The Edmonton Blarney Official Newsletter of the Irish Sports & Social Society Issue 31 Volume 3 May - June 2018

TICKETS $25.00 Available at the Irish Centre (includes a sit down dinner) Questions? Katie at (780) 691-4700 or Katherine at (780) 298-2473 EXECUTIVE Irish Centre 12546-126 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5L 0X3 Tel: (780) 453-2249 Fax: (780) 451-5969

President Email: [email protected] Kitchen Hours Website: www.edmontonirishclub.ca Wed. 4 pm - 9 pm Martin Doyle Irish Club Hours Thurs. 4 pm - 11 pm 780-419-2951 Wed. 4 pm - 11 pm www.twitter.com/EdmontonISSS Fri. 4 pm - 11 pm [email protected] Thurs. 4 pm - 11 pm Sat. 4 pm - 11 pm Fri. 4 pm - 1 am Blarney Newsletter Sun. 3 pm - 8 pm Vice President Sat. 12 pm - 2 am (Submissions, advertising, pictures) Closed on Holidays Janet Wilde Sun. 1 pm - 9 pm Siobhan MacQueen 780-489-8001 780-476-0215 Closed on Holidays Email: [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Bonnie McGuire Club Rental 780-451-1721 Memberships [email protected] Are you looking for a location to hold a party - birthday, Your 2018 membership renewal is now due. Treasurer anniversary, wedding or any other special celebration? Benefits: Rory Brady The Irish Centre is a beautiful, welcoming facility seating ● Unlimited visits to the Club; 780-720-3010 up to 150 people, with a fully staffed bar and kitchen. We ● Low rental fees to hold celebrations; [email protected] are available to both members (discounted price) and ● Low alcohol prices; Cultural Director non-members at very reasonable rates. As an added benefit ● Reduced prices for ticketed events; you can also book your event on the evenings where ● Eligible to apply for the Scholarship; Shannon Haggerty entertainment has already been scheduled. 780-918-0647 ● Free Family Day BBQ; ● Free Children`s Halloween & Christmas party; [email protected] For availability contact Melanie at 780-233-7558 ● Christmas Hampers - darts, 25, poker; and more. Social Director Need catering? Applications available on our website and at the bar. Melanie Regan Our kitchen caters parties large and small; from full buffet 780-233-7558 [email protected] dinners to platters of nibbles, at fantastic prices. For questions contact Contact Janet at 780-476-0215 Anita @ (780) 887-9705 Sports Director Denise Howie 780-940-6376 [email protected] President`s Pen

Member-at-Large It’s hard to believe that it’s spring, but the calendar says it’s April, and I am pleased to welcome a new executive for the Irish Centre. Anita Nixon This year, we have a full executive, with new committee members who are excited to bring their energy and new ideas to the executive. 780-457-1605 [email protected] I would like to thank the outgoing executive for their efforts over the past year in keeping things going. And to also recognize the volunteers, dancers, musicians and staff who put in a lot of work to keep the Irish Centre running and making it a vibrant hub for our membership. A Trustees special thanks to all our bakers that made delicious Soda Bread for the St. Patrick’s day and Heritage Days events. Kimberly Budd 780-919-7689 In the past year, we ran many events, including the Irish pavilion at Heritage Days. This event is important to us because over a hundred [email protected] thousand people visit this event every summer. I would like to thank all the volunteers, from the stage crew to those who prepared the Paul Hawthorn food and food sellers at the event. Also, to the dance schools and musicians that helped make the weekend a success! 780-757-3554 [email protected] We had a special visit from the Irish Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Jim Kelly. It was a pleasure to have him and our Hon. Consul Bill McGuire General Doodie Cahill meet all the people here for the lunch. To everyone who came out and helped make the day memorable, thank you. 780-451-1721 The Irish Centre was also pleased to open its doors to Cathy Murphy of the Irish Canadian Immigration Centre, allowing the wider community [email protected] to access the great services provided. Past President Stephen McElhatton Last year, we accomplished a lot, from renovations in the back to create “the snug”, a new fireplace, upgrades at the bar, and improvements 780-919-8241 on our membership system. Watch for the official opening of “the snug” in the coming months, with drink specials and food. We’ll continue [email protected] making improvements to the building to make it better for members and guests, including a fine display of GAA jerseys from all the counties. Speaking of the GAA, the executive will be working with the Wolfe Tones to promote Gaelic games in Edmonton. Events such as the Christmas basket, kids’ registration, and table quiz continue to promote strong ties between the organizations. The Irish Centre also continues to show the live matches via satellite from Ireland starting in May. TASTE We look forward to many of our other functions that are held annually, such as the Rose of Tralee, the Seniors Dance, and the Mike McDonnell OF HOME Scholarship night. Additionally, our family events such as Canada Day, the family barbecue, the pig roast on the All Ireland Final day, and Boxes of frozen pork available the Children’s Christmas Party builds the community of the Irish Centre, so that it can be enjoyed across the generations. Each box 40-50 lbs @ $6/lb Includes ham, chops, boiling bacon, I would also like to recognize the members who have passed away over the last year, or members who are ill – our thoughts and prayers Irish rashers, pork sausage and are with them. And to acknowledge members who have moved away, either back to Ireland or to other parts of the world - you will be ham sausage missed, and I know that you will be excellent ambassadors for the Irish Centre in Edmonton wherever it is you go. Delivery to the Irish club for pick-up Contact Mick & Erin O’Toole On behalf of the 2018 Executive and myself, I hope we have a great enjoyable year ahead of us, and I encourage you all to come and see [email protected] us at the Irish Centre soon. Entertainment Social Director: Melanie Regan Phone: 780-233-7558 Email: [email protected]

