www.celtic-connection.com
Page 21
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
TOP LEFT: Murphy's Lagh — Chris O'Brien with Damien Brennan and Doug Riecken.
MIDDLE LEFT: Nessa Doyle of Celtic Voices radio show (right) with her son Ryan and his friend Caroline from Quebec.
SECOND from bottom: Barb Howe Captain of the Queen of Diamonds with Jimmy Speiran, a well-known suporter of the Irish Sporting and Social Club.
BOTTOM LEFT: James Moen of ABC Charters, organizer of the first annual Celtic cruise with Maura McCay of The Celtic Connection.
A Delightful Afternoon Cruise
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER — The first "Afternoon Celtic Cruise" aboard the MV Queen of Diamonds sailed away from the Plaza of Nations with the Canadian and Irish flags fluttering softly in the breeze on a gloriously sunny day in late August.
A spectacular view of this exquisite city was savoured by passengers as they cruised through Vancouver harbour. Seymour and Grouse mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge were backdrops, while in the distance stood the snow capped Lions — a famous Vancouver landmark.
The Celtic nations were well represented, with accents heard from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, along with the maritime provinces and the United States, as families brought visitors along to appreciate the scenic view.
The popular Irish group Murphy's Lagh, kept the top deck packed all afternoon with their songs, jigs, reels and "craic." Nessa Doyle of the Celtic Voices radio show, along with band leader Damien Brennan, were the Masters of Ceremonies and gave away prizes.
On the lower deck, the female duo Two Hot 2 Handle, were kept busy playing old favourites, especially the much requested Farewell To Nova Scotia. I never knew there were so man)' versions!
In keeping with the theme of the cruise, a delicious Irish lamb stew was offered along with all the traditional Irish beverages on the bar. In no time at all, it was 5 PM and time to dock and as with all good Celtic parties, it was hard to leave the fun and entertainment. So manjr continued their conversations after docking, reluctant to let the enjoyable afternoon depart.
James Mohen of ABC Charters, who organized the cruise, was delighted with the response and is already planning more Celtic cruises in the near future.
You arc invited to meet Ann Reynolds and have her sign your Relleek purchase. In addition to an extensive collection of Belleek. the event nil! feature the following:
Reserve your Belleek in advance or join us for this event
Sunday September 26th ~ 12 noon - 4 p.m.
cecac CReaaons
Lontlstlale Quay Market Tel (604) 903 -8704 North Vancouver Fax (604) 942-6109