ROUNDING off a beautiful day with a beautiful night up in Harry's was the friendliest bunch of people Night Owl has come across in ages. The gang were gathered in honour of a true gentleman by the name of Pat.

Avid darts fan Pat Gorman reached his very own treble twenty milestone on Saturday night in the company of his family and close friends.

But until Pat arrived in Harry's he didn't know a thing about it. He thought he was going for a quiet bite to eat in the company of his lovely wife Patricia, only to get the shock of his life when he walked into the waiting throng.

'And he was starving - he hadn't eaten a thing all day!' laughed Dolores Mulkearns as the celebrations swung into gear. And yet ravenous Pat was too polite to tuck in to the considerable spread, busy as he was greeting the steady flow of smiling wellwishers streaming in as Night Owl came through the door.

Joining Pat to celebrate his turning 60 were Patricia (for whom Pat will have to pull out all the stops now when her 60th rolls round – though it looks like he has plenty of time to think about that one yet), daughter Lisa and son Anthony, daughterin-law Niamh and sonin-law Gerard, and definitely not forgetting some very important members of the clan, grandchildren Michaela, Jack, Megan and nine-month-old Aaron.

Also celebrating the occasion with Pat, who is apparently the baby of the bunch, were sisters Tam and Marie, brother-in-law Richard Tinley and big brother Jim, who lives out on the Donore Road opposite Marie and very close to the old homestead where their mother Jane lived until her passing not so long ago.

Another brother, Noel, who many people would remember from Solomon's on West St unfortunately passed away just a few months ago, but was certainly there in spirit.

Lisa Cummins from St Finian's Park was a ball of bubbly energy and a great help to Night Owl in introducing many of the cast of players at the party. Honestly, this woman should be an event hostess or something! Thanks Lisa! We just had time to persuade Lisa and husband Eugene into a photo.

Next it was the turn of Anthony and Anne Lynch, Patricia Reilly and Sean and Dolores Mulkearns from Elmwood.

Dolores grew up with Pat's wife Patricia and the couples know each other over thirty years. Fellow member Sean gave Night Owl the lowdown on Pat's endeavours with The Pheasant darts team.

Pat and the lads reached the John 'Speedy' Heavey cup final for the third year in a row this year and the decider will be played in the next couple of weeks. Coming up short on the first two occasions, the team are hoping it's going to be third time lucky this time round. The very best of luck to ye, gentlemen!

When Dolores heard Sean and myself talking about Pat's passion for darts, she leaned forward conspiratorially, and whispered loudly: 'Don't forget to call him 'Rats' now when you see Pat!' ('Rats' being Pat's nickname among the local darts constabulary of the town). One can only assume it is a term of endearment.

Yes, there was plenty of love and affection up in Harry's on Saturday night. It certainly turned Night Owl's frown upside down. So, saying goodbye to the good people of the hour, the Owl commenced his journey back down the hill to town with a definite skip in his step. Positive vibes will do that for you. Anyway, congratulations again Pat!

- Tony LEDDY