Paddys Day Brussels Style

Last year, FC Irlande and Belgium G.A.A. came together to throw a fantastic St. Patricks day bash on the Sunday preceeding the day itself. It was the first activity on this scale and was a massive success, proving to be a substantial fundraiser for the club as well as succeeding in bringing Brussels' Irish community together.

Since Christmas, a dedicated committee has focused on making this year's bash even bigger and better. The event was staged in the home of Belgium G.A.A., Parc50. Beer tents, food stalls and face painting were all set up and the sun obliged by shining down on top of us. A number of exhibition games took place with Belgium's Hurlers and Gaelic Footballers strutting their suff. The kids G.A.A. displayed their skills and the sporting action was rounded off with a soccer match involving a mix of Belgium G.A.A. and FC Irlande players.

Throughout the day food was served and drink was drunk. We estimate up to 3,000 people came through the gates and the day went off pretty smoothly. There were a couple of unfortunate incidents involved Jane dislocating her finger and Alec fracturing his wrist during the Gaelic Football match. Still, they didn't let their spirits drop and the atmosphere remained upbeat all day long.

Of course day always turns to night and that bit was covered by the dynamic duo Alan and Sharon Norton. A bar in Shuman was rented out and a packed schedule of live music was activated. The buzz of activity spread through the streets of Shuman and sucked in passers by at a frantic rate. The curtain came down on events at about 23h30 but in true Brussels style, the party moved on to The Old Oak, lasting until an unreported late hour.

When you stand back and look at how an event like this cames about, you see the strength and perseverance of the Irish community here. In two years, a core of people have built a very successful annual event from scratch. They have tapped into the many strengths and resources of their followers who have generously given their time to support. I saw comments which indicated that this year's St Patricks Day was the best one people have had.

Back in Ireland Paddys Day has become an excuse to just go drinking. Its the one day you see people falling out of the pubs onto the streets in the middle of the day and for me it has become a bad advertisement for what we are all about. Of course, the Brussels celebration has no shortage of drink but there is a healthier focus as we try to bring our national games and culinary delights to the fore also. Its natural, that more effort and gusto would be put into it abroad as it is our opportunity to come together and celebrate a significant day on our calender. I hope it will continue with the same focus in the coming years. Its quicklyu become a highlight on the social calender of all in Brussels and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!