MAY Thursday Sat. 5 Jimmy Whiffen MAY 17, 2018 (Semi-private function) Singer/songwriter/actor Damian McGinty was born in , Northern Ireland. In 2007 he joined . In 2011 Damian won The Thur. 17 Daman McGinty Concert Project and landed a role in the tv series Glee. (ticket holders only) Damian self-produced an EP in late 2012. In 2013/14, he was busy with Sat. 19 (Semi-Private function) Jimmy Whiffen PBS specials ‘This is the Moment’ & ‘The Power of Music’ which was then followed with a US tour. May 5 Sat. 26 Western Canada Rose DAMIAN 2015 brought Damian back on tour with Celtic Thunder and into 2016 Selection Night 9:00 pm McGINTY through Australia and North American. He worked on his first solo CD, This Christmas Time, and then to his first solo tour in December to JUNE (No Cover) THE promote his CD. An evening of fabulous music SLOW DANCE In early 2017, Damian helped actress Roma Downey and Mark Burnett Sat. 2 Acoustiholics by a very talented musician. TOUR launch Light Works Media. Damian teamed up again with Celtic (Semi-private function) Thunder for a Symphony Tour as well as a 10th Anniversary Celtic Thunder Cruise. Damian was then cast in the lead role of film, Santa Sat. 9 (Semi-private function) Door @ 7:30 pm Show @ 8:00 pm Fake, (Nov. 2018). Damian’s EP of original songs releasing Spring 2018. Sat. 16 Duff Robison Buy your tickets (only available online) (Semi-private function) https://damianmcginty.ticketleap.com/slowdanceedmontonca/ Sat. 30 Open

JULY The Acoustiholics Duff Robison June 16 (No Cover) Sun. 1 Canada Day BBQ June 2 9:00 pm 9:00 pm Semi-private function : The Irish Centre is Duff has been entertaining audiences with his own special (No Cover) booked for a special event but we are open mix of music for thirty-five years. Originally from Saskatch- ewan, he has been living in Edmonton for the past 18 years. to members only. This trio fills the room with music that makes you want to As a single entertainer, he presents a full, upbeat sound sing along & get up and dance. and provides entertainment for any size room or event. Sponsored in part by Not to be missed!

Sports Sports Director: Denise Howie Phone: 780-940-6376 Email: [email protected] Save the Date 4th Annual Steve Conneely Memorial Golf Tournament Sunday August 19th

Hunter’s Green Golf Course 10845 - 195 Avenue

Shotgun start @ 9:00 am Four-player team scramble

Entry fee: $100.00/person : 18 holes; tee gift; shared golf cart; prizes; Includes (to follow at the Irish Centre) and a steak dinner Non-golfer dinner - $25.00 st Entry deadline – August 1 Payment by cash/cheque - payable at the bar (receipt will be given)

For more information contact 2018 Heritage Cup Denise Howie @ 780-940-6376 The Heritage Cup is a “world cup” style tournament held every two years and is open Bring cash! We will be selling tickets for to players playing in Divisions 2 and below. 22 countries participate in this tournament.. 50-50 and a basket draw. All proceeds donated to Ireland finished in 3rd place, losing to Italy in penalties in the semifinal. the & Stroke Foundation in memory of Steve. Prizes Ireland's John Broderick and Braden Smyth finished tied for tournaments top goal scorer. If anyone has prizes they wish to donate please contact Denise at the number above. John Broderick and Lee Kennedy were named tournament 1st team all stars and Jeff Kular was named a tournament 2nd team all star.

Issue 31 Volume 3 Official Newsletter of the Irish Sports & Social Society May - June 2018 St. Patrick’s2018 Day

Photo credit: Carole Fitzgerald

Photo credit: Carole Fitzgerald

The Irish Centre had the pleasure on Friday, April 20th of having Byrne and Kelly perform for an enthusiastic audience on their latest Canadian Tour “Acoustic by Candlelight”. Having performed on their previous Canadian tours starting in 2014, they expressed how much they enjoyed coming to The Irish Centre.

