Paddy and Seamus were life-long friends. Few were closer in the entire Emerald Isle.

“Paddy, how are you, old friend?” said Seamus, upon encountering him one day.

“Ah, Seamus,” said Paddy, “things are not good. Not good at all.”

“And just what would be your troubles, Paddy?” responded Seamus with genuine concern.

“I’ve been to me doctor, and it’s bad news,” lamented Paddy.

“Would you be after telling me what it is?” asked Seamus.

“He says I’m not long for this world, Seamus.”

“Well, faith and sure there’s something can be done, Paddy. Tell me if there’s anything, anything at all I can do fer ye.”

“Well, now, there is something I’d like to ask of ye.”

“You know I’ll do anything I can. Just name it, my old and dearest friend.”

“When they’ve laid me under the sod, would ye pour a pint of Bushmill’s over me grave?”

“You know I’ll do it for you.”

“Then I’ll be thanking ye now, old friend.”

“But say, Paddy. Would you be minding if I ran it through me kidneys first?”

And then there was the Irishman who walked out of the bar.

Well. It COULD happen!

Begorra. It’s been said that there are two kinds of people on St. Patrick’s Day. Those who are Irish, and those who wish they were.

Now, of course it’s not all leprechauns and shamrocks in old Eire. The history of that island nation is one of much sadness. There was the Great Famine, when hunger enveloped the land when the potato crop failed. And the Rising, as they tried to throw off the shackles of rule by England, causing much bloodshed. For a really good understanding of this part of Irish history read “Trinity,” by Leon Uris. You will enjoy it, and learn so much about that land across the sea.

But let me close by wishing each of you a happy St. Patrick’s Day.

And don’t forget to wear something green.