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Finally I made it to the Belfast area
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Subject: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 07 Jan 02 - 11:00 AM Well, I'm just back from a few days in Belfast. Had such a good time. Thanks to those on Mudcat who recommended sessions and (gave me some tips) to me. I found so much music that I couldn't do it all! Met some wonderful people, and very friendly people. Can recommend John Hewitt bar in Belfast for it's great atmosphere and friendly inclusive bunch of musicians. Was then taken on a tour of the other music bars in the area. Found some other small great pubs for sessions out in the country, and toured round the Glens of Antrim. Alison - you're dead right - a lovely area - much underated in my books. Went to Giants Causeway and tootled around the stones with a hangover, which was soon blown out of my head. Bushmills was shut so no hair o the dog - BOOOO! but Sat night in Belfast more than made up for it! Came home last night, pretty worn out, back to work for the first time in the new year.... SULK! C |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: katlaughing Date: 07 Jan 02 - 03:17 PM So tell us more about the music sessions, eh? What did you hear/play/sing? How much Guiness went down the gullet? Inquiring minds want to know! **BG** Good for you, sounds as though you had a good time! kat |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 07 Jan 02 - 10:02 PM glad you enjoyed yourself Ella...... wouldn't mind a wee trip back myself to get out of this heat for a bit... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 07 Jan 02 - 11:17 PM Ella, Glad you enjoyed my beloved city, You are right about the glens - probably one of the world's most beautiful spots. I would not want the area to get too commercialized, just keep it as it is. I hear they are starting to build a pub at the Causeway, have they made any headway ?. I hope they don't, the area does not need anything that may attract a rowdy element. Plenty of opubs in Ireland they don't nee done there. Anyway, glad you enjoyed yourself. Alison I will be there in may, will have a drink for you. Maybe a soda farl or two. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 08 Jan 02 - 04:59 AM Jim... I didn't see any pub at the causeway being built, there was just the old hotel there, and the national trust buildings on the land. Still fairly unspoilt as far as I can see. What was best was that there were not many people there at all, most people being sensible and staying in during the cold. The waves were huge and it was a wee bit nippy but beautiful. Didn't walk around all the walk as had the wrong shoes on for that (last minute, traveling light meant only one pair o shoes!). Saw the area where the Carrick a rede rope bridge should be and I reckon they should leave it up during the winter - would be even more interesting then! The sessions were great, the first one we went to was in Cushendall, a tiny small back room with roasting fire in, musicians crammed into the small off room, and people lined up against the corridors sitting on benches listening. Stayed with a lovely couple that night. Swapped a couple of tunes and I sang them a Welsh song - but have to admit I made up the last few verses as I forgot the lyrics - Hem hem... :) But I think I got away with it! Back in the Belfast session in The John Hewitt bar there were about 5 flute players, one piano accordion, one guitar, one whistle, one button box, two bodhrans. THe lads there were very welcoming, played so many tunes I can't name them all. We played them some of our sets that we had put together and they did likewise. Sat and talked about a couple of tunes we'd got from a Kerry man and they had never heard them played that fast before. Guinness flowed very freely, but in my case I was on the Bulmers (LOVELY MAD APPLES) so for me that flowed far far too freely indeed. And 3 pints of cider lately I was very merry and being guided out of that pub, on to another session. The second session was in the Hercules bar, this time more musicians around my age, and all very welcoming too. One of the lads from the other bar had taken us around to introduce us to the company there, which was lovely of him. I sang two songs there I'd learnt from a Fermanagh singer last year - The Girl with the Bonny brown hair - and then The Noblemans Wedding. ONce again MORE drinks flowed though this time I struggled with a half pint of cider - I had a flight to catch home some time on the Sunday and couldn't stand hangover AND flying. We rolled out of that bar at some point on the Sat eve - or was it Sunday I can't remember. My friend managed to pack me back into the car and off we went home. Me with my silly inane 'oh look I'm drunk again grin'. Yes the Glens of Antrim are fantastic, so is the coastline, and I agree probably best left uncommercialised. Can't wait to go back, and with air flights so cheap over to Belfast from home (£35 return) I don't suppose it will be too far away. OH well, back to the real world! SULK! ELLA |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 08 Jan 02 - 06:54 AM thanks Jimmy.... have a pastie supper for me too please..... heaps of vinegar.......... