Patrick, a saint for our time

St Patrick's Day today is a pale shadow of previous celebrations to honour our patron saint. Due to the pandemic, there will be no colourful street parades, no traditional church services, including the usual annual inter-church pilgrimage from Saul to Down Cathedral, though many services will be streamed. There will be no sporting events, like the Schools' Cup rugby, or the MacRory Cup GAA finals, and very little to resemble a normal St Patrick's Day.