ISSUE 28 VOLUME 1 Proudly Serving Celts in North America Since 1991 DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May promised to heal her country’s Brexit-inflicted rifts. Instead, her deal with the Eu- ropean Union brought them all to life. After a series of crush- ing defeats, can her government survive a crucial Brexit vote on Tuesday, December 11? [Read more on pages 10 & 11] Also Inside This Issue • Celebrating Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard • A retrospective on 20 years with the Irish Women’s Network of BC by Mary Hatch • New Irish immigrants making positive contributions to Canada by Meadhbh Monaghan

IRELAND’S 18th Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall, was in Seattle, WA, on December 6-8. His public events included a speech at COVER illustration by artist Jessica Boehman. Seattle University hosted by the University’s Institute of Public Serv- ice; a talk at a business breakfast Winter: A time of kindness, love, hosted by Irish Network Seattle; and he attended an Irish seniors’ lunch- rebirth, peace and unburdening eon where he was greeted by about 180 attendees. By BRIGIT ANNA MCNEILL ing with forgiveness and love what we as nearly all creatures are doing is [Read more on pages 28 & 29] We are approaching the threshold of have been through and vanquishing the strong and people are left feeling as if winter. hold it has on us, bringing the golden there is something wrong with them, treasure back from the cave of our that winter is cruel and leaves them Life is being drawn into the earth, pain- darker depths. feeling abandoned and afraid. lessly descending down into the very WIN A FREE GIFT BASKET OR A FREE CD heart of herself. This is a time of rest and deep reflec- Whereas, in actual fact winter is so You could win an ‘Irish Fry Up’ basket with all the fixin’s for an Irish Breakfast from Black Pudding Imports in Langley. Check out their weekly tion, a time to wipe the slate clean as it kind. Yes, she points us in her quiet sales on Facebook. (See page 7 for more info). Mark your entry Black And we as natural human animals are were and clear out the old so you can soft way towards our inner self, to- being called to do the same, the pull to Pudding and include your name and daytime telephone number. Entry walk into spring feeling ready to grow wards the darkness and potential death by January 7. descend into our bodies, into sleep, and skip without a dusty mountain on of what we were, but this journey if darkness and the depths of our own You could win Lori Pappajohn’s newest CD, Call of the Sea, (See your back and chains around your an- held with care is essential. page 9 for CD review). Mark your entry CD and include your name and inner caves continually tugging at our kles tied to the caves in your soul. marrow. She is like a strong teacher that asks daytime telephone number. Entry by January 7. A time for the medicine of story, of you to awaken your inner loving elder But many find the descent into their Watch our upcoming February issue for a chance to win free tickets fire, of nourishment and love. or therapist, holding yourself with to the John Cleese show. See page 3 for details. All entries by E-mail own body a scary thing indeed, fear- awareness of forgiveness and allowing only to: [email protected] (Only one entry per person). ing the unmet emotions and past A period of reconnecting, relearning yourself to grieve, to cry, rage, laugh, events that they have stored in the dark and reclaiming of what this time means and face what we need to face in order caves inside themselves, not wanting brings winter back to a time of kind- to be freed from the jagged bonds we to face what they have so carefully ness, love, rebirth, peace and unbur- wrapped around our hearts – in order and unkindly avoided. dening instead of a time of dread, fear, to reach a place of healing and light depression and avoidance. This winter solstice time is no longer without going into overwhelm. celebrated as it once was, with the This modern culture teaches avoidance Winter takes away the distractions, the understanding that this period of de- at a max at this time: alcohol, lights,

noise and presents us with the perfect 40009398 scent into our own darkness was so shopping, overworking, over-spend- time to rest and withdraw into a womb Publication necessary in order to find our light. ing, bad food and consumerism. like love, bringing fire and light to our Agreement: Mail That true freedom comes from accept- And yet, the natural tug to go inwards hearth. PAGE 2 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

See Our Annual Christmas Greeting Section - Page 15

CATHOLINE Butler and Colleen Carpenter in December 2017 working on distribution of our combined winter issue last year.

THE CELTIC CONNECTION

ISSUE 28 VOLUME 1 Established in 1991 #452 - 4111 Hastings Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6T7 Tel: (604) 434-3747 www.celtic-connection.com Maura De Freitas - Publisher • E-Mail: [email protected] Catholine Butler - Advertising - • E-Mail: [email protected] Colleen Carpenter - Copy Editor • Thary Chhom - Ad Production Distribution: Arlyn Lingat • Allison Moore • Linda Robb • Madi McCay • Frank Dudfield in Surrey • Eifion Williams in Burnaby & Coquitlam • Laurie Lang in Coquitlam • Joanne Long in Mission • Bill Duncan in Maple Ridge • Deirdre O’Ruaric in White Rock • Heather Murphy in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton. Published 7X per year. Contents copyright 2018/2019 The Celtic Connection. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices within the community. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number. Canada Post Canadian Publications Agreement 40009398 DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 3 Why rehab for Christmas? Recovery from addiction is a gift VANCOUVER – At first, the thought of spending the holidays has hope. You’re providing your fam- away from family can be daunting – but for those struggling with ily and yourself with peace of mind.” drugs or alcohol, it can be the safest place to be. Ultimately, it would serve anyone struggling with substance use to get Many people opt to put off going away from the “I can’t be away for to treatment until after the holidays, Christmas, I’ll get sober for my New Year’s resolution” mentality. making it a New Year’s resolution to quit. There is an inherent value in actually starting the new year already sober. But the holidays can prove challeng- ing for a number of reasons; firstly, The holidays are a time of year when the culture of the holiday season in- substance use can be at its highest so cludes a lot of indulgence and drink- being in the safe, supportive environ- ing. “What we have found from the people ment of a recovery center is a great who actually do come in to treatment way to practice sober living and de- Additionally, the holidays can prove is it’s such a relief to the other family velop the tools for surviving future to be tough emotionally for a lot of members,” says Strang. celebrations, Christmas and beyond. people. There’s an expectation of per- • fection – that everyone is going to “Addiction is a disease of denial. Of- Resources: If you are struggling with have a picture perfect family holiday. ten you think you’re fooling every- addiction or your recovery, consider body. You think that everybody else celebrating the holidays at Orchard People suffering from grief and loss or doesn’t see it; whereas in actual fact, facing any kind of emotional challenges Recovery, where you’ll be in a tran- everybody else does see that there’s a quil, beautiful setting surrounded by can also find the holidays to be diffi- problem.” cult. people who want to help. https:// Family members can find themselves orchardrecovery.com. “If your coping mechanism is to reach walking on egg shells, worried about for alcohol or reach for a drug, then If going into treatment is not an option how their loved one is going to behave, for you this holiday season but you that intensifies at this time of year,” and whether he or she is going to show says Lorinda Strang, Orchard Recov- are in need of support, please use up at family gatherings at all, or if there these resources and attend as many ery’s executive director. “You can get is going to be some kind of catastro- yourself into even more trouble.” AA or NA meetings as you need to get phe. you through the holidays sober: The holiday season can also prove “If you go into treatment, then you’re https://www.vancouveraa.ca – stressful for the families and friends safe,” says Strang. “Your family knows https://www.bcyukonaa.org – of those struggling with addiction. that you’re safe, and everyone now http://www.bcrna.ca. PAGE 4 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Reflections on a great year....and looking forward to another in 2019

VANCOUVER – I can’t be- cent White Album Revisited show), and lieve that 2018 is almost over! ROGUE FOLK CLUB harmonica wizard Keith Bennett. December already! Soon be Tickets are going fast, so I’d recom- mend that you purchase yours ASAP time for wassailing and gift ex- at Highlife or Tapestry or changing and festive gatherings. www.roguefolk.com. • And year-end lists, and a time for In January 2019 we have some stirring reflection on what we’ve achieved trad music from Swedish quintet Sver By (16th), the irrepressible wit of Loudon – and what – and who – we have STEVE lost along the way. Wainwright III (24th), and Nova EDGE Scotia backwoodsman / banjoist/song- I’ve witnessed some incredible music writer Old Man Luedecke (28th). this year, both at The Rogue and We are very lucky to live in a place around town and beyond. February 1st sees the return of Sarah that is on everyone’s list of favourite MacDougall (BC/Sweden/Yukon One of my main highlights of 2018 was destinations! songwriter extraordinaire), and then The Rogue’s Fiddle Festival – The Our trip to the Edmonton Folk Mu- The Driven Bow Fiddle Festival with Driven Bow – which made a hugely sic Festival in August was marred by The Revelers on Feb 9, Ashley successful debut in February. appalling weather (everything from MacIsaac and Quinn & Qristina extreme heat to dense smoke to cold Bachand (10th), and Genticorum & Thanks to a grant from Creative BC De Temps Antan (11th). we were able to stage three concerts rain), but the music won through as and six participatory workshops, all usual, with great performances by the Ontario’s hugely entertaining song- featuring B.C. bands led by amazing likes of Sharon Shannon, Mairtin writer Danny Michel returns on Feb fiddle players: Locarno (Kalissa O’Connor, Iarla O’Lionaird, 20th, and Cape Breton quartet Coig Landa), Metis Dance Project Breabach, The StepCrew, and Mar- come back to The Rogue with a brand (Kathleen Nisbet), Daniel Lapp, tin Simpson’s incredible workshops! new CD on March 9. Early Spirit (Gabriel Dubreuil), Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to There’s a mouthwatering bluegrass Jocelyn Pettit, and Mad Pudding Cape Breton for Celtic Colours this (Cam Wilson). double bill on March 10 with Frank year, but caught a few of their Live Solivan & Dirty Kitchen and dobro Unfortunately, one of the stipulations Stream shows before heading over to master Rob Ickes with guitarist Trey of that grant was that Creative BC St. James Hall for some stunning con- Hensley, then the Celtic ‘supergroup’ would not fund a second year, so in certs by the likes of Galway’s We Imar makes its Vancouver debut at The 2019 the scope of the event will ex- Banjo 3, Nashville’s Claire Lynch Rogue on March 20. pand to include concerts by Louisi- (with a hot Canadian trio backing her ana’s The Revelers, Cape Breton’s up), The Fretless, and Guy Davis – Loads more shows to be announced. Ashley MacIsaac, and (to be con- all during the Celtic Colours’ week! Check out the full concert schedule on www.roguefolk.com. firmed) Quebec bands Genticorum Following that, we had The East and De Temps Antan. • Pointers (PEI), The Once (Nfld), We lost some wonderful musicians in Mercurial fiddler Ashley MacIsaac will Irish Mythen (from Wicklow, via 2018, including Irish piper Liam perform a very rare set as an acoustic PEI), and a memorable CD launch from O’Flynn, Donegal fiddler Tommy duo with the brilliant Victoria guitarist Early Spirit. Peoples, De Dannan’s bouzouki mas- Quinn Bachand (celebrating the tenth • ter Alec Finn, Fairport multi-instru- anniversary of their first tour to- It’s been a great year at The Rogue! mentalist Maartin Allcock, English gether!). And we show no signs of easing off in singer Roy Bailey, blues legend Otis 2019, either! Rush, gospel singer Terry Evans, Quinn will also play a set with his sis- South African trumpet player Hugh ter, Qristina, who is another excel- Meanwhile, we present the return of Portland Old Time/Old Country duo Masekela, Jefferson Airplane’s lent fiddler and a fine singer too. The Marty Balin, Rogue volunteer Mary festival will take place February 9-11 Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms on Thursday, December 13 at St. James. Bentley, and renowned scientist at St. James Hall. Full details on Stephen Hawking. www.roguefolk.com. They are half of the wonderful Fog- May their memories stay with us In February we also presented two horn Stringband and have released two CDs as a duo as well. through their music and/or their inspi- shows in a day with Donegal legends ration. Altan, who were in brilliant form in Tickets are available at Highlife • support of their latest CD The Gap Records and Tapestry Music and also Here are few recommendations for CDs Of Dreams. on www.roguefolk.com. for the Celtic music lover on your A few days later, Margaret and I took • Christmas gift list: the train to Portland to see Altan in a Our annual celebration of the season – Van Django’s Cool Yule – takes place • Scots bands Old Blind Dogs (Room remarkable double-bill with Lunasa, With A View), Tannahill Weavers who also released a great CD in 2018 – the following evening (Friday 14) when the amazing gypsy jazz quartet (Orach: 50th Anniversary Special), and Cas (which features vocals for the first Talisk (Beyond); time. Guest singers Natalie Mer- are joined by chanteuse L.J. chant, Tim O’Brien, Mary Chapin Mounteney (who starred in the re- [Continued next page] Carpenter, Daoiri Farrell, and Eric Bibb). You can see Lunasa – sans vocals – at West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Theatre on March 26, 2019. Over the next few months, we had spectacular shows from Canada’s StepCrew, English guitar wizard Martin Simpson, Scots guitar maes- tro Tony McManus, B.C. fiddler extraordinaire Kierah, Nova Scotia’s Laura Smith and Madison Violet, Welsh singer Martyn Joseph, and the amazing fiddle/cello duo Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas. Outdoor festivals in Jericho Park (Van- couver Folk Music Festival), Fraser River Heritage Park (Mission Folk Festival), Maillardville (Festival du Bois), and Granville Island (RogueFEST) also had some truly memorable performances from a wide range of musical styles and musicians THE ROGUE Folk Club annual celebration of the season – Van from all over the world. Django’s Cool Yule is at St. James Hall on Friday, December 14. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 5 Sports near the entrance to the ‘island’. Call us on (604) 732-1305 first, to ensure there is someone here before you venture down!) The calendars include over 40 colour photos of performers at Rogue gigs in 2018 – taken by yours truly. The price is $20. You might also like to purchase a Rogue gift certificate in any amount, a Rogue membership ($30 individual, or $50 family) and/or Parcel O’Rogues ($179), or tickets to our 2019 concerts. These are all on sale on our website, at all Rogue concerts, and also on demand at our Granville Island FOLK LEGEND Loudon Wainwright III brings his irrepressible wit office. to The Rogue on Thursday, January 24. • You can hear much of the music from [Continued from page 4] these albums on my radio show, The Saturday Edge On Folk, every Satur- • Imar’s second CD Avalanche is an- other one hot off the press, as is Early day from 8 AM to noon on CiTR fm Spirit’s debut Unrelated; 101.9 in Vancouver and www.citr.ca everywhere. Tune in for the following • The collaboration between Quebec special editions: bands Le Vent Du Nord and De Temps Antan (Notre Album Solo) has • December 15 – Steve’s Best of 2018; just come out, and is amazing!; • December 22 – My annual Christ- THE SWEDISH trad quintet Sver mas Special; • Kevin Burke (ex Bothy Band, Open play The Rogue on January 16. House) recently launched An Evening • December 29 and January 5 – To be With Kevin Burke: Tunes and Stories, announced. (Could be a remote broad- which showcases his dexterity on the cast from the South Pacific, or more fiddle, skill as a raconteur, and his truly (Live In Zurich), Maeve MacKinnon likely guest host Paul Norton in the unique accent; (Stri), Julie Fowlis (Alterum), Luka chair!) Bloom (Refuge), and The Fretless • If you haven’t already found these (Live From The Art Farm). • I’ll be back for the January 12 show. 2018 releases, I reckon they are well • Meanwhile, here’s wishing you all the worth hunting down as well: Lunasa We have some 2019 Rogue Folk Cal- (Cas), Altan (The Gap Of Dreams), very best for the Solstice / Christmas / endars available at our shows and also Hanukkah / Kwanzaa or whatever else Mike McGoldrick & Dezi Donnelly at our Granville Island office (1504 (Dog In The Fog), Fear Of Drinking you celebrate at this festive time of Duranleau Street, above Theatre year. Wassail! PAGE 6 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 A visit to Mahony and Sons is to taste the Emerald Isle By LIA HART VANCOUVER – I’m lucky enough to have had a storytelling Irish immigrant great-uncle, whose image I remember as sitting on the porch smoking a pipe. During my years at the University of B.C., I found a refuge in Mahony and Sons restaurant on campus. In hindsight, it was probably a series of details within the family’s three run- ning restaurants that continue to both comfort and attract me – the Irish oak interior, the Mondrian-style stained glass, the painted murals – especially prominent at the Stamps Landing lo- cation – and the quotation honouring the salmon. THE UNIVERSITY of British Columbia campus location was the Or, maybe it’s the history and herit- age that’s kept alive through a small first Mahony & Sons restaurant launched in Vancouver in 2006. display of artifacts and photos in the restaurants. The presence of history is alive in each location like no other I’ve ever seen in this city. History and heritage, in com- bination with a family’s story of exile, yet continued success in business is what the Mahonys stand for. Truth and value in their Irish roots gives authenticity and bravery to the telling of their struggle for cultural con- tinuance from 1811, despite deporta- tion to Australia for supposed pick- pocketing and war. MAHONY & SONS Stamps Landing location offers an authentic experience blending the traditional and contemporary Irish influ- Mahony and Sons stays true to an iden- ences. The restaurants feature embellished hardwood mouldings, tity formed next to the ocean – a world inlaid stone, Celtic artwork, and genuine bric-a-brac. It takes in where camaraderie over football goes alongside a hearty meal. MAHONY & SONS Burrard Landing located overlooking Coal Har- the stunning views of False Creek and Vancouver and situated bour and Stanley Park, features exquisite Celtic artwork on the minutes from the Aquabus False Creek Ferry Dock 4 This Irish, or one might say Irish-Ca- ceilings and magnificent woodwork throughout. nadian restaurant brings with her Irish sons spirit- language, food stuffs, cultural Canadian eats makes Mahony chocolatier Greg Hook makes Mahony award winning bangers and mash, po- and Sons a popular place for any soul. and Sons unique. tato soup, and an Irish take on poutine, Taking the effort to include local fresh Mahony and Sons has proven their among other comforts of a land so ingredients like Salt Spring Island mus- adaptability to Canadian food culture, many miles from Vancouver. sels and dim sum – as well as honour- while hanging onto the heritage they A fusion food between Irish and multi- ing local talent such as that of so obviously treasure. Shane MacGowan is married at wedding ceremony in Copenhagen DUBLIN – The Pogues front man and his long-term love Victoria Mary Clarke tied the knot on November 26 in a ceremony attended by their clos- est family and friends – including Hol- lywood actor and close pal of the groom Johnny Depp. The couple, who go back 32 years, said “I do” in a private celebration in Co- penhagen City Hall after revealing just days earlier that they were to be wed after an 11-year engagement. The beaming bride stunned in a long sleeved V-neck red dress by Bella Freud SHANE MacGowan and his longtime love Victoria Mary Clarke London, after previously revealing that tied the knot in a ceremony attended by close friends and family, she would be forgoing the traditional including Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, on November 26. ‘big white dress’ on the day. Clarke had earlier revealed that during way, that we were destined to be to- She finished her look off with a fresh her 11-year engagement she has dis- gether. flower crown which featured festive- covered something special about wed- “But ours were not to be easy, uncom- feel red berries and carried a hand-tied dings. plicated lives and ours was not to be bouquet of berries, roses and green “People really, really want to show an uncomplicated love affair. foliage. that they love the people that they “There have been times when you have Groom Shane donned a black suit care about. And no matter how awk- wished each other dead – you see each jacket, navy tie and trousers, topped ward or introverted you are, the love other as flawed, nasty, fragile, maybe off with a black trilby hat. that they have for you finds a way to even hideous. smash through the walls that you put Matching the groom’s headwear was up. And when it happens, it is a mag- “But when you get there, if you still gothic-clad Pirates of the Caribbean nificent thing.” look into each other’s eyes and laugh star Johnny Depp, whom the bride at the sheer joy of each other’s exist- revealed would be performing at the In her pre-wedding portrait, Clarke ing; if you still see each other’s faces low key nuptials. revisited her first meeting with her and know that these are the most beau- now husband, explaining that she was tiful faces that you have ever seen and Depp looked in flying form, mingling “awe-struck” by him. with guests and sharing an embrace know that this person is the one you with both the bride and groom as they “I became consumed by the thought would chase to hell and back, then I posed for formal photos. of him. He says that he felt the same think you are on the right track.” DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 7 Big Winner at The Wolf & Hound: Session Music and Roast Beef Dinner By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER – Irish music sessions and roast beef Sunday dinner is prov- ing to be a big winner at the Wolf & Hound Irish Pub on West Broadway. Owner Brian Dsouza said, “The Irish sessions are going phenomenal, the customers are bringing new customers in. I think that’s what is missing in this city, people really want more live music. “The roast beef dinners are just the perfect combination” said Brian, “and we have added a dollar off Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny and Magners pints...so this is a win-win for every- body.” He said, “It’s always difficult to add WOLF & HOUND owners Brian Dsouza and Chandrahaas Pathak. more live music, but when you see the participation from the customers, so many enjoying and relating to it, there’s a feeling of belonging and we are very happy to have it here. It’s a home away from home for people.” For Christmas, The Wolf & House will once again have carol singing on De- cember 18, at 7 PM. On New Year’s Eve, at 4 PM (PST), to coincide with New Year’s Eve in Europe, The Wolf & Hound will again show the big ball drop in England. Brian said, “This is very popular every year with so many away from home.” Later in the evening, he said, “we are very lucky to have the group Lucky Pennies playing for our New Year’s Eve. LIVE Irish music sessions have been a big draw on Sunday nights. “We will not have a cover charge on Pictured above (far left) popular local fiddle player Mary Brunner New Year’s Eve and will offer a drink and bodhran maestro Blake Williams (centre). and food special. Everyone is invited to bring in 2019 at the Wolf & Hound.” The Wolf & Hound is located at 3617 mation, call (604) 738-8909, or online • West Broadway (between Dunbar and at: www.wolfandhound.ca. Alma) in Vancouver. For more infor- Black Pudding Imports: Stocked up and ready for the Christmas holidays By CATHOLINE BUTLER LANGLEY, BC – Greg Bowles and Linda Hazelton have been in business for almost 20 years in Langley. They moved shops a couple of times when the merchandise simply outgrew the store. Greg Bowles spoke about some of the new products in the store this year saying, “We have just received plaice and cod fillets from Ireland and they are really delicious. So many of our customers kept asking us for plaice fish.” For Christmas, Black Pudding has or- dered some old favourites such as Marks and Spencer cakes, Thorntons toffee, Macsweens haggis and Caledo- nian haggis from Scotland. LINDA Hazelton and Greg Bowles of Black Pudding Imports have With Robert Burns celebrations on the steadily built a thriving business in Langley over 20 years. horizon, Greg said, “We have tons of haggis, along with Cadbury selection boxes and chocolates, Harris tweed hats, caps and bags from Scotland.” He added, “we’re also getting in some unique handmade bags from Scotland with Pictish designs on them.” In addition, they also have Hanna hats and caps coming from Ireland and they have just received Irish white pudding and Irish sausages which are really sell- ing very well. Give yourself plenty of time to look Black Puddings Imports is located at There are lots of gift items, souvenirs around. There are nice wide aisles in #107 - 20353 - 64th Avenue, Langley, and footballs and other soccer para- the store with lots of items to choose B.C. For more information, call (604) phernalia for the sports fan on your from for the holidays. 532-1223 or check out online at: list at Black Pudding. • www.blackpudding.ca. PAGE 8 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 New location for the hugely popular Celtic Creations in North Vancouver By CATHOLINE BUTLER NORTH VANCOUVER – Celtic Crea- tions has moved to a new location in North Vancouver at 21 Lonsdale Av- enue on the southwest corner of Lonsdale and Esplanade, across from the Pinnacle Hotel. Cork-born Helen Ritchie is well-known in the Vancouver area and has been in business for the past 24 years. MICHAEL PRATT who owns and manages the Celtic Traditions is Celtic Creations is mainly known for also a talented musician. Along with Celtic merchandise, Celtic their Celtic gifts and goods but their first love is their beautiful Celtic jew- Traditions also features a music room with lessons available on ellery and they carry an especially wide various instruments. selection of Claddagh rings in silver and gold. Celtic Traditions: Keith Jack from Scotland designs beau- tiful Celtic jewellery for the store and his award-winning designs are known Everything Celtic....from worldwide. Helen Ritchie said, “Our new location is a flagship store for Keith Jack, so sweaters to jewellery we have an incredible collection of his By CATHOLINE BUTLER “Also new this year are merino cash- designs in stock. mere blankets – beautiful soft wool in VANCOUVER – Celtic Traditions “One of the hot items for men that we th a herringbone design. on West 10 Avenue in the Kitsilano have in the store for Christmas are hats area of Vancouver is known as the “I have lots of Aran fisherman knit and scarves from Mucros Weavers in sweater shop for their distinctive sweaters and Fair Isle sweaters from Killarney. But, for women, it’s always quality and design wool products Scotland, especially on the women’s our specialty jewellery.” from Scotland and Ireland.....but side. • Drop in to the new Celtic Creations lo- really they offer so much more. “My Aran sweaters are from Galway cation where you will receive a warm and the Scottish ones are from Harley Owner Michael Pratt was born in Eng- fáilte (welcome) and say hello to Helen in Aberdeen. Our sweaters come in all land but his mother and father are both Ritchie and Keith Jack. For more infor- HELEN RITCHIE and Keith Jack of Celtic Creations are proud to sizes and weights – light, medium and from Ireland. He frequently travels mation, call (604) 903-8704, or visit announce the opening of their new location at 21 Lonsdale Avenue heavy weights. back and forth to Ireland to visit rela- online: celticcreations.ca. in North Vancouver. tives and on buying trips for the store. “We also have some beautiful wool and Pratt is also a fiddle player and within mohair throws and capes and lots of the store are music rooms to teach fid- silver Claddagh rings, pendants and dle, harp, whistle, bodhran, concertina earrings. Actually, I have a great selec- A whole array of Christmas gift ideas and voice lessons. tion of everything Celtic.” • Speaking about some of the merchan- Celtic Traditions is located at 3721 West on offer at the Celtic Treasure Chest dise he stocks, he said, “This year I 10th Avenue in Vancouver. For more have some beautiful lightweight wool information, call (604) 222-2299 or visit By CATHOLINE BUTLER scarves from Mucros Weavers. online at www.celtictraditions.ca. VANCOUVER – Celtic Treasure Chest in the Dunbar area of Vancouver is a family owned and operated business. This will be the third Christmas for the Coulson family at the Celtic Treasure Chest since becoming the proprietors and it was just by chance on the day I stopped by that the whole family was there. As you enter the well merchandised store, the first thing to catch the visi- tor’s eye are tables of delicious Christ- mas items.

