St Patrick's Day Magazine 2017

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www.irishpost.co.uk

FESTIVAL

ST PATRICK’S DAY 2017 London St Patrick’s Festival - March 17 – 19 WHAT’S ON YOUR ULTIMATE EVENT GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

A FRE CELEBR E OF IRISH ATION M DA N C E A U S I C , CULTUR ND EW CHILDRE ITH ACTIVIT N’S FOOD, F IES, ILM AND MORE

FESTIVE FEASTS CELEBRITY CHEF RECIPE SECRETS

AN IRISHMAN ABROAD UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH JARLATH REGAN

THE HUNT IS ON! FIND TREASURE WITH OUR PULLOUT TREASURE TRAIL MAP AND SPECIAL CLUES

SAINTLY STREET STYLE FESTIVALFRIENDLY FASHION TIPS FROM IRELAND’S FASHIONISTAS Page 1.indd 1

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2017

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

WHAT’S INSIDE

Welcome to your 2017 St Patrick’s Festival Guide

THE BIG DAY Parade and main stage highlights on March 19 Pages 7-8 PARADE ROUTE MAP Page 10 CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE Welcome messages from the Mayor of London and the Irish Ambassador Page 12 MAIN STAGE MUSIC Check out the headliners at the St Patrick’s Festival finale at Trafalgar Square Page 14 GET THERE EARLY! Festival highlights Pages 14 – 20 TREASURE HUNT Find treasure and help Síofra in her quest with this pull-out treasure map Pages 21 – 24 SAVING LIVES WITH JARLETH REGAN Main Stage MC and comedian Jarlath Regan talks about donating his kidney to his brother and what makes Ireland special Page 26

WATCH THIS SPACE Film Festival screenings, Camden Festival details and a City Hall lecture Pages 28 – 30 KÍLA COMES TO CAMDEN Iconic Irish folk band Kíla talk music and St Patrick’s Day traditions Page 32 IRISH FEASTS Top celebrity chefs Lilly Higgins and John Relihan share their culinary secrets for a perfect St Patrick’s Day feast Pages 30 – 37 SAINTLY STREET STYLE Sartorial tips from Irish fashionistas Page 38 GLOBAL GREENING New international landmarks will go green this March 17 Page 41 BOOK IT NOW! More London events this St Patrick’s Day Page 42

Welcome... Come and enjoy the craic as we celebrate Irish community and culture in London’s very first three-day St Patrick’s Festival this March. Explore the best of Irish music throughout the city, art and talks at City Hall, history trails through central London, music and poetry on the Underground, Irish film screenings, and of course, the parade and festival in Trafalgar Square. Last year, more than 125,000 people celebrated St Patrick’s Day on London’s streets and this year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder and greener than ever. Now in its 16th year, the festival has grown from a one-day parade to a three-day cultural and community festival with a fun-filled programme planned from March 17 – 19. The festival is a celebration of London’s Irish community and culture. Accessible to all audiences, the festival aims to transfer the experience of Irish culture to all Londoners and visitors. Céad míle fáilte romhat!

Irish Post THE

St Patrick’s Festival guide is designed and produced by The Irish Post, 88 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY www.irishpost.co.uk @theirishpost theirishpost Magazine editor: Liz Dunphy Photography: Mal McNally, Getty Production: Lee Duskwick Advertising: Sarah Murphy, Marita Quigley Editor-in-Chief: Siobhán Breatnach

The Irish Post

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From our green Island to your table, we bring you succulent, juicy and tender beef.

Great grass makes great beef

Growing the success of Irish food & drink

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

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Irish Whiskey Tasting Event

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Promoting our own Irish craft beers with additional guest beers from Irish brewers

Final day of Six Nations

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LIVE MUSIC with The reels

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

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Festival fun I

reland is long renowned for its music, poetry, literature and dance but it more recently added comedy to its ever lengthening list of talents and this year’s festival celebrates Ireland’s comedic genius. Renowned funny man Dara O’Briain leads the parade as this year’s Grand Marshall and Jarlath Regan, right, one of Ireland’s most prolific stand-up comedians, will host the St Patrick’s Day Finale celebrations in Trafalgar Square. LINE UP The packed festival finale line-up includes performances by West End stars, exciting new Irish acts and special guests. A Big St. Patrick’s Céilí and the festival house band will get people’s toes tapping and the main stage will also inspire new musical partnerships with collaborations between London and Dublin community choirs. The finale will showcase the tremendous diversity, creativity, talent and breadth of the Irish community in London and it celebrates this culture through this Community and Culture festival on March 19.

Other activities at the Trafalgar Square Festival Tea Tent: Take some time out in a speciality tea tent bringing you a whole lot of cake and tea wrapped up in warm Irish chat including talks and demonstrations. Community Stalls: Representatives from across London’s Irish community and sports organisations will showcase the work they do on a regular basis across the capital helping Irish people and engaging and showcasing Irish sport and culture.

Irish Street Food Market: (Pall Mall East) St Patrick’s Day was traditionally known as the day of feasting, so visitors can sample some of Ireland’s finest produce at the Irish Street Food Market. Acclaimed Irish chef John Relihan will head up a delicious line-up of tasty cuisine. Think Irish black pudding Scotch eggs, Irish fried chicken sandwiches, salt-cured and slow-cooked Irish brisket and American-style Irish beef burgers and you’ll have an idea of just some of the delights on offer.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

A parade to be proud of Sunday, March 19 (from noon)

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oin the crowds this March 19 to revel in the flamboyant pageantry, elaborate floats, international marching bands, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools, in an electric combination of community organisations and professional pageantry that will bring London’s streets to vibrant green life. Every year, thousands of people line the streets from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square at midday to cheer on the parade. The lively procession marches down Piccadilly, on a 1.5 mile (2.4km) route, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including The Ritz, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and onto Whitehall. Internationally acclaimed master storytellers Macnas return this year to inspire audiences with their big, bold, visual shows and world-class theatrical performances. Renowned comedian, TV presenter and author Dara O’Briain is this year’s celebrity Grand Marshall. O’Brian capably takes the parade reins from previous Grand Marshalls Barry McGuignan and Michael Flatley.

Drawing from the future with London’s primary schools and Dermot O’Leary Talented primary school pupils have designed the banner for this year’s London St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The epic parade - that St. Patrick himself would be proud of – bursts through London’s most famous streets in a whirl of pageantry, floats, marching bands, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools - and the children’s banner is a big part the show. Primary school children have been invited to create artwork for the parade and a panel of judges - led by TV presenter Dermot O’Leary – will choose a winning

poster which will be made up to full size and carried in the parade on March 19. The champion artists are invited to help carry the banner on the day. Head to the parade to see the winning work in full glory as it sways above the parade, or swing by City Hall from March 13 – 30 to admire all the winning art works. Schools from all over Greater London were invited to take part in the competition and at least 12 prizes will be awarded to artistic pupils; all winners will receive a prize and their work will be exhibited in City Hall.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

