Thank you Boston

One of our band members wrote the following about our trip to Boston

It is worth the read.

14th March, 12.01am. Finally here! After two years of planning and fundraising by the committee, and all our extra practices to learn new music and drill, we were on our way to Boston! Suitcases packed, final checks done, we boarded the bus and were on our way.

Seven hours later we arrived in Shannon, went through the check in without much hassle.. (Bernie might have something to say about that!!), waited about for a few hours (we even saw Marty Whelan), and were filled with excitement when we heard our flight being called. St. Brigid was taking us to the States…literally. (we thought we were going for St.Patrick's weekend!)

After a six-hour flight, during which some of us were lucky enough to sleep through, we landed in Logan airport! We got a lovely welcome from the Friel family, aka the "James Nialls", when we came through arrivals. Fellow Fanadians in Boston! We met our bus drivers, and were delighted with our luxury coaches!

Short journey later, during which we heard all the history of the day from our bus driver Jim: evacuation day, Boston Massacre, Tea' party etc. we arrived at the Ramada Hotel. We got our rooms, installed ourselves quickly, and then crossed the street to the Boston Bowl 24 hr bowling alley. We ate our fill of pizza and were then officially introduced to the organising committee on the Boston side. Marty Walsh, State Representative of Dorchester, Mike Christopher, Dr. Sheldon Lockman, and Nuala Wright (Friel).

Saturday morning, 10am Boston time, we made the most of our free time shopping in the Wrentham Shopping outlet, and we did shop!! Designer names galore! We then went to the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, where we were fed and then enjoyed the night's craic.

Sunday 5 am. Early start ahead of our first official function. We gave a 25-minute display in the Boston Convention Centre. We then enjoyed Palm Sunday mass in St. Vincent's Church, and straight to the South Boston St.Patrick's Day Parade. What an experience! While the parade lasted 4 hrs, we didn't find it passing as the reception we got was amazing. Crowds lined the streets. Afterwards we were told almost 1.5million people had been in attendance. Ravenous, we returned to Boston Bowl for a buffet dinner, followed by a game of bowling.

Monday morning, the Harbor Hotel, Boston for the Irish American Partnership Breakfast. This was our most high-profile event as all the important politicians of the day were in attendance. We gave our performance, and afterwards, with great pride we played the American Anthem and our own Amhran na bhFiain. We also had the chance to meet Brian Lenihan, our Minister for Justice. Afterward we went to the aquarium, some more shopping and back to St.Vincents for St.Patrick's Day mass. After this, we performed once again in the Church Hall. We returned to the hotel and went bowling, bed or to Dunkin Donuts! Yum!

On Tuesday we had the privilege of joining St.Mark's school musicians in a concert for the other students. After this, we had the opportunity to play in front of the Grand Staircase in the Massachusetts State House followed by an official tour given by given to us by Representative Walsh himself! As this was our last evening, the Irish Cultural Centre had organised a farewell party. We gave a quick performance, presentations were made, we enjoyed a disco, an Irish music session and it was back to the hotel for one, final night.

On Wednesday morning, rooms were checked, buses were loaded, and we made our way once more to Logan Airport. After six hours in the airport, final gifts were bought and we departed Boston at 8.15pm with promises being made that one day, we would return.

We would like to thank everyone who made this trip Possible: Marty Walsh, Dr.Lockman, Nuala Wright, Bob Lynch, Mike and Dan, Mary Swanton, the parents who travelled with us and everyone who bought tickets for our draws, those who continue to sponsor our Golf Classic, and anyone who gave us sponsorship throughout the year.