ISSUE 27 VOLUME 4 Proudly Serving Celts in North America Since 1991 MAY/JUNE 2018 HIGHLIGHTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE SIR A LEX FERGUSON RECOVERING AFTER EMERGENCY SURGERY Page 18 • ST. PATRICK’S DAY PHOTO ROUNDUP Pages 12, 13, 16, 17 • HEARTS BEAT: ONE of the most highly anticipated and thrilling events at the A CELEBRATION annual BC Highland Games and Festival is the massed pipes IRELAND will hold a referendum on 25 May on liberalising its OF TRADITIONAL and drums. On June 16 hundreds of pipers and drummers will strict abortion laws. The vote has triggered strong reaction with march onto the field at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam to fears of foreign influence. In a ‘Home to Vote’ campaign, sup- CULTURAL MUSIC receive their awards from their various competitions. This year’s porters are urging the global diaspora to return to help repeal Page 4 Games will be on June 15 & 16. [More inside on pages 10 & 20] the eighth amendment which has been in place since 1983. This recognizes the equal right to life of both mother and un- born child, effectively banning terminations. [See page 14]

Win Free Tickets Or a Celtic Gift Basket • Win a pair (2) tickets to the Kick Off Ceilidh Beer Garden with Ruckus Deluxe on Friday, June 15, at the annual BC Highland Games and Scot- tish Festival held at Percy Perry Sta- dium in Coquitlam (see page 20 our back cover for details). Entry by May 25. Mark your entry ‘Beer Garden’.

• Win a pair (2) entry tickets to the BC Highland Games and Scottish Festival at Percy Perry Stadium, MALCOLM NICHOLSON of BC Pipers’ Association was awarded Coquitlam on Saturday, June 16, (see the Order of Canada by Governor General Jules Léger in 1979. page 20 our back cover for details). He was the only person in the history of the merit to be awarded TENS OF THOUSANDS joined the May 5 march for Scottish Entry by May 25. Mark your entry the honour for services to piping. [Read more on page 8] independence in the biggest public demonstration since the ‘BC Highland Games’. 2003 rally against the Iraq war. • Win a pair (2) weekend passes to Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver on July 13-15, (see pages 3 & 5 for de- Thousands march tails). Entry by June 15. Mark your entry ‘VFMF’.

through Glasgow for • You could win an ‘Irish Sweet & Grocery Basket’ from Black Pudding Imports in Langley. Check out their Scottish independence weekly sales on Facebook. (See page 11 for more info). Mark your GLASGOW – Tens of thousands of independence supporters entry ‘Irish Sweet’. Entry by May 25. marched through the streets of Glasgow, aiming to bring Scot- land’s largest city to a standstill. • Win a weekend pass with camping included to The Mission Folk Music THE PRINCE GEORGE Celtic Club has celebrated 40 years of Marchers draped in Saltires waved flags and played bagpipes and drums as Festival at Fraser River Heritage Park, they walked from Kelvingrove to Glasgow Green on Saturday, May 5. Mission, B.C. on July 20-22, (see pan-Celtic gatherings. Members are pictured above dressed in page 5 for details). Entry by May 26. period costume on the steps of the Barkerville House Hotel for It was the biggest public demonstration in Scotland since the 2003 rally Bloomsday on June 16. Barkerville was the main town of the against the Iraq war. Mark your entry ‘Mission Festival’. Cariboo Gold Rush in British Columbia and is preserved as a The event is one of a series being held across Scotland by All Under One • Win a pair (2) weekend passes to all historic town. [More on page 12] Banner. The pro-independence organisation aims to march at regular inter- events at Canmore Highland Games in vals “until Scotland is free.” beautiful Canmore, Alberta, on Septem- “Glasgow city centre will be brought to a standstill as our independence ber 1-2, (see pages 3 & 5 for more march traverses through en route to George Square,” one member of the info). Entry by June 29. (Only one en- organisation said on a fundraising page before the event. try per person per event). Mark your entry Canmore

The march achieved a high turnout. Police Scotland estimated that 35,000 40009398 people joined the procession, which ended with speeches and music. Or- Entries by e-mail only (only one en- Publication ganizers of the event estimated that as many as 90,000 joined the march. try per person). Send to: Agreement: Mail [email protected]. PAGE 2 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 A Hungry World Clamors for Care in the Summer Sun N a seemingly abundant world, it is a hun- gry season. In agricultural societies, spring planting renews hope for fair weather and I a good crop. As the summer sun coaxes forth flower and fruit, the young and old By CYNTHIA WALLENTINE can calculate out the next time of plenty. In Ireland, in days gone by, the festival of Imbolg in February announced the beginning of the Celtic spring and the coming in of milk for newborn lambs. Hope was born again in the rites and CONGRATULATIONS to Eilis Courtney, 2018 Celtic Person of the Year. She is pictured above rituals that celebrated Brigit, the bright on March 17 with (L-R) Harry Cussen of the Vancouver Celtic Festival Society who presented the goddess of the season. award, and members of the Irish Women’s Network of B.C. At spring planting, hope is sown back into the soil in the form of seeds. By the beginning of summer at Beltaine, Danú, the Mother goddess Hundreds gather to say a sad stood among young crops, beckoning full, disease-free growth. farewell to Big Tom McBride As Mother, Danú understood the hun- ger between planting and harvest. Like IN IRISH mythology the Tuatha DUBLIN – Hundreds of peo- beautiful ideas before they come to frui- Dé Danann were the tribe of the ple descended on the rural tion, during the growing year neither Goddess Danú. They were mouth nor belly are full. skilled in arts, crafts, healing, townland of Oram, County Monaghan, to pay their last re- The story was the same for any who and magic. This monument to relied on the earth for their next meal. the goddess Danú is located in spects to Irish country music star And today, as then, hunger drives hu- Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Tom McBride on Friday, April manity in more ways than one. 20. Second only to terror as a motivator of And if not for food, the yearning is for other things for which humans hunger The 81-year-old Irish singer was a huge mankind, hunger reshapes history in star in the Sixties and Seventies, filling ways broad and small. recognition, compassion, visibility, or human engagement. ballrooms and becoming known as the The failure of subsistence farming in king of Ireland’s thriving country mu- Ireland, coupled with brutal British As desperately as we jam more into sic scene. policy, fueled an Gorta Mór, the Great our mouths, or furiously pour our soul into social media, the more starved we Big Tom and The Mainliners were Hunger that killed over one million Irish formed in the 1960s and achieved wide- and forced another million people become, even as we are weighed down by the largess of modernity. spread success, with Big Tom’s hits abroad in the 1800s. including Gentle Mother, Four Coun- To thrive, humans must feed body and Today, the United Nations Offices for try Roads and Old Log Cabin For Sale. BIG TOM and The Mainliners were a Country and Irish showband the Coordination of Humanitarian Af- soul. A well-balanced diet means more than three squares. His career spanned more than five dec- from the Castleblayney area of County Monaghan, Ireland. They fairs estimates 124 million people in ades, culminating in his induction into 51 countries face acute food insecurity were huge stars during the Sixties and Seventies in Ireland’s In local and global communities, the the Irish Country Music Awards Hall thriving country music scene. a rise from 108 million in 2017. hungry season shows no sign of dimin- of Fame in June 2016. This estimate includes those facing fam- ishing anytime soon, a dark truth in “Not many people are known by their funeral by his aide de camp, while the bright light of summer. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said “His ine or near-famine conditions, not the songs were a reflection of Irish life and first name, but that was Big Tom. It Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was also rep- unseen children and adults chronically The sun is high for those at toil or lei- an important connection for the Irish shows his popularity and legendary resented. challenged by hunger and food insecu- status as the king of Irish country mu- sure. May life be full of that which diaspora. An Oram GAA flag, Big Tom’s Golden rity in our own communities. sic.” truly feeds you. Disc, a tractor, a guitar, a fishing rod, McBride was from Castleblayney in and family photos were brought for- Co. Monaghan. ward by family members to celebrate the star and his great loves. President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins visited Big Tom’s family at the Father Leo Creelman said it was a sad family home on Thursday evening. day for “the world of country music and for many, many people through- The president was represented at the out our country and beyond.” THE CELTIC CONNECTION

ISSUE 27 VOLUME 4 - 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 • 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 • Nanci Spieker, Tina Bonfield and Heather Murphy in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton. Published 7X per year. Unsolicited submissions welcome but will not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 2018 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 MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 3 The sky’s the limit for local singer/songwriter Pat Chessell By CATHOLINE BUTLER Well-known local musician, singer, and songwriter Pat Chessell has just re- leased his third CD entitled I Confess. The album features seven tracks and Chessell co-wrote five tracks with his brother Shawn, including the title track, I Confess. Amazingly, all the songwriting and re- cording took place while Chessell en- tertained five nights a week. The title track, I Confess, is a lively, energetic toe-tapper and a tongue-in- cheek confession of Pat’s imagined sins as he sings that he’s never been a drink- ing man, nor had any of Ireland’s big- gest exports pass his lips. Chessell wrote about some of the char- acters he met while entertaining in the pubs such as the track, My Old Town. Here he sings about some of the older men in the bar as they talk about the nostalgic good old days and how things have changed, and sadly they will have to move out of town because of the high cost of living. Will You Dance With Me is another song O’Connor, Nathanael Powell, Tim and Dublin Crossing in Surrey. about the people he met in the bars. Renaud, Greg Schnider, Michael Viens, You can see Pat Chessell perform live and Damaris Woods. On the track Santy Ano, a Clancy on May 19 at the Roxy in downtown Brothers sea shanty song, if you didn’t “Our CD has been getting a lot of air Vancouver. He is also on the line-up know it was Pat singing you could eas- play on The Maui Celtic Radio Show for the North West Festival in Seattle. ily mistake him for one of the Clancys, hosted by Hamish Burgess. He’s a the voices are so similar. good friend of The Irish Rovers and I There is no moss growing on Pat am too.” Chessell...there just isn’t the time. The inspiration for The Mother-In- Now that he has added songwriting to Law came when Chessell was watch- Some of the Irish pubs where you can his portfolio, the sky’s the limit. ing old re-runs of The Honeymooners. catch Pat Chessell playing include For more information about Pat It’s a hilarious, laugh-out-loud song Mahony & Sons at UBC, Mahony & Sons Burrard Landing in Vancouver, Chessell or to purchase his CD, visit: about a lazy son-in-law and his www.patchessell.com. mother-in-law, who has no mercy for him both verbally while throwing a few punches