Cheers to Irish, past and present

Rotorua's Jonathan Roberts (right) celebrates St Patrick's Day with his father Peter. Photo/Stephen Parker

Leprechauns, four-leaf clovers and plenty of green were on show in Rotorua yesterday as locals celebrated St Patrick's Day.

St Patrick's Day, celebrated in countries all over the world on March 17, commemorates the patron saint of Ireland as well the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.

But for local Jonathan Roberts, St Patrick's Day was about celebrating the life of his Irish grandfather, William Philson, who died seven years ago.

Every St Patrick's Day since his death Mr Roberts, his brother and his father have drunk a few pints of Guinness to remember the man they said was a "typical Irishman".

"He was a big drinker, he used to drink us all under the table. If he wasn't at home, he was sure to be at the pub," Mr Roberts said.

"He really was a good man, a lovely and kind man, and this is just something we do to remember him."

Mr Roberts' grandfather was born in Northern Ireland but had spent most of his life in New Zealand. It was his last wish to go back to Ireland to live but he never made it, Mr Roberts said. His family decided to take his ashes to Ireland so that wish could be fulfilled, he said.

"I think he loved New Zealand but I think he always considered Ireland home.

"So cheers to St Patrick, cheers to Ireland and cheers to grandad."

Mr Roberts was one of hundreds of people dressed in green who turned out to Hennessy's Irish Bar yesterday.

The bar gave out prizes and put on live entertainment for the day.

Manager Hillary Hennessy said it was a day staff looked forward to each year.

"It's just a bit of fun really," she said.

"There's a lot of Irish people in New Zealand and it's great for them to be able to celebrate their heritage and where they come from. It's fun for everyone else to join in too."

Staff were dressed in green St Patrick's Day T-shirts for the occasion.

While the day fell on a weekday, Ms Hennessy believed that did not affect business.