MAYOR’S MESSAGE I

’m incredibly proud to host the biggest St Patrick’s Festival London has ever seen. From the outset of my campaign to be Mayor, I wanted the celebrations here to become the most impressive showcase of Irish culture and talent yet. For the first time ever, Irish culture, food, dance and festivity will pop up across the capital for a three-day extravaganza, inspired by the Emerald Isle and its unique charm. The Irish community in the capital has helped to enrich London over many generations, making our capital a livelier, warmer, more vibrant place to live, work and visit. I believe that our major new festival is the ultimate celebration of this Irish spirit, both traditional and modern. Highlights include acclaimed Irish chef John Relihan cooking up a feast in Trafalgar Square with the best of Irish-influenced street food on display, and a host of cinemas around the West End staging the latest Irish feature films. Tasty tipples will be the focal point of the celebrations in Hoxton as 40FT Brewery hosts a range of independent brewers and distillers from Ireland. To top it all off, we will have

everything from well-known Irish names reciting their favourite poetry on the Tube, Irish singers busking on the Underground and comedians having the craic in Camden, to a treasure hunt inspired by Irish Londoners, as well as the show-stopping parade and stage line-up. London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are not just a time for the city’s Irish community. Londoners from all backgrounds and visitors to the capital immerse themselves in the festivities and enjoy the open and fun atmosphere. For me, that’s what occasions like this are all about - people from all communities embracing and celebrating each other’s cultures, showing that London is truly open. Open to people, open for business and open to new ideas. I believe the Irish community here embodies that spirit and those values and represents London at its outward-looking and inclusive best. A very Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone celebrating here, in Ireland and around the world. Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh! Sadiq Khan Mayor of London

AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE M

y wife Greta and I would like to extend our very best wishes to the Irish community and friends of Ireland in London for a happy St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is a great time of the year for Ireland and for the Irish wherever they may be. Few other countries can boast such a genuinely global celebration. It provides a wonderful opportunity for Irish communities and friends of Ireland to come together to celebrate Ireland’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. For the Irish abroad, so many of whom live here in London, it is a chance to express our deep pride in being Irish and to reinforce the already strong bonds with Ireland and with the extended Irish family worldwide. It is also a time to be proud of the hugely positive contribution that the Irish community has made to every aspect of British society. 2016 was an important year for Ireland and the Irish in Britain as we commemorated the centenary of the Easter Rising and the legacy of that transformative era in Irish history. It was also an opportunity to take stock of 100 years of Ireland’s history including the positive evolution of our relations with our nearest neighbour. 2016 was also a year

in which Ireland faced new challenges in the form of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. We have become accustomed to being partners within the European Union since 1973 which has helped immeasurably to strengthen Irish-UK relations. While the referendum result has undoubtedly created a degree of uncertainty about the future, we are working to avoid any negative impacts on the Irish community here and on the mutually-beneficial ties between Britain and Ireland. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival have become a cornerstone of London’s cultural calendar and I am delighted that this year, for the first time ever, the celebrations have been extended to a three-day event. From street food markets showcasing Irish produce to art exhibitions to music on the Underground, we can look forward to a rich programme of activities highlighting the best of Irish culture. I would like to congratulate and thank Mayor Sadiq Khan and all his team for their commitment to this unique annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage in this great city to whose development generations of Irish people have contributed so richly. We hope that everyone involved will thoroughly enjoy the activities and celebrations throughout the festival. Beannachtaí na féile Pádraig oraibh go léir! Daniel Mulhall Irish Ambassador to Britain

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Moxie

Main stage music Enjoy top quality Irish music for free this Sunday, March 19 with the London St Patrick’s Festival finale at Trafalgar Square. An additional very special guest will be announced soon. Check london.gov.uk and irishpost.co.uk for updates. JACK L Described as ‘a mixture of all the great voices of the 20th century’ by The Guardian, Jack Lukeman aka Jack L has earned his place as one of Ireland’s most prominent singer-songwriters. Jack L has produced several platinum selling albums, he won “The Best Music Award” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and he has recorded the works of Randy Newman, Leonard Cohen, Paul Robeson and Kylie Minogue; he is also regularly accompanied by world-renowned orchestras. RUSANGANO FAMILY Rusangano Family has been dubbed a major talent to watch by music industry heavyweights. They deliver a hefty dose of honest double-edged lyricism over skewed soul samples, 808 beats and sliced-up breaks. Their unique, dynamic, bass-led music will make the most movementadverse want to dance while their intelligent, socially responsible lyrics will make the most thought-adverse exercise those grey cells. The band has played well-received slots at SXSW and Eurosonic 2016. They supported Snoop Dogg, Run The Jewels, Young Fathers, and BadBadNotGood, and they headlined

festivals including Body & Soul, Other Voices and Hard Working Class Heroes in Ireland. They have been played on radio stations globally including BBC, NPR and RTE. Their debut album, Let The Dead Bury The Dead, received the number one position in Nialler 9’s Irish Albums of 2016, and is currently one of the 10 nominated albums for the esteemed RTE Choice Music Prize, which will be announced this month. MOXIE Moxie, above, play dynamic, modern music which still retains a solid traditional backbone; the band has won giddy praise from music critics and fans alike. Moxie’s sound is inspired by the west of Ireland and it draws influence from progressive, world and jazz genres to forge a heady and distinctive sound. Moxie released their debut album Planted to critical acclaim in 2014 and they subsequently provided music for the sell-out dance show Prodijig, The Revolution. LISA LAMBE Critically acclaimed Irish vocalist and actor Lisa Lambe takes to the main

stage on March 19. Lambe, right, is currently recording her second album with artists Fiachna O’Braonain, Martin Brunsden, Liam O’Maonlai and Colm Mac Con Iomaire which is due for release in 2017. DEREK RYAN A song he wrote in a London bedsit catapulted Derek to Country music success in 2010 with his song God’s Plan which became a smash hit in Ireland. Carlow-born Derek subsequently produced two Irish No. 1 albums and accumulated numerous Irish Country music awards. #IAMIRISH #IamIrish challenges lazy perceptions of what it looks like to be Irish and uses creativity to challenge injustice and inequality through music, dance and spoken word. #IamIrish celebrates the many and often hidden faces of Irishness.

Lisa Lambe

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Blacks Road, London W6 9DT Tel: 020 8563 8232 The Irish Cultural Centre is based opposite Hammersmith Tube Station. It is dynamic, diverse and progressive and has a distinct reputation as a leading Irish Cultural Centre

Lecture Series

The Irish Cultural Centre - St. Patrick’s Events

The Irish Cultural Centre is pleased to announce details of our annual lecture series: Ireland in 1917. The series begins in May 2017.

Tea Dances Due to popular demand, we are running two dances on Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March from 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Band: On The Tear. Tickets will be on sale from the ICC from the first week in March, online or at the centre.

MAY 10 - Jim O’ Hara “Keep your eye on the Sinn Fein lad” - The Rise of Sinn Fein. MAY 17 John Byrne Revolutionary Irish Women 1916-1922 MAY 24 Ciara Meehan A community divided: Irish-America, The First World War, and the Irish Independence Struggle. MAY 31 Dr. Ivan Gibbons The Irish Convention 1917 June 7 Prof. Richard Grayson The Battle of Messines, 7 June 1917. All lectures are £5 and open to the public. All commence at 7pm at the Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black’s Road, W6 9DT. Full details on ICC website. For any further information about the ICC please go to: www. irishculturalcentre.co.uk or call: 020 85638232.

Lecture - City Hall As part of the Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Festival the ICC are hosting a Lecture by Mary Kenny. It will take place at City Hall on the 13 March and admission is free. St. Patrick’s Day 17 March 7.30pm - CEILI MAX! A night of dance, great music and mighty craic. No dance experience needed! Cash bar available. Full details on our website.

Culture Camps During the St. Patrick’s Festival the ICC will be hosting a Culture Camp for children at the Irish Embassy and Culture Day at Wigmore Hall. Trafalgar Square March 19 Drop on by to the ICC’s community stall at Trafalgar Square on St.

