Celtic Supporters 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 on Sunday evening. Over one thousand supporters sat down

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.

P.O. Box 232

Benidorm

03500

Alicante

Spain

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.

CSA/PR Office