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 08 Jan 02 - 09:05 AM In Belfast, you get preponderance of flute players in the sessions. In Donegal, it's fiddle players. In Dublin, it's guitars and bodhrans! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 08 Jan 02 - 11:08 AM ugh. Pastie suppers. Boke! (I'm a bit of a Veggie!) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 08 Jan 02 - 06:39 PM aww come on Fib.... I don't think there's much more than spud and onion in a pastie..... *grin*... you can eat Tayto cheese'n'onion...... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 08 Jan 02 - 07:32 PM Oh God, Ella, you went to Belfast and didn't have an Ulster fry or Champ? How could you? Oh well, sounds like the music and the Guinness and the Glens made up for it. Please tell all your friends how great Belfast and the Glens are. In fact, I'm taking a group of American tourists over in July for some music and craic. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 09 Jan 02 - 04:26 AM LOL at Seamus... I did have half an Ulster fry... couldn't manage a whole one that day. But I'm used to them already - used to babysit for a neighbour who did great Ulster frys the morning after! Soda farls, eggy bread THE WORKS! Will tell my friends of course, but wouldn't want to spoil those areas too much. I was impressed anyways. LOL at Fib... (I know your're a bacon fiend really) :) Ella |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 09 Jan 02 - 06:01 AM Dammit! Caught out!! Can't stomach pasties though. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 09 Jan 02 - 07:18 PM lol.... fair enough Fib.... I'll have the pastie supper and you can have chips in gravy!! well Seamus you've put a wee notion in my head again.... champ for tea tonight!!!! mmmmmmmmm slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 10 Jan 02 - 07:04 AM Achhh, no. A mushroom chip from Bishop's. That's the biz! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 10 Jan 02 - 07:21 AM OK.. I give up... what is a mushroom chip? slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 10 Jan 02 - 07:38 AM Aha! Perhaps it is peculiar to Bishop's on Bradbury Place. When leaving Lavery's or whatever other pub in the district we had been frequenting, we would always stop in Bishop's for a mushroom chip. It's basically chips with Campbell's condensed mushroom soup and some chopped up mushrooms poured over it. Mmmmmmmmmmm. They stopped doing them for a while, but it was then brought back by popular demand. Heavenly! But a bugger to get off your coat if you eat it while pished. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 10 Jan 02 - 07:51 AM lol........... sounds nice..... personally I used to roll out of Lavery's and go to Spuds, (but it disappeared years ago)... for a spud with chile con carne..... or Speranzas for a pizza..... then wander back up to the nurses home at the city....lol must try it next time I'm back slainte alison
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 10 Jan 02 - 08:06 AM Oh, Spuds is still there - bean and cheese one - mmm. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 10 Jan 02 - 08:19 AM did it disappear for a while????.... I'm sure it wasn't there when I was home in 2000.... meybe my eyes are going!!!! lol slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den Date: 10 Jan 02 - 09:40 AM Ah you can keep your Giant's Causeway. For me you can't beat sittin' near the top of wee Bingian, just down from the windy gap and take in the breath taking view of the Irish sea, and the vista from Kilkeel past Martin's Hill to Annalong and Newcastle. ahhhh!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 10 Jan 02 - 09:43 AM geez.... at this rate we're all going to have to pop home for a while before we start to blub......... I agree Den ...... I've sat at the top of Big Binian.... admittedly my hubby duped me into thinking I was climbing Wee Binian or I wouldn't have even attempted it........ slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Coyote Breath Date: 10 Jan 02 - 10:44 AM Oh what a lovely thread! How good to know there's much to attract the eye and heart in "the North". My daughter just returned from Belfast, she and granddaughter had a snow fall! Now they live in California, you see. Molly (daughter) and Serena (granddaughter) couldn't get over the even and Molly took many photos which I will try to get from her so I can see them and if anyone else wants a look I'll make them available. Molly is a rather accomplished photog, had a one woman show in Santa Cruz last year. My mother's people originated in Antrim. Her name was Moyle as the river and the district, etc. I just found a song about the river which I need to hear non-midi music for if anyone can point me in that direction I will be grateful. When daughter Molly