his way because he won’t go out and get a job. Tributes to Irish musician The chorus goes “You haven’t seen the devil until you’ve seen my mother-in- law.” Liam O’Flynn, dead at 72 Chessell writes in a Celtic vein, telling a story about the characters he has met MASTER uilleann pipe player while playing in the bars and basically telling their stories. He likes their say- Liam O’Flynn was renown ings and hearing their life stories. around the world for the Over the years, I have watched Pat’s vitality he brought to Irish music career blossom from the days of traditional music. the old Culpeppers in Vancouver, when he played music with the late Danny Burns from Belfast. Chessell spoke about those formative years and said, “Danny was my men- tor and he got me up to speed on my music career. He had a real knack of reading a crowd and running a room and he gave me a lot of tips about that. DUBLIN – Liam O’Flynn played with to his family, the music industry and “When we moved from Culpeppers such acclaimed musicians as Christy the arts sector on their loss.” to the Wolf & Hound, Danny and I Moore, Kate Bush and Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said played music there for many years, as O’Flynn helped to revolutionise tra- long as Jackie Metzler owned it. He died in Dublin on March 14 at the ditional Irish music. age of 72 after a long illness. “I have been playing music in the bars “His immense legacy can be seen in now for the past 17 years.” O’Flynn, who played the uilleann the vitality of traditional Irish music Chessell performs between five and six pipes, had been a member of the group across the globe today. From Kill, Co. times a week, and he spoke about the Planxty alongside Christy Moore, Kildare, to the far corners of the world changes he has noticed at the pubs. Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny. he has bequeathed a mesmerising tap- estry of music,” he added. “When I first started playing music in The master piper had also performed the pubs, the hours would be from nine with Kate Bush, Emmylou Harris and Musician Phil Coulter was among the or 10 PM until two in the morning. Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. He also first to pay tribute to O’Flynn, a na- Now, you start at six and finish about worked with the poet Seamus Heaney tive of Co. Kildare. nine o’clock. Unfortunately, the and the composer Shaun Davey on The Brendan Voyage. “Devastated to hear that the great Liam younger crowd have to work the next Og O Flynn has passed away. He was day.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his a king among pipers and a prince Speaking about the CD and the back- condolences on behalf of the Irish Gov- among men. A complete musician and ing musicians on the album, Pat said, ernment. a gentle soul”, Coulter tweeted. “I had some well-known and great Speaking from Washington, he said, “I The Arts Council of Ireland described musicians such as Bruce Coughlan, think he was a genius and great Irish- him as a “virtuoso piper....who Steve Dawson, Geoffrey Kelly, Mike man. In this most Irish of weeks I brought uilleann piping and Irish mu- Michalkow, Brendan Mooney, Gerry would like to express my condolences sic to the world stage.” PAGE 4 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 The City of Vancouver officially declares month of May as Rogue Folk Club Month AY has been in – I think – Central Park on the 22nd. officially de- The tour includes a show in London’s clared Rogue Hyde Park on July 15. What an im- pact his music has made down the Folk Club years! Month by the • By Later that week (May 17 & 18), Pharis M STEVE City of Vancouver! & Jason Romero launch their fourth EDGE CD, Sweet Old Religion, with two With this in mind, there are quite a shows at St. James Hall. few shows happening at the Rogue House this month, starting with the THE ROGUE Sublime vocals and fascinating songs long-awaited return of Nova Scotia FOLK CLUB are hallmarks of this fine duo, and their singer/songwriter Laura Smith, band will feature John Reischman on whose rendition of the Scottish bal- mandolin. lad, My Bonny, has become her most- • requested song at concerts and festi- Welsh guitarist/bluesy singer Martin vals – and radio shows – across Canada Harley plays St. James on Sunday, and beyond. May 20. It’s a Capilano U Global Roots Series show, with The Rogue as She performs at St. James Hall (3214 co-hosts. He’s brilliant! West 10th Avenue, in Kitsilano) on • PHARIS & JASON Romero TONY McMANUS plays a solo Thursday, May 10. Rogue May winds up with American launch their fourth CD, Sweet concert at the Rogue on Mon- songwriter Ellis Paul and accordion/ Bay Area Bluegrass diva Kathy Old Religion with two shows at day, May 14. He is widely re- piano wizard Radoslav Lorkovic on at St. James Hall on May 17 & garded at the finest guitariest Kallick leads a fine band which plays May 24. a lot more than just Bluegrass, and they 18. in Celtic music. will be at St. James on Sunday, May The following day Margaret and I fly Zydeco music, and Irish singer/ song- • 13. to Italy for a three week tour. Never writer Mick Flannery. The Rogue will present English gui- • been there before. It will be amazing, tarist and singer Martin Simpson on The following night we mark “Bonny NOVA SCOTIA singer/song- I’m sure. I saw him at the Doolin Folk Festival writer Laura Smith plays St. July 12 at St. James. 40 years into his Black Hare Day”* with Tony • in 2015. A mighty voice with interest- career he’s sounding better than ever, McManus, an exiled Scot residing in James Hall on May 10. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival ing songs. Full lineup on and his guitar work and studied vocal Toronto, who is widely regarded as the runs July 13 - 15 at Jericho Beach park. www.thefestival.bc.ca. styles lend themselves so well to eve- finest guitar player in Celtic music and Saturday Edge On Folk on The line-up was announced this week. Mission Folk Festival (July 20 -22) rything from trad Celtic to Delta Blues is called “one of the 50 (most) tran- www.citr.ca on Saturday, May 12, in It’s a customarily eclectic and fabu- has yet to announce its full lineup, but – with all stops in between! scendent acoustic guitarists of all time” case you’re interested.] lous line-up, and while there’s not that it will be bigger and better than the last www.martinsimpson.com. (Acoustic Guitar Magazine). • much of particular interest to Celtic two events, as the festival continues • I’m looking forward to seeing the leg- It’s a rare treat to hear him in a solo music fans, I’d recommend Quebec’s to rebuild and recover from some bad At the end of July we present endary Paul Simon at Rogers Arena concert. Self-taught from childhood, Les Poules a Colin for their trad- luck with weather in successive years. RogueFEST – a free day of live music on May 16. at Granville Island (Sunday July 29, initially through listening to the fam- based songs, Ontario’s Jayme Stone’s On the bill this year are the likes of ily record collection, his twin obses- Folklife for their unique approach to Noon to 6 PM) with a beer garden too! It’s the opening date of his Farewell James Keelaghan, David Francey, sions of traditional music and acoustic Tour, which finishes up on September Appalachian trad, Louisiana’s Steve Details will be announced soon on and Pharis and Jason Romero, with www.roguefolk.com where you can guitar have worked together to pro- 20/21 with two shows at Madison Riley & The Mamou Playboys for the remainder to be announced soon. duce a startlingly original approach to their fabulous approach to Cajun and find all the info on Rogue shows. Square Garden in NYC and a final show www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca. this ancient art. He has come to be recognized through- out the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. HEARTS BEAT: A CELEBRATION In Tony’s hands the complex ornamen- tation normally associated with fiddles and pipes is accurately transferred to OF TRADITIONAL CULTURAL MUSIC guitar in a way that preserves the in- tegrity and emotional impact of the By EILIS COURTNEY of the importance of exchange of cul- music. VANCOUVER – For the past couple ture and sharing of traditions within of years, in the month of March, I have our broader community. With a string of remarkable albums – had the pleasure of working with Suzie Then for the next hour and a half, the notably Ceol More for Celtic music O’Shea, Community Animator at the aficionados and Maker’s Mark – where UBC Learning Exchange, on bringing a packed house was entertained by a he played an eclectic repertoire on no taste of Irish culture and heritage to variety of talented performers – mem- bers of the Carnegie Cultural Sharing less than 15 master-crafted guitars, their community members. Tony keeps raising the bar and testing Program started the evening with a himself on new rhythms and styles. Having moved from Gorey, Co. Wex- number of traditional welcome songs ford only nine years ago, Suzie’s lovely from different B.C. First Nations; Irish So much so that his latest solo CD, accent had attracted some of the UBC dancer Jessica Parker treated the audi- Mysterious Boundaries, includes clas- Learning Exchange’s patrons to inquire ence to a couple of jigs and reels; com- sical compositions like Bach’s Prel- more about Ireland and all things Irish, munity members Erica and Grant led ude and the stunning Chaconne in D so we co-ordinated a couple of infor- us in song, and then the traditional Irish Minor, as well as Erik Satie’s mal cultural sharing sessions in the music kicked into full swing. Gnossienne #1. lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day. HEARTS BEAT Irish traditional group — (L-R) Sal Gallagher, The energy in the room was palpable He released a duet CD – Round Trip This year, Suzie and her colleagues at Tony Dalton, Denise Dalton, Eilis Courtney, Jim Fitzpatrick, and everyone was participating with (2015) - with Italian maestro Beppe the UBC Learning Exchange decided drumming, hand-clapping, toe-tapping Gambetta, and was last seen at The to expand on the idea of sharing the Denise McAuliffe and Blake Williams. or just enjoying the atmosphere. Rogue accompanying Laura Smith in Irish culture and find a way to bring in in learning about the bodhrán, to come Fueled by home-made brown bread, a memorable concert on a hot July other cultures to explore shared tradi- An exit song from the Cultural Sharing along to two workshops at the begin- Dubliner cheese and Barry’s tea, the Program brought our evening of cel- evening in 2014. tions and practices. ning of March. group shared drumming rhythms and ebration to a warm close. songs over the two nights. Since then, we’ve run into him at Celtic Earlier in the year, in partnership with My job was to find someone who could Colours and the Edmonton Folk the Carnegie Community Centre, and As Nicole Bird from the Carnegie Cen- lead the bodhrán sessions and I found The workshops led up to a night of tre noted afterwards “Hearts Beat Festival, but we’ve been striving to working with community member the perfect person – Blake Williams music on March 14 called ‘Hearts Beat: bring him back for a concert to no avail Isaac White, they ran a workshop that brought a community closer together from The Irish Wakers. A Celebration of Traditional Cultural through the sharing of cultural music, – until now. taught participants how to make their Music’. own traditional indigenous drum. Blake is not only a champion bodhrán song and dance. The event brought out Essential listening for all fans of Celtic player but is also extremely interested Seven members of the Irish commu- many Cultural Sharing participants music and/or guitars. Then, as drums are a common instru- in the exchange of traditions and cul- nity brought their instruments and who have never drummed before. A ment in many cultures (including Ire- night to remember forever!” [* “On the 14th of May, at the break tures. shared the evening of music and drum- land), Suzie approached me about help- of the day..” so begins the risqué folk ming with the members of the Carnegie ing to co-ordinate a couple of bodhrán So led by Blake and supported by For all the participants and attendees, song, Bonny Black Hare. It’s a song Cultural Sharing Program. it was truly a unique experience and a workshops. myself and Denise McAuliffe, the full of double-entendres and there are workshops “created a relaxed, collabo- Musqueam Elder Shane Pointe pro- rare opportunity to connect over mu- many versions. I’ll play Fairport Con- The plan was to invite the community rative and welcoming space,” as Suzie vided a welcome to the traditional ter- sic. Thank you to everyone involved vention’s version – featuring the late members who made their drums, as observed afterwards. ritory of the Musqueam, Squamish in creating this opportunity and to the Dave Swarbrick on vocals – on The well as anyone else who was interested and Tsleil-Waututh nations and spoke participants for sharing their talents. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 5

