The Wearin’O’ the Green

“O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that’s goin’ round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick’s Day we’ll keep, his color can’t be seen
For there’s a cruel law ag’in the Wearin’ o’ the Green.”*

The Seventeenth of March each year.

We’re puttin’ on the green

In sympathy with Ireland, dear,

Opposed to King or Queen.

Sure, join in the hilarity,

Enjoy a pint or two

And drink to solidarity

With Paddy and his crew.

We welcome then Saint Patrick’s Day

From every town to Galway Bay.

Mark Sconce

*Anonymous Irish street ballad, 1798