“We also have a bass ukelele that is very popular with all age groups. Es- pecially for children – particularly in the age group three to five. We have THE COULSON FAMILY own and operate Celtic Treasure Chest lessons for ukelele, strings and pretty in Dunbar. (L-R) Lalla, Cristina, Gianluca, and Stephen Coulson. BRIAN HARDING at Tapestry Music demonstrates some of the much all the instruments.” most popular instruments for Christmas gifts. Tapestry Music also has experienced Stephen Coulson said many holiday Continuing, he said, “We will be get- music educators who teach everything items have already been received from ting the little mince pies and the Mr. from violin, cello, double bass, all the overseas with many others en route. Kipling’s mince pies and the Battenburg cakes shortly. Tapestry Music: Your brass instruments – trumpet, trombone “We have all the fixin’s for the tradi- – woodwinds, guitar and banjo. tional U.K. breakfast including black “We already have quite a variety of They offer gift cards which can be used and white pudding and specialty puddings and cakes from small right up one-stop music store for any item in the shop, including bacons and sausages. to the two pounders. music lessons. “We have a baker in Richmond who is “New this year is our Guinness fruit for all age groups The violin and piano are good instru- Scottish trained and supplies us with pudding. We also have Clootie pudding ments for small children to start learn- all the traditional meat and chicken and, of course, the ever popular, Scot- By CATHOLINE BUTLER cards for that aspiring musician with ing since they come in smaller sizes pies. We also have a very nice spicy tish shortbread cookies.” lessons in violin, guitar, banjo, ukelele, curry meat pie.” VANCOUVER – Tapestry Music on which is really good for young chil- Celtic Treasure Chest offers a whole drums and woodwind instruments to West Broadway is a one-stop store dren to handle. Stephen then laughed as he told me a array of gift ideas, including Harry Pot- name a few. for all your music needs, whether • great story. ter, Game of Thrones, and some door- it’s for instruments, music lessons, Brian Harding at Tapestry Music There are three Tapestry Music store mats that are quite amusing. One with “Speaking about curry, my uncle was spoke to me about what are some of locations: Vancouver – 3607 West a quote from the Lord of the Rings, repair services, school band a salesman and he used to travel all the most popular Christmas instru- Broadway – call (604) 736-3036; reads ‘You Shall Not Pass’. rentals, or sound system rentals. over the place. On one of his trips when ments. • White Rock – 1335 Johnston Road – he was staying in Bombay, he went The knowledgeable staff will help you call (604) 538-0906; Victoria – 828 Celtic Treasure Chest is located at 5639 select the correct musical instrument “The ukelele is still very popular, we down to the concierge and asked if there Fort Street – call (250) 590-0752. For Dunbar Street in Vancouver. For more for all age groups on your holiday list. have them in sizes ranging from so- was a good place to get curry. Without information, call (604) 261-3688, or prano to baritone, and also a little baby more information, check out: batting an eye, the concierge check online at: celtictreasure There are also music lessons and gift size ukelele. tapestrymusic.com. replied...‘Yes, in London’.” chest.com. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 9 MUSIC REVIEW Mary’s British In a world increasingly noisy, Reviewed Pappajohn takes us under the rolling by Catholine Butler sea that becomes calmer the further Home Store in Langley you venture and as she says, “there is LORI PAPPAJOHN nothing like swimming in the turquoise blue waters of the tropics. It is pure all ready for Christmas Call of the Sea magic. By CATHOLINE BUTLER Fans usually associate singer and mu- LANGLEY – Birmingham, England- sician Pappajohn with the music of “You are truly in another world and born, Mary Carter is the proud owner Winter Harp and she continues to one never wants to return to the sur- of Mary’s British Home Store in present her wonderful annual Christ- face again. Swimming with a monofin Langley. mas concert series but her new CD, is very demanding. The fin is large and Call of the Sea, is a departure from her moves a lot of water, so you can dive In business for over 39 years, Mary’s usual style. deep very quickly. British Home Store was a destina- tion in Steveston Village in Richmond Her new CD Call of the Sea features “Diving through the corals and swim- This CD features a collection of songs Lori’s mesmerizing singing voice ac- before moving to Langley last year. about sea sirens and sailors. Some of ming with the wild creatures truly companied by harps, flutes, fiddle, takes one into another dimension – di- Shortly after opening the new shop these sea maidens are whimsical and cello, percussion, and guitar. fun, while others are treacherous and mension of mystery and surprise.” in Langley, The Celtic Connection haunting. She takes inspiration from poets Tho- dropped in for a visit and shelves This is the fourteenth album Lori has were just getting stocked and the new mas Moore, Lord Alfred Tennyson, produced under the Winter Harp la- What we may not know about Lori Shakespeare, and Walter de la Mare in outside sign hadn’t even arrived yet. Pappajohn is that she is also a mer- bel. creating the lyrics for her Celtic-styled This year the sign is up and promi- maid and is surprisingly and equally songs. at home on both land and sea. nently displayed outside, shelves are STORE manager Bernie Blake This is a seductive journey into the fully stocked and many Christmas holds a haggis sample as she dis- Her great joy is donning a monofin and watery-blue world of the mysterious items are already in with more on the cusses the products available. diving deep into the mysterious wa- rolling sea. Featured tracks include: The way. tery-blue sea and swimming eye-to- Hidden Cove; A Sailor’s Life; I Will including the Cadbury Selection boxes. eye with all the sea creatures. Store manager Bernie Blake, who Search for Her; Origin of the Harp; hails from County Meath in Ireland, The Mermaid; I Had a Love; “We already have our Christmas cakes She is a professional mermaid with her spoke about the U.K. products al- and puddings in, and Mr. Kipling items own company – Mermaids Interna- Lisdoonvarna; The Merman; The Lass ready in and on the shelves. and Her Sailors; To Drive the Sailors with the Battenburg cakes are expected tional – and has been featured on Good shortly. Morning America and The Rick Mer- Mad; Are Ye Sleeping Maggie?; Sam; “We have just received our shipment cer Report. The Siren. of haggis for Hogmanay and Robbie “Our baker in Richmond is making our Burns celebrations and it is also a mince meat tarts...he made them for us great stuffing for poultry. last year and he’s wonderful.” “Along with the sausages, specialty • bacons and cheeses, we also have a Visit Mary’s British Home Store in lot of items for gift giving such as Langley at 20435 Fraser Highway at the football items, jams, preserves, intersection of Glover Road. For more specialty biscuits and chocolates, information, call (604) 427-0368. PAGE 10 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Black Humour Prevails Amid Mark Carney’s dire Brexit warnings Warnings the Ship is Sinking earn the wrath

