And now thou art high in thy mansions aboveon Erin’s green valleys look down in thy love...Windows in classrooms around the country once shook to the opening lines of this paean to our patron saint, in anticipation of the national day. For generations out of mind, this was the day we opened our hearts to those to whom we have ties, around the world. With so many feeling the pain of absence, and so many more looking on fondly from afar, we have a duty to make sure today’s Saint Patrick’s Day is dignified, and safe. How we choose to enjoy the day, and elevate or enliven our spirits, is a personal matter. But nobody has a right to put anyone else at risk, or risk inviting a fourth wave of this crushing virus, by so doing.

Source: Irish Independent March 17, 2021 02:26 UTC