Newly appointed Chairperson of the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Festival Committee, Kate Barry

Keats preferred Autumn whilst old Bing sang about the wonders of Winter. If I could write a poem, a song or even a limerick, it would dwell upon the beauty of Spring and all that comes with this spectacular time of year. Of course, blossoms erupting from trees; bluebells metamorphosing into sheets of blue countryside and daffodils sprouting yellow buds of hope in every town house garden, may have something to do with my obsession with this Season.
However, for me, March means Cheltenham Races, March means Uttoxeter's Midland Grand National and yes, March means Birmingham's St Patrick's Day Festival and Parade.
I recall last year's success story, notably for the universal collection of thousands of revelers assembled in spirit and tradition all celebrating a united culture, leaving one with a sense of belonging and allegiance - as well as an awful headache the next day!
I've often thought about the organisers of such an event and, on occasion, have experienced the odd pang of guilt at enjoying the event without giving anything back in return.
But Kate Barry isn't like the rest of us. You see, Kate is the newly appointed Chairperson of the Birmingham St Patrick's Day Festival Committee and is one of a number of people who makes this event happen for the 80,000 plus participants expected at this year's event.
She says: "I was delighted at being nominated to act as Chairperson. It's an honour and a really enjoyable role, although it does involve a lot of extra commitment.
"However, there are eight volunteers on the Committee who all specialise in some field or another to ensure the whole weekend of celebrations is enjoyed by all. We haven't experienced any major hiccups as yet, and we're just hoping the Committee's diligence and dedication will ensure the Launch Party on Friday 10th March is the success it is anticipated to be. Similarly, we are confident that Saturday's 'Reel Around The Fountain' in Victoria Square and Sunday's Parade, will all go according to plan."
I'm surprised Kate has any energy left after a hard day's work as a solicitor, to act as Chairperson and represent the Festival Committee not only during it's most busy time in March, but throughout the year.
Most month's, Kate chairs public meetings, has involvement with sponsorship bids, acts as spokesperson for the Committee on a number of subjects, and is the first port of call during a crisis. March however, means working closely with the Events Department from the Council, liaising with police services to ensure the safety and security of participants as well as keeping local businesses informed of anticipated events arranged during the Festival.
To achieve the goals required that makes the Festival such a success, takes effort and energy from a dependable and devoted group of volunteers headed up by a enthusiastic young County Sligo lass.
So what of the other Kate, not Kate the solicitor, or Chairperson Kate, but the relaxed, young lady that is Kate.
Although she wouldn't admit it herself, I have been told she is a superb flutist and an excellent vocalist. In fact, Kate, along with her fellow band member, Andy, have formed the duo that goes by the name of Fola.
Kate says: "I must be mad, but as well as being one of the organisers of the Festival, myself and Andy have decided to perform at the party outside St Martin's Church in the Bull Ring. We'll be in good company with the likes of the Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, Silver Bough, South Birmingham Comhaltas, Scanlon School of Irish Dancing, Mooncoin Assembly, Jugopunch, as well as Bob Brolly and his band. No doubt we will all be nervous on the day but the atmosphere is bound to be euphoric, so hopefully the crowds will put us at our ease."
I would say nerves do not feature in Kate's vocabulary. You see, Fola are used to playing to the crowds and enjoy a regular spot on Thursday's at the Ceol Castle and have been drawing in the crowds more and more each week. In fact, they've become so popular recently, that they have been invited to attend the Leamington Peace Festival held on 17th-18th June 2006, which is a music festival aimed at promoting peace and equality amongst communities through music and the arts performed by local artists.
Kate says: "We are delighted to be performing at Leamington although I must admit, we enjoy the intimacy the Ceol Castle venue provides for our performances. Obviously, we'd jump at the chance of further gigs at Festivals as they're great fun to be part of. For now, we are concentrating on performing at small venues all over the West Midlands but we will see what happens on the music Festival front in the future."
And so, before Kate departs, she tells me to remind the Harp readers to ensure they bring the crowds with them, no matter the weather, to enjoy the annual festivities that are now so affectionately associated with Birmingham's Irish community.
For further information about the Festival, log on to www.stpatricksfestival.com.
For further information about Fola, log on to www.folamusic.com.