Once again, we hit the Highways and Byways of our lovely country. The Great Northern Hotel was our choice of venue for our annual three-day events. On arrival at the Great Northern we were greeted with lovely tea and sandwiches. We then had some free time to explore the leisure centre or to take the cliff walk with its beautiful views over the Atlantic. Dinner and entertainment followed in the evening time with lots of dancing with the brilliant Marion Fitzgerald playing the music and who goes out of her way to make all the groups very welcome.
Monday saw the group head to Sligo for some retail therapy and we had hoped to stop at W.B Yeates grave but the weather did not allow this. Monday night saw the group being entertained by the lovely Jim Devine and Marion once again lots of dancing. Tuesday was the highlight as we got to go to The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne in County Leitrim. Having being built in 1934 by John Mc Givern it was a very popular venue for all the showbands with all the big names having played there. It still hosts regular concerts, Variety Shows and Tea Dances. On arrival we were met by a large group of volunteers who help keep the Ballroom as active as it is. Freshly baked scones arrived with lots of hot pots of tea and coffee. We then got to visit the amazing museum which hosts a huge array of showband memorabilia which kept the women engrossed and brought back fond memories. We then got to dance the afternoon away in Ireland’s most famous dance hall what an experience for the women they loved it.
Arriving back at the Iontas centre the women were well ready for their dinner after their afternoon of dancing. Darren, Andy and the team were on hand and our beautiful Turkey & Ham or Beef dinner with all the trimmings was served very promptly. I would like to thank Monaghan County Council for continuing to support Blades in all our work and making our events as successful as they are. I would also like to thank the staff at Iontas who are always on hand to make the women feel welcome. To Angela, Ann and all the staff and volunteers at The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance who made our visit so special. To A2B Coaches who always make our travel so comfortable and Donal our driver who goes out of his way to help the women. To Marion Fitzgerald and all the team at the Great Northern who go way above and beyond to make our visits so enjoyable. To Sr. Ann and Sr. Paula who entertained the Blades and the other groups on both nights and our in house Nolan Sisters who also did their party piece.
While staying at the Great Northern we were made aware of a little guy named Taseen whose Dad works in the Hotel and is undergoing Stem Cell Treatment and Blades did what they do best held a raffle and raised €840 to help the family with the costs of travelling to Dublin and other expenses they were absolutely delighted.
But most of all I want to thank all the Blades who come on the trips and really enjoy themselves you are a great bunch of ladies thank you Lorraine.
