Football supporters from Liverpool and Ireland will join forces to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while raising awareness of food poverty.
March 17 is usually a special event with parades and festivals throughout the city but this year’s celebrations have been forced to adapt based on government guidelines caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A series of virtual parades, concerts and stand-up shows will be held instead with many people trying to keep the spirit of St Patrick’s Day alive whilst staying at home.
The Liverpool Irish Centre have planned a day filled with virtual entertainment and Irish cheer from 3pm until 11pm, with their shop open from 12-10pm.
Amongst the line-up is a special podcast hosted by the Liverpool Irish House. It consists of a number of guests from Everton supporters clubs across Merseyside and Ireland including Mike Reid, brother of former Everton and England midfielder Peter, and Dave Kelly from Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
With the strong partnership between Liverpool Irish Centre and Fans Supporting Foodbanks, the podcast will encourage people to keep donating to help vulnerable families in difficult times.
Niall Gibney, manager of Liverpool Irish Centre, said: “With St Patrick’s Day being a time of celebration and giving back, it’s the perfect blend we have here of celebrating Irish history and our love of football but also whilst making people aware that this is happening and what they can do to give back to those in need.”
University of Liverpool Student Brendan Keown will be tuning into the podcast. He said: “As a proud Dubliner and Everton supporter, I can’t wait for this evening. I follow many of the supporter’s clubs involved and it’s the first time that so many will be coming together like this.
“Obviously, we would all prefer to celebrate properly and with a Guinness in hand down the pub, but if this is the best that we can do in the current times whilst helping a fantastic cause then I’m more than happy.”
To donate tins, dry goods and other essentials to Fans Supporting Foodbanks, there is a drop-off point in use on St Patrick’s Day at 6 Boundary Lane, L6 5JG.
Sláinte!