3 p.9 p.1 p.8 p.5 p..14 p.16 p.17 p.1 p.15 NUACHT p.10 .... e memorandum elly elly , signing the ...... r ...... annual St. Patrick’s Society public lectur Society public annual Patrick’s St. th Críona Ní Dhálaigh Jim Killin Jim and Vivian Doyle-K April 29, 2016: MayorApril 2016: Denis 29, Coderre and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Theaim of Paul Dunne, Paul Loftus, Denis Coderre, Ambassador Kevin Vickers, roundup: notes on Minister Weil and Minister notes on Ambassador...... Bassett roundup: Weil officials. to foster a closer bond ...... 2016 12-16 June Annual Festival: Bloomsday

, a group of Montrealers th ...... meet Min Everyone, ...... pains back looks Bassett AmbassadorA retrospective: Ray growing – location new Breakfast: bridges Year the of Irishman building to discord Commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Dublin from revisited: 5 Gore and Columban St. Saving the Famine Irish: the Grey Nuns and the Great Hunge Great the and Nuns Grey the Irish: Famine the Saving Síle de Valera visits Concordia for the 11 Concordia for visits Síle de Valera Immigration andother • • • • • • ...... O’Donnell to Ken Society presents a posthumous Community Award Patrick’s St. • • • • • •

e April ningofthis

r e a l a n d g s, indeed, a Memorandum Understanding of E D I S N I n lat Coderre,Mayor Ireland.flewtoby led Cities Montreal of andDublin sign he Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní between them. During the trip, withmanyMayorbusiness groups encourageto Coderre met employment opportunities in Montreal and generate synergycities.Onecompany haspledged start-a between bothup company in Montreal creatingjobs at the150 onset. I t Dhálaigh By Killin Jim the meeting was to draw the two citiescloser together Under the guidance of KellyVivianandthe ICCC,our metmayorwith Doyle- Thesi Memorandum of Understandingwill friendshipleadato and cooperationagreementbetween M o n t Dublin. It wa privilegetobepart of this brief, rewarding,but visit. NUACHT 6 1 20 Vol. 29, Issue 2 29, Issue Vol. May Community Newsletter of St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal A word from the President

hat an amazing and fantastic month of March! The ball, luncheon, parade and Irishman of the Year BreakfastW were outstanding. I am pleased that attendance at both the ball and luncheon exceeded that of last year. The work by the various committees was much appreciated and delivered two great events. I would like to congratulate our sister societies for their contribution to the Montreal cultural NUACHT landscape. All of our efforts, truly put our heritage front and centre. I would also like to thank Richard McConomy and Pierrette Sevigny in their roles as patrons for our ball. Their hard work is truly valued.

As you see from our cover story, a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Dublin with the Mayor. On behalf of the Society, we presented Mayor Coderre and the Lord Mayor individual plaques commemorating this historic visit. Ambassador Kevin Vickers hosted a breakfast meeting for the Mayor, introducing many business interests to Montreal. The trip truly reflected our rich heritage and gave enlightenment to many of Montreal and our Irish roots.

In other news, sadly, Ambassador Bassett and his wife will be ending their tenure later in July. A farewell dinner is planned, to thank them for their enormous support. The President Jim Killin presenting plaques on behalf dinner is planned for Wednesday, June 29th, at the Atwater of the Society to Mayor Denis Coderre and Lord Club (see p.23 for details). The Society will be putting Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh tables together, so if you wish to attend please advise Erin, so that we may reserve accordingly. The Irish Community Annual Walk to the Stone will take place on Sunday May 29th, starting at noon, following Mass at St. Gabriel’s Church at 10:30 a.m. The annual walk pays NUACHT, Community Newsletter of St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal homage to the over 6,000 Irish souls buried at the site. I urge you to come out and support this event. Production: Anne Forrest (Editor) Maura Druda st Jim Killin The society’s annual golf tournament is set for June 21 . The Joanne Latimer committee chaired by Paul Doyle is hard at work to make this Ken Quinn another memorable day. Please visit our website for details (or see p.5. I invite you to participate in a fun-filled event. Email: [email protected] Canada celebrations will take place on July 1st with the annual Advertising: Erin Matheson parade. Together with our sister societies we will form THE E-mail: offi [email protected] IRISH CONTINGENT and walk in the parade celebrating Printing: Centre de copie commerciale our strong Irish roots. Please watch your emails for time and 460 St. Catherine Street West location. Montreal, QC H3B 1A7 Tel.: (514) 842-2545 Our heritage continues to grow through strong events and programmes. As you can see, many events don’t just occur Subscription: $25.00 per year during the month of March but continue throughout the year. Please address all contributions to the Editor at the Society Offi ce. Your support and participation is welcome. With Montreal’s Tel.: (514) 481-1346 Fax: (514) 481-9048 375th anniversary fast approaching next year, the community will be playing a key role highlighting our evolution with E-mail: offi [email protected] regards to the building of this great city. I urge all to support St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal St. Patrick Square and attend as many activities as possible to showcase our 6767 Côte St. Luc Road, #1 heritage. Montreal, QC H4V 2Z6 www.spsmtl.com Jim Killin May 2016 Deadline for submissions for next issue: September 6, 2016 2 May 2016 NUACHT 3 Photo: Ken Quinn 2015 St. Patrick’s Parade 2015 St. Patrick’s Ken O’Donnell on the reviewing stand at Ken O’Donnell on the reviewing ’re going to miss going you. ’re outgoing president Elizabeth Quinn presented Ken with Gold Gold with ElizabethKen Quinn presented president outgoing Card (Life) years 50 membership in over the for organization. organization On the Marchby recognized 31, was Ken 2012 daughter his him, to Unknown service. dedicatedand loyal of witness to Banquet the attendedgranddaughter his and Lonna the made which recognition, deserved richly the receiving Ken all theevening more special. The selection committee September for in inductees the its of Point one as St. Ken selected Charles Recognition Hall of with the likes and of George 2014 Springate, Linda Cloutier, Stevenson. Ian “Coach” Healy Margaret 2014, to century last the of part latter the From for zero ground as garage their volunteered O’Donnell Ken and the and assembly distribution of the UIS Christmas Baskets. The lasting image I have of Ken from those years is of him tryingquietly to a get handle on thethat many neededboxes walking him remember will I recycling. for down broken be to will I stand. reviewing the around coffee of cup a with around remember him taking care of the Selection Evening judges’ refreshment needs. I will remember a man normally dressed in shirt I willand tie. remember a man took the who time on I could. he as women many as withdance to occasions social of back himthestandingwill allremember at I think of most greeting best, did he what doing Hall Church Brébeuf John St. them as entered. and they people welcoming we Ken, to Ken O’Donnell Ken to News from News the Society SPS Luncheon, I had the honour of presenting presenting of honour the had I Luncheon, SPS th

two Community Awards – the fi rst to Andrew Fogarty andtwo Community – the Awards fi t the March 17 March the t 2016 St. Patrick’s SocietySt. Patrick’s presents posthumous a Community Award

May Quiet and unassuming, Ken would have been a candidate worthy a been have would Ken unassuming, and Quiet of receiving the Simon McDonaugh Humanitarian my Award, estimation. thisRegretfully, in never happened. In April 2001, Ken was a member of the He Unit. Greeters’ theirKarnak of member a hospital, the at Shriners, volunteering passionate Parade about Day Canada the of organization the with involved also was in see again Montreal, a trend? acting Do you as a greeter. At At last year’s parade, a really really cold one, Ken was standreviewing at anat early hour against the the He advice of many. paradeproduction, Media Bell the by interviewed be to managed which I am sure made interviewed. What his were the chances? day. He didn’t see A the man end of He fell illofthe due parade, to however. the extreme cold and fewwas words gets intaken an away ambulance. Earlier that day I managed to snap glad I standing stand. I’m Ken of the on a photo alone reviewing camera. my brought Ken Ken enjoyed the camaraderie of the marshals’ unit. practiceSince the of taking a groupfellow his with standphoto to chance was a missed rarely initiated Ken Forum, AMC in 2004 in the marshals for a photo. As his age crept up on him, Ken was no longer able to marshal in the parade. In recent years he formed part of the hospitality team on and around the reviewing stand. chipped He in to his the best of abilities. Ken’s name fi rst appears in the archives in the early to mid 1960s. 1960s. mid to early the in archives the inappears rst fi name Ken’s He marshaled in the parade, as well. Adept at selling tickets to strangers, Ken was a master at selling tickets for the Christmas Draw for thet of benefi the our friends, for selling at tickets organization’scient Dinner also Christmasprogram.profi was He Celebrity Sports their Basket as such events their and Shriners, The and the Shriners Circus. Ken Ken was one of those guys happy to Greeter/Regalia/Masses help the committeechairperson of as wherever serving he could, for numerous years. He was happiest the engaging from when judges in the greeting conversation,segregate to attendingpeople,efforts to organization’s the thein Selectionjudges Evening general population during the course evening. the selection of The United Irish Societies of Montreal had been going through cult time. a Longtimediffi historian Don Pidgeon historicpassed the at away 20 February celebrated was funeral His 8. February another that informed were we later, week A Basilica. Patrick’s St. longtime member, Ken O’Donnell, a recent illness.passedfollowing away in hospital the second, posthumously, to Ken O’Donnell. to Ken posthumously, the second, By Quinn Ken A A night in Montreal – the 2016 SPS Annual Charity Ball And oh what a night it was! By Scott Phelan ur St. Patrick’s Society’s Annual Charity Ball was held in the sumptuous ballroom of the Marriott Chateau Champlain on MarchO 4th 2016 where over 300 guests wined, dined and danced their way into the wee hours. A great and, after close to two hundred NUACHT years, very traditional kick off to Montreal’s Irish season.