Education Programme - All classes have returned to the Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black’s Road, W6 9DT. New term starts April 2017. Look out for Irish Art curated by Barbara Stanley at the ICC!

Upcoming events Irish Language - Beginners and Intermediate Monday & Tuesdays: 6.00pm-7.30pm and 7.30pm-9.00pm Tutor: Christy Evans The ICC hold beginners and intermediate Irish classes which are now all fully subscribed. Register interest for new classes after Easter at: info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk Film Club The ICC film club returns on the first Thursday of every month at 7.00pm 6 April - Brooklyn - directed by John Crowley 4 May - Room - directed by Lenny Abrahamson Irish Songs & Singing Tuesdays: 7-9pm Tutor: J Eoin Get your singing voices out and come along and have some fun with the master of singing and gigging: J Eoin. This is a great way to meet people and there will be lots of public performance opportunities Reading & Poetry Tuesday’s 11.30am-1.30pm This is a community led group, run by the members, for those who enjoy listening to or taking part in reading Irish poetry and prose from some of Ireland’s greatest poets and writers. No need to register. Just drop by, and be assured of a warm welcome! Singing & Reminiscence Tuesday’s 2-4pm

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Patrick’s Parade Day to say hello!

Songs and Reminiscing is an open forum and drop in afternoon class for senior and elder citizens. The group, led by J Eoin, is friendly and inclusive and requires nothing more than a willingness to chat about ‘the old days’ and sing a song or two in good company. Traditional Irish Instrument Classes Adults and Children Saturdays: 10am-2pm Tutors: Flute & Whistle: Jacquelyn Hynes Fiddle: Michael Sweeney Bodhran and Guitar Backing: Tad Sargent Offering beginners, intermediate and advanced tuition, with the opportunity of both individual and group teaching, these classes are unique and social. Termly social music sessions are organised which give students the opportunity to progress and perform with their Tutors and Peers. Register interest for new concertina class at: info@irishculturalcentre.co.uk For full details about costs, dates and times; check out our website: www.irishculturalcentre.co.uk or call 02085638232.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

The word Macnas describes the frolicking behaviour of a young calf let out to grass for the first time after being kept inside all winter – joyful abandonment, dalliance and wantonness

A

cclaimed Irish street arts and spectacle theatre company Macnas bring this same exuberant spirit to their pioneering street shows. They return to London’s St Patrick’s Parade this year with a new creation. Danú, a 15ft high Goddess will descend on the city at this year’s parade. This warrior queen, mother and seer will be accompanied by drummers, mummers and stilt walkers. They aim to transform London into a mythological wonderland as Danú weaves her magic through the streets on March 19. Macnas Creative Director Noeline Kavanagh spoke to The Irish Post before the show about their new star Danú and the challenges of bringing that Macnas magic to life. “Danú is part of the current company repertoire. She was brewing for a while, it took about six months or so to bring her to life,” Ms Kavanagh said. “She takes a crew of 10 people to move through the streets, so along with Macnas drummers and stilt

walkers we will have approximately 20 people in the parade this year.” Ms Kavangh said that the Tuatha De Danan, and the wild woman mythology were the core inspiration for the work. At last year’s parade a 16ft tall Crom – AKA the mythological kinaesthetic giant - lumbered through London accompanied by a whirl of mystical creatures on stilts while live original music floated from a sculptural tower of brass nearby. Crom captivated the crowds. But even giants need a lift occasionally. Ms Kavanagh remembers the 16ft giant puppet hailing a London Cab after his star turn at last year’s parade. “Our giant 16ft tall Crom hailing a London cab just off Trafalgar Square. That made for a lot of laughing,” she said. “When you look at the scale and detail of Macnas productions you can almost imagine the hours of work that they require. “A whole lot of love and sweat and tears go into Macnas characters and their worlds,” Ms Kavanagh added.

Street food market at Trafalgar Square, March 19 St Patrick’s Day was traditionally known as the day of feasting, which gives you a great excuse to get out and try some delicious Irish fare. Last year’s Street Food Market was a big draw for both the hungry and the culinary adventurous and this year promises to be even bigger, tastier and more waistband-expanding than ever. Irish foodies whetting tastebuds at this year’s Bord Bia Street Food Market include acclaimed Irish chef John Relihan with his Irish Beef Bar. Cooking on ‘live fire’ to tempt the crowds, Relihan who is one of

Jamie Oliver’s original ‘Fifteen’ chefs, will prepare slow-cooked Irish Beef Stew and smoked Irish pulled pork wraps with Kitty O’Byrne’s turf BBQ sauce and slaw. Check out his favourite St Patrick’s recipe on page 37. He’ll be joined on the day by a delicious array of specially prepared Irish-flavoured street food. The Pie Cart will provide Irish slow-cooked beef and Guinness pies, Irish lamb and potato shepherd’s pies, Irish black pudding scotch eggs and Irish classic pork Scotch eggs. Salt Beef Bros will serve Irish brisket, which is salt-cured and then slow-cooked until tender and served in a sandwich with pickle and mustard or Ballymaloe relish. Butchies are on hand to serve

London’s ultimate Irish fried chicken sandwich, made with free-range Irish chicken marinated in Avonmore Irish Buttermilk, served in soft Kerrygold Irish butter toasted buns. Eat The Farm will cook-up American style burgers, dry aged Irish beef, unpasteurised artisan cheeses, handmade brioche buns and homemade sauces. Classic Irish ingredients include Ballymaloe relish, Guinness, Teeling Single Grain Whiskey and Cashel Blue Cheese. An Irish craft beer tent serving drinks from Rye River Brewing Co. (McGargles) and Carlow Brewing (O’Hara’s) will keep the estimated crowd of over 70,000 people refreshed, as they enjoy the delights of the food menus.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Join us at Waxy’s For

St. Patrick’s Week 13th-19th March 2017 EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

Friday 17th March

Liberties Oak Devil whiskey tasting

St. Patrick’s Day! Open Late with Live Music

St. Patrick’s Week 13th-19th March 2017 EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

Friday 17th March

Liberties Oak Devil whiskey tasting

St. Patrick’s Day! Open Late with Live Music

Saturday 18th March RBS 6 Nations Scotland v Italy 12:30pm France v Wales 2:30pm England v IRELAND 5pm

Sunday 19th March St. Patrick’ Patrick’s Day Parade Party with Live Music

Jameson’s tasting Monday 13th March AND hamper prize up for grabs! Guinness tasting Tullamore Dew simple serves Meet the brewer and tasting sessions with Franciscan Wells.

Monday 13th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

5pm

Tuesday 14th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

5pm

Wednesday 15th March Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe W Tim Barton

5pm 9pm

Thursday 16th March

Covers in Arms

9pm

Friday 16th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe The Hares

4.30pm & 7.30pm 10.30pm

Sunday 19th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

2pm & 7pm

Guinness tasting

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Sunday 19th March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party with Live Music

LIVE MUSIC

Jameson’s tasting Monday 13th March AND hamper prize up for grabs!

RBS 6 Nations Scotland v Italy 12:30pm France v Wales 2:30pm England v IRELAND 5pm

LIVE MUSIC

Join us at Waxy’s For

Saturday 18th March

Tullamore Dew simple serves

Meet the brewer and tasting sessions with Franciscan Wells.