emmigrates to Belfast in 2003 to attend Queens for her grad work I'm supposed to come and stay with her. I'm looking forward to it and hops to find all the places you all have mentioned still viable and no "Giant's Causeway World" theme park. I understand that the formation is one of the oldest geological formations on the planet. Where is "Home" that the trip is only 35 pounds? I'm sure it is much more from St. Louis CB |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 10 Jan 02 - 11:58 AM LOL Coyote... home for me is Wales, and I can fly that cheap from Bristol to Belfast with... GO Airlines. They do cheap deals from most major airports... got to go, more in the morning... I'm legging it from work! E |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 11 Jan 02 - 04:37 AM I think your daughter Coyote will enjoy Belfast, the university area is lovely, some really nice housing around there to be found. My friend tells me that she has just managed to find a house to rent out in the country a bit, towards Moira, which is still only 15 miles away from Belfast centre. We managed to miss the snow, which I'm kind of relieved about - as I'm only just getting over last years snow injury I obtained from sledging. (A close call, and a full years of osteopath and physio treatments - means I won't be rushing out in the snow for some time). Only the dirty tired snow was left when we got there. Queens University old building was absolutely gorgeous too. Alison I didn't make it to the spud place, I can't remember eating much - the drink yes... oh and cheesy chips was my downfall. Coyote, if when you come over here from Belfast, and GO are still running perhaps you could take advantage of the cheap flights. They go to Glasgow, London, Edingburgh, alicante, faro, barcelona, Bristol, Newcastle, Nice etc. But getting from St. Louis is going to be the BIGGIE! All the best... Ella |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 11 Jan 02 - 03:26 PM Ach, Alison, Ah'm gettin' awful homesick, so Ah am. A'm gonna get out the words of "Ulster Fry And Champ" and start singin' it, so Ah am. By the way, as an Antrim man/supporter/lover, Ah just wanta say to guest Den "G'way and take yer oul' County Down stuff over til some other thread, an' lave us 'n's alone wi' our Antrim memories!" "Antrim Memories?" There's a Cd title if ever I heard one. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Claymore Date: 11 Jan 02 - 03:55 PM Ella, lovely to see you again. And to hear from your partner in crime, Fib. I started a thread about the Shepherdstown crowd making their way across Ireland and my trip through the North, when 9/11 and my emergency planner job went tilt-a-whirl. Now I've switched to the Vocational Managers job at the Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center (and scads more $) with some time to myself. I loved the North, the Glens, the Causeway, Carrick a rede (do not eat anything before attempting to cross the rope bridge or you WILL feed the fish) etc. The same crowd is looking to repeat sometime in late August, a landing in Dublin, a side trip to Scotland, a ferry back to Larne, a fling at the Fleadh, and then slip out from Shannon. As you might remember, we are a danger to only ourselves (and some slow Irishmen) but I expect some twenty on the trip, with the usual mix of musicians and cloggers (and a couple of Scottish Country dancers). We Moore's must plan to get together, with something more than a drum thump. Duty calls and I must away... |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 14 Jan 02 - 04:59 AM Hey.. Hallo Claymore, I'd noticed you'd not been around for some time. Nice to hear from you. Yep plans are already afoot for a trip to the fleadh again, and Moore's tours are gathering the vital passenger's lists again. Accomodation already sorted! Will definately look forward to meeting up with you at the fleadh again, and definately something more than a drum thump! Take care Regards... Ella a.k.a... you know who. :) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den at work Date: 14 Jan 02 - 08:42 AM UP DOWN!!! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 14 Jan 02 - 11:19 AM I'll second that (it was also my school motto)! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 14 Jan 02 - 09:52 PM 3 against 1 Seamus.....lol!!!!! I don't agree with that bit about not eating before the "rope bridge"... they have made it a lot steadier than it used to be.... but what I will advise is "DON'T do the Bushmills Whiskey tour before crossing it"....... 3 of us went through Bushmills... complete with free whiskey at the end of the tour at 9.30am...... then onto the bridge..... fun fun fun!!!! ... *grin* slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 14 Jan 02 - 10:18 PM I'm with Seamus , now it's 3 against 2 - (3 Down = 2 Antrim) just about equal (GRIN) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 15 Jan 02 - 03:46 AM Alison, my sweet, Den, O wise One, Fibula, O brightest of the bright, BITE ME!! Antrim outranks Down every which way. Scenery, Music, Culture, History, etc., etc. I'm not trying to start anything here, but Jimmy C will back me up, I'm sure...AMTRIM RULES! Not that I'm biased or anything.... Love and kisse to all. