This is why the Irish Prime Minister gives the US president a bowl of shamrocks: A St. Patrick’s Day tradition
Relations between the two nations have always been strong but grew closer on the holiday thanks to a presidential gift in the 1950s.
St. Patrick’s Day, a national holiday in Ireland and a celebration of Irish-Americans across the pond is on March 17, but this year the Irish Prime Minister, Michael Martin, will meet President Trump today, March 12.
As symbols of Ireland go, the shamrock stands out as the most famous. The three-leafed plant is also inextricably linked to St. Patrick; it is said that he used the flower as an example to demonstrate the Christian Holy Trinity.
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A warm welcome for Taoiseach Micheál Martin and wife Mary from US Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha pic.twitter.com/f0NqXCI8cC
— Louise Burne (@louiseburne_) March 12, 2025
One of the most famous Paddy’s Day traditions, in terms of diplomacy is actually borne out of a wartime disagreement. The shamrock bowl gift has endured in the following seven decades.
The Second World War, diplomatic isolation, and shamrocks
During the Second World War, Ireland remained neutral for the entirety of the conflict despite immense pressure from the US and Britain. This diplomatic position damaged relations between the nations, something that needed to be remedied after the triumphant Allies set about rebuilding Europe.
Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, made his feelings known in his speech on Victory in Europe Day, “We never laid a violent hand upon [Ireland], which at times would have been quite easy and quite natural.”
To repair relations, Irish Ambassador to the US John Hearne gave President Harry Truman a bowl of shamrocks in 1952. The move was a success as Truman sent a message hoping that, “relations between the two countries will continue to be on a good and effective level for generations.”
Apologies for reposting, but today's the day! Micheál Martin's meeting with Trump. As always, If you like what you see, please do like share and follow, cause I've f#%k all other reasons to do them! #Trump #Tariffs #Ireland #DonaldTrump #FineGael #MichaelMartin #StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/yGIKTtuanc
— Niall O'Loughlin Artist (@nialloloughlin) March 12, 2025
Since then, the taoiseach, or prime minister, of Ireland makes a visit to the States every March. The three-leafed shamrocks are presented in a unique custom-made crystal glass bowl.