While they may have been one of the major talking points of the World Cup Finals in South Africa, there thankfully wasn't a vuvuzela in sight (or sound, for that matter) at the 12th Annual Charity Dinner of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs on Saturday July 3rd at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

However, even an orchestra of those dreaded instruments would surely not have drowned out the rapturous reception given to Neil Lennon at his first appearance in Ireland as Celtic manager.

Each year, supporters from all corners of Ireland and beyond gather in the outskirts of Dublin for this celebration of all things Celtic and a disappointing 2009 - 2010 did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and passion of all in attendance who contributed heartily towards the new gaffer's campaign to bring back the thunder.

However, the day started on a calmer note with the first of two Meet the Fans sessions to be held in Ireland that weekend with Lennon and Peter Lawwell together with players, Scott Brown, Andreas Hinkel, Morten Rasmussen, Paddy McCourt and Josh Thompson taking questions from a crowd of around 250 supporters. An interesting and informative session ensued with questions from the serious (the wearing of the poppy on the Celtic jersey) to the not-so-serious (those vuvuzelas again) and it was undoubtedly a valuable exercise, which many of those in attendance will no doubt wish to see made a regular fixture.

AICSC committee with special guests

The serious business over, it was time to party. In addition to the Celtic representatives from the Q&A, Lisbon Lion, John Fallon, with the replica of the European Cup recently presented to Celtic by UEFA, and the legendary Chris Sutton joined hundreds of revellers in a hall festooned with green and white and supporters’ clubs flags and banners hanging from every wall.

Having been a firm supporter of the AICSC annual event for many years as a player, captain and coach of Celtic, this was Neil Lennon's first bow as manager and the pride and joy among all supporters gathered was clearly evident in the long standing ovation he received and the mood all around the hall was that, to paraphrase another former Celtic captain, the buzz around the place was well and truly back.

Indeed, no-one could have been more proud than Neil's own parents, Gerry and Ursula, who were in attendance as guests of the AICSC and will surely have been overjoyed by the enthusiastic response to the Lurgan man's elevation to the Celtic Park hot seat.

Celtic Officials  at Q&A in Citywest Hotel

Another Lennon supporter on the night was his former team-mate Chris Sutton, who spoke warmly of his former colleague and endorsed him as the right choice while encouraging the supporters to get behind him but also to give him the time he needs to get things right. Sutton also paid tribute to the Celtic supporters for their backing for him over his years at the Club and how much it meant to him. A hero to this day, it was clear from the raucous reception he received that Chris is still revered by all who follow the Hoops for his contribution over many successful and goal-filled years at the Club.

As for the present day players, they will surely be encouraged to greater heights in the coming season and to making sure that next year there is at least one trophy on display at the top table by the backing they received from the assembled supporters. Two of them, in particular, will have especially fond memories of their trip to Ireland with Josh Thompson lifting the Young Player of the Year award and Andreas Hinkel walking away with the Player of the Year honours, both of which were voted for by AICSC members.

As ever with this yearly bash, charity was to the fore and all gathered raised the sum of  €7,000 on behalf of Irish charities Trócaire and the Simon Communities of Ireland and the AICSC would like to encourage supporters to learn more about the work of these bodies at their respective websites www.trocaire.org and www.simon.ie

1st Picture:  Brian Walsh (AICSC Treasurer) Donough Ryan (Trocaire) Chris Sutton (Guest of Honour) Jim Kelly (AICSC Transport Officer)
2nd Picture: Brian Walsh (AICSC Treasurer) Chris Sutton (Guest of Honour) Bob Mc Kevitt ( Simon Communities of Ireland) Jim Kelly (AICSC Transport Officer)

2011 will hopefully see the 10th anniversary of the 2000-2001 treble-winning season marked with style but, more importantly, Irish Celtic supporters will crave the return of the SPL trophy.

Until then, the AICSC would like to thank all who attended the event and all who helped in any way including the management and staff of the Citywest Hotel, sponsors (including member clubs who took adverts) and special guests and, indeed, everyone who attended and supported the event.

A special word of thanks also to Peter Lawwell and Iain Jamieson for their assistance in organising the evening and to Tony Hamilton, who was, once again, MC for the evening.

Jim Kelly, Tom Maher, Scott Brown and Peter Lawwell officially launch the AICSC new website www.aicsc.com

Thanks to Philip Fitzpatrick Photography

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