Dancers and bagpipe music 'transport' St. Mary congregation to Ireland

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church was shamrocking and rolling for St. Patrick’s Day with its annual party on March 16 in Father Edward Pick Hall.

Congregants came dressed in all green to enjoy a classic Irish dinner of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. People enjoyed Guinness and various drinks while watching performances that got them in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

George and Maureen Watterson have organized the event for the past two years. 

The performances were started with bagpipe player Gary Reinstrom. 

Irish dancers from the Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota followed. Most congregants said the authentic performance transported them to Ireland. Two of the dancers are competing in the Irish Dance World Championships in Ireland and four dancers are world champion qualifiers. 

The St. Patrick’s Day event is a fan favorite at St. Mary because of the experience of culture, said Jacinta Leyne. 

Originally from Clare Island, Ireland, she said it is delightful to share her culture with her fellow parishioners on Longboat. Seeing the Irish dancers reminded her of home, but she said that it is also interesting to see how they do it differently in Sarasota. 

“This party is just a grand time,” said George Watterson. “With everything from the dancers to the bagpipes to the food to seeing everyone in green, I think everyone can look forward to this party. This might be our last year organizing it, but we do have fun seeing it executed right and just having a reason to celebrate with everyone.”