Why we need a Sober St Patrick's Day

2021 sees the 10th anniversary of Sober St. Patrick’s Day and a decade of changing the perception and experience of St. Patrick's Day around the world. First proposed by Irish-American theatre and television producer, Bill Reilly, in 2011 in New York City, sober celebrations of Ireland’s patron saint have been held on parade day in NYC every year since then.

Ronan talks to Bill Reilly the founder of Sober St. Patrick’s Day, Tami Ellen McLaughlin the Executive Director of Sober St. Patrick's Day Foundation, and Mark Osman the I.T. Director of Sober St Patrick's Day. Bill, Tami, and Mark talk about the genesis of Sober St. Patrick’s Day, how it’s progressed over the past ten years, Malachi McCourts support, and how the pandemic changed has changed this year's Sober St. Patrick’s Day. Bill, Tami, and Mark also talk about the challenges of moving online and what we can expect at this year's Sober St. Patrick's Day The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that Sober St Patrick's Day is now going virtual.

More about Sober St Patrick's Day:

Since it started in 2011 it continues to grow around the world with official gatherings organised across the U.S.A., in Virginia, Long Island, Rhode Island, and in Connecticut, as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Social media strategist and Irish Tech News contributor Samantha Kelly has been announced as brand ambassador in Ireland for Sober St. Patrick's Day 2021. The global online celebration on Wednesday, March 17th begins at 4.00 pm New York time, coinciding with an 8.00 pm timeline in Ireland, and can be accessed at www.SoberStPatricksDay.org. Admission is free this year, but reservations are required.