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SAY HELLO TO 10-IN-A-ROW!

It is hard to believe it was a whole decade ago when a group of like-minded Celtic supporters in Ireland came together with the rough idea of forming a coalition with the aim of representing the interests of the Hooped legions on this island, bolstering what was perceived then as the faltering Irish heritage of the club and generally promoting Celtic and its heritage in Ireland.

Ten years on and there was arguably no finer way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs than at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday 5th July, given that this yearly gathering consistently encapsulates all that is good about the Association and about being Celtic supporters – camaraderie; uniting bhoys and ghirls from all over Ireland (and beyond) in a shared passion for the Hoops; support for charity in the spirit of Brother Walfrid and...maybe the odd song or two as well!

So it was that just under one thousand revellers Hooped it up in some style, celebrating three-in-a-row and looking forward to the season to come.

However, in the midst of celebration, there was an opportunity to pause to commemorate. The Celtic family lost two cherished members this past year in Tommy Burns and Phil O'Donnell and they were remembered on the evening in story, song and video. Fittingly, indeed, the nominated charity for the evening was the O'Donnell Family Trust and great pride can be taken in the total figure of €7,500 raised on the night.

It was also apt in many ways that the Association’s Guest of Honour on the evening was Tom Boyd. Not only was Tom captain of that famous side that stopped ten-in-a-row in 1998 but he, of course, played alongside Phil, played under Tommy and, indeed, was taught at school by the late John Cushley of the Lisbon Lions squad who also passed on recently. Poignant words from Tom met with great applause from all in attendance as he paid to tribute to all three for their commitment to football (and, more particularly, Celtic), family and faith.

Other legends of yesteryear joining in the celebrations in Dublin were Charlie Gallagher and John Fallon. John is a good friend of the Association and was welcomed back as one of the family as he took time to mingle with the fans all night. This was Charlie’s first visit to the Citywest but, hopefully, not his last and the Irish supporters made clear their pride in his achievements in the colours of Ireland and Celtic.

Ten years ago, such an example of dual representation at Celtic Park was rare but it was great to see an Irish first team coach and three Irish players take their bow in Dublin. Neil Lennon has been at many past Charity Dinners in a playing capacity and he enjoyed himself no less in his new role and thoroughly enjoyed the craic. A fine ambassador for the Club, he had time for everyone on the evening was a credit to himself and the Club. Not sure about his singing, though!

Paddy McCourt got an early glimpse of what it is like being a Celtic player and we look forward to seeing him settle into the squad in the coming season - and also to seeing whether he accepts Neil Lennon’s advice on the haircut front! Last year’s A.I.C.S.C. Young Player of the Year, Darren O’Dea, was back again and, while limited first-team opportunities, may have prevented him from retaining his award, there is no doubting his continued popularity with the Irish supporters who have high hopes for him in 2008-09.

Andreas Hinkel was also given a huge welcome and was evidently impressed by the huge turnout on the evening. Equally obvious was his relief that a cheeky teammate’s assurance that he was expected to give a speech for the benefit of a group of German Celtic supporters on the evening was only a wind-up!

Arguably the loudest roar of the evening came when the SPL trophy was carried aloft into the room by Celtic captain Stephen McManus. Having attended the Charity Dinner before as a young first-team squad member, it was great to see big Mick take the plaudits as skipper in what was no doubt a proud moment for him.

Undoubtedly, though, the star man of the evening was the Tyrone Crystal Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, Aidan McGeady, who walked away with his double award after a flood of votes from the various supporters’ clubs throughout Ireland who clearly signalled their appreciation for his outstanding contribution to Celtic’s success this season. Clearly very much at ease among his fans, Aidan spoke eloquently in thanking everyone for their support and underlined his and the team’s determination to go for a fantastic fourth in the season ahead.

The partying continued well into the wee small hours, of course, with dreams and songs to sing before the long journey home to enjoy the rest of the summer with the appetite for the new season well and truly whet.

The A.I.C.S.C. would like to thank all its guests for making it another memorable occasion as well as the players for coming over in the middle of their pre-season training, Tony Hamilton for doing a great job again as Master of Ceremonies and Peter Lawwell, Iain Jamieson and everyone at Celtic who helped make the event such a success.

Michael Kelly (Secretary, A.I.C.S.C.)

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SPL CHAMPIONS 2007/2008

Achill Island CSC 10th anniversary celebration in the Minaun View bar, Keel,

Achill on Friday 11 July. K.O. 9 pm

Music by Charlie and the Bhoys with special guests Tommy Gemmell and Bertie Auld.

Tickets only available from gerrygielty@iol.ie or on 086-3855627.