1. RI and St. Patrick's Day: Rhode Island has a strong Irish-American community, and St. Patrick's Day is a popular holiday celebrated throughout the state. In Providence, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing thousands of spectators and participants.

2. The Birthplace of Irish Freedom: On March 17, 1776, the British army abandoned Boston, leaving the city to the Continental Army. One of the Irish regiments that fought in this battle, the "Sons of Liberty," is credited with playing a significant role in the American Revolution and the fight for independence. This event is sometimes referred to as the "birthplace of Irish freedom."

3. The Oldest Irish Society in North America: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization in North America, was founded in Rhode Island in 1836. The Hibernians are dedicated to promoting Irish heritage and culture and the protection of the rights of Catholics and Irish-Americans.

4. A Famous Irish-American Governor: J. Howard McGrath, the governor of Rhode Island from 1941 to 1945, was a prominent Irish-American politician and lawyer. He served as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1947 to 1949 and as the attorney general of the United States from 1949 to 1952.

5. Rhode Island's First Irish Parish: St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, was the first Irish parish in the state. Founded in 1828, the church served the needs of the growing Irish community in Rhode Island, which was largely made up of immigrants who had come to the state to work in the mills and factories. Today, St. Mary's Church is still an active parish and a reminder of Rhode Island's rich Irish heritage.