McGowan made his Mark ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ST PATRICK’S DAY, BUT MARK McGOWAN FIRMLY OWNED THE OCCASION. In what was may have been his first – or at least one of his earliest - public appearances since the March 13 ballot landslide election he personally spearheaded, Premier McGowan made a lunchtime visit to a packed Irish Club in Subiaco where he got a rock star reception. The Labor leader arrived fresh from an engorged party room meeting of all his MPs, the largest in the WA party’s history. He was greeted at the entrance to Club by a reception party that included Club President Alan O’Meara, Consulate Marty Kavanagh and the unmistakable Rob Kearney. The Western Force fullback posed for photos and chatted with the popular politician before returning to a training session with his team mates. 8 | THE IRISH SCENE
BY LLOYD GORMAN
A little time earlier, Kearney – Ireland’s most decorated rugby player who had joined the WA Club only weeks beforehand – had mingled with revellers and fans already in the club. On any given day a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Rob Kearney would be highlight enough, but the main act was just taking the stage. Mr McGowan’s arrival upstairs charged the electricity already in the room. There was an avalanche of applause, cheers and even a group at one table who sang ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’. He was quickly ushered behind the bar where he poured a pint of Guinness (see page 30). He was then escorted by bodyguards and members of his team through the throng and crush to the top of the room to where the musicians were playing to address the audience. He thanked the crowd – and minister Stephen Dawson, (newly elected Nedlands MP) Dr Katrina Stratton and Hon. Consulate Marty Kavanagh – for the opportunity to join in the festivities.
Toast of the Irish! Premier Mark McGowan at the Irish Club, where he was greeted by Irishman Rob Kearney of the Western Force (left), and was entertained by some of Perth’s talented Irish dancers
