My love affair with Ireland and thus, St. Patrick’s Day, began in my teens, when I embraced the unconfirmed possibility I was at least one-quarter Irish. I loved the beautiful land, the fighting spirit of the people, the complex political and spiritual ramifications — only one problem: I later figured out I’m even less Irish than I previously thought. Still, about the same time, I learned about the man behind St. Patrick’s Day, shared it with my children, and now we all love the holiday even more because it has significant meaning.

All hail the Fighin’ Irish