francis.

Did he come from good stock?

Yep. Patrick’s father Calpurnius was probably a Roman official with a nice little farm in Scotland. A real patrician. A true Roman in the gloamin’.

And from Scotland, the Succats would regularly holiday in Ireland? Er...not quite. Patrick was seized by pirates in the early 5th century AD, taken to Ireland and sold as a slave.

What were his duties? This part remains very unclear. He may have been put to work with one of Ireland’s ruling families - a sort of early au pair. Maybe worked as a sheep herder and pig farmer, probably in Co. Antrim. Near the Giant’s Causeway, as it happens.

But he soon escaped, and made his way back to the farm.

Glad to see the back of Ireland forever? Well, no actually. After having a vision he returned to the Emerald Isle.

To resume his au pair duties? No. It seems Patrick has a dream that the Irish needed him again, this time not to tend pigs. Forget the pigs they said, convert us to Christianity.

Successful? I’ll say. He only managed to turn Ireland into “the land of Saints and Scholars” producing missionaries who spread the Gospel throughout Europe.

Patrick eventually received the top award back then – sainthood Any particular part of Ireland he favoured? Probably Armagh, now in Northern Ireland. It was established as Patrick’s main seat of learning, and is today one of the few places in the world boasting two cathedrals with exactly the same name - St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In case you haven’t been paying attention for the last 400 years - one is for the Protestants, one for the Catholics.

Other interests? Botany and zoology.

Botany? Patrick single-handedly launched the shamrock as Ireland’s unofficial logo. According to legend he used the leaf to explain the difficult concept of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

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And the local parishioners found no difficulty in accepting the idea of a Holy Trinity? None at all. Because, in fact there are many examples of ‘threes’ in Celtic culture - the pagan gods Banba, Éiriu and Fódhla; there is the rhythm of story-telling which is based on a threefold repetition. And of course there’s Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke

and Padraig Harrington, never mind Bono, Bob Geldof and Sinead O’Connor.

So is Irish history peppered with mentions of the shamrock? Well not quite. In actual fact the first reference in written English only goes back to 1571; it doesn’t appear again until 1707. As a badge worn on the saint’s feast day it dates back to about 1681, and as a rallying badge for Irish nationalists to the 1770s.

Enough dates for you?

Most instructive, thank you. But is there a plentiful supply of shamrocks in Ireland today? Er, no. There is actually no such thing as a shamrock. Shock Horror! Any of about half a dozen species of clover, sorrel or medick families trade under the name ‘shamrock’. A plain case of whatever you’re having yourself.

But nonetheless the shamrock has become the national emblem of Ireland? Not so fast!

The shamrock in fact has no official status in Ireland. The national emblem of the Republic of Ireland is the harp, and Irish passports are the only ones in the world with a picture of a musical instrument on the front.

And what about in Northern Ireland? The shamrock is not widely used in the more ‘loyalist’ Protestant areas, where the Crown, the Red Hand of Ulster, or a simple ‘Kick the Pope’, is preferred.

So Patrick has no official recognition in the British part of Ireland even though he lived there - admittedly before Britain turned its attention to the place? Well, again, you’re nearly right. The red diagonal cross you see today in the union jack is officially known as St. Patrick’s Saltire - its origins are unclear. But it was incorporated into the British flag in 1800, so anywhere that has the union jack as part of its flag, like Australia, has a tiny bit of St. Patrick on show.

You mentioned zoology . .

According to our old friend Legend again, Patrick got rid of all the snakes in Ireland.

So there are no snakes in Ireland today? Largely speaking that’s correct. But neither are there any toads, reptiles or moles. It doesn’t have postcodes either. Nor weasels or woodpeckers.

Did St. Patrick banish all of them as well? No. Their absence (with the exception of postcodes) is due to the existence of two sea barriers between Ireland and continental Europe, leaving the island with one of the lowest flora and fauna species counts in Europe. Lack of postcodes is a different story entirely. There sort of is now, ah, we’ll that till another time.

But now Ireland is part of the European Union? There have been no directives from Brussels as yet forcing Ireland to have its snakes back.

Any clues as to why St. Patrick is supposed to harboured this grudge against snakes?

Nothing in his background which would suggest a reason for this antipathy towards reptiles and amphibians. There is one theory that it was all a Viking misunderstanding.

The old Norse word for ‘toad’ was ‘paud’, and ‘banish’ was ‘rig’ so when they heard the word Paudrig they assumed the man of the legend was responsible for the absence of slithery things. Hmmm...

Is St. Patrick the most popular saint in the world? Probably. His only real saintly competition is St. Valentine (whose remains are buried just down the road from St. Patrick in Dublin) and St. Nicholas - aka Santa Claus. St. Patrick shares his feast day with St. Joseph of Arimathea, the patron saint of tin workers, and St. Gertrude of Nivelles, so no real competition there.

And would he have been pleased that his feast day is marked with such, ahem, unbridled enthusiasm? Probably not. It’s doubtful if he ever uttered the words “could somebody please pass the bottle opener?”

Last word: The date usually given for St. Patrick’s death is March 17, 493.

He probably died in Saul, in what is now Co. Down, Northern Ireland. His grave in Downpatrick also, according to legend, contains the remains of Ireland’s other two patron saints (yep, there are three of them) St. Colmcille and St. Brigid. Evidently, followers of the latter two need to be more proactive in promoting their saints.

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THE CAMDEN FOOD TRAIL To fuel the celebrations and serving up an Irish twist on some of the market traders' menus, St Patrick's Day specials will include Yorkshire Burrito's Irish roast - a salt beef, colcannon, cabbage and gravy encased in their signature Yorkshire pudding

wraps and Oh My Dog's The O'Dogerty - Shamrock Mustard, County Mayo Mayo, Green Pickle Relish and Crispy Tayto Flakes.

Young Vegans will be serving up their vegan Guinness steak and ale pie.

For instagrammable sweet treats, the Market's liquid nitro wizards, Chin Chin Labs will be mixing up a 'Lucky Four Leaf Clover' ice cream (unique combination of floral extracts and clover) on top of a fluffy chocolate potato cake swimming in chocolate stout

sauce and over at Cereal Killer Café you'll be able to get a leprechaun fix with the Lucky Charms Superbowl - cereal topped w/freeze dried marshmallows, Lucky Charms ice cream and marshmallow milk.

SLÁINTE! A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO CELEBRATING ST PATRICK’S DAY - from Ireland’s food board Bord Bia On Sunday, March 17, streets will be awash with green hats and friendly faces as crowds gather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Traditionally a cultural and religious celebration, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a globally inclusive celebration of Irish culture, regardless of your heritage.

Bord Bia has compiled this handy guide featuring the best ways to get involved in the celebrations.

