NATCHEZ — This year’s St. Patrick has been waiting a long time to get his hands on that snake-banishing shillelagh.

Charlie Blaney has been a member of the Krewe of Killarney for 23 years and said he is honored to join the Irish brotherhood of Natchez St. Patricks.

“It’s been a treat and a real honor,” he said. “It’s been an honor to be associated with all of the other St. Patricks.”

Past St. Patricks have been showing him the ropes of leading Killarney’s annual Irish celebration, Blaney said.

“They have been really gracious about extending their welcome to me,” he said.

Blaney missed on the krewe’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities for years before he retired.

“I had my oil field business for 35 years, and that was a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week job,” he said. “So I couldn’t count on being able to be there for the parade and parties.”

Blaney sold his business and retired in 2007, and said he is just now becoming accustomed to having the time for a little Irish fun.

“All those years running that business, I couldn’t enjoy it,” he said. “Now I can, and that really feels good.”

Retirement is also giving Blaney and his wife, Sonia, the chance to enjoy the pot of gold of Irish traditions.

“We’re going to Ireland this year,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve seen movies about it, and it’s just one of those places I’ve always wanted to see.”

Blaney said he has heard that Ireland has a Blaney Castle and said he would like to find it. He would also like to see Blarney Castle.

“Blaney and Blarney are only one letter apart, so I’ve always wanted to see that, too,” he said.

Blaney said he is looking forward to leading the Irish fun at the Krewe of Killarney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade today. The walking parade will start at 6:30 p.m. beside Memorial Park on Main Street.

Blaney will lead the parade to the gazebo on the bluff, where he will perform the traditional snake-banishing ritual.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”