Celtic Supporter's Association
Inaugural European Convention
Benidorm 2006
The Celtic Supporters Association would like to thank all our fellow Celtic
fans for their magnificent support at the European Convention in Benidorm
last week. Once again you have excelled yourselves, another first for the
record books. The massive support in and around Benidorm provided good
natured and colourful hullabaloo for visitors and locals alike, not to
mention a roaring trade in the Benidorm Bars. All without a hint of trouble,
Maria Jose, Tourist Officer for Benidorm Council was thrilled with the weeks
proceedings and hopes to welcome us back soon. The Local Mayor Senor Fenoll
praised the behaviour of the Celtic Support and highlighted the links
between Benidorm and Glasgow.
Billy McNeill said “ it was a privilege to be chosen as Guest of Honour,
once again the Celtic support have enhanced their reputation, you never let us down”.
Fellow guest, Mrs Agnes Johnstone praised the CSA for coming up with the
idea for the Convention and said “ I can't thank the Association enough
for bringing me here, its been a fantastic week among the supporters”.
Friday night in the Melia Hotel, a quiet night quickly arranged by Social
Convenor John Andrews, a small gathering of guests and committee?
Aye right! That wee guy Word O'Mouth has a lot to answer for. More than
two hundred fans crammed in to the bar to hear the First Lady of Celtic
Song, the one and only Tricia Ferns. The CSA Benidorm Banner as backdrop to
the European Cup, Tricia giving full voice to the Celtic Song, accompanied
by big Billy, Agnes Johnstone and Yogi Hughes and a cast of thousands.
Money can't buy that kind of emotion. Thanks Tricia you are our bright and
shining star.
The highlight of the week for the CSA was the Gala Presentation Dinner in
the Benidorm Palace
for a magnificent meal which was only topped by the sensational show which
followed. The show opened with a fantastic laser show culminating in the CSA
crest flashing across the stage before a video presentation of some of
Celtics greatest games was played during dinner.
Post dinner witnessed an extravaganza of laser and smoke, strange forms
emerging from the mist before bursting into brilliant light on stage, the
passion, and colour of the Flamenco dancers had the crowd drawing breath
before roaring out their appreciation.
One major talking point to emerge from the show was “ Owen Archdeacon you
ain't no dancer.” The comedian with the camera nearly stole the show,
closely followed by the other three supporters dragged up onto the stage,
the big man with the flowers had us falling off our seats. Well done to you
all.
As for the magician and his glamorous assistant, we can only say
“Pure Magic by the way”
The finale drew some gasps around the hall, especially when the guys spotted
the beautiful girls and their somewhat revealing costumes, or perhaps that
should be lack of costumes? The Girls were stunning but there were many
admiring glances from the Celtic Ghirls for the male dancers and their tight
pants!
CSA President Gerry Madden, then made a short speech and a presentation to
Martin McHugh of the Benidorm No1 CSC and thanked all their members for
their assistance and cooperation in making the CSA Inaugural Convention a
reality.
The lights dimmed, the hall filled again with a mist, Compere, Joe
O'Sullivan, reads out a poem. Living the dream, our team, our dream, our
captain,
Hail Caesar ! Hail Caesar ! Hail Caesar !
Slowly, magnificently, from below the stage big Billy rises with the
European Cup held aloft. Thunderous applause rends the air. Billy McNeill
the greatest ambassador our Club will ever have.
Following the presentation from Gerry Madden, Billy thanked the CSA for
choosing him for Guest of Honour and applauded the fans for their support
through many years. He was then encircled by the fans in search of
autographs and pictures or a quick word. Apology's to anyone who missed
out at this time, Billy never refuses, however the Committee had to get him
back to join Liz in order to continue with the show.
Benidorms' own Irish Rovers took to the stage accompanied by Tricia Ferns
and had the fans dancing in the aisles, on the tables and especially on the
stage when the entire audience, over one thousand people, joined the Rovers
on stage to sing the Celtic Song, followed by Walk On.
As a finale it would have been awe-inspiring, except for one thing, the show
billed to end at 02:00 was still going strong an hour later ! Many thanks to
Vincenze his daughter Joanna and all the staff for their patience, good
humour and more importantly their invite back next year. As the hall emptied
and the crowd drifted away into the approaching dawn there was quiet
satisfaction for the CSA Committee. Yet again our fellow supporters had
shown Europe how to party in style.
On to Monday evening and the closing ceremony at the Village.
A warm sultry day gave way to a hint of rain, the first black spot of the
week. Some forty thousand euros of fireworks standing in the rain, would it
turn into a damp squib? Not a chance, the noise and colour filled the entire horizon
and seemed endless. A fitting end to a glorious week.
It would be remiss of us not to mention the problems experienced by the
support and the traders at the village. The village was originally the
concept of the Benidorm CSC and as such would have enhanced the entire
programme of events. Their idea was to offer a variety of music,
entertainment, sport and fun throughout the week. The idea was put to the
CSA Committee who agreed to leave the concept under the management of the
Benidorm CSC. The original venue shown to the CSA last October was much more
central to the beaches of Benidorm and would have been more accessible for
everyone. However a local consortium known as the Celtic Pub Company
was brought on board due to the costs involved in setting up such an
event. Further funding for the Village saw the involvement of Benidorm Convention SL.
The CSA had no involvement either financial or managerial in the village
other than to offer advertising space on our web page.
The Celtic village at Foities Football stadium, was a twenty minute bus ride away .
from most hotels and this had an adverse effect on visiting the village.
We are sympathetic with all who were involved with the village either as traders,
musicians or customers.
The organised layout of the tented village and the first class stage set were exceptional.
However we believe the organisers either overestimated the numbers who would attend
every night for a week or underestimated the alternative competition facing them in the bars
and nightclubs in the town.
Following an emergency meeting on Thursday morning the organisers decided to
cancel the entrance fee to the music arena in order to salvage something
from their week. Refunds were offered by way of vouchers which could be
exchanged for food, drink or other merchandise within the village. This
proved less than satisfactory to most people who wished a cash refund.
We have been informed that cash refunds will be made available from,
Celtic Convention S.L.
03500 Benidorm
Alicanti
Finally we would wish to thank Billy McNeill and Agnes Johnstone as
principal guests, The Benidorm Civil Authorities, Cambuslang Travel our
travel partner, the members of Benidorm No1 CSC, particularly Jim and Frank
who organised the transport for our guests throughout the week and most
importantly, all the Celtic Fans who gave us their support in organising the
Convention and travelling in such numbers to join us in Benidorm.
We would appreciate feedback from everyone who travelled on any issue
arising from the week or its events.
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