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Start the day right Irish food is all about high quality ingredients and great flavour so what better way to start St. Patrick’s Day than with a traditional Irish breakfast? For the perfect breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning, try a combination of grilled or fried bacon rashers, sausages, tomatoes, a fried egg and for a real treat, homemade brown or white soda bread. Don’t forget the black and white pudding –

for the best results use Clonakilty – it’s the leading black pudding in Ireland, available in supermarkets in the UK, and is made using premium Irish beef. Colette Twomey is the sole owner and the only person who knows the secret spice mix – using a recipe that originated in the town of Clonakilty in the 1880’s - and hasn’t changed it since.

Cook up an Irish feast Whether it’s a warming stew, a hearty hot pot or a Cottage pie

made with nutritious Irish beef and stout, there are a number of delicious Irish dishes you can recreate at home. If you’re cooking for friends or family or simply indulging in some quality food this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure to sample some of the fantastic produce coming from Ireland – whether its the freshest smoked salmon from Burren Smokehouse, award-winning goats cheese from St Tola or innovative vegan alternatives from The Happy Pear.

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ST PATRICK’S DAY- THE CONCERT Everything from puppetry to céilí and from traditional music to rap will grace the Trafalgar Square stage on St Patrick’s Day. Get ready for a massive knees-up!

Bosco

Jacquelyn Hynes

Bosco, Ireland’s most famous five-year-old, will open the show. In case you’re wondering - Bosco is a small, red haired, cheeky, lovable little puppet, who is neither a boy nor a girl, just a Bosco.

Jacquelyn Hynes is a top flute player, performer, educator and composer. She’ll be appearing with the hugely-respected singersongwriter J.Eoin - their set is made up of both Irish traditional and contemporary material.

Bosco cares a lot about nature, and about people, and gets involved in things like recycling and doing shows for LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice.

So Bosco may only be five, but is certainly worth listening to.

Jacquelyn’s folk/world project Avalonia has featured many leading world and jazz musicians including Najma Akhtar, Zinga Rabhi and Merit-Ariane Stephanos.

Her joint collaboration Celtic Caribbean Crossing has played to sell out audiences at the Irish Cultural Centre this year.

Jacquelyn was awarded the Katherine McGillivray Get A Life Fund for musicians which facilitated an MA in performance at The Irish World Academy completed in 2010.

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ADDRESSING THE GATHERING The following will speak a few words to the Diaspora gathered in Trafalgar Square: Paschal Donohoe – Ireland’s Minister for Finance Catherina Casey - Chair of St Patrick’s Festival

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James Nesbitt will be in the spotlight. The renowned actor is the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade, and he’ll take part in a Q & A with RTÉ and BBC celebrity Angela Scanlon.

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DON MESCALL Don Mescall is appearing at the St Patrick’s Day concert in Trafalgar Square

By Siobhán Breatnach “Daily doses of Don Mescall as artist, as writer, will lead to good musical health” - Paul Gambaccini, BBC Radio 2 Born in the small hurling Parish of Ahane, Co. Limerick, southern Ireland, Don Mescall is the second youngest in a family of 11 siblings.

Artists such as Joni Mitchell, Dylan, Jackson Browne and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were the young Don’s early inspirations.

In his teens, Don Mescall realised that songwriting was something he could try. Not only did he enjoy it, it became a release for Don - a pressure valve, which aided his emotional recovery from the loss of his father at a very young age.

Soon he had taught himself how to play the guitar and had started playing in the pubs and clubs around his hometown.

Mescall left Ireland in the early 1990s to move to London. His first success as a songwriter was with Road to Glory by Eleanor Shanley.

Other songs of Don’s soon found their way to artists including Frances Black, who went on to record nine more of Don’s songs.

The Limerick man’s first significant break came in the late nineties 16

when opening for the legendary Richie Havens at the Mean Fiddler in London. Havens instantly homed in on one of Don’s songs, Paradise, and went on to record it for his 2002 album Wishing Well.

The two men developed a great friendship over the years with Don being invited on tour as Havens’ special guest.

Today Don Mecall’s songs have over 16million hits on YouTube and have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys, Lonestar, Geri Halliwell, Ronan Keating, Sir Cliff Richard, Nathan Carter, MacKenzie Porter, triple platinum singer songwriter Marina Kaye, Sharon Corr, Aslan, American Idol’s Clay Aiken, Boyzone, Idol winner Theo Thams, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Lulu, Kirsty, Garou, Woodstock’s legendary musician Richie Havens, US star Neal McCoy, Brian Kennedy, Luke Dickens, Jaydee Bixby, The High Kings, Frances Black, Grant & Forsyth and many more.

2017 saw Don being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award and also Songwriter of the Year at the ICMAs. Highlights included three No.1 singles with Nathan Carter and another No.1 single with Geri Halliwell.

2018 was another impressive year starting with a live performance in March at C2C Dublin at the 3Arena. In May, Don was awarded

with International Songwriter of the Year at the Hot Country Music Awards. That same month he was surprised with a birthday cake on The Today Show with Maire & Daithi - Ireland’s premier national afternoon TV show. In June he was recording tracks for his album Lighthouse Keeper in Sardinia, Italy. He was the headline act with his band at Byline Festival in August, followed by a festival performance in Italy in October.

Lighthouse Keeper – the album Lighthouse Keeper has its origins in a tour of Ireland 18 months ago.

Don paints the picture more clearly: “In October of 2017 we started working on the ‘Lighthouse Keeper’ album. I worked on a bunch of songs that I had co-written with some of my favourite co-writers/friends, and started weaving the album together with my co-conspirator Michele Busdraghi, at my own recording studio the ‘Pepperpot Studio’ by the River Thames in London.

“I then decided to ask artists/friends that I had admired and had worked with over the years - some of which I had written for or with - to sing with me on some of the tracks . I picked songs that I felt each particular artist might relate to.

“I feel so grateful that Paul Brady, Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy, Frances Black, Christy Dignam,

Nathan Carter, Lisa McHugh, Maura O’Connell, Stephanie Urbina Jones and the wonderful Stella Parton all agreed, and brought their own unique little piece of magic to the songs.

“Even though it’s been almost twelve years since my first album, Innocent Run, I feel (for me, at least) it was worth the wait.”

A single from the album has already been released - Love Me Right Now is a duet with Stella Parton, younger sister of Dolly.

After Stella’s appearance on the BBC’s Celebrity Master Chef, the pair met up. He explains: “She happened to be staying near my recording studio by the river near Greenwich. Through some mutual friends, she stopped by to say ‘Hi’ and visit the studio. We very quickly found that we had so much in common; both from large families (hers 12 children, mine 11 children), both songwriters and singers, both crazy about country music, both spiritual.

“I had always loved I Wanna Hold You In My Dreams Tonight, one of Stella’s hit records, and I guess she knew a few songs that I had written over the years for some American artists. So, there was an instant connection. As usual, turns out we had many mutual friends in Nashville. . . . and well, next thing she was recording a song with me on Lighthouse Keeper.”

