Night of nostalgia for youth club leaders

Nostalgia will fill the air when 250 youth club leaders, past and present, come together to celebrate The Gathering and reunite for a trip down memory lane on April 27 in The West County Hotel, Ennis.
Since its formation almost half a century ago, Clare Regional Youth Council, now Clare Youth Service, has supported over 100 youth clubs in all parts of the county and it is estimated that over 1,000 youth leaders have volunteered in their local clubs.
For many leaders, the memories of Tops of the County, Youth Day, Thrills ‘n’ Spills and discos with Big G, Gerry Sexton, provide the soundtrack to a voluntary career in the service of the county’s young people.
With this service also came the reward of great friendships and a cracking social life.
Now, as part of The Gathering initiative, the Youth Club Leaders Reunion offers the chance to relive it all for one night only.
Big G himself will be there with the vinyl. There’ll be a photographic archive guaranteed to embarrass many fashion offenders from the ’70s and ’80s. There’ll be a chance to relive Tops and other events.
Jim McMahon is one of the youth club leaders behind the initiative.
“When The Gathering was launched, we thought it’d be fun to bring people together again and an informal organising group was put in place, representing different parts of the county. Since we started talking to people, it seems to have mushroomed and we’re expecting a great crowd,” he told The Clare Champion.
Jim is encouraging all former and current club leaders to come along,
“There’ll be music, memories and finger food but, most of all, its designed as a night of fun and friendship,” he said.
Tickets are available from Clare Youth Service reception 065 6845350.