Wealth of Culture Overlooked Due to Excessive Drinking
Dia dhuit a Maura!
My name is Timothy Kevin O'Keeffe. I am the current president of Stage Eireann Dramatic Society. I am writing you with regard to several matters: Firstly, I should like to thank The Celtic Connection not only for their tireless devotion to the Celtic community, but especially for the generosity extended to Stage Eireann in allowing us to share table_space on Saturday and Sunday during CelticFest. It was greatly appreciated by all members of Stage Eireann and we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude!
Secondly, I wish to thank you personally for your editorial column regarding alcoholism in the March issue. I doubt that there are many of us (whether Celts or not) who have not known someone who has suffered from this wasting, debilitating illness and, although I do believe it is understandable for the Irish to celebrate (and imbibe a bit ) this time of year, it has little to do with St. Patrick and the contribution to Irish culture (not purely religious) for which he is remembered and honoured!
The considerable wealth and value of Irish culture has too frequently been overlooked or ignored simply because of our collective acceptance of excessive drinking as a “way of life,” we have so much more to offer the world than stereotypes of dysfunctionalism, I am glad to see The Celtic Connection remind us all of that.
Sláinte,
Kevin O'Keeffe
Stage Eireann Dramatic Society
Vancouver, B.C.
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