The Club for English Majors at my college is putting on a cultural event in march around St. Patrick's Day. I seem to be the only one in the group even familiar with anything of Irish culture except the common stereotypes. Does anyone have any ideas to help us. So far I have sugested ordering Irish bread from a small local bakery, and I'm sure they are going to have all kinds of shamrocks and green decorations or somesuch. I just need ideas...anything.
Go raibh maith agaibh!
Cáit.

A Cháit, a chara,

How about a celebration of Irish authors who have enriched world literature? One could argue endlessly about which of these authors should be celebrated. One way around this debate is to celebrate Irish authors who won the Nobel Prize in literature, e.g., William Butler Yeats 1923, George Bernard Shaw 1925, Samuel Becket 1969, and Seamus Heany 1995? Consider that an island with 4 million people in a world of 3 billion, i.e., 0.075% of the world's population, should produce four nobel laureates out of the 102 awarded so far, i.e., 3.922% of the world's Nobel laureates in Literature. Does that say something about the literary aspect of Irish culture.

(Message edited by lúcas on September 30, 2004)

A Cháit, a chara,

Here’s some ideas for you:
I’ve thrown my own St. Patrick’s Day party at work in the past.
I bring in soda bread, butter, Irish tea, and smoked salmon.
I label them all bilingually. I also put out Irish language newspapers,
books, and CDs.
I have a boombox playing Irish music.
I also display photos from Ireland.

All the best,
Paul

Music is always a big draw for college students. Play some traditional Irish music on a loudspeaker system. Preferably songs sung As Gaeilge or even in the Sean Nos tradition.

I don't know where your school is, but if you've got some traditional Irish bands in the area, invite them to come and play. They could spend time explaining the Bodhran and Uillean pipes (check that spelling).

Smoked salmon is a BIG plus...I could eat a tray full of that stuff!!

This sounds like it could be fun!! Where the heck is this college anyway??

Le meas,

James

A Lucas, a chara.
Go raibh maith agat for the author idea. I wasn't sure if the English club would want to do things with authors or not, but it seems like a really good thing to do considering it IS the English Club. If you think of anything else please let me know.
Tóg go bog é.
Cáit.

A Paul, a chara.
Thanks for all these idea! They are great! My professors will be thrilled. I'm the only person in the group with more than stereotyped ideas, and this will help tremendously. I want it to be a genuine experiece for the people who attend and this will definately help acomplish that.
Go raibh maith agat!
Cáit.

A James, a chara.
Music is a big factor with young people! Very much so. Thats a great idea too.
My college is in South Carolina on the east coast of the USA. Its a small place, but nice.
Go raibh maith agat!
Cáit.

I'm in North Carolina! Tell me when you're having this thing and maybe I'll slide down the coast a bit and check it out!

Le meas,

James

A James, a chara.
That's really cool that you live in NC. I was starting to think that no one on this sight was from southern USA. Lander is in Greenwood SC. (I mainly put "east coast" because some people from other places might not know where to look for SC.)Sorry. I know we're having it in march, so I will let you know after thursday how the meeting goes with all the idea that you and the others have given me. Thanks.
Slán go fóill.
Cáit.

(Message edited by cait on October 05, 2004)