Click here for the Globe Directory

 

 

Beatles Ireland Magical Mystery Tour

1999

 

Since the Magical Mystery Tour '99 was first announced all I heard from club members was, "Where are we going? Go on Pat, we all know that you know." Well, I really did not know. Pete was the man with all the info, and he sure wasn't telling. I had to be patient like everyone else.

 

The morning of June 19th dawned bright and clear, and all the omens looked good. I had to go to a friend's wedding that morning so it was a busy time for me! Anyway, off I went to meet everyone at The Castle Inn, my little overnight bag in one hand and guitar in the other, hoping that everyone else had paid attention to Pete’s request that we dress up in sixties gear, or I was going to look a right fool. (So what else is new?!!) I was also hoping that someone would want to play the damn guitar! We had a little light refreshment (!) and then we were off. For a while it appeared that our tour was going to be of the Liffey!, but soon we were out on the open road and heading south-east. We still didn't know to where.

 

La Fraincais

After a brief pit-stop (I have no idea where!) we finally arrived at a sign that pointed to Rosslare - were we heading to La Fraincais? I hoped not. I had only brought one change of undies! But no, we took a left turn and before we knew it we were in the lovely seaside village of Carne, in Wexford, where we were met by 'The Walrus' (or Maurice to his friends!). Well, were we in for a treat! Maurice directed John the driver to our various guest houses, and having discovered that in mine the landlord was up for election for the 39th year in a row for local council (and he got in), and that his wife was off to the counting centre having left us with the keys, with instructions to take any messages, and with an ample supply of fresh rhubarb tart and tea, I just knew we were in good hands.

 

We then went to a nearby pub (don’t ask me, you know what I'm like with names!) where we were treated to the movie 'Help!' and a couple more cups of tea! (Who are you kidding? -Ed). We were then escorted, again by our amiable driver, to a wonderful restaurant where we were treated to an excellent meal (some people even had steaks!). The waiters had really pulled out all the stops. There were special menus with all of the dishes named after Beatle Songs, (and more of that tea???? - Ed). There was a CD playing in the background; 'Baroque Beatles'. It was magical and we really enjoyed it. If the evening had ended there it would not have been disappointing. But no, more was to follow!

 

Local Hostelry

We ended the night with Maurice and his terrific two-man band (with a little help from his Beatle Ireland friends!) at the local hostelry. All the locals were there and they made us all feel really welcome and sang along with us, mainly Beatles music for most of the night. It was brilliant! We then all walked home under lovely sparkling starlit skies and drifted off to bed (after some more rhubarb tart and tea!).

 

The next day - another beautiful one - saw many sore heads (must be something in the tea – Ed!) and just as many sore feet! There is no doubt that Dubs are spoiled rotten! All those buses and taxis! We headed back to the pub, as you do, and had another light beverage or two, indulged ourselves in some more singing (with me making a show of us as usual) and with Tony and Tess doing a great job, showing that we are a bit musical at least - even without Paul! Finally came the time to leave lovely Wexford and it was all over - or was it?

 

George Harrison

We all thought that this was 'The End' but Pete had other ideas. On the way back we made another pit-stop, this time at Ferns where we got the biggest surprise of all, for we found ourselves outside the ancestral home of George Harrison’s family where his grandfather had lived. You should have seen Georgina's face! We were all mesmerised. This lovely little cottage down a picturesque country lane was so close to where it had all began that, for us, it was a true privilege to be there.

 

The couple who live there showed, yet again, that wonderful hospitality for which the Irish are justly famous. More tea and rhubarb tart, cakes and gorgeous fresh Wexford strawberries perfectly rounded off a weekend which was made even more special by the additional privilege of Tony Ffrench's company, that of his lovely wife, of Geoff Rhind and of his lady friend, all of whom seemed to really enjoy the entire trip. To commemorate our visit to George's ancestral home Pete presented a plaque to our hosts.

 

On the bus the guitar finally got an airing, and Tony and Tess gave us a great sing-song. Geoff joined in on harmonica and even played a couple of his own songs - MAGIC! Peter Brennan really knows how to organise a great trip, and I am very glad that I did not know where we were going because I would never have believed it in advance! Roll on next year! I would like on behalf of all the club members and guests who enjoyed the trip to thank Pete for the entire weekend. Thanks to all those who helped him; Maurice (The Walrus!), John (The Driver) and the wonderful people of Wexford, especially the landladies! I can't wait to see the video!!!

Pat Moore

 

Photo's from Magical Mystery Tour'99

Geoff, Nicola and Tony	Derek, Terry, Pete and Noel
Terry, Peter, Marie and Noel	The mad lot from Beatles Ireland
Pat Moore!!!!!	Georgina and Geoff
Tony, Nicola, Plamela, Tesse, Sean and Snitch!	Tesse winning her fab John picture.
Maurice and his terrific two-man band	Good God! I hope that's not the bus!!
George's ancestral home.	On a Magical Mystery Tour.
On a Magical Mystery Tour.	On a Magical Mystery Tour.
George's ancestral home.	All on a Magical Mystery Tour bus.
On a Magical Mystery Tour or is it - which way does it go in?	George's ancestral home.
Dave Walsh and Tony Ffrench.

 

Beatles Ireland Magical Mystery Tour

1998

1999

2000

Review Index