Monday 13th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

5pm

Tuesday 14th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

5pm

Wednesday 15th March Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe Tim Barton

5pm 9pm

Thursday 16th March

Covers in Arms

9pm

Friday 16th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe The Hares

4.30pm & 7.30pm 10.30pm

Sunday 19th March

Trad Sessions with Three Dollar Shoe

2pm & 7pm

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

March 17–19

Walk into

history W

alk into history through London’s streets and secret alleyways with free guided tours for the festival. These specially commissioned walks will be led by Tony McDonnell, an experienced London Blue Badge Tour Guide. Choose your tour from the selection below and call Tony on 07850 184790 to book your place. Walk 1: Terrible Beauty - meet at the south side of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square on Friday, March 17, at 2pm Relive those dynamic years from the 1916 rebellion through empire and independence. Tony will take you from Trafalgar Square to Whitehall where Irish and British history intersected and a new future was made. This lively tour will chart the changes caused by the rebellion while revealing London’s side of the story. After Dublin, London was the city most connected to the Easter Rising, not just as the seat of government which Irish rebels fought to break free from, but through the deep connections many had with the city. Walk 2: Where the String Broke - meet at Camden Town tube station (Kentish Town Road exit) on Saturday, March 18 at 2pm From dancing and drinking to finding somewhere to doss, Camden is probably the capital of Irish London. Find ballrooms, pubs, churches, hostels and the characters who gave this place its vibrant Irish reputation for so long. Come and hear about lumpers, impresarios, navvies, writers and musicians on this walk. Walk 3: The Emerald City Meet at main steps of St Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday, March 19 at 2pm This stroll takes in Ludgate Hill, Fleet Street, the Temple and ends in Covent Garden. Come and discover some amazing Irish connections and meet some of the great names of the Irish past. Stopping at pubs, churchyards, statues, courthouses and theatres – this walk will bring Irish London to life. Prime Ministers, politicians, press barons, poets, playwrights, revolutionaries and aristocrats all play their part in this amazing story.

Celebrate the cooler side of contemporary Irish culture this Saturday, March 18 at Dalston’s 40ft Brewery from 12-11pm. The free event will showcase the best of London-based Irish food, drink and music in one of Dalston’s most unique venues. Robin Gill (The Dairy) & Patrick Powell (Chiltern Fire House) have assembled a team of exceptional Irish food producers and skilled chefs to offer an insight and taste into what Irish foodies in this town can offer. Dave Mulligan (Bán Poitín) is an independent distiller of one of Ireland’s most notorious drinks, Poitín. When not selling his illicit spirit he is creating cocktails in innovative London underground bar, Ladies & Gents in Kentish Town. He’s created a cocktail list with some of Ireland’s top Cocktail bartenders specially for this 40 Shades of Green event. DJ/Producer Arveene has selected some of London’s top Irish-passport-holding Dj’s to play tunes all day. Live performances from some great Irish voices – both known and emerging – are also planned to keep musos happy all day.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017 38 Sheraton Business Centre Wadsworth Close Greenford Middlesex UB6 7JB

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Happy St Patrick’s Day WIDE RANGE OF PLANT AVAILABLE

5-6 TONS

1-3 TONS

OPERATED OR SELF DRIVE 8 TONS

JCB 3CX

13 TONS

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25 TONS

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Father and son bring Irish art to City Hall March 13 – 31, City Hall, 2nd Floor Gallery

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ather and son artists John B and Lorcan Vallely join forces to bring Irish art to London’s City Hall from March 13 – 31 at the second floor gallery. John B Vallely is one of our generation’s most sought after artists. His dynamic paintings have earned him an international following. Born in Co. Armagh, he was lauded as “one of the more exciting Irish painters under the age of thirty” by The Irish Times back in 1968. His subject matter remains linked to the past, but his feeling for paint is very modern. Themes include rural Ireland, its traditions, music, sports and mythology. Lorcan Vallely was also born in Armagh but studied in Britain at the Bath School of Art and Chelsea College. His work has been exhibited in the UK, Italy and Ireland. He uses charcoal, and acrylic to emphasise light and shade. This tonal quality gives his work an almost three-dimensional effect and a unique style. The exhibition is curated by Barbara Stanley and features the two artists’ distinct work.

John B, Vallely (b.1941), ‘Magical Days at the old Fleadh’ Lorcan Vallely (b. 1979), ‘Cross Country Race’

A London treasure hunt to help Síofra You can uncover gold without ever following a rainbow this Sunday, March 19 with an intriguing family treasure trail set in central London. An exciting new addition to the festival, the Irish-themed interactive clue hunt will lead you around London’s West End in a quest for a magical destination. On the way, you’ll meet some interesting Irish characters and learn more about the history of the Irish in London. The story of the quest unfolds like this: a young Irish mysteryhunter called Síofra is ready to embark on her next adventure with her faithful dog, Pooka. Síofra travels all around the world on her adventures courtesy of Aer Lingus, who will offer one winning family a set of air tickets to Dublin as a prize to thank them for helping Síofra and Pooka on the next leg of their journey. In our tale, Síofra is looking for a magical gateway location in Ireland, but there’s been a mix-up and the clues and map to find it are somehow set in London, England! She will need the help of

friends attending the Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Festival to solve the clues and help her on her way. The clue hunt concludes with an exploration of Irish faces in the National Portrait Gallery, and the chance for every successful participant to earn a ‘gold’ reward. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to meet a Scenesetter, a Poet and a Storyteller and interact with them. They each have some tales or poems to share with you and you’ll undoubtedly learn

new stories about Irish-London connections. This trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It is suitable for all ages, for children of reading age working with grown-ups, or for adults looking for something fun and engaging to do. The activity will run from 12 midday to 4.30pm on March 19, starting close to Green Park station and following a route away from the main parade area. The fantasy treasure hunt has been devised and organised by Discovery Games Ltd, a creator of fun, educational and teambuilding treasure hunts around Britain, working in association with the Mayor of London’s events team.

Sounds of the underground Hit the Tubes for some underground inspiration on March 18 and check out the array of Irish musical talent at Victoria, Waterloo, Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden Underground Stations. The live performances will showcase Ireland’s cultural heritage and the country’s links with London to bring music to tourists and Londoners alike. And the spoken word will entertain underground goers too, when Ireland’s rich literary heritage will be celebrated by Irish poets and celebrities reading their favourite Irish poems, which will be broadcast over the tannoys in London’s Underground stations.

How to take part: Find your copy of the Treasure Hunt Trail map in the centre of this magazine, or you may download and print it from the Mayor of London website. 20

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

LIFE’S A FUNNY BUSINESS Comedian Jarlath Regan on the beauty of being an Irishman abroad

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resh from donating a kidney to his brother in the US, Irish comedian, podcaster and all round good guy Jarlath Regan takes to the stage to entertain the crowds at this year’s St Patrick’s Festival finale on March 19 in Trafalgar Square. Speaking about his life-giving gift to his brother before the festival, Regan said that the decision was simple and he hopes that he can use his experience to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. “For me it was a no-brainer. The connection with your brother is unbreakable. If he needed my left foot I would consider amputating mine,” Regan said on his critically acclaimed podcast An Irishman Abroad. Regan’s brother who is a stud farmer in

Kentucky was ‘rolling along on two flat tyres’ due to poor kidney function; his health had deteriorated and the situation was getting critical. Regan said that he carefully considered the possible implications surgery could have on his family and his life – he has a wife and a son and he is self-employed – but after examining the research he was convinced that live donation was the right thing to do. “Live kidney donation has above a 99 per cent success rate. Those statistics are real so I didn’t have any fear. I’ve never been more positive about anything in my life,” he said. “The kidney started working immediately while my brother was still in theatre. The next day his creatinine and calcium levels were better

