Members of the Port Macquarie Irish Association celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day in style at a lunch in the Tacking Point Tavern.
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The Irish-Australian Crinion clan had a family reunion with cousins from Ireland joining ones who’ve settled here, and adults and children got dressed up and enjoyed themselves.
Eileen Crinion said they want to make sure the kids know their Irish heritage.
“My Dad’s Irish and so is my husband. It’s a great day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland,” she said.
Jenny Tighe and her family had come out from Ireland to celebrate March 17 in welcome sunshine.
“We’re having a great time,” she said.
Anne Richards from the Port Macquarie Irish Association moved to Australia from Ireland in the 1970s.
“Saint Patrick’s Day means gathering with friends, and having plain, simple, old-fashioned food. I am cooking bacon and cabbage tonight,” she said.
So why do people around the world celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and feel a warmth towards the Irish?
“Because they like to have a bit of fun. They like the craic,” said Anne.
There’s quite a big Irish community around the Hastings, many of them young families.
Juta Cooley is Estonian by birth but always celebrates on March 17.
“Life is too short not to be Irish,” she said.
Scott Griebus was dressed in green because his nickname is Leprechaun, due to his red hair and beard.
“I walked in today with a crowd of Irish people who were all dressed up, and I just blended in,” he laughed.