Community & Business
1 March, 2023
Finnegan’s Wake to provide ‘a million reasons to smile’
On Saturday, 4th March, O’Shanley’s Irish Pub is the venue for another Finnegan’s Wake, when in true Irish tradition nothing in life (and death) is taken too seriously.
Finnegan’s Wake is an Irish - American comic ballad first published in New York in 1864.
In the ballad, Tim Finnegan while under the influence of alcohol, suffers a serious accident and is pronounced dead.
Mourners at his wake remember Tim had a love of the drink and while celebrating his life they become rowdy and pour whiskey over his corpse.
This action has the effect of bringing Finnegan back
to life and naturally he joins in the celebration of his death.
Therefore whiskey is the cause of his death and his resurrection.
The song has been performed by numerous artists including the Dubliners in several of their live albums.
One of the main organisers of O’Shanley’s event is well-known local Kevin Perks, who proudly claims to have a good portion of Irish blood running through his veins.
Kevin said there will be numerous important guests at the wake including the Pope, cardinals, nuns, an undertaker, widows and Kevin will himself play Finnegan.
People are invited to attend and dress in the spirit of Finnegan and the street parade will start at noon.
Kevin said there are a million reasons to smile while partaking in the festivities of Finnegan’s Wake.
“There hasn’t been much to smile about over the last few years but Finnegan’s Wake will bring a smile to your face as big as Ireland and Australia combined,” he said.