POPULAR CELTIC BAND and Canadian treasures the Mudmen will return to play the Sunday night Ceilidh at the Canmore Highland Games. Bring on the pipes...Mudmen to play the Canmore Highland Games CANMORE, Alberta – Popular All five members of the group are tal- “I knew then we had to bring them Celtic band and Canadian treasures ented guys who love their jobs. They back to Canmore and the committee the Mudmen will return to Canmore love to play Celtic music to people agreed to do so for 2018. who came to hear the Great Highland this year to play the Sunday night bagpipe, rocking it up in a way that “The kids were transfixed with the Ceilidh, one of the events held in makes it easy for everyone to revel in antics of piper Sandy Campbell, and conjunction with the Canmore the sound. the adults were just plain having fun!” Highland Games on September 1 “I caught the Mudmen in action last So, here’s to the pipes and the fun of and 2 this year. summer at the Montreal Highland celebrating Celtic culture in the Rocky Mountains at Canmore! A band who have under their belts not Games,” said past volunteer Sally only kilts but a trail of accomplish- Garen. They were playing in the beer Get out yer tartan and see you there! ments (they’ve played in concert with tent, and while I knew I was enjoying • Johnny Reid and met the Queen), the the music heartily, I was amazed and Advance tickets and bundles are now Campbell brothers of Hockey Night surprised to see all ages of people available online for the Canmore High- in Canada fame will put on a show jumping out of their chairs to dance land Games and Celtic festival. For that will have everyone – ages three to up a storm right there on the grass in more information visit www.canmore 93 – up dancing! the beer tent. highlandgames.ca.

Two very different Irish songwriters at 2018 Vancouver Folk Music Fest VANCOUVER – The 41st annual Van- couver Folk Music Festival will, as it has every year for the last four dec- ades, offer a range of familiar and fa- vourite names of singers and bands from across North America, the UK and around the world for us to enjoy. This year is no different, with artists like Neko Case, Ry Cooder, James McMurtry, Rodney Crowell, and re- cent Juno Award winners, The Dead South, on the bill. MICK FLANNERY WALLIS BIRD But the other great thing that makes the festival so special is the opportu- bluegrass and more – a visit to the fes- a notoriously impassioned fan-base nity to see, discover and experience tival is fun, exciting and inspiring. drawn to her ferocious live shows and heartfelt lyricism. artists, cultures and music that you And on the roster this year are two otherwise might never know. very different singer-songwriters from Raised by a music-loving family in a These artists could come from any- Ireland that promise to be on every- farmhouse in Blarney, County Cork, where in the world like, as this year, one’s list of fantastic festival discov- Mick Flannery’s early influences the brilliant tango singer Melingo from eries! were Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. It Argentina, or the innovative folk of was also evident early on that he was From Wexford, at the mouth of the really, really good at fashioning songs. Ukraine’s, Dakhabrakha, River Slaney in southeast Ireland, a Mozambiquean marrabenta combo young Wallis Bird prepared to take Good, as in buttery voice that makes Wazimbo & Banda Kakana, or Mexi- on the world armed with a stunning the lyrics about betrayal and hurt stay co’s Son de Madera. voice, a multi-octave vocal range, and with you. As in winning the Interna- The discoveries could also come in the a can’t-take-your-eyes-off stage pres- tional Songwriting Competition in form of up-and-coming performers ence. Nashville good. As in, two consecu- who are just now making their mark tive Number One albums in Ireland Combining elements of traditional folk, good. on the wider music scene – count roots blues and funk with a rock sound, she artist Steph Cameron and Appalachian moves from tender, honest love songs Now in his mid-30s, Mick has broad- singer Dori Freeman among those. to cheeky covers to stunning sean-nós ened his songwriting themes beyond A visit to the festival could introduce to power ballads with ease. The Irish heartache and the unfairness of love you to amazing groups from your own Times said, “[Her] sheer visceral en- gone wrong. back yard, such as Gord Grdina’s ergy could kick-start an entire economy.” His more recent lyrics are more likely Haram, playing Arabic and Persian to target universal injustice, greed and music, or D lava’s glorious Moravian Bird can spur audiences to a loud and social hardship. His evocative croon (Czech) folksong. raucous fervor, then seamlessly, emo- and songs have always touched hearts. New or known, from here or around tionally entrance them into silence. Now, there’s a reason to be inspired. • the world – and playing everything Now resident in Berlin, Bird has re- from mariachi, to Quebecois traditional The festival runs July 13-15 in Jeri- corded five albums, won two Irish cho Beach Park. For more info and tick- music, Cajun, blues, Americana, Gullah Meteor awards, toured, and attracted spirituals, edgy folk-electronica or ets, go to thefestival.bc.ca. PAGE 6 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018

PRINCE WILLIAM and his wife Kate outside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London following the birth of their new- born son. HUNDREDS gathered for the Windrush generation solidarity protest in Brixton, London on April 20. William and WINDRUSH SCANDAL Kate reveal new baby’s name Carribean migrants told LONDON – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named their second they are in UK illegally, son, Louis Arthur Charles. The couple’s third child, who was born on Monday, April 23 will be known as despite having lived in Prince Louis, Kensington Palace an- nounced. Prince Louis is the younger brother to the country for decades 4-year-old Prince George and Princess LONDON – Thousands of Oxford University’s Migration Ob- Charlotte, who turned three last month. people from the Caribbean who servatory. arrived in the UK as children Although many of the child migrants travelled on their parents’ passports, are being threatened with de- so it is difficult to estimate how many portation. people belong to the Windrush gen- eration. The so-called Windrush generation were told they were in Britain illegally They have fallen victim to rule changes despite having lived and worked in the in 2012 aimed at stopping overstay- country for decades. ing. Their legal status changed over- night despite living, working and pay- British Prime Minister Theresa May ing tax in Britain for decades. has also been caught up in the growing anger over Britain’s treatment of the The migrants were told they needed migrants. evidence including passports to con- tinue working or getting NHS treat- PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Rule changes mean the legal status of ment. But most arrived on parents’ thousands who arrived from the Car- passports and never applied for travel Markle announce their engage- ibbean is now in limbo, but it also documents. ment. emerged that Downing Street snubbed a request for a formal diplomatic dis- Their landing cards had also been de- cussion on the scandal. stroyed in 2010 while Theresa May Prince Harry was the Home Secretary. Home Secretary Amber Rudd – who and Meghan has now resigned over her role in the On April 17, Theresa May personally debacle – issued a grovelling apology apologized to Caribbean leaders over Markle wedding for the “appalling” treatment of the the treatment of the Windrush genera- LONDON – Millions of well-wishers Windrush generation. tion. around the world will watch the live Representatives of 12 Caribbean coun- She welcomed her Jamaican counter- broadcast of the marriage of Prince tries who asked to meet the PM dur- part Andrew Holness to 10 Downing Harry and Meghan Markle on Satur- ing the April 2018 meeting of Com- Street for talks after U-turning on the day, May 19. monwealth heads were told it would initial decision to turn down the meet- The ceremony is due to take place at. not be on the agenda. ing. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle Barbados high commissioner Guy On April 29, Amber Rudd called the at 12 PM. Hewitt confirmed, “We did request a PM to tell her that she was resigning The wedding is expected to be much meeting and regrettably they advised after it emerged she was fully aware of smaller than the Duke and Duchess of us it is not possible.” deportation targets. Sajid David is the Cambridge’s ceremony which saw new Home Secretary. Campaigner David Lammy said the 1,900 arrive at the church. At this snub “brings great shame on our coun- Rudd buckled under mounting pres- year’s ceremony, 600 guests are ex- try.” But the Labour MP did celebrate sure after it was revealed that targets pected. a petition calling for an immediate for deporting illegal migrants do exist In addition, 2,640 members of the pub- amnesty gaining the 100,000 names despite her telling a Commons com- lic have been invited to Windsor Cas- needed to trigger a Commons debate. mittee they didn’t. tle to watch the couple arrive. The migrants were named after the Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd Of those members of the public, 1,200 Empire Windrush ship which first confirmed that UK citizenship fees will include young people who have brought families over to help rebuild and language tests will be waived for shown strong leadership and those post-war Britain. They arrived on Brit- the Windrush generation and their who have served their communities. ish shores between 1948 and 1971 families. from Caribbean countries. The couple opted not to invite high She told MPs she wanted people to profile political figures such as Prime The Windrush docked at Tilbury have the “formal status” they should Minister Theresa May and President Docks, Essex, on June 22, 1948, car- have had all along, without having to Donald Trump. rying 492 people, many of them chil- pay naturalization fees or pass any dren. tests. The bride’s father Thomas Markle will walk her down the aisle. He will meet They came from islands such as Ja- The free citizenship offer will apply her at St. George’s Chapel after she maica and Trinidad and Tobago. not just to the families of Caribbean has travelled to the venue in a car with migrants who came to the UK between her mother. There are around 500,000 people who 1948 and 1973 but anyone from other are resident in the UK who arrived Commonwealth nations who settled in Prince Harry has announced that he before 1971 and were born in Com- the UK over the same period. had chosen his brother Prince William monwealth countries, according to to be his best man. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 7 Do you know the origins of May Day?

