Irish Network Japan

INJ Press Release

28 February 2003

Saint Patrick's Day Festival in Tokyo
Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Saint Patrick's Sports Day: 15 and 16 March 2003

Come and join the fun at the 12th Tokyo Saint Patrick's day Parade Sunday 16th March!

The Irish flags lining the elegant Omotesando Dori near Harajuku, are for this year's Tokyo Saint Patrick's Day Parade. It will take place on Sunday March 16th from 2pm and will be led by the Irish Ambassador and a number of VIP guests.

Almost one thousand people participated in the parade last year and about 10,000 people lined the street to watch. Participants this year will include all the colourful music and dance groups from previous years as well as this year's special guests.

At a reception to launch the Tokyo Saint Patrick's Day Festival, the Ambassador of Ireland Padraig Murphy said: " As Ireland is hosting the first ever Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held outside of the United States in June, it is a great honour that some members of the Japan squad should join the Parade, I hope that they will enjoy the day and I wish them every success in the World Summer Games"

This year's line-up will be distinguished with the participation of the following groups:

The Tokyo Pipe Band,
The US Army Band
Senshu University in Tokyo
Nihon Daigaku Brass band
University Alumnae from the main Irish colleges and a number of other Irish or friends of Ireland
CCE Japan and the Eastern Japan Irish Dancers Association
Saint Patrick and other figures from Irish folklore will add colour to the day!

Time: 2-4 pm on Sunday 16th March
Parade Start: Omotesando Dori Opposite Oriental Bazaar
For further information see: www.inj.or.jp or email: info@inj.or.jp

Saturday March 15th
Saint Patrick's Sports Day

The St. Patrick's Day Sports Day is the event that kicks off the St. Patrick's Day weekend mood here in Tokyo. Held in the Yokohama Country and Athletics Club (YCAC) grounds in Yamate, Yokohama, this event is a great day out for all ages and nationalities!

The event starts with a soccer competition between the hosts, (YCAC), and players from the two top Irish teams in the Tokyo Amateur League. The Irish traditional sports of Hurling and Irish football feature throughout the day. "Puc Fada" tests the skills of players of the age-old Irish sport of Hurling. Gaelic Football (GAA) will be played by the Ladies GAA team, a Japanese High School team and again in the main event of the day, the Ned Kelly Cup which is a Compromise Rules game between the Australian "Goannas" and the Japan Irish.

A penalty shoot-out competition and basketball will be happening throughout the day for everybody, there will also be musical chairs, 3-legged races, Face-painting and a playground plus many games for the kids to enjoy.

Other fun events for the adults include a Tug-of-War, relay races and basketball.

Also on offer: a fine bar and restaurant within the YCAC grounds which is open throughout the day. In the evening, you can relax and mingle while enjoying Irish Music performed by Irish and Japanese musicians in the YCAC bar.

Come along .........and wear something green!

Time: 10-5 on Saturday 15th March
Venues: YCAC Nearest Station Yamate Negishi Line
For further information and map see: www.inj.or.jp

The Schedule of the day is as follows:
Kanto Celts v Hibernians 10.00 to 10.45 - Soccer
Penalty Shoot Out 10.45 to 11.00 - Soccer
YCAC v Losers 11.00 to 11.45 - Soccer
Penalty Shoot Out 11.45 to 12.00 - Soccer
Azumano J.H.S Gaelic Football 12.00 to 12.30 - Gaelic Football
Puc Fada 12.30 to 13.00 - Hurling
Ladies GAA 13.00 to 13.45 - Soccer
Penalty Shoot Out 13.45 to 14.00 - Soccer
Winners v YCAC 14.00 to 14.45
Irish Dance Workshop 14.00 to 16.30 - everybody
Penalty Shoot Out 14.45 to 15.00 - Soccer
Ned Kelly Cup 15.00 to 16.15 (? Irish Rules, ? Australian rules)
Penalty Shoot Out Final 16.15 to 16.30 - Soccer
Music: Celi Music in the Bar 16.30 to 19.00
Tug of War 16.30 to 16.50 - everybody
Relay Race 16.55 to 17.05 - everybody
Presentation Ceremony + Closing Speech 17.15
Note: the event is cancelled in the event of rain

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