Well, what can I say ? We were made to feel so welcome during our May weekend in Bangor that we decided to return
to Northern Ireland the following August, and this time we stayed for a week. Any fears that we couldn't possibly
have such a good time again were dispelled the moment we arrived in Belfast.
Belfast's River Lagan, with Hilton Hotel and Concert Hall. Once again we were made to feel instantly at home by everyone we met and were introduced to. George McCausland and his wife Lorraine kindly acted as our tour guides on our whistlestop tour of the province.
Highlight of the trip was the visit to the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast and the chance to climb the 300 feet high Goliath crane. Thanks to Eddie Bailie and Trevor Agnew and all the lads at the shipyard for allowing us to endanger everyone's safety ! ( and George, your secret's safe with me ). Next stop was a cultural visit to two of Belfast's finest footballing venues, Linfield's Windsor Park and Glentoran's Oval ground. Brian Thomson at Linfield kindly showed us the inner sanctum of Windsor Park's trophy room and boardroom and at the Oval we were able to solemnly reflect on Robbie Fowler's pre-season injury, sustained days earlier on the very same pitch. 
The Oval, home of Glentoran and scene of Robbie Fowler's pre-season injury. ( In the background, Samson and Goliath dominate the skyline ) Now, I've been lucky enough to see a few of nature's wonderful sights in my time, but can anything compare to the Antrim cost and the amazing Giant's Causeway ? I think not.
The Giant's Causeway - what the hell is going on there ? Quite simply, the Giant's Causeway defies description and you really have to go and see it first hand to experience the unique and eerie atmosphere that surrounds it. The same goes for the mixed grill served in the nearby Causeway Hotel where the amount of food served up is roughly the size of a small country. No man or beast could possibly finish eating one ( good effort though Jonathan ). 
The lads of the North Down Tommy Smith Liverpool Supporter's Club George, Lorraine, Nicola, Stevo, Barney, Jonathan, Andrew, Lorraine, Clifford, Alan, Barbara - You'll Never Walk Alone. |