POSTCARD FROM of British politicians LONDON LONDON – Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, rarely shies away from expressing strong opinions. As Governor of the Bank of England, he is facing a backlash over a blunt Brexit analysis that has led to calls that he’s hysterical, incompetent and a “failed, second-tier Canadian politi- By cian.” ELFAN Carney has been under fire since the JONES central bank released a detailed report on how Britain will fare after the coun- HE weather try leaves the European Union on THE pro-Brexit flotilla sailing down the River Thames may be headed March 29. MARK CARNEY, the Governor for France in the near future if dire predictions by the Governor of here today is The study examined several scenarios of the Bank of England. what Scottish the Bank of England Mark Carney are correct. including the possibility of the coun- try crashing out of the EU without any people call agreement on trade or other matters. Twitter. “And the [Bank of England] t at an inflated price for a few weeks Wales won all four of their winter could be right about the magnitude. But ‘gey driech’. before the promotion, then drastically rugby Internationals, and most impor- Under that scenario, the bank said that they’ve really gone pretty far out on a reduced for the promotion, still achiev- tantly we defeated the Wallabies, for within five years Britain’s economy limb here – their bad-case losses from I don’t know if that is the ing a larger than normal mark up. the first time in years. would shrink by eight percent, house a no-deal Brexit look extremely high.” prices would fall by 30 percent, un- correct spelling, but it The way he put it was, “we are trying I think the last time we beat them Aus- employment would nearly double to Krugman, who is based in New York, to fool all of the people all of the time.” tralia was a penal colony. seven and a half percent, the pound has been a critic of many of the dire means bloody miserable. economic forecasts surrounding Brexit, Ireland played simply marvellously would lose 25 percent of its value and Small retail stores cannot buy in bulk suggesting that economists’ claims have and outplayed the All Blacks, tempt- inflation would soar to six and a half The grey, dreary damp condi- and in the U.K. we already have a prob- been dubious. tions suit the mood of the coun- lem because independent stores are ing me to spend my life savings and go percent. try; we are all depressed...sick struggling to survive. to Japan next year for the Rugby World That’s a far worse hit than the coun- Andrew Sentance, a former member of Cup. try experienced after the 2008 finan- the bank’s rate-setting monetary- to death of the word Brexit and The gift shop, clothes shop, butcher, policy committee, also criticized the The worry is that if Mr. Carney from cial crisis. greengrocer, baker, ironmonger etc. are report, calling it bogus and “highly the shameful self-seeking antics disappearing from the centre of towns, the Bank of England is correct, the of our politicians. “Our job is not to hope for the best speculative.” all affected by the uncertainty of pound will be worthless and I will not but to prepare for the worst,” Carney According to Mark Carney, the Brexit, high business rates, parking be able to afford a glass of sake, let told reporters after releasing the as- The report “will add to the view that Governor of the Bank of England, difficulties, and, of course, online alone a ticket to the Wales v Ireland sessment. “We have looked at a po- the bank is getting unnecessarily in- shopping. final. tential no-deal, no-transition Brexit ... volved in politics and that will further we are doomed....doomed! undermine perceptions of its inde- And finally, a news item from Scot- the reason we do that is to be pre- Consequently, our high streets are los- pendence and credibility,” Sentance In 10 years time our economy will be land. pared for all eventualities.” ing their individuality, the independ- said on Twitter. in the gutter, the Queen – if she is still ents being replaced by charity shops, In Edinburgh the city council is con- He went further, telling the BBC that alive – will be taking in washing to estate agents, or just lying empty. But the report won the backing of sidering banning silent discos because British businesses were largely unpre- make ends meet, Prince Charles will Prime Minister Theresa May, who has they are too noisy. pared for a no-deal Brexit. have a market stall selling organic veg- In France, the small town centres are been scrambling to win support for a etables, and the rest of us will be still where people shop and although “Less than half of the businesses in Brexit deal she has struck with the EU. the chain stores are there they sit These events have become a craze with scratching a living working for the Chi- stag and hen parties where the revel- the country have initiated their con- alongside the independents, so the That agreement, which calls for a tran- nese. lers dance along the Royal Mile wear- tingency plans for a no deal Brexit,” towns retain their charm and are busy. sition period and close economic ties ing headphones and all listening to the he said, citing the bank’s contacts with It would be wonderful to find an en- to the bloc, will be put to a vote in the same music. businesses and other surveys. lightened leader who cares more for the Sale promotions are heavily regulated House of Commons on December 11, good of the country than for their po- in France with official start and end He stressed that the no-deal scenario and so far few MPs expect it to pass. dates set by the government, safe- Councillor Jo Mowatt said, “silent dis- litical party or personal ambition. cos are not silent because there is a lot was unlikely and that Britain’s finan- guarding the independents. May has argued that if MPs don’t sup- of whooping and screaming, especially cial system could withstand the tur- David Cameron, our previous prime port her deal, the country risks the when you have 40 women on a hen moil. minister, started this chaos simply to The latest news shows films of refu- chaos of a no-deal Brexit, and she has party.” see off a challenge to his leadership gees currently camped outside Calais, And he took pains to say that he cited the bank’s report as evidence of from a faction in his own party and now risking life and limb to cross the wasn’t advocating government policy what could happen. English Channel in little boats from She added that hey are dangerous be- quell a threat from an ultra-right wing cause the dancers cannot hear ap- but simply responding to a request for France to start a new life in Britain. This isn’t the first time Carney has party called UKIP, whose sole raison proaching vehicles. information from Parliament. run into controversy over Brexit. d’être was to get the U.K. out of Eu- They must know something we don’t On the other hand, a witness remarked That did little to quell the criticism. rope. because if business carries on the way Just before the 2016 referendum on that the out-of-tune singing and the it’s going there will be an armada going Several pro-Brexit members of Parlia- Britain’s membership in the EU, he After the debacle of the referendum, grunts of the dancers is great fun for the other way. ment attacked Carney for being hys- warned the country could fall into a Cameron skipped off into the sunshine the people watching. terical, politicizing the central bank and technical recession if it left. to count his money and write his mem- Although, life is not quite all gloom On that silent note, I wish you a very seeking to undermine a hard Brexit. oirs hopefully entitled “How to Screw and doom. That prompted anger from many pro- Merry Christmas, Up a Country.” “It is unusual for the Bank of England Brexit Tories, who have since noted Elfan. Added to the Brexit fiasco, we have to talk down the pound and shows the that the economy has performed bet- just had Black Friday. governor’s failure to understand his ter than expected since the vote. role. He is not there to create panic,” Over the decades many wonderful said Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. Carney has refused to back down and things have crossed the Atlantic from defended the bank’s analysis. “We the U.S.A., although apart from “Unfortunately, he’s a second-tier Ca- have a responsibility to have the sys- Marilyn Monroe I can’t think of one nadian politician. Having failed in Ca- tem ready for whatever happens,” he at the moment, but Black Friday we nadian politics, he’s got a job in the told the BBC. “In order to do that we could do without. U.K., which he isn’t doing well.” need to do this type of analysis.” The run up to Christmas is, for inde- Another pro-Brexit Tory MP, Bernard He also has a bit more at stake person- pendent retailers, the busiest and most Jenkin, said Carney had trashed the ally in Brexit. profitable time of the year, so giving economy “as part of a propaganda ex- ercise.” While he still holds Canadian citizen- large discounts at a time when people ship, he recently became a British citi- are spending money buying gifts makes It wasn’t just politicians piling on. zen as well. He told reporters that his no economic sense to them. Nobel Prize winning economist and new status hasn’t made him any more I remember an American department New York Times columnist Paul or less comfortable about speaking out store buyer telling me that he bought Krugman also weighed in. on important issues. in bulk at discounted prices for these “I’m anti-Brexit, and have no doubt “I feel as comfortable as I’ve ever done promotions. A SILENT DISCO on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile during the 2018 Edin- that it will make Britain poorer,” talking about Brexit or any other issue The products are initially put on sale burgh Fringe Festival. Krugman said in a series of posts on facing the U.K.,” he said. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 11 Theresa May is the first British PM to be found in contempt as extraordinary scenes play out in House of Commons LONDON – On Tuesday, De- cember 11, Britain’s House of Commons will vote on whether Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal should go ahead. Given that May’s Conservative party has no overall majority and SCOTTISH First Minister Nicola Sturgeon challenged Theresa May too many of her own members of to a debate on the UK Government’s Brexit proposals last month. parliament are against it, she was She also met all opposition leaders at Westminster and said they already braced for defeat in that were united in planning to vote down May’s deal, but claimed the next step was to agree on an alternative. vote. But after extraordinary scenes in the THOUSANDS of Pro-EU protesters took part in a march in July, Commons on Tuesday, December 4, on the second anniversary of the Brexit vote. The People’s Vote that likely defeat could also mean the protest was calling for a second referendum on the UK’s final deal. Nicola Sturgeon travels end of her premiership. Organisers say more than 100,000 people attended the march In little more than an hour, the govern- last summer. Many now believe the December 4 amendment to ment suffered three defeats on its Brexit give Parliament more power over the Brexit process could open to London in bid plans. the way for a second referendum. The first two were embarrassing to force Brexit delay enough: MPs voted that the govern- ment was in contempt of parliament, EDINBURGH – Nicola Stur- the first time that’s ever happened in “If I had banged the table, walked out geon has stepped up efforts to British history. “Having now finally of the room and delivered the very same deal “postpone” Brexit in talks with By refusing to publish in full the legal Theresa May as the UK Gov- published its own advice on the Brexit deal agreed with that is before us today, some might say the European Union last month, min- ernment’s agreement with the official analysis isters were found to have breached the I had done a better job. But I didn’t play EU appears increasingly sovereignty of parliament – and par- of the economic liament has fought back and reasserted to the gallery. Don’t let anyone here think doomed to defeat in the House its control. of Commons. consequences The third defeat, while more techni- that there is a better deal to be won The Scottish first minister was in cal, was still hugely significant because London seeking an “alternative of Brexit, the UK it means that MPs from all parties can by shouting louder.” way forward” for the country, with decide not only to reject May’s deal Government can no but instruct the government on what MPs expected to vote on delaying to do next. the Article 50 process that will take longer hide behind Its leader in Westminster, Nigel Dodds, would be someone who wants a harder the UK out of the EU next March. Until now, the prime minister has said, “We will happily go to the elec- Brexit – such as Boris Johnson, the warned MPs that voting down her torate and put our views to the people former foreign secretary, or backbench The prime minister is also facing a their own spin – it is Brexit plans will mean a no-deal de- if needs be.” Euroskeptic Conservative MP Jacob motion of no confidence in the event parture from the EU by default. Rees-Mogg. She has much more to that her deal is rejected on December clear that any kind The DUP opposes May’s Brexit deal protect than her own reputation. 11, Labour has said. That scenario is relished by some because it holds out the prospect of of Brexit will make hardline Brexiteers who want out of Northern Ireland operating on differ- And yet, events in Parliament on De- A defeat for May would prompt a gen- the EU at any cost. But it has spooked ent regulatory and customs arrange- cember 4 may have changed those as- eral election. But Environment Secre- Scotland and financial markets, businesses and the ments from the rest of the UK, in the sumptions. tary Michael Gove has insisted the Bank of England, who have warned that event that future negotiations on a trade government can win the Commons the UK poorer.” deal between London and Brussels When the prime minister addressed the vote, despite scores of Tory MPs it will come at a severe economic price Commons minutes after those three collapse. threatening to vote against it. to Britain. bruising defeats, her tone was typi- Brexit proposals with the SNP, La- On Wednesday, December 4, when the cally determined – but this time, her Sturgeon urged opposition parties in But Tuesday’s scenes made one thing bour, Liberal Democrats and Greens government was forced to publish that speech sounded more like a farewell the Commons to use the parliamen- clear: MPs are likely to use their new- having agreed a joint motion which legal advice in full, it became clear that address. tary process to avoid both the current found power to block a no-deal out- both rejects the current plan, but also under the “backstop” or insurance ar- deal and the “cliff edge” no-deal sce- come. The hardest of all Brexits seems rules out a no deal Brexit. rangement, the agreement would pro- “I have spent nearly two years nego- nario. off the table. tiating this deal,” she said. “If I had vide different EU regulatory and cus- “I hope the Westminster Parliament banged the table, walked out of the Nationalists will be among those who After that, everything seems up for toms rules for Northern Ireland from will follow suit,” the first minister room and delivered the very same deal vote down the deal, but the SNP leader grabs. Proposals are already being put the rest of the UK and be treated as a added. “As soon as the prime minis- that is before us today, some might insists she also wants to see the “arti- forward for a softer Brexit. “third country” in terms of trade with ter’s deal has been put to bed, all par- say I had done a better job. But I cle 50” process under which the UK England, Scotland and Wales. ties and MPs must come together to For example, Britain could adopt a didn’t play to the gallery. Don’t let leaves the EU to be put back. agree a better way forward.” model similar to Norway, which is not Goods passing between Britain and anyone here think that there is a better a member of the EU but pays for ac- “The last week has been a watershed Northern Ireland would have to un- deal to be won by shouting louder.” moment in the Brexit process,” Stur- Pro-remainers such as the SNP leader cess to its single market. dergo customs checks. The DUP, a object that the deal will take the UK This is the heart of May’s message to geon said ahead of the meeting. staunchly unionist party, see this as out of the EU single markets and cus- The campaign for a second national her own and opposition MPs – that effectively breaking up the union be- “Having now finally published its own toms union while Brexiteers also op- referendum, or People’s Vote, is gath- there is no better deal to be done with tween Great Britain and Northern Ire- official analysis of the economic con- pose the agreement struck last month ering momentum – one that could lead Brussels. to no Brexit at all. land. sequences of Brexit, the UK Govern- arguing it give too many concessions ment can no longer hide behind their to Brussels. Since taking over as prime minister After events in the Commons this But the likely defeat of the vote on week, MPs clearly think otherwise, own spin – it is clear that any kind of from David Cameron in July 2016 af- Gove has said the most difficult ele- December 11 could also see the oppo- and are likely to make their position Brexit will make Scotland and the UK ter the turmoil of the Brexit vote, May ment of the deal was the Northern Ire- sition Labour party call for a vote of clear on December 11. poorer. no confidence in the government. If has portrayed herself as a dutiful, busi- land “backstop,” intended to prevent May lost that vote, a general election nesslike leader acting in the national A large-scale defeat would not only “The reality is the best deal is remain- the return of a hard border with the could follow. interest. mean the end of May’s Brexit plans, ing in the EU, which is exactly what Republic. but it would amount to a loss of confi- the people of Scotland voted for. Despite several ministerial resignations Brexiteers have warned that it could Labour says it is ready for another elec- dence in her premiership. tion – the second in less than two years. and letters of no confidence from her “With so much at stake for people’s see the UK tied to EU customs ar- MPs, the PM has been resilient in the After her government has been held in jobs and living standards, it is vital that rangements for years with no exit Significantly, the Northern Irish DUP face of such turbulence. Her aides have contempt, and with such a crushing MPs come together to reject the PM’s mechanism, while negotiations con- party, which has an agreement to sup- long insisted May is not the type to defeat on the most important policy deal, to rule out a No Deal Brexit and tinue with Brussels on a trade deal. port the Conservative minority gov- quit when the going gets tough. of her premiership, it is hard to see to secure an extension to Article 50.” But Gove insisted there was no incen- ernment in order to keep it in power, how May would be able to remain in Those around her are also fearful that MSPs at the Scottish Parliament are tive for the EU to prolong Britain’s has made clear it is also ready for an Downing Street. election. if she were to resign, her successor expected to reject the prime minister’s stay in the backstop. PAGE 12 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Holiday Season Can’t Come Soon Enough in Brexit Britain

By HARRY MEMBERS of the six-time world champion SFU Pipe Band march McGRATH in formation with their youth division, the RMM Pipe Band. The group will celebrate the RMM Pipe Band’s 25th anniversary at their Robbie Burns Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, January 26. DINBURGH – According to th the Office of 25 Anniversary National Statis- ONCE a thriving destination, the former home of Edinburgh’s House E of Fraser, now lies empty and forlorn. Celebrations of tics, about 82,000 Cana- dians live in the UK. tendance and touring the constituency So where can we look for holiday joy in a Bentley (Rees-Mogg claims it was between forecasts of economic catas- the RMM Pipe Band a Mercedes). trophe and the prospect of not-so- The figure isn’t that recent and splendid British isolation? BURNABY – The Simon Fraser Uni- young players, moving through the in the last couple of years, would Needless to say, all of this has done versity Pipe Band is proud to an- ranks of this ambitious youth band, have been marginally affected little to enhance the festive atmosphere Family and friends would be an obvi- nounce that the Robert Malcolm Me- and developing musical talent and im- in the run up to Christmas. ous place to start. We could all just morial (RMM) Pipe Band, the youth portant life and leadership skills along by two high profile immigration coorie in (to use a good Scottish ex- (8-18) division of the SFU Pipe Band the way. In Edinburgh the ever-expanding pression that is suddenly back in cases in Scotland. Christmas market is doing its best to organization, is turning 25 years old vogue) and hope that our Brexit trou- this January. Now, the band enjoys a membership A Canadian family had to return jingle over whatever doubts the locals bles eventually pass. of nearly 150 pipers and drummers an- have about Brexit, but even the mar- The six-time world champion SFU nually, and has levels ranging from be- to Calgary despite running a ket has seen its share of controversy Or I may head down to the Edinburgh Pipe Band is working hard to develop ginner up to grade 2, with the poten- shop in Laggan in the Scottish this year. Christmas market where I will try to the next generation of pipers and drum- tial for motivated players to join the drown out that Joni Mitchell song Highlands and a Nova Scotian Back in October 50 trees were felled mers, getting ready for another 25 coveted grade 1 SFU Pipe Band itself. Gaelic teacher was denied a about trees and museums that is lodged years of success. in Princes Street Gardens, ostensibly in my head. RMM proudly continues to compete visa despite being the only ap- to allow for landscaping work and an The celebration kicks off with the and perform at local, provincial, and plicant for a Gaelic-language extension at the Scottish National Gal- All kinds of good things are on offer SFUPB annual Robbie Burns international events, and on the world lery. there – Swedish Grogg, German fundraising dinner and silent auction, stage in Scotland. teaching job on the Isle of Mull. Bratwurst, Italian Panettone, French hosted at the Executive Plaza Hotel The sight of Christmas stalls being crepe, Czech pilsner and so on – and The success of this youth pipe band The Wikipedia list of notable Canadi- erected on the cleared land sent the Metro Vancouver (located at 405 North folk have come from across Europe and Road in Coquitlam), on Saturday, Janu- shines through their history, including ans living in the UK is also in need of Twitter conspiracy brigade into over- four consecutive wins in the juvenile updating. elsewhere to share the holiday season ary 26, 2019. drive. with a city that voted 74 percent re- category at the World Championships It includes, for instance, a former stu- Just west of the Christmas market, the main to 26 percent leave. This will be followed by an exclusive in Scotland, and ongoing high place- dent of mine who came to Scotland to grand building that was the source of SFU Pipe Band in concert perform- ments at the Worlds and at many com- play professional soccer but returned Withdrawing from the EU and the feel- ance specifically in honour of this 25th petitions within our region and inter- so many Christmas presents in past ing of being European are not neces- to Canada in 2004. years lies empty and forlorn. anniversary year, on Saturday, April nationally. sarily the same thing but they are start- 12, 2019, at the Vogue Theatre on It also, however, cites one Canadian Edinburgh’s House of Fraser didn’t ing to coalesce, at least in Scotland. Granville Street in Vancouver. And with this 25th anniversary cel- who has left his mark (pun intended) survive the chain’s takeover by Sports ebration comes a changing of the guard. While I was writing this, the news Pipe bands are a vital part of our Ca- on British public life and still lives on Direct and was picked clean back in Band manager Jack Lee is passing the this side of the Atlantic. broke of a senior adviser to the Euro- nadian heritage and world music expe- September in a sale that included the pean court of justice averring that EU torch to his highly talented son, mannequins and the shelving. We now riences, performing in many important Mark Carney has been Governor of law allows a country to unilaterally celebrations and memorials. Andrew Lee, who will be ushering in the Bank of England since 2013 having await the inevitable office conversion. revoke Article 50 which triggers Brit- the next era for RMM, with a renewed previously served in the same capac- It would be difficult to pin the House ain’s EU departure notice. The SFU Pipe Band is proud to have focus on high performance band lev- ity for the Bank of Canada. created a strong and successful learn- els. of Fraser closure on a yet-to-happen He was responding to a cross party Brexit – Internet shopping and failure ing environment for this unique style Last week, with scant regard for the group of Scottish parliamentarians that of music and instruments, developing And the band is in excellent hands – season, Carney announced that, a no- to move with the times are more likely launched a legal action last December. quite literally. explanations – but there are those who the next generation of players. deal Brexit could plunge Britain into Hope springs eternal, as a famous Pope Andrew Lee, a proficient solo com- its deepest recession since the 1930s. will see it as a symbol of Carney’s once said. RMM draws youth (8-18) from possible future with more, and worse, across all of Metro Vancouver, the petitor as well as RMM band instruc- The pound would plummet, the UK to come. Happy Holidays everyone. province, and beyond. tor and pipe major, has accrued an ad- economy shrink by eight percent and mirable list of accomplishments, in- house prices fall by a third. The SFUPB provides their young play- cluding his unanimous win in early ers with world-class instruction by 2017 at the Boney Music Invitational Brexiteers tend to have the same atti- Robert Burns: The National members of the SFU Pipe Band, and – a fundraising event created by the tude as Donald Trump when it comes the opportunity to gain strong musi- late SFU Pipe Band piper and BC Pip- to ‘experts’. Bard of Scotland cal and leadership skills. The RMM ers’ Association Life Member Andrew It wasn’t long before leading Brexiteer Pipe Band also participates in many Bonar in support of the BC Cancer Robert Burns [25 January 1759 – 21 local charity and community events. Agency. Jacob Rees-Mogg (a kind of amalgam July 1796], also known as Rabbie of various characters from P.G. Burns, the Bard of Ayrshire, Plough- RMM was founded 25 years ago in Lee’s knowledge of the instrument is Wodehouse) derided Carney as “a sec- man Poet and various other names and January 1994, to honour the untimely deep; Lee and his father, Jack Lee, are ond tier Canadian politician who failed epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyri- loss of two young SFU Pipe Band play- the creative forces behind Lee & Sons, to get on in Canadian politics and then cist. He is widely regarded as the na- ers and instructors – Robert Barbulak making the bags and drones that create got a job in the UK.” tional poet of Scotland and is cel- and Malcolm Bokenfohr. the iconic music of the great Highland bagpipes. This initiated a bout of head scratch- ebrated worldwide. When these young players were tragi- ing among those of us who remember Each year, January 25 is recognized cally killed by an impaired driver on With the strength of the talents of the Carney as a banker and economist in worldwide as Rabbie Burns Day. Af- the 28th of November 1993, their loss SFU Pipe Band leading the way, the Canada, but not as a politician. A quick ter his death he became a great source national anthem of the country. was felt deeply by the pipe band that Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe band Google search confirmed that Rees- of inspiration to the founders of both Other poems and songs of Burns that they loved. has every reason to be jubilant in their Mogg had been economical with the liberalism and socialism, and a cultural upcoming 25th anniversary year! truth. remain well known across the world Pipe Major Terry Lee, Lead Drummer icon in Scotland and among the Scot- today include A Red, Red Rose, A J. Reid Maxwell, and Pipe Sergeant We can all look forward to great things The “failed politician” jibe carries a tish diaspora around the world. Man’s a Man for A’ That, To a Louse, Jack Lee, were determined to memori- yet to come from this young and en- particular irony in Scotland where vot- As well as making original composi- To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, alize the contributions these two thusiastic band in 2019 and beyond. ers of a certain age remember Rees- tions, Burns also collected folk songs Tam o’ Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss. young men made to their community, • Mogg’s first foray into politics. from across Scotland, often revising Burns passed away on July 21, 1796, and create a legacy through the train- To book tickets, or for more informa- He stood for the Conservative Party or adapting them. of rheumatic fever. His most famous ing of young pipers and drummers di- tion on the SFU Robbie Burns rectly through the SFU Pipe Band. fundraising dinner on Saturday, Janu- in Central Fife in the 1997 general elec- His poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne poem, Address to the Haggis is now tion and came third with nine percent ary 26, 2019, e-mail SFUPB Burns din- is often sung at Hogmanay (the last recited at Burns Suppers and other cel- This legacy lives on. Starting with a ner committee chair Lucinda Pentin at: of the vote. day of the year), and Scots Wha Hae ebrations of the man now remembered humble 35 players in January 1994, [email protected], And this despite having a nanny in at- served for a long time as an unofficial as the National Bard of Scotland. RMM has since taught over 2,000 or visit: https://sfupipeband.com. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 13 The heart of Scotland lives in Coquitlam at Tartantown By CATHOLINE BUTLER COQUITLAM, BC – Tartantown shop in Coquitlam is a hotbed of Scot- tish culture steeped in bagpipes, kilts, Highland dancing and all things Scot- tish. Manager Terry Lee is the former pipe major of the world champion SFU Pipe Band and was with the band when they received the top title six times in Scot- land. A huge accomplishment for a Canadian pipe band. Heather Jolley, the other partner in Tartantown, leads the award-winning Heather Jolley School of Highland Dance. Many of her students have also won acclaim in Scotland. This is an extremely busy time of the year at Tartantown with Christmas, Hogmanay and Robbie Burns all on the horizon. Kilts and full Highland costumes are a huge rental item for all of the above events, including weddings. Terry said, “We have been in business for over 40 years (1976) and this year our expansion into more Highland and casual gent’s wear is our newest prod- uct line.” He said, “Our ‘casual’ kilts, along with our budget-line of complete outfits, helps make Highland dress more af- fordable. We can produce an outfit head-to-toe starting at $399.” Along with kilts and bagpipes, Tartantown offers luxurious shawls, beautiful chinaware and other unique TERRY LEE, former pipe major of the world champion SFU Pipe gift items from Scotland....no need to Band, is the manager at Tartantown. He said this is an extremely go to Scotland, everything Scottish is busy time of year at the shop with Christmas, Hogmanay and at Tartantown. • Robbie Burns celebrations all on the horizon. Tartantown is located at 555 Clarke Road, Coquitlam. For more information, call (604) 936-8548, or call toll-free at 1-877-800-5458. Visit online: www.tartantown.com. Stars out in force for the Scottish music awards GLASGOW – Annie Lennox, Susan Boyle and Mark Knopfler were among the big winners at a star-studded awards ceremony in Scotland. Snow Patrol, The Script and Kyle Fal- coner also picked up honours at the 20th annual SSE Scottish Music Awards. Singers Boyle and Lennox were both inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame during the event in Glasgow on Saturday, December 1. The event is the main fundraiser for the music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins Scotland. SUSAN BOYLE accepted the first award of the night. Along with Annie Lennox, she was inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Upon receiving her award, Boyle, who opened the night with a performance Fame. of Wild Horses, said, “I’m very hum- bled and pleased. I’d like to congratu- Knopfler, who made a name for him- set, were named artist of the year while late Nordoff Robbins on their anniver- self as Dire Straits’ frontman, picked Irish trio The Script took the best in- sary. Thank you so much, I will treas- up the “living legend” award, saying, ternational artist gong. “When I was a little fellow lying in ure this.” Donald MacLeod, chairman of Nordoff bed not far from here listening to the Lennox was unable to attend the event music of the River Clyde, the noise of Robbins Scotland, said, ”We’ve had a but sent a video message to the audi- the fog horns and the ships, I used to phenomenal night celebrating the 20th SSE Scottish Music Awards with some ence. She said, “I just wanted to say absorb all the sounds of Scotland. thank you so much for giving me this of the biggest and best stars in the very special award. “A songwriter couldn’t ask to be born world, together with all of our won- in a better place.” derful partners and friends. “I’m very, very sorry that I can’t join you tonight, but I’m there with you in The View’s Falconer was handed the “To see musicians like Snow Patrol, spirit. I’m so proud of the work that best album award for his first solo Mark Knopfler, Amy Macdonald and Nordoff Robbins does and all I can say project and said he had put his “heart more come together to support to you is thank you, thank you, thank and soul” into the record. Nordoff Robbins Scotland and all who you.” work there is truly outstanding, and it Snow Patrol, who played an acoustic gets bigger and better every year.” PAGE 14 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 An afternoon of Welsh Spirit at the Cambrian Hall VANCOUVER – On Satur- He was also a prolific poet, producing a body of work that received high ac- day, November 17, Welsh So- claim from critics. ciety members and visitors en- His volume Song at the Year’s Turning joyed an afternoon dedicated to was praised by John Betjeman, while THE DYLAN THOMAS Memorial Stone in Swansea’s Cwmdonkin two well-known Anglo-Welsh By R. George Thomas, in the Anglo-Welsh Park. The poet was born a few yards from the park and many of Review, called him the finest living his poems and prose writings were inspired by his visits there. poets. EIFION Welsh poet writing in English. In 1996, WILLIAMS Cwmdonkin Park is a popular destination for Dylan Thomas fans. DYLAN THOMAS he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Memorial Stone was recently restored after years of natural Long-time Dylan Thomas Circle mem- erosion and overgrown vegetation. ber David Webb gave a presentation as from the characters and rural land- R.S. Thomas’s poems reflect the harsh- on the work of the Swansea-born poet, scape of his native land. ness of the Welsh environment and the while Welsh Society member David characters who inhabit it. Llewelyn Williams discussed the life Thomas’s poetry also celebrated the and work of poet R.S. Thomas. divine purpose that he perceived in A fervent Welsh nationalist, he endows nature amid the recurring themes of his subjects with love and compassion The event was the latest presentation love, birth, death and renewal. Above and criticizes the alien influences that in an on-going monthly series entitled all, Thomas’s universal appeal is would destroy their rural way of life. “Welsh Spirit,” whose aim is to present largely based on the richness and im- David Llewelyn Williams, a great ad- stories from myth, legend, music, his- agery of his words. tory, poetry and dance that form part mirer of the poet’s work, shared some of R.S. Thomas’s poems with the au- of the Welsh experience. R.S. THOMAS dience. These monthly events are organized In his presentation on R.S. Thomas, by Welsh Society member Pat Morris. David Llewelyn Williams also referred • to God’s divine purpose, albeit in a The afternoon’s celebration and appre- Dylan Thomas’s works are well- different environment. ciation of the works of two of the known throughout the world and Twentieth Century’s most talented and David Webb pleased the audience with R.S.’s poetic world centred largely on admired poets was well-received by a spirited reading of some familiar ex- lonely Welsh hill farms and the farm- the audience. cerpts from the poems. ers who endured the harshness of that environment. Readers are reminded of the presenta- Although Dylan Thomas wrote exclu- tions of A Child’s Christmas in Wales sively in English, David Webb’s major In the words of one critic, “R.S. Tho- at the Cambrian Hall on December 15 theme was an analysis of how the po- mas produced remarkable poetry out and 16. et’s works fit into the Welsh bardic of the unforgiving hill country of tradition. Wales.” Popular actor Russell Roberts, together with Colleen Winton and musician While decrying any nationalist feelings, R.S. Thomas was born in Cardiff and Brian Tate will again read Dylan Tho- Thomas drew inspiration from his studied to become an Anglican priest. mas’s famous short story. For tickets early years in Swansea, the “ugly, He spent his working life in a succes- at $25 each, call (604) 294-4332 or lovely town” where he grew up, as well sion of remote Welsh communities until (604) 970-6434. his death in 1990. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 15