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 15 Jan 02 - 03:52 AM Sorry one and all ... but as the (crappy) song says "There's one fair county in Ireland". That's right, ONE! (And we don't need grandstanding gimmicks like Carrick-a-Rede when we can get the same effect walking across a few yards of moving bog in Ballinacor Moss!) Keepin' 'er lit! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 15 Jan 02 - 06:47 AM Aye, and Bumcree as well, that wee place of renoun near dorty Portydown, may they be up to their banners in Cow`s Clap. Lurgan Spade. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 15 Jan 02 - 10:11 AM Derrymacash, There are 32 fair counties in Ireland, all of them beautiful and all have lots to be proud of, it's just that Antrim has that much more (Glens, Coastal Drives, Mountains, Causeway, Bushmills and a whole heap of craic) Saffrons for ever. Waiting to hewar from someone from the Kingdom ? |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 15 Jan 02 - 10:18 AM Ach now, we have drumlins, coastal drives, mountains, Strangford Lough, trying-to-think-of-a-drink-one - aye, George Best - and twice as much craic. And our mountains are bigger than yours, so nah! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 15 Jan 02 - 10:40 AM But yous don't have the awesome Aldervale flats, the majestic vista of Craigavon's balancing lakes, the stunning spectacle of the morning sun as it exposes the crystalline soul of a myriad shards of broken bottles in Lurgan's Castle Lane car park ... |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:01 AM ...or Buckfast on optics, true. But we've got Newry - aha! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:08 AM my dad's bigger than your dad... :-) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Coyote Breath Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:11 AM You guys sound like a bunch of Minnesotans in a bar in Wisconsin! "It's the same the whole world over" This sunday I'm sitting down to watch the playoffs with a bunch of Rams' fans and me a Greenbay Packer backer. Local rivalries rage on. From what my mother's aunt (great aunt Lyda) used to say, Antrim is both blest and charming. I'll have to see for myself. **BG** CB |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:15 AM Only just, but you're right ... there's a blemish for you! I went to school for a thankfully brief period to Newry. Even yet the mention of the name brings me out in a cold sweat and the sight of Violet Hill as you approach the town by car, brooding malevolently in its wee demonic glen, nearly causes spontaneous colonic evacuation. I have a few mates from Newry and have heard a few stories that make Lurgan and Portadown sound as tame as Bessbrook in comparison ... Still ... up the Nyucks!! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:16 AM Oops ... lot of traffic on this thread. Was answering Fibula's post.
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:33 AM Aye, my Other Half is from Newry. Well, actually, he claims that since it's actually 7 miles outside the town he's not a Nyuck. To be fair to him, the town brings him out in a cold sweat too... Ahhhhh, Newry bashing! By the way, do you ever read The Portadown News - the funniest thing on the web, no doubt. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 15 Jan 02 - 11:55 AM Fibula ... Hadn't come across it before ... thanks for the link. (Sadly there's probably more truth in here than in any of the local serious rags!) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 15 Jan 02 - 06:51 PM Derrymacash your description of "the majestic vista of Craigavon's balancing lakes" brought a tear to my eye..... I think (having seen your songwriting talents) you should add another verse to "the boys from the county Armagh" adding some of the places you mentioned....... lol ah c'mon Seamie... Antrim is very pretty (I did live up there for a while on the Derry side of the Bann.... does that mean I can vote for 3 counties?????)..... but it doesn't have the Mournes, or decent pastie suppers.... or Robinsons!!!!!...... *grin* slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 16 Jan 02 - 12:14 AM Alison, Fib, Derrymac, Jimmy C - let this be an end to it. We have the nine glens: Glentoran, Glenavon, Glen Road, Glen Campbell, Glen Yarborough, Glen Miller, Glenmorangie, Glen Fiddich, and Glen Daly. So there!! Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 16 Jan 02 - 12:27 AM Well it sure looks we are all getting a little bit misty eyed for our native counties. I personally love them, all. I did some research into the moving bog in Ballinacor Moss, mentioned in a previous response and found out that it moves because it wants to get to Antrim. slan Jimmy
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 16 Jan 02 - 12:48 AM And the RED HAND it WAS displayed?
