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Belleek Castle in county Mayo was the splendid setting for the launch of The Irish Caledonian Society on the 26th. of November, 2005.
The occasion was an equally splendid Saint Andrew's Night Dinner at which the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Olegovich and his charming wife,Nina, were the guests of honour. Their presence was a reminder that Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of Russia.
Bishop John Fleming of the diocese of KIllala and Bishop Richard Henderson of the Church of Ireland were also present.
A piper stood bravely at the castle's entrance to greet the guests. Once indoors a blazing log fire in the hall warmed everyone in readiness for the champagne reception.
Vice- President of the Society, Iain McPhee from the Hebrides, gave the toast to Saint Andrew and Scotalnd in Gaelic. Martin Gordon, Hon. Secretary, proposed the toast to Saint Andrew and the Russian Federation; to which the Ambassador responded. Greta Adamson toasted the Presidnet of Ireland; and the Society's President Blantyre native distingushed journalist, author and broadcaster, John Cooney, prosposed the toast to the Caledonian Society.
As part of the entertainment that followed the sumptious meal, Martin Gordon sang a medley of Scottish waltzes and then, acompanied by Bishop Henderson on the keyboard, sang 'My Ain Folk.' - Martin is a son of Govan.
Such then was the first event of the Irish Caledonian Society that a few Scots expatriates in the West of Ireland founded just three months earlier.

BURNS SUPPER 2006

Following the success of the Society's innauguarl event described above, we held our Burns supper the following Januaryof 2006 in the Merry Monk public house and restaurant.
Professor John Kirk, of Queen's University and a native of Falkirk, was present to do the honours to Rabbie. Martin Gordon recited Ode to a Mouse. Rev.Canon Aean Ferguson proposed the toast to the lassies. To which best-selling author, Morag Prunty, responded with wit and charm.
For many of the locals present this was their first experience of a Burns Nicht. All agreed it had been a wonderful occasion. The only disappointment was that there had not been more songs.
So with two successful gatherings behind our fledgeling Society, the committee had almost eleven months to prepare for the next Saint Andrew's Night, which we had already decided would take place in Belfast.

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The Society's Saint Andrew's Night dinner of 2006 was held in the impressive Great Hall of Queen's University,Belfast, on the 24th. November.
A Piper was present to greet the guests as they arrived in the entrance hall. Amongst the distingused guests were our special Guest of Honour, Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Belfast, Mr.and Mrs. Pat McCarthy; Bishop Harold Miller of Down and Dromore and Mrs. Miller; Baroness May Blood; The Very Rev.Ken Newall, former Moderator of the Presbyterian church and Mrs. Newall; Bishop Donal McKeown, Auxiliary bishop in Down and Connor and our President,Mr.John Cooney.
When is was time to leave the reception, the piper led the' top table 'downstairs to the Great Hall and to partake of the excellent four course dinner prepared for us by the catering staff of the Univeristy; for which we thank them very sincerely.
Hanging behind the' top table ' was the saltire,kindly given to us by James of John's butchers,Belfast.
On the tables were placed 'freebies' of miniture bottles of Scotch whisky- courtesy of Diageo and Mr. Bill Heaney of Dumbarton- and Irish whiskey from Mr. Gerry McGuire of Dillon Bass and with the assistance of Mr.Felix Mooney of the WellingtonPark Hotel, who also sponsored the pre-dinner reception in the Canada Room. Boxes of Moy chocolates were sponsored by our treasurer Mr.W.R.Adamson and to complete the line-up of bottles and boxes there were small pots of home-made jams provided by Gees' Gourmet Jams of Abbeyleix, Co.Laois.
We were delighted to have present members of the Belfast Burns Club.
The the tables themselves were beautifully decorated with displays of flowers kindly provided by Sandra at Kennedy's florists, Belfast. The splendid bouquet that Mrs.Martin Gordon presented to the Lady Mayoress was sponsord by Bro.Finnian Gallagher.
The Cardinal proposed the toast to Saint Andrew and Scotland; The Rev. Ken Newall toasted the Irish Caledonian Society to which Mr.John Cooney replied.
Mr.W.R.Adamson presented a large box of smoked salmon to the Cardinal. Clarke's Fishmongers in Co.Mayo sponsored this gift.
Entertainment was provided by Mr.Willie O'Brien from Co.Limerick who sang three songs and thrilled everyone present with his fine tenor voice. Our secretary sang a "Gordon for Me."
So the first venture out of our homebase in the West of Ireland proved a resounding success. We are now planning for this year's dinner to take place in Dublin on either the 23rd. or 24th. of November.
Enquiries about this or about the Society to 1960a@eircom.net