Pools' Irish contingent was out in town last week to get in the mood for today's St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Denis Behan, Joe Gamble, Colin Larkin and Alan Power went along to The Park Inn on Park Road, Hartlepool where landlord Ricky Hanlon had decorated the bar in all things Irish.

The Pools quartet were in good spirits and were quickly persuaded to get kitted out in their Guinness-branded hats and t-shirts.

After a few games of pool and a chat with the Hartlepool Mail, the players put on a good show for the photographers.

The players were joined by Sticks McLoughlin who plays in Irish band Streams of Whiskey - they'll be playing this Saturday (20^th March) from 9.30pm in The Park Inn.