St. Patrick's Day Trivia and Gaelic Phrases

St. Patrick's Day Trivia and Gaelic Phrases

Wednesday is St. Patrick’s Day once again, the Day when all the world is Irish .Why don’t you baffle and amaze your friends this year with a wee bit  of Irish trivia, and a few Gaelic phrases to brighten their day.

There are 9 places in the U.S. which share their name with Dublin, Ireland, including Dublin, Ohio, just a stone’s throw away from me,. Dublin, Ohio, was the most populous, at 31,392, followed closely by Dublin, California, at 29,973.

The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in America was in 1737 hosted by the Charitable Irish Society of Boston. The second was established in 1780 by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Philadelphia.

I like this saying:

Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo!
Meaning: Health to the men and may the women live forever

It is not known if March 17 is celebrated because it is the date of St. Patrick's birth or his death. Some claim it is both, others say neither. As to St. Patrick's birthplace, the only definite statement is that he most certainly was not born in Ireland. He founded 165 churches and started a school with each one. St. Patrick is widely acknowledged as the patron saint of Ireland.

The Harp is the official Emblem of Ireland, not the Shamrock. The handheld Harp was played by our Celtic Forefathers.

If you party on St. Pat's, this may well come in handy:

Go hifreann leat!

PRONOUNCED:   Guh hee-fran lath

MEANING:     To hell with you!

Ireland is not the only place Gaelic is spoken. It is also spoken on the Isle of Man, and in Scotland.

A sweet sentiment:

Ni hespa go dith carad

PRONOUNCED: knee hes-pah guf dee karr-add

MEANING: There is no need like the lack of a friend

Over 40% of the United States Presidents had Irish ancestors. Including Obama.

Awww:

Tá grá agam duit

Meaning: I love you

Pronunciation: tah grah ugum ditch

Eamon De Valera was the first President of the Irish Republic. He was born in Manhattan.

I saw this phrase, but could not find the pronunciation, but had to include it. Why would this EVER happen?

Tá m'árthach foluaineach lán d'eascainn

Meaning: My hovercraft is full of eels

I hope you don't need this one:

Beidh an dochtuir anseo gan mhoill.

PRONOUNCED:       beg on docktoor onshuh gon vwill

MEANING:                              The doctor will be here soon

St. Brendan, an Irish Monk, was a 5th century sailor. It is alleged that he discovered America before Christopher Columbus.

St. Patrick's Day, the way we celebrate it, is more American than Irish. In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday-shops and businesses are closed to give everyone a day off to be spent with family and friends.

And Lastly, one for the kiddies:

 Thalla a chluiche le do deideagan

PRONOUNCED:   hallah ah clih-heh leh duh daid-aginn

MEANING:   Go play with your toys

Have a wonderful St. Pat's, and Erin Go Bragh!!!