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PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 19 Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Reflections on a diagnosis By RAYMOND FYNES President, Canadian Hemochromatosis Society It is the time of year when we give and receive gifts and count blessings. My hereditary hemochromatosis di- agnosis came as a shock, but over time I have come to realize it was also a blessing in disguise because it was timely. Luckily, I had not sustained organ-dam- age despite years of my body being unable to regulate how much iron I absorb, particularly over the decades when I used to take a daily multivita- min with iron. RAYMOND FYNES, president of the Canadian Hemochromatosis After the hematologist confirmed my Society. diagnosis, I thanked my family doctor for his timely suspicion, since it likely How wonderful that my treatment can nated and elected to become president. added back whatever my life span also be life saving for others. Being involved with the Society is a wonderful experience for me. might otherwise be, simply because he So, timely diagnosis is a gift of life ticked the ‘serum ferritin’ box on my span that is not shortened prema- I am awed by the generosity of every- annual check-up lab requisition. turely, added quality of life, an alert one involved – donors, volunteers, Not only that, but his intervention has for siblings and offspring, and a gift of board members past and present, and probably spared me years of declining life for the person on the receiving end professionals who provide their serv- health and symptoms caused by iron of the unit of blood. ices pro-bono. loading in my liver, heart, pancreas, What a win-win-win! Or is it bless- All of us either have hemochromatosis joints, brain, etc. ing-blessing-blessing? or have a spouse, relative or friend who has. He smiled modestly and acknowledged Discovering the Canadian that I was probably right! Hemochromatosis Society was an- I am struck by the generosity of new I asked what had raised his suspicions other blessing in coming to terms with and long-term donors, but also dis- when he examined me, and he replied my diagnosis. tressed by the increasing number of In Memoriam donations we receive from that he could not remember, but it might It took several months from my fam- have been small patches of skin pig- friends and family of a ily doctor’s first suspicions until a spe- hemochromatosis sufferer who died. mentation. cialist could see me and report back. What a gift to have hemochromatosis It is a reminder that diagnosis is not There was a lot of nail-biting in those always timely for everyone. diagnosed before organ damage ensues. months: did I need a liver biopsy, or Thank you to doctors who raise the an MRI – and how long would that Let me take this opportunity on be- alarm early! I will take some credit take? half of the Society to wish you a though for having an annual medical blessed holiday and happy new year. check-up. I found answers to many questions • online at the Canadian [The Canadian Hemochromatosis So- There is a saying that when a doctor Hemochromatosis Society. diagnoses a patient with ciety’s mission is to strengthen the hemochromatosis, a family gets diag- I would urge anyone who has ques- well-being of Canadians affected by nosed as well. tions about hemochromatosis to iron overload through its programs browse the www.toomuchiron.ca designed to foster awareness and In my case, when my sister in-law website. early detection of hemochromatosis. (also Irish-born) learned of my diag- You can support this mission with a nosis, she asked her family doctor if My wife and I subsequently became donation to the Canadian she might have hemochromatosis. members of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society, 285 – 7000 Hemochromatosis Society. Her doctor ordered tests and confirmed Minoru Blvd., Richmond, BC V6Y 3Z5. that she did. Later I was invited to join the board of More information can be found at directors and then last year I was nomi- www.toomuchiron.ca/celtic.] Further genetic testing confirmed that her sister – my wife – has hemochromatosis too!! That knowl- edge is a huge gift for our siblings and especially our children. I think of my diagnosis as a gift that Ireland investigating UFO kept on giving, the other beneficiaries being family members who discover that they might be carrying the gene sightings by multiple pilots mutation, or have a double mutation DUBLIN – Authorities in Ireland are the north. It was a very bright light and be at risk of developing iron-load- investigating reported sightings of pos- that disappeared at very high speed.” ing. Or they can sleep easy. sible unidentified flying objects (UFOs) by several commercial airline The pilot said the speed that the ob- Happily my siblings sleep easy. How- ject – or objects – were traveling was ever, each of my children has a 50 per- pilots, including a flight from Mon- treal to London on Friday, November “absolutely astronomical, like Mach 2 cent risk of being a carrier and a 50 or something.” percent risk of inheriting double mu- 9. tations, so they know to forewarn their Chatter between the airline pilots and Commercial jetliners travel at a cruis- children about the “bronze killer” lurk- Irish air traffic control focused briefly ing speed of around 430 knots, or ing in their family tree. on the sightings, with at least four avia- Mach 0.64. The F-18, the mainstay tors confirming that they’d seen the fighter of the U.S. Air Force, can travel How common is hemochromatosis? In at up to Mach 2.5. the Canadian population, estimates phenomenon. A Virgin Airlines pilot noted that he range from 1:200 to 1:400. In Ireland, The exchange began when the pilot of the estimate is 1:83. British Airways Flight BA94 from saw “multiple objects” about the same time, during the flight to Manchester. Those of us with Irish parents need to Montreal asked Shannon air traffic be especially mindful of control if there was nearby military “Meteor or another object making some hemochromatosis. activity. kind of re-entry,” the pilot said. “There When the air traffic controller replied appears to be multiple objects follow- There is another way my diagnosis is ing the same sort of trajectory, very a gift that has kept on giving. in the negative, the pilot said that she had seen something moving “so fast.” bright from where we were.” I now keep the iron in my body from The Irish Aviation Authority said it is building up by donating blood to Ca- “OK, it was moving so fast,” the BA pilot reported. “It came up on our left- investigating the reports of “unusual nadian Blood Services every two air activity.” months. hand side and then rapidly veered to PAGE 20 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Many new Irish immigrants proud to be making positive contributions to Canada

