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St Patrick's Evening

 

Since March 2005 l'Entente Cordiale organises a "St Patrick's evening".  Although the saint if rather associated with the image of Ireland (St Patrick is National Day in Ireland), St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in many communities across the world, especially in England and United States.

 

New this year :

  • Entertainment by a new folk group : Clonakilty, composed of 5 musicians, with a caller and a step dancer

  • Food from  a new caterer : Yann Traiteur Béville le Comte with a renewed menu

The event took place on March 10th at the Community Center, Orsonville Street. 150 people were present, showing that the interest in this event is not decreasing and that it now well established in the Dourdan's celebrations diary.

The Town Council had provided additional flowers and plants decoration. Mr. Olivier LEGOIS, Dourdan's Mayor and Mr Dominique ECHAROUX, District's Head honoured the meeting with their presence during the welcome drink.

Decoration being installed

The Clonakilty Folk Music Group provided a high quality performance. In addition to the five musicians playing traditional Irish instruments, we could hear Kevin's (the singer and genuine irishman) beautiful voice and applaud Lydie, the dancer who showed her talent in step dancing demonstrations.

Patrick, the Group Leader, later switched to Caller, so as to conduct the numerous floor dancers.

 

The Clonakilty Group

See more photographs of this successful evening on our  "photo gallery" and on line on http://picasaweb.google.fr/Christian.RAFFIN

 

History and legend

St Patrick is supposed to be born in 389 in Scotland or in the South-West of England (exact place and date aren't precisely known).

His family name was Maewin Succat, and his family was of Roman Britain origin. When he was about sixteen he was captured by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland. During his slavery time (six years) he had visions and got closer to God.

In 411 he managed to escape and came to France (Gaul) for studying. He was promoted to priesthood and in  432 he was made a bishop by Pope Celestine and sent to Ireland as missionary. It was during that occasion that the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" was given to him. The name comes from two Latin words, "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people" . In gaelic language Patrick is named : Pãdraig.

A legend says that, by this time, he drew out all the snakes from the country, action that symbolizes the conversion of the Irish Folk : The snakes represent the Devil, the old enemy Satan responsible for  ignorance of the real God.                 

Another legend has it that St. Patrick would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick on the 17 March, 461, at the age of 76. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick besides Saint Brigid of Kildare and Saint Columcille, both patrons saints of Ireland.