A Weekend of Irish Merrymaking

My head still throbs from Saturday's Saint Patrick's Day parade in downtown Albany followed by a toxic mix of buttery nipple shots coaxed down my collar at Blue 82.

St. Patty's Day is serious business in Albany with a leprechaun-share of Irish citizens (nearly 20%) turning the streets green this time of year. Pubs, restaurants and a hard-working history have much to thank the Irish for their growth and leadership in Albany. Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, New York State Assemblyman Jack McEneny and New York State Senator Chuck Schumer were part of the revelry as well. In fact, a surprised Mayor even got goosed by a drunken SUNY student with a flirty t-shirt that read "I recycle boys!" Good thing the Mayor wasn't wearing a kilt!

The craziness continued with Stacy, Denise and me partaking in the mischief until midnight. The parade kicked off at 2pm with firefighters, Celtic marching bands and step dancers showing off their colors. Sun streamed down everyone's happy faces including a friendly fellow with a green goatee. Other visual highlights can be found at Dave Carroll's website.

After the parade, we waited in line to enter the big tent at McGeary's until masses of disgruntled patrons left in front of us complaining that it was too packed. All bars appeared to be filled to capacity so we took our turns at a wonderful Irish banquet of potato, cabbage and salted meats. We had the smorgasbord all to ourselves with a Jillian waitress hip on supplying several lemon drop shots and Coors Lights.

From Jillians to Blue 82 to 677 Prime to 76 State Street, we sipped, we chugged, we gulped, we barfed (I barfed). After that, my Irish luck wore off and we slipped into an Italian pizza parlor for a slice of grease and googling from fresh married men.

A night and day to be remembered until next February - I mean March (still hungover).