By Beej Davis Splash!
Paddy O’Leary’s Irish Pub is breaking out the green, the Guinness and the good time for its Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration September 17. This is the only party of its kind in the area, and in the advent of our recognizing the one-year anniversary of hurricane Ivan, Seamus Hunt and Gary Humphrey of Paddy’s are giving locals something good to celebrate.
“In Ireland, you don’t need an excuse for having a party,” said Humphries. One belief is locals need a break from the cleanup from Ivan and Dennis and what better way to soothe the pang of loss than with being with your closest friends: Irish and non-Irish alike. Locals like Jay Donaway are gearing up for the event. “It’s a great reason to party between hurricanes.”
The celebration will be Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th with live music, giveaways, the interactive drama “Finnegan’s Wake, plenty of Guinness and, as always, no cover charge. So far, bands scheduled to perform include Tom Burman & Co. and Dublin Green with more acts to be expected. Doors open at 11 a.m.
Other thoughts include the genuine fellowship harbored within Irish heritage.
“People sometimes forget the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day. This party will renew the spirit of that day,” said bartender and Humphrey’s daughter, Toots.
This same event was scheduled for last year, but Ivan’s plans to visit Pensacola Beach did not i n c l u d e stopping by for a pint w h i l e w e a r i n g Irish beads (which will also be on sale at Paddy’s). With fingers crossed, Hunt and Humphrey are planning to go ahead with the party.
“It’s a long time between Marches,” said Humphries.
Paddy O’Leary’s Irish Pub is located at 49 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, in the complex next to Subway. For information, call 916-9808.
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