Neil Byrne (Co. Wicklow) and Ryan Kelly (The Moy, Co. Tyrone) performing vocals and playing their guitars along with fiddle player Nicole Hudson (Dublin) and Peter Sheridan (Co. Cavan) on keyboards soon had us joining in and singing along to Irish favourites such as "Star of The County Down" and "Rocky Road to Dublin". They also treated us to some of their original music from their album "Echoes" like the ballad "Old Tweed Coat" and their song "Home From Home" plus cover songs "Land Down Under" and "The Boxer" and many more. Music, however, wasn't their only talent as their stories and humour left everyone wanting more.

Along with the Irish Centre, Byrne and Kelly look forward to the next Canadian Tour. Annette Donaghy

Want more? Byrne and Kelly reveal that “Celtic Thunder” comes to Edmonton in October!

SHUTTER BUGS

Do you attend events at the Irish Centre? Concerts, nights when entertainment is booked, St. Patrick’s Day(s), Heritage Days, kids parties, and everything in between. If so, do you take pictures? As we celebrate life at the club, taking photos is the best way to hold that memory forever. We would love to include more pictures in the Blarney newsletter and website and to do that we need your help. For more info or to submit pictures contact Siobhan MacQueen Phone: (780) 489-8001 Email: [email protected]

Photo credits for above: Teresa Wilinsky and Martin Doyle Announcements, Events & Notices

Madonna Nixon Memorial BEREAVEMENTS PAINT NITE Our deepest sympathy to the family, friends Looking for something different to do with or for your mom this and loved ones of our members who have Mother’s Day – join us at the Irish Centre for a memorial fundraiser recently passed away. Paint Nite in memory of Madonna Nixon, with funds going to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTF). Margaret (Peggy) Coyne, wife of Seamus Coyne (Calgary) Lorne Nesdole (Saskatchewan), brother of Ted Nesdole Friday Niall McCabe (Ireland), brother of Edel Kavanagh May 11 @ 7:00 p.m. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, Tickets are $45 May the sun shine warm upon your face ($15 from every ticket goes to BTF) and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, A complimentary drink ticket will be given at the Irish Centre may God hold you in the palm of His hand. with each Paint Nite ticket purchased. We would also like to extend our well-wishes and prayers to **Tickets must be purchased in advance through any member who is feeling under the weather. the Paint Nite website (www.paintnite.com). Get well soon ... you are in our thoughts. If you have any questions contact Anita @ (780) 887-9705 We will be painting this image

In Our Kitchen Drop by the Irish Centre and meet our new cook, “Juliette” With several years of experience, she will be adding specials to the regular menu such as Shepherd’s Pie, assorted pasta dishes, and so much more. “Two “Little Daisies”

Kitchen Hours Wed. 4 pm - 9 pm Thurs. 4 pm - 11 pm Fri. 4 pm - 11 pm August 3 - 5, 2018 Sat. 4 pm - 11 pm Sun. 3 pm - 8 pm Heritage Days is one of the biggest festivals in Edmonton - it’s Closed on Holidays attended by over 100,000 people from around the globe. Every year we call out to our members and friends to get involved in showcasing our Irish culture through volunteerism, food, music and dance. Join us at the Irish Centre for a meeting … Wednesday, June 6 7:00 pm bring a friend - the more the merrier! Bonus: every volunteer shift worked receives two (2) complimentary Irish Centre drink tickets. You don`t have to have any special skills or experience - we train for all positions - Food preparation - potato pancakes (last 2 weeks of June) - soda bread; Barm Braic; scones (mid-July) Canada Day - Irish stew (last week of July) Pavilion - pavilion crew - set up (August 2 & 3) Sunday - shuttle drivers (2 shifts each day) - kitchen crews (2 shifts each day) July 1 - front end servers (2 shifts each day) - pavilion crew - take down (August 5) Join us on Canada day for a BBQ It takes a small village to make our Ireland pavilion a huge (burgers, hot dogs) success and we are very proud of all our volunteers. Let`s make 2018 another fun and fabulous year! Face painting for the kids For more information Shannon (780-918-0647) - [email protected] More information to follow Anita (780-887-9705) - [email protected] on the web page and Facebook. May 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jimmy Whiffen

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Mother’s Madonna Nixon Paint Nite Day

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Damian McGinty Concert

21 Victoria Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 Rose of Tralee Selection Night

28 29 30 31

June 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 The Acoustiholics

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Heritage Days Meeting

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Duff Robison Father’s Day

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

July 2018 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 Canada Day BBQ

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Irish Centre 12546-126 Street 780-453-2249