Attendees find greater than gold at Shamrock Pub block party

Loyal patrons and newcomers both enjoyed the festive scene on St. Patrick's Day.

By Ian Swaby
| 1:00 p.m. March 18, 2023

The Morrissey and McCarthy families were having a blast at the event.

Sarasota
Neighbors

For members of Sarasota’s community, the appeal of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at Shamrock Pub isn’t limited to the live Irish music or the ability to purchase a good brew.

Attendees at Friday’s event, which also drew plenty of newcomers to the parking lot along Ringling Boulevard, said the event is also about the sense of community the pub offers year-round.

"It's a commitment to come here every week, with a designated driver," said Bob Glantz, who lives in Siesta Key. He said as a former Sarasota resident he formed numerous friendships watching soccer at the pub.

Glantz said he was glad he was able attend this year on St. Patrick's Day, as he does every year, following a hip replacement the previous week.

“I told my physician they need to get me healthy so I can go to Shamrock,” he said.

Featured at the block party was a hefty supply of beers along with food and live music. A few of the performers included bagpipe player Mark MacPhee, musician Andy Thomas, and the bands Blue Skye Pipe and Drums and Wondering Hours.

“We love it,” said Dennis Schnack, who was in attendance with his friend Ron Lange. “It’s our fourth year here.” He said he first came to the pub in early 2020 and remembers that time as his last experience at a pub before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Good music and great place,” he said.

Many newcomers were also pleased with the scene that greeted them.

“It’s wonderful,” said Jeanne Babuka, “I love the music, and I love the bagpipe player.”

Wendy Stearns, Kelli Anderson, and Dom Richards

Andy Thomas returned to Shamrock Pub for his 13th year.

Lisa and Bob Trucksess, Maureen and Steve Flounders, and Tony and Debbie Tascone

Sarasota's Jordan Twyford, 3-year-old Hank Twyford, and 7-year-old JJ Twyford, and Orlando's 10-year-old Junia Hardie, and Art Hardie

Lori Anderson brings a beer for Ron Longhurst.

The event began drawing attendees as soon as it began at 3 p.m.

Jo Ann Marchiori, Mary Ann Nicometo, and Pam Moore

Fidele Wolfe and Aaron Betot dance to the music of Andy Thomas.

Griffin McCormick, Rob Heine, Joe Nell Heine

Walter Beer is in a dancing mood as his friend Andy Thomas performs.

Angie Sexton and Rocco Cartia of Fresh Mozzarella Pizzeria set up a food stand.

Ron and Sandy Marchini, and Donna and Don Fraser on March 17, 2023, at Shamrock Pub's St. Patrick’s Day party.

Grace Bennett, Megan Canevari, Michael Hagan, Mike Hagan, Paul Couzelis, and Alistair McGruder.

John and Stephanie Blackburn, and Laura and Scott McMullen

Karen Marquez serves Kathryn Sperber inside the pub.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.