Mike Brey is ready for St. Patrick’s Day.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach discussed his preparation St. Patrick’s day Friday, and—surprise—he’s all for having fun.
Embracing the day to the fullest while in Buffalo for the NCAA Tournament, Brey sported a green shirt, making jokes about participating in a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Via John Vogl of The Buffalo News:
“Can we make this quick?” Brey said Friday. “I’m the honorary grand marshal of the parade in an hour. If I can get out of here, I’ve got to kiss babies and wave to people. The float I’m on, they say, is awesome.
“I’m just kidding.”
In full cool-coach mode, Brey joked he’s got money for drunk Fighting Irish fans once they get out of jail tomorrow after a hard night celebrating. Notre Dame faces West Virginia on Friday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, with a Sweet 16 berth on the line.
“Matter of fact, we have some extra bail money just to make sure we can get them out. We know what happens with the Irish on a day like today.”
Unquestionably, the Fighting Irish and St. Patrick’s Day are forever entwined. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine how hard they party on campus. Lots of green clothes and beer, we’d imagine.
It’s safe to assume fans at the tourney will bring that Fighting Irish spirit to Buffalo. With Brey giving them the clear to party hard, it’d be difficult not to take him up on his bail offer.
St. Patrick’s Day should be celebrated with raucous parties. Brey isn’t going to stop Fighting Irish students and fans. However, I’m sure he hopes his players abstain from the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Saturday’s game against West Virginia is a big one. He’ll need his players at full capacity to ensure the game isn’t as close as the Irish’s game against Princeton.
