WATERLOO -- The Dublin City Ramblers popped by Jameson's Public House for a quick "soda."

A round of frosty malt beverages was a refreshing breather for the trio and their manager, John Ryan, who rolled into town just hours before taking the stage at Irish Fest Sunday afternoon. A series of flight delays snowballed into a more than 24-hour journey from Dublin, Ireland.

Things went more smoothly for Irish Fest organizers and fans over the weekend. Unlike last summer's wet and humid conditions, the weather was great for the festival's second year.

Buck Clark, Jameson's owner and entertainment director for the fest, said today he was pleased with the turnout.

"We've had both ends of the extreme, really, and this year was just absolutely gorgeous every day with tolerable humidities and clear skies and no rain," Clark said. "What a great weekend. We've had the best and the worst, and we certainly like the best better."

And he was pleased to introduce a group the caliber of the Dublin City Ramblers Sunday.

"We're going to close out with a great, great group here," Clark told an estimated 200 gathered at Lincoln Park.

Leader Sean McGuinness, on banjo, mandolin and vocals, bass player Tom Miller and guitarist Derrick Keane didn't waste any time greeting the crowd with their first number, "It's Good to See You."

Foot-tapping and clapping seemed contagious as the three blended authentic Irish music with humorous, witty intermissions. They also performed tunes by request.

"You all have to clap together," McGuinness joked. "Whoever doesn't clap together has to buy a drink for the whole house -- and the band. And trust me, it's much cheaper to buy for the house."

"Our music is quite rousing," added McGuinness, with his thick Irish accent. "When the Ramblers play it, it's always party time. We like everybody to join in. We have a little slogan of our own. We always say, 'There's no strangers here, just friends you haven't yet met.' "

Like during "The Holy Ground," McGuinness recruited some help.

"Would you stand up for a second?" he ordered an unsuspecting Mary Ann Dillon. "Mary Ann's from Waterloo, and she's going to sing the chorus all by herself."

Whoops rang out, as an embarrassed Dillon ducked back into her seat.

"Stand up before I go down and get you," McGuinness called to her from the stage. "Stand up, please."

With some reassurance -- or maybe no other choice -- she belted out, "Fine girl you are!" on cue.

"I don't know how they picked me out of all these people," Dillon said later, laughing. "I thought maybe there was a Mary Ann behind me and I was trying to get out of the way."

Dillon's husband, Brendan, is from County Cork, Ireland. After living in Boston for 24 years, the two are now retired and reside in Waterloo.

Partway through the show, McGuinness directed the crowd to a table with CDs for sale. Proceeds, he said, would help cover medical bills for Miller's grandma, who successfully underwent a "serious procedure."

"And why she wants breast implants at (age) 107, we have no idea," McGuinness joked.

Tess Dalton of Milwaukee and a group of more than 10 women -- aunts, sisters-in-law, sisters, nieces and a grandma -- pulled up benches next to the stage. They were spending girls' weekend with a family friend.

Dalton met McGuinness at the Milwaukee Irish Fest in 1985, and he used to perform at a Milwaukee bar she owned for several years. Her father is from Killarney, Ireland, and her daughter dances with the world-renown Trinity Irish Dancers, another festival act.

McGuinness and his wife, Breda, have stayed at Dalton's house, and she with them in Ireland.

According to www.dublincityramblers.com, the Ramblers is Ireland's No. 1 ballad and folk group. Known as the Dublin City Ramblers since 1970, the band has released more than 30 albums, including eight gold records.

The Dublin City Ramblers trace their roots to 1960s Irish folk bands The Jolly Tinkers and later The Quare Fellas, both of which were founded by Dublin-born McGuinness, 59.

"We're one of few authentic Irish ballad/folk groups left," McGuinness said. "A lot of the songs give a history of Ireland. Every song has a tale behind it. And there's a whole new generation out there looking for the music all over again."

Clark, the entertainment director, began the process of booking festival bands in December.

"I wanted a good mix," Clark said. "Some of the younger like the faster stuff, and some of the older folks like the slower stuff."

The Ramblers continue their tour at Menominee, Michigan, today, with other gigs in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington and New York this month.

"Who's driving today?" McGuinness asked at the end of the two-hour show. "Be very careful. Don't forget your car."

Contact Tina Hinz at (319) 291-1484 or tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com.