Finnegans Wake 2024 at O’Shanley’s Irish Pub, Clifton, Queensland. All pictures: Facebook.com/OShanleys

Did you hear about the horse that walked into a bar? The barman asked: “Why the long face?”. Yes, it may be an old joke but you’ll be laughing into your drink when you see the scene recreated in real life at Finnegans Wake.  

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Clifton in the Darling Downs, Queensland, is gearing up for its annual Finnegans Wake Parade, which takes place on Saturday,  March 1st. This quirky, hilarious event has grown into a cherished tradition, blending Irish literary inspiration with Aussie flair. 

At the heart of the celebration is Finnegan himself putting the fun in ‘fun’eral, paraded through the streets in his coffin, a grin on his face, and perhaps a pint nearby. The coffin is surrounded by a whimsical procession of nuns, priests, bishops, and other Irish characters, including the show-stealing Weeping Widow. As the parade winds its way through the streets, a horse might even trot into O’Shanley’s Irish Pub for a cheeky pint – because why should humans have all the fun?

The event celebrates Timothy Finnegan, a jovial Irishman with a reputation for mischief and an unshakable fondness for revelry. Known for gate-crashing wakes to indulge in the food, drink, and banter, Finnegan decided to ensure he wouldn’t miss his own wake by holding it before he actually died. True to his character, the event was a riot of laughter, music, and pints — a tradition that Clifton brings to life in its annual parade.

The highlight of the day is the procession through Clifton’s main street, led by none other than Finnegan himself, lounging in his coffin, pint in hand. He’s joined by a colourful cast of characters, including Saint Patrick, the Pope, bishops, priests, nuns, pipers, and, of course, the tearful Grieving Widow, whose dramatic wails bring an extra dash of hilarity. Adding to the spectacle is the annual appearance of a horse strolling into O’Shanley’s Irish Pub for its traditional drink — a sight that never fails to raise a cheer (and a few eyebrows)!

The event takes inspiration from James Joyce’s lesser-known prose work Finnegans Wake. Joyce, famed for his complex and innovative storytelling, wove Irish humour, mythology, and wordplay into this masterpiece. The novel tells of Tim Finnegan, a Dublin hod-carrier with a love for whiskey, whose “wake” is the backdrop for chaos and hilarity. Finnegan’s story also reflects themes of rebirth and renewal, which resonate in Clifton’s celebration.

Joyce’s influence extends far beyond Finnegans Wake. His magnum opus, Ulysses, is honoured annually worldwide on Bloomsday, June 16th. In Dublin, thousands retrace Leopold Bloom’s iconic journey through the city, dressed in Edwardian attire and reading passages from the book. Similarly, cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane host Bloomsday events, celebrating Joyce’s contribution to modern literature. These celebrations bridge global cultures and highlight the enduring relevance of Joyce’s work.

In the same spirit of literary joy, Clifton’s Finnegans Wake Parade offers a distinctly Australian twist. With its roots in the 120-year-old O’Shanley’s Irish Pub, this event has brought the community together since 2003. From the charming streets of Clifton to the wider Darling Downs, Irish heritage runs deep, with many families tracing their roots back to the Emerald Isle. 

Clifton was a major destination for Irish immigrants in the 19th century, who brought with them their rich culture, traditions, and love for a good party. This Irish legacy is woven into the fabric of the region and is proudly celebrated at Finnegan’s Wake.