During his time in Calgary, Ronan be- The Celtic Connection speaks to some of the came secretary of the Calgary Chief- tains GAA club, later helping estab- enthusiastic and competent Irish immigrants lish the Western Canada division. who have made their home in western Canada. As a mainstay of the local community By in western Canada, he was considered Emma reflects, “When we first moved a first point of contact for hundreds of over, we were conscious that we were MEADHBH MONAGHAN young Irish men coming across to work moving to Canada and we wanted to in construction. experience Canadian culture, which we do. Ronan would often take their resumes is just four hours away from Jasper. and make sure they landed on the rel- “But, when you move abroad, you re- She volunteers for the Alberta Dachs- evant desks. After the economic crash, ally realize how special the Irish com- hund Rescue, taking abandoned dachs- he noticed a lot less “spoiled brats” munity are and how it is so nice to have hunds for walks to the vet. arriving in Canada. friends who understand your traditions JAMES BRADLEY and values – and who get your Fr. Ted Like many Irish who are new to Outside of work, Ronan is chair of the references!” Canada, Ciara’s first port of call was Vancouver Regional Construction As- “At one stage in Estevan the wind- the local GAA club. She has been sec- sociation’s Education Committee. chill was minus 52 Celsius. You stop • retary of the Edmonton Wolfe Tones Under his watch, volunteers have vis- working after minus 38-40,” James for the past two years. ited 4,000 young people in 40 differ- comments. “People back home would scoff at the ent schools, aiming to create a posi- While temperatures plummet, the hard idea of me being involved in the GAA tive image of construction as a career workers continue their mission to com- but it’s purely an admin role!” Ciara choice. plete projects on time. EMMA McCRUDDEN laughs, adding, “The GAA club is a An avid Tough Mudder athlete, the 43- “The guys still travel back and for- social outlet and a great way to stay year-old trained by running through ward to Ireland. connected.” Vancouver at night. During those runs, ‘Dream Job’ • he was struck by the homelessness in “Whenever they are here, they want Educating Canada’s future athletes is the city. to make as much money as possible,” all in a day’s work for Irish dietitian ‘Do Something says James, adding, “Whenever we go Emma McCrudden, who moved to to Help’ “All these people had parents, and in to do a job, whatever it takes to get Vancouver almost six years ago. Falling in love with a North Vancou- someone was glad they were born. But the job across the line on time, we will something changed in their lives. When The 33-year-old has worked as an ver girl sealed Ronan Deane’s fate as a try our best to make that happen.” Canadian resident. you see that enough times it does hit applied performance dietitian for the you. I wanted to do something to He has observed that “many people English Institute of Sport and was the The Cork native arrived in British Co- help,” he says. on the two-year visa come over, put lead dietitian for Leinster Rugby. lumbia long before it became the cur- their heads down and work hard. Then Ronan runs races in aid of charity, and, Following her move to Vancouver in rent destination of choice for increas- they find that they fall in love with CIARA REYNOLDS ing numbers of Irish immigrants. for the past two years he has com- here and end up staying for good.” 2013, with her husband Gavin pleted a charity sleep out to raise Murray, Emma secured a job with the He faced many obstacles, and despite money for Covenant House, a home- Hurting from the financial crash, which Canadian Sport Institute, where she ‘No Intention being a qualified mechanical engineer, less shelter for young adults in Van- had decimated the Irish construction supported the Canadian Women’s of Going Home’ spent his early days nannying, plumb- couver. industry, Glenform moved to Canada Soccer team, Swim Canada and multi- ing and landscaping. in 2011. ple winter sports competing in do- Six years ago, Ciara Reynolds had just He also found time to establish and mestic and international competitions graduated with a degree in criminal jus- The couple have moved 14 times in 14 oversee the Irish Sporting and Social The company, founded by his father and the Olympic games. tice. years and are now settled in Deep Cove Club’s (ISSC) Youth Gaelic Games Conor, made good initial impressions with their daughters, Lily (12) and and “just kept building our connec- The Limerick native was on the Program which, to date, has promoted Three years later she landed her Gretta (eight). the Gaelic Games to over 6,000 youths tions in Saskatchewan.” “dream job” at the University of Brit- JobBridge scheme in Ireland which meant she worked as a legal assistant in They initially moved to Calgary, where across the Lower Mainland. Over the past six years, Glenform has ish Columbia (UBC). Emma teaches • sport nutrition and provides sports exchange for a supplement to her wel- Ronan worked on various oil, gas and secured projects across Saskatchewan, dietetics support to the UBC fare payment. power projects with Delta Hudson. ‘Diversify’ Alberta, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and B.C. Thunderbirds Athletics teams. “It was terrible and awful, and I From there, the couple moved to Fort In Saskatchewan at this time of year, the Irish employees at Glenform Con- She also has a consultancy role with couldn’t do it anymore,” the 29-year- McMurray, taking advantage of the oil “The construction sector out here has old recalls. boom which came to a grinding halt struction are getting ready for a harsh been good to us,” says James, who the Vancouver Whitecaps profes- winter. sional soccer team. four years ago. notes that the Irish construction work- “There was a lack of opportunities in ers are recognized for “not messing Ireland and I didn’t want to be stuck as In 2006, they considered moving back The company’s managing director is She relishes both roles and points to 29-year-old James Bradley, from around and getting the work done.” the differences between the two. a legal assistant for the rest of my life to Ireland, but instead decided to move with no chance to utilize the skills I to Vancouver, where Ronan County Derry. Community out-reach is important to “In the UBC varsity program, we are had learned at university.” transitioned to civil projects. “We’ve had a few hard winters in Sas- the charitable businessman, who now not only training athletes to be ath- lives in Vancouver. She moved to Calgary, where her career He is now business development man- katchewan. It’s flat and the wind chill letes, but we are training them to be is severe. high achieving adults as well. We are immediately took an upturn. ager at Graham Infrastructure LP. Glenform sponsored the jerseys for a helping them on their journey into Gaelic team in Saskatoon and a second Ciara initially worked with a private company which James is involved with young adulthood. For a lot of them investigation and risk management com- it’s their first time living away from – CLA – currently sponsors the Fraser pany, before securing a job as judicial Valley Gaels female team jerseys. home.” assistant with the Court of Appeal in In contrast, the pro-environment is Edmonton. A recent visit to the Canuck Place Chil- dren’s Hospice had a lasting impact “high stakes” and medals are “all that She is currently employed as a policy matters.” on James, who decided to arrange a analyst at the Alberta Justice and So- charity golf event at Whistler which Of her UBC role, Emma says, “It’s licitor General, working to “improve raised $21,000 for the facility. nice working with students and see- and enhance access to justice for ing them graduate. They come up to Albertans.” Not content with success in Canada, James has his sights firmly fixed on you after and thank you for every- She finds her career very fulfilling, in thing you taught them.” the United States of America; initially particular, her interactions with indig- California, which is experiencing a In a world of fad diets, “it is a real enous communities, who often assume boom and is only a two-hour flight moment of pride” for Emma when that the Irish will understand some of away. students approach her with questions the injustices they suffered when the and demonstrate critical thinking European settlers came to North James concludes, “I would rather not about their health. America. be reliant exclusively on the Canadian economy. If we can drum up some Emma and her husband have taken up Ciara and her partner have bought a business and get some guys working new sports since they moved here, home in Alberta and “have no intention down there, it means we don’t have all including back country skiing, back of going home.” RONAN DEANE, a native of Co. Cork, arrived in Canada long be- our eggs in the one basket.” country hiking, canoe kayak camping In winter, Edmonton can reach lows of fore it became a destination of choice for many young Irish. After • and curling “which is a lot harder than minus 30 but Ciara enjoys the winter meeting a girl from North Vancouver, the couple settled in B.C. you think!” events in the area and the fact that she with their two daughters. [Continued next page] DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 21 Irish citizens returning home facing barriers to housing and social welfare DUBLIN – Irish citizens return- ing home from abroad are fac- ing significant barriers to hous- ing and social welfare, a gov- ÁINE COADY ernment committee has heard. [Continued from page 20] Representatives from Safe Home, Crosscare Migrant Project ‘Exciting Time and the Irish Council for Prison- ers Overseas say lack of knowl- to be Here’ THE TEAM at Crosscare Migrant Projert is working to help Irish citizens returning home. A govern- Back in Vancouver, it took just one edge, delays in administration and the current housing problems are ment committee recently heard of the difficulties faced by many citizens returning home from abroad weekend hanging out in Donellan’s and which are plunging some returning emigrants into crisis situations. Irish Pub on Granville Street for new- plunging some returning emi- comer Áine Coady to plant the seeds grants into crisis situations. for the first Vancouver Irish Film Fes- It was noted that EU citizens who have “Last year, we dealt with 280 queries would not have money for another tival. The committee on Foreign Affairs and a non-EEA partner do not face the same and worked directly on 18 cases on month, which is likely to be January Trade heard that many people are visa requirements, meaning returning HRC, and every case successfully ap- 2019. The television producer from Kil- blocked from returning to Ireland be- Irish citizens have a “lesser” status than pealed. kenny arrived in Vancouver eight current EU citizens. The committee chair, Fianna Fail’s cause those with children or a partner “There is a five to nine month long Brendan Smith, said there was a “to- months ago, fresh from her travels from non-European Economic Area around South America. Another growing trend for returning delay and those surveyed said the proc- tally unacceptable” delay in carer al- (EEA) countries are not automatically emigrants being refused social welfare ess was intimidating, demeaning, and lowances applications and said every Following a psychology and sociol- given a visa, and when applying for is because of lack of access to infor- made them feel guilty.” committee member had faced similar ogy degree at University College Cork, the visa from Ireland, the partner is mation on the Habitual Resident Con- issues with their own constituents. Áine completed a Masters in Film Pro- not eligible to work. dition. She added those dealing with the proc- duction through Stafford University, ess expressed misconception, lack of The groups asked that the 30 recom- Richard King, from Crosscare, said, The Habitual Residence Condition information and said it was actively mendations produced in the Indecon based at the Dublin Film Base cam- “The reason a majority of people re- pus. (HRC) is a situation that you must deterring emigrants returning home. Economic Report on Addressing Chal- turn is to be closer to family, they left satisfy in order to be eligible for most lenges Faced by Returning Irish Emi- She spent five years working full time Ireland after college and now want to means tested social welfare payments Karen McHugh, from Safe Home Ire- grants be acted upon, as since the re- land, referred to one case of an Irish in television and film production, in- come back to raise their family here, in Ireland. port was published no time frame has cluding: the BBC One Show, Goggle but this process acts as a deterrent and citizen returning to care for an elderly been set or seen any productive action Box Ireland and various freelance indie is difficult. Danielle McLaughlin from Crosscare uncle who was turned down for carers taken. shows with TG4. said the people facing these issues are allowance and not considered a “ha- “One Irish citizen I dealt with in New some of the most vulnerable returning bitual resident.” They also asked that provisions be She also co-produced a successful low- Zealand is pregnant and cannot return home. made in the current housing allocation budget feature film called The Poison home because they cannot survive if The man, who was saving the state system for returning emigrants, espe- Pen which was featured at film festi- she and her partner cannot work for “In majority of these cases individu- over 52,000 euro a year by caring for cially for returning elderly people who vals across Europe. six months.” als face vulnerable situations with no his family member, won his appeal five want to spend their remaining life in income or family support,” she said. months later, however was told he “I just fancied a change in scenery and Ireland. pace, so I decided to come to Vancou- ver,” the 29-year-old explains. “I came here for adventure but there is a really thriving film industry here and Is it time for an Irish language I craved having a career again after my travelling.” She continues, “There are Irish film immersion weekend in Vancouver? festivals worldwide and I was sur- prised that in a city with such a big By BARRA Ó SCANNLÁIN longstanding partners of the pro- One, for example, is studying Irish proud Irish community and thriving The reactions I got when I started to gramme. mythology; another student is doing a film industry, that there wasn’t that tell people I would be moving halfway PhD in Irish contemporary art; there kind of outlet.” across the world to teach Irish to Ca- What I didn’t imagine was that on my is a linguistics major in the class and nadian students were mixed. last day working at a high school in another who is interested in literature. Áine “put out the feelers” among the the west of France in late April, I’d get Irish community and “got a really posi- Most were positive of course, some an e-mail telling me I was going to be We cover topics like ordering food in a tive response.” were confused, but everyone I told was the first teagascóir to be working in restaurant, talking about your average curious. “Who would be learning Irish the University of Alberta in one of the day at work, discussing hobbies, mak- Her next stop was the Vancity Thea- out in Canada?!” “Are they just a northernmost cities in North America. ing excuses, and a whole lot in between. tre – “a stronghold in film in Vancou- crowd of plastic Paddys, aye?” ver” – which needed convincing that A quick Google maps search of Ed- For those who don’t see themselves hers was a good idea. And, honestly, I asked myself similar monton was enough to make me feel mastering the language, I’m also teach- questions. cold – and reading that minus 20 de- ing a course through English called Irish “They said Vancouver is saturated gree in winter is commonplace didn’t Culture, where we will discuss vari- with film festivals but they were aware Luckily for me I already had plenty of help! ous aspects of Irish history, culture, that there is a strong Irish community, experience working with learners from and society. so they said they would give me a North America – I’ve spent the last But that initial shock quickly turned chance,” she recalls. four summers working in Oideas Gael, to tangible excitement, as I realised that One of the topics covered in that course a cultural centre in remote southwest I was after being presented with an is Irish islands. She screened two sold-out Irish films Donegal which offers Irish language amazing opportunity. during the summer, and, based on that courses to adults in the summer, and We’ll look at the isolated strongholds success Áine, decided to hold her first I am now teaching the language and of Gaelic culture from Toraigh off the attracts a huge amount of people from official festival in Vancity Theatre from the U.S. and Canada – and I even taught culture I am so passionate about, in a coast of Donegal (the last place in Ire- December 7-9. IRISH LANGUAGE instructor at an Irish language weekend in Cleve- fantastic (underrated) part of the world land to have a king, who recently which is rich with history (good and passed away – RIP Patsaí Dan), to the She is excited to offer Irish films to land, Ohio this summer. Barra Ó Scannláin at Oideas bad) and its own indigenous cultures majestic Blascaoidí in West Kerry, Canadians and Irish alike. Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille with So, I knew what I was letting myself and languages which, like Irish in many evacuated in 1953 and home to legen- then Minister of State for Áine, who plays for the ISSC Vancou- in for – to an extent! ways, have resisted efforts towards dary storytellers like Peig Sayers. Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Is- ver Ladies Gaelic Football team, con- their extinction and continue to thrive Let me give a bit of context. Since my I’ve been surprised at how prominent lands Joe McHugh (funding for cludes, “I really like Canada. Canadi- in their native lands. university days I had always known the Irish community is here in Alberta. ans are really open to ideas and op- the Irish language programme of the Ireland Canada University Foun- Now that I’m here I still get asked portunities here in the creative indus- comes from that department). dation’s teagascóir Gaeilge (Irish lan- those questions – who would be tak- As far as I knew, all my Irish peers try. It’s an exciting time to be here.” guage instructor) programme. ing Irish language as a university were going to Toronto and Vancouver, • but what I’ve found here is a strong • course in the Canadian prairies!? Meadhbh Monahan is a freelance jour- Every year, thanks to funding from the close-knit community of Irish ex-pats, Are you interested in learning Gaeilge nalist and communications specialist National Lottery and the Department Well, I have six committed students in and even a few Irish speakers! (the Irish language) in Vancouver? from County Fermanagh. Meadhbh of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, my class this term – not a bad start! Maybe it’s time to start an Irish lan- was senior journalist in her local news- they send eight Irish instructors to Ca- For updates on Irish cultural events in guage immersion weekend out in the paper, The Impartial Reporter, before nadian universities to teach courses in Yes, they all have some Irish heritage, Edmonton and to see how my students west, like Gleann na Gaeilge in Nova making the move to Vancouver seven language and culture. some more immediate than others, but are getting on, follow Scotia. [Deireadh seachtaine Gaeilge months ago. She hopes to undertake that’s not necessarily their motive for @EdmontonGaeilge on Twitter. in Vancouver, Deireadh Fómhair a Canadian road-trip in the near future I imagined myself going to Montreal, taking on this language which is noth- 2019]. If that sounds like your cupán You might learn a cúpla focal if noth- and would like to gain permanent resi- or Ottawa, and being immersed in ing like anything they’ve encountered tae, contact by e-mail: dency. Franco-Canadian culture, as these are before. ing else! [email protected]. PAGE 22 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Canada has 10,700 working holiday visas for young Irish under the IEC program OTTAWA – The Interna- tional Experience Canada 2019 program is now open for 18 to 35 year old Irish citizens. IRISH health service says pet names should no longer be used by The program offers 10,700 work per- hospital staff so care is more ‘person-centred’. mits for young Irish people and the application system for next year has just opened. It allows people aged 18 to 35 to work in Canada for up to two Irish hospital staff years. Similar to this year, 10,700 IEC visas told to stop calling are available for Irish applicants in 2019, but the breakdown of the differ- The International Experience Canada program offer 10,700 work ent visa types has changed slightly. permits for young Irish people and the application system for 2019 has just opened. It allows people aged 18 to 35 to work in Canada patients ‘love’ or ‘dear’ Ireland is one of approximately 30 for up to two years. DUBLIN – Nurses and doc- impact on healthcare outcomes and the countries worldwide that has a recip- experience of patients and their fami- rocal agreement with Canada to allow You will need a scanned copy of the Canada, you must have health insur- tors at Irish hospitals should no lies. young people to live and work here. identification page of your passport ance, a return flight or enough money longer call patients by pet The application rules changed in 2016, and an electronic version of your up- to buy one, and proof of C$2,500 in Working in healthcare could lead to to-date curriculum vitae, which must your bank account. names such as ‘love’, ‘dear’, burnout and less compassion and em- to prevent the prior annual crush for visas among Irish applicants. follow the format provided in a tem- ‘girls’, ‘lads’ or ‘boys’, under pathy for patients, so it was impor- plate on the IEC website, along with a For the first time this year, applicants new recommendations. tant that staff used “person-centred” Under the old system, a quota of visas fee of C$150. will also have to complete a biometric language, it said. for Irish citizens was released in one test (photograph and fingerprints) as Staff should instead refer to patients or two rounds each year, on a first- Participants in the working holiday- part of the application process. This “Are collective names used where the makers category must also pay an open can be done at the Canadian Embassy by their first name in an effort to make person’s name would be more appro- come, first-served basis. treatment more “person-centred,” Ire- work permit holder fee of C$100 when in Dublin, which offers the service two priate, do they use pet names such as Quotas were filled within minutes for submitting an online work permit ap- days per month. land’s state health services provider has ‘dear’ or ‘love’, ‘girls’, ‘boys’, ‘lads’, said. several years in a row, leaving disap- plication through MyCIC. etc. instead of the patients/colleagues pointed candidates waiting another In 2018, demand for Working Holiday The Health Service Executive (HSE) names? year before they could apply again. International Co-op (Internship) par- work permits was higher among Irish also instructed staff to avoid referring ticipants, including those applying people than for any of the other coun- “Do we talk about ‘feeding people’ Now, applicants for visas can begin through an employer-specific recog- tries that have a similar agreement with to patients by their bed number, diag- instead of assisting with meals or refer nosis or affected body area. the process now by creating an online nised organisation, do not have to pay Canada. to someone coming back from theatre profile on the Citizenship and Immi- any other fees, but your Canadian The advice, issued in a report respond- as ‘the hip’/the hernia/knee etc. This gration Canada website (cic.gc.ca/ employer will need to pay the em- Visa agents cannot guarantee a work permit, or speed up the application ing to a national patient experience is a powerful exercise to help raise english/work/iec/index.asp), which will ployer compliance fee of C$230, and survey, prompted some to lament the awareness of how depersonalising then be submitted to a “pool” of can- complete and submit an offer of em- process; the onus is still on the appli- passing of “how are you feeling, love?” some commonly used language can be.” didates if it meets requirements. ployment directly to Citizenship and cant to fill out the paperwork them- and other informal expressions. selves, and an agent is not required. The Irish Patients’ Association told Applicants are drawn randomly from Immigration Canada. Michael O’Keefe, a consultant oph- BreakingNews.ie that hospitals should these pools at “regular intervals,” and Visas are processed on a first-come, For more information, visit the Immi- thalmologist at Mater hospital in Dub- strike a balance and not come across sent an Invitation to apply for a work first-served basis. Successful candi- gration and Citizenship Canada lin, said the recommendations were as completely clinical and cold. permit. Draws continue until all places dates have a year from the date of is- website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/ political correctness “gone mad” in the are filled for the year. sue to enter Canada. On arrival in immigration-refugees-citizenship/serv- “Sometimes the relationship of a nurse ices/work-canada/iec.html. midst of an acute hospital bed short- or a doctor or other allied professions age and soaring waiting lists for opera- – by the way they interact with a pa- tions. tient in an empathetic way – can actu- The report said hospital staff’s com- ally make their journey a little bit munication skills could have a profound easier,” it said. Republican senators put hold on E3 Irish visa bill in major surprise NOVENAS DUBLIN – There is a possi- Senate where it needs unanimous con- sent however there are reports that it Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary bility that thousands of Irish citi- has stalled in the Senate as a number Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary (never known to fail). O most zens may be able to avail of a of Republicans have put a hold on the beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, new visa to work in the United program. Blessed Mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in The GOP holds on the bill came as a this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. States under proposed legisla- major surprise as fears had been ex- O show me herein you are my Mother, Mary, conceived without sin, tion passed by the Lower pressed that Democrats in the Senate pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Sweet Mother, House in the U.S. Congress. would be the problem and despite Sen- I place this cause in your hands (three times). Holy Spirit, you who ate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You The E3 work visa, a two-year renew- announcing his backing for it. gave me the Divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me. able visa currently reserved for Aus- This prayer must be said for three days, even after the request is tralian nationals, would under the bill Work has been ongoing, spearheaded granted and the favour received, it must be published. which passed through the House of by the Department of Foreign Affairs, – PJMK, MJK, CB, CLF, KLSLK, BC to gain access for Irish people to the Representatives become available to coveted scheme over the past number Irish applicants. of months. It is for workers in “special occupa- Ireland’s special envoy to the U.S., tions” – there is no prescribed list of JOHN DEASY, Ireland’s special John Deasy, initially welcomed the jobs but the requirement mandates a bill’s progress but said he was under envoy to the U.S. works to as- specialized knowledge. no illusions over the difficulty the bill sist the Irish undocumented. It Only unused visas, not taken up by may face in getting through the Sen- Prayer for our First Responders is understood that Deasy is qui- Australians, would be issued to Irish ate. Lord, may you watch over all of the men and women who work protecting etly confident that an agreement citizens under the proposed changes. others. We pray for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, that they Tanáiste Simon Coveney also wel- may have safe shifts and come home to their families each and every can be reached on this issue. If the law is passed, there will be a comed the passage of the bill in the night. He has been the the driving force maximum of 5,000 visas awarded to House, describing it as a “positive de- velopment for future generations to behind the E3 strategy, and says Irish citizens. It will not be accessible We pray that through all the evil they see on a daily basis, that they remain to undocumented Irish in the U.S. travel to [the] USA.” However, he ac- compassionate and caring towards all. Lord I ask that you hear these that nothing is taken for granted knowledged there was “still work to prayers through St. Michael the Archangel. Amen at this stage. The bill must now be cleared by the do.” DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 23 Irish construction bosses warned to prepare for hard Brexit DUBLIN – Irish construction bosses have been warned to pre- pare for a hard Brexit and a possi- ble restriction in the supply of building materials from the UK. Officials from Ireland’s housing de- partment told a parliamentary commit- tee that it was making contingency plans for the UK to be treated as a “third country” in the event of Britain leaving the EU without an agreement being reached. Concerns were raised about the sup- ply of construction materials from the UK during the meeting examining the THERE ARE concerns that Brexit will contribute to problems ac- effect of Brexit on the housing sector cessing affordable accommodation in Ireland due to a significant in Ireland. increase in net migration. At the moment it is estimated that 9,500 are homeless in Ireland, including more than 3,600 children. Sarah Neary confirmed that in a no- deal scenario, every single construc- More than 9,500 people were recorded The Dublin Regional Homeless Execu- tion product imported from the UK to as being homeless in Ireland at the end tive, which co-ordinates services across Ireland would have to be re-certified of September, according to the latest the capital’s four local authorities, has to ensure they comply with EU regu- official figures, including more than set up a team to prepare for Brexit. lations. 3,600 children. Neary said, “Post Brexit, UK manu- facturers, distributors and importers of construction products placing prod- ucts on the Irish market will need to continue to comply with the Con- struction Products Regulation [CPR]. “As we do not yet know what the eventual outcomes of the Brexit nego- tiations will be, we are nonetheless planning on the basis that the UK be- comes a third country as of 30th March 2019.” IRISH FERRIES setting sail from Pembroke Dock – but what hap- pens next for Welsh ports? Over 400,000 lorries use the port of She added: “For our particular area of responsibility in the notification proc- Holyhead every year – just one of several major routes to Ireland ess and that underlying certification of from Wales. construction products, we are saying prepare for a hard Brexit which means you have to use a notified body that’s established in a member state – be that Welsh ports sign Brexit in Ireland or in Europe has to be used.” At present, the regulation of products ‘gagging orders’ across Europe is harmonised by the EU. CARDIFF – Welsh ports have been “subjected any individual or organisa- tion to an NDA.” Neary said the department had sought made to sign gagging clauses as clarity from the European Commission part of Brexit discussions with the The assembly’s Brexit Committee has about whether a transition agreement UK Government. also released a report saying that a “no- separate from the withdrawal agree- deal” Brexit would pose a “serious In a letter to the assembly’s Brexit threat” to the ports sector in Wales. ment would be put in place in the case committee, UK minister Robin Walker of the UK left without a deal. said it was standard practice for “some The committee’s chair David Rees AM Without a transition arrangement, the conversations on confidential terms.” said, “What we found is that there movement of goods may be delayed. needs to be a step-change in Welsh He said non-disclosure agreements Government activity to support the Asked whether there was a danger that made it easier for ports to share com- sector prepare for a no-deal Brexit. the cost of construction materials may mercially sensitive information during rise once the UK exited the EU, Neary Brexit preparations. “If our worst fears of new delays and said she could not comment. checks at Welsh ports like Holyhead Plaid Cymru said the claim was “be- and Fishguard are realised, Wales will The committee also heard that the de- yond laughable.” The party’s Brexit need detailed plans to manage the fall- partment had concerns that higher net spokesman in the assembly, Steffan out. migration was going to lead to more Lewis, added, “Why would any port people becoming homeless. need to sign an NDA in order to stop “That is why we were calling on the itself releasing information that could Welsh Government to publish details Neary said Brexit clearly had the po- harm its own interests?” of any traffic management contingency tential to create further sharp swings plans it has, including outlining what in migration patterns. But in the letter to the Senedd com- new infrastructure spending may be mittee, the UK minister said the ap- required.” “It is the strong view that significant proach “allows a more free exchange increases in net migration would of views about options and potential Welsh Government officials said its present a concern in relation to in- impacts in advance of there being set- position was clear and no-deal “should creased numbers of households having tled policy.” be unthinkable.” difficulty in accessing affordable ac- commodation,” she said. He added, “It is anticipated that “The UK Government must ensure NDAs will be a diminishing feature of that the UK as a whole participates in Neary said programmes aimed at in- these steering groups as an increasing the single market and a customs un- creasing delivery of all types of homes amount of information is made avail- ion,” said a spokesman. – social, affordable and private – and able generally.” strengthening the regulation of the pri- “That would mean no new barriers to vate rental market and the delivery of A member of the UK Government’s trade and no new customs infrastruc- additional emergency accommodation ‘Welsh Ports and Airports Steering ture at our ports. These matters re- beds for the homeless were of “critical Group’ confirmed they were “re- main entirely the responsibility of the importance.” quested” to sign an NDA. UK Government.” “Naturally, it is the department’s am- The source added that it prevented EU leaders signed off on the prime bition that increased housing output “speculation because some of what is minister’s Brexit deal in Brussels on will be sufficient to meet demand, but discussed will be discounted” and that November 25, but the potential of leav- we are also cognisant of the potential “nothing that I’ve heard suggests Ar- ing the EU without a deal remains be- risk in this area and will be monitoring mageddon.” cause there is no guarantee that Theresa the situation very closely,” she said. May will be able to get support for The Welsh Government said it had not the deal in the House of Commons. PAGE 24 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 The Irish Women’s Network of BC: marking 20 years of community service ANCOUVER – Looking back at the first eration had brought so many lately go-to people for new arrivals helping graduated and jobless young people to them, among other things, with advice 20 years of the Irish Women’s Network Vancouver. and passport applications. of B.C., what strikes me is that IWN has Many of us, especially those working At a recent lunch celebrating IWN’s always been about responding to needs in IRISH WOMEN’S in education, knew the Irish way of 20th anniversary, newly appointed V NETWORK OF BC looking for employment does not work Consul General Frank Flood, thanked our community. Take, for instance, the reason the in this part of the world. Eilis for her hard work, saying she had “put the Irish Women’s Network in a Enter IWN’s President Eilis Courtney Network was formed in the first place. By MARY significant relationship with the Con- who quickly established links with the sulate and the Embassy.” The fact that women who had able and capable Geraldine Megannety) HATCH Irish Government representatives. spearheaded for a number of years. She NB: In contemplating our activities no connection to business were She applied for, and received, funding over two decades, many faces and also represented Ireland’s proud liter- husband, and later a breakfast with to provide free information events for names come to mind, faces and names joining the Ireland-Canada ary tradition at an exhibition mounted former Irish President and UN Com- the newcomers, assisted by Geraldine of people whose efforts and enthusi- by Vancouver Public Library. missioner for Human Rights Mary Chamber of Commerce so as who had valuable contacts among job- asm have been so important in build- Robinson. to attend social functions To this day, it is a mystery to me how search gurus. ing IWN. Unfortunately I do not have pointed to a gap in the offer- Deirdre managed to get a special greet- The demise of the Celtic Tiger in 2008 They rounded up members of the Irish enough space to mention them all, but ing to us at our Nollaig na mBan cel- was a shock to the Irish diaspora eve- community to advise and help with I cannot finish without recognising the ings of Irish groups in the Lower ebration from President Mary rywhere, but alarm bells rang when we insider knowledge and contacts. vital role played by Maura De Freitas Mainland. McAleese, and how she then followed started hearing Irish accents among and Catholine Butler of The Celtic that with the even more impressive young people here, for we realised that In the process, they not only enabled Connection. We will always be grate- The hope that the proposed network achievements of IWN having a special the haemorrhage of Ireland’s lost gen- people to find jobs, but became the ful for their support and goodwill. might fill this gap was realised in the lunch with President McAleese and her alacrity and enthusiasm with which women joined it. A notice in The Celtic Connection (where else!) brought 29 women to Burnaby Public Library on that April ‘Changed Utterly’: A verbatim play based evening in 1998. Although many were meeting for the first time, it wasn’t long before the on the words of Constance Markievicz room was filled with chatter, warmth, and laughter, as women basked in the VANCOUVER – Coming to Who is this woman stirring the pot to feed the strikers of the great 1913 lock- REHEARSING as oasis-like relief of being among people the Jericho Arts Centre this members of the to whom you didn’t have to explain out? A poet, actress, suffragette, who yourself; that, for instance, when you February.....Changed Utterly becomes the first female British mem- Irish Citizen Army, said “I’m after having my lunch” you created and directed by Joan ber of parliament, the first woman cabi- actors prepare for were referring to an action taken, and Bryans. net minister anywhere? Constance opening night of not an intention or, indeed, if you said Markievicz was indeed a woman to be ‘Changed Utterly’, “she’s out to lunch” you weren’t im- Changed Utterly is a verbatim play reckoned with. a new play based plying that she wasn’t the full shil- based on the words of Constance A press update from the director says on the words of ling. Markievicz and some of the principle the actors of Changed Utterly are busy Irish revolutionary In groups, they talked excitedly about participants of the 1916 Easter Rising rehearsing their first drill as members Constance of the Irish Citizen Army. home, common interests, and possible in Ireland, together with the songs and Markievicz activities. poetry of the day. Don’t miss this play based on one of The agreed aims were modest: to pro- The play explores this founding mem- the leaders of the 1916 Rising – Feb- vide Irish women with opportunities ber of the Citizen Army, gun in hand ruary 22 to March 16. More details at for companionship, conversation, and fighting for Ireland in the Easter Re- www.vitalsparktheatre.com. mutual support and to be a resource bellion. IRISH CLUB OF WHITE ROCK for new immigrants. (This latter aim was initially vague and unambitious: where to find this, how to do that, and A warm céad míle fáilte so on. It wasn’t realised in any mean- ingful way for quite a few years.) from White Rock Like cream in the milk bottles of yore, leaders have a way of rising in any By DEIRDRE O’RUAIRC nership and one we greatly appreci- group. The Irish Club of White Rock had ate. And so it wasn’t long before we had a very successful year and we Our next big event is the annual Christ- golf outings (organised by Marie Mor- would like to extend a big welcome mas dinner party, and this year it is be ris and her sister Noeleen Corr), liter- to all our new members this year. held on Friday, December 7 at Cos- ary gatherings, a book club, an anni- mos Greek Restaurant on Marine Many new families have moved to the versary lunch, and (my favourite) cel- Drive in White Rock. area, and it has been wonderful to have ebrations of that uniquely Irish event, them join our various events through- In the new year, the annual St. Patrick’s Nollaig na mBan. out the year. Day dinner dance will be held on Sat- One woman who was notable for her urday, March 16 at the Hazelmere Please let your friends, family and new- innovation and endeavours from the Lawn and Tennis Club. comers know that there is a very ac- beginning, and for many years, was tive Irish club out here in White Rock, Tickets are $60 and details for reser- Deirdre O’Ruairc, first as vice presi- including Surrey and Langley, and all vations will be announced in the new dent and then as president. are welcome. year. Tickets sell out fast for this event She was the one who saw the need to as we have limited seating. Our big events this year included our recognise the contributions to the com- annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance Don’t forget, White Rock is only a 45- munity, whether Irish or Canadian, at the Hazelmere Golf and Tennis minute drive from Vancouver and there made by Irish women. So she initiated Club; our annual summer picnic at is always a welcome here for you, so the Woman of the Year award, spring- Redwood Park, Surrey; the children’s be sure to share with family and ing the first one on my unsuspecting Halloween party; and several pub so- friends. and astonished self in 1999. Constance Georgine Markievicz, known as Countess Markievicz cials. The Irish Club of White Rock would As well as organising lunches, dinners, (née Gore-Booth) [February 4, 1868 – July 15, 1927) was an Irish In August, several club members like to wish each and every one of you etc. and our participation each March helped out the Fraser Valley Gaels and your families a very happy and in the CelticFest parade, Deirdre spot- politician, revolutionary, nationalist, suffragette and socialist who Football Club with the Western Canada peaceful Christmas and the very best ted another need: Ireland’s represen- served as Ireland’s Minister for Labour from 1919 to 1922. A founder GAA Championships held this year of Irish luck in 2019. tation among our fellow Europeans at member of Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citi- in Burnaby. an annual festival in Burnaby. zen Army, she took part in the Easter Rising in 1916, when Irish Be sure to check our Facebook page republicans attempted to end British rule and establish an Irish Our club works closely with the Fraser for all upcoming events. This she (supported by the ever-reli- Republic. Valley Gaels, it is a lovely mutual part- Sona Nollag agus an bhliain nua sásta. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 25

