|
Mairead Sariego, a native of Northern Ireland, talks about her journey to the Imperial Valley while enjoying a St. Patrick's Day dinner at the El Centro Eagles Lodge. The event and dinner was staged by the Claddagh Club of the Imperial Valley. (ERIC MILLER PHOTO / March 17, 2013) |
More than 50 years ago, Mairead Sariego said she received a letter from her godmother’s aunt, which stated a school by the name of St. Mary’s School in El Centro was in need of teachers.
Sariego, a native of Northern Ireland, said she agreed to help and came to the Imperial Valley with the intention of returning to Ireland after two years.
“The first week I was here I met my husband,” Sariego said. “His parents were from Spain but he was born here in the Imperial Valley.”
It goes without saying Sariego stayed in the Valley well over her two-year vow and saw her five children and numerous grandchildren grow up in the area.
Although Sariego misses the green hills of Ireland, she said the Claddagh Club of Imperial Valley has allowed her to continue to celebrate her Irish culture.
On Sunday, the club held its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner, complete with traditional Irish songs to celebrate the day.
“I enjoy this event very much,” Sariego said. “It’s very lively with the music. All we’re missing is the Irish dancers.”
The dinner, which was prepared and cooked by two club members, featured brisket, boiled potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
“Beef is reserved for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day,” said Jeff Hester, one of the cooks. “We started preparing the meat (on Saturday) and cooked up everything else on (Sunday).”
Hester said in addition to enjoying a good meal, the event gave the local Irish community the opportunity to open its doors to other community members.
“This is a day to celebrate our culture and share it with other people,” Hester said. “We welcome strangers to come, sit, eat and enjoy a meal.”
Pamela Mills-Morita, club president, echoed Hester’s sentiment, and said the club’s name reflected a large part of the Irish culture.
“Claddagh means friendship in Irish,” she said. “We’re all here to celebrate our heritage and share it with others.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
To join the discussion and add your comments to this story, please click here to be directed to Facebook.
Sariego, a native of Northern Ireland, said she agreed to help and came to the Imperial Valley with the intention of returning to Ireland after two years.
“The first week I was here I met my husband,” Sariego said. “His parents were from Spain but he was born here in the Imperial Valley.”
It goes without saying Sariego stayed in the Valley well over her two-year vow and saw her five children and numerous grandchildren grow up in the area.
Although Sariego misses the green hills of Ireland, she said the Claddagh Club of Imperial Valley has allowed her to continue to celebrate her Irish culture.
On Sunday, the club held its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner, complete with traditional Irish songs to celebrate the day.
“I enjoy this event very much,” Sariego said. “It’s very lively with the music. All we’re missing is the Irish dancers.”
The dinner, which was prepared and cooked by two club members, featured brisket, boiled potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
“Beef is reserved for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day,” said Jeff Hester, one of the cooks. “We started preparing the meat (on Saturday) and cooked up everything else on (Sunday).”
Hester said in addition to enjoying a good meal, the event gave the local Irish community the opportunity to open its doors to other community members.
“This is a day to celebrate our culture and share it with other people,” Hester said. “We welcome strangers to come, sit, eat and enjoy a meal.”
Pamela Mills-Morita, club president, echoed Hester’s sentiment, and said the club’s name reflected a large part of the Irish culture.
“Claddagh means friendship in Irish,” she said. “We’re all here to celebrate our heritage and share it with others.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
To join the discussion and add your comments to this story, please click here to be directed to Facebook.
