It takes something special to drag Martin O’Huigin out of The Dubliner in Santa Ponsa, from the start of April until deep into October he’s centre stage alongside Darill Cahill, playing the tunes that keeps the visitors coming back for more.
Last Saturday the bhoy from Antrim was granted a rare night off, enjoying a flying visit home for the annual Dinner Dance of the Ballymena Shamrock, one of the social highlights of the year for Celtic Supporters Clubs across Ireland.
Over 600 fans were present for the Dinner Dance, joined by Tom Boyd and Tosh McKinlay who brought over three special trophies that were appreciated by all in attendance. The SPFL Premiership, the Scottish Cup and pride of place the European Cup.
Events like this don’t just happen but with years of experience the Ballymena Shamrock have learned the ropes with the backing of CSC’s from across Ireland as well as fans from Scotland.
Charity as ever is at the heart of everything that Celtic fans do, over £4,900 was raised for the Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow who had a visit from Boyd in midweek with £5,200 donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
The £10,000 was raised through a very well organised raffle, there were Celtic and GAA prizes to be won with ordinary fans going home with fantastic mementoes rather than looking on at an auction between a few wealthy supporters.
With Brendan Rodgers back in charge of Celtic and delivering a double thanks to a storming end to the season the fans were in good spirits as they turned up for the dinner.
Martin is a master of knowing his audience, when to speed things up and slow them down with the full range of Celtic songs and anthems aired including the latest addition, Don’t Worry Be Happy.
You’ll Never Walk Alone, Grace, This Land and all the others were brlliantly received with the only issue for the organisers being how they try and surpass it all again in 2026.
Sunday night Martin and Darrin were back in the sunshine of Santa Ponsa where they’ll be entertaining Celts in the sun right through the summer at the one and only Dubliner.
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