Regan caught up with The Irish Post after his life-giving surgery to share his thoughts on St Patrick’s Day, being an Irishman abroad and what it feels like to save your brother’s life. What do you enjoy most about Patrick’s Day? At home it’s a day off with friends and a chance to break your Lent even if you didn’t give anything up. When you’re away, for me, it’s harder, it makes you miss the place more but it reminds you of how special our place is in the world’s community. That’s why I love gatherings like this. What are the benefits of being an Irish man in London? Thanks to our ancestors, one in four British people have some Irish heritage. So a major benefit of being an Irishman abroad in London is the welcome those people give you. They really love to make that connection. And if you aren’t cynical and just give it to them, let them have that moment, it can be beautiful. What is the funniest Irish trait in your opinion or what Irish trait do you value most? The storytelling ability always startled and amazed me. Everyone I know from Ireland can spin a yarn. As in, they can make an ordinary story about something that happened to them hilarious or intriguing. There are of course exceptions to the rule but they don’t get away with it. There is an expectation that you better make your story interesting so it’s nearly bred into you from birth. Otherwise you may never get to speak! What are your plans for 2017? The Irishman Abroad podcast I started in 2013 will hit 200 episodes this year so we have something big planned to mark that. I just donated a kidney to my brother so I am on a mission to get back in shape and write a new standup show about it. The hope is to raise awareness of organ donation and hopefully save a few lives while I’m at it. What does it mean to you to be one of the top Irish representatives in London chosen to lead the festival finale on March 19? When you put it like that! It’s huge for me. I moved here on St

than mine – in the rush they must have given him the better kidney,” Regan joked on RTE’s Claire Byrne Show days after the operation. “I was released from hospital and after 48 hours I was walking around eating pancakes. It was bizarrely simple.” Regan insists that he did what anyone would have done in his situation. “I don’t see myself as being different from anyone else. People have different perceptions of organ donation but I would appeal to everyone to educate yourself about it, chat to your family and get an organ donor card.”

Patrick’s Day 2013 penniless, depressed and hoping I could turn it all around. This city gave me a second chance. I love the place and the people. The Festival is such a positive representation of our connection with this city and I’m going to enjoy every second of my part in it. Any tips for budding comedians? Well get up on stage is the first thing. It’s not hugely innovative to suggest that if you don’t try it and work at it you can’t learn the craft or even enjoy it. The more air miles the better you get. I wish I’d taken this advice sooner - have a growth mentality about it. As in don’t get stuck. If you have a joke that works, put it aside, write a new one. The new one is always better. Be prepared to make a fool of yourself. Without risk, life is boring. Comedy is the same. How do you feel after saving your brother’s life? I feel many things. Exhilaration to have done it and survived it. Pride to see him so well now. And pressure to write good material about the whole thing and raise awareness of this miracle of medical science. People are dying in hospital beds because they can’t get kidneys while most of use are walking around with a spare! It makes no sense. I gave my big brother mine and I was out of bed hours hours later walking around. More people should do it or at least carry a donor card. For more insights into live donation, and for some interviews with exceptional Irishpeople abroad, check out Jarlath’s podcast An Irishman Abroad at anirishmanabroad.podbean.com 26

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Fantastic movies at the St Patrick’s Irish Film Festival 2017

Saviour of Dublin City

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njoy Ireland’s finest film and animation productions without crossing the Irish Sea at this year’s St Patrick’s Irish Film Festival which runs from March 17 – 19. Choose from a varied list of critically acclaimed short films, comedy, drama, family friendly animations and a children’s animation workshop accross iconic central London venues. Friday, March 17: IRISH SHORT FILMS; 5-9pm Explore a programme of awardwinning Irish Short Films, including David Naughton’s The Saviour of Dublin City all screened at the London Film School which stands behind the big red door at 24 Shelton Street/Langley St. in Covent Garden, WC2H 9UB. Cert 15. Free to attend.

Saturday, March 18: TRADERS 7.15 – 8.45pm Starring Killian Scott (Love/Hate) and John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Traders is an Irish feature thriller by directors Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy. The film is set in post recession Dublin where down-on-their-luck traders devise a deadly game to re-finance broke high-flyers. What if it made perfect sense for ordinary people to kill each other for Traders money?

Better than slow grinding financial ruin and misery, and all done according to a strict code by consenting adults. This is Trading. The film follows newly redundant Harry Fox who is approached by a former colleague with a new business proposition. Two people convert all their assets to cash, arrange to meet, dig one grave and fight to the death. Winner buries the loser and instantly doubles his value. Can he persuade Harry to become a “Trader”? Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, off Leicester Sq, London WC2H 7BY. Tickets available from Prince Charles Cinema. Cert 15. Sunday, March 19: FAMILY: SONG OF THE SEA & SHADOW ANIMATION WORKSHOP at 1pm Ben, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the faeries and save the spirit world in this Oscar-nominated animation directed by Tomm Moore. The screening will be followed by a children’s shadow animation workshop with Kabutar Arts for 8-11year olds. Places for the workshop are limited, so please book ASAP. Contact info@ irishfilmfestivalllondon.com to book. Screening and workshop are free to attend. Regent Street Cinema, 309 Regent St, Marylebone, London W1B 2UW. Song of the Sea (90 mins) Cert U.

Song of the Sea

Sunday, March 19: THE YOUNG OFFENDERS, 6 – 8pm Award-winning Irish comedy The Young Offenders brings its Cork-born caper to London this March. The film stars Ros Hubbard Award-winning duo Alex Murphy and Chris Walley and is directed by Peter Foott. The film follows two teenage boys who cycle 160km on stolen bikes pursued by police to find a missing bale of cocaine worth €7m. The film is loosely based on the real event of Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure in 2007 of €440m. The comedy has won numerous awards since its release last year, including Best Feature Film, Best Feature Screenplay and Best

Direction at the Los Angelas Comedy Festival; it also won awards at the Irish Film Festival London, Fantastic Fest and Galway Film Fleadh. Prince Charles Cinema 7 Leicester Place, off Leicester Sq, London WC2H 7BY. Tickets available from Prince Charles Cinema. Cert 15. This programme has been curated by Irish Film London, with the kind support of the Emigrant Support Programme, The Irish Youth Foundation and Culture Ireland. For more info visit www.irishfilmlondon.com Twitter: @irishfilmlondon Facebook: IrishFilmFestival London

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

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ondon’s St Patrick’s Festival comes to Camden Market for the first time this year, with a line-up of live bands and family events that celebrate the best in Irish music and culture. Taking over the iconic Camden Market on Saturday, March 18, the celebrations include a cultural trail, family festival, Irish food, a Guinness bar, and a live concert featuring traditional and contemporary Irish music from Kila and Moxie. Plus, all the live action from the Ireland v England Six Nations game will be shown on big screens at 5pm.

