DISTANCE, it seems, is irrelevant, at least for the organisers of London's most exciting "visual party". With the aid of the latest video technology, the customers of Waxy O'Connor's pub in Leicester Square were linked with Dublin's Playwright Pub and with Murphy's Brewery in Cork, as part of their St Patrick's Day celebrations yesterday.
The event was one of the highlights for the Irish population in London, which was spoilt for choice this year, with events ranging from set dancing at the Croydon Irish Centre to the blessing of sham rocks and prayers for peace in Northern Ireland at Willesden Green Library in north-west London.
One customer at Waxy O'Connor's waiting to use the videolink to talk to his family in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, said he thought it was a "novel form of communication", which would "certainly shock my mother and father". Another customer said she had hoped that a link could be set up So she could talk to her boyfriend in America, "but I don't think I could afford the cost of the phone call".
In north London, the second Finsbury Park Fleadh took place at the weekend. On the main stage, Sting was supported by The Chieftains, Luka Bloom and Christy Moore, while on the Time Out stage Clannad, Jools Holland, 10,000 Maniacs and Christie Hennessy provided the musical entertainment.
In south London, the Battersea Arts Centre began a three-week Irish festival yesterday which will include the premiere of Dermot Bolger's play Baby Jean.
Last week, during a trip to Manchester and Warrington, the President, Mrs Robinson, officially opened the local Irish festivals. The celebrations in Manchester began with a Mass in St Chad's Church celebrated by the Bishop of Salford in Warrington the fleadh continued on the theme of reconciliation endorsed by President Robinson, with prayers dedicated to the victims of violence in Northern Ireland.
The St Patrick's Day highlight in Birmingham saw a parade through the centre of the city led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mr David Roy. Some of the day's entertainment was provided by the O'Neill Pipe Band from Co Monaghan, the Castlerea Brass Band from Co Roscommon and the Buncrana Accordion Band.
One of the most unusual events of the day took place at a local hall in Islington, London, where 180 participants were invited to compete for the title of "Best Irish Leprechaun", a fancy dress bonanza dreamed up by local residents. Lily Quinn, a six-year-old schoolgirl, said she hoped she would win, even though her false beard "is really itchy and I look like a boy".