Tradition passed to next generation

KIRK HARGREAVES/The Press

GOOD CHEER: Seaneen and Mark McKenzie celebrate St Patrick's Day with daughter Caoimhe, 15 months, at Bailies Irish Bar.

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Everybody's Irish on St Patrick's Day, but some make the extra effort to show their colours.

Seaneen McKenzie was among thousands in Christchurch to celebrate a cold, wet start to St Patrick's Day.

She said the weather did not put a damper on celebrations at Bailies Irish Bar in Cathedral Square.

"It's got nothing to do with the weather; it's about the day and the special occasion," she said.

McKenzie, 35, bought 15-month-old daughter Caoimhe (pronounced Keva) a new outfit to celebrate the day. The ensemble included a dress, socks and shoes covered in shamrocks, as well as a matching bow to wear in her hair.

"Obviously us dressing her up is trying to set her up for the tradition as well," McKenzie said.

"I'm hoping that as she gets older she'll love dressing up too. I'm hoping she'll be pleased and proud that we did that for her."

Born in New Zealand to Irish parents, McKenzie said her heritage had always loomed large in her life.

"It was sort of instilled in me from an early age and I suppose I've just carried on the tradition," she said.

The day was a chance to honour Ireland's patron saint, but more recently it had become a celebration of people's Irish roots, she said.

An Irish dancer since the age of seven and a former national champion, McKenzie has travelled to Ireland three times – once for the world championships, then on her OE and most recently with her husband of four years, Mark, who she married on St Patrick's Day.

The pair celebrated their anniversary on a separate day, she said.

Yesterday, they started with breakfast at Bailies before an Irish bar crawl, finishing at the home of McKenzie's parents.

Bailies staff laid in 40 kegs of Guinness for yesterday's celebrations.

- © Fairfax NZ News