This year our theme of A Night in Montreal was highlighted by the presence of many well-known Montrealers and local dignitaries. Our 2016 Guest of Honour, Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, MNA for the riding of Jacques-Cartier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, was accompanied by his lovely wife Judy. Mayor Mr. Denis Coderre was also at the head table along with Montreal’s power couple, our Honourable Chairpersons and winners of this year’s Simon McDonaugh Humanitarian Award, Maître Richard McConomy and The Honourable Pierrette Sévigny. This year was Richard and Pierrette’s 50th Ball for which this amazing couple received a standing ovation. Bishop Thomas Dowd, Andy Fogarty, Wayne Hogan (2016 Irishman of the Year), Bill Hurley from Hurley’s Pub and his wife Irene Baczynsky, Jim Cherry from L’Aeroport de Montreal and his wife Dr. Jane Craighead, Parade Grand Marshal (and Irish Embassy owner) Paul Quinn and many presidents of our A young Irish dancer presents fl owers to Judy and Geoff Kelley sister societies not to mention many past-presidents of the SPS who were also on hand to enjoy this year’s festivities. by the Stephenson School of Highland Dancers for a second rousing number before marching out to another standing ovation. Then, cue The evening began with a cocktail party and VIP reception the smoke! The Celtic Grace Dancers returned for another moving before the Honour Party, led by The United Irish Societies Parade and brilliantly performed dance routine in tribute to the over 6000 Queen Samantha Cambridge and her Court, was piped in by Jeff Irish who are commemorated by the Black Rock as well as our Irish McCarthy. Our fi rst-class MC, Rob Kemp, did all the introductions kinsmen who built the Victoria Bridge. before Society president, Jim Killin, welcomed everyone and reminded us that the funds raised by the Ball, and indeed all of The dancing was then led off by Geoff and Judy Kelley. The Directors our social events, go towards the Society’s many worthy charitable Showband was a huge hit again this year and went way past normal endeavours. He thanked one and all for attending, especially our closing as the dance fl oor stayed busy past 1 a.m. by which time patrons and corporate sponsors and introduced Geoff Kelley and Hurley’s Hotel Pub (thanks again, Bill) next door to the ballroom Mayor Coderre who both gave brief and very amusing speeches was in full swing. Featuring Solstice (and some impromptu Irish before Bishop Dowd led everyone in saying Grace. dancing by Erin, Maria and many others) the dancing and partying was only interrupted by a new feature of a late night snack served at The ballroom was dazzlingly beautiful and the atmosphere was 1 a.m. which was consumed very quickly. You wouldn’t have guessed both warm and refi ned but the mood was, as they say in the social that everyone had just eaten a four-course meal. Refreshed, our chic columns, absolutely fun and fabulous. The dining had just begun partyers loosened ties, shed high heels and jigged, reeled and danced when guests were treated to a beautifully choreographed dance right up till closing. number by the wonderful Celtic Grace Dancers. The delightful mixture of young and old dancers was a highlight of the evening. As Ball co-chair along with Maria Cook, I would like to commend this year’s Ball committee for their amazing efforts, donating so much Dinner was another culinary triumph: a trio of salmon, followed time and energy and doing an extremely great job. The Ball is one of by a Guinness and cheddar onion soup, a delicious pan seared veal Montreal’s premier events and the hard work and the participation strip loin with Irish whiskey sauce and fi nished with a Ferrero of so many other volunteers and supporters continue to ensure its Rocher chocolate dome – reportedly one of the best menus yet. continued success. A special word of thanks to our own Erin Matheson Our compliments to Chef Richard Edwards. for all of her dedication and effort in helping our committee pull off a great evening. More fun than most people who have never attended Following the main course, the lights dimmed, the music stopped can ever appreciate, the Annual Charity Ball is an SPS event that we and the Night in Montreal continued as The Black Watch marched can all be very proud of. in and a single kilted nine- year-old began drumming a dramatic solo before 12 pipers and as many drummers joined in for a What’s next for 2017 and Montreal’s 375th Anniversary? You’ll have Scottish tribute to Montreal’s Irish community. They were joined to attend to fi nd out. Fheiceann tú an bhliain seo chugainn!

4 May 2016 NUACHT 5 tudentsin currently s annual St. th www.spsmtl.com annual golf tournament and we have raised nd over a quarter of a million dollars for the charitable works of a quarter over of of a works million the dollars for charitable Society. Patrick’s St. can we that golfers of number limited a have we as early Book accommodate. For any questions, please call Paul at Erin Matheson contact Doyle please at and to register, 514-481-3503 visit or 514-481-1346 you tee-off, we also feature about $8,000 worth of prizes to be be to prizes of worth $8,000 about feature also we tee-off, you e. raffl our at won roast and fees green cart, golf a of costs the up add you When the it’s think we table, per wine of bottles two with dinner beef town. in deal best This is our 22 the Major in Irish Studies. because of their training as couriers and army members as well as nurses and cooks. She emphasized the importance of understanding the Rising and the role of women withinthe context of their time rather than relying history. on revisionist Her talk humanized a person familiarbecomethatmore Canadian of Irish have Studies School current Valera students de Síle lecture, her inending In gure. the fi historical a as with all, a beloved “above noted that to was Éamonher, de Valera grandfather.” MichaudSarahare andBrodrick Robin : Dr. Michael Kenneally, Robin Brodrick, Síle de Valera, Jane de Valera, and Sarah Michaud Sarah and Valera, de Jane Valera, de Síle Brodrick, Robin Kenneally, Michael Dr. :

L to R to L Patrick’s SocietyPatrick’s public lecture century had an the School of th st St. Patrick’s SocietySt. Patrick’s annual charity golf tournament

Síle devisits Valera Concordiathe for 11

Canadian Irish Studies n March 31 n Tuesday, June 21, we are holding our annual tournament at at tournament annual our are holding we 21, June Tuesday, n thought you when Just Club. Golf Lery de Ville Vue Belle the 2016

and fourteenth holes. fourteenth and th May that the tournament could not get any better, we have added a new new a added have we better, any get not could tournament the that till a.m. 10 from clubhouse the in served be will brunch A feature: There will in price of all$125.00. the same noon, included ticket the at available refreshments with p.m. start12:30 at shotgun a be By Paul Doyle Síle de Valera’s lecture was attended lecturewas Valera’s de Síle with Coinciding people. 100 over by the centenary of the Easter Rising, experience the on focused lecture her of growing up as the granddaughter effect which is still felt today. is still which felt effect at Concordia Universitythe eleventh hosted annual St. Society Public Patrick’sLecture. This year’s former a Valera, de Síle lecturerwas member of Dáil Éireanncurrently pursuing a PhD in Gender who is the is Valera de Síle UCD. at History a Valera, de Éamon of granddaughter political and nationalist revolutionary gure whosefi role in Irish politics throughout the 20

6 O By Robin Brodrick and Sarah Michaud O Addressing the participation of women in the Easter Rising, Síle inthe Easter Rising, theparticipationwomen Addressing of rebellion the in role valuable a played women that noted Valera de She spoke candidly about her upbringing and the various fi gures upbringing her andthe various fi about candidly spoke She involved in Ireland’s revolutionary period. She discussed relationshipthe between her grandparents Despite holding opposing viewpoints on andthe Anglo-Irish Treaty, Michael Collins. grandfather Collinsprovide attemptedto her Michael timewhen recounteda she while Sinéad, grandmother, her to support nancial fi she British,” the by attered fl was he Micky, “Poor run. the on was remembered Sinéad de Valera later commenting about Collins thesigning Treaty. of of of a leader of the Rising who became one of the most gures in Irishdivisive history. fi In addition to the complimentary golf shirt, golf hat, sleeve of balls, balls, of sleeve hat, before golf shirt, receive golf complimentary you the to which of addition In all water of bottle and bar chocolate tees, Our tournament is basically a “fun” tournament for all. We feature feature We all. for tournament “fun” a basically is tournament Our and “Gimmies” Hole,” the to “Closest “Mulligans,” as things such shoot cannot you means which hole, any on over two than more no 108. than more Society’s luncheon enjoyed by appreciative guests By Carol McCormick Photo his year’s St. Patrick’s Society Luncheon held on March John Rae, executive vice- 17th at the Centre Sheraton was attended by more than 500 president of Power Corporation :

people.T Attendees were there for the obvious celebration of St. not only introduced our Guest Anne Forrest Patrick’s Day but were also able to honour two fi ne Society Speaker, His Worship Mayor members, Andrew Fogary and the late Ken O’Donnell. Denis Coderre, but he kept us

all amused with his lengthy and NUACHT Andrew Fogarty received the 2016 St. Patrick’s Society of entertaining job description of Montreal’s Community award and Margaret Healy accepted what a mayor has to do. her late husband Ken O’Donnell’s Posthumous Community Award. In return, Mayor Denis Photo O’Coderre – for the day – did not disappoint us with his one- : Anne Forrest liners, showing a terrifi c sense Wayne Hogan and Tim of humour. Furlong at the reception

The time fl ew by and the following comments were overheard: “…great lunch!”; “…super menu!”; “…perfect venue!”; and “…we’ll be back next year.”

Tom Mulcair and Catherine about to Now, that’s what I want to hear. enjoy their annual SPS lunch In his words of welcome, president Jim Killin acknowledged Thank you to all who attended and those who worked so hard to His Excellency Dr. Ray Bassett for his fi ne work as Ambassador make it a success. of Ireland to Canada.

Awards Banquet not without incident By Ken Quinn Photo: he seemingly endless Irish Season came to a close on April 2nd at Plaza Centreville downtown, when the United IrishT Societies presented its parade trophies to the twenty Ken Quinn winning organizations, followed by a dinner dance chalk full of entertainment with the likes of the Bernadette Short School of Irish Dancing, DJ Sound Chek, and The Clahanes.

As per usual, the trophy winners gathered at 5 p.m. in a cozy room where United Irish Societies’ vice-president – Organization – Patty McCann served as master of ceremonies. Winners came forward to accept their trophies, including representatives of St. Patrick’s Society

Following the trophy presentation, guests mingled in the spacious foyer outside the banquet hall. They then had the opportunity to bid on many interesting items up for silent Erin Matheson and Lynda Premerl receiving Best Sister auction, whose proceeds went to the charities supported by Society Award from Beverly Murphy the United Irish Societies. Queen’s trip to Ireland courtesy of Air Canada Rouge. Speeches were made. Ronan Corbett accepted the Liam Daly Heritage Award During the formal part of the evening a guest experienced a on behalf of the Montreal Shamrocks Gaelic Athletic Club and medical emergency. Volunteers were on site to provide comfort Richard McConomy and Pierrette Sévigny accepted the Simon to the affected guest. First responders from the Montreal Fire McDonaugh Humanitarian Award. Guests danced away into the Department were quickly on scene before Urgences Santé wee hours of the morning. took charge. After the relatively brief period of time, the party resumed with the knowledge that the stricken patient was As the band packed up, guests were already making arrangements in good hands and would recover from his emergency. The to attend next year’s awards banquet and dinner dance; it’s that Queen and princesses were presented with gifts, including the much fun! 6 May 2016 NUACHT 7 Photo: John Gilroy www. anniversary and the th is only $85 and will cover cover will and $85 only is programme

. th Martin Clifford and Christopher Deehy Deehy Christopher and Clifford Martin Julie Guyot, Jim McDermott, Mark Billings, Billings, Mark McDermott, Jim Guyot, Julie he Coalition for peace in Ireland’s fl ag division: division: ag fl Ireland’s in peace for Coalition he Society contingent saluting the reviewing stand reviewing the saluting contingent Society T is aimed at kids aged 4-12 and no experience experience no and 4-12 aged kids at aimedprogramme is montrealirish.com Sessions begin the last Sunday in May and run through to the runthroughto and May in Sunday last the begin Sessions August. of end country’s 150 country’s A hearty congratulation must be extended to the United Irish United the to heartyextended beA congratulationmust year tirelessly work who armyvolunteers andits of Societies round to make the annual Parade the premier parade in the city and certainthe country. We’re the organizers will offer something special for the city’s 375 Ste-Julie. The cost of the the of cost The Ste-Julie. ball. practice a t-shirtand a will receive children allsessions; The is necessary. If you would like to register your child, please website our out check or 514-805-3243 at Mark contact St. Patrick’s Society was awarded the Past Presidents’ Trophy Trophy Presidents’ Past the awarded was Society Patrick’s St. Society in Sister the Best presented was Parade, at for which and Dinnerthe Banquet annual Dance. Awards

Photo: John Gilroy MIRFC all get set kids to MIRFC in shape along the usual route. Spectators of all th will run on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and will and a.m. 10 at mornings Sunday willrun on consecutive St. Patrick’s Parade took place on rd

St. Patrick’s Society marches proudly in the Parade the in proudly marches Society Patrick’s St.