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LONDON CELTIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA Performing on the main stage at Trafalgar Square on St Patrick’s Day Feith an Cheoil’s London Celtic Youth Orchestra The London Celtic Youth Orchestra is an ensemble of students from Feith an Cheoil School of traditional Irish music who perform throughout the year at high profile events.

The Orchestra brings together the finest of traditional young talent in the Irish community, transforming the stage with their vibrancy and energy.

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What makes LCYO unique is that these young students are not just gifted in music making but also traditional song and dance. All round entertainment!

such notable productions as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

The LCYO is directed by highlyrespected fiddle player Eilish Byrne-Whelehan who established Feith an Cheoil School of traditional Irish Music in 2004.

Students attend weekly music classes where they learn the disciplines and rewards of performance both as a soloist and part of an ensemble. They also participate in local projects and take an active part in the community

The school has being passing on music and the arts to young people since then and many championship titles have been won at Feith an Cheoil. Past pupils have also gone on to perform in

Feith an Cheoil is a wonderful sociable environment for young people to grow their confidence and self-esteem, share interests and make friends with other like-minded young people.

PRAYERS & BREAKFAST ON ST PATRIC DAY The Council of Irish Counties will be hosting Mass at 8.30am at the London Irish Centre, Camden, on Sunday, March 17. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Gerry McFlynn, with music by Feith an Cheoil.

monasteries of Ireland, and missionaries from places such as Armagh, Clonmacnoise and Glendalough subsequently journeyed throughout Europe re-introducing the Gospel.

The service will pay tribute to the religious significance of the Apostle of Ireland, his missionary work, and his importance in the story of Christianity.

This is all part of the legacy of St Patrick.

Patrick’s message served as a template for transforming Ireland into ‘the Land of Saints and Scholars’.

During the Dark Ages, Rome lay sacked, London was a muddy backwater, and Europe’s culture was torn asunder. Goths, Visigoths, Vandals and assorted barbarians laid waste to much of the continent’s ecclesiastical and literary traditions.

The burning light of Christianity, however, was kept alive in the great

Mass will be followed by a full Irish breakfast - Clonakilty black & white pudding, sausages & bacon - kindly donated by Clonakilty Blackpudding.

Tickets available through CICA on 07956855957 or Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/ e/st-patricks-traditional-irishbreakfast-tickets-56492610920 (with a booking fee).

Donation £6.00 Image courtesy of Siccar

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, St Patrick s Weekend Showcasing the best of Irish culture Music Theatre Film Comedy Art Literature THURSDAY 14TH MARCH 1.30pm – St

Patricks Tea Dance

FRIDAY 15TH MARCH 5pm - 8pm – Open

Trad Session – Bar Open 8pm – Funny Feckers in Hammersmith Paddy’s Weekend Special SATURDAY 16TH MARCH

8pm – Seán

Keane in Concert

SUNDAY 17TH MARCH

2pm - 4pm – Afternoon

Trad Session – Bar Open 7.30pm – Four Men and A Dog

Upcoming Events at the ICC 23rd March – Altan – Starts 8pm 29th March – Phelim

Drew and Band “Celebrating the Dubliners” – Starts 8pm

5th April – Danu – Starts 8pm

Classes in Irish Language, Music, Literature, Poetry Room hire available For all information on events and to sign up to our regular newsletter please visit our website:

irishculturalcentre.co.uk Irish Cultural Centre 5 Black’s Road Hammersmith 20 W6 9DT

ŗ�info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk Ȱ�0208 5638232 ȷ�@MyICCLondon Ǘ facebook.com/IrishCulturalCentre/

IRISH MUSIC:A SHORT HISTORY Ireland today is recognised as having one of the richest musical heritages in the world. But to arrive in the 21st century with a vibrant tradition has required a lot of effort, and several diverse ingredients. Geographical isolation perched on the edge of the Atlantic has helped, as has a history for which the word ‘chequered’ barely does justice.

Mal Rogers casts his eye over some of the notable milestones of the last thousand years of Irish music.

1000 AD onwards Until about AD 1200 all Irish music was Gaelic. The Vikings who raided Ireland from about the ninth century onwards had little effect on the native music until approximately 1400 years later when Abba won the Eurovision Song Contest - showing the Irish what could be done in terms of dominating the competition, for a while at least.

1169 AD In 1169 the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland, and boy did they have an effect on the music. But instead of opening Norman theme pubs all over the place, the invaders took to their new home with enthusiasm. Soon laws were being passed to stop the Anglo-Normans becoming “more Irish than the Irish themselves” 1366 AD ‘Irish music banned!’ screamed the headlines. The Statutes of Kilkenny prohibited the playing (or listening to) Irish music.

There was even a statute warning the Anglo-Normans not to wear their hair long in the manner of the native Irish. This was the sixties after all - even if it was the 1360s.

1367 AD It would have been about this time that parliament also issued an edict stating that all Irish town names should henceforth be spelled so awkwardly that they are impossible to fit into a song. But once again the local populace triumphed against the odds, managing to crowbar the likes of Ballyjamesduff, Lisdoonvarna and Carrickfergus into prefectly scanned lyrics.

1500 AD By now, Irish music as we know it today was slowly beginning to coalesce. Jigs from France, reels from Scotland, waltzes from Austria and hornpipes from Poland were all beginning to be absorbed into what remained of the old Celtic music.

18th Century By the 18th Century several Italian composers had made their way to Ireland. They helped popularise the use of the fiddle, and their contribution to Irish music was significant: many attribute the intricate ornamentation of Irish music to their presence. Nobody knows for certain why they were there a combination of classical music and the craic was perhaps irresistible. The tradition continues to this day with Gino Lupari, bodhrán player For Men and A Dog (Cuattro uomini e un cane).

19th Century In the nineteenth Century famine and emigration could have extinguished the artistic spark. But in adversity the music survived, and by the end of the Century the national store stood at some 6000 pieces 20th Century progresses Back home Irish music from the beginning of the twentieth Century then began a period of slow decline despite the combined efforts of the céilí bands, the showbands, and of course John McCormack, Ireland’s first international superstar - the world’s first million selling artist.

Mid 20th Century The céilí bands eventually gave way to the showbands – a peculiarly Irish phenomenon.

A minimum of seven artists onstage belting out the hits of the day, plus a dose of country & Irish songs and the odd traditional number.

The 1960s onwards: Then came The Clancys, Sean Ó Riada and The Chieftains, The Dubliners, Planxty. Planxty were The Beatles of the Irish music world. The various members of these bands dominated Irish music and their influence on the traditions remains strong – Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Paul Brady, Andy Irvine. Even Bill ‘Riverdance’ Whelan did a stint with them.

The piper Liam O’Flynn, who had a huge influence on the tradition, sadly died last year.

The 1970s Irish traditional music was well on its way to becoming one of the most popular genres in the world. The Bothy Band, The Fureys, De Danann et al kept the flag of Irish music flying across the world.

