What a week……….as the Blackpool bhoys and ghirls DO Benidorm

Celtic Supporters convention………2006

By Rob Quinn Blackpool Shamrock CSC (Morecombe Wing)

Green & white everywhere you look. From Glasgow , Manchester & Dublin they came with one thought in mind, to enjoy the sunshine & celebrate being part of the Celtic family, the greatest football supporter's on the planet.

After arriving in the early hours of Wednesday morning (and suitably refuelled after a few beers at the airport) my travelling companions (my 2 teenage kids & their pals) and me decided to go find my cousin and head out to the Celtic village to check it out.

Pre-armed with a euro for the bus, we were on our way. Thinking it would just be a wee tent & a stage we were pleasantly surprised to find an area with bars, stages, food bar & market stalls, it certainly lived to the name ‘village'.

So, to the bars we went, the lager flowed, the sun shone & a good day was about to commence.

The first night artist was Garry Og, which I missed, as we had decided to stay in the town & check out the delights of Benidorm.

Kirstie & Lauren found out who sticky Vicky was & what she does……….not a pretty sight.

My mate Joe informed me that Garry Og was brilliant when we met up later with the rest of the Morecambe pack & partied the night away in the Lepin bar.

Day 2 started off badly as I had to report my phone stolen but what the hell, it wis'nae gonnae spoil ma holiday.

We decided to set off for a walk, after a wee while we were met with a group of folk pointing up at the Ambassador hotel and there it was………draped over 4 balconies…….. the Blackpool Shamrock CSC banner.

There were flags and banners on every balcony but none compared wi the size of ours (o'er nurse). (Pictures to follow).

That night it was decided to go up to the village to watch CATB who were absolutely superb, with more beer flowing a rebel night was in full swing, a night to remember.

Sunday night was Kirstie's birthday so it was back up tae the village to celebrate wi the Irish Rover's.

The night's crowd wasn't the biggest but everybody there was enjoying themselves tae the hilt. There was singing; dancing & a few of the crowd were invited onto the stage to give us a rendition of YNWA.

Whilst this was going on there was a wee ginger headed bhoy showing off his fitba skill, naebody could get the ball off him (jinky reincarnated).

Our Kirstie night was made when a message was put on the big screen wishing her a happy birthday…………pure magic   

Monday, me Kyle & David decided tae take in the game between Celtic vets v Benidorm.

With the sun beating down the vets struggled & were soon under the cosh.

3-0 down, when that favourite Celt (who incidentally never played for us)

(Chic actually pulled on the hoops against Manchester United in a testimonial – Ed.).

Chic stuck one in from the half way line, let's hope that's on video somewhere but it could'nae help the Celts as Benidorm ran out 8-2 winners.

Got tae say the bhoys tried hard in that heat & maybe had had a few too many the night before.

Later that night, it was to the arena for all the bands for the farewell party with a magnificent fireworks display.

As departure day arrived the rain started to move in, there was Joe D wi a carrier bag on his head tae try an stay dry (looked like a large condom).

There were folk wi chairs over there heads but nothing was going tae stop the party.

All in all a fantastic week was had by everyone, a pure Celtic party, no trouble, no hassles and the respect of the Benidorm local.

BLACKPOOL SHAMROCK CELTIC SUPPORTERS CLUB AGM

Mr S Brogi

15 June 2006

Dear Members,

Please be advised that the Club will be holding our AGM on Sunday 9th July 2006 in the Trades Club, Chadwick Street , commencing at 10.30am . All members are urged to attend, as a number of important topics are likely to be discussed.

Any member wishing to raise any proposals must forward their motion, with a seconder, to myself at the above

address, and it must be received no later than 3 July 2006 . Any proposals not forwarded in line with the above procedure will not be discussed at the AGM.

After 5 years of sterling service, our Treasurer John McCartney, has decided to stand down as a member of the Committee. This will obviously create a vacancy on the Committee for next season onwards. The Committee in anticipation of this vacancy have approached John Johnston as a potential candidate to succeed John McCartney as Treasurer for next season. However, any other member wishing to apply for a post on the Club's committee should contact myself, with a seconder, by 3rd July. If there are any applicants other than the present 2 incumbents and John Johnston, then a vote will be held at the AGM.

Current Committee members – Steve Brogi - Secretary

Joe Martin - President

John McCartney – Treasurer (To stand down)

The agenda for the AGM will be as follows:

•  Introduction

•  Treasurer's Report

•  Committee for the 2006/2007 season

•  Proposals/Votes

•  Any Other Business

Furthermore, our records show that your “dues/other payments” are outstanding in the amount of £0. Please either bring this payment in full to the AGM or, at the very least, a deposit and a payment plan for the remaining monies. Please be aware that any member in arrears to the Club will only be allowed entry to the AGM on satisfaction of the above criteria.

Also, will any member who is not currently on the “direct debit” scheme for dues payment, and who will not be paying in a one or two-off lump sum, please bring your relevant bank details i.e. Account Name and No., Bank Sort Code and Bank name and address etc to the AGM.

Finally, the Club are holding a Race Night (including a buffet) on Saturday 8 th July (night before the AGM), in the Trades Club. Everyone is encouraged to attend with free entry to all Club members, and all proceeds from the night going to our Club.

I look forward to seeing you at both the Race Night and the AGM.

Yours in Celtic,

STEVE BROGI