The Alerians at ICC Christmas lunch

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As Alex is now ICC Rear Commodore for the West, we are closely involved with events and activities organised by ICC throughout the year. He recruited Maeve and Louis Keating to help organise the Christmas lunch. For years it had been held in Kinvarra, Co Galway, but the last time they ran out of space and several people had to be split from the group and seated downstairs. That didn't go down well. Besides we like to mix it up a bit and experience new venues around Ireland.

Maeve and Louis Keating were enlisted to help out, as we wanted to move the event further south to capture some of the folks who might have not come north in a while. They booked Gallagher’s Restaurant in Bunratty, Co Clare. It turned out to be a brilliant venue. It's just down the road from Bunratty Castle and the Folk Village, which had a magical holiday vibe. It was packed with Christmas celebration groups and children visiting Santa (there were six of them in the Village). 

We had a nook all to ourselves. Alex welcomed everyone and introduced the Commodore, Alan Markey, who talked about what's in store for the upcoming year. I said Grace, which had more of a humanist focus. The food was excellent. The company was lovely. A success all around. Maeve and Louis gave everyone a gift bag from Kilrush Marina which they own. It was very sweet. 

Some of us who were staying overnight (Bunratty Mews B&B) continued the revelry into the later hours at the iconic Durty Nellie's. Great fun overall. 

Commodore Alan Markey addressing the crowd








Maeve conferring with Alex

Follow-up at Durty Nellie's

Grace by DOB:

As we enter this festive season, many will experience great joy, but not everyone does. Some have experienced bereavement...others suffer from anxiety. There is one way we can lift up the spirits of others, and that is by expressing gratitude for the things we have rather than lamenting what is missing. So let us take a moment to reflect on being thankful -- for the friends in this room and the food we are about to share. And let us also wish that one day every person in the world will be able to enjoy the same bounty and good fortune we have with us today. 

Happy Christmas to all! 

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