POSTCARD FROM LONDON

By ELFAN JONES LONDON – Greetings on May 1st from a cold and soggy Lon- don. was held in reaction to the killing of and Matthew Maguire for organizing Mayday...Mayday....Mayday! We all several workers by police. a workers’ holiday in New York in know that this is the international dis- As police moved to disperse the pub- 1882. tress signal, but have you wondered lic, a bomb was thrown at the police. how it originated? As the years rolled by other states The ensuing gunfire resulted in the followed suit until 1894 Congress It was the idea of Fredrick Stanley deaths of seven police officers, four passed an act declaring the first Mon- Mockford, a senior radio officer work- civilians and scores were injured. day in September to be a national holi- ing in Croydon Airport just south east Eight of the organizers were arrested day called Labor Day. Whoever de- of London. Most of the air traffic there and convicted of conspiracy with clared it obviously couldn’t spell La- at the time was between Croydon and flimsy evidence that one of them may bour. Le Bourget Airport Paris. have built the bomb. Seven were sen- From a Celtic point of view, May Day In 1923 he suggested “Mayday” as a tenced to death and one to a term of 15 is a very joyful event. We cannot take variation of the French expression years in prison. the credit because the Egyptians “m’aidez” which is a shorten version In Canada there is a separate Labour started celebrating a spring festival of “venez m’aidez,” meaning “come Day on the first Monday in Septem- called Sham-El Nessim, and the Ro- and help me.” ber. mans had a flower festival, but the Gaelic festival of Beltane which means It was so simple and would obviously The Canadian origin can be traced to “the return of the sun” celebrates irritate the French so, acting with the Toronto 1872 when trade unionists spring time fertility, and the arrival of speed that British Governments are organized a demonstration in support warmer weather. famous for, it became internationally of a printers’ strike for a shorter work- recognized in 1948. ing day. People believed that the sun was held prisoner during the winter months and, May 1 is International Workers Day On April 15, the printers led a parade from where I’m sitting, I can assure or Labour Day in many countries. through Toronto with marching bands you it has not been let out yet. For me, it conjures up pictures of grim and the workers carrying banners pro- claiming their demands. I will do my best to follow the ancient looking cold war Soviet leaders, stand- celebrations because people danced ing on a balcony, reviewing soldiers and The march started with 2,000, but around fires (I’m sitting next to a ra- weapons of destruction parading out- numbers swelled to 10,000 by the time diator and to keep warm by stamping side the Kremlin; a show of commu- it reached Queens Park, approximately my feet), they drank a great deal (will nist power representing workers’ soli- 10 percent of the population. have a go), and celebrated fertility (at darity; and a scene replicated all over 73 years of age this could be a prob- socialist Eastern Europe. The following day, 24 members of the strike committee were arrested, but lem, but willing to try). I assumed that this was a communist hours later then Prime Minister Sir The celebrations died out by the mid- propaganda event, so I was surprised John A. Macdonald introduced and 20th Century as it may well have been to learn that “International Workers passed the Trade Union Act which le- snowing. Day” was first chosen in 1904 by a galized and protected union activity. Best wishes, pan-national organization of socialist Elfan and communist parties to commemo- A celebration was held annually by the rate the 1886 Chicago Haymarket af- trades union from then on until 1894, fair, or massacre, depending on your when Prime Minister John Thompson political leanings. and his government declared a Labour Day holiday to be held in September. On May 3, 1886, there was a general Welsh First strike in Chicago to demand an eight In the United States credit is given to hour working day. The next day a rally two trade unionists, Peter J. McGuire Minister to step down after nine years CARDIFF – The head of the devolved government in Wales, Carwyn Jones, has announced that he intends to stand down in the second half of this year. His decision to stand down will bring to an end his nine-year stint as first minister, succeeding Rhodri Morgan in December 2009. The decision comes months after Jones referred himself to an independent in- quiry over allegations of bullying at a senior level of the Welsh Government three years ago, following the death of assembly member Carl Sargeant in November. Former minister Leighton Andrews has said that Sargeant, who is believed to have taken his own life four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children while facing allegations of inappropri- ate behaviour, was “unquestionably the target” of some of the behaviour and “toxic” atmosphere. PAGE 8 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 BC Pipers’ Association marks the 40th anniversary of Malcolm Nicholson’s Order of Canada award

He contributed immeasurably to the ANCOUVER – On April 19, 2018, the BC BCPA by producing a regular supply Pipers’ Association (BCPA) honoured the of new pipers. Often, a high percent- age of soloists in the amateur classes late Malcolm Nicholson, C.M. on the 40th were his students or former students. V anniversary of his investiture as a Member He also organized, directed and taught of the Order of Canada. the Highland Ladies Pipe Band for youth aged 14 years and younger. Malcolm is the only person in the He retired from both the police depart- history of the Order of Canada ment and the police band that same to be awarded the honour for year and his daily handwritten police services to piping. The corner- journals can be seen at the Vancouver Police Museum – the oldest police stone of the Canadian honours museum in North America. system, the Order of Canada After his retirement, Malcolm, never recognized Malcolm Nicholson’s a man to sit idle, decided to add to his uniqueness and outstanding already busy schedule teaching prac- achievement, his dedication to tical vocational life skills to the youth Scottish music and to the youth with handicaps. in the community. Four years after being formed, Malcolm took the Vancouver Kiwanis Boys Pipe He was a founding member of the Band to Scotland in 1962 where they BCPA, Pipe Major of the Vancouver captured one first, two seconds, and Police Pipe Band, creator of many jun- two thirds. ior and adult bands, instructor to hun- dreds of youngsters and teens. At the BC Highland Dancing Associa- tion Highland Games on July 1, 1963, He spent his life directing boys and Malcolm was presented with a special girls in various bands whose consist- award for his support. ently high calibre has won them awards in Canada, Britain, the United States On that day, five pipe majors of par- and Europe.” MALCOLM NICHOLSON ticipating bands were pupils of Pipe PHOTOS: Courtesy of Elouise Roane Major Malcolm Nicholson. Rob MacNeil, president, BC Pipers’ ELSIE AND MALCOLM Nicholson on receiving the Order of Association, said, “his pioneering vi- Canada at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on April 19, 1978. Nicholson, The following year, Malcolm took the sion and drive to take juvenile pipe a BC Pipers’ Association Life Member was recognized for his Vancouver Ladies Pipe Band to Scot- bands to compete nationally and in- remarkable legacy of services to piping in Canada. land where in Grade 4 they captured ternationally, and his dedication to the first place at the European Champi- development of young pipers estab- onships and second place at the Scot- lished the commitment to the devel- tish Championships. opment and success of juvenile pipe Their pipe major was Malcolm’s bands across the BCPA region contin- daughter Norma, who in 1965 married ues to this day. the award winning jazz musician Don “His efforts also set in motion the rise Thompson (In 1987 he composed the of BC Grade 1 bands on the interna- famous Journey to Skye suite per- tional stage. Such a fitting testament formed by the 78th Fraser Highland- to his spirit and vision.” ers, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2009). In honour of this significant anniver- sary, BCPA asked Malcolm’s grand- In 1967, Malcolm founded and di- daughter Elouise Roane, former Pipe rected the Burnaby Ladies Pipe Band. Major of the Burnaby Ladies Pipe It was a ladies band for all ages there- Band, to recount the events around fore a senior band and a junior band THREE generations of were designated. Malcolm’s Order of Canada award and Nicholsons (L-R): Malcolm investiture and his legacy. Nicholson with his daughter He also organized the Army, Navy and THE NICHOLSON QUARTET – Malcolm Nicholson with his Finally, while the combined BCPA Jessie Nicholson Roane, and Airforce Veterans Pipe Band, known daughters (L-R): Norma, Kathleen, Jessie. Mini-Gathering and Annual Gathering granddaughter Elouise Roane. as ANAVETS Pipe Band for male play- Grade 1 Piping aggregate trophy is in ers over the age of 18. Malcolm’s name, to recognize his dedi- Nicholson was born in 1901 in Pleas- to accompany him to the station to the next 16 years. In 1970 he took the Vancouver Kiwanis cation to the instruction of juvenile ant Valley, Prince Edward Island, apply. While there, a constable sug- Boys Pipe Band to Scotland where gested that Malcolm also apply. Mary MacNab (nee Isdale) of the Van- bands, BCPA is establishing the Pipe where his ancestors arrived on the ship couver Ladies Pipe Band approached they captured the Cowal and European Major Malcolm Nicholson, C.M. Polly from Portree, Skye in 1803. He did. As luck would have it, Malcolm Malcolm in 1950 to assist with reor- Championships in the Juvenile grade. Shield for the top juvenile band in was hired to the police department ganizing the band and to assume posi- Grade 4 or 5 at the Annual Gathering. He moved to British Columbia along The following year he took the with his family in 1903 and settled in and, unfortunately, his friend was not. tion of director and instructor, a posi- Burnaby Ladies Pipe Bands (senior and tion he would hold until 1967. The shield will include the picture at Maple Ridge where he achieved his At this time Malcolm also became a junior) to Scotland to compete in Grade his Order of Canada investiture and teaching certificate. member of the Vancouver Police Pipe One of the first orders of business then 3 and 4, respectively. each year the name of the top juvenile Band under PM D. MacTavish. was to raise funds to purchase uni- band along with the names of the pri- During his early teenage years, The (Dowco) Triumph Street Pipe Malcolm, with the support of his forms and, for the first time, the band Band, was also established by mary piping instructor and primary He became a founding member of the turned out fully equipped. drumming instructor will be added. Gaelic speaking parents, developed a British Columbia Pipers’ Association Malcolm’s former pupils, primarily keen interest in the bagpipes. in August 1932 and was involved in He also started the Hastings East Boys from the Vancouver Kiwanis Boys In recalling the events of her grandfa- the design of the Association’s letter- Pipe Band (Hastings Community Cen- Pipe Band players who had aged out. ther’s remarkable life, Elouise said, “He In the early 1920s, along with two drummers, Malcolm played at sum- head crest. tre Pipe Band), with the help of Sandy The band members thought it signifi- was incredibly relentless in his giving Stewart in 1956. of time to others and his sharing of mer fairs and gatherings from the back Eventually, all three children – cant to name their new band Triumph musical expertise all to make one a bet- of a pick-up truck around Haney. It is Kathleen, Jessie and Norma – would The following year, the band became Street after the street on which the ter player and a lifelong friend. He said that