Parade enjoyed sunnyParade and enjoyed warmer weather than usual 2016 programme he he Montreal Irish Rugby Football Club is pleased to once again run summerits mini programme rugby and in Verdun he 193 Sunday, March Sunday, 19

May The panel of distinguished judges as selected by the United Irishthe United by asselecteddistinguished Theof panel judges the to paradetrophies twenty awarding with tasked was Societies best units in the parade. Thanks to the hard work of our parade committee theunder the leadership McAssey-Premerl, of Lynda For a second consecutive year, the United Irish Societies partnered Societies Irish United the year, consecutive second a For opportunity the subscribers Fibe Bell its gave and Media Bell with to view the parade broadcast hosted Katherineby Quinn. and Ken Cleland, Richard McConomy, The St. Patrick’s Society, a parade sponsor, participated with a strong contingent and was visible throughout the bannersstand andon Ourintheparade. paradethereviewing at signage with Ontario Mustang Western of University the precededby was unit Marching Band and followed by the Montreal Pipes & Drums. unit friendly family- a was group Killin,the Jim president by Led friendraisingfantasticopportunity a for new, and old members of the Society. ages and communitieslinedandSte-Catherinethe ages celebrate to Street crowds The Montreal. to spring welcome to Irishcommunityand were thicker They edition. owing 2015 theto than warmer degrees the fteencantly signifi fi warmer approximately temperature, certainly were not disappointed with the many bands, colourful and mascots to and entertain clowns oats, them. fl By Quinn Ken T By Mark Gallagher T The and at the Irish take at Parc ingrounds place inBeurling Verdun Thanks to the kind support of St Patrick’s Society, the club to able build on its is success from last year and hopes to grow the programme with outreach in LaSallevarious inschools Verdun, and the on shore. South home fi elds at Ste-Julie. at elds fi home its at A retrospective: Ambassador Ray Bassett looks back By Ambassador Ray Bassett

have been the Irish Ambassador to Canada, Jamaica, and Ireland after the crash, Photo: I the Bahamas for the last six years. This is a very long time with major investments

in terms of a diplomatic posting. It is the longest for any Irish in places like the Bank Anne Forrest Head of Mission since John Hearn was high Commissioner of Ireland, Irish Life,

from 1939-49. Kentz Engineering, NUACHT Topaz Gas stations, The It has been an extra-ordinary privilege to hold this position. National Lottery, Bord There is scarcely a city, town or village in Canada which does Gáis renewable assets, not have an Irish Association or link. People from Ireland have etc. Today Ireland can been coming here since the 17th century. At the last census, borrow at short term at 4.5m Canadians self-designated themselves as having an ethnic negative interest rates, a tie with Ireland which is just 14% of the overall population. concept I admit I don’t This is just those who are aware of their linkage, the real really understand. fi gure is probably much higher. Also this represents a fi gure 2% higher than the corresponding fi gure for the United States, The other main feature a fact virtually unknown in Ireland itself. of my time here has been relations with However all good things come to an end and it is now time the com munity. It for somebody else to take over the offi ce and bring a fresh again has been a very Patricia and Ambassador Ray perspective. rewarding experience. Bassett, SPS Luncheon, 2016 I have travelled all 10 This huge base of Irish Canadians serves as a very fi rm Provinces and come away with friends for life throughout Canada. foundation for any Irish Ambassador in Canada. It means that From Newfoundland in the east to Vancouver in the west, I have in every facet of Canadian life and society, there are people received nothing but kindness and cooperation. present who are naturally sympathetic to Ireland. My good friend the German Ambassador here in Ottawa, when he One of the most heartening developments has been growth in direct sees the welcome any Irish Ambassador receives through the air services between Canada and Ireland, with 5 Canadian cities country, remarked that I was not posted to a foreign country. having direct fl ights to Dublin. However there are still gaps. We Not completely true, Canada is a foreign country but a very need to see a much better service from Montreal and also it would familiar one. It is our immediate neighbour to the west. be great to see Canadian fl ights land in Belfast and Cork. The new services hopefully will mean an end to people being stranded I am returning to Ireland at a very good time. The economic overnight at US airports on their return from Christmas breaks. and social situation in the country is far better than when I We have also managed to get the Irish Drivers’ licence accepted arrived in 2010. At that time I had two priorities, one to lobby for licence exchange programmes with 6 Provinces in Canada and the Canadian authorities to allow freer migration from Ireland, hopefully the remaining four will be completed soon, Quebec, especially for our young people. The second was to enlist the Alberta, Nova Scotia and PEI. help of the Canadian Government and the fi nancial industry here to restore Ireland’s credibility in the fi nancial area, after The rapid development of the Gaelic Athletic Association the collapse of our banks. throughout Canada has been particularly welcoming as have the new irish Women’s groups. We now have a tremendous In both areas, I found a very willing ear in Canada. The Canada infrastructure of Irish groups throughout Canada. Government reserved 10,700 visas under the International Experience Canada programme for Ireland, by far and away The area of Irish culture has been very strong and this was the most generous allocation per capita of any country in the particularly emphasised during our commemoration of the world. These visas were badly needed at the time as there Easter Rising. I was amazed at the numbers and the extent of the was no way that we in Ireland were in a position to offer commemorations throughout this country. Comhaltas is a fantastic employment to our young people. I know that demand for organisation and one which deserves strong support. these visas has dropped heavily in recent times as the Irish economy has improved but I would hope that easy bilateral The last six years have also been exciting as Ambassador to migration arrangement between the two countries will remain Bahamas and Jamaica, two very different countries. Jamaica for young people. especially has strong historic connections with Ireland.

On the fi nance side, former Canadian Finance Minister Jim All in all it has been a very interesting and rewarding posting. Flaherty regularly spoke up for Ireland in international fora and Canadian investors were among the fi rst to return to

8 May 2016 NUACHT 9 Photo: Ken Quinn 2016 Irishman of the Year, Wayne Hogan Wayne Year, the of Irishman 2016 speakers were numerous, timed perfectly to end the breakfastthe end to timedperfectly numerous, were speakers histime in of spoke Bassett Dr. note, Of hour. reasonable a at particular, in and, affection great with Montreal in and Canada ago years several Gerry Cooney legend boxing meeting about at the breakfast. The Erin Sports Association presented Dr. Bassett with a inplaque recognition of the affection the club speakers Other them. given has he support the and him for has included Jim Hindley, Dan Lafontaine (Wounded Warriors Sergio accompanied audio-visual, Mosher Terry by Canada), Mayor and CTVfrom Coleman Sean Renney, Tom Momesso, Coderre, who remained for the entire morning hecticdespite schedule. his indeedBrendan was Deeganhis It for when a moment proud son Shannon rose to education, speakof importance the at family, length Deegan about the in his up experiences growing speech to player hockey professional from pathcareer his and writer Jean Google. today at is he Chretien, to where for Taylor, Jarryd athlete amateur male to made were Presentations to and NY Hamburg, in School High Francis St. at studying 18, Simon at studying amateurfemale 18, athlete Hailey Gearey, Fraser Both University. student-athletes families are rooted Gearey Hailey schedule, her to Owing Charles. Saint Point in was unable to attend the breakfast her thanks did but convey via a pre-recorded message. audio President Tim Furlong, breakfast chairman Ronnie James, his committee, and the Erin Sports Association membership are to be congratulated for another fantastic Irishman of the Breakfast. TheYear entire community theknows challenges inherent in moving to a new location. With the knowledge acquired this year, should will Centrevilleit therun are as asseamlesslyto we accustomed event return to good work. the in support the club’s of Plaza

Photo: Ken Quinn

2016

t’s not t’s very often events change locations in our community. It seems this year was the year of change. The United Irish Irishman of the Year Breakfast: new location – growing pains pains growing – location new Breakfast: Year the of Irishman Kim Hogan as she presents her father to the attendees the to father her presents she as Hogan Kim May

A great number of presentations were made to the Irishman of the Year throughout the morning, including a walking stick, ne bottlea of spirits fi from Jameson, and a drawing from Aislin. daughter his was attendees to Year the Irishman of the Presenting her about perspective personal a from eloquently spoke who Kim, father. The grandchildren, Hogan family was sons-in-law, in attendanceKaren, in daughter great Lillian, numbers, wife including and extended Infamily. his usual deferred. fashion, TheWayne I By QuinnKen After breakfast andwas settledover everyone in their seats, the toguests table headthe led Watch DrumsandPipes Black the of the dais. The head table included parade dignitaries Paul Quinn Les Lawton, and Concordia Lynn University’s Lonergan-Doyle, Hockey Canada’s Tom Renney, Montreal Canadiens’ Alumnus Sergio Momesso, Terry Mosher (aka Aislin), His Dr. Ray Bassett, ExcellencyMayor Denis Coderre, President Tim Furlong, mantheand Melnick, Mitch MC fromGoogle, DeeganShannon and Hogan his daughter Kim. the hourof Wayne When an event is moved to a new Year therevenue, the are Irishmanof the going to at be evident were pains The pains. growing Breakfast. At times it seemed bar staff was overwhelmed prior staffbreakfastillseemedto the food prepared was it andthen to to attendthis event, we all why remember If we themasses. feed endeavours, charitable its and Association Sports Erin the support the profound apology from president Tim Furlong for the poor service was all we needed to hear. He assured us the problems will be addressed futurefor breakfasts and I know I am already looking breakfast. forward to the next Societies Societies moved locations for Selection the Evening as Queen’s well as for the Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance from Buffet Sorrento Patrick’s in St. LaSalle to Plaza Centreville downtown. Marriottthe Chateaufrom annualluncheon the switched Society Champlain to the Centre Sheraton. The Erin Sports moved the Irishman of the Breakfast Year from the Centre Sheraton to the Plaza Centreville. Commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Dublin

By Martina Branagan

n the year leading up to the centenary of The 1916 Rising, times and surmising his Photo: Ithere was divided opinion on its value and adjectives motivations and actions. abounded to describe those involved. Some of those descriptors We still have lots of Martina Branagan churned up old emotions that still run deep, scratched at scars unanswered questions,

NUACHT still unhealed and opened new wounds. Others deplored but we d iscovered the sense that Ireland’s school system was producing more at Boland’s Mills on “radicalized little soldiers,” modern day St. Enda’s boys and Easter Monday that it girls. Yet, there was much excitement in our family as we was more usual for the delved into our family history and tried to understand what part women of Cumann na our grandfather had played that week and beyond, someone mBan to speak about we did not know but understood where his heart lay. Then, we what happened and learned that our mother, his last surviving child was to attend what they did. For many a ceremony in Dublin’s RDS. of the men, a veil of secrecy was their modus Ireland was to be congratulated on the amount of information operandi during their made available on-line. Especially important to our family training, drills and fight were the Military Archives – we found granddad, understood for liberty, equality and where exactly he was stationed and some of what he did to fraternity and they have “repulse the enemy.” The museums provided pictorial evidence taken the detail with of a conflicted time, a poor place in many ways and a terrible them to their graves. aftermath with far-reaching consequences and outcomes. Other websites reinforced an historical backdrop that had Ireland is also to be somewhat faded since our years at school. See this Resource admired for reclaiming Round Up. the 1916 Proclamation