1970 Dana wins the Eurovision Song Contest (See also Vikings, Abba) 1981 Daniel O’Donnell makes his first professional appearance, at a club in Thurles as part of his sister Margo’s band.

1994: An American dancer wins a contest for European singers and in doing so changes the face of Irish music for evermore. Michael Flatley along with Jean Butler transformed the perception of Irish dancing, taking it from the parish hall onto the global stage.

2019 As the 21st century progresses, Irish music seems in good shape. Things are certainly different from St Patrick’s Day last century in 1919. The pubs weren’t open, and the day was one mainly of religious devotion The Fields Of Athenry wouldn’t be written for a further seventy years or so. What way was that to celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Today however, St Patrick’s is celebrated across the globe, and Irish music is an integral part of celebrations everywhere.

Images from iStock and Rolling News

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MUSIC, CULTURE AND CRAIC AT THE

IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE, HAMMERSMITH

The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith will be hosting three nights of Irish entertainment and culture March 15-17 Friday, March 15 Funny Feckers Kicking off the festivities of our all enjoyable St Patrick’s Weekend are those “Funny Feckers” with MC Wes Dalton. This night is sure to be full to the brim with the best of Irish Comedians and your St Patrick Day Weekend celebrations off on a high.

Funny Feckers wll be presenting their own mic comedy night.

Up and coming comics, well-established comedians, and comedy novices take to the stage to produce an evening of high-spirited funny business.

Saturday, March 16 Seán Keane

Sunday, March 17 Four Men and a Dog

Seán Keane, possessor of one of the most recognisable voices in Irish music, is particularly known for his distinctive sean nós style.

Five of Ireland’s most exhilarating master musicians will take the stage in Hammersmith, to blend their high energy Irish traditional sound with Southern rock, rap, jazz, gypsy, blues, blue grass, polka, county swing, and even salsa.

From Caherlistrane near Tuam in County Galway, he is a member of a musical family, which includes his renowned sister Dolores.

Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, Seán learned the sean-nós style of singing from his mother and his aunts.

Singing was his life, even in early childhood; by the time Seán reached his teens, he had collected thirteen All-Ireland medals. He was by then an accomplished whistle and flute player as well and had taken up the uilleann pipes and bodhrán.

After a brief flirtation with the theatre when he played in the Druid production of the Midnight Court and the Abbey Theatre’s Sheep’s Milk on the Boil - Seán embarked on his solo career in 1993. He has released, to date, eleven solo albums.

Seán’s music is not hidebound by genres his repertoire includes traditional, Irish folk music, rock, blues, and country.

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Their live shows are fast and infectious - a complete musical tour de force.

The band feature one of Ireland’s foremost fiddle players Cathal Hayden, as well as ‘the god of the bodhran’, the irrepressible Gino Lupari.

Accordion wizard Donal Murphy, the brilliant Kevin Doherty (vocals and guitar), and the amazing Gerry O’Connor on fiddle, banjo and mandolin make up the ensemble.

Irish Cultural Centre 5 Black’s Road Hammersmith London W6 9DT irishculturalcentre.co.uk

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• Folk and Traditional music from 1pm in lounge bar with The Kerry Kings.

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Irish Dancing Display at 9pm with music till 2am

• 2pm Ballads and Irish Music with Slim Attraction in the function room

St Patrick’s Weekend Food Menu served from 9.30am - 10pm

Irish breakfeast & St. Patrick’s Menu served from 9.30am - 9pm

Six Nations Rugby

• Irish Dancing Display at 1.30 & 4.30pm

IRELAND v WALES at 2.45pm followed by live music with YB Sober • Irish Dancing Display at 5.30pm

Sat 16th March • 7pm Stone Pony • 10pm All Folked Up • 1am YB SOBER

• 1pm Kerry Kings folk & traditional • Irish Dancing Display at 1.30pm, Open 12 noon 3pm & 5.30pm til 3am St. Patrick’s Day • 3.30pm YB Sober Food Menu served from 12-8pm

Upstairs in Club Shamrock from 9pm Stone Pony and DJ Shox.

DJ Phelim

in between bands

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• 6pm Bible Code Sundays • 8pm Stone Pony • 11pm All Folked Up • 1am YB Sober DJ Phelim

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JAMES NESBITT

GRAND MARSHALL OF THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Aidan Lonergan profiles actor James Nesbitt.

Jude (1996) and Welcome To Sarajevo (1997).

James Nesbitt, born and raised in Broughshane, near Ballymena, Co. Antrim, began his acting career after following the advice of a school teacher to attend drama school in London.

He gained wider recognition in the film Waking Ned Devine (1998), playing the lovable pig farmer Pig Finn, and has also starred in Danny Boyle’s movie Millions, and featured in Woody Allen’s Match Point.

Starting out as a stage actor, Nesbitt has appeared in numerous plays including Paddywack, Translations, As You Like It, Philadelphia Here I Come, Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay and most recently Shoot The Crow in the West End. James Nesbitt appeared in his first film, Hear My Song in the early 1990s. He then worked extensively with director Michael Winterbottom on the films

The Antrim star’s highestgrossing films are of course The Hobbit trilogy – in which he played Bofur, one of 13 dwarfs on an adventure with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) across MiddleEarth alongside fellow Irish actor Aidan Turner, who played Kíli.

Nesbitt’s first major TV roles

Aoife Ní Thuairisg, James Nesbitt, Ambassador Adrian O'Neill pictured at The Irish Post Awards

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included Ballykissangel and Playing The Field but it was playing Adam in the BAFTA award-winning Cold Feet that brought him to the attention of a wider audience. The criticallyacclaimed drama won James a British Comedy Award in 2000 and a UK National Television Award in 2003.

Nesbitt’s range of TV roles since then have included the title role of Tommy Murphy in Murphy’s Law – which was specially written for James by writer Colin Bateman. The show ran for five seasons up until 2007.

In 2002, Nesbitt played the leading role in the film Bloody Sunday about the

1972 massacre of 14 innocent protesters by British soldiers in Derry – which won him a BAFTA nomination and Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards as well as the Stockholm Film Festival.

In 2003, BBC Drama produced a modern reworking of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales with Nesbitt playing the main lead, Nick, in The Miller’s Tale – airing on BBC AMERICA in January 2005.

In early 2004 he played the lead in Passer By – a drama directed by David Morrisey (State of Play) and written

by Tony Marchant (Canterbury Tales, Crime & Punishment).

Later in 2007, Nesbitt starred in the critically acclaimed BBC series Jekyll which gained him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for Television, and a Rose D’Or nomination for Best Actor.

In 2008, he played Pontius Pilate in BBC 1’s The Passion, starred in Midnight Man for ITV1 and a year later starred in BBC Films’ Five Minutes of Heaven.