Live Music & Cultural Trail On the music-led cultural trail, festival-goers can journey through the Market enjoying live Irish bands, programmed by Music From Ireland. With performances taking place across the market’s varied spaces, from coffee shops to outdoor stages, the line-up will include: Video Blue; Orla Gartland; ZapHo; The Ocelots; Basciville; whenyoung; and Bitch Falcon. Augmented reality app Firstage will bring virtual performances from five more Irish bands including Bantum and Saint Sister, direct to any smartphone. Family Festival & Kila Concerts 10am – 4pm, Interchange Atrium Entry: Festival – free; Concerts £6 (under 12s go free) The Camden Market family festival will provide a fun array of activities, games and workshops for kids including Irish dance lessons, face painting, and T-shirt decorating. The legendary Kila, Ireland’s foremost folk band will raise the roof in the afternoon with their upbeat, contemporary take on Irish folk music complete with an interactive kids show. Moxie Live Gig and Guinness Bar 7 – 8.30pm. Bar open until 11pm Atrium Arches, Entry: £6 (under 12s go free) In the evening, modern Irish band Moxie will take to the stage against the backdrop of the Atrium Arches in the heart of Camden Market, to perform a set that blends traditional song with modern jazz and world music. Visit camdenmarket.com for further details, show times and tickets. Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH *Stables Yard Entrance Lecture night March 13 at 7.30pm. City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA, Free Give your grey cells as great a workout as your dancing shoes this St Patrick’s Festival with a special lecture night in London’s City Hall on March 13 at 7.30pm. Renowned Irish author, broadcaster and

playwright Mary Kenny will discuss ‘Perspectives on Irish Feminism’. Kenny was a founding member of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement and she has worked extensively in both London and Ireland. Kenny has written for many British and Irish broadsheet newspapers, including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, the Irish

Independent, The Times and The Spectator and she has authored books on William Joyce and Catholicism in Ireland. She also writes for the weekly The Irish Catholic. The Lecture is organised by the Irish Cultural Centre in collaboration with City Hall as part of the Mayor of London’s St Patricks Festival. Register online at irishculturalcentre.co.uk

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Faces of the festival Meet some of those behind the scenes who help to make the London St Patrick’s Festival great Gary Dunne, Creative Programmer of London’s St Patrick’s Cultural Festival “This is a jam-packed programme - one of our biggest and best yet. It presents an experience which is a diverse, energetic and creative as this great city’s Irish community. Through music, song, dance and community, we’ll bring that very special experience of Irish culture and craic to the heart of London.” David Boyce, Deputy Director Tourism Ireland GB “Tourism Ireland is delighted to support the St Patrick’s Festival in London. People everywhere demonstrate a strong affinity with St Patrick’s Day, with events

You ca follow a n action o ll the n so media w cial i the hash th t #StPatsL ag DN

taking place in cities across Great Britain to celebrate Ireland’s warm and close relationship with our nearest neighbour.” Christine Sisk, Director at Culture Ireland “Culture Ireland’s support for a wide range of artists to travel from Ireland to London’s St Patrick’s Festival offers a unique platform to reach a diverse audience. This year performances by some of Ireland’s finest musicians and the street spectacular by Macnas will connect participants in London to Ireland on this wonderful day of global celebration of Christine Sisk the strength of Irish creativity.”

David Boyce

Gary Dunne

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Friday, March 17 - Doors open 8pm London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, NW1 9XB Tickets - £16/14 www.londonirishcentre.org/events PLUS: Saturday, March 18 - Family Cultural Day: Camden Market Atrium Kitchen, North Stables Market, NW1 8AH Noon – 5pm | FREE

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íla play trad with a bluesy swagger and a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Their music is a dynamic, intoxicating frenzy which flirts with everything from eastern gypsy influences to African drumming without ever loosing track of its roots. Famous for fusing Irish folk music with contemporary and world genres their infectious rhythms will get the most reluctant feet moving at their headline gig in Camden’s London Irish Centre on Friday, March 17 from 9pm. Melodies and rhythyms slide between genres to create new soundscapes with an elegance and energy that has set Kíla apart from its peers. And the award-winning trad band will also cater for families this St Patrick’s Festival with a unique family show on March 18 at The Atrium in Camden Market. The prolific band previously collaborated on music for the Oscar-nominated animated feature, Song of the Sea, which will also be screened at this year’s festival, see page 28 for details. Kíla received an Annie Awards nomination for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Music in an Animated Feature Production’ and they won an Emmy nomination for their work on The Secret Life of the Shannon.

Kíla member, Rossa Ó Snodaigh caught up with The Irish Post ahead of the band’s gigs this March to share his thoughts on Irish traditions and contemporary music What does St Patrick’s Day mean to you as a band that has successfully introduced traditional Irish music to contemporary audiences internationally? It means an awful lot to be performing to audiences abroad because we bring with us a message of a vibrant culture and language from back home. Lá ‘le Pádraig (St Patrick’s Day) was established in the early 1600s by Irish monks in Louvain when they petitioned Rome to have one of our 400 or so saints recognised in the international cannon and as a patron saint of Éire. March 17 often landed midway through Lent and so to devout Irish Catholics it always meant a break from Lenten abstinence. Slavery and imposed poverty caused millions to leave for distant shores and so the day has been about celebrating the liveliness of Irish religion, culture, language, music, sport etc. What are the band’s plans for 2017? We will launch our Alive album and DVD in the Irish Centre in Camden followed by a summer festival tour all over Éire and Europe. 2017 will see TG4 (the Irish language National TV station) broadcast the delightful 12-part animation series by Cartoon Saloon of new and old songs sang by traditional and contemporary singers which we accompanied musically. We’ll begin recording a new studio album too. We also begin co-composing with Bruno Coulais for Cartoon Saloon’s latest feature length animation. In October we’ll be 30 and we are planning to broadcast a series of programs celebrating this.

3. What were your favourite British gigs? We haven’t played in England, Scotland or Wales often enough, other Irish bands have spent most of their musical careers here but we have yet to be given that opportunity. Our favourite concert has got to be WOMAD in Reading in1999, but most recently it was on the main stage of the Cambridge Folk Festival where Imelda May joined us. We have been celebrating our national day for four centuries and we invite all nationalities to celebrate with us in the Irish Centre in Camden on the 17th and their kids on the 18th. Come down and join in the party. Rossa Ó Snodaigh plays whistle and bones with Kíla. He has published four books: The Joy Of Pissing, Cliúsaíocht as Gaeilge/Making Out in Irish, Our Fada co-authored with Micheál Ó Domhnaill and An Fochlach Foclach

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Cooking up a storm Celebrity chef Lilly Higgins shares her St Patrick’s Day tips and traditions What food do you associate with St Patrick’s Day? It has to be bacon and cabbage with carrots and parsley sauce. Not only does it represent our flag, it’s so delicious. It’s probably the only day of the year now that I eat that.

What are your plans for St. Patrick’s Day this year? We’ll make little flags with the kids and go into our local town, Cobh, the Titanic’s last port of call. We’ll watch the parade travel the length of the town and cheer for about an hour and a half then head home for bacon and cabbage.

What excites you most about Irish food? I love how passionate the producers are and how determined they are to make a big splash on the food scene worldwide despite coming from such a small country. There are contantly new products and foods beng developed to make the most of the produce our land has to offer from sauerkraut fermented in Dublin to lamb reared in Achill that tastes of the sea air.

What are your favourite St. Patrick’s Day memories? I always remember feeling excited the night before as I watched my mother ironing all of our ribbons. There are seven girls in the family so she had alot of ribbons to iron. She would lay out all of our clothes and our old ribbons were used to make rosettes for our dog. We always brought the poor dog to the parade with us.

Do you have any St. Patrick’s Day traditions? We all have to wear something green. My little girl will have tricolour ribbons in her hair and the boys will have rosettes. We always did the same when we were little.

