St. Patrick, like St. Nicholas, does exist. This story tells the tale of the greatness of the Irish saint and that of the Irish people.

-- Don Poole

He's the Patron Saint of the greenest paradise this side of Heaven, the Emerald Isle, the Auld Sod and the home of the Guiness Brewerly.

He's the one whose day they celebrate with parades and prancing every March 17th, the day that all mankind claims an Irish birthright. Every mans an Irishman on St. Paddys Day.

Whats an Irishman, you say. May the saints preserve us, Katy, me lass, and thank the Good Lord for the lightning rod on the roof. A question like that is liable to have St. Brigit spinning in her grave. May badness not plague your parents for so sadly ignoring your education.

An Irishman is one that causes those who are not, to turn Gaelic green with envy, particularly on the day of the March Celtic Celebration.

All over the world, the sons of the Auld Sod pay homage to the saint who drove the snakes from the sacred soil. Banners and flags, skirling pipes and twirling batons, marching feet and happy hearts makr the line of the march.

The standards and pennants of Cork, Tyrone, Mayo, Galway, Wexford, Sligo, Down, Donegal, Kilkenny and Kildare wave in swirling tribute to the saint that sits just below the Trinity and the Virgin. It is a joyous throng that passes the reviewing stand, crowded with clerics and congressmen, making their way to the parades end and further festivities.

Kate, me lass, after praising the patron in public procession, the true son of Erin, be he Lace Curtain or Shanty, will retire to a friendly pub where he can dance and jig, sing and swallow, and toast the virtues of the holy saints and the heroes of the Troubles.

With songs on their lips and their glasses raised to Patrick and Brigit and Brendan, OConnell and de Valera, OSullivan and McLean, the Sinn Fein and the IRA, the spirit of the Irish bursts forth.

It is a spirit, Kathleen, that was born in the soft, fertile earth and green pastures of the mother country, nurtured by the wisdom and teaching of Patrick and matured in the struggle to be free.

Yes, Kathleen, there is a St. Patrick. And as long as there is an Irishman on the face of the earth, March 17th will be celebrated as only Irishmen know how.