Photo: and for recognizing the historical complexity of the time and all those Liberty Hall reclaiming 1916 Martina Branagan who lost their lives on both sides or in the cross-fire. The word that sprang to mind throughout was “respectful,” deeply respectful. We felt honoured to be among the 4,000 relatives who attended Dublin’s RDS event on Easter Saturday; we were treated to a buffet, music of the harp and Army Band, we searched through the photos on big screens for those we knew and experienced the sights and sounds of the specially commissioned work, “Macalla” and listened attentively to President Michael D Higgins’s keynote address which called on us to aim for the dreams and ideals of our ancestors. I recorded the entire speech and hope with him: “A democracy is always and must always be a work in progress, and how we use the independence we have been gifted will continue to challenge us, morally and ethically… . We must ensure that our journey into the future is a collective one; one in which the homeless, the migrant, the disadvantaged, the marginalized and each and every citizen can Mam (Bernie Peate) on the red carpet, RDS, find homes, are fellow travelers; a journey which includes all of the Easter Saturday 2016 multitude of voices that together speak of, and for, a new Ireland But there was nothing like being there for Easter 2016. First born out of contemporary imagination and challenges.” We also felt and foremost, our mother had survived a close curtain call privileged to pilgrimage to Boland’s Mills on Easter Monday to lay in November 2015 as a result of double pneumonia, then her a wreath, observe a moment’s silence and pray for our granddad’s two tickets for the relatives’ event finally arrived and I was soul knowing that the other sites were synchronized with us. going to accompany her to the evening at the RDS on Easter Saturday. May all who lost their lives during Easter Week 1916 rest in peace! God have mercy on your soul, Granddad, and may He hold you in In the week leading up to the various events, it felt like an the palm of His hand! historical retreat/wake. We spent lots of time as a family talking about our grandfather, understanding his life and 10 May 2016 NUACHT 11 history. The term “Children” in “Cherishing all the Children of the the of Children the all the Proclamation, one “Cherishing of in the most iconic documents “Children” in Irish term The history. the just not people, Irish all Protestants identify to Northern used was the to equally” Nation reference resonant very a is It children. that Unionists pledged clearly The in Proclamation its context. in and be fairly equally the would treated new and Protestants pride great take can Americans Irish Also, Republic. egalitarian her “by support key their mentioned which in the Proclamation America.” in children exiled Micheál speaker and keynote guest visiting presented Short Pat Dublin and Fein Sinn of member long-standing a MacDonncha, an such have to of spoke the During MacDonncha his continues address, city councillor. it why complexities, its all and other war many for civil inspirations provided it how and legacy important evening The independence. their regain to wished who countries to homage paid who reference Billings, with Mark from a message anecdote with an ended sharing by grandfather great patriot his Pearse. Patrick to on speakers the by said was our all what to by moved be to R.I.P. not hard saying was It by close I’ll anniversary. important an freedom. such Ireland’s for unselfishly so died who patriots Bragh Go Erin Walsh has lived through five papacies, celebrated Mass with Mass celebrated papacies, through five lived has Walsh one of the pontiffs, Saint John Paul II, and tells each of how times at and influenced has XXIII John with starting popes the frustrated his ministry. The book is a battle cry for the church to become subversive down top the of instead bottom the from up itself build to and hierarchal approach. “There is a spiritual revolution going on when we that therealize Word of God Catholic is the Roman thesubversive, message God, of of Jesus People is the as now and subversive, church, is becoming subversive. God’s message is there in care to listen.” few “but says, he scripture,” “It is a book that is at once lyrical and Convivum of editor meditative, Stockland, Peter comical says philosophical,” and Magazine. “It is the story of a life lived in open, eyes totally engaged of love Christ’s church. It is in all its Father layers, Walsh.” John The anniversary 7777 Brebeuf, John celebrationsSt. at 22 May on p.m. 3 Thanksgiving at begin with a Eucharist George Street in LaSalle theand of bookautographed copies of $20. discount for will be sale on the at author’s Father John tells all tells John Father God is Calling, Don’t Don’t Calling, Godis century Ireland. She is the the is She Ireland. century th anniversary hisof ordination with th , a fascinating book on Quebec’s Louis Louis Quebec’s on book , a fascinating . , The Montreal Coalition for Peace in Ireland held held Ireland in Peace for Coalition Montreal The , th

Insoumis Empire Insoumis

an Easter Rising reception of poetry, music, and speeches in the the in speeches and music, poetry, of reception Rising Easter an n March 18 March n 2016 ather John Walsh the former pastor of St. John Brebeuf Parish Parish Brebeuf John St. of pastor former the Walsh John ather in LaSalle marks the 50

Sinn Fein’s Micheál MacDonncha discussed the complexities of civil war civil of complexities the discussed MacDonncha Micheál Fein’s Sinn All four stressed the outstanding roles of the Irish men and women women and men Irish the of roles outstanding the stressed four All reading of honour the had I independence. for died and fought who Indian-born playwright Rana Bose paid a wonderful tribute to W. B. B. W. to tribute wonderful a paid Bose Rana “Easter playwright famed Indian-born poet’s the in sadness and beauty the voicing by Yeats Freeman, Quebec with beginning Mylene delivered MP were messages four Then Democratic 1916.” New Khadir, Amir (MLA) Kenneally. Michael Solidare and Geves, de Veronique President Vice CSN Joseph Papineau and Ireland’s Theobald Wolfe Tone—both great men men great Tone—both Wolfe translated Theobald be will book Ireland’s The and Papineau similarities. as Joseph well as differences had who future. near the in English into author of of author and befriended Jews and Muslims alike with his practical approach As a CJAD talkhe built a faithful host, approach show listening audience practical his with alike Muslims and Jews befriended and to ecumenical dialogue. “Ministry … for everywhere. is takingmeRisk risks. of multi-tasking, of has question always been a Throughout my ministry the call to serve has meant attempting to do unexpected things. Consequently, I have never had only ministry.” one “The church in which I minister today is not the same church that church same the not is today minister I which in church “The then was andit I am the not same person theor he same priest,” I when decades five past the timesbeenover “Therehave writes. admits who Walsh, priesthood.” the in remained I why wondered progressive his chronicles regrets,” “no but “disappointments” to childhood his traces book The decades. five past the over ministry growing up in the Villeray district Montreal, talksof about his decision to go into the priesthood and details andstudies in in Rome that Israel shaped his views. tolerant the subsequent Perhaps best known as the CJAD talk show host who once served once who host show talk CJAD active the an as known best continues Perhaps he Jean-Longueil, St. of Vicar Episcopal an as social ministry years although retired he ago. five First up was historian Julie Guyot, a Concordia Irish Studies scholar scholar Studies Irish Concordia a Guyot, Julie historian was up First 20 in history women’s in specialist and Beverly McGuire opened festivities by singing Ireland’s national national by Ireland’s singing McGuire opened festivities Beverly Callahan Kevin who by of Master Ceremonies followed anthem, an created and solidarity diversity whose the speakers, introduced insurrection. the of heroes the for admiration of atmosphere Club. Harpist Susan Palmer and friends performed a selecton of Irish Irish of Curling Montreal Royal of selecton the historic lounge a oak-panelled performed rustic friends and Palmer Susan Harpist appetisers. Club. delicious enjoyed everyone while melodies, By McDermott Jim O By Alan Hustak F the launch of his forthright autobiography, forthrighthis autobiography, of launch the Leave him on Hold May It seems that no matter where I go – there we are By Victor Boyle New Orleans, Louisiana

hile southern cities like Savannah and New Orleans a major influence have a particularly strong Irish presence the history of in the fabric of that Wthe Irish does not stop there at these two cities. society.

For example, while researching the Black Rock for The fi rst church in

NUACHT the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation (www. New Orleans — St. montrealirishmonument.com) I was amazed to find very Patrick’s, naturally detailed archives of Montreal in 1847 in places such as the — formed in 1832. University of Alabama. From t here t he Irish churches move In New Orleans I got to see, and experience, fi rsthand the Uptown, to places palatable Irish infl uence there. Unlike Savannah which shares now called CBD with Montreal a spectacular Parade dating back to 1824, New or the Warehouse Orleans has a number of Irish Season Celebrations. Perhaps the District, which were largest being the Irish Channel Parade where the participants once heavily Irish. throw cabbage, onions, carrots, and – of course – potatoes into Their neighborhood the spectators so they can make soup. was known as the Celtic Cross Memorial at the New Basin Irish Channel, but To NOLA, Montrealers are “Podna”. We share a certain joie where it is, or was, depends on who you ask and when you asked. de vive. Our renowned summer festivals and our distinctly Generally speaking, it spans from Felicity Street to Jackson European fl air unique in our respective countries make us a Avenue, between the river and the Lower Garden District. Or good match. There is, of course, the French connection. The to some, it’s two blocks of Adele Street. Being Irish determined people of New Orleans appreciate any spoken French. In fact, whether or not you belonged. If you were a stranger wandering in I’m considered a French speaker there. you’d be stopped on the street and asked “Who are you”? What are you doing here?” The wrong answer meant immediate ejection. Maybe not so well known is the Irish connection. Dr. Laura Kelley, History Professor at Tulane University in New Orleans The value of community and being together in public places was claims, “The Irish Have Been Part Of New Orleans From The strong for the Irish. It’s one reason why many of them stayed Beginning.” here. “New Orleans reminded them of home,” Kelley explains. “They wake up in the morning; they hear the church bells ringing. During the French period, the Spanish colonial era, and People stop any time of the day — at the streetcar, in the store throughout the 19th Century, each era brought a different type — and they talk. They ask after your family, after your mother, of Irish immigrant, but in her book, The Irish in New Orleans, they’re not in a rush, that community is fi rst, having a good time Kelley wondered: “When do you move from being a bunch of with everybody, sort of a joyous outlook on life. So much of that random Irish people who happen to live here in New Orleans reminded them of home.” to a community?” Her answer: their fi rst public celebration. For the Irish, that celebration was St. Patrick’s Day, the holiday Sadly, as with other cities around North America the Irish were for the patron saint of Ireland. often seen only as workhorses. Unlike slaves, their bodies had no commercial value and could be worked to exhaustion with That fi rst public celebration took place in 1806, just two and a impunity. During the digging of the New Basin Canal Irish often half years after the Louisiana Purchase. While this wasn’t the drowned when hitting a water vein – their bodies left behind. fi rst time St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in New Orleans, it was the fi rst reported in the newspaper, and it was attended by The New Basin Canal would never have been built were it not some rather esteemed Irish gentleman, such as the Secretary of for the Irish. Construction of the canal began in 1831. Because State, several judges, and Governor William C.C. Claiborne. the land between the city and the lake was, for the most part, mosquito-infested swamps, the canal’s investors could not contract Louisiana, French-speaking and Catholic, was a little foreign with slave owners for labor. The owners of slaves knew there and scary to the rest of the country. But like so many examples would be a good chance their slaves would contract yellow fever across the Diaspora, the Catholic Irish fi t right in. In New or malaria, and dying slaves were not profi table. The Irish were Orleans that meant fi tting in with both Americans and white coming off the ships in large numbers, and had no work. They Creoles – just one reason parts of New Orleans became very took the canal-building jobs. Large numbers of them did get sick Irish. and die; estimates range from four to thirty thousand men lost. The deaths didn’t discourage the Irish, as they had nothing to If you want to see where the Irish settled in any community fi nd return to back home. their churches. From there you can plot their course from stranger and immigrant to productive members of their new society to Today, the Irish in New Orleans are New Orleans. 12 May 2016 NUACHT 3 1 . , 2017 . Be sure to join us for another another for us join to sure Be . 2017 , th bloomsdaymontreal.com great day for the Irish and those who wish to be Irish for a day! a for Irish be to wish who those and Irish the for day great We We were also very to honoured the have Duclos, Federal Minister of Jean-Yves Development, and Social Children Families, us join Lightbound, Joël Parliament, in of gain Member to his and fellow continues year every which parade a of edition this for popularity. The new route for this parade year’s was by appreciated all. Departing, as from always, Saint High Patrick’s School, the participants walked down Grande-Allée, of past at ended the of march Their the foot theand Hall. thousands City of Frontenac Château tens the halts the allowed route brought new The and parade the Saint-Jean. Porte of view better a have to onlookers rhythm a better ensuring thus a minimum, to parade the within 2017 event. for entire the to parade greater even an ensure to underway already is Work 25 March held be will which and Sébastien Proulx (Minister of Families, Families, of (Minister Proulx Sébastien and Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and for Minister the responsible Region). Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine a professor at New Once York University. again the Jewish Public Library will kindly us welcome there for the talk and nal reception. our fi order in from choose to activities of set interesting another So, to or hisworks and Joyce James of furtherto knowledge your events about information further For world. his into you beguile see please and news Penelope Kathleenby , 2016. It was a sunny, yet rather rather yet sunny, a was It 2016. , (Tuesday), while the group th - the theme song of the Québec Québec the of song - theme the in spirit with Joyceans across the Ulysses ByDenis Trudel Québec City’s Défi lé another great success Québec City’s Défi Regiment of Canada ( the Van Doos). Van the ( Canada of Regiment nd Ulysses Annual Bloomsday Festival: June 12-16 2016 Annual Bloomsday Festival: June 12-16 th Vive la Canadienne la Canadienne Vive 5 Finnegan’s Finnegan’s Wake (Wednesday) will arouse interest