this was the beginning of the learn at an early age to play the pipes, known as the Vancouver Optimist Jun- Nicholson family lived for over 40 made other people’s lives better!” Haney Pipe Band. Highland dance, and to sing. ior Pipe Band (and in later years the years and was the heart and soul of band became known as the White Spot many, many a night of teaching, pip- His wife Elsie, his daughters Kathleen, In 1923, he moved to Vancouver where Their Triumph Street address became he began teaching public school and Junior Band), under direction of ing and dancing in Vancouver. Jessie and Norma and his grandchil- the centre for all things Scottish in Van- Malcolm Nicholson and Don Bellamy. dren witnessed it each and every day. attended the Vancouver Police Band couver; ceilidhs, piping, drumming, Malcolm passed away at the age of 96 practises. At the same time, he joined dancing, distribution of equipment and With sponsorship from the Kiwanis on July 1, 1997. Elouise Roane said It was a very powerful, proud and the New Westminster Pipe Band. alterations of uniforms. Elsie was Club, in 1957 Malcolm formed the the family likes to think that he was emotional moment for Malcolm, and He and Elsie Phye, who was born in known as the “hostess with the Vancouver Kiwanis Boys Pipe Band called away to “tune up a band for the entire family, when Malcolm stood mostest.” for youth up to the age of 18. Canada Day festivities.” before Governor General Jules Léger Whitehaven, England, were married in in Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Canada at the 1926. In 1945, Malcolm was appointed Pipe It was 1961 when Malcolm was He and his beloved wife Elsie are bur- Order of Canada Investiture Ceremony When a good friend decided to join the Major of the Vancouver Police Pipe awarded a Life Membership by the ied together in Mountain View Cem- on April 19, 1978. Vancouver Police, he asked Malcolm Band – a position he would hold for BCPA. etery in Vancouver. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 9 Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be in Brexit Britain Instead Hannan’s nostalgia for a once- ideas appear to be resonating with mighty Britain is now a kind of mantra Brexiteers on this side of the pond. among Brexiteers. One of CANZUK’s proposals is for The two world wars are referenced free movement of people between the constantly, Boris Johnson, the British four member states based on the no- Foreign Secretary, speaks of lions roar- tion that such a freedom existed before By ing and Conservative MP Jacob Rees- the UK joined the European Economic HARRY Mogg says of Brexit that “it’s Magna Community in 1973. Carta, it’s the Burgesses coming at McGRATH What happens to people from other Parliament, it’s the great reform bill, it’s the bill of rights, it’s Waterloo, it’s Commonwealth countries or, indeed, Agincourt, it’s Crecy.” any country that’s not in CANZUK – EDINBURGH – Spring finally Poland, say, or Ireland – is not clear. sprung in Scotland. The tem- By contrast, Liberal Democrat Vince But one can guess. Cable has characterised the Brexit vote perature rose to 10 degrees, the as “driven by nostalgia for a world I subsequently discovered that wind died down and “taps aff” where passports were blue, faces were CANZUK has enjoyed extensive cov- white and the map was coloured im- erage in Canada’s mainstream media season arrived. perial pink.” with some high-profile figures being quoted in support of it. That is, Scottish men who should keep The Windrush scandal, which saw their shirts on at all times suddenly people threatened with deportation to However, Professor Srdjan Vucetic from the School of Public and Interna- remove them and parade topless in the the Caribbean despite being long resi- streets and, for some reason, at trans- dent in Britain, suggests that Cable was tional Affairs at the University of Ot- port hubs. on to something. tawa believes that CANZUK “is about post-imperial nostalgia... resuscitating I recently saw a group of taps-aff males Sadly, it’s not just Britain that is furi- an old dream that goes back to the 19th gathered outside Edinburgh airport ously rowing backwards. Century, and that dream is called im- impersonating whatever the collective perial federation within the British noun is for red peppers. Donald Trump’s “Make America Empire.” Great Again” speaks for itself. Even The urban dictionary defines “taps Canada is not immune. He could have added that it is also about aff” as “the removing of one’s shirt or denying the reality of modern Canada. upper body garments, most often in Recently, there has been some social CANZUK’s “free movement before the event of warm weather but also media chat here about an organisation 1973” is really code for entitlement and often for the purpose of celebration of called CANZUK which has the self- privileged access. simple antagonism.” appointed mission of “promoting closer ties between Canada, Australia, It was only the removal of those things However, I suspect there is more to it New Zealand and the United King- from the immigration system that ena- than the dictionary allows. dom.” bled Canada to become the On the odd occasion that I can’t avert multicultural country that it is today. I was surprised to discover that the Those of us who love it would like to my eyes in time, I see these rubicund founder lives in Vancouver, though his harbingers of summer as nostalgists, keep it that way. perhaps dreaming of younger days on the beaches of Bute or Portobello when life was full of promise and before things went pear-shaped. Juncker: UK will come Sadly, this kind of innocent longing – if that’s what it is – is a rare commod- ity in Brexit Britain. to regret Brexit decision BRUSSELS – European Commission Union, but anyone who leaves the Nostalgia is one of the pillars of the president Jean-Claude Juncker has European Union has to know, frankly, Brexiteer narrative but in a form that called for “more clarity” about the what this means,” he said. the majority of Scots are reluctant to UK’s plans for Brexit. engage in. “If you decide to jettison, leave be- Addressing the European Parliament, hind, the common agreements and I first noticed this phenomenon three Juncker was cheered by Eurosceptic rules, then you have to accept that months before the 2016 referendum, MEPs as he noted the UK’s departure things cannot remain as they are.” when I reviewed a book called Doomed was due on March 29, 2019. Marriage by Brexiteer “intellectual” Juncker said the controversial Daniel Hannan. Responding to their applause, Juncker “backstop” proposal for dealing with said the time would come “when you the border between Northern Ireland Hannan, ironically, is a long-serving will regret your decision.” and the Republic “translates faith- member of the European Parliament. fully” the agreement reached between But former UKIP leader Nigel Farage May and the EU in December. The book is an extended exercise in claimed the European Commission was British exceptionalism and attempts to seeking to “bully” the UK and sug- He said the EU was ready to work revive past glories. gested Theresa May should back a with the UK on its preferred option Hannan produces a long list of “unique” departure from the bloc without a tran- of the border issue being resolved in qualities that he considers the British sition deal. the future trade deal, or by other spe- cific measures. But he added “we need to have that are not shared by the Ger- All EU members are part of the cus- mans or the French. to receive concrete proposals from the toms union, within which there are no UK first.” He includes the Scots in his analysis internal tariffs (taxes) on goods trans- because they “watch the same televi- ported between them. There is also a Juncker said, “The 27 member states sion, follow the same sports, eat the common tariff agreed on goods enter- stand firm and united when it comes same food, shop at the same chains ing from outside. to Ireland. For us this is not an Irish issue, it is a European issue.” and speak the same language as people The UK Government has said it is leav- elsewhere in Britain.” ing the EU customs union so that it But he was heckled by one MEP who This means, apparently, that Scotland can strike its own trade deals around shouted “it is a British issue.” the world, something it cannot do as a should eschew its own independence Brussels’ chief Brexit negotiator member. and withdraw from the EU along with Michel Barnier said May’s decision to the rest of Britain. This means the UK and the EU will leave the single market and customs Much of Hannan’s vision of the future have to agree to a new arrangement for union was “closing doors” to possible is actually a vision of the past and the what happens at their border post- models of future co-operation. Brexit. Commonwealth, or selected countries “It’s time to face up to the hard facts,” therein, is a big part of it. The UK, which put forward two al- he said. “The UK is choosing to leave On trade, for instance, he believes that ternative proposals last year, has yet the union, the single market and the Britain should trade with New Zea- to confirm its favoured model. customs union, we have noted that. land where they speak English instead Juncker said “cherry-picking is not “Do they also want to distance them- of France where they don’t. going to be possible” in the future trade selves from our regulatory model, the At the time, I thought that was about relationship between the UK and EU.“I one that we have constructed together as daft as the pro-Brexit argument would rather have preferred Britain not with you – and you with us – for 44 would get. I was wrong. to have decided to leave the European years?” PAGE 10 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 Could this be the last year for BC Highland Games at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam? OQUITLAM, BC – Plans are well key cultural activities in the new cul- tural tent in the centre of the field. underway for the June 15 and 16 BC High- Last year groups of people lined up to land Games and Scottish Festival in participate in Gaelic singing and mill- Coquitlam, but for organizers, this may be ing frolics that were taking place in and C around the cultural tent. That tent will the last year for the Games at Percy Perry Stadium. now be located on the centre field, with events taking place inside and out all “We’ve been here for 27 years. day long. It’s been a good location for Vendors will also make up a key part more than a quarter century. But “We have been of the Games, with dozens of artisans it’s time to move on,” says and crafts people, along with key ten- Games chair Mike Chisholm. working with ants Tartantown, the British Food Shop and the Scottish Shop back in “We have been working with the City the City of Coquitlam 2018. of Coquitlam since last fall, holding The children’s area will also see the discussions on the future of the Games since last fall, return of a number of new rides and and looking at a new location that I activities for the kids and of course, believe will be superior in many ways holding discussions the very popular Haggis Hunt that and create a truly exceptional High- takes place around the field. land Games cultural experience that on the future of the welcomes everyone,” says Chisholm. The BC Pipers’ Association, the BC Highland Dancing Association and The Games have been held at Percy Games and looking Athletic director Karyn Dallimore have Perry Stadium since the early 1990s, all indicated planning is well underway moving there from Deas Island in Delta. at a new location for their competitions on the field, However, with the new artificial turf which always draws big crowds. that was installed several years ago, that I believe will restrictions on usage and changing Access to the Games is easier than event circumstances means it’s time to be superior in many ever, with Skytrain’s Millennium Line look for a new location. Lafarge Lake Station only a short walk ways and create a from the stadium along Lafarge Lake. “In our first year