St Patrick's Day at the Seanchai.
Michaela Meade (left), Bernie O’Keeffe and Danny Meade celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Seanchai.
Niamh O'Rourke pours a Guinness.
Tommy Carty (standing) leads Irish band Lex's Shed.
WITH a new red paint job on the outside, the Seanchai was boasting 50 shades of green inside as revellers yesterday celebrated St Patrick’s Day.
The Irish pub was bustling with frantic celebration over the weekend to the sounds of live Celtic music and good times, with prize giveaways and a best-dressed competition also bringing in the crowd.
Part-owner Joshua O’Dowd said the entire weekend had been busy due to the Seanchai’s favourite day of the year.
“We’ve repainted the front of the place and put up new signage, which people have been responding to really well,” he said.
“I get very excited about St Patrick’s Day because I used to run a backpackers in Melbourne that was mostly Irish travellers. There’s a group of them who’ve come down from Melbourne and they’ve definitely given us the tick of approval.
“It’s just a festive day and everyone is out to have a good day without any trouble.”
Mr O’Dowd said the pub was also raising money for regular patron Bernie O’Keeffe to travel to Ireland.
“We’re selling shirts with Bernie’s face on them and people are donating $5 for every pint to help raise money. It’s his dream to visit Ireland because he’s never been and we’re going to pay for it.
“Today we’re celebrating his 3400th pint of Guinness since we opened in 1997.”
“St Patrick’s Day for me is bigger than Christmas — it’s a very special day,” Mr O’Keeffe said. “Everybody is here to enjoy themselves.
j.pech@fairfaxmedia.com.au