loomsbury, did I hear? No,then? Company. No, theBloomingdale’s, big that’sNew York Virginia Woolf & 2016 he seventh edition of the Défi lé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec de Québec lé de la Saint-Patrick of the Défi edition he seventh 19 March Saturday, on held was

wo graceful horses from the RCMP’s Carousel opened the parade. parade. the opened Carousel RCMP’s the from horses graceful wo May Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region), graced us Couillard, Philippe Region), with his Québec premier, presence Capitale-Nationale and Social the of Employment (Minister Blais for with François together responsible Minister and Solidarity T a Cribb, Fred Mr. parade. Marshal, Grand the 2016 of the by followed volunteer were They time long and businessman local known well of - members participants to a thousand close by followed He was of members members, French family the Irish of hosts Vikings, Québec, of Heritage Irish troop a Dancers, Celtic Parish, Patrick’s Saint Québec, de Titans Les Québec, de Éclairs Les Bearn, of Regiment more. many and jugglers some T By Dave and Judith Schurman The Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society of the New York City City York New the of Society Emerald the & of Drums Pipes The and Chicago the of Drums and Pipes Pipes the the as well as Department, However, Police favorites. crowd the were Department Police they as unnoticed go City not did Québec of Toronto of streets Services the Fire the of through Drums time rst fi the for marched proudly of tune to the cold day in Québec City, but that did not stop thousands of Québécois Québécois of thousands stop not did that but City, Québec in day cold and Irish the for Saint-Patrick affection la their de to show lé streets the swarming from Défi the again, Once Patrick. Saint patron, their success. enormous an was 2016 Québec de 22 Royal City-based The following days lm night, offeran Irish fi University, Concordia at academicsession a choice of activitiesand storytelling and from song at Atwater Library. New this anyear, and appealing to beginners or people who have given up on Joyce in sheer frustration, is the practical session on how to Fee at theFee at And Irish after Pub. Embassy that? department store. Bloomsday, I meant. Yes, and coming up very very up coming and Yes, meant. I Bloomsday, store. department of activities days ve start soon! On June in12 fact, when the fi at brunch Bloomsday a tours, walking Irish popular the with off restaurantEVOO and the reading from approach the reading of

reading of in thisitself, ThursdayBloomsday is mystifying June 16, novel. and Westmount Library will be hosting our traditional session of readings from B world. Bloomsday’s fi nal event world. takesBloomsday’s fi place that same evening with a fascinating talk by Abby Bender entitled Races: Jewish andTwo Epic ‘’An IrishDr. of Ulysses.’’ Memory in Joyce’s Bender graduated in English from Princeton and is currently By Stephen Burke St. Columban and Gore revisited: from discord to building bridges

By Louise Johnston In the November Nuacht, 2014, Louise contributed an article In St. Columban, meanwhile, John Phelan was in an equally tight spot on the neighbouring communities of St. Columban and Gore. and even more surprised than Thomas Barron. Phelan knew nothing An incident in 1847, which strained relations between the of the petition until it was sent to him by Lieutenant Colonel Taché two communities almost to the breaking point, is also worth of Montreal. He declined to comment on what Barron is said to have recounting here. done, but he acknowledged parishioners “have a dislike to serve under

NUACHT Colonel Barron as their commander.” n 1847—Black ’47 as the year is called—immigration from Ireland to North America reached new heights as people fl ed A year later, feelings of ill will were apparently still running high and starvationI and destitution in their homeland. Underlying tensions in July of 1848 Thomas Barron wrote to Colonel M-A. de Salaberry between Roman Catholic and Protestant Irish rose to the surface in Montreal with the express purpose of making sure the militia in a number of localities across Canada including the Laurentians companies in St. Columban did not have any offi cers from Gore. when, on July 12, marches were held on Orangemen’s Day. On that day, some 140 men from the Orange Lodges of Gore, Lachute John Phelan, for his part, set about building bridges—literally—between and eastern Ontario gathered in Lachute and paraded down Main the two settlements. In 1858 he reported that a road extending from Street. Two versions of the event were recorded; one by Lieutenant the new bridge in St. Columban to Gore was under construction. The Colonel Thomas Barron of the 6th Two Mountains Battalion, the municipal authorities in both communities agreed to provide for its other by militiamen in the St. Columban companies. upkeep and repair. Clearly, he was worried about people leaving St. Columban. “The effect of this road,” he wrote, “will be to encourage According to Thomas Barron this was the fi rst time Orangemen our young people to settle in the Townships, and to divert them from “of this neighbourhood,” had met in Lachute. They were emigrating to the Western States.” He was likely referring to the “assembled for some time before I was apprised of it,” he wrote. neighbouring areas such as Morin, Howard and Montcalm. In an 1860 He had the “curiosity” to see them and “thinking that my presence report Phelan noted that thanks to the new road, settlement in the region might contribute to orderly conduct, I walked out….” Barron was “making satisfactory progress.” Both communities had saw mills went on to say they were “harmless and inoffensive and went and both had built new churches. The tenor of his remarks suggests away sober and peaceable.” the two groups were getting along with each other.

The people of St. Columban, however, heard a different story. Militiamen from the community were in Lachute, saw the march and reported that Barron had met with the Orangemen, had “paraded with them and given them money to drink and to play offensive tunes….” In overwhelming numbers, the men of St. Columban signed a petition specifi cally mentioning the men of Gore, and demanded Barron be removed as the lieutenant colonel of their companies. The petition charged that he, a military leader and a Justice of the Peace, had “in open defi ance of the consequences” met with the Orangemen, supplied them with liquour and encouraged them to play “the fi fe and drum.”

Barron was in a tight spot—as commander of both the St. Columba Religious discord between the Orange and the Green reached this and Gore militia companies he knew the situation was delicate little corner of the world even though the people of St. Columban and since he, a Scots Protestant, was head of an Irish Roman Catholic Gore shared so much in common: Both left Ireland for a better life in militia. In fact, in the early part of that summer Barron had been in Canada; both struggled to put down roots in an unforgiving land; both St. Columban, had gone to church on Sunday and had met with John worked hard to build a community. Thomas Barron’s rather poignant Phelan the major of the militia force, at his house. They received comment that the neighbours were hospitable and kind to one another, me kindly, wrote Barron, and when he explained to Major Phelan and John Phelan’s seemingly routine report on a road joining the two that a number of military duties would devolve to him, he “seemed settlements, are worth remembering since, more often than not, the well pleased” and “all seemed to be pleasant and satisfactory.” small encounters of daily life can go unnoticed.

Barron lamented the state of affairs, not the least for the social Sources: fallout the incident could create. In fi fteen years as the only Justice National Archives of Canada, Correspondence of Thomas Barron of the Peace in this section of the country, he wrote, “I never and correspondence of John Phelan, 1847-1848, RG9. had a complaint from the Catholics against the Orangemen, till now….” He continued: “I am happy to say… that I have heretofore “Report on Colonization Roads in Lower Canada for the year 1860,” succeeded so well in cultivating harmony between the two parties, Sessional Paper No. 15, Volume 19, Fourth Session of the Sixth that they are good neighbours, they have daily intercourse, and are Parliament of the Province of Canada, Session 1861. very obliging, hospitable and kind to each other.” 14 May 2016 NUACHT

5 1 cey Lou cey (off you go) go) you ” (off a ur bike! aic c nness cake with “On yo “On Gui The cr Luwolfhound, My Favourite Irish dish? Favourite Pop QuizPop with Min . Irish saying? Favourite 4. 4. Prized Irish possession: 1 frosting. Bailey’s 3. miss What most? you do 2. 2. at www.gite72. at She She studied Min’s mother grew up in Belfast where her maternal her where Belfast in up grew mother Min’s Find out more about Min’s B&B in Hudson in B&B Hudson Min’s more about Find out grandfather worked on the Titanic. That was unusual at that hire only Protestants would time because Harland and Wolfe grandfather Catholic. was and Min’s parents did her meet? how So, humour,” of sense keen a had He queue. “dole” the in said “Dad laughs. she can teach Irish college no hospitality. But “I bake brown and white soda bread,” says been to known breakMin. into song.” warning, I’ve “without brought to task regarding cruelty to orphans at their orphanage. their at orphans to cruelty regarding task to brought Her fondest childhood memories include summer vacations in in Kilkennylived who a terraced with an andAunt Uncle, Georgian home across brewery. Smithwicks from a bakery and and things—food infavourite two frontmy between sandwiched was of melt “I would butter Kerrygold of slices “Thick Min. jokes drink,” warm bread, into of slice from each oven.” the Aga Min’s father Gaiety the waswith sang and tenor branch a was He Dundalk. in company manager of a large Insurancesingers. Min had opening a before varied career Gite 72. She She later enjoyed much better treatment at boarding school with The Loretto nuns in Navan. dental nursingD u at b l i n Hospital, D e n but t aalsoEuropean a was l she tour manager and worked in sales and marketing. Later, Niagara attended she College in Canada hospitality. for Everyone, meet Min f you’re from Hudson, Quebec, you probably I know Min. know M i r i affectionately acalled Min, m opened a D B&B uthere n December,in n e , 2014, purchasingafter and restoring a 1920s craftsman-style cottage. Now, Gite 72 is a lively hub in Hudson, attracting visitors and locals alike. naturalMin’s Irish charm draws people, who write award- her about effusively winning B&B onAdvisor. Trip B&B owner Miriam “Min” Dunne recalls her Irish childhood in Dundalk