That same year he featured in the BAFTA award-winning Occupation for BBC1, as well as co-starring with Martin Sheen as an Irish writer who joins a bereaved father undertaking a pilgrimage in Emilio Estevez’s The Way, released in 2011.

British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for the last six years, and has also presented the Empire Awards, the Irish Film and Television Awards twice and the star studded GQ Awards on two occasions.

The Northern Irishman most recently starred in the critically acclaimed drama series The Missing for BBC1 and Starz Network in the US, as well as Stan Lee’s Lucky Man for Sky. He also rejoined Cold Feet for a triumphant return to ITV after 13 years in September 2016.

Nesbitt has hosted the Michael Flatley & James Nesbitt at The Irish Post Awards

Proud to be an Irishman At the Irish Post Awards last November, James Nesbitt told the co-host Aoife Ní Thuairisg: “I’ve taken a bit of time off, which isn’t easy for a County Antrim Presbyterian - we know the value of a pound where I come from. But I’m taking a bit of a break then I’m doing a musical called This Is My Family.”

James then said: “Identity where I come from, and where Eamonn comes from - we came from a place where, at a time when identity was something that people either fought over, or hid behind, and now it’s just so thrilling in the 29th year of the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement to be a man from the North who can say - when so much is being worried about over identity over here - my identity is very simple “I’m proud to be a Northern Ireland man, I’m proud to be an Ulsterman, I’m proud to be from the Protestant culture, but most of all I’m proud to be an Irishman.”

Getty

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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PATRICK Although facts about St Patrick are notoriously hard to pin down, he is associated with many areas in Ireland.

We trace his journey through the island.

Co. Antrim Slemish Mountain Slemish stands in the centre of Co. Antrim. According to legend the young, captive Patrick herded sheep and pigs here.

Slemish, standing some 1437 ft, looks out across the Antrim Plateau, and is visible for miles around. A well-marked path leads to the top. It’ll take you the best part of an hour, but the views are superb, and you can

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ponder Patrick’s legend on your hike.

The Belfast writer Sam Hanna Bell once wrote of Ulster: “Where every hill has its hero and every bog its bones.” And Mount Slemish has the biggest hero of all.

More recently, another mythical hero has visited Slemish. The mountain was the location for the Dothraki Grassland scenes for the HBO production Game Of Thrones.

Co. Meath The Hill of Slane The valley of the River Boyne is the site of one of the most abiding legends associated with Patrick. In pagan times fires were an integral part of the Irish Mayday festival. Every high

hilltop in Ireland would have a bonfire,and the whole community would gather on Mayday eve to witness the Druids, or pagan priests, ceremonially light the fire.

After that, presumably, everybody partied on down a nd got up to all sorts.

But back to the fire-lighting. This holy duty was the sole preserve of the Druids - until St. Patrick rocked up. On the Hill of Slane he lit his own fire, calling it the fire of Christianity. Defying the Druids he said, “If this fire is not extinguished now, it will burn forever.” It wasn’t, and the rest, as they say, is theology.

Co. Armagh Armagh City St. Patrick arrived in Armagh, probably around AD 445, and

set about establishing it as the ecclesiastical centre of Ireland.

Soon scholars began arriving from all over country, and from England and Scotland. The land of Saints and Scholars was on its way.

Today Armagh is unique in the world in having two cathedrals of the same name. If you’re not quite sure why, a visit to these two magnificent establishments may make things a little clearer.

Co. Mayo Croagh Patrick Croagh Patrick dominates the landscape of Co. Mayo. Like so many holy places in Ireland, the mountain has been a significant religious site since ancient pre-Christian times. Today it is the annual destination for thousands of pilgrims who

climb the 2510 foot-high stony peak to honour Saint Patrick, and to do penance for their sins.

For maximum pilgrimage points, do it barefoot.

According to legend, this is where St Patrick issued his exclusion order to the snakes of Ireland.

Dublin St Patrick’s Cathedral St Patrick is said to have baptised converts to Christianity at a local well on the site of today’s cathedral.

Since then a church has stood on the grounds. The Normans refashioned one in the 12th century which was rebuilt in the 13th century, and that building is more or less today’s cathedral.

This was Jonathan Swift’s old stomping ground, and the Dean is remembered in the cathedral.

Co. Mayo Killala St. Patrick is believed to have been captured by Irish pirates, probably in Scotland, although Wales is a possibility. This would have been in the final years of the 4th century, and Patrick was sold on to work as a shepherd somewhere in Antrim, or here in Killala. There is still a Round Tower in the area - part of a very early Celtic church which tradition says was founded

by Patrick.

Co. Down Saul Around 430AD it’s believed that Patrick came ashore where the Slaney River flows into Strangford Lough in Co. Down.

The place is called Saul, but this isn’t a biblical reference - ‘Saul’ is merely the English version of the Irish word ‘sabhall’ meaning

barn. This was Patrick’s return visit to Ireland, when he began his mission to convert the Celtic Irish to Christianity.

Co. Down Downpatrick Saint Patrick is reputedly buried in the leafy graveyard of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. A large simple granite slab with his name is all that marks the grave, despite the fact that Ireland’s other two other patron saints, Brigid and Colmcille, are reputedly buried here as well.

Down Cathedral has a lengthy history. It was destroyed by earthquake, pillaged by the Danes, burnt by the Scots, destroyed again by the English, and then lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years. Nowadays it is hard to imagine a more peaceful place, with views across the Quoile to the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Inch in one direction,

and the Mountains of Mourne clearly visible in another.

Co. Donegal St Patrick’s Purgatory St Patrick’s Purgatory, on the flat and rocky Station Island in Lough Derg, vies in popularity with Croagh Patrick as a place of pilgrimage. The Lough lies a few miles north of Pettigo, in a desolate but beautiful region.

Local legend states that the Saint freed the area from evil spirits by fasting in a cave here for forty nights. He also banished a giant water monster, presumably the Lough Derg Monster (Dergie?), into exile.

Dante’s The Divine Comedy was influenced by tales of the pilgrimages to St. Patrick’s Purgatory.

All images courtesy of Tourism Ireland

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THE IRISH TRADITIONAL SESSION Town is one of the epicentres of Irish music. Here, in this corner of north London, some of the first Irish traditional pub sessions (or seisúns) in the world were held from around the mid -20th century.

It’s a complicated, and indeed much-debated story. But many believe that the session, now regarded as an integral part of Irish culture, was almost certainly a product of London immigrant life. It was a spontaneous response to alienation in a strange country.

By the beginning of the 20th century céilí bands had begun to appear - this was just about the first ever example of organised ensemble playing in Irish music.

But come the mid-20th century, showbands had begun to supplant céilí bands. Although some played a few folk tunes in amongst the pop hits of the day, Irish immigrants in Britain wanting a real fix of traditional music were largely uncatered for.

