GIBNEY’S remains one of Fingal’s best known pubs, regularly attracting tourists from all the world and St Patrick’s Day proved no different.

One group of Dutch visitors had decided to swop their national orange for the green as they celebrated the weekend in style.

Michiel van Raalte, a Dutch native now living in Malahide, was joined by seven of his old college friends for a weekend of traditional Irish culture.

Peter Mast, Casey Ryback, Bas Sutkerbuijh and Bassie van Toorn had all made the trip over, along with Henk van Till and Peter Kroezen.

The gang were from all over the Netherlands and had met in university, where they all studied pharmaceutical. Indeed, Michiel is now working in the Organon company in Swords.

The lads were all displaying winning medals and Bassie explained why: ‘We were out in Skerries earlier learning how to play hurling and we were given these medals.’

I asked Bassie if he would be trying to introduce the game in Holland when he returned home and it seemed he’s well on the way. ‘I already have two hurleys back home,’ he said.

Other visitors to Gibney’s came from a bit closer to home. Wexford man Kieran Kenny had made the trip after much coaxing from Malahide girl Christine Howell..

Jayne Redmond joined the pair, and they looked set for a hectic weekend. ‘I’m on holidays in Malahide,’ Kieran said. ‘I was in Tamango’s last night and the night before... and I’m going again tonight!’

Kieran and Jayne both ran shops on the southside, while Christine worked in engineering and was looking forward to the big matches.

‘I can’t wait for the rugby,’ she said. Hours later, France would go on to take the fizz out of Paddy’s day somewhat.

Two local lads were also bound for the Portmarnock nightclub and were ‘looking for love on St Patrick’s Day’.

John Cormican and Mark Jay, both from Malahide, were set for Tamango’s, thanks, in part to Pedrobob, who won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham hours earlier.

By Robin Kiely Fingal Independent 21/ß3!2007

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