For the uninitiated, Canberra’s King O’Malley’s Irish Pub was named after the tee-totalling federal politician who would not have been seen dead ordering even a thimble of stout. O’Malley led a successful charge to temporarily ban alcohol in the ACT, an irony not missed on the punters who swarm each year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the recently-crowned ‘Pub of the Century’.
2014 will be nothing different, and the focus for true believers is Monday 17 March – the day of observance for those of St Patrick’s true faith (and those who get involved for more secular reasons!). There will be so much happening at King O’Malley’s this year you could very easily forget that you’re supposed to be at work!
Getting in the Mood
Forgot to get decked out in head-to-toe green? On Monday, all is not lost as Canberra’s own Gecko Gang join in the fun to sort you out via a face-painted Shamrock or Irish Flag on your cheeks.
There will be the usual beer and cider promotions, to ensure everyone has some sort of themed paraphernalia on their head, face or other unassociated body parts.
The Black
Forget the coloured beer – go straight for the Guinness. It’s almost compulsory to try at least a half pint (a ‘middy’ for those from NSW, a ‘pot’ for the Vics , or a ‘schooner’ for South Aussies) and the flavour can be sweetened with the addition of a little bit of lemonade. Ask your bartender for a Guinness shandy (in your preferred size) and in no time all those others in the ‘Guinness club’ will give you a knowing look.
The Music
A day celebrating with the Irish is nothing without music. Along with stout, music runs thick through the Irish veins with a wonderful pub tradition of singing in the pub. King O’Malley’s is bringing you music all day from noon, featuring Fir Croi, Cassidy Ceili, Oscar, Henry Waldren and Band Java. When you’re really warmed up and ready to warble, Chicago Charles will hit the stage with his wonderful repertoire of sing-a-long hits. Good times!
Community
Another annual feature of St Patrick’s Day is the Australian Irish Dancing Association, whose junior representatives turn on a food-stomping display of traditional dancing that threatens the very floorboards on which they perform. After each display, we dare you to resist buying a raffle ticket. It’s a way of giving back to local groups – something that has always been the focus of the pub’s owners and management.
As with every year, St Patrick’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to get together with friends and get swept up in the friendly and enthusiastic spirit of the Irish. With fifteen years of experience in hosting massive Paddy’s Days, King O’Malley’s is a great place to drink up and let your hair down.