Lilly Higgins is a food writer, columnist, cookbook author and photographer. She has frequently appeared on Ireland’s TV screens as a chef and she recently judged The Great Irish Bake Off. See www.lillyhiggins.ie for special St.Patricks Day recipes

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Kalecannon with smoked ham Serves 4 Ingredients 2lb potatoes 1 large leek 150g kale 130g Smoked torn ham 3 tbsp milk Butter, salt & pepper Instructions: Scrub or peel the potatoes, depending on your preference. Cut roughly into large chunks and simmer in a covered pan of boiling water until just tender, 15-20 mins. Meanwhile halve the leeks and run them under the tap till any grit is removed.

Slice finely. Place the leeks and 1 tbsp butter or olive oil in a large heavy based pan over a medium heat. Add a splash of water, stir and place the lid on. This will steam the leeks till soft. Leave to cook for five minutes, stirring every now and again. Remove the tough stalk from the kale, tear the leaves into small bite size pieces and add to the pan with the leeks. Stir to combine and add another splash of water if necessary. Place the lid on and leave to steam for a minute or two till the kale is cooked. Drain the potatoes, add a splash of milk and some butter. Mash till smooth. Fold the mash into the kale and leek mixture. Add the smoked ham and mix till evenly combined. Season to taste.

One-pot wonder Serves 10 Ingredients 4 tbsp olive oil 4lbs good quality stewing beef, cut into chunks 3 medium onions, sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled & lightly crushed with the back of a knife 1 bottle red wine 1 pint tomato passata 500g carrots, in 2cm diagonal slices 250g button mushrooms, quartered Salt & pepper Bouquet garni Instructions: Preheat the oven to 160C. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the beef and stir occasionally until each piece gets a nice brown colour. Add the onions and the garlic cloves. Cook for a further five minutes before pouring on the wine and passata. Add the carrots and season liberally with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, add the bouquet garni, place the lid on and cook in the oven for two hours. 35

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Cooking up a feast at Bord Bia’s Trafalgar Square Street Food Market

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cclaimed Irish chef John Relihan leads a delicious line-up, serving an array of Irish-themed street food at this year’s Bord Bia food market, part of the St Patrick’s Festival celebrations in London’s Trafalgar Square on March 19. Relihan first trained with Jamie Oliver and he

appeared in Jamie’s Chef TV show, which followed Relihan as he opened a restaurant in Essex. Relihan was head chef at Jamie Oliver’s BBQ Smokehouse Barbecoa in London for six years before he returned to Ireland and opened Holy Smoke Restaurant in Cork, which has already attracted international interest.

What food do you associate with St Patrick’s Day? Slow cooked Irish beef stew and beautiful fluffy potatoes. It’s what my mother cooked for me when I was young and it was just heaven. It’s great comfort food.

who are coming to Trafalgar Square in London, with my Irish beef stew and pulled pork bun with coleslaw.

What excites you most about Irish produce? The beautiful beef - grass fed, perfect marble in the meat, great level of fat and dry aged. We have so many great products in Ireland from vegetables to fish to meat and game. The freshness from local farmers and producers is amazing. Do you have any St Patrick’s Day traditions? As a chef my main tradition is to work and make the food of course, but after the work I always cheers to my friends and family with a nice pint of Irish craft beer. What are your plans for St Patrick’s Day this year? My plan this year is to feed the lovely people

What are your favourite St. Patrick’s Day memories? Being in an Irish bar in San Francisco having my first pint of Guinness with my work colleagues from a restaurant there called Incanto. They all tried Irish dancing for the first time that day too!

Last year, Relihan was selected by Failte Ireland, the Irish Tourism Board, to be one of Ireland’s top food ambassadors, and he was the headline chef at last year’s St Patrick’s Festival Street Food Market in Trafalgar Square where he produced 5,000 portions of the finest Irish food for the festival.

John Relihan

What are your plans for 2017? I have so many exciting plans for 2017, from been involved in Jamie Oliver’s food revolution, to creating a festival in Ireland to much more. There are lots of fun projects planned for the next two years, you will just have to follow me to find out more.

Irish beef stew Ingredients 1kilo Irish beef rump diced 200g Flour 3tbsp Pomace oil 4 Garlic cloves smashed and minced 1 Small white onion finely diced 25 g Thyme picked and chopped fine 20g Rosemary picked and chopped fine 1/4 Leek cut into rings 3 Carrots peeled and cut into rings 1/2 Turnip peeled and diced into roughly 2cm cubes 1 Small head savoy cabbage 3 Potatoes diced to 2 cm cubes 300ml Dark Irish craft Beer (or dark stout) 350ml Beef stock 10g Flaked sea salt 4g Black pepper cracked 45g Parsley chopped fine

Instructions: Season flour with a little salt and pepper and toss the beef in. Shake off any excess flour. Heat oil in a large pan to medium heat. Add the diced beef and sear until it’s a nice golden brown colour. It’s important to do this in stages so as not to overcrowd the pan. You want really strong colour on the meat at this point, not necessarily cooked meat. Once the meat is seared, remove from the pan. Fry the onions, garlic, leek, rosemary and thyme in a little more oil over a high heat. Once coloured (approx. ten minutes) add in the Irish craft beer (or dark stout) and allow to boil away. Once the wine has reduced, add in the carrots, turnips, savoy cabbage, beef stock and the pre-seared meat. Cook over a medium heat for two hours,

adding in extra water if it begins to dry up. Once the meat has become tender to the touch and the vegetables are cooked, add in the potatoes. Top up again with water and bring back up to a high heat for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and stir through the parsley. Serve with additional mashed champ or on its own for a perfect warming evening dinner.

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

Saintly street style L

ondon, the world-renowned capital for innovative, original fashion, gets dip-dyed in green, white and orange on March 17. While dressing up is always encouraged for St Patrick’s festivities, the festival can pose a challenge to London’s fashion-forward Irish fans as they try to carve out some sartorial space amid a carnival of leprechaun hats, tricolour wigs and MASSIVE green glasses. The Irish Post – ever on hand to help you through the tougher quandaries in life - spoke to some eminent Irish fashionistas to get their advice on tipping your perfectly crafted hat to our patron saint without descending into a snake-pit of cliché this St Patrick’s Day. CHARLOTTE CARGIN Charlotte Cargin is the co-founder of Charlotte and Jane, a bespoke, vintage-inspired Irish design label worn by Imelda May and an endless list of Ireland’s taste-makers. Charlotte is a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design. She knows London well, remembers the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations warmly and shares her sartorial advice for tastefully standing out from the crowd this St Patrick’s Day. “Green..the colour we all know to represent Ireland would be my chosen colour for celebrating St. Patricks day...However no need to be in leprechaun costume; I would wear one of our classic designs made up in a beautiful Irish-made green tweed, celebrating the indigenous fabric of the country and true Irish style.” charlotteandjane.com SARAH CORCORAN Sarah Corcoran is an Irish stylist tipped as a major talent to watch by industry insiders. These are her tips for getting in the party mood without loosing your edge this March 17. “Green can be difficult to pull off and going with bright green on St Pat’s day, although fun can look tacky or garish. If you still want to dress for the occasion but keep it a bit more fashion you can wear a more subtle pastel or mint green. I’ve gone with a mint sequin dress to still keep it fun and celebratory, teaming it with a paisley shirt that’s almost reminiscent of celtic patterns. Accessories can be another good way to give a subtle nod without going all out. I referenced St Patrick himself with a statement snake necklace but any celtic inspired jewelery would be a cute addition.” sarahcorcoranstylist.com ALICE HALIDAY Alice Halliday is an Irish designer who works to create a more ethical fashion industry. Her designs have been worn by many people, including music superstar Florence Welch. “When dressing for St Pat’s Day, I think it’s important to look patriotic but not in a tacky way. It’s all about the celebrations and festivities so I would advise going for something vibrant and a bit quirky, but also comfortable to wear. The colours of the flag may not be flattering on many of us, but they can be hinted at more subtly with prettier tones like emerald or sage green, rusty orange or mustard. A block colour garment is a good base, and then you can dress it up and accessorize it, to add pattern and texture. I’m all for metallics and glitter, a perfect way to bring an element of gold to your outfit. Why not fly the flag and promote Irish designers by wearing their brands. Even better, go green by wearing ethical fashion or vintage pieces. Everything from my outfit is available from Liberty & Jasmine Vintage boutique in Skibbereen, Co. Cork.” alicehalliday.com 38

