The first St.Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in 1766 and America soon joined in on the celebration of Irish culture. Now, on March 17th People put on their green-wear and join in on the irish festivities yet, most of us lack the actual Irish background.

St.Patrick’s Day is approaching and the halls of Prince George will be filled with four-leaf clovers and green attire. Ireland O’Hare, a student here at Prince George and one of the few here celebrating St.Patrick’s day with actual Irish culture. Being Irish, Ireland celebrates St.Patrick’s Day in a more sentimental way.

“My mom always made us pancakes with green food dye,” O’Hare said. “When we were little we would wear green from head to toe but, now it’s more of a day of appreciation for the Irish culture and people.”

Ireland’s Grandfather was the first O’Hare to come to America and her Irish heritage can be traced back to County Armagh, a country in Northern Ireland.

One of the most obvious aspects of her Irish heritage is her name.

“My great grandfather is from Ireland and me and all of my sisters and cousins have Irish oriented names,” O’Hare said. “I think my family gave us our names to keep Irish traditions in the family. My dad is also named Patrick.”

Not only is her first name Ireland but her last name, O’Hare, is a famous surname from Ireland. The Gaelic prefix O’ means male descendent of and is found to be from an Irish clan. Gaelic is another term for the language of Ireland.

Something that the country of Ireland is known for is its incredible food. Bread, stews and soups that are a must when visiting there.

“We eat a lot of potato or cabbage dishes, different traditional soups or stews and sometimes we make Irish soda bread,” O’Hare said.

The Irish people are prideful of where they come from and often pass down the traditions and customs of Irish lifestyle to their families.

Many Irish people have extended families and strong ties back to ‘home’.

“The Irish culture focuses on a strong family unit and to always be respectful to others and to be able to rely on the catholic faith,” Ireland said.

“I love the Irish Culture. We were raised to know Irish history and to follow typical Irish chivalry and respect and the food is a perk as well,” O’Hare said. “I am very proud to be Irish.”