photo by steed media service

Guinness brewmaster Fergal Murray, who travels extensively and knows a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration when he sees one, says he was impressed by Chicago’s South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Murray reminisced that the annual event reflects the true purpose and flavor of the day.

“St. Patrick’s Day offers a day when you can forget the challenges of the world,” he said. “It’s about community. It is about friendship. No matter what culture you’re from or what nation or what issues you have, it sort of seems to diminish [differences].”

In keeping with the spirit, Guinness, the world’s most famous Irish stout, is pushing for recognition of St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. Guinness supported Proposition 3-17, a petition to get at least one million signatures by midnight on March 16 to present to Congress on St. Patrick’s Day requesting recognition as a national holiday. The proposal is portrayed in humorous television ads featuring a pilgrim, Abraham Lincoln and Uncle Sam being asked their opinions about making St. Patrick’s Day a national holiday.

Murray thinks it’s a great example of putting democracy into action. “[The proposition is] a lovely idea. [We] have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day since the 1700s. [The holiday promotes] community and social spirit,” says Murray. -tony binns

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