A Smooch for the Blarney Stone

May I be the first to wish you Happy St. Patrick's Day 2016!  This happy holiday, coming up on March 17 is steeped with a long history filled with legend.  Out of curiosity I dug up some fun stuff about one of the legends, The Blarney Stone.

Getty Images[/caption]Before we get to The Blarney Stone, here's a reminder.  Sunday, The annual Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place.  New Jersey 101.5's very own Big Joe Henry will be there broadcasting live from the Garden State's largest St. Paddy's parade.

The origins of the Blarney Stone dates way back to the early 1300's.

The King of Scots, Robert the 1st, a.k.a. Robert the Bruce (not Springsteen) gave this block of stone as a gift to the Irish.  One hundred years later a castle in County Cork was specially built next to the stone.  The castle is called, you guessed it, The Blarney Castle.

Lassies and Lads, if you have the opportunity to kiss this block of blue stone you may acquire the gift of eloquence.  Commonly known as "The Gift of Gab."  Take it from me, "That's no Blarney."

That's why a gillion people, famous and regular folk, have kissed The Blarney Stone for centuries.  If you plan to give it a smooch, it's not that simple.  The stone is located 85 feet up on the wall of the castle.  To kiss it you have to bend backward while holding on to a railing.  They say it's a good idea that someone holds your ankles while you're doing this.

So there you have it.  A wee bit of some great Irish tradition.  I'm sure you know there are some wonderful Irish blessings.  Here's one for you.."  May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.  May your heart be as light as a song.  May each day bring you bright, happy hours.  That stay with you all the year long."  Erin Go Bragh!