We assembled at Swansea airport at 10am on Wednesday, 11th October and waited patiently for the coach to arrive – it was delayed by about half an hour. Once under way, we picked up 2 passengers en route to Fishguard (Matt and Rhian). Fortunately we arrived at the ferry port in good time. Passports were checked for a few random members before the coach was allowed on the ferry, and we crossed to Rosslare without incident, although at one point it looked as though a chorister might have taken a dip in the sea! Fortunately (or not, depending on your point of view) he remained on board. We stopped at Jack White’s Inn in Wicklow, looking forward to a 3 course meal. However this was not to be. Due to some kind of miscommunication, the pub wasn’t expecting us, so we got back on the coach and headed for Dublin. Plan B: Searsons Bar was able to accommodate us all for a meal and drinks. Finally we headed for Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk. When we arrived we received an electronic key each and headed for our rooms.

Breakfast was provided at the hotel and we had the morning free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, such as the grounds and the swimming pool. At one point, Matt discovered that some colleagues were also (coincidentally) staying at the hotel. Fortunately he was able to reassure them that he was taking annual leave! The coach took us to St Peter’s Church in Dromiskin, County Louth, on a very sunny afternoon. After a quick rehearsal, we were ready for the wedding. All music was provided by the choir (Cwm Rhondda, Calon Lan and You Raise Me Up) with no congregational hymns. We had to sing from the pews, but the congregation seemed to enjoy the performances. Although there were only 26 choristers, we sang with enthusiasm! 

After photos, we then moved on to the reception which was held at the impressive venue of Bellingham Castle. We sang a number of songs, (Cwm Rhondda, You Are So Beautiful, What Would I Do Without My Music, Three Times A Lady and If I Can Dream), when the guests arrived, who were very appreciative. Afterwards we were treated to a buffet of sandwiches and some bottles of beer. We finally returned to the hotel which provided a 3 course meal for dinner. Unfortunately the nearest pub was about an hour’s walk away, but the hotel had a well-stocked bar and lounge (the “Terrace Bar”) which we stayed in for the rest of the night, enjoying an afterglow and entertaining the other guests.

On Friday morning we had time for breakfast before taking the coach to Dublin Ferry Port. Matt was dropped off on the way so he could remain in Ireland for a little longer. This time we crossed to Holyhead in Anglesey. On the way back to Swansea we stopped for a quick break at the Cross Guns in Pant near Oswestry. We were all able to enjoy a drink and some food was also available. Before departing on the coach, we treated the pub to a couple of songs in the pub, lead by Nick.

Thanks must go to Gareth Widlake in particular, as well as the rest of the musical team for what was a short but very enjoyable trip. Thanks are also due to Bob Walters who was our coach marshal, and Chris Bickford for acting as our photographer. Sláinte!