Moderation encouraged at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade

MONTREAL – With the St. Patrick’s Day Queen and Grand Marshal firmly in place, Montreal is ready for its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

This year, though, there is an extra message of caution with the festivities: drink and be merry, but within limits.

The United Irish Societies teamed up with Educ-alcool to produce the ‘St. Patrick’s Day Survival Guide.‘

“It’s a fun guide that teaches not only responsible drinking, but what  limits you should be at,” said Kevin Murphy, spokesperson for the United Irish Societies of Montreal, “also, in case you go over those limits how to  treat yourself for the next day or even that same day.”

In recent years, the fun at the St. Patrick’s Day parade has gotten a little out of control.

In 2010, the parade came to a tragic end when a 20-year-old partier was killed after jumping from a flatbed truck.

Last year, a reveller was badly injured after falling from the second floor of a downtown building.

“It was a wake-up call for us, we had to do something about it, to tell people to spoil the party but to make sure it’s safe,” said Educ-alcool spokesperson Hubert Sacy.

The guide is meant to keep the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day intact. Filled with Gaelic phrases, a light-hearted list and a trusty leprechaun, it encourages moderation.

The guides can be found at pubs across the city, the SAQ and universities.

Patrons of Hurley’s Pub in downtown Montreal had a mixed reaction to the guide.

“I think it’s a good thing. I doubt many kids will follow it to be honest,” one of them said.

“This might be something you think of in advance versus running out on an empty stomach,”  said Shannon Grouchy.

Sacy points out this is a long-term project that will take time.

“It will take at least five years. We know that changing behaviour changing mentalities take time. The good news is it can be done.”