at the stadium in 1992, I was asked to bring two dozen truly exceptional Gates open at 4 PM on Friday for the doughnuts and two urns of Tim evening entertainment, and at 8 AM Horton’s coffee as the Games food,” Highland Games on Saturday, wrapping up with a cei- says Sheila Braconnier, who is retiring lidh (party) in the beer garden until as the Games field operations coordi- later in the evening. nator in 2019. cultural experience Tickets are available online at: In the ensuing years, many things have that welcomes bchighlandgames.com. changed. Today, almost a dozen food PHOTO: Blair Howard Photography trucks and food vendors participate everyone” THE HEAVY EVENTS are an important part of the BC Highland each year, along with dozens of mer- Games. Among the oldest contested sports in the world, these chandise vendors, cultural events, chil- events encompass a series of nine feats of strength. Many are Over a Thousand dren’s activities, pipe bands, heavy for the Friday night celidh are avail- derived from the Scottish military weapons of war, while others event athletes and live Celtic entertain- able online at the BC Highland Games came directly from everyday life. Years of Scottish ment. website. The City is anxious for the Games to On Saturday, the line up is coming to- Tradition at relocate to nearby Lafarge Lake Park gether nicely, with most of the local which is only steps from the Lafarge competitive pipe bands including the Highland Games Lake Skytrain station. SFU Pipe Band and the RCMP E. Di- For over a thousand years, periodic vision Pipe Band; the Vancouver High- gatherings of Scots to celebrate their “After visiting the site several times, nature and heritage by competing it does appear to be a better location, land dancing championships; the BC Highland Games Whisky School with against each other in music, dance, and with more grassy areas, trees for athletic trials, has been an integral part shade, a great stage, room for all com- Bill Diamond; British food and cars; and live Celtic entertainment with of Scottish culture. Such contests are petitions and an open, festival atmos- now known as Highland Games. phere,” says Chisholm. Blackthorn and Bob Collins. For the second time, a fusion of cul- As far back as Roman times, there is “We still need to find a place to host mention of such games in Scotland. our Scottish heavy events; however, tures, mixing Scottish Highland danc- our focus right now is on a successful ing with Punjabi Bhangra dancing and History tells us that in the year 844 2018 Games in June.” Japanese Taiko drumming will also be Kenneth MacAlpine, King of Scots, presented. organized a three day games to keep 2018 BC Highland Games “We live in a vibrant cultural area, and his army occupied while awaiting fa- The 2018 Games kick off Friday as the original immigrants to this coun- vourable omens before joining battle evening, June 15 with two events on try, the Scots are extending their fa- with the Picts for final control of the the field at Percy Perry Stadium. mous hospitality to various cultures, PHOTO: Blair Howard Photography land of Dalriada. ANOTHER hugely popular competition is the Highland dancing to come to the Games, fuse their mu- Kenneth won his battle and, in due The Open pìobaireachd (classical mu- sic and dance with Scottish music and championships. The 2018 BC Highland Games & City of Van- sic of the pipes) competition, attract- course, the name of the land was dance, and present a truly Canadian couver Championship & West Coast Open Premiership is or- changed to Scotland. ing the top level pipers from around performance,” says Chisholm. ganized and run by the BC Highland Dancing Association. This the Pacific Northwest starts at 5 PM. Hence, it may be said that the Scottish Last year a video of the Shot of Scotch competition attracts dancers of all levels from all over Canada And for the first time, a Friday night and the United States. Highland Games are at least three days Highland Dancers and the Royal Acad- older than the nation of Scotland it- “Kick Off Ceilidh Beer Garden” fea- emy of Bhangra at the BC Highland turing live music from Whistler’s Celtic self. Games was posted on YouTube and also thankful to RE/MAX for continu- “We employed Green Chair Recycling musicians Ruckus Deluxe will be held Later, Malcolm Canmore, who reigned as of May had been viewed more than ing their support of the BC Highland to handle all our waste and recycling. in the beer garden on the east side of from 1058 to 1093, held regular games one million times around the world and Games & Scottish Festival. And the result was amazing.” the field. to select the strongest and fastest Scots shared 16,000 times. The company has stepped up their “We moved the beer garden to a new In 2017, workers and volunteers col- for his elite personal guard, and in This year, Shot of Scotch will do a involvement this year to gold level sta- lected 100 per cent of the waste from 1314 a small village in Scotland held a location last year, and it was a huge repeat performance with the Royal tus, and the support from local com- success. The place was hopping all day the Games, and by Saturday evening, games to celebrate Robert the Bruce’s Academy of Bhangra, and are adding a panies like this help to ensure the had diverted 92.3 per cent of waste victory at Bannockburn and claims to Saturday, and in fact, people were lin- fusion dance with a Japanese taiko Games continue to grow, thrive and be ing up to get in before opening. from the landfill. have held these every year since with- drumming group. a popular destination for families. out interuption. This was all recycled or composted, The views of the Games and the heavy “We are thankful to the BC Arts Coun- The City of Coquitlam, through its event competitions were fantastic and with a mere 7.7 percent of waste going Over the centuries, as Scots spread cil for their support of these innova- Spirit Grants, and the BC Government, to the landfill. Green Chair will be back across the globe, they carried the games it was the perfect Highland Games beer tive and truly Canadian dance experi- through the lottery grants, are also key garden,” says Chisholm. in 2018, ensuring that the festival site with them and many parts of the world ences,” says Chisholm. “And hope- partners in the Games. is left in pristine condition with no now boast a long history of annual Ruckus Deluxe will be the live enter- fully we will see many more in years “One of the great successes from last impact on the environment. Highland Gatherings. North America tainment in the beer garden on Friday to come.” has become one of the staunchest fol- year was the greening of the Games,” The 2018 Games will also feature some night and Saturday afternoon. Tickets The volunteer-run games committee is says Chisholm. lowers of the tradition. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 11 Welsh Society welcome visitors from People’s Collection Wales By EIFION WILLIAMS tribute digital objects relating to Wales VANCOUVER – On Sunday, April 22, to a huge, interactive database. a group of Welsh Society members met in the Cambrian Hall’s Red Dragon Users are trained to navigate the site with three representatives of People’s so that they can easily contribute pho- Collection Wales (Casgliad y Werin tographs, diary pages, video and sound Cymru). clips, and even 3-D objects. By EIFION The items are then grouped into col- People’s Collection Wales describes WILLIAMS itself in its website as “a contempo- lections that can be accessed by any- rary, interactive and bilingual online ex- one. perience dedicated to the history of The presentations generated much in- Wales and its people.” terest among the Welsh Society mem- Its aim is to chart the history of Wales bers present, many of whom have writ- through reminiscences, photographs, ten about and collected memorabilia on videos and other memorabilia submit- the Welsh heritage in Vancouver and ted by individuals and groups in Wales elsewhere in North America. and overseas. President Lynn Owens-Whalen, who is keenly interested in all matters re- The three presenters at the Cambrian Hall, Tom Pert, Dafydd James and lating to her Welsh heritage and Welsh Mike Jones, represented the three in- history, was presented with a plaque commemorating the presentation by the stitutions behind the project – The National Library of Wales, the National visiting team. Museum of Wales and the Royal Com- People of Welsh heritage in Wales or mission on the Ancient and Historical abroad are encouraged to submit their Monuments of Wales. stories and other materials to what The group was in Vancouver to attend promises to be a vast and permanent an International Museums Conference collection of digital articles relating to PRESIDENT of the Vancouver Welsh history and culture. at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Cen- Welsh Society Lynn Owens- tre. Whalen with the Casgliad y More information on the project can The three presenters explained to the Werin plaque presented by the be found on the People’s Collection audience how the site is designed to People’s Collection Wales Wales website at: www.peoplescollection.wales. allow users to discover, share and con- group. Another Successful Welsh Society Spring Sale By EIFION WILLIAMS VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Welsh Society’s annual spring sale was held at the Cambrian Hall on Saturday, April 21. As in previous years, the event at- tracted a large number of buyers, some of whom waited outside the hall for the 10 AM opening. For the first hour the hall was packed with people checking out the items on display and sales were brisk. As in past years, one of the busiest tables was the home-made baking and preserves table, with many customers from previous years returning to buy Welsh fare such as bara brith and the ever-popular Welsh cakes. THREE WOMEN dressed in traditional Welsh costumes in the Other items for sale included Red Lion tea room at the spring sale – (L-R) Heather Davies, collectibles, china, books, children’s Pat Morris and Mary Lewis.One of the busiest tables at the wear, toys, and electronic goods. sale is the home-made baking and preserves table, with many customers from previous years returning to buy Welsh fare such Also popular was the silent auction, as bara brith and the ever-popular Welsh cakes. in which prospective buyers could write offers on more valuable items donated by over 30 organizations, com- panies or individuals. The annual spring sale is also a social event for the sale’s volunteer workers and customers, many of whom took advantage of the tea room set up in the lower hall’s Red Dragon to enjoy home-made cakes and sandwiches. The annual spring sale is organized by members of the Welsh Society’s social committee. Organizer Gillian Rogers was pleased with the success of this year’s sale, especially with the response from Welsh Society members and the pub- lic at large. The number of donated items to the silent auction far exceeded expectations THE ANNUAL Vancouver Welsh Society spring sale again at- and the money raised by the spring tracted a large number of buyers, some of whom waited outside sale exceeded that of last year. the hall for the 10 AM opening. PAGE 12 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 Forty Years and Counting for the Prince George Celtic Club By CAROLYN KELLY In November, 2017, members of the Prince George Celtic Club gathered for their annual Christmas dinner. This year’s event also remembered the local club’s 40 years of activity in the Prince George area, and featured a slide show of photos taken at various events over the years. Originally formed by a group of Irish immigrants to this central British Co- lumbia city, wishing to feel closer to MEMBERS of the Fraser Valley Gaels GAA Club at the home by gathering to sing, play tunes, Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club on March 17 – (L-R) Chris share literary offerings, dance, and O’Connor, Peter Agnew, Vinnie Crowley, Renee Agnew, Denis share the craic, the club now includes Ryan and James