For everyone following the 2005 NER Pub Series and traveling to Portland (or already there), the Brian Boru Publick House, along with RD Dan McKeown, will be hosting an informal (it's OK to dress like the Whirlaway guys) reception on the 2nd floor of Brian Boru's on Saturday, March 5 from 6:00 pm to 8:30-9:00 pm.

The Brian Boru Publick House is located at 57 Center St. (207-780-1506) and is just two blocks from the host Holiday Inn where a lot of Publicans from south of the border are staying. Hors d'oeuvre will be available along with a cash bar. For a bit of history on the race site visit Brian Boru.

For a spot of craic drop on by (we'll need help getting Irish Tom Hurley up the stairs, we can roll him down). There'll be enough authentic Mainers on hand to answer queries and give directions.

For more links on the race site, old port, etc. click on the Pub Series line-up on the homepage. If you plan on attending, drop us a line so we have some clues as to numbers (for the poor bar/wait staff) NER See you there!