St. Patrick's Day: Why is it so popular among university students?
April 16, 2024
St. Patrick's Day, a day filled with jubilation and celebration of all things Irish, holds a special place in the hearts of university students around the world. As a student experiencing my first year at university, I had no idea just how big of a deal this day would be. However, the embrace of the entire university community towards the festivities ignited my Gaelic blood with excitement.
My friends and I eagerly embraced the spirit of the day by joining the Irish bar crawl, a natural inclination for the group given my status among my pals as the resident Irish flatmate. Yet as we wandered the campus of Warwick, it was impossible to ignore the sea of green stripes painted across cheeks and the abundance of shamrock sunglasses adorning heads. But was everyone there solely for the revelry and true spirit of Irishness? Perhaps not entirely. While university students are known for exploiting any reason for a night out drinking, the genuine love for Irish culture on St. Patrick's Day was unmistakable.
The enthusiasm for St. Patrick's Day extended far beyond the confines of my university. A quick scroll through social media revealed floods of pictures from friends and acquaintances at universities across the country, all partaking in the celebrations. In the hierarchy of university big nights out and celebrations, St. Patrick's Day held a revered place, ranking just below Halloween and just above Eurovision (at least at Warwick). This is no small feat, considering Halloween at university is often labelled 'Halloweekend' even when it falls on a Wednesday. The sheer number of people I encountered out and about on that Sunday was truly astounding, the kind of scenes I hadn't witnessed since being home in Cahersiveen for St. Paddy’s many years ago.
Weeks before the sacred day, I was repeatedly asked about my plans by multiple people. My response took the form of uncertainty. When back home in London as a child I would venture into the city with my dad for the parade which typically consisted of him running into the entirety of the South West of Ireland and me tiring of being told how much I’ve
grown, so in more recent years, the day saw minimal observance from me. However, the anticipation leading up to the day was palpable. Everyone I spoke to couldn't wait to partake in their chosen commemorations, whether it was through flat parties, pub evenings, or bar crawls; draped in green, white, and orange.
When I inquired about the reasons behind this widespread enthusiasm, the most common response was a simple declaration of love for all things Irish. And indeed, the night unfolded in a manner befitting that sentiment. Baby Guinness shots flowed freely, and I frequently showcased my (perhaps overly enthusiastic) Irish dancing skills to an appreciative audience. There were impromptu renditions of Molly Malone, with everyone joining in, regardless of their Irish roots. The ever-so-slightly refined English flatmates I brought along, most of whom hail from home county villages, proclaimed it one of the best nights of their lives, with traditions I hope I will have instilled in them for years to come. In reflecting on the festivities, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride in my Irish heritage.
St. Patrick's Day had brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate a culture rich in history, tradition, and warmth. As I danced and laughed alongside friends, old and new, I felt a profound connection to my roots and a renewed appreciation for the joyous spirit. St. Patrick's Day transcends mere celebration; it is a testament to the enduring allure of Irish culture and the power of shared festivities to unite people in joy and camaraderie. For university students, it represents a cherished opportunity to immerse themselves in a day of revelry, laughter, and cultural appreciation—a tradition that will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
Article by Kate O'Mahony
Ag Tosnú 18ú Mean Fómhair @ 6:00 i.n. - 07:30 i.n. agus ag leanúint ar aghaidh gach Déardaoin go dtí am Nollag. Course commences on Thursday 18 September 2025. 12 x classes every Thursday evening. Classes will be classroom based, in-person (except for the occasional class on Zoom when circumstances make it difficult for the class to meet in-person, such as adverse weather) Please note that due to other events, there will not be a classroom based in-person class on Thursday 16 th and 23 rd October 2025. The teacher will discuss alternative arrangements during the course with students (which may include taking a break, changing to another evening, or proceeding on Zoom) and will take on board student preferences. Post Beginners Oiriúnacht (Suitability) Anybody who has completed a comprehensive Beginners’ Course (of around six months) or anybody with a previous knowledge (e.g. having learned Irish at school) and who is returning after a break. Fáinne Airgid The group will prepare for this, with the option to do the exam late Spring / early Summer 2026. For those students who do not wish to do the exam, they will still benefit greatly from the preparation work. We will integrate the prep work into the normal classes for everybody, with a greater emphasis on the Fáinne Airgid during the Spring course commencing in 2026. The teacher will discuss and explain this in more detail to the class in September 2025. Leabhair (Books) Must Have - Irish for Beginners (Usborne) agus Briathra na Gaeilge - Regular and Irregular Verbs (Folens) Nice to Have - Buntús Cainte Part 1. Registering for this course: Please see a member of staff in the office, or contact by email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629 to complete registration. Registration closes 11 September 2025. Total Course Fee £80 per student for members of the Coventry Irish Society / £85 per student for non-members. The course fee is for a course consisting of 12x classes and is payable in advance to the Coventry Irish Society by 11 December 2025. Entry on to the course is only permitted once payment has been made in full. If there are any difficulties with paying the full fee in advance, then please discuss with a member of staff before registration closes on 11 September. The course fee is non-refundable.
We are delighted to announce our new Ciorcal Comhrá (conversation circle) for advanced Irish speakers. Join us on the first Wednesday of the month from 11am-12noon for a relaxed and informal conversation circle - an opportunity for conversation and craic with fellow Gaeilgeoirs. Saor in aisce | Free and drop-in. No booking required! Upcoming sessions: First Wednesday of the month 11.00 am – 12.00 noon Dé Céadaoin 3 Meán Fómhair Wednesday 3 September 2025 Dé Céadaoin 8 Deireadh Fómhair Wednesday 8 October 2025 Dé Céadaoin 5 Samhain Wednesday 5 November 2025 Dé Céadaoin 3 Nollaig Wednesday 3 December 2025 Áit - The Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ Any questions, please contact: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk
Our annual ball is back for 2025! We’re thrilled to announce that our Annual Ball 2025 will be held on Saturday 27 September at Christ The King Parish Centre Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, music, & dancing Tickets priced at £30. To book your place, please call in to our office at Eaton House, or telephone us on 024 7625 6629
