Part 3/4:
To better understand the roots of this dish, one must venture back into Irish history. During the Middle Ages in Ireland, corned beef was indeed consumed, and it was a common protein source. While the dish's modern association with St. Patrick’s Day in America is a recent development, the consumption of beef has historical significance in Ireland.
However, as history progressed, the dynamics of meat consumption shifted. The English influence over the Irish economy led to situations where much of the corned beef was commandeered for military needs, leaving the Irish to adapt their diets. Consequently, they began raising pigs and sheep, leading to a transition in their meat consumption from beef to pork predominantly.