The
origins of the world phenomena that is Saint Patrick’s Day, originate in
Waterford City. There is a small, inconspicuous statue of an Irish Franciscan
Friar, outside a somewhat derelict building in Greyfriars. Upon closer
inspection of the statue, we read that Luke Wadding was, responsible for
putting Saint Patrick’s Day on the Religious Calendar. He apparently lobbied
Pope Charles I and therefore it is he who we must thank for the World Wide celebrations
on the 17th March.
Little
did Luke know, that this Day would become so well received? We can see many iconic
“Wonders of the world”, turning verdant green every 17th March. Edinburgh
Castle, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, One World Trade Centre, Christ the Redeemer,
the Colosseum, the Sphinx and even Nelson’s Column have all succumbed to the
charm of the Irish. They’ve been bathed in viridescent green, to honour Saint
Patrick’s Day. Maybe secretly Luke was using the force?
The
draw to be “Irish”, even gets our Taoiseach access to the most powerful man in
the world – the President of the good old U.S. of A. There is no other country
that gets such an open invitation. No other country that gets such a focus. In fact
there are weeklong celebrations of “Saint Patty” and all manner of official
lunches, dinners and receptions to attend. This year The Donald, received his
customary bowl of Shamrock from, let’s face it, a star struck Leo. Yet, few
will know that the glass bowl containing said Shamrock was decorated and
engraved right here in Waterford City!
We
and the whole rugby playing nations of the world for that matter, got behind
the boys in green on Saturday afternoon. Old “Green, White and Orange” flags
were found in the bottom corners of drawers. Previous Saint Patrick’s Day
paraphernalia, recovered from those supermarket “Bags for life”. Dusted down,
or wiped down in some cases, ready for the off, on what would turn out to be an
extra special 17th of March.
The
thousands of morning parades, which had to be attended, an exciting pre-curser
to a bigger sporting occasion. Many a procession had their start times moved slightly
forward, to allow Joe’s adoring hordes the chance to get settled onto their
favourite bar stools. Then Ireland would take on the Auld Enemy, hoping to seal
the ever elusive Grand Slam. The Championship had been won the week before,
with a resounding victory over the Bonnie Laddies fae Scotland. The ultimate
prize and immortality awaited at “Twickers”, the home of that red rose and English
rugby.
As
Saint Patrick’s Day wore on, it was becoming apparent that history was in the
making in a corner of TW2. The Irish rugby team were outscoring “Engerland”. There
was a distinct possibility that a Grand Slam and Triple Crown would be
returning with the Victors, on flight EI159. After 80 minutes of controlled,
passionate, never say die rugby, Angus Gardner put his whistle to his lips and
blew for full-time. Cue the wild celebrations and the mad, over-enthusiastic
waving of the Tricolour. It was all over and Ireland won the lot!
The
flag that had been so proudly waved all day on 17th March originated
here. To be precise, Thomas Francis Meagher, designed, created and raised The Original
Flag, right here in Waterford City. To be exact, it was flown for the very
first time at 33 The Mall, on the 7th March 1848.
So
there we have it. Two of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols, the Flag and
Saint Partick’s Day, were born here in Waterford City. Yet I do feel, that we
fail to acknowledge and publicise, such ownership. Everyone who proudly flies
the Tricolour or takes part in a parade, no matter where in the World, should
know of these Waterford City connections. Let’s make more mileage, out of these
historic associations.
“Use
the force Waterford!”, as Obi-Wan Kenobi would say.
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