Having spent many’s the Paddy’s Day away from Ireland, I understand how melancholy it can get.  We’re lucky really, because regardless of where you are in the world, there’s bound to be a parade and it’s a lovely tribute to the Irish diaspora when other countries celebrate our national day.  I’ve been fortunate enough to attend parades in France, England, Greece (it was small, but still!) and Canada. I know there are many new expats experiencing their first Paddy’s Day away from home this year, so I want to send a big Beannachtai La Feile Padraig to all of you and anyone who celebrates this greenest of days 🙂  As a writer, I should probably list all of my favourite Irish authors, but when I lived abroad, it was hearing Irish music on Paddy’s Day that made me feel happy and proud of my little country.  Plus it’s easier to dance to 😉  Although I did want to cry out “We’ve got more than U2 and The Cranberries!”  So, with this in mind, I want to mark the day with some of the best contemporary Irish music and hope you enjoy listening.