Donning the green

Editorial by Burlington Times-News, March 16, 2015.

Top o’ the morning to ye and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Like much of North Carolina, our history traces to Scotch-Irish settlers, but no matter where your ancestors came from, everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Pat himself didn’t start life on the Emerald Isle, legend has it, but rather in Britain, Scotland or Wales. And while he gets credit for driving snakes out of Ireland, that’s probably a tall tale of the sort spun by Irishmen after a few pints in the local pub. Scientists say Ireland broke from the European continent at the end of the Ice Age with no snakes making the trip.

History, legend and science aside, you’re probably thinking more about celebrating today than details of the good saint’s life.

If your celebration is all about a hearty meal of corned beef and cabbage, chow down and enjoy. If your celebration includes more revelry, we offer these tips on what to do if you — or your friends — get a wee bit too tipsy. Too much alcohol can bring on too many bad consequences. A hangover is bad enough, but the consequences can turn tragic if you get behind the wheel after one — or more — too many.

There’s no other way to say it: Don’t drink and drive. Period.

Make sure there’s a designated driver in your group. If not, know who to call for a lift home. And please don’t catch a ride with someone else who has been drinking.

St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful time to get together with friends, either at home or at one of the local eateries where the party spirit prevails.

Enjoy being Irish today, but please make it a safe experience for all.

http://www.thetimesnews.com/opinion/our-opinion/donning-the-green-1.451657