This week should have seen the mother of all St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington.

The most Irish of American president since JFK has taken up residence in the Oval Office.

But of course, COVID has put an end to the traditional gathering.

And this year's celebrations will be marked in a series of virtual meetings and events.

So there'll be no physical presentation of the Shamrock by Mihal Martin to Joe Biden,

no speakers lunch at the Capitol and no late-night get-togethers planned or spontaneous in the hotels

and bars of Washington. In this edition of Red Lines, we're discussing why this annual

jamboree matters in the company of two people who were right at the heart of things for years.

Enda Kenny made seven St. Patrick's Day visits to the States as Tishuk between 2011 and 2017.

Sir Christopher Mayer was the UK's ambassador to Washington from 1997 to 2003.

Welcome to both of you, different times, different roles, but a shared insight into the

Rasmataz and ritual of the occasion, I think it's fair to say.

What began as a sending of a ball of Shamrock to the president in the 1950s has evolved

into a much more substantial mission, if you like.

And there's a formality to the visit of whoever the Taoiseach is now to the White House.

And that begins in the morning, if I can outline it for you.

Please do.

It is a breakfast with the Vice President in the Naval Observatory,

which is the former residence of the

vice president of the United States.

Bang next door to the British Embassy, I hasten to add.

How appropriate?

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