Proud to be Irish….

I’m proud to be an O’Shea.  And I’m very proud to be Irish – as are more than 35 million other Irish Americans.

Even though I’m really only 1/8^th Irish (my great-grandparents both came from Ireland), I look forward to one opportunity each year to truly celebrate my Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day.

But what does it really mean to be Irish? And why do nearly 1 in 8 people in the U.S.A. proudly report having some degree of Irish ancestry (and often millions more claim they’re Irish while caught up in the “Irish spirit” enjoying St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivities).

What is it about the Irish that so connects with people? Here’s this Irishman’s opinion:

1. Humor - The Irish laugh often – and often at themselves. And isn’t everything funnier after a few drinks (one of most Irish-folks greatest strengths)?
2. Storytelling - Have you ever met a true Irishman who DIDN’T have the gift of gab?  Some of the best Irish story-tellers: Yeats, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, or more recently Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes).
3. Suffering - Potato famine, centuries of conflict & oppression, the cold & constant rain (hey, that sounds like the Puget Sound). How can you NOT root for a people so oppressed?
4. Magic & the Mystical - Leprechauns, fairies, banshee, the pot ‘o gold. It’s all fascinating, and makes you wonder.
5. Pride - If you’re Irish, you’re proud of it, and let most folks know about it. That’s inspiring.

One of America’s currently most famous Irishmen, Brian Buffini, is the founder of America’s #1 Coaching company. He’s trained, inspired and coached millions over the past 20 years. I’ve been a part of his training and coaching program for 3 years. Brian is such a great example of an inspiring Irishman.

Brian often weaves in humor and story-telling in his events & coaching, captivating audiences with stories of growing up, why he emigrated to America, and what a difference his Irish heritage makes for him.

I’ve learned so many things from Brian, but especially something he once said that his father taught him. His father was a painter, as was his father before him. Brian’s father told him: “When you do something, make sure you can ‘put your name to it’.” The Buffini’s family & business reputation hinged on doing a “good job” for people, because everyone knew which homes or buildings the Buffinis had painted. “Ah, that’s a Buffini job,” folks would say.

That really struck me.  Now I continuously ask myself: Can I put my name to what I’m doing?  Am I doing my best? Am I proud of what I’m doing? I am Irish after all, and proud. Maybe his words will inspire you this St. Patrick’s Day: ”Can you put your name to it?”

And now for some Irish fun:

• “Hey,” says a newcomer to the Pub, “ I’ve got some great Irish jokes”.
  “Before you start,” says a fellow at the bar, “I need to tell you – I’m Irish”.
  “Don’t worry,” says the newcomer, “I’ll tell them real slow!”
• How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time?  
  He’s Dublin over with laughter!
• Q:   Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun?
  A:  ‘ Cause they’re always a little short

If you’re looking for a great Irish Restaurants or Pub for St. Patrick’s Day, check out:

• Kell’s – 1916 Post Alley, Pike Place Market, Seattle – www.kellsirish.com
• Shawn O’Donnell’s – 122 128^th St SE, Everett – www.shawnodonnells.com
• Mick Finster’s Pub & Grill – 24001 Hwy 99, Edmonds – www.mickfinsters.com
• Wilde Rover Irish Pub – 111 Central Way, Kirkland – www.wilderover.com
• The Owl n’ Thistle Irish Pub – 808 Post Ave, Pike Place Market, Seattle – www.owlnthistle.com

And finally, an Irish blessing from me to you: “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

Until again, Andy

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