Across the country and the sea, Irish and non-Irish alike have donned the green today to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
In New York, 150,000 marchers braved snow and freezing temperatures in the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the country. In Washington, President Bush accepted the traditional bowl of shamrocks from Ireland’s Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, and announced plans to visit the Emerald Isle in June. And in Dublin, pub-goers enjoyed their last St. Patty’s Day before a new smoking ban is implemented in 2 weeks.
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we bring you a reading from Irish author Bill Cullen’s autobiography, “It’s a Long Way from Penny Apples.” The memoir traces Cullen’s journey from growing up in the slums of Dublin to becoming one of the wealthiest men in Ireland. In this excerpt, a young Cullen — then known as Liam — witnesses the strength of his mother, Mary, who fearlessly rescues a neighbor who is being evicted from her tenement:
Guests:
