August 4, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Irish for a Day

By Michael Ray

 

On Saturday March 17, Santa Monica locals and neighbors put on their green day finest for a daylong celebration of all things Irish. From food to music to friends, Saint Patrick’s Day in the City of Santa Monica was a communitywide event that brought together Irish immigrants, Irish-Americans and friends who were Irish for a day.

Inside pubs across the city, green clad residents gathered for music and drinks, and at Sonny McLeans Irish Pub people came together to watch some Six Nations rugby action. According to Grant Woods, general manager of the pub, Ireland’s win against England helped to set the tone of the day; and the clear skies in Santa Monica were just the “Luck of the Irish” because the pub had converted their parking lot into a beer garden in preparation for the day’s events.

When asked about the day’s schedule, Woods replied that they had a full day ahead which included “Irish dancers, traditional Irish folk music performed by The Dogs Bollix, and an evening performance by Another Mother.” He then stated that they were serving “traditional foods such as included bangers and mash as well as shepherd’s pie.”

On the stage, The Dogs Bollix played an eclectic set of songs that, according to Paul Harkin the guitarist and vocalist for the group, ranged from “traditional to rebel.” Together, Rudy Nuño on standup bass, vocals and cajón, along with Christopher on mandolin played “God Save Ireland” and invited the entire pub to join in as they sung “Finnegan’s Wake.”

One group of attendees, stated that they had been coming to the annual event for the last seven years. Ernesto Ibarra, clarified that they’re all co-workers at UCLA but they “come [to Sonny McLeans] on St. Paddy’s Day because it’s fun, there’s live music and beer.”

Across town, along Main Street, a different kind of St. Paddy’s Day celebration was underway as the Santa Monica Firefighters, IAFF Local 1109 hosted the 2nd Annual St. Paddy’s Day Shamrock Social in the parking lot of Ashland Hill. Bagpiper Harry Farrar, a musician with 45 years of bagpiping experience under his belt (and kilt) played to a diverse crown.

According to firefighter Jeff Adams, “proceeds from the event are directed towards the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fireman’s Fund which assists families of Santa Monica firefighters who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.” Adams then stated that the Santa Monice Fire Department’s 1952 Mack LS 125 fire engine was on display, and that attendees could support the benefit fund by visiting one of the booths or take part in a giant beer pong tournament.

Laughter filled the air as guests warmed up for the giant beer pong tournament by throwing volleyballs approximately 25ft across the parking lot into large red bins. Meanwhile, those not entering the tournament filled up on food and green beer, danced a jig or two and also posed for photos near the fire engine.

Before joining the Santa Monica Fire Department two years ago, James Hesketh worked as a firefighter in London for 10 years. “Historically [firefighting] was a working class job” he said. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Hesketh went on to say that many “[Irish] people worked the streets, cleaned the roads and put out the fires; working as officers, laborers, and firefighters.”

As for the green beer, “it seems to be an Irish-American thing” he said.

Regardless of origin, attendees Karly Lane, Kylie Higginbotham, and Kayla Giarratana gave cheers to green beer as they played rounds of giant connect four stating that “[the event] was great way to organize for a cause.”

For more information about Santa Monica Firefighters, IAFF Local 1109 visit http://www.smfire.org.

Photos: Michael Ray.

Firefighter Jeff Adams and fellow Santa Monica Firefighters alongside the 1952 Mack LS 125 fire engine.

Firefighter Jeff Adams welcomes bagpipe player Harry Farrar.

Tags: , , , in News
<>Related Posts

Heidi Klum’s Tropical Erewhon Smoothie Drops Just in Time for Summer

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

Supermodel’s Limited-Edition Drink Blends Kiwi, Coconut, and Matcha Erewhon has debuted its newest celebrity smoothie collaboration, this time with supermodel...

California Bolsters Firefighting Fleet Amid Federal Cuts

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of...

Big Blue Bus to Restore Service on Route to Palisades

August 2, 2025

August 2, 2025

The restoration is part of a broader summer service overhaul aimed at improving coverage across the Westside The Big Blue...

Fatal Crash Claims 9-Year-Old’s Life in Los Angeles

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was arrested for driving under the influence A tragic traffic...

Malibu Hires New City Manager: Ronda Perez to Lead as City Eyes Recovery and Rebuilding

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

Veteran Public Administrator Ronda Perez Brings Nearly 20 Years of Experience to Malibu The Malibu City Council has voted unanimously...

Santa Monica Creates Film Office to Streamline Permitting and Production Services

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

New Agency Will Take Over From FilmLA After More Than a Decade Beginning September 1, 2025, film permit coordination in...

Santa Monica Pier Launches “PIERfect Benefit” Fundraiser Amid Recovery Efforts

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The gathering will feature food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and a program reflecting the Pier’s history and future. Proceeds will...

THIS WEEKEND: 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots to Roll Through Santa Monica and Venice

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

The festival site at Ocean Front Walk Plaza will transform into a lively showcase of Indian culture, expecting around 50,000...

Film Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

August 1, 2025

August 1, 2025

FILM REVIEWTHE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPSRated PG-13115 MinutesReleased July 25th  The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a different aura from...

Aging Mindfully: Zen-Inspired Senior Living Takes Shape in Simi Valley

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Two Zen-inspired senior living communities are embracing the reality of aging — consciously. Ensō Village, open since 2023 in Sonoma County,...

Palisades, Malibu Among Areas Exempt from SB 9 Under Newsom’s Wildfire Safety Order

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

Newsom Sides with LA Leaders on SB 9 Freeze, Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed...

‘All Stars’ National Night Out Coming to Santa Monica on Tuesday

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

The event, themed “Santa Monica All Stars,” aims to foster police-community partnerships through a sports-inspired evening The Santa Monica Police...

City of Santa Monica Issues Statement on Surprise DTSM Board Member Replacement

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

Santa Monica City Government Defends Emergency Action and Process After the surprising move from the City Council, six members of...

Texas Kitchen Chain to Open Santa Monica Location at Former Fresh Corn Grill Site

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

The Santa Monica outpost will occupy a 3,050-square-foot space featuring a newly built kitchen and a large outdoor patio HomeState,...

Film Review: Together

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Dave Franco and Alison Brie, a married couple in real life, star in Michael Shanks’ gruesomely passionate...