Dursley MVC tour to Ireland.

The weather was fine for the departure of two coaches from Dursley on the 1st September and more importantly the ferry crossing from Fishguard to Rosslare was accomplished in very smooth sea conditions. Prior to an overnight stay the eating started with the evening meal in our Waterford hotel and the transfer was made to Killarney the next morning - taking in a visit to Blarney Castle on the way.

Many made the climb up to the top of the castle but not all ventured the inverted position to kiss ‘The Stone’. On the basis of the conversations on tour it would appear some of the magic did rub off on some!

The next afternoon another 12 choristers arrived having chosen to fly to Ireland. They had barely arrived when the whole party travelled to perform the first concert in Baybunnion at the Tintean Theatre which is the Arts and Cultural Centre for the National Traditional Theatre of Ireland.

The event was organized by Listowel Rugby Club, the venue was a superb modern 600 seat theatre, with the income from the tickets, costing €35 each, supporting local causes. The theatre was virtually filled to capacity as the choir performed a full programme, with Kevin Robbins (Cornet) and pianist Colm “Stride” O’Brien as Guest Soloists.

Kevin is well known to these columns and the latter – a brilliant exponent of Ragtime and similar music - is well known throughout Ireland and wider afield for his radio and TV work as well as public performances. The tourists were given a superb welcome, a standing ovation at the end of the concert and ‘bottomless’ hospitality and kindness.

After a very late night return to Killarney, the following day saw the performance of the second concert in St Mary’s Church in Killarney, this time organised by the town rugby club in support of the South West Counselling Centre. Another packed church and another standing ovation – and a late night of warm friendship and hospitality in a nearby hotel.

Saturday was a ‘free day’ – well morning and afternoon - and many managed to experience the delights of Killarney and the surrounding countryside. Trips were made by Jaunting Car, boats were taken on the lake, castle visited, and the shops were scoured and many walked in Killarney National Parkland adjacent to the town or took one of the Lake Cruises,. Some even saw the red deer that lived in the extensive parklands but not many saw the sea eagles that had been introduced the local hills in recent years.

The pace did not falter because the next commitment was in Listowel – the literary capital of Ireland - the next day. The Choir contributed to a Mass at the local Catholic Church which was built in 1829. Here the pattern of standing ovations continued. The choir moved on to sing in the grounds of Listowel Castle which dates back to the 12th century.

It was built as a fortress by the Anglo Norman Earls of Kerry . Here there followed a presentation to the Sexton family by Dick Spring the former Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland and former rugby International. The family is renowned in the area having for generations given huge support and commitment to the club. The award was accepted by Jonathan, the current Irish international outside half.

A Hog Roast then followed organised by the local rugby club. After this the choir party were introduced to the delights of The Shebeen Pub and then John B Keane’s Theatre Pub in the town.

John B. was one of Ireland's best loved playwrights, journalists and raconteurs. The pub is now managed by his son Billy – cousin to Fergal who we see on TV. The entertainment provided at both places included music with poetry and story-telling at the latter. The occasion was a delight to all and it must be admitted that some stout did pass our lips.

With the major singing commitments over, the next day saw the party tour the Ring of Kerry in the two tour coaches took in the views and visited the Kerry Bog Village. Fortunately the weather was good! Sadly this was the day we saw the ‘fliers’ depart.

The penultimate day the party returned for a night in Wexford to meet the ferry the next day - but only after visits to the Jameson Experience in Midleton and the Waterford Glass Factory en route.

The abiding memory for all who participated in the tour was the kindness, generosity and welcome afforded us all throughout the visit. Yes, we supported deserving causes, we ate well and many drank the local stout in moderation

but this together with the hospitality and friendship of the hosts is what a choir tour is about.

The only question left to answer is “Where next and when?”

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