Dublin Hammers 25th Anniversary Dinner & Dance - 8th October 2016

Jack Collison didn't steal my pint...

Five years after we held our 20th anniversary dinner dance, in the blink of an eye it was time for our 25th and yet again the subcommittee of the Dublin Hammers ensured that the occasion would be a memorable one.

This time the dinner dance was in the Alexander Hotel, just off Merrion Square, and I have to say it was a fantastic venue.

The Dublin Hammers lads all put on their best clobber including a tie (all except Timmy Lloyd who only has one tie apparently... that he managed to leave at home). The WAGS looked stunning in their finery and it was good to see some sons and daughters of our more senior members turn out for the night. It can be funny to see a lad that you remember being a small boy in Brannigans (and being the only Hammer in school) sporting a beard and drinking pints... a sure sign that we are getting old!!

It was also great to see all those who had travelled to be there on the night – in particular Josh Holland, German Denis, Donegal John, Pat Gargan from deepest Longford (or was it Leitrim Fran?), Frank from Drogheda and Roy from London who has been super in getting signed paraphernalia for us. Also, a big thank you to Pat's girl-friend for the lovely table decoration.

Our special guest for the night was ex-West Ham and Wales midfielder, Jack Collison... and what a gentleman he turned out to be – for a start he didn’t steal my pint like Mark Ward did all those years ago, I’ll never forget!! Following the welcome from our President, Fran Ryan we settled into a lovely meal and there followed great conversation at the tables between courses.

After the meal Fran introduced our invited guest, who had brought along a few buddies for company, David Blackmore and Lorcan Fitzgerald who were both academy player with the Hammers at the same time as Jack.

Jack thanked Fran for the introduction and said that he was delighted to hear all about our Fran and Kenny Dalglish. He said how he was honoured to be asked to attend and spoke of the great times he had at West Ham. He recalled meeting Lorcan the first day he arrived and was delighted to meet him in Dublin. Jack spoke about his favourite memories, his injuries, his current role with Peterborough and his involvement with Sky Sports as a pundit.

He was very open when asked questions about his career, best players (Scott Parker and Gareth Bale), biggest influences, managers and coaches (Gianfranco Zola). He managed to avoid Gerry “I’ll ask it if nobody else will” Nolan’s question on his earnings – in case the HM Revenue were in attendance. Overall he was open and informative.

Presentations were made and a load of photographs taken and again Jack showed wonderful patience as we all lined up for our mugshot with him.

The raffle proved to be popular with Gerry Nolan’s daughter winning the signed Dicks shirt that she promptly donated to her da! Graham Trew won the Julian Dicks Legends photo, Mark Ryan won the signed 1980s framed jersey, Eoin Holland won the signed Dubs jersey and the new DH Anniversary top, while Roy won the last and first game programmes that he then donated to a very delighted Kevin Murphy Two.

Then in a break with tradition the DJ started up, the dancing started in earnest interspersed with the karaoke and the hours slipped by as we all had a ball.

It was a great night spent with great friends in top class surroundings and not a chicken nugget in sight!

See you all at the Christmas Party.