Well, St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. My grandfather, Patrick McLoughlin, left Ireland as a young man to seek, what he felt, would be a better life here in the US. Family stories, told to me as a child, portrayed a young man, the eldest in his family, being walked to the train by his mother who watched him depart. He would return to Ireland just once more many years later. What must the day he first left been like? My grandfather never talked about it. For he had an immigrant’s heart. That heart marches to the beat of two quite different drums, one from the old homeland and the other from the new. The immigrant has to bridge these two worlds, living comfortably in the new and bringing the best of his or her ancient identity and heritage to bear on life in an adopted homeland. Still, this St. Patrick’s Day, I wonder what that day at the train station was like for a mother and for a son. My friend, Chris Brown, sung about this and today I want to share it because I think it’s what my grandfather’s family said to him the day he left Castlebar. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everybody!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Published by Ed Kowalski
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley. View more posts
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