Irish Icons: Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day Through the Pop Culture Lens
Until I can declare myself someone with pop culture significance, I will use my Irish roots as a way to connect with some Irish icons. Beyond the Leprechauns and pots of gold, these are the people who truly make St. Patrick’s Day worth celebrating.
Saoirse Ronan
Although she may have played in “Mary Queen of Scots,” Saoirse is the queen of Ireland and of my heart. She broke through in “Atonement,” which earned her an Oscar nomination at only 13 years old. Even though she definitely portrayed the definition of an evil little sister in this role, she instantly grabbed my attention. Since then, she has become a staple in the industry. With her witty charm and ability to captivate an audience, she’s now seen as the muse for renowned directors like Greta Gerwig and Wes Anderson. Are there better people to have in your corner? I didn’t think so.
If you’re looking for the full Irish experience, grab a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream and watch Saoirse shine in “Brooklyn.” If you want a warmer experience this St. Paddy’s Day, make yourself a bowl of Lucky Charms and turn on “Little Women.”
Sally Rooney
Image Courtesy: The New York Times
Image Courtesy: The New York Times
Image Courtesy: Vogue
“...I’m not a religious person, but I do sometimes think God made you for me,” is exactly how I feel about Sally Rooney and her captivating books. She is certainly becoming one of the most prominent authors of our time with three novels and two television adaptations. Her characters echo her personal experiences and struggles with love, friendships and individualism in college.
As a college student who constantly feels like I’m grappling with the ideas of who I am and who I should be, Rooney’s stories make me feel seen. Her characters are complex and not always likable, demonstrating the natural flaws of humans. If you’re opting for some down time this holiday, grab “Normal People,” “Conversations With Friends” or “Beautiful World, Where Are You?” and immerse yourself in the world of a university student in Dublin.
Barry Keoghan
Image Courtesy: Lily Bertrand-Webb
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Image Courtesy: Lily Bertrand-Webb
Introducing my favorite up-and-coming member of the Irish icons crew: Barry Keoghan. Although he first caught people’s attention with his chilling role in “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” he entered the lives of many after portraying Druig in Marvel’s “Eternals.” He’s currently rumored to be up for a role in “Dune Part Two” with his long-time bestie, Timothée Chalamet, so he is definitely becoming one to watch and admire.
As an ode to his heritage, he typically includes a four-leaf clover emoji in all of his Instagram captions and Tweets. Is that not precious? Maybe I’m just an emoji girl or a big fan of all things Barry.
If you want an introduction to Keoghan, continue your Marvel marathon and watch him be the charismatic mind controller in the “Eternals.” If you’re looking for something a little more cinematic, you can watch him fight alongside Harry Styles in “Dunkirk” — which also features another one of my other favorite Irishmen, Cillian Murphy.
Paul Mescal
Image Courtesy: Wonderland Magazine
Image Courtesy: Wonderland Magazine
Image Courtesy: Wonderland Magazine
Phoebe Bridgers, I promise I won’t steal your boyfriend, but it seems he has a thing for us quirky blondes, so I may have a chance. Even if I don’t, Paul Mescal is the main Irish man of my dreams. After his breakout performance in “Normal People,” Mescal graced the screen with Olivia Coleman and Dakota Johnson in “The Lost Daughter,” and he was even the muse of The Rolling Stones’ “Scarlet” music video.
He’s set to star alongside Saoirse Ronan in a sci-fi romance, which of course will send me over the rainbow and into another dimension of happiness. There’s nothing I love more than a duo of my favorite Irish actors. Until then, you can watch Mescal embody what it’s like to be a lonely and lost college student, looking for advice at the pub in “Normal People.”
Perhaps not equally as important as his acting roles, but he is known for wearing the most adorable short-shorts while wandering around Dublin. With Vogue picking up on the trend, I’m just going to request that these shorts are worn in all his future roles – that’s all. To add to his charm and kindness, he auctioned off the famous shorts for a charity. In honor of the holiday, let’s just take a moment to appreciate Paul in Gaelic football shorts.
Andrew Scott
Image Courtesy: Man About Town
Image Courtesy: Man About Town
Image Courtesy: Man About Town
The hot priest. That says it all. Andrew Scott is best known for his roles in “Sherlock” and “Fleabag,” the latter of which made me fall completely in love with him. Yes, I’m still begging for a third season of “Fleabag” just so I can have more of him.
Even though I’ve bid farewell to his hot priest persona, he is set to star alongside Dakota Fanning in the new psychological thriller show “Ripley.” Based on the Tom Ripley novel series, Scott will portray the deceitful and complex Mr. Ripley — a departure from what we have previously seen him play, thus making him a man who can do it all.
While you whip up your favorite potato dish, turn on “Fleabag” and see what it feels like to develop a crush on a priest. Not your typical St. Paddy’s Day celebration, but one I fully encourage.
Whether you’re coming back from a day at the pub or sitting down with one of your favorite recipes from the Motherland, be sure to celebrate alongside these Irish icons. They bring their pots of gold to pop culture, and for that, I am forever grateful. I feel seen as I live through them on screens, and maybe you will have a bit of luck this holiday and share a similar experience.
Whatever you do or whomever you celebrate with, bring yourself some comfort this St. Paddy’s Day — you deserve it.
Strike Out,
Writer: Charlotte Dwyer
Editor: Hannah Shelton
Gainesville
