Celtic 0 Arsenal 2

August 18th at Celtic Park

The picture above shows the group  in the hotel bar the morning after the match. From left to right .. Edward Gillespie, Brian Kerr, Joe Sharkey, Maurice Cassidy, Joseph Sharkey, John Greene, Feda O'Donnell, Josie Joe Boyle, Paul Duffy, James Greene and John Gallagher. Despite the score line everyone (except Josie) was in good form .. more details later. Josie had to wait until the till clock had reached exactly 11.00am before a drink could be ordered.

Jimmy Boyle, as usual, had all necessary arrangements made and everything went like clockwork. Jimmy did not attend because he was going on holiday. A big thanks to Jimmy and the Rossescsc Committee especially PRO Josie Joe. Thanks also to our driver Feda O'Donnell.

The trip began with an early start on Tuesday at 3.30am from Sharkey's car park. We got the 7.30am sailing from Larne to Cairn Ryan and arrived at the Busby Hotel on the outskirts of Glasgow at approx 10.00am. We were not able to get accommodation in central Glasgow because of the U2 concert  being held later in Hampden Park. The hotel was first class although a few did not make it to the excellent breakfast on Wednesday morning.

Brian & Maurice, Joseph & Joe, Edward & Josie each shared a room. Feda had a room to himself. The rest of the group stayed with friends in Glasgow. We went to Sharkeys Bar to collect the match tickets and have a few drinks. Brian & Maurice, Joseph & Joe, Edward & Josie then visited "The Brazen Head" for more drinks. Lively entertainment was provided by "Gary Og" although the group did refuse to play requests for Daniel O'Donnell songs. After a few more pints we eventually made our way to Parkhead for the match. Maurice & Brian had some fast food at Parkhead. The pie that Maurice ate may have been drugged as he had a quick nap towards the end of the match. After the match we met at Sharkeys for the match post mortem. Those staying at the hotel then ordered a taxi back to the hotel. The hotel bar was closed at this stage. Maurice, Brian & Edward went to bed but Joe, Joseph & Josie Joe ordered another taxi to take them back into Glasgow Centre!! They went to a Casino (didn't win anything!!) and they also managed to get a few drinks in Jury's hotel in central Glasgow. Young Joseph kept a watchful eye on Joe & Josie Joe and ensured that they all returned safely to the Busby Hotel in the early hours.

Brian & Maurice had a grand breakfast. Edward didn't quite make the breakfast on time but was able to get some food. Josie Joe, Joe and young Joseph did not appear until well after the kitchen staff had finished. Brian was able to offer some shortbread which he had taken from the room. Josie Joe had to watch the bar till counting down to 11.00am before a drink could be served!!

We then all met up in the hotel car park and set off for the 3.30pm sailing from Cairn Ryan to Larne. The crossing from Cairn Ryan to Larne was a little bit rough (RAF in fact!!) and Josie Joe was seen taking medication in an attempt to alleviate his "bad form". We made good time and arrived in Sharkeys in Annagry at about 8.30pm. Maurice had brought the guitar on the trip and Brian began to play a good range of songs. Maurice also played and sang and the craic was good. The guitar took quite a battering with strings being broken. Young Joseph Sharkey brought out his guitar and played very well .. an up and coming young guitarist !! Brian commented that Maurice's guitar needed "set" when compared to young Joseph's. Everyone had a grand time. Michael Sharkey kept things under control especially after some risqué comments from Edward Gillespie and Liam Sweeney.

Thanks to Michael Sharkey for safely transporting Maurice & Brian back to Culacrick.

 

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