I think Mr. Dempsey is a bit confused. He may be born Irish first and then became Catholic, but St. Patrick's day is really a Catholic holiday, not an "Irish" one. I mean, not only is St. Patrick a Catholic saint, but in Ireland, green - which, of course, is seen *everywhere* on St. Patrick's Day - is the colour of the Catholics - for the Protestants, it's orange (which is why the Irish flag is green, white and orange.)

So, celebrating St. Patrick's Day isn't really a celebration of being Irish - it's a celebration of being an Irish Catholic.

The Druids had tattoos of snakes and the story of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland alludes to Christianity driving out Pagan beliefs.
The March 17 celebrations occurred more in the US than Eire. Irish immigrants, holding onto their roots, started the parade. Corned beef & cabbage? Not on the menus in Eire.
Some call it St Patrick's Day; some call it Irish Day.
After all is said and done, what good Irishman or woman would ever turn down a party?

This will cause the return of the snakes!