St Patrick's Day celebrations in Tully

Maria Girgenti

ON March 18, the Tully Irish Group hosted the third St Patrick's Day dinner at Tully Country Club, which attracted 170 adults and 20 children, with people travelling from Townsville and Cairns. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for Irish people and their descendants in the local region to gather and celebrate everything great about the Irish heritage.

After receiving loads of glowing feedback, this year's third annual event was a sell-out.

A special thank you to Jane Henley, Moira Cunningham, Sharon Karsikas, and their faithful team of volunteers, who ensured the night went off with a bang.

The night commenced with a St Patrick's Mass at St Clare's Catholic Church, Tully, organised by Sue Chappel, where the younger generation took part in some of the readings.

At Tully Country Club, guests enjoyed live music from the 'Celtic Nights' band, which featured Sharon Karsikas, Rod Collins, Risto Kariskas, Hilkka and Sera

Hughes, who kept the crowd entertained with Irish music, jokes, and games.

Highlights on the night included an Irish sing-along, Irish dancing display, lucky door prize, lagerphone and spoon playing competition, as well as prizes for the best dressed Irish man and woman.

On the menu was authentic Irish fare, including lamb chop Irish stew, braised steak and Guinness pie, braised savoy cabbage, smoked ham hock and green peas, rosemary mash and soda bread, catered by Liam Lowe.

Tully Irish Group Facebook page started in 2021, which sparked interest in getting St Patrick's Day celebrations up and running in Tully again.

Jane Henley contacted Sharon Karsikas (nee Murphy), who used to play at St Patrick's Day gigs for years, and soon plans were underway to hold a special St Patrick's Day event in Tully.

The first event took place in 2021 at Feluga Hotel, and due to its popularity, organisers needed a bigger space, so since 2022, the Tully Country Club has been an ideal venue.