I love going to the Irish Club even if there isn’t an event planned. I love to sit by the fire with a Guinness. I enjoy seeing and chatting with the people who are often there when I go. I like the comfortable atmosphere. I’m happy if there is Celtic music playing softly in the background and I’m making my way through the liabrary of books. If someone tells me a joke or story and makes me laugh I’ve had a great outing.
I am now a new member and a board member and I must admit that it was thrilling the first time I returned to the club in this new capacity, approached the bar, planning to make myself comfortable as usual in a quiet corner with my Guinness; was heartily greeted by Ted and told “Hugh and the gang are all in the back”. That was a special and very different feeling than simply being an unknown guest. From my perspective, I expect to meet a certain kind of person and to experience a very particular kind of feeling when I come to the Irish Club. And let me tell you that I have never been disappointed yet. Extroverted, sharp-witted, wry-humoured and fun-loving, kind-hearted people and a warm, inviting; very comfortable atmosphere.
Now I am attending events and I have the new perspective of helping the functioning of the club as director of membership and I am interested in the quality of the event as well as the “Irishness” of the event details. I have been to the November movie and pizza night, Pub nights in November and December, Tara Players, Carol Night and the New Years Eve party. I like the idea of Irish movie night; it is a good event for my daughter who is 16 and I to attend together and for her to bring friends to. This is an event we will continue to support. Sadly, though, I missed Mad Plaid.
There was a full house at the first Pub night in November with Tarry Trousers which is what you need for this kind of event. This talented band of musicians is fun and rousing enough led by Robert Rheubottom on vocals to get people singing and with their choice of music everyone is bound to know most of the lyrics. Bar service is always excellent at the club. Irish stew with biscuits and chips were served. The second pub night in December with Tarry Trousers was well attended but less so. The band was brilliant again and I even found myself singing along and felt well-cheered. More people need to know about this event. The pub grub: Irish stew or cheese and beer soup and buns needs improvement. Brilliant Irish dancing by the McDonnell Dancers was a highlight of both Pub Nights, and is just the kind of addition that makes this kind of event great.
Tara Players: the last Saturday dinner theatre performance had a full house. Having two shorter plays was a good idea: Gone Tomorrow and The Workhouse Ward. I did not have dinner so no comment there. I always find the Tara Players performances special with some of the finest acting I’ve seen anywhere. The settings at the two plays as usual were humble and that is part of the magic that is created by play and actor. The actors in Gone Tomorrow fulfilled their roles with vitality and superb body language. The Workhouse Ward was highly entertaining and captivating, performed by obviously seasoned actors.
Carol Night December 17th had a more than full house so I would say that this is a favourite event among members. The Irish Myst Choir was wonderful and I thought it a delightful bonus to be served food made by the choir. A highlight for me was the singing of The Twelve Days of Christmas with everyone in the club divided into groups and assigned a verse.
New Years Eve was poorly attended but those who did attend were treated to a fun evening. The DJ played his way through the decades with a good selection of favourite dance songs. I arrived in the 50’s and later recognized songs from my sock hop days of the 70’s. The dance floor was almost always full. A thoughtful addition was the sentimental favourite ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling’. The social lunch was superb and I now know that not all salamis are created equal, I must know where you got that salami Rick and perhaps you and Barbara wouldn’t mind giving dance lessons. The Guinness cake made by Clare was an extra treat. I much prefer this event to a large, soulless gathering which I have experienced in the past I guess we’ll have to serve dinner next year if we want more guests.
