On the visit to CCE Youghal, October 2008
By Sheila Spokes
Twas a cold autumn night when we loaded the bus
The music and kids with the minimum fuss
To the port of Fishguard we were heading with a smile
We'd a boat to catch to the Emerald Isle
The excitement was building, no one could rest
So we got out the instruments and put our voices to the test
We started a sing-song as we went on our way
For the journey was long and could take us all day
When we reached the port, it was a welcome sight
It had been a long journey, we'd been singing all night
We boarded the boat for our destination
To Cork we were heading, to meet the Irish nation
We hoped they were ready for such a lively bunch
We were welcomed with open arms and a full Irish brunch
Off we headed, for a tour of the town,
Down the side of the cliff, we went down and down!
The natives were friendly, talented and kind
They fed us non-stop and they didn't seem to mind
Nothing was too much for them, they didn't seem to stop
Running around after us 'til they were ready to drop
That night we headed off to Bru na Si
The young Irish folk, we were ready to see
We gathered around the open fire
And played many a tune, we didn't seem to tire
We stopped for a break and we had some tea
More food and drink was given for free
The music played on and the wine was poured
We wouldn't go home for we were far from bored
The following day the plans were laid out
It was time to go, we went out and about
Then it was back to Bru na Si for more fun
The music played and set dancing had begun
We were all more than ready for our next slot
In the Red Store that night, we gave it our best shot
We ate (a little late!) and we drank and we sang
We danced and we played, 'til the bell was rang
They kicked us out and we headed on back
What a great night was had, we'd enjoyed the Craic
We fell into bed with music in our ears
Our rooms were spinning after so many beers!
The following morn we were up and ready
For lunch with our hosts-we'd better take it steady
We were fed once again and watered, no doubt
Our waistlines were starting to finally give out!
They welcomed us all with an open arm
These folk, they were friendly and full of charm
We couldn't have asked them for any more
We've a lot to live up to, when they come ashore
We peaked on the last night, when at the town hall
The crowd they gathered, one and all
To listen to the music, to sing and to dance
And to eat more food and squeeze into our pants!
We sang, we danced, and we played on and on
We gave them a tune, we gave them a song
Then when it was over, they still didn't stop
They all got their cars, they had visitors to drop
The end of the journey was now sadly near
Another long night, we were starting to fear
It was back on the bus for more music and fun
As we said, 'Goodbye' to Youghal, and drove away from the sun
The weekend was over, we headed for home
To the port of Rosslare and the deep, dark foam
We couldn't stop there, so we played some more tunes
The kids got free chocolate, they thought they were loons!
It's time to look back on our weekend
As we say goodbye to our new Irish friends
We've all had such fun and we're sad to be parting
So we'll now say a big 'THANKS' to Mavis and Martin!