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 16 Jan 02 - 05:31 AM alison … I've risen to the challenge … here's the new Boys From The County Armagh. (Prospective tourists to Armagh please take note, the song may have some grounding in reality but Armagh's nowhere near as bleak as I make it out to be!) Seamus … you may have the nine glens, but in Armagh there's a neuk known as the Montiaghs, where there are seven Derries … Derrymacash, Derryswalls, Derrywogan, Derrypratchett, Derrysallgold, Derrysavalas, Iwishiwasbackhomeinderry. There's one fair county in Ireland, The old folks will sing till they're blue If they took off the rose-tinted glasses They'd get a far-different view Cos for bittereness, anger and hatred You could search over Erin-go-bragh But the boys that will never be b'aten Are the boys from the County Armagh CHORUS It's my own Irish home (where?) Far across the foam Although I've often left it In foreign lands to roam No matter where I wander Through cities near and far I'll ensure that my travels will keep me From the county of Armagh I've travelled through parts of this county That would strike a dread chill in your heart On the face of this once pleasant county They stand like a bloody great wart That sprawling new town of Craigavon A hell-hole designed to contain The ne-er-do-wells of Mid-Ulster Who'd be better off drowned in a drain CHORUS There's drugs and there's hoods and there's chuckies There's skinheads and proddy death squads And here in the heart of the county The two arch-temples of God And the kerbstones are painted in colours That transcend the municipal grey Proclaiming to opposite-footers You'd better keep out of our way CHORUS It's here that you'll find Buckfast victims Their speech is all sloppy and slurred They're challenging you to a duel But of course you can't make out a word They're not much of a problem when solo But when they band into a click They'd think nothing of giving a bottling Or giving your bollocks a kick CHORUS But what of the natural beauty Of the orchard of Erin's green land? The shores of the mighty Lough Neagh And the sweep of the River called Bann? Well the Lough is a pit of pollution And in summer with algae it's green While The Bann is a dirty oul' trickle No better than a latrine CHORUS So how can we gain self-esteem boys In Lurgan, Armagh Portadown? Must we be condemned then forever To wander about with a frown? But lads, here's a thought to console us Whenever depression comes round For all of our failings we'll never Be Newry in oul' County Down! CHORUS
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 16 Jan 02 - 05:49 AM Brilliant!! Wonderful!!! Inspired!!!!! (My finger is stuck on the Shift key and 1 key). Ahhh, that's cheered up my morning rightly. And remember - it's only funny cos it's true ;) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:24 AM Fibula ... I thank you ... And now, the way's open of course to anyone who wants to rip the ass out of their county song to do so. (Christ, I'm glad I was given a legitimate opportunity to tear "The Boys From The County Armagh" asunder ... it's the most irritating song I've ever heard ... even worse than "The Fields of Athenry! I've been wanting to shred it for half my life.) However ... it occurs to me that no matter how hard we attempt this task, we'll be pushed to compete with Ernie Badness and Control Zone's rip through the oul' county anthems at the start of the BBC Northern Ireland's "youth" programme a few years back ("Bout 'Ye"?). The memory of their buzz-saw guitar driven rendition of "Pretty Little Girl From Omagh" still rings in my ears after all these years ... |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:42 AM If I could actually bring myself to think about "Star of the County Down"....ugh. No. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:54 AM I sympathise ... But what must be done, must be done ... just grit your teeth and get on with it ... the good people of Newry will be looking to you now to avenge their honour.
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den at work Date: 16 Jan 02 - 08:29 AM Ah yes the Kingdom of Mourne. Where the beautiful slopes sweep down to the sea and offer breath taking views over the silent valley and Lough Shannagh, where the heather turns the mountains here and there to a shimmering purple. Across Slieve Beg and Slieve Commedagh, down the Devil's Coach Road to the sleepy village of Annalong with its little harbour and friendly welcome. Or over the other side of the Mountains to the market town of Hilltown, or along to Rostrevor thats nestles by the side of one of Ireland's greatest fiords, Carlingford. And away to fiddler's green and Cloughmore where the fairy folk dance by the moon they say. Glens, aye we have glens too but they pale in comparrison. Antrim I have one word for you Ahoghill. My God there at it again Tit for Tat in Norn Iron;-) Den |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 16 Jan 02 - 11:31 AM derrymacash : I love what you have done to the song. Keep going, there are many more that need revised if not obliterated altogether. Jimmy |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 16 Jan 02 - 11:40 AM Jimmy ... I can mess about with my own ... but I wouldn't feel happy messing with other people's. (Sounds like a line out of a carry on film, but I'm sure you'll get the drift.)
