The Order Of The Friendly Sons Of The Shillelagh

For as controversial as this years Christmas party was it turned out to be one of the best ever. It was certainly the biggest ever. The hall was decorated from floor to ceiling with much thanks to Miriam Sheridan and Barney Shannon with help from Laurie Miller. Zoe Sheridan and Karli Miller daughters of John and Wayne respectively are the ladies responsible for the souvenir Christmas tree decorations. Special thanks to Sue Hansult for the chocolates given to all the ladies.

Top Hat Catering took the challenge of catering for 175 people and ran with it. Setting up appetizer stations around the club as well as circulating continously during the course of the event. For  the first two hours of the party it was non-stop grazing. You had to be pretty dedicated to the cause to avoid the calories. The plan this year to accommodate our biggest group yet involved setting up appetizer tables in the main hall and the catering tent extending from the lounge to the deck beyond. So rather than keeping the party confined to the bar area and then moving it to the main hall we were encouraged to make full use of the entire club... and we did.

Of course the Christmas party is as much about fashion as it is about food.  And if the fashion Gods  were watching they must been mesmerized by the assortment of designs and colors. They were red, green, multicolored and of course the little black number (always a popular choice at these events). Then there were the over the top, battery operated designs with lights and even music... Yep it seems that at Christmas time the fashion focus shifts for just a moment from women's dresses to men's ties. I sported a Charlie Brown Christmas tie myself, which was second only to Bill Nolan in his tartan dress pants. That said, the ladies didn't look to bad either. From Charlie Brown to Kenny Brown and Walter Farrell... here come the men in red. Check out  the photos of two of Santa's favorite helpers.

Music in both rooms... I'd be remiss in not mentioning that Primative  Soul were spectacular. They filled the dance floor. Their choice of music meant that even folks with no business on a dance floor just couldn't resist. It was hard to watch at times but they all had fun. So much fun in fact that when the end of the night arrived the crowd pleaded for and was granted  one more hour. We just didn't want the night to end.

As you browse the photos keep an eye out for our ever so friendly photo imposer. It was a busy night for him but he would not be deterred. Christmas is after all his busy season. We have over 100 photos captured this evening by John DeMaio, Wayne Miller and Dave Cummins. Photo album 1, Photo album 2.