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

More events not to miss Ireland Fund of Great Britain Noble Call March 16 St Andrew’s Church, Holborn Join well-known faces from stage and screen, celebrated Irish performers and more than 300 friends of The Ireland Funds Great Britain for an evening of culture, craic agus ceol. Sign up to the Young Leaders Society now and your ticket will be included in your membership. https://irelandfunds.org/event/ st-patricks-day-noble-call-2017/ St Patrick’s Day Tea Dance Friday, March 17 12.30 - 4.30pm London Irish Centre, Camden An afternoon of food, song, dance and a raffle. A two course meal including Irish favourite bacon & cabbage will be followed by music from London Irish Centre crowdpleaser Mustang, to get everyone into the party spirit. Tickets £10 www.londonirishcentre.org/events/ event/?event=549 London Irish Centre St Patricks Celebrations March 17 – 19 Set dancing sessions, community theatre performance, traditional Irish sessions. Ceílí Max Friday, March 17 Doors: 7.30pm. Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith London based Ceílí Max is a group of talented young musicians who aim to entertain on St Patrick’s Day 2017 at the Irish Cultural Centre for a night of dance, great music and mighty craic. No dance experience needed! Cash bar available. Strictly over 18 Event. Tickets £11.21 – £13.33 www.eventbrite. com/e/st-patricksevening-withceili-max-tickets

St Patrick’s Festival Ball March 18 from 7pm at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, W1J 7QY This Black Tie ball in the name of Ireland’s patron saint opens with a Champagne and Guinness reception, followed by dinner, entertainment and dancing. www.stpatricksfestivalball.co.uk

St Patrick’s Day Tea Dance

Cutty Sark Ceilidh March 18 Do a jig or a reel underneath the hull of the Cutty Sark, with live music from the Cut A Shine Ceilidh Band. Ticketed Irish Cultural Centre March 17 – 19 Hammersmith Celebrate St Patricks Day at the Irish Cultural Centre with live traditional Irish music, arts and culture. St Patrick or the Pagans? March 17, 12.30 - 4.30pm Hackney Round Chapel, Glenarm Rd, E5 OLY An interactive comedic banquet exploring Ireland’s pagan roots and the true story of St Patrick with live music from Honeyfeet. https://stpatrickorpagans. eventbrite.co.uk Sean Keane in Concert - St Patrick’s at the LIC March 18 at 8.45pm London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, NW1 9XB After 2016’s sell out concert, Sean Keane will be back for the London Irish Centre’s huge St Patrick’s programme on Saturday 18th March. Sean will be joined by Pat Coyne and Fergus Feely. www. londonirishcentre. org/events/ event/?event=548

London Irish St Patrick’s Day Rugby Game March 18 at Madejski Stadium Ticketed

Sean Keane

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

GLOBAL GREENING S

tadiums, statues, castles and towers will go green to celebrate Ireland’s national day all over the world this March 17. The One World Trade Center in New York – the main building of the re-built World Trade Center complex and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – will join Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative for the first time in 2017. The annual initiative, which sees a host of major landmarks around the world turn green for St Patrick’s Day continues to grow and many new landmarks will take part this year. City Hall in London is another new landmark to turn green in 2017, as is the Heron Tower in London, Plaça de Catalunya and the fountains on Gran Via in Barcelona, Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patrick’s Well) in Orvieto, the four principal monuments in the town of Cosenza (Calabria), City Hall in Antwerp (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Cloth Hall in Ypres, Matsue Castle in Japan, Gwangandaegyo (Diamond Bridge) in South Korea and even a rhino statue in Nairobi National

Joan O’Shaughnessy, Chairman of Tourism Ireland; Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross; Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh and Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland at the launch of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative 2017

Park, as well as an Ethiopian Airlines airplane in Addis Ababa. And, the famous red carpet in Cannes will become the ‘green carpet’ on March 17. Popular sites which have gone green in previous years will douse themselves in green again this year, including the London Eye, Nelson’s Column and Selfridges in London; the Colosseum in Rome,

the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj al Arab in Dubai, the Roue de Paris, the ‘Welcome’ sign in Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building in New York, the Sky Tower in New Zealand and the Great Wall of China. And Chicago will be going all out to celebrate St Patrick and Ireland once again this year, with numerous buildings and sites

across the city set to light up green. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, said: “From modest beginnings in 2010, the Global Greening initiative has grown to become a significant worldwide reminder of both St Patrick’s Day itself and also of Ireland and its appeal as a visitor destination.”

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Celebrate St Patrick’s Festival 2017

‘They bring a bit of heaven here to earth’ 11 quotes about Ireland and being Irish

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UR old friend Anon said: “The Irish: be they kings, or poets, or farmers, they’re a people of great worth. They keep company with the angels and bring a bit of heaven here to earth.”

Not all quotes about the Irish have been quite so complimentary, of course. Many, certainly, do celebrate Irishness, but others have pointed to the darker traits of ourselves and our people. Here are 11 of the most illuminating...

‘Ireland is the mystic land of the past. This is the land of the Celtic Twilight, the country of Synge and Yeats and Stephens. It is the seat of an age-old tradition, of the remains of a once brilliant Celtic civilisation.’ Conrad Arensberg, an American writer, poet and scholar, giving his opinion of Ireland and the Irish in The Irish Countryman (1937) ‘We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English.’ Winston Churchill ‘It’s not that the Irish are cynical. It’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.’ Brendan Behan

一伀䴀䤀一䄀吀䔀 夀伀唀刀 䬀䔀刀刀夀 倀䔀刀匀伀一 伀䘀 吀䠀䔀 夀䔀䄀刀 Submit yours by post to the Kingdom Bar, via our new website or Facebook/Twitter.

‘If there were only three Irishmen in the world you’d find two of them in a corner talking about the other.’ Argentinean writer María Brandán Aráozthe Democratic Party

I’m Irish. I think about death all the time. Actor Jack Nicholson

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Mayo Association London Mayo Golf Society London Cáirde Mhaigheo London cairdemhaigheolondon@gmail.com

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‘When anyone asks me about the Irish character, I say look at the trees. Maimed, stark and misshapen, but ferociously tenacious.’ Edna O’Brien, Clare-born writer ‘Our folk music is crude, exciting, jagged and primeval.’ Anon

‘I’m Irish!…When I feel well I feel better than anyone, when I am in pain I yell at the top of my lungs, and when I am dead I shall be deader than anybody.’ Morgan Llywelyn, American-Irish writer and historian

‘I think being a woman is like being Irish…Everyone says you’re important and nice, but you take second place all the time.’ Iris Murdoch, writer, philosopher, born in Phibsborough, Dublin

‘I feel like an exile at heart – the call of the North is always there.’ Belfast-born Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland

‘To be Irish is to know that in the end the world will break your heart.’ Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, an American sociologist and member of the Democratic Party

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