Miriam (Min) Dunne at 2016 Cunningham’s Pub, Hudson, 2015 This is the fourth article in a regular column, “Everyone, meet…” meet…” “Everyone, column, regular a in article fourth the is This to introduce members to Montrealers with an Irish connection. transplants recent and city the to newcomers on be will focus The from abroad. By Joanne Latimer “They had an interesting way of educating through fear, hell fi re fi hell educating through of “Theyhadan fear, interesting way eventually and brimstone. were Emotional blackmail Dundalk was their in Min,says forte,” Mercy of Sisters The that noting before Min experienced the punitive and harsh primary harshdoled and education punitive the experienced Min in Dundalk. Mercy The of Sisters by out we we never missed our Sunday drives to the tea or askof Cooley Mountains, and fl a tomato soggy sandwiches of withour picnic it.” loved We soup. “We went to confession every Saturday and mass on Sunday, when when Sunday, on mass and Saturday every confession to went “We all for out read was collection door-to-door the fromproceeds the church, “After Min. recalls contributed,” family each what hear to Min grew up shingwith village four siblings in called a small fi Blackrock in Dundalk, Co. Louth, just 12 milesborder. south of the Blackrock, DundalkBlackrock, “I “I try to create a peaceful retreat, far from the madding crowd,” says Min, who originally came Toronto. toin ying Canadafrom Robin, in husband, fl 1988, late her meet to twins her with Dublin resulting eventually life, Min’s changed death unexpected Robin’s fun-loving Paul—her brother her to closer Hudson, to move her in partner in crime since childhood, May Saving the Famine Irish: the Grey Nuns and the Great Hunger By Fergus Keyes

r. Jason King is a Montrealer, currently living in Ireland, In late March, Victor Boyle and I, as Directors of the Foundation Dassociated with the National University of Ireland. He has drove to the University and picked up the exhibition items and done very extensive research of the 1847-8 period in Montreal transported them back to Montreal. A few of the artifacts had to when about 90,000 Irish immigrants fl eeing the Great Hunger be returned to the Grey Nuns archives since the cost to insure arrived in the Port of Montreal. Most readers of Nuacht know them was prohibitive.

NUACHT how more than 6000 of these immigrants died of “Ship’s Fever” (typhus) and were buried around the Montreal side of We wanted to make this exhibit as available as possible and the Victoria Bridge, at the Black Rock. displayed in many locations in and around Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec for periods of perhaps a few weeks at each site. We are However, Dr. King, working with Christine Kinealy, director currently looking for suitable locations. of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, decided to focus on one large important part of But, wishing to make the fi rst display somewhat special, we this very big historical and cultural event – specifi cally on the approached the Centaur Theatre in Old Montreal. Although the many Montrealers who went to provide what help and comfort largest English language theatre in Quebec, the Centaur does not they could for these poor and dying immigrants who had been normally host this type of exhibition. However, understanding moved from the Montreal Port to the fever sheds in Point St. the importance of this event, they did make an exception for Charles, near The Black Rock. us. Then, with very limited funding in the Foundation, we next contacted Paul Quinn, the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s There were many of these humanitarians – “Heroes of the Parade and owner of the Montreal Irish Embassy Pub on Bishop Black Rock.” In many cases, they also caught typhus, and gave St.; he graciously agreed to provide all the refreshments for the their lives in this effort to help. These included John Mills, opening night. Mayor of Montreal in 1847 – who was not Irish nor Catholic (although the greater majority of the victims were indeed On Monday, April 11th, The Montreal Irish Monument Park Irish and Catholic). Sometimes called the Martyr Mayor of Foundation hosted a very well-attended evening at the Centaur Montreal, he spent a great deal of his time providing nursing and the exhibition was given some great coverage by various care to the Irish, caught typhus and died in November of 1847. media outlets. The guests included current members of the Grey Also, there were the clergy, both Catholic and Anglican, who Nuns; the Mayor of the Southwest Borough; The Right Rev. Mary gave their lives, and British soldiers stationed in Lower Canada Irwin-Gibson, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Montreal; and many and a number of others. others.

And, of course, there was that group of women, the Sisters of The Foundation was also extremely fortunate to be able to display Charity, better known to Montrealers as the Grey Nuns who a small bible – loaned to us by Mr. Frank Hicks, from Hudson, provided an exceptionally level of heroic care to these poor Quebec – that appears to have been transported on one of the and dying Irish immigrants. From the moment the fi rst boats “Coffi n Ships” by an 11-year-old Irish boy. arrived in Montreal carrying the immigrants, and the fever, the Grey Nuns were on the scene.

Jason King, and Christine Kinealy, decided to focus on the Grey Nuns in a wonderful exhibition titled Saving the Famine Irish: The Grey Nuns and the Great Hunger. This was on display at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. It opened on March 17th 2015 and closed this past St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th 2016) and contained a number of storyboards outlining the efforts of the Grey Nuns with the Irish in 1847, as well as historical documentation from the Grey Nun’s archives and some very special artifacts. Boy’s small bible that survived the voyage The Directors of the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation whose objective is to build green space around Our plan now is to fi nd other locations where we can display the the Montreal side of the Victoria Bridge in honour of this full exhibit and we will keep the readers of Nuacht and members important event in our history, heard about this exhibition, and of the St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal up to date as we move the asked Dr. King and Professor Kinealy if it might be possible exhibit around the city. to “bring this exhibition home to Montreal” after it closed in Connecticut. Both were quite excited about this possibility and We hope all of you will be able to view this exhibition at one of the Foundation started the effort to make this a reality. these locations over the next year.

16 May 2016 NUACHT 7 1

Ecocriticism in Irish Literature and Culture Fall Introduction to Irish Studies History Ireland of 1913-1923 The Irish Revolution, Soundscape A Global Irish Music: Traditional IrishClassic Plays Highlights Irish of Literature Narrating Irish Childhoods The Irish Short Story Tradition Literature and Northern Ireland ‘1916’ Writing Fall/Winter (September 2017) 2016-April Irish Language and Culture I Irish Language and Culture II Winter 2017 The Irish in Canada Intro to Irish Material Culture ChristianityCeltic Research Methods in Irish Studies The Great Irish Famine Irish Film Studies Northern of The Politics Ireland Irish Performance Studies History & Memory in Ireland It is possible to register ascourses. audits for most of these NOTE: With the support of the Brian GalleryO’Neill Studies Irish Canadian the by created Fund, Scholarship Foundation,all students in the Major Canadiann Irish up receive canrequirements eligibility meet Studieswho to $3,000 in annual fee remissions. Twenty-Two Courses will be offered in Twenty-Two Irish Studies academic year in the 2016/17 Summer , Michael Principal Kenneally, The 1916 Irish Rebellion Irish 1916 The For For additional information on any of the or events courses mentioned bulletin,electronic ourweekly thereceive tolist on betoput or about, contact Matina Skalkagiannis at 514 848 2424, ex. [email protected] 8711, email: News from News theSchool Canadian of Irish Studies

By Michael Kenneally, The School of Irish Studies welcomes Dr Maurice J. Bric, professor in the School of History at Dublin University and Collegea member of the Royal Irish as Academy, the inaugural of this recipient prestigious scholarship exchange M. James Finance, Ministerof former afternamedCanada’s Flaherty, who was also a great friend of Ireland. The aim of these academic appointments is to enhance the network of Canadian and Irish academic links by highlighting the of researchindividual scholars excellence in relating a field to six will spend Bric bothCanadaProfessor to Ireland.and eight weeks at Concordia in April continuingand hisMay, research of the relationship between Ireland and Québec in a will Bric alsogive Professor nineteenth theearly century. the at lectures public as well as students graduateseminarto the and Irish for School Historical Society in Quebec City. Partnering with Notre Dame University, Concorida’s School School Concorida’s University, DamePartnering Notre with show will Studies Irish Canadian of Concordia Concordia to be the only Canadian location to screen high documentaryprofile Professor Maurice Bric appointed inaugural James M. Flaherty visiting professor The School of Irish Studies Derek isGladwin as pleased Scholar-in-Residence this to summer. welcomeDr. Dr. Gladwin will conduct research, mentor graduate students and participate in an academic panel discussion during the to excited is School the addition, In celebrations. Bloomsday James the of inauguraltherecipient also is he announcethat M. Flaherty Research course Scholarship a teach of will two Gladwin to Dr. six Concordia, at Whileweeks in Ireland. Ecocriticism on in Irish Literature and Culture,during May for the and website dateJune. Keep an on theeye School’s such areasinto delving Ecocriticism, on lecture public his of by expressed as issues water and pipelines bogs, Ireland’s as Irishwriters, poets and filmmakers. Summer course offered in Ecocriticism in Irish Literature Literature Irish in Ecocriticism in offered course Summer and Culture a documentary film sponsored by the Government of Ireland of Government the by sponsored documentaryfilm a and narrated Liamby TheNeeson. film, along with a panel Concordia. discussion at by distinguished 2016 Irish22, historiansSeptember on followed by place a take will reception, The School is the only location in Canada such where thisincludes that tourfilm worldwide a during presented, be will and London Sydney. destinations York, as Paris, New 2016 May Cine Gael wraps up a great season By Tim Hine ine Gael has enjoyed another stellar season as outlined in the Alan Jones providing live accompaniment to the silent newsreels, and February edition of Nuacht. Among the numerous highlights we thank McKibbins pub for putting on a delicious spread of food and wouldC be on the Friday evening screening of our weekend drinks for our patrons between the Saturday screenings. commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising, The Guarantee, dramatizing the 2008 Irish banking crisis, wrapped When we were honoured with a up our regular season on Thursday May 5th but before we headed

NUACHT visit from the Irish Ambassador over for our closing night food and drinks, the audience had a chance to Canada, Dr. Ray Bassett, he to speak live by Skype with Colin Murphy, the writer and director reminded our audience that Cine of the fi lm. Gael Montreal is the oldest and most revered Irish fi lm festival Prior to slipping away into the summer sun and planning stage for in Canada and that the festivals next year’s exciting 25th anniversary programming, we will have a in other cities owe us a great members’ evening at our long time generous sponsor, Hurley’s pub, debt for leading the way. He screening a wonderful documentary about the great Irish folk singer then stayed around and asked Delores Keane. questions in the live Skype with Keith Farrell, the director of A All the best and see you in January 2017. Terrible Beauty. The weekend overall was very well received by our audience, who Tim Hine, Lynn Doyle and the Cine Gael Montreal Committee. were treated to the exquisite musical talents of Susan Palmer and

