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NOW PLAYING • St Patrick's Day in Rotorua
St Patrick's Day in Rotorua
Locals are out in force celebrating all things Irish for St Patrick's Day, with green, clovers and pints of Guinness on the cards, and others taking the day off work to enjoy a drink.
Rotorua's only Irish-themed bar, Hennessy's Irish Bar on Tutanekai St was heaving at lunchtime today.
One punter, Fairy Springs resident Philip Roberts, was keen to "stand out" this St Patrick's Day, wearing a leprechaun costume and a green clover cheese cutter hat.
"It's the first time I've gone all out, I got a bit carried away this time. I usually just wear a green t-shirt and hat."
Mr Roberts said he bought the leprechaun outfit from an online Irish costume show.
"We've been [doing this] every year for the past decade. It's a good day off work, and a good catch up with the lads."
Julie Turner (left), Philip Roberts and Jessie Turner enjoy St Patrick's Day. Photo/Ben Fraser
Their group had plans to move to Eat Streat later on, Mr Roberts said.
Celebrating St Patrick's Day was a family affair for some.
Local Julie Turner said she came to Hennessy's every year and this year dragged along her daughter Jessie.
"I've got Irish heritage too."
Another local Erin Frost said Hennessy's on St Patrick's Day was a family tradition, started by her father.
"We do it annually, I try take the day off, and we come with the same group and a few add-ons."
Hennessy's operations manager Sue Burnett said it had been a wonderful day so far.
"It'll be a good night and lots of locals have come back because we're the only Irish bar in town. It's great craic and people were queuing before we'd even opened."
The Rotorua Highland Pipe Band would make its traditional appearance about 7pm and from 8pm music would be provided by Brendon Hopping and the Hammerheads.
