St Patrick's Day Flicks

I've always wished that I was born in Ireland. A girl with long natural red curly hair and green eyes. I'll settle for just being Irish, as that is as close as it will ever get to being that girl. My Grandmother was a MacNaley and my Grandfather was a McFarland. We've got a lot of Irish and Scottish in us. I don't drink, but I love anything Irish. Here are a few of my favorite Irish movies for you to enjoy this St Patrick's Day.

Darby O'Gill And The Little People. Made in 1959, this Disney classic movie stars Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, and a very young and handsome Sean Connery. Darby O'Gill is always telling tall tales about Leprechauns and banshees and wonderful golden treasures. When he actually captures the Leprechaun and finds the hidden gold, no one will believe him. Did I mention Sean Connery was very handsome in this film?

The Secret Of Roan Inish. Made in 1994, this movie is about a young girl named Fiona, who is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village in Donegal, Ireland. She is told that local legend says that one of her ancestors was what is known as a Selkie. A Selkie is a seal who can turn into a human. This is a wonderful little movie. In fact, I think I may go rent it again.

The Matchmaker. Made in 1997, this film stars Janeane Garofalo as Marcy, a secretary to an Irish Senator. When the senator is having troubles getting the Irish to vote for him, he sends Marcy to Ireland to trace his Irish ancestors. When Marcy arrives, she happens to fall right smack in the middle of an annual Matchmaking festival and being a single young lady, catches the eyes of the professional matchmakers, as well as a few locals.

Angela's Ashes. Made in 1999, Angela's Ashes stars Emily Watson and Robert Carylyle. This movie follows young Frankie McCourt and his family as they try and survive and rise above the poverty stricken streets of pre-war limerick. It's hard for Frankie's father to find work, for there is extreme prejudice against his Northern Irish heritage. This is a very moving film, tissues will follow.