UL FF hits Brussels with a Bang

Feeling a little bit worse for wear at an ungodly hour on Monday fortnight last(October 16th), the cumann departed from Shannon Airport. The cumann was destined for Brussels, a city which has for centuries been at the crucible of European History; where chocolate flows in abundance and where a peculiar statue of a famous little lad stands modestly attired and keen to show its contempt of any and all tourists.

Of course Brussels is also the home of the European project and the many institutions of the European Community. Thanks to the generosity of Brian Crowley MEP, who kindly arranged a tour of the European parliament and who took time out of his busy schedule to meet with us, the cumann experienced the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this remarkable institution. On the tour the cumann saw the parliament chamber from the public gallery, many diplomats of world renown passing through the corridors and we were allowed access to the quarters where the world’s press compile and broadcast community news from the Parliament.

The tour was in some ways slightly unorthodox. The allocated tour guide invited some unwanted attention from security when she attempted to demonstrate the harmony of the European Union through the medium of art. A metal structure symbolising the unity and concord of the union and shaped like a maple leaf is erected in the hall where heads of state and dignitaries are received. She swung out of the structure and it rattled like wind chimes from the bottom floor right to the top to disturb the deliberating of this august gathering of diplomats. Members of the cumann followed ‘Greggy’ (guide No.2) and hid behind a stone column until security passed.

There was however, more than a political purpose to this trip and members of the cumann split into two groups to spend an afternoon touring the city centre and the many cultural and historical landmarks that Brussels has to offer. On Tuesday afternoon 5 members took a ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tour that piped in ambient Barry White classics between each tourist hot spot. After almost two hours of the walrus of love the UL delegation felt that enough was enough. The cumann dined together that evening in the comfortable surrounds of a traditional Belgian restaurant. This was an opportunity to experience the world famous Belgian cuisine and hospitality. For those of the cumann who were not forgotten by the kitchen staff, the meal received mixed reactions. Overall the cumann had a great trip, thoroughly enjoyed by all members and at this point the cumann takes an opportunity to thank all who made our trip possible. Thanks in particular to James Delaney and Gerry McCarthy for their hospitality and to Brian Crowley for taking time to meet with the cumann.

Slán ón mBruiséil