Luck Of the Irish
Some people may not know this because of my darker features but I’m actually half Irish - my mother being a full blooded (& very proud) Irish woman. I’ve always been proud to be Irish too! Before I knew St. Patrick’s Day to be all about drinking beer, I’d get decked out in green for school, some years even sporting my plaid kilt. I vaguely remember getting up in front of the class to preform a step dance. (My cousin Siobhan had taught me one time and I went to school thinking I actually knew what I was doing & might have fooled my classmates into thinking I did). It made me feel special to watch the Disney movie Luck of the Irish as a kid. That’s the one where that hunk, Ryan Merriman, tries to find out more about his heritage and in turn, battles for a gold coin to keep his family from being controlled by an evil leprechaun! The Irish were known by their funny accents and interesting folklore. I was proud to have Irish roots!
My mother - daughter of John Durkin and Mary (Hickey) - grew up in Lowell with two brothers and a sister. My grandfather, was one of 8. How’s that for Irish Catholic! My mom attended Catholic schools her whole life, got married young and ended up having five children of her own. A big family was in her blood! Much of my mom’s childhood was spent with her cousins who were also very much involved with the church. Her family was very Americanized - her great grandparents being the first generation to come over to America from Ireland through Ellis Island.
I can remember being a little girl, sitting in the back seat of my grandfather’s Camry listening to the Irish Tenors on a CD and when that CD was over, it would be switched to The Dubliners. The energy in the pub songs was uplifting and fun! Irish lullabies & other tracks with lyrics about Ireland’s beauty played with wind instruments and harps. I still remember some of those songs all these years later.
Some of the common stereotypes that are symbolic of the Irish are that they are hot tempered and heavy drinkers. There is some historical truth to that. The Irish are used to fighting for what they needed to survive - when the British waltzed in and tried to take over their land and later, when they immigrated to America and were harshly discriminated against. No wonder they’re always ready to argue, their temper is fueled from their passion. Big drinkers? Well, there may also be some truth to that too.. Although it’s not possible to attribute one particular cause to alcohol abuse in Ireland, the influence of the Catholic Church, English colonialism and the fact it rains almost everyday could be reasons for heavy drinking. I read in a blog somewhere that the Irish drink about 20% more than the average European. Also, it’s estimated that over half of Irish drinkers are problem drinkers & the cost of alcohol abuse is enormous in Ireland. My mother is a moderate drinker but she’s defffffffff got the the temper.
Pub fare is the center of the Irish cuisine. If I was ever sentenced to death, the last meal I’d choose would be corned beef and cabbage. Although this isn’t even a meal that’s common to eat in Ireland, it’s associated with the heritage. I grew up really enjoying this meal and will often order it if I ever see it on a menu - it’s never as good as “me ma’s”.
I was happy to have had the opportunity to explore my ancestor’s native land with my mother back in August 2019. I had already seen the beauty of this country before but it was extra special to see it through her eyes.
