Stevenage’s mayor and borough council leader were among the dignitaries who joined the town’s Irish community for their St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The Comet: Stevenage mayor Pam Stuart with consort Tony Turner, Sophie Jacobs from the Irish Embassy and Irish Network Stevenage chairman Luke Donovan. Picture: INSStevenage mayor Pam Stuart with consort Tony Turner, Sophie Jacobs from the Irish Embassy and Irish Network Stevenage chairman Luke Donovan. Picture: INS (Image: Archant)

The Irish Network Stevenage’s celebratory meal at the town’s Holiday Inn featured a traditional bacon and cabbage lunch, and culminated with chairman Luke Donovan presenting the mayor Pam Stuart with a shamrock.

Sophie Jacobs from the Irish Embassy in London was also among the 190 guests, as were council leader Sharon Taylor and councillors Richard Henry, Jackie Hollywell, John Gardner and Michelle Gardner.

The Comet: The Grant School of Irish Dancers with Sophie Jacobs from the Irish Embassy, Stevenage mayor's consort Tony Turner, mayor Pam Stuart, Irish Network Stevenage vice-chair Peggy Lyons and chairman Luke Donovan. Picture: INSThe Grant School of Irish Dancers with Sophie Jacobs from the Irish Embassy, Stevenage mayor's consort Tony Turner, mayor Pam Stuart, Irish Network Stevenage vice-chair Peggy Lyons and chairman Luke Donovan. Picture: INS (Image: Archant)

The mayor expressed her appreciation for the INS and its work with older members of the community. There was entertainment from the Grant School of Irish Dancing and musicians Kim Sellick and Mike Bowers.

To find out more about the INS, call 01438 725400 or email info@irishnetworkstevenage.org.uk.