How Irish Are You?

1. Tradition goes that March 17th is for wearing of Green. T/F
2. Was Patrick the given name of the man who was to become the Paton Saint of Ireland? T/F
3. The shamrock was used by St. Patrick to symbolize his belief in the Holy Trinity. T/F
4. It is considered a sign of good luck to hear the cry of the Banshee. T/F
5. Green Beer was developed in Dublin Ireland. T/F
6. St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts. T/F
7. Leprechauns originally wore red jackets and were the protectors of fairy treasure. T/F
8. The Irish people believe green is a lucky colour. T/F
9. People of Ireland originally celebrated St. Patrick's Day by closing their pubs. T/F
10. Was it St. Patrick’s mission to convert Ireland to Christianity? T/F
11. Is it true that in the 1840’s “Potato Famine” killed over million people in Ireland? T/F
12. Before St. Patrick became a legend did Irish raiders imprison him? T/F
13. Was Patrick born in Ireland? T/F
14. Did the government think that March 17 would generate tourist and money growth? T/F
15. "Erin Go Bragh," a phrase heard often on St. Patrick's Day, means:
    A- I Love Ireland
    B- Ireland Forever
    C- Brave and Free
    D- Ireland, My Home
16. Irish tradition says that anyone who kisses the blarney stone, which is located near this town, will be blessed with the Irish "gift of gab":
    A- Dublin
    B- Wexford
    C- Cork
    D- Waterford
    
17. Traditional Irish music has found an international audience with the popularity of such Celtic bands as:
    A- The Chieftains
    B- The Lads
    C- Shannon Rovers
    D- Sweet Honey in the Rock
18. In the fifth century, St. Patrick arrived in Ireland in an effort to convert the Irish to Christianity. Although little is known for sure about Patrick's experiences in Ireland, it is believed that in 444 or 445 he established his first church in this town:
    A- Cork
    B- Limerick
    C- Killarney
    D- Armagh
    
19. From 1845 to 1849, the Great Famine struck Ireland, a result of a fungus disease which caused the nation's potato crop - a staple of the Irish diet - to rot in the ground. Nearly a million Irish died of starvation and disease as a result of the famine. Many chose to flee Ireland, resulting in the emigration of this many Irish to the United States between 1847 and 1854:
    A- 770,000
    B- 1,100,000
    C- 1,600,000
    D- 2,000,000
20. When did brewing of Guinness begin?
    A- 1869
    B- 1769
    C- 1969
    D- 1809
21. What is the oldest official symbol of Ireland?
    A- Shamrock
    B- Harp
    C- Celtic Cross
    D- Wolfhound
22. What beverage, associated with Ireland, means in it’s Irish form "water of life?’
    A- Tea
    B- Whiskey
    C- Porter
    D- Poteen
23. What is Ireland's official colour?
    A-Red
    B-Green
    C-Blue
    D-Gold

RustyChicks Limericks

You know you’re an old rusty chick
when shopping for clothes makes you sick,
you wiggle and dance,
just to fit in some pants
and stretch denim is usually your pick.

You know you’re a rustychick when
you stop getting glances from men,
you think it quite rude,
as your standing there nude
and they don’t even notice the skin.

There once was an old rusty chick
who’s bad habits she thought she could lick,
she said she would try it,
to each and every new diet,
but never found one that would stick.

You know you’re a rustychick when,
you drive to the gambling den,
give all that you gots
to those alluring slots,
coz their more entertaining than men.

You’re becoming a rustychick when,
you first notice hair on your chin,
you pluck them like crazy,
but they spring back like daisies,
it’s a battle you’ll just never win.

Irish Recipes That Comfort The Soul…

With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, there’s the “wearin’ of the green”, “drinkin’ of the green” and if we’ve any “Luck of the Irish”, we’ll “cast our steadfast sight upon a Leprechaun” who’ll lead us to his “Pot of gold”. One can only hope! St. Patrick’s Day does however, open the door into spring and all things fresh, so it’s a great time to “chick out” some new recipes…Irish of course, for this special day, but you may find that some will become year round favourites!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Ingredients:
Corned Beef
Sliced carrots
Cabbage
Onions
Cloves
Parsley and thyme
Salt & pepper

Cooking:
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan (hold the cabbage)
Cover with water and bring to the boil
Cover and simmer for three-quarters of an hour
Cut cabbage up into manageable lumps
Place in pan with the other ingredients
Cook for a further 45 minutes
Serve with the ever-present plate of spuds.

Shepherd's Cheddar Pie
Ingredients: 1 can (10 oz) Campbell's Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
3 cups hot mashed potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small or medium onion, chopped
2 cups frozen green peas
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded