Irish people have always valued a good education. Today I have a quirky little joke or story to share to prove this point.
Back To School
Back to school supplies now line the shelves of Kentucky stores, in preparation for a mid-August return to school. As I loaded up a cart with pencils, glue sticks, crayons, and markers, I reminisced about how much my grandmother valued education.
"Stick to the books," she used to say. "A good education will stand to you in years to come."
And she was right - my education was my ticket to America.
After Irish people crossed the Atlantic to the New World during the 19th and 20th centuries, parents worked long hours to send their children to college. A good education was prized above all else, seen as a ticket out of poverty by Irish Americans.
With four school aged children, my pile of school supplies quickly mounted. A smile spread across my face, as I remembered an amusing anecdote from years ago, about how the Irish value education.
A Little Irish Joke
So here's my little story, which I hope will bring a smile to your face too.
A wealthy Boston socialite hired an Irish maid who unfortunately was not very diligent or attentive to her duties. One day this fine lady accosted Molly. She took her gloved finger and wrote her name in the dust covering the top of her grand piano.
"Look!" she exclaimed. "I can write my name
in the dust."
Molly just smiled and folded her arms.
"Ah yes, ma'am," declared Molly.
"Isn't education a grand thing altogether."
I bet if Molly had been fortunate enough to receive any schooling, she would have left this fine lady in the dust.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Blessings
- May The Road Rise To Meet You Irish Blessing Plate Day Twelve Gift
- God Bless The Corners Of This House
- The Magic Of Christmas Lingers On
- May the Blessings Of Christmas Be With You
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Vladimir
Hahaha. Nice article. Thank you : - )
Irish American Mom
Vladimir - I'm usually not a good joke teller, but I do love this little story.
Grannymar
Here too in Ireland the shops are laden with school uniforms and supplies. In Northern Ireland we are looking forward to the late summer Bank Holiday weekend - 25th/27th August, it will be the last break before Christmas.
Molly was indeed a bright little button to come back with that answer!
Irish American Mom
Grannymar - Enjoy your last Bank Holiday weekend at the end of the month. The following weekend we will celebrate Labor Day here in the US, which will be our last break until Thanksgiving. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, I always consider the source of wisdom, not always from a book. The fellows I've grown to respect are the ones who are grounded, confident in their abilities, without feeling they are better than the rest. The socialite I'm sure was very educated and clueless, reminds me of my senator.
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - Those that share their abilities with others without making them feel inferior, are truly the wisest and most educated in this world.
Cheryl Barker
Mairead, if dust is any indication of the occupants of a home being well educated, then I am well educated indeed! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - I'd probably qualify for an honorary dust doctorate looking at the state of my shelves.