‘Cats Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Green

Katie Lewis Staff Writer

Corr Hall glowed green on Friday night as Villanovans assembled at “Dublin Down on the Green,” a St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza hosted by the Campus Activities Team (CAT) and the Villanova Irish Cultural Society (ICS).

Because of Villanova’s Irish roots, St. Patrick’s Day always has a notable presence on campus. The university was founded in 1842 by Irish Augustinians and, in 1979, Villanova founded its Irish Studies Program which rose to a Center in 2016. In February, the university welcomed Ambassador of Ireland Geraldine Byrne Nason, who attended the annual Villanova Literary Festival in celebration of the 2023 Charles A. Heimbold Jr. Chair for Irish Studies, Mary O’Donoghue.

Villanova’s notable Irish presence was seen in the turnout of students at the event. Around the fire pits on the campus green, students lined up for food trucks that served pizza, pretzels, roast beef sandwiches, festive green “Shamrock Shakes” and more. The event also included a beer garden that was open to those aged 21 or older, special giveaways and performances by the Villanova Irish Step Dance Team and Irish Band.

“Dublin Down on the Green” was one of numerous St. Patrick’s Day-themed activities planned by student organizations on campus. On Thursday night, CAT partnered with ICS in a second event for its weekly

Quizzo competition, held in the West Lounge in Dougherty Hall.

“ICS members were able to write about 10 questions on random facts about Ireland as a country and its accomplishments,” ICS Secretary and Quizzo host Genevieve Giammarco said. “The two other rounds focused on St Paddy’s Day trivia and Irish singers, respectively.”

“I’m incredibly thankful for the student turnout we had at both events,” ICS President Emmett Shea said. “I know that all of us at ICS will be eager to have more events outside of St. Paddy’s, so this week was a great indicator of the potential turnout we can get.”

“I really enjoyed getting involved in the events on campus celebrating St. Patrick’s Day,” ICS Vice President Kaitlin Gibson said. “As someone who’s really proud of their Irish history, it was really rewarding watching people realize how much of an impact Irish people and culture have had on our own.”

The events of the weekend also provided ways for students to learn about campus organizations that are related to Irish culture and study abroad opportunities in Ireland.

The festivities were scattered across campus on March 17, as Dining Services dished out St. Patrick’s Day specials. Villanovans enjoyed green bagels, corned beef and cabbage and colcannon at campus dining halls, as well as whipped cream-topped Irish Cream Lattes that were available at Holy Grounds throughout the day.