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 16 Jan 02 - 12:52 PM Derrmacash, Get stuck in to the other Counties, I mean bloody "Molly Malone" and these rugby yuppies sing this. As a resident of the lovely County of Armagh I forgive you, and your right, it is a bloody awful song. Courtin`Boy. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:15 PM Brilliant Derrymacash!!!... and to be honest I won't mind at all if you continue on your quest to do the other counties......... hey it would be easier to rip apart someone elses county wouldn't it..... if only I could write songs.......lol slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:33 PM couldn't do "star of the county down" so I did one for Seamus
County Antrim
I'm glad I'm not in Carrickfergus
I'm drunk today, but who'd want to be sober? slainte alison
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 16 Jan 02 - 06:56 PM now I know why I don't write songs.......lol
County Down
Near to Bangor town in the County Down
From Crawfordsburn to Carryduff
Within easy reach is Tyrella beach
From Helen's Bay to Moneyreagh
We've got castles and loughs, drumlins and troughs
From Tollymore to Strangford Shore you know I don't mean it fellas.....*grin* slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 17 Jan 02 - 12:09 AM Alison, Very impressive. Brings back many happy memories of all those places. I travelled around that area an awful lot when I was younger (a lot younger). Hope to be in Newcastle, Annalong and Downpatrick this trip, (May 2002) slan Jimmy |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 17 Jan 02 - 07:40 AM Oh well, I'm running the risk of offending fellow Ultonians by this post. Still, as me oul' da would have said, die dog or shite the licence! Near to Banbridge town in the County Down one evening near July From a boreen green came some drumming keen that caused my heat to fly Oh the rattle fleet and the diddles neat from the boreen did abound It was Bob McCrum on his Lambeg drum, he's the star of the County Down From Bantry Bay round to Derry Quay And from Galway to Dublin Town No drumming I've heard that could compare With the Star of the County Down Well me toe I crigged as he bate a jig and I lep' like a boxing hare We I says, says I, to a passer by, Yer man is a drummer rare Well, he says, McCrum can fair bate a drum, but sure, man, you've heard damn all yit As the night drops down you will hear a sound that'll quarely keep 'er lit From Bantry Bay round to Derry Quay And from Galway to Dublin Town I'm intrigued by dint of the stranger's hint 'Neath the stars in the County Down From the next-door loanin, there came a drone and then a mighty cran And with a reedy squeal into a reel some uilleann pipes began And oul' McCrum fell in with his drum and the sound near made me swoon The power and the glory as they played beneath the moon From Bantry Bay round to Derry Quay And from Galway to Dublin Town The pair of blades, such tunes they played 'Neath the stars in the County Down "The Proddy Boys", "St Patrick's Day" "The Sash" and "The White Cockade" And a dozen other party tunes, the lachakoes did trade But then they put their diffs aside and such tunes did then produce "The Blackbird" and "The Stack Of Oats" were two that they let loose From Bantry Bay round to Derry Quay And from Galway to Dublin Town The pair of bards ceili'ed quare'n hard 'Neath the stars in the County Down The pair played on till the early dawn "The Kesh" and "The Morning Lark" "The Banbridge Girls" and "Newry Man", such tunes as would break your heart As the oul' sun rose, the pair of keows signalled the session's end Oul' McCrum battered out "The Queen" while his mate blew "Amhrán na Bhfiann" From Bantry Bay round to Derry Quay And from Galway to Dublin Town II heaved a sigh and I bid goodbye To the stars of the County Down |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Airto Date: 17 Jan 02 - 07:51 AM If Brendan Shine could have the neck to write a song about every county in Ireland, Derrymac, so can you. You're off to an excellent start. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 17 Jan 02 - 07:58 AM Brendan Shine ... the Antichrist of Irish music ... I hope you took sensible precautions before typing that name into your machine (I had mine blessed by both of the boys in purple in Armagh and got a druid to waggle a lump of burnin' sage in front of it before I did!) Anybody ever notice how oul' Shine has an irritating habit of sticking his tongue out in a fairly distatsteful manner when he's "resting" between lines. Makes me want to boke me ring. (But ... fer Jaysus' sake, man ... is it any worse a habit than opening his oul gub and goulin' sentimental oul' bollocks?) The voices! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Airto Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:08 AM If Brendan Shine could have the neck to write a song about every county in Ireland, Derrymac, so can you. You're off to an excellent start. