British and Irish Hand Surgery Societies meeting Hallowe’en 2019, Guinness Storehouse

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The Guinness storehouse was another auspicious setting for the Irish Doctors Choir.  Hand Surgeons  who came from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland met for their congressional dinner and raise a pint of the black stuff. There were fine solos from Cathy and David and full choir performances involving around 25 singers including several  members who were with us for the first time.
The rapidly evolving programme challenged this newbie. “The ink may not be dry’ said Brian, finishing off an arrangement as we rehearsed. He had written some beautiful arrangements for us to sing.  The pieces chosen provided a quick musical tour of each of the society’s regions; Sally gardens, Mo Ghile Mear and Caledonia (from David) Hamba Nathi and, from Cathy, The Water is Wide. Finally, we sang Calon Lân in Welsh, bringing the BHSS President, David Newington, to his feet. The tumultous applause had nothing to do with Guinness.
Leaving delegates to enjoy Guinness cured salmon, Guinness beef daube and Guinness truffles, we dispersed, some to the Gravity Bar where there was a great view of fireworks but, alas, no Guinness. On Twitter, BHSS warned about the dangers of carving pumpkins.
I learnt a lot, for example that Mo Ghile Mear was used in a Specsavers ad, in which sheepdog gets shorn with the sheep. It was great to connect with colleagues from The Meath Hospital (gone but not forgotten). Looking forward to more.
Emer Loughrey & Anon