EILIS COURTNEY, Geraldine Megannety, Mary Hatch and Siobhan Airey at a free information event to assist new Irish arrivals in 2011.

FRANK FLOOD (centre), the new Irish Consul General in Vancouver, and his wife Orla Ní Bhroíthe (third from left) with Eilis Courtney, Mary Hatch, Marie Morris, and Deirdre O’Ruairc at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Irish Women’s Network.

FIRST PLACE at the IWN golf tournament in 2009 – Ann Innis, Marie Morris, Ann Carr and Noeleen Corr.

MARY HATCH with former President of Ireland Mary Robinson DEIRDRE O’RUAIRC with Presi- who was a special guest of the Irish Women’s Network during her dent Mary McAleese who was a term as UN Commissioner for Human Rights in 2006. guest of the IWN in 2005.

IRISH WOMEN’S NETWORK volunteers at the 2008 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Vancouver.

CEILI DANCING at an Irish Women’s Network celebration of Nollaig na mBan.

OPENING CEREMONIES of the European Festival at the Scandinavian Community Centre with members of the Irish Women’s Network rep- resenting Ireland. Pictured on the dias centre front: Deirdre O’Ruairc, 2006 president of the IWN, and 2006 Irish Woman of the Year, Catholine Butler of The Celtic Connec- tion. MEMBERS of the Irish Women’s Network book club in Surrey in 2009. PAGE 26 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Majority of people think Sinn Féin should take its Westminster seats for crucial Brexit vote BELFAST – A majority of people be- May has been seeking to canvass sup- lieve that Sinn Féin should break its port throughout the past few weeks, long-standing policy of not taking its but her position is looking increasingly seats in Westminster, so it can back precarious as the vote looms. the Brexit deal that guarantees no hard border in Northern Ireland Given the current state of the num- bers, it is not clear that Sinn Féin could The deal agreed between Theresa sway the vote with its 7 MPs. May’s government and the EU has been hailed a good one for Ireland, of- Republican abstentionism from elected office stretches back over 100 years. fering crucial guarantees on a backstop that would prevent such hard border It is just over 30 years ago that Sinn on the island. Féin agreed to end its abstentionist PRESIDENT Michael D. Higgins has issued his Christmas and New Year message to the people of policy from the Dáil by 429 votes to However, the numbers currently don’t 161. Ireland and all the Irish family. look good for the deal to be ratified by parliament as the crucial House of The long-standing practice of refusing Commons vote looms on December 11. to take up seats in Westminster con- tinues to this day, with the party run- Michael D. Higgins' message According to a poll for RTÉ’s Claire ning candidates on the clear policy of Byrne Live by Amarách Research, 57 abstentionism. percent of people said they think Sinn Féin MPs should take their seats in Voters are made aware that a vote for Sinn Féin in the House of Commons for the homeless as he lights Westminster so they can vote for May’s Brexit deal. means they’re voting for a candidate who will not take up a seat if elected. Of the over 1,000 Irish adults surveyed Áras Christmas tree All MPs must take an oath to the for the poll, 20 percent said the MPs DUBLIN – President Michael D. wake up on Christmas morning in shel- be with us in spirit ; and those who shouldn’t, while 23 percent said they Queen when taking their seats in West- Higgins has lit the Áras Christmas tree ters, in cramped rooms or even out on have come to Ireland in recent times to didn’t know either way. minster, swearing true allegiance to the and said his thoughts are with the the bitterly cold streets.” make a new home here, including all monarch. Sinn Féin opts not to do this. homeless and the bereaved this year. those in direct provision, and who will As it stands right now, Theresa May Higgins then used his speech to send a needs all the help she can get. Writing in the Guardian in March, Sinn be bringing their own special memo- Féin MP Paul Maskey said that sit- Speaking alongside his wife Sabina, message to all those who are homeless ries to their Christmas celebrations. President Higgins urged people to be in Ireland, especially the children and The House of Commons has 650 seats, ting in the British parliament is “not aware of those less fortunate than them those caught in the direct provision “We also remember all those who will with four of its members abstaining what I was elected for”. from voting – the speaker and his three and those who have been recently be- system. be working this Christmas to keep us “We are not British MPs,” he said. reaved. safe and well – members of the Irish deputies. He added, “We call to mind in a spe- “We are Irish MPs and we believe the Defence Forces who will be absent The Conservative party as it stands interests of the Irish people can only Addressing an assembled crowd at the cial way all the children in temporary from home this Christmas due to Áras, Higgins said, “As we enjoy the shelter or in hotel rooms for whom we does not have a majority in the parlia- be served by democratic institutions peace-keeping duties abroad; and we ment in Westminster. on the island of Ireland. warm glow of Christmas that lights up must care at this time. remember – the Gardaí, the fire serv- the darkness of mid-winter it is im- “And so this evening, as we light the ice and all the medical staff who will It has been backed up by the DUP Sinn Féin goes to the electorate seek- portant that we remember that Christ- ensure that the sick and the elderly since last year’s general election, as its ing a mandate for that position. We are mas can also be a very sad time of year; Christmas tree in Áras an Uachtaráin, let us remember all of the people for continue to be cared for while the rest 10 seats have supplemented the To- elected as MPs who vote for Sinn Féin a time when people can feel especially of us are enjoying our family celebra- ries’ 315. not to take seats at Westminster. lonely or sad or under pressure. whom it is being lit – we will remem- ber the lonely, the ill and the home- tions.” It is highly unlikely that the DUP will Maskey went on to say that the “peo- “Some people may be mourning the less, the bereaved for whom this The pesident said that despite the dif- back the deal. ple of Ireland will not find a solution loss of a loved one, some people are Christmas will be a particularly sad ficult economic times Ireland is expe- to Brexit in the parliament that is im- far away from home and are probably and difficult time, our emigrants, par- So, on that alone, if all opposition par- posing it”. riencing there is much to be proud of ties voted against the deal – May would missing their family. Others are with- ticularly those who cannot make it as we prepare for the New Year. out the security of a home and will home for Christmas this year but will lose even if all her party members In a poll conducted by the same poll- voted for it. sters earlier this year, 67 percent of people said they thought Sinn Féin And, again, there’s likely to be a size- MPs should take their seats to vote able number of Conservatives voting on Brexit issues. ‘Families need a Christmas miracle’: against the deal. Irish-funded doctors to help How should Sceilg Mhichíl Chernobyl babies in war-torn Ukraine be protected? People urged DUBLIN – A TEAM OF Irish-funded Chernobyl, releasing huge amounts of “It was not too long ago when politics to have their say doctors have travelled to Kharkiv in radioactive material into the environ- and egos tried to disrupt our mission eastern Ukraine to perform life-saving ment. to help the children with heart defects,” The Irish Government has launched a munities and visitors to experience and public consultation on a new 10-year enjoy its cultural and spiritual rich- surgeries for children affected by the he recalls. The disaster led to the creation of a 30 management plan for the World Herit- ness,” a statement from the Depart- Chernobyl disaster. kilometre exclusion zone around the In 2014, violence in the area forced the age Site off the coast of Kerry – Scelig ment of Culture, Heritage and the But the group, who are travelling with station, as well as long-term health ef- charity to suspend surgeries for Mhichíl. Gaeltacht said. the charity Chernobyl Children Inter- fects on those who lived in the region, Chernobyl’s youngest victims. including fatal cancers. The towering rocky island has become Those with an interest in the manage- national, did not have an easy passage However, the group’s founder Adi a huge tourist draw in recent years, as ment of the site are urged to make their because of an ongoing conflict involv- One of these conditions ‘Chernobyl Roche said despite the risks involved, it has served as the home of Luke views known so they can be consid- ing Russian separatists in the region. Heart’, affects children born in the re- the team has assessed the situation and Skywalker in the latest installments of ered before the department sends its The area, which is under martial law, gion whose bodies absorb radioactive feels that their role is too important the Star Wars saga. full plan to UNESCO in the New Year. material as they develop. not to travel. has seen daily exchanges between Its history dates back centuries, when Minister Josepha Madigan said Sceilg Ukrainian Government troops and Over 6,000 babies are born with heart “The reality is that one in every four monks founded a monastery on the Mhichíl stood above all of Ireland’s pro-Russian militias who have de facto defects in the country every year, and children diagnosed with the heart de- rock. While the monastic community wonderful archaeological monuments control of border areas. they suffer from a range of health ef- fect known as ‘Chernobyl Heart’ will had largely moved back to the main- in terms of its visibility and promi- “History has a habit of repeating it- fects, including high blood pressure die before they reach the age of six,” land by the 13th Century, it continued nence. self, but I didn’t expect the repetition and holes in their hearts. she said. to be venerated as a place of pilgrim- age. She added, “It is the remit of my De- so quickly,” Dr. William Novick, one To assist them, the Irish-funded doc- “So the programmes we organise and partment and of the OPW to preserve, of those travelling. tors have travelled to perform life-sav- fund each year are really a race against However, as it is a UNESCO protected conserve and manage this great site not “But we’re not deterred, because we ing operations on babies as young as time.” site, visitors are strictly limited by only for the people of Ireland, but for one day old who live in towns and vil- know how valuable our help is and how She added that while the atmosphere number and to certain times of the year. the whole world. lages affected by the accident. anxious families are looking for their in Ukraine is still volatile, the team The new consultation is around “pro- Anyone seeking to participate in the Christmas miracles.” For Novick, however, their journey will continue the work it has been do- tecting and preserving the outstanding consultation can send a submission to In 1986, a catastrophic nuclear acci- has recalled previous missions by the ing in the country for the past 14 years universal value of the site, while al- [email protected]. dent occurred at a power station in group. while it can. lowing it to be accessible to local com- DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 27 Poppies, Protest and the Past