Often from rural areas in Ireland, these exiles were used to hearing traditional music back home, as part of dancing sessions. Most of them were poor labourers living in digs or rooming houses, so a cosy session in front of the fire wasn’t an option.

Instead, they set up shop in local pubs in London - in areas such as Camden Town, Kilburn and Hammersmith. Arguably, this was

Camden

the first time Irish music had ever been played in pubs – although it may have happened in cities such as New York and Boston.

playing. Others soon followed; if not playing, then listening to this precious music. It was a revolutionary step.

UNTIL the coming of the céilí bands in the early 20th century, Irish music was largely a solo tradition. The céilí bands introduced group playing to the tradition, for the first time.

HOW the traditional session developed - and where - will be argued about for probably as long as Irish music is played. But what seems generally accepted is that a definite London style of traditional Irish music evolved from the 1950s and 1960s - a product of great immigrant musicians from all parts of Ireland getting together.

In British cities with large Irish populations - London, Liverpool, Glasgow - the céilí band template was taken a stage further. The traditional session was born, with fiddles, banjos, and accordions playing together in a pub - not for dancing, but for the pleasure of

And you may be sure this still music is still going strong -not least on St Patrick’s Day.

THE CAMDEN MUSIC TRAIL As part of London St Patrick’s Day Festival, Camden Market will play host to an all-Irish music trail for the 3rd year running.

Providing the creative canvas for the emerging Irish music talent, on Saturday, March 16, the Market will showcase a live Irish music trail, continuing its support of emerging talent and international culture.

Live performances from bands

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and solo artists sourced by the London Irish Centre and the Mayor of London’s team will put on intimate music performances that will take place in 6 locations across the Market including Bar 1974, Lockside Camden, Camden Pizza, Pamban, The Camden Grocer, concluding with a headline act performance in the Dr Martens Boot Room.

Where: Various location across Camden Market When: Saturday 16th March 2019 Time: All Day. Performances from 1- 7pm Price: FREE Acts include: Aislinn Logan, Sick Love, Video Blue, Locks

Mac McDermott, Camden Market’s Head of Events comments: “We’re passionate about supporting emerging talent and are thrilled we can do this as part of the London wide St Patrick’s Festival. We’d like to encourage both locals and international visitors to head down and discover the rising artists of the Irish music scene.”

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S T . P A T R I C K ’ S SP E C I ALS

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Enj oy an Irish themed four course feasting lun c h , L ive coverage o f th e Six Nations Wales v. Ire lan d Ru g by match w ill be shown on the big s c re e n fo llowed by live music from 6pm.

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We will be show ing the Ireland vs Wales Ru gby m a t c h live at Dickie’s. Ser ving Irish classics suc h a s Bl ack Velvet an d Irish Coffee for the week, n o t t o men tio n having Guinness on full flow!

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PS A DYA BYR U B RHU N C H T . TP R A TI RCI CKK ’’ SS D A NC

En joy an Irish Br un c h se r ve d family sty le , i ncl u di ng c an ap é s, fo ur c o urse s, Te a/C o ffe e , & Pe tit Fou rs . Th e p o st p arad e br un c h is th e p e r fe c t w ay to c o nti nu e th e c e le bratio n s an d w ill fe ature live music from 5 p m .

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ST PATRICK’S DAY TIMELINE A brief history of St Patrick’s Day and how it all fits together with the history of Ireland

10,000 BC 7000 BC

The Ice Age. Perpetual Christmas the whole year round. Ireland is still a bleak, barren, desolate, inhospitable land, incapable of sustaining normal human life. Not even a hen party or stag do can be spotted.

First human settlers arrive in Ireland, somewhere near Coleraine. Property prices immediately begin to head upwards. There’s probably about a hundred of these early settlers, and all have names - which are not recorded anywhere. But it’s unlikely any were called Pat. Celebrations are thin on the ground as the newcomers settle in. March 17 passes without any fuss. The craic rarely gets above 20, never mind the ninety it reaches today.

6000 BC

First farmers begin to find their feet, but still not much time for celebrations. EU subsidies, the Common Agricultural Policy, Brexit and St Patrick’s Day are still in the distant future.

4000 BC

(Tuesday) The world comes into being, according to creationists. They didn’t celebrate St Patrick’s Day back then, and for the most part continue with that policy.

2500 BC

Passage grave and dolmen building all the rage. Our ancestors try to communicate with we-know-notwhat. Still no Christian celebrations – Halloween and May Day are the big ones. Possibly also Mother’s Day - the Irish mammy has always been important after all.

500 BC

The Celts arrive. These people knew how to party. Some etymologists even believe that the word 'fun' comes from the Gaelic for a merry tune. St Patrick’s Day “kiss me quick I’m Irish” rosettes look on the cards for the first time.

0 43 AD 150 AD 200 AD

400 AD 400-500 AD 800 AD

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The year dot - pagan celebrations still widespread, but events in the Middle East top the news agenda The Romans land in Britain en masse. Some of them are plebians, some patricians - you might spot a pointer to the future somewhere there.

The Romans push north and reach southern Scotland. They discuss rocking on to Ireland, but somebody say, “Nah. Let’s hang for a while in Scotland.”

No sign of the Romans. In fact they don’t show up at all in Ireland (except for one notable exception – see below). The Romans are the only significant absentees in Ireland’s long line of invaders. Ironic, really. All those straight roads could have proved handy to St Patrick as he spread the message. Would have proved handy in modern day Ireland, for that matter. However, the Romans do at least bestow on Ireland its poetic name, Hibernia. or thereabouts - Patrick is born to a Roman family in Scotland.

Patrick arrives in Ireland, probably from Scotland, although some reckon it might have been Wales.

The Vikings fetch up on Irish shores. Even by the standards of the Dark Ages, these were an uncultured lot. Much of St Patrick’s work is undone by the Norse men, with churches and monasteries plundered and destroyed. As the monks would say at the time, shaking their heads sadly, “Ain’t nothing like a Dane.”

900 AD

Things settle down. The Vikings are tamed, and establish cities like Dublin and Waterford. In general Ireland slumbers on, unsuspectingly. St Patrick’s monasteries still do good business forgiving sins

1000 AD

The last ‘peaceful’ St Patrick’s before the Anglo-Normans arrive. His feast day is celebrated in humble fashion by the faithful. Not many parties about, and craic thin on the ground.

1169 AD

1500s AD 1558-1603 AD

Strongbow arrives. The Anglo Normans, under him, mean business. The Vikings merely made a nuisance of themselves; the Normans seriously change the landscape, both materially and politically. Probably started the rumour that St Patrick was Welsh, seeing as most of them were Anglo-Normans from that neck of the woods.

Emerging from the Middle Ages, still not much craic about - anarchy widespread (imagine O’Connell Street on the Saturday before Christmas and multiply by factor of ten).

Reign of Elizabeth I. System of counties widely adopted, paving way for inter-county GAA matches.

