From left, Caleb and Mark Williams enjoy green beer at McCarthy’s Irish Pub on March 16. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

The luck of the Irish brought unseasonably warm weather to Port Clinton on March 16, when hundreds of people celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a day early at local restaurants and bars. McCarthy’s Irish Pub was elbow-to-elbow with people who came to drink green beer, watch Irish dancers and listen to the 87th Cleveland Pipe Band play traditional bagpipes.

At Slater’s Food and Spirits in the Port Clinton Plaza, the band, “Three Men and a Lass from the Bog,” played Irish music as customers enjoyed Guinness stew or corned beef and cabbage dinners. Among them were Jeff and Georgia Auxter of Port Clinton and their friend, Kim Craig, of Marblehead.

From left, Jeff Auxter, Kim Craig and Georgia Auxter enjoyed Irish food at Slater’s Food and Spirits on March 16. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“The food has always been wonderful here. Everything is homemade,” Georgia said. “They really work together as a team.”

Bill Brown sat at the bar and enjoyed Slater’s unique Guinness-infused version of the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. He had more than a holiday to celebrate. He was also celebrating his granddaughter’s good health.

Bill is the grandfather of four-year-old Hazel Brown, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The community has supported Hazel and her family with donations, hands-on help and countless prayers.

“She’s doing fantastic. She’s going to Seattle for treatment, but she’s doing well and has had no side effects,” Bill said. “I’d like to ask the community to keep those prayers coming.”

Michael Henry performed at McCarthy’s with the 87th Cleveland Pipe Band on March 16. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)