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2018 Magners Sydney Irish Festival arrives this Nov

The 2018 Magners Sydney Irish Festival takes over the Showgrounds later this year.

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The 2018 Magners Sydney Irish Festival will be coming to the Sydney Showgrounds this November. So what better way to get into the Irish spirit this St Patrick’s Day than to grab your tickets to the Irish Festival.

The Festival will be held over two days at the Showgrounds, on Saturday 10 November and Sunday 11 November. The event is a celebration of all things Irish, combining art, culture, music, food, drink and sport. The weekend culminates in a hurling match on the festival’s final day, with two Championship-winning teams travelling all the way from Ireland to compete for the 2018 Wild Geese Trophy.

The Trophy will be fought for between reigning All Ireland champions Galway, and the winner of the 2018 National Hurling League. The game is a fully sanctioned, competitive match and marks the first time a full format hurling game will be played outside of Ireland.

Hurling explained:

For those unfamiliar with the sport, hurling sits under the body of the Gaelic Athletic Association. It’s played on a rectangular pitch, with 15 players per side. Players use a wooden stick (called a Hurley), and to score they must hit the ball into their opposition’s goal. The ball must travel between the goalposts, with one point awarded over the crossbar and three points under the crossbar, into the net that is guarded by a goalkeeper. The ball can be most likened to a baseball. It is an extremely fast and physical sport.

Did we mention the Guinness World Record attempt?

Before the festival ends with the hurling on Sunday, there will be plenty more happening across the two days to get excited about. On the Saturday you will see traditional Irish dance performances, competitions, hurling clinics, amusement rides, meet and greet autograph sessions with players, as well as a Guinness World Record attempt, with an effort to make the world’s biggest Irish stew! There will be plenty more activities happening to suit all ages.

On the Sunday, it will all begin with the Big Irish Brunch and plenty more activities, live music and a welcome parade as the teams enter the stadium. Tip-off for the game will be at 3:30pm.

Of course, there will be plenty of bars and food stalls across both days as well.

Plus, there’s live music!

The first artists to perform over the weekend have also been announced, with Damian Dempsey to headline the stage on Saturday 10 November. Dempsey is a part of a rich bloodline of Irish singers, with a distinctive Dublin voice. His music can be described as a fusion of reggae with traditional Irish music, combined with rock and folk. He has recently released Soulsun, his seventh studio album.

Lúnasa will be supporting Dempsey, one of the most influential traditional Irish music bands, as well as Saint Sister for their first Australian performance.

You can grab tickets to both days of the Festival and match, or single tickets to either day via Ticketmaster.com.au.

VIP passes are also available to either the Sky Deck Function or the Hogan Function. The Sky Deck Function provides a premium gourmet BBQ, a private bar, with premium reserved seating and deck viewing area. The Hogan Function grants a gourmet grazing menu, a premium beverage package, premium reserved seating and entertainment with special guests.