Message from the Ulster Centre Chairman

The 58^th Irish National Rally took place over the Easter Holiday weekend in the far North of Ireland, on spacious green rugby grounds, within easy reach of Derry City. There were 110 outfits in attendance from all areas within the British Isles and we had the pleasure of the presence of the current Chairman of the Caravan Club, Grenville Chamberlain, and the recent former Chairman, Bob Black, with their respective partners. The weather, for so early in the year was mainly very kind and much sunshine added to the enjoyment of all.

We had many green playing pitches where the children could roam wild-and-free, and the Rugby Club provided comfortable function rooms, and a well-stocked bar, in the club pavilion. During on-site functions the pleasure of the occasion was greatly enhanced by the entertainment and chat provided by Herbie, the hard working (and easy-talking) bar manager.  The children will remember his magic tricks for a long time to come!

The Official Opening & Ecumenical Service on Saturday morning was a well-paced and moving ceremony, enhanced by the participation of many young members and this occasion set the mood for a relaxed and friendly rally, where all felt very welcome. The Mayor of Londonderry, Mr Gerard Diver was present and there was excellent music provided by the extended Buick family from the City who were a great asset to this occasion. The officiating Clergy were the Reverend Robert Buick and Father Neal Carlin, who both spoke in an inspiring fashion. The Reverend Buick is also notable as an Ulster Centre Member. The ‘theme tune’ for this rally, Danny Boy (The Londonderry Air) was played - a world-famous Irish melody, which originated nearby. A collection was taken during this event in support of the essential work of the local Foyle Hospice. Thanks are due to Robin McGarry for organising a very enjoyable event.

The rally was in an excellent location and most visitors took the opportunity to explore the glories of the beautiful North Antrim coast and the Giant’s Causeway and to travel into scenic County Donegal.  Some even made their way to Malin Head, the northernmost tip of Ireland, which is of course, in the ‘South’ (i.e. Republic) of Ireland!  During the rally many explored the nearby city and enjoyed the guided walks around the circuit of the magnificent city walls and learned much about this interesting place. The tour was most entertaining, thanks to local personality and tour guide, Martin McCrossan, who enlightened us about many things, including the half-dozen or more names used for the city.

There was incidental sporting entertainment on Saturday afternoon provided by the local rugby club’s first fifteen who played, and won, an exciting at-home match. On the Saturday evening the Caravan Club Irish Division dinner dance was held in the nearby White Horse Hotel, and an excellent meal was followed by entertainment provided by The Hudson Blue Band until late.

On Sunday evening an Irish Cultural Night showed off local talent, including the McKinney School of Irish Dance, talented Harper Alison Buick and the Kelly Family (regular ralliers with the Ulster Centre) on bagpipes and drums. A talk on the history of the Irish Harp and the Irish Bagpipes by club member Mark Doherty added to the evening’s entertainment and Scottish members were particularly enlightened to learn about the superiority of the Irish pipes!

There were 54 children in attendance and a packed programme kept them well entertained throughout the rally. Thanks are due primarily to the hard-working Dawn Kelly, the Fairy Godmother of the Ulster Centre, for organising this. There were many Easter-themed craft activities to keep junior members occupied and there was an on-site treasure hunt for the little ones. There were games for all the children and there is still no result available for the relay races as the enthusiastic cheating by all teams made a winner impossible to pick!  Teenagers were well entertained, with trips to the cinema and bowling alley in the evenings and most families made trips to the local swimming pool, which has a wave machine. The teenagers also had a treasure hunt at a dramatic ancient stone fort on the top of a nearby hill, where they could see a large expanse of Ireland laid out below them.

On the Monday morning there was a good attendance at the Irish Division AGM, with Grenville Chamberlain and also Brian Richardson the Caravan Club Executive Secretary, in attendance. A wide range of subjects was covered under the very capable and entertaining chairmanship of Christy Dunne. Although much important business was addressed, rarely has an AGM been so entertaining, with more laughter than many a comedy show.  Paul Cahill finished the meeting with a brief presentation revealing the location of the 2010 Irish Division National Rally in Dungarvan, Co Waterford hosted by the Munster Centre.

On Monday evening entertainment was provided by the splendid local singer Johnnie Vegas, who kept the dance floor busy all evening. A few of the ‘less young’ members really let their hair down and are probably still recovering, step forward Maurice and Marie Flanagan!

Everyone dispersed on Tuesday afternoon, having sampled some of the delights of the North-West of Ireland during mainly kind weather and all look forward to next year’s Irish Division National, to be hosted by the Munster Centre on the South Coast at Dungarvan, County Waterford.  Also take note of the Halloween rally of the Ulster Centre, which is also to be held in the Northwest, in the wild and dramatic Glenveagh National Park, an Estate with Castle, at a lake in the middle of the Derryveagh Mountains of County Donegal.

Many thanks are due to the Ulster Centre Committee, under the able chairmanship of Neil Stevenson and the many Club members who gave freely and cheerfully of their time to make this a rally to remember.