Woods. people from Scotland, Isle of Mann, Wales, and North American Celts. A READING by Prince George Celtic Club members at Wake The number of members goes up and Up Jakes in Barkerville on Bloomsday – a commemoration and down, but there has always existed a celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce, during which Looking ahead after core of dedicated people who have the events of his novel Ulysses are relived on June 16. made sure that there are club nights once a month from September through a great St. Patrick’s Day April, featuring the different nations, By DEIRDRE O’RUAIRC joy an up-and-coming Celtic band as well as special events of celebration ‘Happy Hour’. during the year. Secretary, Irish Club of White Rock In August the Irish Club of White Rock Club members and friends join the WHITE ROCK, B.C. – This will hold their annual summer picnic – Celtic Clan team during the Relay for date to be confirmed. Life each spring, and dress up in Ed- month we cannot say hello from wardian garb for a Bloomsday event in sunny White Rock as we have The Irish Club of White Rock part- June, which has been held in ners with the Fraser Valley Gaels GAA Barkerville/Wells over the past several had nothing but rain all of April. Club for many events. Hopefully, the sun will arrive for years. In December there are the Congratulations to the Fraser Valley Men’s Night and Women’s Night gath- May and June and in time for a Gaels on winning the St. Patrick’s Day erings. visit to our picturesque commu- Tournament and we wish their new During the years when many of our nity by the sea. executive the very best in the coming now grown children were young, we ST. PATRICK’S DAY gathering at the Bridget Moran statue. year. organized picnics, sleigh rides, and [Bridget Moran, née Drugan, 1923-1999, was born in Enniskillen, Located just a short distance east of Vancouver, White Rock has a large The Fraser Valley Gaels, who were the Christmas parties. Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and was a prominent social 2017 North American Intermediate worker, activist and author in British Columbia. She consist- Irish community and a great Irish club For the adults in the club, there were which extends a very warm welcome football champions, will host the 2018 those amazing Medieval Night events, ently fought on behalf of the weak and underprivileged, produc- to both visitors and newcomers. Western Canadian Championships at with everyone dressing up in what- ing several important biographies of Aboriginals. In 2003, the the Burnaby Lake Rugby club on the ever costuming they could dream up, City of Prince George approved an initiative to erect a statue of In March, the Irish Club of White Rock August long weekend. and our very own club member, her that was created by Nathan Scott of Living Stone Studio.] had a very successful St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance at the Hazelmere Golf Irish Club of White Rock members will George, making a honey mead for liba- volunteer and provide support to the tions. and Tennis Club. It was a sold out event with over 140 people in attend- Fraser Valley Gaels with this event. For several years the PG Celtic Club ance. If you plan to visit White Rock, there worked in conjunction with other lo- Many thanks to the Hazelmere and is always an Irish gathering about 10- cal organizations to put on events like 10:30 AM every morning at Tim the Gathering of the Clans and Robbie staff, Brian Nichols and friends for nd th providing great dance music for the Horton’s on 152 Street/17 Avenue Burns dinners. St. Patrick’s Day is al- with lively discussion on world events ways celebrated. evening, and DJ Robbie Greville who closed the night with a great selection and events happening in Ireland. Al- Before technology and social media of Irish music. ways a welcome at the table. brought the Celtic cultures right to Thank you also to the De Dannan For over 30 years, the Irish have been people’s homes via computers and cell gathering in White Rock, and in Febru- phones, the members of the PG Celtic School of Irish Dance, they started the night with a wonderful show. ary 2004 the Irish Club of White Rock Club brought concerts to this city. became official with its first president We were treated to performances from The Irish Club of White Rock held its Brendan Hamill. artists such as the Chieftains, North annual general meeting on May 9 at the Elks Hall on George Street in If you are new to White Rock, you are Sea Gas, Capercaillie, Dick Gaughan, very welcome. Please contact us and The Fureys, Tommy Sands, Phil Coul- White Rock. MEMBERS gathered for a club night in Prince George. join our next event. ter, Eric Bogle, Natalie McMaster, and Upcoming events include a pub night • others. loss, and they have formed a unique to keeping the cultures of the Celtic social at 7:30 PM on Saturday, May Contact information: president Sharon Local thespians have produced, di- bond of “family away from family” nations thriving in these many ways, 19 at the Artful Dodger Pub at 2364 - Woods (Galway) at (604) 338-3553, th rected, and acted in theatrical presen- over the years. the Prince George Celtic Club will con- 200 Street Langley. or secretary Deirdre O’Ruairc (Dublin) at 604-803-0773. Check out and like tations such as The Field, The tinue to share its gifts in our area for Everyone is invited to come out to As long as there are people dedicated our Facebook page and share. Donoghue Sisters, The Black Pig’s many more years. White Rock/South Surrey area and en- Dyck, The Weir, and they continue to find and produce works by various Celtic playwrights. The Ireland Canada The club has been the venue in which some local Celtic musicians met and Monument Society AGM formed groups like Kilmore Crack, Out VANCOUVER – The Ireland Canada Monument Society has an- of Alba, and Clann Cara, all sharing nounced their annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, May their talents on local and regional stages. 29, 7-9 PM at St. Vincent’s Cafe at St. Patrick’s Parish Vancouver BC 2881 Main Street, Vancouver, B.C. Everyone is welcome. Scots Gaelic language specialist, musi- cian, and club member, Andrew MEMBERS of the McFayden, not only shares Scots Ireland Canada Gaelic tunes on club nights, but teaches Monument Society the language, and for several years, has hosted a local radio program on CFUR, at the monument called Celtic Fire, which features songs site – Teresa and tunes by local, national, and inter- McDonnell, director, national Celtic artists. Esther North, THE NEXT GENERATION of young Irish-Canadians at the Irish website designer, The members and friends of the club Club of White Rock St. Patrick’s event – (L-R) Aoife Woods, have shown great support to each other and Claire Fox, Yvonne Eviston, Siobhan Harrington Coopman, Suzanne Eviston, in times of celebration as well as in director. Sinead O’Ruairc Hibbert, and Aisling O’Ruairc Towson. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 13 Philadelphia: Original manuscript of James Joyce’s Ulysses housed at the Rosenbach Museum & Library omewhere in the back of my mind, I kept thinking of the Brian Friel play Philadel- phia Here I Come during my recent visit S to that city. By MARIE BRUCE I was there in March for the world- THE ROSENBACH Museum famous garden show which has and Library in Philadelphia is been on my bucket list for years. housed in the 1860s townhouse This year’s show was called ‘Wonders owned by the Rosenbach fam- of Water’ and it was held in the vast ily. Located in the heart of the convention center in the center of Rittenhouse-Fitler historic dis- Philly. trict in Center City Philadelphia. Of course, it was marvelous and full of innovation with many display gar- dens, including a tropical rain forest, and all things new and exciting in the MARIE BRUCE at the gardening world. Gardeners travel Philadelphia flower show. from all over the States and beyond to this show. My five days flew by and I would I had five days in Philly to enjoy all loved to have spent much longer in the tourist sites – and there were more Philly, it was a complete surprise to than enough museums, gardens, and me. PHILADELPHIA CITY HALL theaters to keep me on the go. I barely scratched the surface of what was designed by Scottish-born Philadelphia is a beautifully laid out it has to offer with heritage buildings, architect John McArthur Jr. and historic city attributed to the English arts and theater, bike paths, gardens, Thomas Ustick Walter and was Quaker William Penn. He was given and easy access to the countryside. constructed from 1871-1901 at the land in the 1600s and set about Philadelphia is a wonderful and inter- a cost of $24 million. With al- building this city on the grid system esting historic city, I highly recommend most 700 rooms, it is the with four main squares. it to anyone interested in art, Ameri- world’s largest municipal build- It is a walking city with so much to can history and gardens. ing. see and admire – so much public art, historic churches, art galleries and no- table buildings. I was amazed to discover that the origi- St. Patrick’s Day at the nal copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses found a home in Philadelphia at the Rosenbach Museum and library. Edmonton Irish Centre I spent a very happy morning in this EDMONTON – St. Patrick’s Day live from Ireland. museum on a guided tour learning 2018 was a great success at the Irish Centre. Over the course of the day, hundreds about the history and how this world- of people came through the Irish Cen- famous collection of rare and first edi- There were crowds all day enjoying tre to enjoy food and a few pints. A tion books came to be housed in Phila- entertainment by local Irish dance tent was set up in the back to give delphia. schools, three showbands, and, of members and guests more room to cel- Back to Ulysses, there were a few pages course, the GAA club finals broadcast ebrate. – Kimberly Budd on display under glass but the books are only shown to the public on Bloomsday – the 16th of June – which is celebrated every year. Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States – it was here where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Ben Franklin lived and reinvented him- self here many times and he is much loved and remembered for the Renais- sance man that he was. The Barnes Foundation houses one of the world’s finest art collections. To list just a few in the collection – 69 Cezannes, 181 works by Renoir, 47 RAY HAMILTON, Frank Byrne, Bill Senior, and Martin Doyle Picassos and many more – a treasure pictured at the Edmonton Irish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day. trove of Impressionist art. The massive Catholic Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul welcomed Pope Francis in 2015, it is said to be the third largest Catholic church in the USA. One of its side altars features St. Patrick adorned with Celtic symbols. There are over 70 colleges and univer- sities in Philly, which adds to the at- mosphere and vibrancy of daily life. I noticed Irish pubs galore, coffee houses, restaurants and food carts eve- rywhere. I tried the famous Philly cheese steak on a bun smothered in fried onions and cheese of choice – it is a local delicacy and a bit messy to PICTURED inside the large tent set up outside the Irish Centre eat out of hand but delicious. – (L-R) Dave Devaney, Cindy Hamilton, Shawn Harley, Paddy McCormack, Ray Hamilton, Shannon Haggerty. PAGE 14 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 St. Patrick’s Day in New York: Irish abortion referendum Greener than Shamrock Repeal the eighth Gerry Adams as a man who has, as de hurt by the first, but incensed by the THE VIEW FROM Blasio put it, “in all he has done, ac- ambivalence that de Blasio’s enco- campaign maintains lead IRELAND cepted that a life of fighting for change mium for Adams suggests about the came with peril, came with the threat latter. of violence and the experience of being as Irish are urged to attacked. Apologias for the IRA campaign tend to