This was the third AICSC annual charity dinner dance in Dublin, but for the newly formed Belfast Shamrock, only the first. As you can imagine, the clubs first big drinking session was eagerly anticipated by all and was built up further by Celtic clinching an historic treble just a few months earlier! And Martin didn’t disappoint us again as he brought a large number of the first team squad over, including guest of honour Tom Boyd, and of course three fantastic, gleaming trophies.

In attendance from our club were of course, Chairman and AICSC Secretary Mickey Kelly, Secretary Frankie McKay and Treasurer Connor Mulholland - or the official delegation as they are known! The rest of the ‘rabble’ (pictured below) are from left to right: Cathal McCloskey, Mickey McDaid, Gregory Mulholland, Brian McAuley, Rory O’Kane, Stephen O’Hare, Paul O’Hara, Joe Rotherham, Peter McLaughlin, Aidan O’Kane, Tom McCloskey and Emma Hunter - Joe Sweeney was at the bar!!

The dinner dance was to take place at the impressive CityWest Hotel on the outskirts of Dublin, a huge venue with ample room for the hundreds of Celtic bhoys and ghirls, not to mention a few more talented ones such as Charlie and the Bhoys and Uisce Beatha!

The night started casually with a few stout and plenty of jokes and tall tales as our members from far and wide got reacquainted. Already it was clear that this was going to be one hell of a night! When inside the giant function room all were seated, and for some reason BSCSC were located directly in front of the main table. No doubt a few strings had been pulled by our own ‘Mr Celtic’!! Then a huge roar erupted as our beloved bhoys began to enter, with Sutton carrying the Scottish Cup, Lennon the CIS Cup and of course Martin the Maestro holding the championship trophy firmly in his grasp. What a sight! Then as the heroes took their seats, it became apparent that AICSC members were placed in between each Celt. And who do you think was seated between Martin and Lennon but the crafty bearded one himself. “Unbelievable!”

The formalities of such an occasion duly followed, with a top class meal and impeccable service for such a large gathering of barely sober Celtic fanatics. As we tucked in and the banter flowed, it was clear that Martin and Michael were developing a close bond with one another. At one stage, I swear Martin had his arm around him, with Neil Lennon looking extremely bored or just plain jealous!

I think Mickey was advising Martin on tactics for the up and coming Champions League adventure and how to keep the dark forces at bay in the new season. Whatever they were, they worked a treat!

The speeches, hosted by Celtics own Tony Hamilton, then followed directly after the meal with the newly appointed Chief Executive Ian McLeod was up first. He gave a friendly, confident talk on his aspirations for the club and was met with a warm round of applause. Guest of Honour Tom Boyd then gave a humble, slightly nervous speech about his time at Celtic with his love for the club clearly evident to all present. He was met with a standing ovation from the crowd showing total respect and massive appreciation for a newly crowded and deserved Celtic legend. Of course, the great MON was next to go and, as the script indicated, duly stole the show! He gave a fantastic speech mixing passion, determination and true Irish wit, which was great stuff to listen to and be part of. He humorously slagged off each of his players present, especially the “ugly” Neil Lennon, embarrassing each in front of their adoring fans. It must have worked just as the great man had planned, as Tommy Johnson and Jackie McNamara both found the net the next day against Shelbourne.

All the Celtic personnel then retired to their hotel in preparation for the game the next day, leaving the scene for the party animals to take it into the wee small hours and beyond. Unfortunately for all, Dance to Tipperary were to start the music festivities. They were truly awful and were booed off to make way for more Celtic legends in Charlie and the Bhoys.

By now the Guinness was well and truly flowing and Tom was getting a terrible ribbing over “that pink shirt” – justified, who can say! Eh Frankie?

Barney McAuley was also passing round a ‘wee drop’ in a hip flask, but most of it seemed to be going down the shirt and onto the floor! Our stunning female member was also gathering many admirers, mainly in the ‘suave’ O’Kane and ‘sly’ Sweenster! Many more were up dancing and singing to the lively music as they struggled to keep upright on the packed dance floor. Great stuff indeed!!

A few hours later, those left standing were then ‘forced’ into the large foyer where Uisce Beatha were just starting up. As you can imagine this part of the night was significantly blurred, but all remember that the band were brilliant!! The night ended with a few stragglers talking to a Kerryman about their chances in this years championship, while none could stand never mind form opinions!!

The next day, hangovers were clearly the order of the day, but as we began the journey northwards, all agreed it was one crazy, fantastic night to remember!