D. Anthony Luton, Sunday Gleaner ReporterYesterday was St. Patrick's Day for the Irish and it brought unimaginableluck. Ireland, backed by hundreds of screaming and drinking fans downed Pakistan in their Group D game at Sabina Park, prompting some Irish fans into believing their team will go straight to the semi-finals.
?Bring on the West Indies,? shouted one Irishman.
Leprechauns, laughter and good luck are symbols of St. Patrick?s Day for the Irish and there was no shortage of that at Sabina Park yesterday. Add liquor and you get a passionate nation who goes wild when luck goes its way.
Even though fans were optimistic in following their beloved cricket team to the Caribbean for the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup, many thought they were here just to party. But surprises do spring up when you get lucky.
Only the brave wagered money on them beating Pakistan, but those who did smiled all the way to the bank. Judging by the merrymaking at Sabina Park last evening, it is going to be hard to contain the Irish if they take a couple more sips.
One Irishman may not be among them. He may be charged under the Sunset Legislation for entering the field of play, which is prohibited under the security laws governing the tournament.
Irish fan escorted out
He had to be escorted out of the park after he jumped on to the field, minutes after the umpires offered the batsmen light and called for the covers due to afternoon showers.
Irish fans in the Party Stand, where the man was a patron, said their countryman, who they said was ?under the influence?, entered the park because he thought the game was over, and that Ireland had just won their first World Cup game.
Up to press time last night it was uncertain whether charges have been laid against him. If he is charged and found guilty, he faces a fine of up to $100,000 or 30 days in jail.