Armagh and Down emerge as the winners in the St Patrick stakes – Armagh was the site of his ministry it is believed; Down is where the Saint is buried most historians now agree.

1601 AD

The world’s first St Patrick’s Day Parade was probably held in 1601 in St Augustine, in Florida.

1630 AD

Waterford-born Luke Wadding does sterling work for the Irish cause in Rome, and manages to get St Patrick's Feast Day put on the Church's universal Calendar.

1691 AD

Patrick Sarsfield is killed at the Battle of Aughrim. But his exploits on behalf of Ireland make the name Patrick popular throughout the country. Heretofore it wasn’t a big mover in the names stakes.

1737 AD

Another early St Patrick’s Day parade is held, this time in Boston, Massachusetts. Soon the Americans are going mad for the day, dyeing the beer green, dyeing the rivers green – in some hospitals even doctors demand that blood samples be dyed green.

1836 AD

The remains of St Valentine arrive in Ireland, a present from Pope Gregory XVI to Father Spratt. Despite the popularity of this saint (and his continued presence in Whitefriars Street Carmelite Church, Dublin), St Patrick holds off the competition and remains Numero Uno, to use a version of his mother tongue.

1903 AD

St Patrick’s Day becomes a public holiday in Ireland for the first time. Dublin’s chances of becoming party-time central greatly improved.

1916 AD

Easter, not St Patrick’s is the big one to celebrate this year! One of the leaders of the rising, Padraig Pearse, continues the work of Patrick Sarsfield in popularizing the patron saint’s name.

1931 AD

Ireland’s first ever St Patrick’s Day parade takes place in Dublin. But it’s more of a military affair than a giant knees-up, reviewed by the then Minister of Defence.

1996 AD

London’s first St Patrick’s Day parade takes place

2019 AD

The best ever St Patrick’s festival gets underway in London. St Patrick himself would be very pleased.

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POETRY IN MOTION - POETRY & MUSIC ON THE UNDERGROUND – For the fourth year in a row, Transport for London (TfL), the Irish Embassy and the Greater London Authority are bringing Irish music and poems to the London Underground to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Several Tube stations will have performers showcasing Irish music, dance, poetry and the country’s rich cultural heritage, while celebrating links with London.

This year Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe and Ambassador Adrian O’Neill (as well as some special guests) will visit Charing Cross Station during St Patrick’s week to record poetry readings. The readings will then be played throughout the station, to bring a flavour of Irish poetry to busy commuters!

There will also be a programme of busking performances at two key TfL stations-Tottenham Court Road and Victoria-with a number of different acts taking part on Saturday 16th March.

The public call for acts was widely welcomed and has seen a variety of individuals and groups coming forward to take part voluntarily.

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ST PATRICK’S FILM FESTIVAL LONDON 2019 Modern Ireland is reflected in Irish Film London’s festival programme to mark London’s celebration of Irish culture and Irish people

wants “all Londoners to be in no doubt: London Is Open and no matter where you’re from, you will always belong here”.

The St Patrick’s Film Festival London 2019 takes the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ‘London is Open’ campaign as its inspiration, with a programme reflecting the spirit of diversity and inclusion in this great city.

With this in mind the festival, which is presented by Irish Film London and forms part of London’s official St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade, brings together a collection of films celebrating outsiders, mavericks and the delightfully unique.

As Brexit approaches, many non-British people living in London are feeling unsettled, and Mayor Khan has said that he

The Irish Film London Founder Kelly O’Connor said, “This year is set to be a real turning point for the UK, and against this backdrop

we’re proud to be putting the notion of inclusion front and centre, reminding Irish people here that they are loved, championed and that they have a voice. The programme reflects the modern Ireland that we are all so incredibly proud to be a part of, especially within in the current global climate.”

Regent Street Cinema Programmer Shira MacLeod said, “It’s fantastic to once again join Irish Film London and the official St Patrick’s Day Festival with this weekend celebrating Irish film.

We’re particularly pleased to be a part of the conversation about diversity and inclusion.

“At Regent Street Cinema, our ongoing programme reflects the great diversity of London and we are proud to host unique film festivals like this one.”

Events for all ages will be held over the course of the weekend, with the main Festival Programme being shown at the Regent Street Cinema, just a two-minute walk from Oxford Circus tube station.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME: Friday, March 15 Venue: Regent Street Cinema 6.30pm: Opening the festival is a collection of short films from Ireland, including Hugh O’Connor’s beautiful animation The Overcoat, which was voiced

by Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy.

The film tells the story of a young outcast clerk who desperately seeks the approval of the popular office group by spending his every last penny on an impressive new overcoat, only to find it brings him more attention than he bargained for.

The shorts programme also includes Ireland’s first ever vertical dance film Walls of Limerick, a statement on the psychological effects that harsh political borders have on people.

The experimental short, which features versatile performers blending the worlds of dance and aerial dance, explores notions of barriers, borders and breaking loose.

Saturday, March 17 Venue: Regent Street Cinema 2.00pm: Family and unusual

friendships are at the centre of Colin McIvor’s exciting film Zoo, based on a true story set in Belfast in 1941. It sees Young Tom and his misfit friends fight to save ‘Buster’ the baby elephant during the German air raid bombings of the city.

3.45pm: An intergenerational puppet creatures craft workshop with Kabutar Arts. Based on the characters from the film Zoo, IFL invites children, their parents and grandparents to come together create their own 3D animals from everyday objects. Places are limited for the workshop so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. http://bit.ly/ Tix_InterGenWShop 6.00pm: Take to the skies with a life-affirming documentary The Man Who Wanted to Fly. Capturing the wonder of one man’s dreams, the film tells the irresistible story of 80-something bachelor farmer Bobby Coote.

He is determined to take flight.

Even if it’s the last thing he does… Bobby is the perfect example of someone who sticks to his convictions, despite

everyone’s preference, although well-meaning, for him to conform to a stereotype. Director Frank Shouldice will attend this screening to share his own experience of making the film.

St Patrick’s Day, Sunday March 17 Venue: Trafalgar Square & Regent Street Cinema

The Man Who Wanted to Fly

12noon-6pm: Pop in to chat with the Irish Film London Team among the community stalls on Trafalgar Square. You will be able to check out the festival trailer live on The Big Screen in the square, while enjoying the live music, food, dance and festivities.

6.30pm: After celebrations come to a close on Trafalgar Square, it’s back to Regent Street Cinema for the Festival Closing Night.

The Overcoat Shorts

More details will be announced soon, and a full programme will be available on www.irishfilmlondon.com.

Related hashtags: #LoveIrishFilm #LondonIsOpen #StPatsDayLDN Kelly O’Connor

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IRISH WALKING TOURS Tony McDonnell conducts regular tours round the Irish aspects of London, from ballrooms to last resting places, and from pubs to churches - and pretty much all stops in between. This Hibernian hike is an enthralling way to discover the deep roots the Irish community in London.

