Paddys Day Festival Hits New Heights

Each year, on the Sunday preceeding St. Patricks Day, the GAA club jointy hosts an event with FC Irlande in P50, near Schuman Roundabout. It is one of the club's main fundraisers and we profit from drink/food/t-shirt sales during the day at the Parc and also in the evening at 1898.

It involves things typically Irish; namely Gaelic Games, drinking and eating. Plans had a bit of a set back this year with the news that we would not be allowed use the pitch as it has been reseeded. We assumed the games were an important part of the day in terms of attracting people so there was some concern about how things would play out.

Fortunately the sun shone for the first time this year and it helped attract a big crowd and those involved in the organisation were ready for them. It looked to be the best organised one I have seen to date. The committee improvised very well and had plenty of games and challenges set up around the perimeter of the pitch to keep the kids and adults interested. The place was hopping from mid day until early evening.

Credit must go to the girls who managed to do a trojan amount of work despite spending most of the time giving out about the lads lack of help. This is a little bit harsh considering Collie B led a team of men on Saturday and Sunday morning with the tents. On top of that, Ross was MC for the day and we rolled up for the clean up in the evening. Fergal played a big part running off the kids games too. Furthermore, Kitch, Giller and Ciaran Kelly contributed handsomely to the gig in 1898 that night.

Seeing some of the heads on the lads on Sunday morning, I think it was probably better that they weren't allowed sell anything to the public.

The amount of work that goes into the day is immense and those who contribute to it, show the club in the best possible light. Not only does it raise money, it also provides a great opportunity for Irish people to come together and celebrate St. Patricks Day. All involved deserve huge credit for not only the organisation but the fact that the event is getting better and better with each passing year.