Paddys 'Week' Under Way

Paddys Day was never a big deal to me when I was at home. It meant a day off school or college or whatever and usually the first hurling match of the year would take place. I don't ever remember particularly looking forward to the 'session' or any other associated events. It takes on a totally different dynamic abroad as the Irish puff out their chests and go to great lengths to celebrate.

I say day but in Brussels it is actually a week long event now. For the last three years we have been running a sports day with FC Irlande and it grows in success with each passing year. It takes place on the Sunday preceding St. Patricks Day and is held in Parc50. Yesterday was the best I've been to yet. The action started at 12h with an 'in-house' Gaelic Football match between the men's panel. This was followed by a kids Gaelic match. The work being done in this section of the club is phenomenal with the likes of Sean Hade and Fergal Mythen heavily involved.

Next up was a mixed hurling match and a few tense moments as the growing crowd sampling the Guinness and burgers behind the goal came under fire from sliotars. The Ladies Footballers then paraded their talents before the sporting activities concluded with a mixed soccer match. The combination of sports, food and beer attract a bigger crowd each year. It took five barmen to keeping the thirsty revellers at bay for most of the day.

Once the field activities had concluded the party moved down the road to 1898 where there was Irish music and more beer and burgers. Sinead M, Kitch, Ciaran and special guest Ross kept everyone entertained with their musical talents.

A phenomenal amount of work goes into the organisation of the whole thing. Clare B, Jane, Conor, Sylvia, Denis, Kev and Alec are the names who are most prominent in my mind but there are loads more involved.

Another nice aspect of the day which seems more prominent this year was the attendance of family members and former players who came to Brussels for the event. Clare's parents and sister were in town and got actively involved in selling tombola tickets and generally helping out. Kev Keary's dad was also on hand as were others. I'm sure they were all proud to welcome them to Brussels for such a well run event.

As per tradition, once the taps ran dry in 1898, it was time to hit the Old Oak. They've learned their lessons the hard way in the last couple of years and staffed the place suitably for the onslaught. More music, more beer and more devilment in there before the crowd began to disperse. There are rumours, which remain unconfirmed, that a small group travelled into town to have a nightcap in Celtica afterwards. Further to that, the rumour mill spread a story this morning that The Bomber, also back just for the weekend, was dethroned as dance off champion. More to follow...

There will be some work done between now and Thursday but the debate already rages about where everyone will set up camp on Paddys Day itself. Six Nations seems to be a leading contender. Of course, we have Ireland and England to look forward to on Saturday and that will signal the end of a hectic week of activity.