Many immigrants from Ireland came to London after hearing tales that the streets were paved with gold. Sadly, they soon found out that this wasn’t the case; worse than that, it quickly became apparent they were

going to have pave the streets themselves Not only that, but build a few roads, dig a few tunnels, and construct a few railways into the bargain.

Tony’ McDonnell’s story includes these men, the navvies, and he progresses right up to the highest echelons of power, including the one Irish-born prime minister of the UK, the Duke of Wellington.

Which, as it happens is also the name of a very well-known pub frequented by more than one Irish person - so, a nice circular story. But Tony will give you the complete lowdown.

ITINERARY Saturday, March 16

Sunday, March 17

Time: 10.30am

Time: 2pm

Theme of the walk: The String Broke

Theme of the walk: The Emerald City:

Where the String Broke - Irish Camden Town

Where better to celebrate Irish heritage and achievement than on the streets of London?

From getting the start, going to the dance, finding a doss or just having a drink - Camden Town could claim to be the capital of Irish London.

On this walking tour you’ll discover ballrooms, pubs, churches, hostels and the characters that gave this amazing place its vibrant Irish reputation for so many decades.

Lumpers, impresarios, navvies, writers and musicians populate the fascinating walk.

Meet at Camden Town tube station (Kentish Town Road exit).

On this stroll down Ludgate Hill, along Fleet Street, into the Temple and finishing in Covent Garden you’ll discover some amazing Irish connections and encounter some of the great names of the Irish past.

Stopping at pubs, churchyards, statues, courthouses and theatres - Irish London comes to life.

Prime Ministers, politicians, press barons, poets, playwrights, revolutionaries and aristocrats will all have their part to play in this amazing story. A fierce craic altogether!

Meet at the main steps of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Walks are free, booking is required - call Tony McDonnell to book 07850 184790.

All images courtesy of iStock

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SURPRISING PATS A handful of celebrities who you may not have known are honoured with the name of Patrick

1. Eric Clapton Guitarist, songwriter, singer full name Eric Patrick Clapton He may not have any Irish roots, but Eric Clapton has been seen taking part in the odd Irish traditional session - playing the bouzouki.

2. Elvis Costello

Jimmy Page

Singer, songwriter - full name Declan Patrick Aloysius McManus His father was Ross McManus, singer with the Joe Loss Orchestra.

3. Morrissey Singer - full name Steven Patrick Morrissey The apostle of kitchen sink melancholy is himself named after the Apostle of Ireland

4. Danny La Rue Entertainer - born Daniel Patrick Carroll in Cork The self-styled grand dame of female impersonation was born in Cork in 1927 - at that time not an area where female impersonators were in great demand. So it was off to Britain for Dan the Man (acting as a Woman) at the earliest opportunity, where his saucy act made him a club and light entertainment legend.

5. John McEnroe Tennis player, broadcaster - full name John Patrick McEnroe The US tennis star was born in Germany to an Irish-American family.

Elvis Costello

6. Michael Crawford

8. Bertie Ahern

Actor - full name Michael Patrick Smith

Former Taoiseach - full name Patrick Bartholomew Ahern

Michael’s roots on his mother’s side (O’Keefe) lie in Derry, where his grandmother - something of a local celebrity - lived until the age of 99.

Yep, Bertie manages to have two saints in his name.

7. Eddie Jordan Former motorsport team boss, entrepreneur - full name Edmund Patrick Jordan

8. Neil Jordan Film director - full name Neil Patrick Jordan

Bertie Ahern 44

9. Jimmy Page Guitarist and songwriter - full name James Patrick Page Irish through his mother Elizabeth Gaffikin (Co. Down roots), Jimmy Page, the Led Zeppelin guitarist, was co-writer of Stairway to Heaven. This was first played live in the Ulster Hall in Belfast in March 1971. For good measure Jimmy Page’s son is called James Patrick Page III

10. Julian Barnes Man Booker Prize winner - full name Julian Patrick Barnes Julian was married to his agent, another Pat - Pat Kavanagh.

11. Duke of Kent Royal - full name Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick Windsor The Duke of Kent’s uncle, King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne, was also a Patrick: Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick.

12. Curly Watts Coronation Street character played by Kevin Kennedy, christened Kevin Patrick Williams

Curly Watts was a mainstay of Corrie from 1983 until 2003.

Since his departure, Kevin has augmented his acting career with a spot of singing.

13. Carmen Electra Model, actress, television personality, singer, dancer full name Tara Leigh Patrick.

OK, this may be a bit of a cheat, as we’re going family names here. But Carmen is of Irish, German and Dutch ancestry, and it’s the Irish influence that predominates in her real name.

14. Patrick Star The overweight, and somewhat dimwitted pink starfish who is the best friend of SpongeBob SquarePants

15. Frankie Boyle The comedian’s full name is Francis Patrick Boyle

. . . . and one who nearly made it, the great American jazz and gospel singer and pianist Nat King Cole. He was born 100 years ago on March 17, 1919.

He could so easily have been Pat King Cole

All photos courtesy of Getty Images

Eric Clapton 45

HUGH O’CONNOR of the youthful version of Martin Sheen’s narrator in an adaptation of Hugh Leonard’s play Da. Since then, Hugh has appeared in films ranging from My Left Foot to The Three Musketeers.

He answered our Five Minute Interview questions Hugh O’Connor is an actor, writer and director. He is the writer of one of the shorts in Irish Film London St Patrick’s programme The Overcoat.

Hugh also directed his first feature film, which played at the November festival, Metal Heart.

Hugh began acting at the age of eight, co-starring with Liam Neeson in the British-made feature Lamb (1985) It was three years before the actor landed another major film role, that

What are you up to?

We screened The Overcoat at the Dublin Film Festival last weekend as part of the Fantastic Flix strand for young people, which was lovely. Before that I was at Santa Barbara with Metal Heart, and we’re headed to Glasgow with it this weekend. I’ve also just finished directing a TV pilot for RTE with Treasure Films. So it’s been busy!

Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?

Mark Hollis has just passed away -

his voice and music will always be incredible to me.

What’s your favourite film?

If in doubt, I always say Sweet Smell of Success, cos it’s so damn twisted.

Which film has most influenced you?

I fell under the spell of Taxi Driver when I was about 15 and it ruined me forever.

Which living person do you most admire?

Lisa Simpson. (I cheated) Which trait in others do you most admire?

The literally being alive bit.

What’s the greatest lesson life has taught you?

Try and eat good food, and be nice to people.

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I N G R E D I E N T S

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C O R R I G A N ’ S M AY FA I R

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B R E A D

I N S T R U C T I O N S

Combine all of the dry ingredients.

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Please try not to over work the mix.

Form into cakes on floured or parchment lined trays, then dust with flour and cross the tops.

TO COOK

Place tray straight into the oven and bake for 34-40mins at 180c.

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Wishing London a Happy St Patrick’s Day

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