St. Patricks Fair Day

St. Patricks Fair Day

Auckland Irish Society & Auckland GAA hosted the St. Patricks Fair Day last Sunday, next to the Irish Club in Fowlds Park, Morningside. This was a free day open to all the community, and began Auckland’s week-long St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Over 1,000 people attended this event.

Irish talent was showcased on the Main Stage with Irish Dancing and traditional Irish music. There was plenty of entertainment for the kids – including a vertical bungy, bouncy castle, face painting and a climbing wall. A Kids Gaelic football session took place also where children of all ages were taught the skills of catching, kicking and passing in a fun environment.

A mix of traditional Celtic games and old-fashioned games, provided fun and laughter for all ages.

And there were many stalls to browse, selling Irish paraphernalia and gifts, food, and an array of stalls promoting Irish Culture and all things Irish in Auckland.

Sport’s has always played a big part in Irish tradition here in NZ, and Sunday was no exception.

There was a 11-aside Hurling Blitz tournament which had three hurling teams competing against one another. Among these players were three kiwi lads of Irish descent. This was the second hurling tournament organised by Auckland GAA this year. This was followed by the ‘poc fada’ competition (where players compete to see who can hit the ball the furthest! which attracted over 40 participants! A new Hurling Sub-committee was formed recently to promote and develop the game of hurling & camogie once again in Auckland. Carmel Ryan, Chairperson of Auckland GAA Hurling Subcommittee stated “The aim is to develop hurling to its full potential within Auckland GAA. There has been a huge interest in both hurling and camogie. Today’s games highlighted that”.

The Auckland Ladies All-Stars Team challenged league champions Harps & Auckland Mens All-Stars team took on league champions Marist Rangers.The league winners put the best of the rest to the test in both encounters, showing the strength and depth that exists in Auckland. The men's game went to extra time in an enthralling encounter.

Auckland GAA President, Brian Foley said “The fair day on Sunday gives us just a little glimpse of what we can achieve when the whole Irish community works together. Such an event taking place in Ireland would struggle to match: the music, dance, and extremely high standard of hurling and football on display at Fowlds Park”

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