Thunder in February, frost in April By Ruth Hanna ver the past year and a half, the ICCC’s seasonal pattern has instead of in February with gone askew. Call it global warming. six spirited teams battling to O win the Brian McKeown cup February’s role as a month of quizzes and mellow networking and a slew of attractive prizes. turned this year into a deluge of activities in Dublin. Accompanied High point of the month was, by president Vivian Doyle-Kelly, member Altanovas International undoubtedly, Mayor Coderre’s led a week-long trade mission to Dublin with seven Québec whirlwind April 29-30 visit companies. The companies, all of which are participants in the to Dublin that culminated in Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-up programme, used their 100 new jobs being created in trip to fi nalise their establishment in Ireland. At the end of the Montréal by an Irish company month, a special Irish whiskey-tasting session was held during and the signing of a friendship the Craic showcasing the Knappogue Castle and Clontarf brands and cooperation agreement imported by member Mike Magee. between the two cities. From its origins during a 2014 We weathered the March madness by supporting St. Patrick’s meeting between the mayor, festivities organised by the Irish community, including hosting two the ICCC and the ICBA, Mayor Coderre reading April ICCC tables at the St. Patrick’s Society luncheon. A beer-sampling the MOU project was co- issue of ICCC newsletter Craic was held at the last Thursday of the month in honour of developed with the mayor’s Brasserie Le Grimoire, a new corporate member. In addition, the offi ce to its successful integration into Coderre’s mission to seven reduction of ICCC-led initiatives provided strong tailwinds for European cities. We believe that this agreement, if properly tended, April planning. will drive progress in the Montréal-Dublin relationship over many fronts and will be a springboard for bilateral trade and commerce. The month of April traditionally wakes us gently out of winter hibernation mode. This year, however, it has segued into nothing If you put stock in weather lore, early onset of these “hot season” less than a new era of growth. We sprung into action early in the activities may foretell a colder summer and climactic fi nish to 2016. month with a creative session regarding a database to benefi t High-pressure fronts are already looming over September when we plan to build a trade delegation to Ireland to accompany our, and Irish immigrants and the Irish business diaspora. We are delighted Jean Charest’s, participation in the second Ireland-Canada Business that Alex Nuta has agreed to harness his expertise in CRM Summit. We certainly hope your Christmas will be a green one, management to elaborate a detailed plan for the project, which meaning we look forward to your strong support for the ICCC’s has already received DFA (Irish Department of Foreign Affairs) milestone 25th Christmas Reception on December 6, 2016. funding. Our Irish community pub quiz was staged mid-month 18 May 2016 NUACHT 9 1 Photo: Clare Fogarty . Stephen tt, 3 www.fogartylaw.ca and Ambassador Ray Basse March 6, 201 Stephen Fogarty Ambassador of Ireland to Canada later this summer. I have to this later summer. of Canada Ireland Ambassador hope hope that in the not too distant future, Minister will Weil be the of PQ “low and reinstate decision the 2012 to reverse able intermediate” as the threshold requirement for selection for workers. skilled for Québec to immigration permanent Ambassador Bassettto Farewell is Honorary Legal Advisor to the Embassy of Ireland, and a his are articlethis in views The SPS. of memberBoardformer organization.Thisor person otherany of thosenot andalone intendedto not is informationandonly forpurposes is article or to replacegive advice legal His Dr. Excellency, Ray Bassett, will nishing be his fi term as had the privilege of serving as his Honorary Legal his Advisor during for Canada had We have issues since many March 2013. interesting Ireland-Canada related and legal on the of discussions representative outstanding an been has Bassett Dr. tenure. Canadian the whether him to matter not did It was committed government. so Irish Liberal, or Conservative be might work government Canadian for quota the countries when 32 example, from For duties. nationals his to he foreign young to granted be to permits back and cut being was raised, Program quota Experience its had International the under Ireland country the only board, the across this that coincidence no was It quota! higher its maintained then Canada, and Ireland between relationship special the to due was tenure. Bassett’s Dr. during stronger even made We events. Ambassador Bassett xture became in a community Montreal regular at Irish fi Montreal and SPS our of many very wish and smile, warm and personality engaging his miss all will hope us Let retirement. in health good Patricia wife his and him details on his personal including his he will memoirs, publish with the involvement Irish and peace negotiations, perhaps a Montreal. in and Canada in experiences his on chapter Stephen Fogarty is an attorney who assists clients with their Canadian Immigration and Citizenship applications so they may secure their future in Canada. He is owner of Fogarty Law Firm in Montreal; website Ambassador Bassett most most skilled workers for permanent residencyin Québec, from “lowintermediate” to “high intermediate”. As we all it days, school from recall marks, few rst fi the not is such so, or 10 last the but as going from 72% that are 82%, the hardest to to score tests. on roundup: on notes Minister and Weil Immigration

2016 ecently I had the opportunity of a private discussion with the the with discussion a private of opportunity the I had ecently Québec Minister of Immigration, the Kathleen Honourable Minister Kathleen and Weil Stephen Fogarty, attorney

Stephen 2016 Fogarty, March 31, May There is one signifi cant There issue is that one remainssignifi to be resolved from the point of view of our English-speaking community here in DuringMontréal. the thenthe PQ summer government 2012, of raised the level of French-language abilities necessary for Minister Weil is determined to improve the selection and processing processing and selection the improve to determined is Weil Minister online a new, this Although immigrants to Québec. skilled worker of earlier ahead gone have to server supposed was government procedure cient application insuffi to due suspended be to had and year, summer. early runningby and up be should it capacity, While I dential remarks, let will me not state any disclose confi that when we 2015, summer are during fortunateexample, For Québec. tofor Immigration have this and such known, abecame crisis dedicated refugee Syrian the of Minister magnitude the of federal the various campaign, election in the federal of the midst leaders were making all kinds of to promises. it responsibility the ultimate However, is have which the governments provincial immigration provincial rst fi the was Weil Minister refugees. settle commit and actually forward to Canada step from across cial offi her on leadership and courage so showed This which refugees. province, accepting to and city our of tradition nest fi the in is and part, and continues our Irish of ancestors, thousands warmly accepted today. Irish welcome to Weil, at a luncheon hosted by the Montréal Westward Rotary Club. Club. Rotary Westward Montréal the by hosted luncheon a at Weil, a attended having to members, known SPS is well Weil Minister Ball. the for honour of guest as including activities, our of number By The high intermediate French-language ciency level profi has cult proven Canada, for diffi of many areas individualsother to to immigrate to meet, either and chosen they have, unfortunately, or to return home to Ireland. Our Firm has been able an exemption to to request Immigration to Québec petitions make special in from these requirements certain and cases, closely is working so the tests language providers instruction with French-language we However, possible. whenever and passed be for prepared may

Québec Immigration Minister Weil R In the papers, May 2016 By Paul Dunne White Smoke! s the new Liberal government studies a possible redesign By April 29th, the Fianna Fáil party had agreed to support a of the Canadian electoral system to make it fairer, Ireland minority government under a series of conditions. Areminds us that proportional representation systems don’t work perfectly either. White smoke – a government after the longest hiatus since 1977.

The question some of you may ask is why the two major parties NUACHT Whatever the benefits of PR, the downsides are many. First of all, majority governments are practically unheard of so coalitions did not simply form a governing coalition. The obvious answers are the rule whereas Canada hasn’t seen one of those beasts since are protection of their tribal brand identity and for a resilient FF 1917. Political parties are numerous because constituencies can to avoid the very common fate of many junior coalition partners have multiple seats so everyone’s got a chance of winning one. – oblivion (ask Nick Clegg!). But a less obvious reason which was Then in Ireland you must add to this the unique complication also speculated was that neither party wanted Sinn Fein as the next that the two main parties were formed by competing sides in a largest party to lead the parliamentary opposition which this deal civil war that succeeded independence in the 1920s. Their names also neatly sidestepped. bear witness to a more combative past Fianna Fáil (Soldiers of Destiny) and Fine Gael (Tribe of the Irish) but today they are I was there too! both just vanilla centrist parties unburdened by any permanent All over the rest of this Nuacht edition there will be the official political ideology and in any other country would make ideal account for the St. Patrick’s Society archives and the Irish history coalition bedfellows. of Montreal of the mayor’s visit to Dublin on April 29th. I decided to it might be fun to join in and hopped on a plane to participate Fine Gael was the governing party going into the February in the craic. I was liberated from any official duties and so I was general election and won the highest number of seats but its free to enjoy the proceedings as a sort of junior coalition partner (Labour) lost so badly that FG could participating voyeur. There was a fancy not continue in government. Fianna Fáil came second but could brekkie at 8 o’clock in the morning with not form a coalition so FG led a caretaker government until speeches by our esteemed Prez Jim, something could be worked out. the Mayor and Kevin Vickers Canada’s hero-ambassador to Ireland. It was at Of all the issues to dominate the discussions over the next 63 that event that I gave Mayor Coderre my days, you might not have placed an annual charge for water of St. Pat’s pin to add to the UIS pin he was €160 at the top, but while Ireland remembered the hundreds of already sporting. Not wishing “to look young men and women who fought with guns on the streets of like a Christmas tree” he put the UIS Dublin a century ago for the cause of independence, hundreds of pin in his pocket leaving the SPS pin as thousands of their descendants were now occupying those same the only occupant of that precious real streets to protest a 3 quid a week water bill. estate. (Sorry Danny!) I then spent a very relaxing day with my sister in Dublin I suppose that’s progress. having a mini sibling summit until the highlight for me which was the post-ceremony pints at Cafe en Seine Not lost on Fianna Fáil during their discussions to support a a pub literally across the road from the Dublin mayor’s residence. minority government, it became a major sticking point and FG Cafe en Seine might not be the image most Montrealers have of agreed to backtrack on full implementation of the scheme. the typical Irish pub but they do serve a good pint and how often do you get to see this in a Montreal Irish pub?

Tara Golf gets off to encouraging start to season By Denis Trudel he Tara Golf Club season is underway. We already have Tara Golf will also be participating in the St. Patrick’s Society completed one tournament, at Piedmont Golf, on May Annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 21st where we will have a Tth 14 , for the Tara Perpetual Trophy first awarded in 1963. The complimentary fruit table for all participants and will also be available winner this was John Nicoll. We had 42 golfers for this first to answer any of your questions or help you arrange to join Tara Golf. tournament, which is an excellent showing for this time of year. We are most grateful to Paul Doyle and the tournament committee Among them, we had five new members joining us as well as for making this possible for us. three guests, two of whom decided to join our ranks then and there. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the course very The summer will be filled with many more Tara Golf tournaments much. We thank Piedmont Golf Club for a nice welcome and and we urge you to consult the Calendar (p.24) of Nuacht for dates and this venue will certainly be considered again next year. details or visit our website at www.taragolf.ca for any information you would like to have about us and our events.

