Moladh na hÉireann! It will soon be St. Patrick’s Day, a festival in which the Irish celebrate St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland by drinking and having a grand time. This is the only time of the year where EVERYONE is Irish. Even those who have no Irish blood in them are Irish, and the wearing the color red will warrant a punch in the arm. Green will be the color of the beer, the color of the eggs and the ham. Everything is Irish and everyone loves it.
However, St. Patrick’s Day is not all fun and games. There are serious concerns about this holiday where drinking is celebrated. There will be police out in force to prevent drunk driving, something that can get the innocent individual killed but leave the drunk unharmed. The police will also be out and about cooling the tempers of those who cannot handle their drinks with a smile. This is a festive holiday that can quickly turn to tragedy.
To keep yourself safe this St. Patrick’s Day, one should use common sense. Are you planning on getting piss drunk this year? Well, consider a taxi to get you there and back. This will help to keep the drunk driving down and will also allow you one less thing to worry about. Many times the taxis are free on St. Patrick’s Day to accommodate the safety of everyone, but do call ahead to make sure of this and to ensure the proper pick up time for the taxi.
Are you angry or irritated before you have even begun to drink? Yes? Please put down the whisky and take a moment to relax and have some fun before drinking. Alcohol has a way of removing our filters and what was minor irritation before can become rage with just a few car bombs. If you have had a history of being violent once drinking, consider not drinking for everyone’s sake, including your criminal record.
Above all, be aware that even the full blood Irish get hang-overs. Take the time to hydrate with water between drinks. The taste of Murphy’s does not depreciate if you have a glass of water with it. Killians is just as red after a glass of juice. Take care of yourself while drinking. Enjoy your drink with some food to prevent nausea. Relax, you have all day and all night to enjoy your drinks. There is no reason to hit it heavy right off the bat. Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day and remember those snakes that left the Emerald Island in order for this holiday to come to be. Eirinn go Brach.