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:17 AM It's groundhog day!! Brendan Shine ... the Antichrist of Irish music ... I hope you took sensible precautions before typing that name into your machine (I had mine blessed by both of the boys in purple in Armagh and got a druid to waggle a lump of burnin' sage in front of it before I did!) Anybody ever notice how oul' Shine has an irritating habit of sticking his tongue out in a fairly distatsteful manner when he's "resting" between lines. Makes me want to boke me ring. (But ... fer Jaysus' sake, man ... is it any worse a habit than opening his oul gub and goulin' sentimental oul' bollocks?) The voices! (Sorry Airto .. the opportunity was too good to miss!) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Airto Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:22 AM Sorry about the duplicate message. Your ecumenical spirit is to be greatly admired, Derrymac, but some folk will be wanting to know which of the boys in purple did you go to first? And did you go to the second because the first didn't get the job done properly? For some reason the Country & Irish virus mainly struck north of a line from Clew Bay across to Dundalk. I always assumed it had something to do with drumlins but I can't be sure. I've only occasionally visited those parts so I thought I was immune. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 17 Jan 02 - 12:28 PM Derrymacash, Lovely choice, another bloody awful dirge is improved upon. We await your next purge of another wee ditty. Ard Mhacha. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den at work Date: 17 Jan 02 - 02:10 PM My God fame at last I'm mentioned in a song. Way to go girl from down under. Derry that was brilliant I'm jealous to many friggen' talented people around here. Den |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Annraoi Date: 17 Jan 02 - 05:01 PM I must admit Newry takes some beatin'. I came through today on my way back from Dublin and found expertise in three currencies all at the one time. the Nyucks make a profit out of every one of them. Thus the new name for the town on half the billboards from Drogheda northwards:- Neuro ! BTW the Abbey always looks down on Coleman's! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 17 Jan 02 - 06:08 PM Brilliant Derrymacash!!! what you going to do to Fermanagh? slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:19 PM eh!! Alison what could anybody do to Fermanagh...just askin', Den |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:35 PM lol.......... or Tyrone??????? come on Den.... do something with "I'll tell me ma" slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:43 PM OK I'll have a go MMMMMMMMHHHHHHWWWWWUUUMMM!!!!! where the hell was that?...Dunno, OK lads one more time, "oh then fair thee well sweet Donegal..... |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 17 Jan 02 - 08:56 PM I'll tell me ma when I get home I just got back from County Tyrone lol where the hell is Seamus..... those Antrim boys have gone very quiet..... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Den Date: 17 Jan 02 - 09:20 PM Aye, but Alison look at all they have to draw from...Van Morrison, sure thon man can sing known...Den drive by slaggin' |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 17 Jan 02 - 09:22 PM Alison, We won't change anything about Antrim - it's hard to improve on perfection. slan Jimmy |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Annraoi Date: 17 Jan 02 - 09:23 PM Den, Is that why he lives in Dublin instead of his native city which makes such a big thing of his "talents" ? Annraoi |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Den Date: 17 Jan 02 - 09:24 PM Jimmy I say again AHOGHILL!!! |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Den Date: 17 Jan 02 - 09:26 PM Annraoi, you have it in one. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 17 Jan 02 - 11:37 PM Den, You got me with that response. I forgot about that one wee blemish. Geez I wish there was some song about Ahoghill, we could really do a job on that. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Donal Date: 18 Jan 02 - 12:04 AM Enjoying the thread immensly, don't forget that it used to be called Magherahoghill. Donal. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 18 Jan 02 - 04:09 AM It's making me laugh - a bit of harmless having a go. My dads bigger than your dad is great. Please do I'll tell me ma... it's among one of the many our band get asked to do ALL THE TIME! But mind you after a few barrels of guinness the lads don't give a flying poop what they sing. I think Donal's just thrown down the gauntlet to get you lot to ryhme something with... Magherahoghill. Good luck! Ella |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 18 Jan 02 - 04:43 AM I lived out near Magherahoghill And I was a bit of a boghal There were times, once or twice When I slipped on some ice Be Jaysus I striddled and sproghalled (If some of the words used above are unfamiliar to you ... check out "Montiaghisms" courtesy of "Pay The Reckoning". While you're there have a gawk at the rest of the site ... if you like this thread, you'll like this site. (I know ... I edit the bugger.) |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Fibula Mattock Date: 18 Jan 02 - 04:47 AM Ahoghill. Hard to rhyme alright. Boggle? Doggerel? BTW, "Country and Irish" or "Culchie and Western"? |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 18 Jan 02 - 05:49 AM lol... culchie n western is an excellent one...
