Patrons at Mickey Bourke's Koroit Hotel upheld a timeless tradition of indulging in the black ale and a sing-a-long late into the afternoon.

As Tuddy, Mick and Co. entertained guests in the dining hall during lunch, Russ Goodear kept revellers enthused in the front bar.

Overall hundreds came through the doors as the day progressed.

What began as a day commemorating the arrival of Christianity and Saint Patrick into Ireland has since become a day of celebrating one's Irish heritage.

For Ferntree Gully residents Maureen and John O'Brien the annual celebrations are a wedding anniversary tradition.

The pair saw a sign advertising an Irish Village while they were en route to Adelaide in 2006.

"The sign's gone now," Mrs O'Brien said.

"We travelled up the road and had a beer at Mickey Bourke's.

"I said 'John this is where I want to spend our anniversary' and we've come here every year."

Together with family and friends the Irish enthusiasts revel in the atmosphere they eagerly await for 12 months.

"We've had some wild times here," Mr OBrien said.

"It started out just the two of us and it's become a family thing so sometimes we'll have about a dozen people to our wedding anniversary.

"We've become part of the band on occasion, uninvited that is.

"But we'll be coming here till we're in the ground I'd say."

Hotel publican Wendy Murley said the O'Brien pair were just two of the regular visitors that return to the Commercial Road site every year.

"I've also got 25 ladies from Timboon's Probus group who have been coming here every year for three years.

"They're all dressed in their best green and having a sing and a laugh with Tuddy over lunch.

"It's been a great day. We've tried to keep the Guinness and the Irish jokes flowing and I think everyone's had a great time."

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