New CA office opened in Camden

by Democrat reporter

THE CONNOLLY Association and Irish Democrat celebrated the official opening of its new premises at No 1 Camden Park Road, London NW1, in December.

The new premises will also be the venue of meetings and storage, leaving the Four Provinces Bookshop, remaining in Gray's Inn Road, with more space.

The party was hosted by CA stalwart Charlie Cunningham, assisted by CA general secretary Jim Redmond. There was great craic and several members volunteered songs.

Dubliner Andy Higgins brought the house down with a terrific composition about Paisley and his friends arriving at the gates of heaven only to be sent to Hell by St Peter. It is not long before Lucifer himself arrives at the pearly gates demanding political asylum.

Irish Democrat columnist and CA stalwart Chris Maguire won a bottle of whiskey in fund-raising raffle while Donal Kennedy won the three Irish music CDs. Among the distinguished gathering were Irish language poetess Máire Ní Chuinn, Christy Evans, who runs Coláiste na nGael and Irish Democrat columnist, historian and author Peter Berresford Ellis.

The New Year and new premises herald a new direction for the CA and Democrat, Charlie Cunningham told the guests. With the peace process going forward, the CA has great new challenges ahead and much work to do.

February/March 2002