Queensland Irish Association was asked to take part in the filming of The Today Show on Channel Nine on Saint Patrick’s Day. Filming took place at Finn McCool’s Irish Bar in Fortitude Valley. Pictures: Queensland Irish Association

March has been a whirlwind of Irish pride, culture, and celebration for the Queensland Irish Association (QIA). From a national TV appearance, to lighting up Brisbane City Hall in green, white and orange, to a jam-packed St Patrick’s Day and a moving historical commemoration, there’s been no shortage of craic and camaraderie.

Queensland Irish Assocation’s Saint Patrick float led the Brisbane St Patrick’s Day parade, along with Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band and QIA Dancers.

The festivities kicked off in spectacular fashion with the Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade, where the QIA’s float with Saint Patrick himself proudly drove through the streets, joining over 700 participants and 40 floats. Leading the parade along with the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band and QIA Dancers, the sea of green was a sight to behold as thousands lined the streets to cheer on the spectacle.

Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band performing at the QIA St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at Brisbane City Hall.

On St Patrick’s Eve, the QIA held its 127th annual St Patrick’s Eve Dinner at Brisbane City Hall. The sold-out event was graced by the presence of the Governor of Queensland, as well as guests of honour from Ireland and Australia, and featured the illumination of the City Hall in the colours of the Irish flag, adding a vibrant touch to the celebrations.

Brisbane City Hall was lit up in the colours of the Irish flag by Queensland Irish Association for their 127th annual St Patrick’s Eve Ball.

St Patrick’s Day itself saw the QIA featured on The Today Show on Channel Nine, bringing the celebrations into homes across Australia. Filming at Finn McCool’s in Fortitude Valley, the QIA, alongside dancers, musicians, and Gaelic sports players, showcased the best of Irish culture at dawn after one of the busiest weekends of the year. QIA Director Mary Allen was interviewed about what it means to see the Irish celebrated around the world, and QIA President Jeff Spender told an Irish joke. 

QIA St Patrick’s Day Lunch at Toowong.

Later that day, the Association held a packed St Patrick’s Day Lunch in Toowong, Brisbane, with more than 80 participants, some of whom had come by coach from the Gold Coast.

Rounding out the month, history took centre stage as the QIA led a tour of South Brisbane Cemetery, honouring Irish graves and holding a Centenary Commemoration for Irish freedom fighter Captain Prof. Daniel O’Carroll. Captain O’Carroll’s descendants travelled from New York, Kilkenny in Ireland, and Melbourne to pay their respects. The ceremony featured a talk on his legacy and a moving rendition of The Valley of Knockanure. 

Forty people took part in the QIA’s Irish Tour and centenary commemoration of Captain Prof. Daniel O’Carroll in South Brisbane Cemetery, including relatives of Captain O’Carroll who had flown in from Ireland, America and Melbourne especially for the occasion. 

There’s never a dull moment when you’re part of the QIA. Sláinte to another 127 years of keeping the Irish spirit alive in Queensland!

For more information or to join Queensland Irish Association, go to www.queenslandirish.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Qldirishclub.