'Ah but sure the Guinness is only good in Ireland....'

Let's be honest; you've heard this being said and/or you've said it. Aside from the fact that it's true, I can't help but feel this cliché means more to myself and my fellow Irish-Aussies than just a superior pint of black.

17 March, St Patrick's Day. There is no other country in the world that can convince all other countries to celebrate their national day. Today is quite literally a global celebration of Irish culture, and long may it continue. But for me, and I suspect many other Irish immigrants, it's no different to any other day.

One could be forgiven for seeing a contradiction that the 2 million+ Irish in Australia wax lyrical about our 'wee country' at every opportunity, yet live on the other side of the planet. I get it; but I can safely say that finding a more loyal, patriotic bunch of advocates than the Irish diaspora you will not. If Saint Patrick's day is a day to celebrate all things Irish, then every day is 17 March for myself and my fellow craic-havers down under.

Since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 the Irish, by will or not, have been part of the fabric of Australia and whilst we're extremely proud of this, we're even more proud of our little island and everything it represents. The sense of community amongst Irish overseas can't be overstated and with our unique traditions and colloquialisms engrained in each and every one of us, this is obvious for all to see.

So when I'm enjoying a pint of plain in the Sydney sun this afternoon, I'll be missing family and friends back home but will take warmth in that friendly accent from another table '..the Guinness really is much better back home..'