EMEMBRANCE Sunday, November 11, 2018, candidate Liadh Ní Riada about her attitude towards wearing a poppy, passed off as it always does in the United King- which put Ní Riada in a double-bind. dom with an efflorescence throughout the disu- If she were elected head of state, her R duties would involve laying wreaths nited polity of red artificial flowers worn on la- pels to commemorate “the fallen” in the Great War, 1914- at cenotaphs, raising the expectation from a British and unionist perspec- Light in the Dark – 18. The only problem is that that is not all the poppy sym- tive that she might wear a poppy. To bolises. many Sinn Féin supporters, that would be anathema. The association of the poppy How Science and the THE VIEW On the occasion, Ní Riada replied: “I with the First World War dead think it is a sign of maturity that if derives from a poem by a Ca- FROM IRELAND you wear a symbol, such as the poppy, nadian Lieutenant-Colonel, John that you are saying we have come this Solstice Illuminate a McCrae: far in extending the hand of peace and friendship, and so, yes, I would.” Take up our quarrel with the foe! Landscape of Hatred A poster of Liadh Ní Riada outside To you from failing hands we throw Letterkenny in Donegal was promptly By CYNTHIA WALLENTINE Science tells us negativity is catchy. The torch; be yours to hold it high! smeared in red: “Wear your blood From our archaic past, the fun- The primal base of our brain, the amy- If ye break faith with us who die By stained poppy.” gdala, doesn’t understand we no longer We shall not sleep, MAURICE damental message of the Sol- live in caves. It responds to threat, with though poppies grow FITZPATRICK Sinn Féin Senator Padraig Mac stice season lights our way to- action if need be. Lochlainn (who also featured on the In Flanders fields. ward a greater day of reason a defaced poster) swiftly stated that he That kind of stress shortens lives, con- The poppy, according to this verse, Well, not quite. Negative reaction to would never wear a poppy since it day that is seemingly beyond hu- stricts arteries, and makes enemies out represents an incitement to war and the poppy is reasonably prevalent and “represents all British soldiers in all manity at present. of neighbors. it is, at a minimum, worthwhile con- the rallying cry in a recruitment cam- conflicts.” Mac Lochlainn’s assertion Trump agitates his base at ongoing paign. sidering why some people resent the is factually correct. A recent opinion piece in The New York pressure to wear it. Times discusses the neuroscience of campaign rallies to feed himself from Given that the poem was published in As Gulf war veteran Charles Plumridge hate speech. the fires of hate that he stokes in the 1915, it played its part in thickening During WWI, an average of 6,000 sol- argued: “Any questioning of the poppy audience. Are you among them? the supply of young volunteers for diers were killed per day over a four can only cause anguish to the people Barbarism, deceit, misogyny, igno- year period. rance, racism, and select transactional In a world so polarized, it is not hard WWI. that have worn it with pride over the to turn friends into enemies, make years, the families of those who gave truth are routinely fed into the world Not enough though: By January 1916, It is hardly surprising that a govern- by the American president, ostensibly strangers threatening, or justify vio- ment substantially culpable for this their lives and those people who are lence against women, children, or men. men were being conscripted in Brit- still doing so [italics mine].” to “fire up” his voter base in the United ain. Ultimately conscripted soldiers level of carnage should try to focus States. It is wrong. people’s attention on the victims rather outnumbered volunteers, which gives This reveals the nub of the matter. If All humans are capable of dark twisted the lie to the myth of the gallant pa- than the victimisers – lest uncomfort- people are free at all, they must be Yet governments and fascist groups able questions arise about its machi- around the world are using his vitriol violence under the right conditions. triot leaping to sacrifice himself for his free to question, and they are right to Hate is easy, it takes no strength. It country. nations, past and present. question what the poppy means. to their advantage, willing even to murder to ensure their path to power has always been so. It is also to write out of history the As poet Wilfred Owen put it, elders In part, it means and Plumridge – as is clear. who encourage the young to die for Humans are also capable of inestima- mass protests against WWI conscrip- good as admits this – refusing to ques- ble grace, joy, and compassion. tion, something that suits the British their country spread the “old lie” that tion the justifications given by the As most of us know, propaganda has Government eminently well. it is “sweet and proper” to do so. British Government for deploying its long been used to vilify the “other,” But finding the light in someone else, army to kill and be killed, and in recent whether it is an individual of a differ- or something else, now, that takes The soldiers made their sacrifice for Before the Troubles, it was much more ent gender, religion, background, or ap- common for nationalists and unionists decades even breaking international law work. It takes empathy. King and country – so the rhetoric goes in the process. pearance. – yet it is more plausible to assert that alike to remember the WWI dead in Have you ever sought to be under- Britain sacrificed the soldiers. town squares throughout the North in It means refusing to confront Wilfred The author of the Times piece, Dr. Ri- stood? Lived in a desperate condition? November, and to wear the poppy. Owen’s exhortation to cease telling chard Friedman, cites several studies Known or loved someone who has? Unfortunately, the explosive device children “the old lie.” And, by refus- that remind us that when threatened, within the poppy’s delicate bud is After 1969, many Republicans con- we humans can behave pretty poorly. Our genetic inheritance is riven with sciously repudiated those affinities; ing to question and to form a judge- tides of lives whose struggles left their rarely perceived in Britain today; and ment of one’s own on the matter, it public figures who do not wear a and attacked those, typically from a By terrorizing people into a chronic mark in our cells. unionist background, who retained means falling well short of the matu- state of fear, confusion and uncertainty, poppy in the run up to Remembrance rity that defenders of the poppy are The winter solstice is on Friday, De- Sunday are systematically hectored. them. Hence the IRA’s horrific bomb- bogies like Trump groom their audi- ing of Protestant civilians in Enniskillen so apt to invoke. ence to despise those whom he sug- cember 21 this year. It occurs when In 2015, for example, actress Sienna on Remembrance Sunday 1987. gests are waiting to take jobs, money, the sun appears to finally turn back to There is nothing so unnerving to peo- a darkened world. Miller was pilloried for not wearing a ple who insist on the universal accept- or physical security. poppy when she was interviewed on The massacre at Enniskillen is always in the backdrop when a new crop of ance of the poppy than self-definition. Gifted only at name-calling, Trump The new growing season is born from the Graham Norton Show. the darkest moment of the solar year. Sinn Féin politicians, who are seeking The message is clear: piety is in; prob- works hard to dehumanize anyone and She later explained: “Of course, I don’t distance from the IRA’s violent cam- ing is out. Remembrance Sunday in- anything that protests his sick agenda. The world has always awaited the light think there’s anyone in this country paign, comment on the poppy. vites soft-spoken patriotism, delimit- Citing a study at Princeton, Friedman of the solstice, our kind has created who isn’t grateful and respectful and ing the commemorative act to feeling festivals, customs, and religions to ex- never would want to cause offence and For example, in an RTÉ television de- notes, “distrust of an out-group is bate in October, interviewer Claire the WWI loss, but not thinking it linked to anger and impulses toward plain and to nurture the newborn sun. wear a poppy all the time.” through. Byrne pushed Sinn Féin presidential violence. Tyrants and heroes populate the his- The objective of this deceit is to debar “This is particularly true when a soci- tory and mythology of humankind. historical enquiry and debate about ety faces economic hardship and peo- why 6,000 soldiers a day died, and Folklore offers a steady word on how ple are led to see outsiders as com- the rest of us might live our lives fac- Progress on peace walls where responsibility for their death petitors for their jobs.” lies. That is the pup being sold by ing challenges that repeat over and over British officialdom. From the standpoint of neuroscience, again through the ages. we are hard-wired to react quickly to in NI stalled over politics The public pressure to wear a poppy This day, and this tyrant, are not spe- threat. cial. It was transformed to lower height today mirrors the distribution during The lack of devolved government in If an out-group, such as immigrants, black metal railings following agree- WWI of white feathers to “cowards”, Just as light can never vanquish dark- Northern Ireland is hampering efforts or just those who are different than to transform the region's peace walls, ment between the local communities. conscientious objectors who did not ness, darkness can never conquer light. sign up to fight. Plus ça change.... us, are constantly portrayed as a according to the chairman of the Inter- Dr. Adrian Johnston, chairman of the threat, it becomes easier to forget higher Solstice gives us unswerving knowl- national Fund for Ireland. International Fund for Ireland (IFI) It is a pathetic sight to now watch level behavior, and drop into the gut- edge that light will return to the world, There are an estimated 116 barriers said progress on other barriers has people who presume to advocate re- ter with threats and even violence. and that light can return to the heart slowed significantly in the absence of publicanism buying into the same that is open to showing compassion separating unionist and nationalist Of the overall population, the major- power-sharing government. fraud in the name of “maturity.” and empathy to others. communities across Northern Ireland. ity of people living in North America They are mostly located in Belfast but He told the Press Association that at That is another lie. In one version of are immigrants, or descended from im- Remember the stories of your fore- are also present in Derry as well as the start of 2018, there were 12 barri- Waltzing Matilda, a survivor of WWI, migrants. We were, or are, all members bears, remember your children, or your Co. Armagh towns Lurgan and ers they hoped to see progress on. having returned from the Gallipoli pe- of an “out-group” at some point. friends and family. Remember the light. Portadown. ninsula without his legs, is forced to In 2011, the peace wall gate in witness commemorations of WWI It is shocking and disturbing that we When you can illuminate the night for A small number have been removed or Alexandra Park in north Belfast started back in Australia. forget our empathy, our intelligence, another, instead of adding to the dark- transformed, including one at a former to be opened regularly. and our manners, just because the ness, you return balance to a world in He ruefully observes: “And the young sandbox bully in the American White need, or maybe just offer warmth to a flashpoint in Ardoyne in north Bel- Johnston said those residents are now fast in 2016. people ask, ‘What are they marching House can form words on an electronic passing soul. ready to make further progress but this for?’ and I ask myself the same ques- device. has stalled due to the political stasis. tion.” Blessed Be. PAGE 28 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 DANIEL MULHALL Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S. Visits Seattle, WA

By JOHN KEANE

SEATTLE – Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s 18th Ambas- sador to the United States, was in Seattle from Thurs- day, December 6, to Saturday, December 8. The purpose of his visit was to sels (European Union) and Edinburgh extend business links between where he was Ireland’s first Consul General, 1998-2001. the Pacific Northwest and Ire- land, especially following the He served as Ireland’s Ambassador to Malaysia from 2001-05, as Ireland’s start of a direct Seattle-Dublin Ambassador to Germany from 2009- flight last May, and to support 13, and as Ireland’s Ambassador in the possibility of a Seattle-area London from 2013-17. business mission to Ireland in During his diplomatic career, Ambas- 2019. sador Mulhall also served as a member of the Secretariat of the Forum for While in Seattle, he had various meet- Peace and Reconciliation (1994-95) ings with local businesses and busi- which was set up in 1994 in order to DAN MULHALL the Ambassador of Ireland to the United States speaking to members of the Irish ness groups. promote political dialogue between dif- ferent political traditions in Ireland. Network Seattle at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle on December 7, 2018. He also met with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and Washington From 1994-98, he was the Depart- State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. ment’s Press Counsellor and in that capacity was part of the Irish Gov- His public events included a speech at ernment’s delegation at the time of the Seattle University hosted by the Uni- Good Friday Agreement in 1998. versity’s Institute of Public Service; a talk at a business breakfast hosted by A keen advocate of public diplomacy, Irish Network Seattle; and he attended Ambassador Mulhall makes regular use an Irish seniors’ luncheon where he was of social media in order to provide in- greeted by about 180 attendees. formation on the work of the Embassy, to highlight Ireland’s achievements and Ambassador Mulhall took up his du- to engage with Irish communities and ties as Ambassador of Ireland to the those with an interest in Ireland. U.S. in August 2017. During his time in Washington, he pro- He was born and brought up in Water- vides daily updates on Twitter ford and after studying at University @DanMulhall and through regular College Cork joined the Department blogs posted on the Embassy’s of Foreign Affairs in 1978. website. His early diplomatic assignments were Daniel Mulhall is married to Greta and in New Delhi, Vienna (OSCE), Brus- they have a daughter and a son.

(L-R) ROBERT O’DRISCOLL, Consul General of Ireland to the Western United States; Matthew O’Toole, Irish Network Seattle board member; Caroline Lee, president of the Irish Network Seattle; Dan Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States; with Irish Network Seattle board members: Padraic Jordan, Fionnuala O’Sullivan, and Aine Richards, following the Irish Network Seattle break- fast at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle on December 7, 2018.

AMBASSADOR Mulhall speaking at the podium at a breakfast meeting hosted by Irish Network Seattle on December 7, 2018.

(L-R) IRISH NETWORK SEATTLE president Caroline Lee, the Consul General of Ireland to the Western United States Robert O’Driscoll, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States Dan Mulhall, Port of Seattle Commission president Courtney Gregoire, Amazon director for user experience and LOUISE MARTELL, president of the All-Ireland Cultural Society of people technology Elaine O’Toole, and Ivar’s restaurants president Bob Donegan pose for a picture Oregon, Dan Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S., and John after Mulhall spoke at an Irish Network Seattle breakfast at the Washington Athletic Club December Keane, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Seattle at the Irish Network 7, 2018 in Seattle. Seattle breakfast at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 29 SEATTLE IRISH NEWS

PASSINGS were elected as follows: David • Ed Harkin (86), who grew up mostly Jacobsen, president; Ari Hausler, vice- in Donegal and Westmeath, and lived president; Jane Sepede, secretary; in Seattle for 52 years during which John Keane, treasurer; and Caron time he coached the Seattle Gaels, died McMahon, membership secretary. on November 26 in Thailand; More information at www.irishclub.org. • Sister Rose Donohoe, CSJP (103), a By • native of Co. Leitrim who joined the MISCELLANEOUS Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in JOHN • Contact Seattle’s Irish Book Club at Bellingham in 1936, died November 12 KEANE [email protected] (note new in Bellevue; email address) • Colm McGlynn, husband of Monica • The 40th Annual Magical Strings Celtic and a Seattle resident since the 1950s, Yuletide Concerts throughout the died in his native Co. Donegal Novem- Northwest, through December 21 with ber 10; or’s Irish Week Proclamation Lunch- eon on Friday, March 15; the St. Seattle’s concert on December 15 – • Ann Harvey Lynch (91), whose par- Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, visit www.magicalstrings.com. ents were from Armagh and Donegal, March 16; while the Irish Festival at • Mark your calendar for Nollaig na and who was a sister of the late Jack the Seattle Center will be held Satur- mBan, the Irish Women’s Christmas Harvey and mother of Judge Brian PHOTO: Brendan Shriane day and Sunday, March 16 and 17. celebration on Sunday, January 6, Lynch, died November 6 in Seattle; (L-R) GRETA MULHALL, Rozarii Lynch, Ireland’s Ambassador to The Irish Heritage Club website is cur- 2019 – call 253-237-2811 the United States Dan Mulhall, Eidin Dolan, and Don Brady at the • Vera Carlston (93), a native of Co. rently being updated but when com- • Also mark your calendar for 2019 Irish Network Seattle breakfast at the Washington Athletic Club in Kildare who lived in Everett for over plete all the details for the upcoming Irish Night at the Seattle Mariners on 50 years, died in Dublin November 2, Seattle on December 7, 2018. Seattle Irish Week can be found at Thursday, July 25, vs. the Detroit Ti- two years after she returned to live in www.irishweek.org. gers Ireland following her husband’s death; IHC AGM – At the recent annual gen- Go raibh síochán na Nollag agus • Máirtín Dirrane (54), a native of Inis eral meeting and election of officers Bliain Nua faoi shéan ‘s Mór (Inishmore), Aran Islands, Co. for the Irish Heritage Club, Betty Egan, faoi shonas ort ‘s ar do mhuintir! Galway, a fisherman who worked in Candace Dunne, Heather Murphy, and Seattle for over 20 years, drowned in Jane Sepede were re-elected to three- May the peace of Christmas Seattle October 24; year terms on the board of directors and a happy and prosperous New Year be with you and yours! • Helen Tannahill (60), daughter of Irish while officers for the coming year immigrants the late John and Kathleen Duggan, died October 19 in Tacoma; Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis – May their faithful souls rest at God’s right hand • IRISH WEEK 2019 – For those plan- ning ahead, the main events of Irish Week 2019 in Seattle will be the May-

IRISH CONSUL GENERAL to the Western United States Robert Special thanks O’Driscoll; Irish Development Authority’s Turlough McCormack; Greta Mulhall; Ambassador Dan Mulhall; and Starbucks Senior to Brendan Shriane VP John Kelly at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle. for the photo round-up

MARY SHRIANE and Tara PIANIST John Tobin, uilleann piper Rod Margason, choir director Barnes at the social hour follow- Miriam Doyle, and harpist Molly Bauckham, with Nancy Ingle in ing Seattle’s Mass in Gaelic on the background (rear left), at the social hour following Seattle’s November 9. Mass in Gaelic on November 9.

