St. Patrick's Day - 17th March
By Vincent Allen

To most of us St. Patrick's day is a good excuse to drink lots of Guinness and have a great time getting drunk and celebrate all things Irish and is a national holiday in Ireland . St. Patrick has a much more religious meaning.

Patrick's name was a very noble one. The name was taken from the Latin name Patricius meaning "a nobleman".

Saint Patrick was the Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland , in the year 387 and died at Saul, Downpatrick , Ireland on the 17th of March, 493.

It is believed that Patrick was brought to Ireland as a slave, where he taught the Irish Christianity.

Saint Patrick is best known for driving snakes out of Ireland , but it is now believed that the phrase "Diving snakes out of Ireland " is symbolic to Patrick putting an end to pagan practice in Ireland .

St. Patrick's day is now celebrated around the world on the 17 th of March each year and in particular the United States , with it's large Irish population.

So here are a few things you need to do to make yourself Irish for the day.

Wear Shamrock with pride . Shamrock is a three-leafed white clover that is said to bring good luck and is the national symbol of the Republic of Ireland . The Shamrock was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the trinity.

Drink Guinness . " The black stuff" The famous Irish stout

Wear Green . Another Irish symbol, Ireland is known as the "Emerald Isle" and green has political meanings.

We hope you all have a great St. Patrick's day and remember to drink responsibly.

Sláinte chugat (Good Health to you!)