Members of the St Patrick’s Society gathered for a poolside barbecue at the home of Iggy and Jenny Gannon last Sunday to reminisce over summer and welcome autumn.
“I’ve had a fantastic year,” said Gaynor Stapleton who is in the holiday rentals business in the eastern Algarve. She works hard all summer so she can spend winter riding with the Shillelagh and District Hunt in Co Wicklow.
Belfast-born Eilís Barreito took a few hours off from behind her bar in Carvoeiro. Craic by the pool and someone else pouring the drinks made a pleasant change.
Visitors from Ireland spoke of their joy at being in the Algarve sun after a summer at home dominated by wind and rain.
“The Irish are amateurs at this (barbecuing),” said Algarve resident John McGarvey from Donegal. He has had plenty of practice himself, having spent 25 years in Africa. Among the many non-Irish present, Jack Vive from Pretoria grilled some genuine South African boerewors.
Dublin-born Julie Fortune pointed out that money raised at the barbecue would help finance the Society’s celebration of St Patrick’s Day in March. From that major event comes their main annual contribution to local charities.
Among the Society’s other planned events are a quiz night in November, a mulled wine and mince pie party in December, and a putting competition in February.
For more information, please contact Jenny Gannon on 282 352 022 or email [email protected]
To join the society, please contact Helen Cafolla on 282 352530 or email [email protected]