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Aidan Crossey Date: 18 Jan 02 - 09:51 AM Here we go … by popular demand … "I'll Tell Me Ma" translocated to modern-day Craigavon. I'll tell me ma when I get home The hoodies won't leave me alone They offer E and speed and blow And tried to nick my mobile phone She is handsome she is pretty She is the belle of Craigavon City She is a coortin' 1-2-3 Please won't you tell me who is she I'll tell me ma when I get home The chuckies won't leave me alone Apart they say I will be blown If I don't move away from home Just because I'm fly-by-night A robbing, burgling, threatening shite A one-way ticket I must buy For London Town I'll have to fly I'll tell me ma – aye, will I flute! Me boyfriend's got me up the chute She'd do her napper if she knew And bate me black and bate me blue I think I'll have to get the plane And have it fixed across the main And I'll come home as right as rain I won't be doing thon again!
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Den at work Date: 18 Jan 02 - 10:59 AM Ok Alison, can't have these Derry men showing us up. I'll tell me ma when I go home Sammy won't leave me alone he says he loves me but hes a prod and that won't go down well with God But he is handsome he is pretty He took me round the back of the chippy we were courtin' makin' such a fuss cause hes got hands like an octupus I'll tell me Ma that I love him too even though he lives up in Rathcoole and she can break the news to me Da That hes going to have a loyal son in law but he is handsome he is pretty we'll never live together in Belfast city but we'll be happy and wait untill we get a wee house up in Ahoghill Den |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST Date: 18 Jan 02 - 04:39 PM Derrymacash, Remember Paisley`s mob slagging off Lord `O Neill as, The Pochal from Ahoghill. And if you know your sick counties, a Pochal was as useful as a broken arm.Ard Mhacha. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 18 Jan 02 - 05:19 PM I'm in a hurry, will try to add more later, in the meantime, be my guest and submit your own words.
I'll tell me ma when I go out |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 18 Jan 02 - 05:31 PM Just ran back to my computer, these words came to me as I was at the door. 2nd verse.
My mother came up from Cootehill
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 18 Jan 02 - 09:53 PM lol....... I love them... absolutely brilliant Den.. can I please have permission to sing
But he is handsome he is pretty loved the rest too........ now where haven't we had a go at? and where is Seamus?... he'd love this.....lol Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry still need done...... lol slainte alison
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: Jimmy C Date: 19 Jan 02 - 12:45 PM Good idea Alison, maybe we should start another thread, this one is getting lenghty. Here is a list of some towns - I will be away for 2 days but will have a go at them when I return. Derry - Limavady/Maghera/Ballykelly etc. Fermanagh - Belleek/Enniskillen/Lisnakea etc. Tyrone - Cookstown/Ardboe/Coalisland/Dungannon/Strabane etc. Maybe we should try to do 2 songs - one derogatory and one complimentary ?. But all in fun. |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: alison Date: 19 Jan 02 - 06:47 PM complimentary? about Belleek????? lol slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Finally I made it to the Belfast area From: GUEST,Seamus in Alaska Date: 19 Jan 02 - 07:36 PM Sorry. I've been on the road and Mudcatless for a while. I'm fairly wettin' myself, so I am! Great stuff, Derrymacash. Brilliant. Jimmy C, give me a wee while and I'll have a dig at Antrim. Hope to see some of the Alaska catters while I'm here. Seamus |
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