Around 5000 patrons helped put away 40 kegs of Guinness – and a good many bowls of Irish stew – at Dicey Riley’s on Saturday during the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
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March 17 is the biggest date on the calendar for the city’s only traditional Irish pub, and locals shared the – increasingly sticky – floor with those from further afield.
It’s an annual excursion for many, including Cordeaux Heights’ grandfather Bevan Patrick Fermor who suited up in a stand-out green suit to mark the occasion.
“I come every year – it’s just a fun day where everyone enjoys themselves,” he said. “I’m usually an OP rum man, but on St Pat’s Day I switch to Guinness.”
Nowra residents Sue McCloud and Tina Baker, dressed as leprechauns, also make it an annual event.
“We love dressing up,” Ms Baker said. “Both our families are originally from Ireland so we enjoy celebrating the day.”
Dicey’s manager Nat Dowey said traditional Irish musicians, dancers, food and drink kept patrons happy on the day, which kicked off at 8am and ran till 11pm.
“It’s one of those days where everyone enjoys a bit of a drink, but we never have any problems because everyone’s in such a good mood,” she said.
“There’s a lot of Irish people in Wollongong who call this pub home as we’ve kept it as a traditional-style Irish pub.
“We also see a lot of new faces on St Patrick’s Day and it’s just a lot of fun.”