20 May 2016 NUACHT . 21 through An Rince Mor . Also appearing Also . Paul LoftusPaul read

(Head of School) School) of (Head . read “Easter 1916” or or more information in á . F told a couple of yarns st by by the generous Montreal- The Walls of Limerick; The

IDTAC IDTAC (ER) and also

a , Shawn O’Donnell Shawn Gus O Gorm Costello Costello School had their first venture Michael Burns Siamsa School of Irish Music Irish of School Siamsa Short, Lucas Lawton and Marie Short style. The event was sponsored by generous grants generous by sponsored was event The style. í The Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, The St. Dave Gossage and KateBevan-Baker and Gossage Dave Bernadette the Proclamation, Dr. voluntary donations at the door Irish Community. In other events, The into the competitive scene of Irish dancing with members participating in Feis Syracuse, Two dancers,N.Y. in their beautiful new costumes, brought home a place number and of secondfirst placesMontreal Feis dancers at inCasey’s of more many see to expect Beginner Grade dances. We at John Abbott College on May 21 [email protected] Montreal at the urging of the Commission of Irish Dancing & Dancing Irish of Commission the of urging the at Montreal Ireland. in League Gaelic event. the for chairs and tables space, the provided generously were beverages and food and charged admission no was There the parents the by various of provided Irish dancing schools. The four dances selected were: Siege of Ennis; The Bridge of Athlone; and The dancers performed to fabulous music provided by the the of musicians by by W. B. Yeats and seanacha from Patrick’s Society of Montreal, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Ville Marie Feis were were

place. place. th place and place th Rebecca Mitchell Rebecca m , as well as his friends friends his as well as , to commemorate the Glasgow, Scotland from Glasgow, place at the All Irelands. Aftera AllIrelands. the at place was held in the gymnasiumthein held was Céilí th place podium finish at this year’s Easter Rising in Ireland, an event Bernadette Short School of Irish th a monster monster a at the Eastern Canadian Championships in th dreams came true Lucas Lawton’s on March st [email protected]

Royal ConcertRoyal Hall in Bernadette and Marie Short Marie and Bernadette , 2016. Five thousand Five two hundred dancers, 2016. from of DDO finished in 11 infinished DDO of Houghton James th time Championships which to qualify the World for -27 th

th , 2016 when he competed and had a podium finish at , and all were ecstatic when he was called out in 5 in out called was he when ecstatic were alland , Sacred Heart School of Montreal annual World Irish Dance Championships. This was th 2016 World Championships World 2016 Irishof Dance inGlasgow th in Laval, Quebec. Rebecca Quebec. Laval, inIrish Dance of Academy Moran

orval resident, orval resident, 27 anniversary of the 1916 2016 th place. But, achieving a place. But, 5 Pat Short

th Podium finish for Short School’s Lucas Lawton of Dorval at Podium finish Short for Lucas LawtonSchool’s Dorvalof at May By took place at the of the of recalled 30% the in qualify not did but rounds and Qc excellent two Mountains, danced Two in teaches Moran Eileen round. final the for also in Richmond Quebec on a Saturday morning at The Legion rueon de College. March 20 November November 2015 and continued to train diligently for the World Championships. He was in top shape heading over to Glasgow counted, it performtowhen his best able was he ifthat knew and Whenpodium finish. obtaining of chancecoveted a a had that he announced were scores judges’ seven the results, timecamefor it and on displayed large screens in the main theatre. Lawton was by accompanied and fellow dancers from the Dancing On Sunday April24 Sunday On

Lawton’s 8 Lawton’s D Among the 305 ladies in the Over 21 group was was group 21 Over the in ladies 305 the Among Meaghan Kilmartin mention. honorable received Hudson of The lead-up to this year’s World Championship The was challenging lead-up to World this year’s the at competing while hamstringtear major a suffered Lawton as 2015 All Ireland Championships in Killarney, Ireland. Despite 4 infinished Lawton injury, the Championship is by far the by is Championship highlight his of dancing career. the 46 The Bernadette Short School of Irish Dancing had 12 dancers who who dancers 12 had Dancing Irish of School Short Bernadette The made who 11 the Of Championships. World recent the for qualified spots few a only within were others most and placed three trip, the cut-off. the of Lawton’s family was home in Dorval intently watching the onlinethe watching intently Dorval in home was family Lawton’s streaming the presentation. results of recovery period, vigorous rehabilitation and perseverance, Lucas Lucas rehabilitation and perseverance, period, vigorous recovery went on to finish 1 Irish dance schools around the world landed in Each Glasgow. of these dancers, had qualified for the Championships by World region. intheirown levels nationaland regional the at competing There were dancers from over 30 representation countriesfrom Ireland, with England, theScotland, Canada,biggest USA, and Australia. Lawton has been successful at each recalled of the World been always having competed he which in Championships to the final round of competition and finishingnever thanlower 15 that led to a democratically elected Greaterthe in teachers the governmentof one) all(but organizedinby was Céilí This1919. of of The 100 People he Society welcomes the following new members: Congratulations to SPS member, Jennifer R. Bent; Carly Meredith (Junior Member); Patty O’Connor, who recently Tand Don McMahon. We look forward to meeting you at our was awarded the prestigious Prix upcoming events. Florence in Excellence in Care by the Ordre des infirmières et des infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) for her contribution to the nursing

NUACHT profession. About to enjoy retirement, Patty spent most of her storied career at the MUHC and has held leadership positions including Director of Nursing at the Montreal Neurological Institute (1990-1999) and Director of Nursing and Chief Glen P. Carlin, Eng. honoured for lifetime achievement Nursing Officer of the MUHC Patricia (Patty) O’Connor In March, 2016, the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), (2009-2014). At all times, Patty bestowed the prestigious title of Fellow to twenty distinguished has demonstrated a commitment to professional development engineers in recognition of their excellence in engineering and innovation. Her outstanding devotion to nursing serves as and their services to the profession and to society. One of this an inspiration. year’s honourees is Society member Glen Patrick Carlin, CEO of Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated On March 23rd Vivian Doyle-Kelly accompanied Michael (the Corporation). Kenneally to visit the École Polytechnique to support his presentation on Ireland to the student engineers travelling to When reading Leo Delaney’s April issue of The Canada Belfast and Dublin in May as part of the PolyMonde annual trip Times, Glen was reminded that in 1832 his ancestors arrived abroad as well as to faculty members supporting the PolyMonde on the Carricks, the doomed vessel featured in the newsletter. project. To read about this shipwrecked Famine boat, go to www. jeaniejohnstoneducation.com and click on “read our latest Canada Times Newsletter.”

NUACHT Advertising Rates Per Issue Yearly (4 Issues) Business Card $75.00 $250.00

Quarter Page $150.00 $500.00 ICCC contacts provided by Benjamin will allow the group to meet Half Page $250.00 $800.00 up with various Institutes of Technology “Hothouses” (where IoT researchers work in partnerships with industry on R&D projects) Full Page $400.00 $1,300.00 in Dublin including TCD.

22 May 2016 NUACHT 23 a $15 - $15 y n

rt Together they create Together : arah Michaud Fergus Keyes Fergus Jim Killin Louise Johnston Joanne Latimer Jim McDermott Carol McCormick S Scott Phelan Ken QuinnKen Schurman Dave SchurmanJudith Patrick Short Denis Trudel ga thank the following who contributed and with the fi ddle. ddle. and with the fi

/ Siamsa more information. for gher Étude Légale · Law Firm Fo Concertina and fi ddle workshop ddle fi and Concertina Ray Bassett Ray r. would would like to Canada & Québec Immigratio Caitlín Nic Gabhann will work with the concertinaandthe with work willGabhann CaitlínNic D Boyle Victor Martina Branagan Brodrick Robin Burke Stephen Paul Doyle Paul Dunne FogartyStephen Mark Galla HannaRuth Tim Hine Alan Hustak Kenneally Michael Dr. e articles to this NUACHT of issue . his will take on Westmount, place Saturday Ave., Westmount May 28, 3:30 at Marianopolis College, 4873 514 289-9289 · www.fogartylaw.c T - 5:30 - Ciarán Ó Maonaigh a unique, energetic chemistrylearninggreatexperience. a a ddle,withenjoy and them Join dance. concertinafi Contact andconcert. evening and workshop - $30 or only workshop Caitlín & Ciarán W .

. or phone 514 514 phone or NUACHT. In and Around town Around and In and indicate your choice of of choice your indicateand [email protected] [email protected]

lease note: we welcome your opinionslease note: and welcome we would appreciate on feedback the contents of

arewell dinner for the Ambassador F

Editor P Send your comments to your [email protected] Send r. r. Michael Kenneally is organising a farewell dinner for Ambassador Ray Bassett and his wife, Patricia, to thank 2016

Reservations will not be confi rmed without payment. If you have have you If payment. without rmed confi be not will Reservations email: can you queries,

848 2424, ex. 8711. ex. 848 2424, D Cocktails will be served at 6.30 p.m. planned(cash cheque bar) send forPlease with 7.15 extra. dinnerp.m. is Wine Tickets taxes. all of are inclusive sh $65 (chicken) or (fi beef) or $60 made out to “Michael Kenneally” 1M8 H3G QC Montreal, West, at Blvd. 1455 De Maisonneuve anassociation withwill sitting be you not or whether and menu them for their extraordinary commitment to, and our community duringsupport their six years in Ottawa. Thisof, will take Avenue 3505 at 29 the June Club, Atwater on place Wednesday, andto open is 2431), 935 (514 north Sherbrooke just of Atwater, all members of the Irish community and their partners. Tickets are associations Irish but basis, individual an arranged on be will to invited arrange their for members. seating together May 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS / CLÁR IMEACHTAÍ 2016 DATE EVENT FURTHER INFORMATION

May 21 Ville-Marie Feis, John Abbott College, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, 9:00 a.m. www.efeis.com

May 24 Ciné Gael, special screening, DeSève Cinema, Concordia Lynn Doyle 481-3503

May 26 ICCC Craic agus Comhrá, The Irish Embassy Pub & Grill, 1234 Bishop St., 5:30 p.m. [email protected]

MayNUACHT 29 Walk to the Stone, noon, following 10:30 a.m., Mass at St. Gabriel’s Church Victor Boyle 928-7196

June 10 Innisfail AGM, NDG Legion

Addington/de Maisonneuve Rose Quinn 450-671-7217

June 11 Tara Golf Tournament, La Cité, Hawkesbury 10:00 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

June 12-16 Festival Bloomsday Montréal bloomsdaymontreal.com

June 15 ICCC AGM and Summer Party, Hurley’s Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. [email protected]

June 21 SPS Annual Golf Tournament, Belle Vue Golf Course, Ville de Lery Erin Matheson 481-1346

June 29 Farewell dinner for Ambassador Bassett, Atwater Club (details p.23) [email protected]

June 30 ICCC Craic agus Comhrá, The Irish Embassy Pub & Grill, 1234 Bishop St., 5:30 p.m. [email protected]

July 15 Tara Golf Tournament, St Jean de Matha, 10:30 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

July 16 Tara Golf Tournament, St Jean de Matha, 9:00 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

July 28 ICCC Craic agus Comhrá, The Irish Embassy Pub & Grill, 1234 Bishop St., 5:30 p.m. [email protected]

Aug. 6 Tara Golf Tournament, Golf St. Francois, 10:00 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

Aug. 25 ICCC Craic agus Comhrá, The Irish Embassy Pub & Grill, 1234 Bishop St., 5:30 p.m. [email protected]

Sept. 10 Tara Golf Tournament, Belle Vue Golf Course, Ville de Lery, 10:00 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

Oct. 1 Tara Golf , Aer Lingus Trophy & Closing Tournament, Hemmingford (Frontiere) 11:04 a.m. Joan Tousaw 538-4311

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