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Courtney Flack, Tom Bassinger, Matt Thompson, Jess Sunada and Dave Kennewell ready to rock St Pat's Day at the North Nowra Tavern.

It’s an offence to be drunk in a public place in Ireland. Police can issue an on-the-spot fine to anyone caught sloshed in public.

The Irish state pays people to have babies. Parents can pocket $150 a month until the little cherubs turn 18.

Playboy was banned in Ireland up until 1995 – the magazine that is – you could watch Playboy TV.

If you’re 66 years old or more you can travel for free in Ireland under the Free Travel Scheme.

The word boycott originated in Ireland. The town of Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo began a campaign of isolation against a nasty land agent called Charles Cunningham Boycott who worked for the third Lord Erne.

The national symbol of Ireland is the shamrock right? Wrong – it’s the harp and Ireland is the only country with a musical instrument as its symbol. The shamrock is associated with Ireland as its said to symbolise the Holy Trinity.

The phrase “drowning the shamrock” comes from the custom of floating a shamrock in whiskey before drinking it. It’s said to bring a prosperous year.

The original colour of Saint Patrick was blue. As it shifted from its religious roots to being a celebration of all things Irish, the colours to symbolise the day became green.

People all over the world enjoy getting into the St Patrick’s Day spirit, but it’s a public holiday in only three places – Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and a Caribbean nation called Montserrat which was founded by Irish settlers.  

If you want to shorten the name Patrick – better make it Paddy – not Patty, which is a woman’s name.

Saint Patrick was actually born in Great Britain named Maewyn Succat. He was kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish marauders at 16 and came to Christianity during this time. When he escaped he became a priest and returned to Ireland to introduce Christianity to the Irish Celts.

It is said Saint Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick in Ireland on March 17, hence this is the date celebrated. The year is less certain and could be somewhere between 460 to 493.

Some interesting things have happened on March 17 in the Shoalhaven’s history. In 1917 an elephant called Jessie, which was a part of a circus visiting Nowra, decided she’d had enough and plonked herself down in the middle of Nowra bridge. Traffic had to be stopped as horses wouldn’t go near Jessie. Every attempt to move her failed, including the idea to have steamship Bermagui come alongside the bridge and hoist the elephant. However, the ship became stuck on a sandbank. Somebody thought to bring another elephant alongside Jessie and seeing her mate; she got up and continued walking. 

Holly McGuinness

Hannah Phillips to play under 18s for GWS Giants Academy. Pictures supplied

Hannah Phillips selected for GWS Gi...

The 15-year-old will play AFL in U18s for the GWS Giants Academy this weekend.

Hannah Phillips selected for GWS Giants Academy U18s debut in Sunday game

Agron Latifi

Kiama halfback James Asquith in action during his team's 47-21 win over Shamrocks at Ocean Park on Saturday, April 21. Picture by Linda Faiers

Kiama show their Illawarra rugby ti...

Kiama show their Illawarra rugby title intent with big win over Shamrocks

Wildwood, Terra Firma long lunch. Picture supplied by take five photography

A six-week autumn food festival com...

A culinary adventure celebrating autumn produce across the Shoalhaven.

A six-week autumn food festival coming to the Shoalhaven

AFL grand opening of Artie Smith Oval. Pictures supplied

Celebrating 55 years of Tigers and ...

On Saturday, April 20, the historic event will celebrate the club's new home ground.

Celebrating 55 years of Tigers and an AFL Grand Opening at Artie Smith Oval

More from my region

Joshua Bartlett

Australia's Luke Willian raises his arms in triumph as he prepares to win the elite men's race at Saturday's World Triathlon Cup in Wollongong. Picture by Sylvia Liber

Elite Australian triathlete Luke Wi...

Tida Mansson claimed the elite women's race earlier in the day.

Elite Australian triathlete Luke Willian named world champion in Wollongong

Kate McIlwain

Police appeal to locate missing 24-...

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Police appeal to locate missing 24-year-old last seen at Albion Park

Man in 30s dies in Southern Highlan...

Emergency services were called about 7.30am on Saturday.

Man in 30s dies in Southern Highlands motorcycle crash: police

'Time to heal': Higgins breaks sile...

Brittany Higgins has spoken for the first time following Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case, thanking the judge for his...

'Time to heal': Higgins breaks silence on Lehrmann case

Anna Houlahan

Who championed Parental Advisory stickers on albums? Was it Tipper Gore (left to right), Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan or Lady Bird Johnson? Picture AP Photo/LBJ Library

Who championed Parental Advisory st...

Nancy Reagan, Tipper Gore, Barbara Bush or Lady Bird Johnson?

Who championed Parental Advisory stickers on albums? Take our quiz

A man is spotted on a security camera at the entrance to the business that was allegedly robbed. Picture supplied

'Opportunistic thief' steals 100 In...

The front door of the business was left unlocked.

'Opportunistic thief' steals 100 Indigenous Australian artefacts

Carla Mascarenhas

Isabella Galimberti with her collection of toys. Picture: Supplied

Collector joy as Aussies cash in on...

Many may have vintage treasures hidden at home.

Collector joy as Aussies cash in on retro collectibles

Things you mightn't know about Irel...

To be sure, to be sure. If you've been out and about on St Patrick's Day and saw...

Things you mightn't know about Ireland and St Patrick’s Day

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Things you mightn't know about Ireland and St Patrick’s Day

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