PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — St. Patrick’s Day weekend kicked off with a one-two punch in Portland this year — and we’re not talking about pounding headaches brought on by too much Guinness.
Kells Irish Pub held its annual boxing event Friday night under a big top tent on Southwest 1st Avenue and Southwest Pine Street.
The 2019 Kells Smoker featured live matches between amateur boxers from Ireland and the U.S.
Hundreds of spectators — boxing enthusiasts or otherwise — filled the tent to watch the fights, enjoy Jameson-based cocktails and smoke cigars to the sounds of boxing bells, cheering and odds shouting.
Many who attended made their way into the pub after the matches concluded to enjoy live Irish music and a less-smoky atmosphere.
PHOTOS: Kells Irish Pub celebrates St. Paddy’s Day the Irish way