Wider Horizons celebration

You'll remember that part of Jude's work is helping to manage a group of young people from home who arrive in Boston on the Wider Horizons program (funded by the International Fund for Ireland). The group who were here in April/May were from Co Down/Co Louth regions. The group to the left are from Cos Sligo, Tyrone, Donegal and Derry. Here they are at their closing ceremony.





Here Jude is with Scott Rankin from Omagh. Scott fancied himself as a bit of a pool player. In fact he regularly plays the circuit with many of Irelands top pool players including Ronan 'babe' McCarthy, who happens to be a friend of Jude's from Ballycran. Anyway the group of 20 had a pool tournament with Jude and Scott making the final. Due to time constraints the best of 19 game final was settled in an 8-8 tie. Everyone was a winner!

In this pic are: Liam McGinley from Strabane (group supervisor) and IIC staff - Sister Lena Deevy, Dominique Powell, Ann Marie and Jude.

Later in the evening and the Wider Horizons group have left, so the leaders/managers could let their hair down at the Elephant and Castle.

Here are Ann Marie, Marguerite and Clare. Clare's parents frequent 'fruity tootie', (Fruithill Bowling club) in Belfast, which also happens to be Marguerite's da Michael's local. It's a small world folks!

Anyway, Ann Marie and Marguerite decided the Elephant & Castle would be a good spot to go to because it had Karaoke. Here they are picking some songs.

Meanwhile Jude is bending Liam's ear about exactly why he hates Karaoke. 'Look Liam, it's horrific mate, I mean, why would anyone want to listen to muppets trying to sing when they do not have a single note in their heads, not me, I hate it, in fact if Karaoke comes on here tonight then I'm outta here, like shit outofa goose, I just can't take it chum.'

'Surely it can't be that bad Jude', replied Liam.


Before you can say 'Creedence Clearwater Revival' Jude is up there belting out 'Have you ever seen the rain?, followed up by an inspired version of Guns n Roses' 'November Rain'. Check out the poor DJ, he doesn't know whether to laugh or cry!

'Hey Ann Marie, Jude hates Karaoke and look at him he's up there making a complete fool of himself, hehehehehehe.'






'Eh Jude, I.....eh..........I get what you're saying about the Karaoke mate, I've had a great 6 weeks and a great night tonight but eh........I think it's time I was outta here mate, I can't take any more, me ears are hurtin mate.'

Ann Marie and Marguerite agree with Liam 100% but they don't let bad singing get in the way of a good night.

Marguerite, Clare and Jude enjoy the craic in the Elephant and Castle.











You'll never believe it, but Ann Marie accidentally won the prize for second place ($25) for her efforts while Jude was not even in the top three. Jude felt that this was an injustice, daylight robbery and even a downright dirty snub to his vocal talents. Just why did Jude lose out tonight?

Wonder why? Check this out. Wha?