For Islington’s Irish pubs, this weekend could not be more perfect. Not only is it St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, but Ireland have run riot in the Six Nations after huge victories against Scotland and France. If they beat England on Saturday, they’ll take home the Grand Slam.
The victory would be their first since 2018 and landlords are not shying away from this fact. Anticipating the double celebrations, The Mother Red Cap in Holloway is welcoming the weekend:
“We’re doing free stew all day and have live Irish Music all evening with Irish dancers.”
The potential of a win only promises to crown the weekend, as pubs across the borough expect a storm worthy of Saint Patrick himself.
“We have a big Irish contingent that come to the Redcap anyway, so although it’s extra busy the London Irish community are good for us all year round.”
St. Patrick’s Day has long been a celebrated event in the London calendar. A parade has been held every year in the capital since 2002 to a huge turnout, with celebrations processing through the city centre. In 2008, the fountains of Trafalgar Square were famously dyed green in celebration of the day.
This year was no different as last Sunday, 13th March, many of Islington’s 6,000 Irish residents added to a crowd of 50,000 people came out to join the Trafalgar Square parade and did not shy away from their usual grandeur, with scores dressed from head to toe in green.
In 2022, Islington Council announced an ‘Irish Month’ to celebrate Irish culture and history, a scheme devised by then-Mayor Troy Gallagher. He praised the Irish community, “As Irish stereotypes go, we don’t mind being considered ‘great craic’ which is why I hope many people will come along and enjoy these events with their friends and families.”
Ireland rugby legend Johnny Sexton discussed the prospect of clinching the Grand Slam on Wednesday saying that the team needs to be focus on “process, performance and making sure you’re nailed on.”
However, the immense pressure he and his teammates are facing are by no means lost on him.
“You’d never be able to live with yourself if you didn’t turn up and play well.”
For the rest of us, we can just sit back with a pint of Guinness extra cold and enjoy the weekend.
Slainté
