Emmetsburg, IA (KICD)– For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition of bringing an Irish dignitary to Emmetsburg to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day has returned.

This year’s visitor is Senator Paul Daly, a farmer and former educator from Kilbeggan, who was first elected to the Irish Seanad nearly a decade ago on the agriculture Panel.

So what got a farmer turned teacher into politics?

Being involved in agriculture in Ireland, Senator Daly says the vast amount of farmland was one of the first things he noticed upon arriving in Iowa.

When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, Daly tells KICD News his traditions would normally take him out of Ireland.

Our full interview with Irish dignitary Senator Paul Daly can be listened to by going to the “Podcast” page at kicdam.com.