OLIVIA BERMINGHAM- MCDONAGH and Caron FR. MARTIN BOURKE and Fr. John Madigan chatting with McMahon at the social hour fol- Philomena Kenna, Cecilia Richards and Elizabeth Belton at the lowing Seattle’s Mass in Gaelic social hour following Seattle’s Mass in Gaelic on November 9. on November 9. PAGE 30 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 Best in the world: Ireland defeat All Blacks with epic display Ireland 16 New Zealand 9 DUBLIN – Raise the arm, salute the winner, the undisputed heavy- weight champions wearing em- erald green. It didn’t need a hyped-up promoter to over-sell an occasion that lived up to its top-of-the-card billing from first whistle to last with punch and coun- ter-punch, a match for the ages, con- WORLD RUGBY MEN’S 15s Player of the Year award winner firmed only at the death with New Zealand striving right to the end. Johnny Sexton (L) and Irish national team captain Rory Best pose with their trophies during the World Rugby Awards on November The All Blacks didn’t score a try. Now 25, 2018 at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club in Monaco. there’s a sentence that has rarely been penned over the last decade and en- JOEY CARBERY and Jacob Stockdale pump their fists at the final capsulates just how stirring Ireland’s whistle for the Rugby World Cup. defence was, built on the credo that Johnny Sexton becomes they shall not pass. And they didn’t. So now Ireland duly lay claim to being the first Irishman to be the best in the world in 2018 after re- cording their first ever win over the All Blacks in Dublin thanks to Jacob crowned World Player Stockdale’s 48th-minute try. It was a moment of affirmation, a sig- nificant staging post en route to next of the Year in 17 years year’s Rugby World Cup, a statement DUBLIN – Johnny Sexton has become rankings after a stellar 2018 which in- of intent for that tournament and a tan- the first Irishman since Keith Wood in cluded a third ever Grand Slam, a se- talising re-ordering of the leading con- 2001 to be crowned World Rugby ries victory in Australia and a first win tenders. Player of the Year. over the All Blacks on home soil, but New Zealand, particularly in the first will not extend his contract beyond half, were well beaten, more than the The announcement was made at a lav- next year’s tournament. ish ceremony in Monte Carlo on the scoreboard suggests. evening of November 25. Ireland were also named World Rugby Ireland have been a gathering force for Team of the Year after losing just one JACOB STOCKDALE scores a sensational try for Ireland. the last two years, a team on the rise Ireland captain Rory Best had to read game in 2018. out Sexton’s acceptance speech be- with a Grand Slam to their name but Ireland are on their way. Champions pump as the clock went into the red cause he had lost his voice due to a Sports Minister Shane Ross congratu- without that final notch on the belt of Europe is one thing. This is quite and waves of black shirts bore down throat infection. lated the IRFU on a “remarkable that would confirm their improving sta- another. As New Zealand themselves on them again, there was simply a feel- achievement.” tus. This was it. recognised. ing that this was their time. The Ireland and Leinster outhalf beat off competition from Beauden Barrett, “What we saw against the All Blacks This was the result that Ireland craved, “As of now they are the number one They would not give way, that deep- who was trying to win the award for was an unbelievable team performance proof that they belonged among the team in the world so I guess that does rooted desire and punishing defence the third year in succession, Rieko to do something that hadn’t been done real elite of the game. make them favourites for the World eventually causing Brodie Retallick, a Ioane and South Africa duo Faf De before, this group of players are very Cup,” said All Blacks head coach Steve man who can probably count the er- If they had fluffed this audition, their Klerk and Malcolm Marx. special and continue to raise our ex- Hansen. rors in his entire career on the fingers self-belief would have splintered and pectations, Joe has brought the team of one hand, to knock on. they would have travelled to Japan “But there is a lot of water to go under Joe Schmidt, who has announced his to a new level and these are indeed ex- with hope rather than expectation to the bridge before the World Cup starts. That was a measure of Irish defiance decision to leave his position as Ire- citing times as we look forward to next fortify them. and sense of certainty. land head coach after next year’s Rugby year. “When you get beaten it hurts. The World Cup in Japan, was crowned To judge by the roars of acclaim that dressing room is quiet, sombre. The Flanker Peter O’Mahony was a giant World Rugby Coach of the Year. “Johnny Sexton has been that general rang out far across the Dublin dockside, players are gutted and that is how you – resolute, implacable, persistent. The on the field, and is a role model off it such thoughts lay within the hearts and should feel when you get beaten.” Munsterman gave his very being to the The 53-year-old Kiwi has guided Ire- as well so it is fitting that he is crowned minds of their supporters, too. cause. land to number two in the world player of the year.” And even if Ireland were under the Johnny Sexton, forever probing, for- ever challenging, had to be dragged from Sterling has often been featured on the field with cramp a few minutes Raheem Sterling: Manchester City both the front and back pages of a from time, fighting to the last for every number of British tabloid newspapers. inch. Before last summer's World Cup he Josh van der Flier on the other flank, a star accuses British newspapers of was attacked for having a tattoo of an late call-up on Friday, played with the assault rifle on his leg, a tattoo that devil and assurance of a regular. Sterling said was a tribute to his father helping to 'fuel racism' in football who was murdered when the footballer Kieran Marmion didn’t miss a beat at was just two. scrum-half, Jacob Stockdale on the LONDON – Football star and Phil Foden purchasing houses. wing was a force field of activity, get- “You have two young players start- The 24-year-old England star has also ting the vital touchdown that sent Ire- Raheem Sterling has accused been criticized for buying clothes at a British newspapers of helping to ing out there [sic] careers both play land clear. for the same team, both have done the high-street store and for buying his mother a house. It was the sort of classy finish that is “fuel racism” in their portrayal right thing which is buy a new house the hallmark of an All Black. Those of young black players, the day for there [sic] mothers who have put His actions were praised by a number terms of reference will have to be rede- in a lot of time and love into helping of ex-professional players on Twitter, fined. after he was subjected to al- them get where they are, but look how including former England striker Gary leged racist abuse in the Pre- the newspapers get there [sic] mes- Lineker. “He most certainly has a It was the collective identity of Ire- mier League. sage across for the young black player point. It's brave and right that @ster- land’s play that left an inedible mark. and the young white player," he ling7 speaks out,” Lineker tweeted. There was not a single second in the Sterling said he “expects no better” fol- wrote. frenetic action when anyone in green lowing the incident during Manches- RAHEEM STERLING Former France and Manchester United was not on-message. ter City's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at “I think this is unacceptable both in- defender Patrice Evra also praised Ster- the events of Saturday before urging nocent have not done a thing wrong ling while hitting out at the alleged rac- They had been brilliantly schooled by Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Decem- newspapers to treat both black and Joe Schmidt, whose stock in his New ber 8. but just by the way it has been ist abuse which took place Saturday. white players equally. worded. Zealand homeland will have risen con- The incident, which showed support- “I saw what happened with @ster- siderably after this triumph, cement- “Regarding what was said at the Chel- “The young black kid is looked at in a ling7 yesterday....How does this hap- ers allegedly shouting racial abuse at sea game, as you can see by my reac- ing his own claims to be the next All Sterling, was captured on camera and bad light. Which helps fuel racism and pen still in 2018?! Blacks head coach, and imbued, too, tion, I just had to laugh because I don't aggressive behavior, so for all the news- widely shared on social media, is being expect no better,” he wrote. “It doesn't matter what colour your with the zeal of defence coach Andy investigated by police, Chelsea and the papers that don't understand why peo- Farrell. ple are racist in this day and age all I skin is or your religion or what coun- English Football Association. Next to his message, Sterling posted try you are from we need to be kind to screengrabs of two articles, both on have to say is have a second thought This was the fourth victory over New In a heartfelt post written on Instagram, about fair publicity and give all play- each other. Love is so much more pow- Zealand in which he has been involved the MailOnline, about two Manches- erful than hate,” Evra tweeted. Sterling said he “just had to laugh” at ter City teammates Tosin Adarabioyo ers an equal chance.” in the last six years. DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 31 Martin O’Neill waves goodbye to Republic of Ireland DUBLIN – Martin O’Neill has said he left the job as Republic of Ireland football manager with a “heavy heart” after agreeing to part company with the FAI. O’Neill has occupied the manager’s seat since 2013. He was summoned to emergency talks with FAI CEO John Delaney late on November 20 where the decision was made for him and as- sistant Roy Keane to depart. O’Neill subsequently released a state- ment through the League Managers’ Association. “I will not forget the night in Lille when we beat Italy to secure the nation’s best ever achievement in the Euros competition, the terrific night we beat REPUBLIC OF IRELAND football manager Martin O’Neill (R) and the world champions Germany at his assistant Roy Keane (L) have been fired by the Football Asso- home in Dublin, or James McClean’s ciation of Ireland (FAI) after the team won just one out of their nine goal in that euphoric win against Wales games in 2018. in Cardiff that put us through to the play-offs for this year’s World Cup,” he said. The Republic were also mired in con- the Republic of Ireland team over the troversy over claims of rows between last five years. “The Irish fans have been a source of players and O’Neill’s fiery assistant motivation to myself, the team and the Keane. “Martin ensured that we enjoyed some whole backroom staff, embodying the great nights in the Aviva Stadium and passionate Irish spirit, and I thank O’Neill stoutly defended the former on the road in Lille, Vienna, and Car- them for their fervent support of the Manchester United star, who was in- diff, which were fantastic high points team. famously sent home from the Repub- for Irish football.” ACTOR Joe Whiteman previously played his ancestor at the lic’s World Cup squad in Japan in 2002 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. “I am also very proud of the relation- after a furious bust-up with manager FAI Chief Executive John Delaney ships I have built with the players, Mick McCarthy. paid tribute to O’Neill by saying, “I who have carried that very same spirit, would like to thank Martin, Roy, and imbued by the fans, on to the field of O’Neill’s own experiences of the the management team for the impact Descendant to play play.” World Cup were altogether happier that they had with the Ireland team. ones as he was one of the heroes, and There have been many highlights dur- O’Neill added, “A special thanks to captain, during Northern Ireland’s glory ing Martin’s reign – none more so than Andrew Carnegie Roy Keane my assistant, an inspira- days in Spain in 1982. EURO 2016 in France, which will live tional figure in the world of football, long in the memory of all Irish sup- Seamus McDonagh, Steve Guppy and A statement from the FAI has con- porters. in his hometown Steve Walford for their brilliant con- firmed O’Neill’s exit. The management tributions and to those backroom staff team of Keane, Seamus McDonagh “Martin did a great job guiding the EDINBURGH – The great-great- at the FAI that were of enormous help (goalkeeping coach), and Steve Guppy team out of a difficult qualifying group great-grandson of Andrew Carnegie is to me.” (assistant coach) have also parted com- – where we beat World Champions to play the Scottish philanthropist pany with the FAI. Germany along the way – to reach when a musical about his life is staged The Republic didn’t win a competi- EURO 2016 and advance to the Last- in his hometown. tive game in 2018, and like their north- FAI President Donal Conway said, 16 following a historic victory over Joe Whiteman, is descended from the ern counterparts, were relegated from “On behalf of the FAI Board, I would Italy in Lille. their group in the newly-established like to thank Martin, Roy, and the Dunfermline-born business man on his Nations League. management team for their work with “I wish Martin, and the management mother’s side. team, the very best for the future.” The 28-year-old music teacher will re- prise the role in Carnegie – The Star Spangled Scotchman, after playing the 500-year-old skeleton, still wearing part at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016. The show will have a two-night run at Carnegie Theatre in Dunfermline, Scot- thigh-high boots, found in London land from May 17 next year. LONDON – British archaeologists Carnegie, who died in Massachusetts have unearthed a “mysterious” in 1919, is said to have given almost skeleton found lying face down in 90 percent of his fortune to charities, ANDREW CARNEGIE [Novem- the mud near the shore of the River foundations, and universities – about ber 25, 1835 – August 11, 1919] Thames in London, still wearing £273 million ($350 million). was a Scottish-American indus- thigh-high boots and believed to The musical tells the story of his life trialist, business magnate, and be from the 15th Century. from the perspective of a steelworker killed in the controversial homestead philanthropist. He led the expan- A team of archaeologists was working steel plant dispute of 1892. sion of the American steel indus- on a site for London’s new “super try in the late 19th Century and sewer” in Bermondsey earlier this year He has returned from the afterlife to is often identified as one of the when they found what is believed to decide on Carnegie’s eternal fate in the last two hours of his life. richest Americans in history. be a 500-year-old male skeleton with During the last 18 years of his a pair of leather boots still intact “It’s always been my dream to per- around his feet. PHOTO: Museum of London Archaeology life, he gave away about $350 BRITISH archaeologists have unearthed a “mysterious” skeleton form the show at the Carnegie Theatre million to charities, foundations, “By studying the boots, we’ve been found lying face down in the mud near the shore of the River Thames and it’s particularly poignant in 2019 and universities – almost 90 per- as it’s the centenary year. Many thanks able to gain a fascinating glimpse into in London. cent of his fortune. the daily life of a man who lived as to Fife Cultural Trust for its support.” many as 500 years ago,” Beth used at this time, and experts believe by the ground as it moved with the Fife Cultural Trust donated the hire of Richardson of the Museum of Lon- it is unlikely that someone would have tide,” MOLA noted. the theatre free of charge in tribute to saw him accumulate substantial don Archaeology (MOLA) said in a been buried wearing such a highly the legacy of Carnegie. wealth. statement. prized item,” the museum noted. The museum’s osteologists believe the man was no older than 35 before he Born in Dunfermline, Andrew Carnegie In 1901, he sold the Carnegie Steel “They have helped us to better under- MOLA said based on its studying of met his demise and possibly suffered immigrated to the United States with Company to JP Morgan for more than stand how he may have made his liv- the footwear, research suggests the from osteoarthritis. his parents in 1848. $300 million (£233 million). ing in hazardous and difficult condi- man wasn’t buried deliberately due to tions but also how he may have died.” his “unusual” position. The skeleton “Possibly the biggest clues about his His first job was as a bobbin boy in The 1901 deal meant Carnegie sur- was found with “one arm above his life are deep grooves found on his 1848, changing spools of thread in a passed John D. Rockefeller as the rich- The museum believes the boots date head with the other bent back on itself teeth,” MOLA noted. “They were Scottish owned mill – he worked 12 est American of the time and he de- back to the late 15th or early 16th to the side.” caused by a repetitive action like pass- hour days, six days a week. voted the rest of his life to philan- Century and are thought to be waders. ing rope between his teeth as a fisher- thropy, with emphasis on libraries, “These clues could suggest that he fell A series of successful investments and “Leather was expensive and often re- man might, which may also suggest world peace, education, and scientific or drowned and was covered quickly that he made his living from the river.” the birth of Carnegie’s steel empire research. PAGE 32 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 From Baby It’s Cold Outside to Fairytale of New York, should old classics be censored? A debate has been ongoing recently over what old Christmas songs are accept- able to play. With the advent of social media and the changing times we live in, old arte- facts of pop culture are seen in a new light and talked about in terms of the modern cultural context, separate from the one in which they were originally created. Today, in this more hyper-aware era, movies and pop songs from bygone days are seen in a different light, with aspects that were once fine or seen as acceptable not regarded as such anymore. In recent weeks this debate zeroed in on beloved and not-so-beloved Christ- A SCREENGRAB from The Pogues’ iconic Fairytale of New York mas classics and whether radios should video featuring Shane MacGowan and Kristy MacColl. censor parts of songs or not play them at all. she stays. ‘Say what’s in this drink’ is “My basic point is it just doesn’t seem The flashpoint of this has been the old an old movie line from the 30’s that at all radical to me beep one word, song Baby, It’s Cold Outside – a duet means ‘I’m telling the truth.’ She when we – all of us, beep a thousand written in 1944 and performed over wanted to get down and stay over,” others in songs all the time. Tis just a the years by scores of artists, includ- she said. conversation. Play away! Namaste.” ing Dean Martin, Dolly Parton, Ray A reading in the pop culture magazine After this, songwriter Shane MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS which opens on December 21, stars Charles and Lady Gaga. Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth and Saoirse Ronan as Mary Persephone builds on this, stating that MacGowan himself weighed in, say- Stuart. The song is seen by many commenta- the song is about the woman wanting ing that the word was “used by the tors as problematic, with its depiction to stay the night in the man’s house, character because it fitted with the way of a man seemingly pressuring a woman but society frowning on this. she would speak and with her charac- ter. into staying the night with him, when Others take a less favourable view on New Mary Queen she appears reluctant to do so. the song, calling it “rapey” and offen- “She is not supposed to be a nice per- Lyrics include: “I’ve gotta get home sive and saying it shouldn’t be played. son, or even a wholesome person. She (but baby, you’d freeze out there); Say In the song, the woman gives some is a woman of a certain generation at a of Scots film to be lend me a coat (it’s up to your knees version of “No” several times, while certain time in history and she is down out there).” the man apparently wears her down. on her luck and desperate.” released this month “Say what’s in this drink? (No cabs to Moving on from this particular con- He said he had no problem with peo- be had out there),” sung by the woman, troversy, the debate then focused on ple bleeping the word if they chose to, Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) A new film to be released this is arguably the song’s most controver- other classic Christmas songs, and but that he didn’t want to get into an and Guy Pearce (Memento, LA Confi- month Mary Queen of Scots sial lyric. whether they, too, should be censored argument over it. dential, The Adventures of Priscilla, or stopped being played altogether. explores the turbulent life of the Queen of the Desert). A radio station in the state of Ohio RTÉ followed this up by saying that was first to announce it was pulling In Ireland, it stopped on The Pogues’ it wouldn’t be bleeping the word when charismatic Mary Stuart. Josie Rourke, artistic director of The the song from its playlist last week- classic Christmas song Fairytale of it played the song. Donmar Warehouse, makes her fea- Focus Features has released the offi- end after receiving complaints. New York. ture directorial debut with this movie. Debates like these around old songs cial second trailer for the upcoming his- Several other stations across the U.S. Debate around the use of the word “fag- and what they mean in a modern con- The producers of Mary, Queen of Scots torical drama starring Academy Award- and Canada duly followed suit. got” in the iconic song has rumbled on text have been ongoing for years and nominated actresses Saoirse Ronan are Working Title co-chairs Tim Bevan for several years and it returned to the will continue to crop up as long as (Lady Bird, Little Women) as Mary and Eric Fellner, and Debra Hayward, Across the Atlantic in Ireland, beloved headlines this week following the con- society keeps having conversations Stuart and Margot Robbie (I, Tonya, all Academy Award nominees as pro- seasonal station Christmas FM con- troversy around “Baby”. with its past (or playing old Christ- Birds of Prey) as Queen Elizabeth I. ducers of Best Picture Oscar nominee firmed that the song had been pulled mas songs). Les Misérables. from its own playlists last year, as it Two RTÉ 2FM DJs raised objections Queen of France at 16 and widowed at didn’t “resonate” with listeners. to the festive hit. With that said, you don’t need to look 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Beau Willimon, an Academy Award to the past to find hugely offensive Instead, she returns to her native Scot- nominee for The Ides of March and Cue cries of “PC gone mad”, and “cen- Eoghan McDermott said he asked two terms or imagery in pop music, with land to reclaim her rightful throne. Emmy Award nominee for House of sorship” and offended “snowflakes”. gay members of his team how they modern music arguably pushing the Cards, has written the screenplay ad- felt about it and one favoured censor- But Scotland and England fall under The debate has been raging, amplified boundaries in terms of what is accept- aptation. Mary, Queen of Scots is based ing the song while the other didn’t able on the airwaves (Kanye and Lil the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. on John Guy’s acclaimed biography of course by Twitter and other social want to play it at all. Each young Queen beholds her “sis- media, where every argument is put Pump anyone?). My Heart is My Own: The Life of Mary Fellow presenter Stephen Byrne also ter” in fear and fascination. Queen of Scots. forth and regarded and cast aside. But old classics will be brought up talked about he felt when he heard the again and again and looked at and Rivals in power and in love, and fe- In a review published in Rolling Stone, Inputs and opinions have come from song played in a club: male regents in a masculine world, the music critics, celebrities, radio hosts, talked about and considered as long as Peter Travis writes, “Saoirse Ronan “I stood in a room as over 200 people the pop culture machine keeps churn- two must decide how to play the game and Margot Robbie earn all the bows songwriters and everyday punters on of marriage versus independence. the matter. screamed a word that’s been used to ing. Opposing sides should try to set and curtsies coming their way for make me feel like an outsider, with such out their stall in a measured, consid- Determined to rule as much more than breathing feminist fire into Mary Arguments have ranged from differing joy and cheer.” ered way and listen openly to those a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim Queen of Scots, a 16th Ccentury drama interpretations of the song, to whether who oppose them. to the English throne, threatening Eliza- that messes just enough with recorded any song should be banned for its con- Both of these statements were met beth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, fact to avoid being dismissed as text- tent, to the inevitable anger that peo- with vitriol and criticism, prompting And what better platform than social and conspiracies within each court book-stuffy.” ple feel when they believe someone is McDermott to tweet this in response. media to have respectful debates, right? imperil both thrones – and change the In summary, he says, “The film suc- trying to ban or censor something be- loved from the past. course of history. ceeds best when it shows how in times This is the Solstice The cast also includes Jack Lowden more conducive to the friendship of Following the initial story about one (Dunkirk, England is Mine), Joe women in power the two queens could radio station pulling the song going vi- “...This is the solstice, the still point Alwyn (The Sense of an Ending, Billy have been sisters under the skin. ral, a huge amount has been written on of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the subject with lots of different opin- Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Martin “Ronan and Robbie were both nomi- the year’s threshold Compston (Sweet Sixteen, Line of nated for a Best Actress Oscar last ions expressed. and unlocking, where the past Duty), Gemma Chan (Captain Marvel), award season, and even when the pace Comedian Jen Kirkman put forward Ismael Cordova (The Catch), Ian Hart of the film falters, these two perform- an argument in a series of tweets stat- lets go of and becomes the future; (The Terror), Adrian Lester (Riviera), ers hold you in thrall. That’s royalty.” ing that the song was being wrongly the place of caught breath, the door James McArdle (Star Wars: The Force interpreted. Awakens), and Brendan Coyle Mary, Queen of Scots is set for a lim- of a vanished house left ajar...” (Downton Abbey, Me Before You). ited release on December 7 in New York “The song seems odd now not cuz it’s — Margaret Atwood, and Los Angeles and will open every- about coercing sex but about a woman Eating Fire: Selected Poetry 1965-1995 Also featuring in the cast are David where on December 21. who knows her reputation is ruined if