rely on the lie that there was no “History will remember Gerry Adams alternative to violence. for being one of the people who did come ‘Home To Vote’ something truly heroic and truly revo- Yet there was. DUBLIN – Ireland goes to the determined to get to the bottom of this.” lutionary, [Adams] found a path of In Ed Moloney’s essential study of polls on Friday, May 25 to vote By peace so many are alive today because The scandal piles pressure on the Min- the organization, A Secret History of ister for Health Simon Harris, who is MAURICE of that.” the IRA, an IRA volunteer admits that in a referendum that could end FITZPATRICK the country’s ban on abortion. advocating a ‘Yes’ vote in the referen- Secondly, many people who took a in sabotaging the 1973-74 power-shar- dum, and will be responsible for intro- stance against the IRA, both in Ireland ing Executive in Northern Ireland the ducing abortion legislation if it passes. IRA wanted to “make our presence Voters will be asked if they want to NEW YORK – There was and elsewhere, paid a hefty price for repeal the eighth amendment of the so doing and their efforts are com- felt as a force without which there Presbyterian and Catholic something hidden in the sham- could be no solution which was not to country’s constitution, which recog- Church urge ‘No’ vote pletely ignored in the mayoral state- nizes the equal right to life of both rock this St. Patrick’s Day in our liking.” The Presbyterian Church in Ireland ment. mother and unborn child, effectively New York City. For 257 years An Phoblacht, the IRA’s media mouth- has come out in support of a ‘no’ vote the New York Irish have cel- During the Troubles de Blasio’s com- banning terminations for any reason. in the upcoming referendum. ments would have constituted a dis- piece, excoriated Northern National- ebrated our patron saint in grand ist politicians such as John Hume and This amendment has been in place In a letter read out at Sunday services, missal of those who sought to remedy since 1983, and the campaign to repeal manner. the injustices of Northern Ireland Gerry Fitt for taking their seats in the the church said the Irish Government’s 1973-74 power-sharing Executive. it has rapidly picked up steam in re- proposed changes to abortion law are They have proudly marched up Fifth through constitutional means, posi- cent years, spurred on by cases such tioning de Blasio with such politicians But Hume and others were putting into “regressive, incompatible with human Avenue (and, the old joke goes, stum- as the death of Savita Halappanavar in dignity and morally unacceptable.” bled down Third). That has been done as Mario Biaggi (Congressman for New practice a politics that it took Adams 2012. in honour of Patrick, a unifying figure York from 1969 to 1988). and his colleagues decades to adopt Only about 0.5 percent of people in whose legacy to bring people together while innocents continued to suffer and If the amendment is repealed, it will the Republic of Ireland belong to the The impact of senior politicians in the allow for the Irish Government to leg- in celebration and mutual acceptance U.S. advocating extreme views in the die. church. The Catholic Church – to is matchless. islate on abortion as they see fit, most which almost 80 percent of the popu- Troubles validated violence, in the eyes Hume’s statement after the fall of the likely up to 12 weeks. of some, and thickened the stream of Executive in May 1974, brought on lation belongs – also opposes repeal- The Mayor of New York City, alert to ing the eighth, and advocates for a pro- the political value of aligning himself funds to fill IRA coffers. by a mixture of Unionist and Republi- The two biggest parties in the coun- try, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are al- life stance. with this tradition, did so in spectacu- Today, lionising Adams (who was, it can strong-armed tactics, is therefore lar fashion on March 17, 2018. increasingly important to recall: lowing members to take a free posi- ‘Home To Vote’ is widely believed, both chief of staff tion on the issue, while Sinn Fein and He made this declaration to Gerry of the Provisional IRA and a member “The only way to solve the problems Labour are officially backing a ‘Yes’ campaign launched Adams: “I, Bill de Blasio, Mayor of of the IRA army council) picks up that of Northern Ireland is not through con- vote. One of the most remarkable memories the City of New York, do hereby pro- thread of validation of IRA violence, flict of the different sections of our most people have of the same sex mar- claim March 17, 2018 in the city of something that is very damaging both people, but through partnership. The referendum comes as voters in the riage referendum in 2015 was the New York as Gerry Adams Day.” to a clear-headed Nationalist interpre- traditionally Roman Catholic and so- ‘Home To Vote’ campaign. tation of recent Irish history and to “It would now appear that the repre- cially conservative country have It encouraged people from the Irish The event at Gracie Mansions was at- the prospect of retaining the trust of sentatives of a majority of people in shown increasingly liberal attitudes. diaspora around the world to come tended by, among others, the taoiseach, Unionists in the impartiality of politi- Northern Ireland have rejected that But the campaign has been highly di- home and use their vote, to help de- who congratulated Adams. cal America on the Irish Question. concept. I think that is a tragedy.” visive and accompanied by fears of foreign influence. liver marriage equality. If the re-designation of St. Patrick’s While “Adams Day” was in full swing, The long road to return to power-shar- On the day itself, the sight of large Day was not opposed by the taoiseach Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine saw ing in Northern Ireland was far from Cervical cancer scandal groups getting on ferries and planes to in New York, it certainly was back fit to retweet a post from the anony- heroic or revolutionary: it was a litany engulfs Irish Government travel home – largely to vote ‘Yes’ – home. mous twitter handle, @rnerrionstreet, of tragedy. Just weeks before the referendum, a was a moving image for many, and which characterized Brian Stack as “a Austin Stack, whose father, a former Bill de Blasio might do the memory of major political scandal regarding wom- showed the solidarity of the Irish na- sadist prison officer.” prison officer, Brian Stack, was mur- victims of a generation of violence the en’s health is also causing shock waves tion, with most travelling from the UK, dered by the IRA, publicly demanded Devine was suspended by Sinn Féin courtesy to consider the facts before around the country. but others coming from as far afield as his next proclamation. that de Blasio dedicate next year’s St. for re-tweeting the slur. While re- It has emerged that over 200 women Canada, the United States and New • Patrick’s Day to victims of IRA atroci- tweeting a calumny about a dead man who were diagnosed with cervical can- Zealand. ties. is callous, ordering executions as part Maurice Fitzpatrick’s latest film, John Hume in America, and his book, From cer in recent years should have received Now, a campaign is urging people to of a guerrilla campaign is a crime. De Blasio’s proclamation was so egre- Derry to DC: John Hume in America, earlier intervention, and that 17 of do the same to repeal the eighth. gious that he managed that rare feat of Families of victims have been deeply are on release. those affected have since died. A London-based group have released a uniting people in Northern Ireland, if The government has agreed to launch only in condemnation. video, calling on citizens abroad to an investigation looking at all women make the trip home on the day. UUP MLA Steve Aiken characterized diagnosed with cervical cancer over the it as an attempt to rewrite history. past decade. The video says, “On the 25th of May Apple ‘to pay 13 billion euro we’re getting a once in a generation The presentation of a proclamation to Addressing the issue in the Dail, chance to make Ireland a fairer, safer Gerry Adams by the Mayor of New Irish tax bill this year’ Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, “This place for women. Let’s do it together. country is one that hasn’t always York was a kick in the teeth for the DUBLIN – Apple’s 13 billion euro The Bank of New York Mellon, Lon- Come home to vote yes to repeal the treated women very well – so I am victims of terrorism, it brings shame Irish tax bill will be paid this year, Ire- don branch, Amundi, BlackRock In- 8th Amendment.” on the office which he holds and it is land’s finance minister said. vestment Management (UK) Limited an insult to the law-abiding majority and Goldman Sachs Asset Manage- on these islands who celebrate the day. Paschal Donohoe said he expected the ment International have been selected recovery of funds to be completed in Wouldn’t it be ironic if something so as preferred tenderers for the provi- the coming months after signing a de- sion of services related to the money. Taoiseach Varadkar gives partisan as “Adams Day” succeeded tailed legal agreement on the refund of in eliciting a bipartisan letter, co-signed what the EU alleges is state aid from Ireland’s open economy is based on by engaged people on both sides of the technology giant. using low corporate taxation among October deadline the border, which demands that the other incentives to attract multination- Irish Government clarify its position The European Commission said in als. In Apple’s case it was significantly for Brexit Irish border issue on de Blasio’s proclamation? 2016 that the multinational had re- below the standard 12.5 percent im- BRUSSELS – A withdrawal treaty including any Irish border deal will have to ceived unfair tax incentives from the posed on income. That would constitute an occasion to Republic and ordered it to pay back be agreed by October, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned. revisit the occurrence, and to do so taxes to the state. The Irish Government opposes any He spoke to reporters as he arrived at a European Council meeting of state would benefit the government in sev- effort to force it to change its taxation leaders in Brussels on April 22. eral ways. Ireland had given Apple an effective practices, which have seen the world’s one percent corporation tax. He said the deadline was necessary to allow time for UK and European parlia- De Blasio’s implicit unwillingness to top financial and technology firms set ments to ratify arrangements before Brexit next year. acknowledge the people who are dead Apple and the Irish Government are up base in Dublin. because of the IRA’s campaign to unite appealing the Commission’s ruling on Minister Donohoe reiterated his gov- Varadkar also reiterated his firm stance on the importance of the backstop the grounds that the tax treatment did Ireland at the point of a gun, while glo- ernment’s fundamental disagreement arrangement in which Northern Ireland would continue to follow EU regula- rifying a terrorist campaign sustained not break Irish or EU law. with the Commission’s Apple deci- tions which affect the island if no other solution is found. over 30 years, is a farrago of deceit. The money will be held in an escrow sion. But he said that was not his preferred option. The Irish Government should be un- account meaning the proceeds cannot He added, “However, as committed “So the way it can be changed is for us to develop option A, which is a really ambiguous about that. be released until there has been a final members of the European Union, Ire- determination in the European courts close trading relationship between the UK and the EU, so close that many of The government should take distance land is intent on complying with our the things that are in the backstop may become unnecessary, if that makes over the validity of the Commission’s binding legal obligations in this regard.” from any proclamation that upholds decision. sense,” he said. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 15 Taoiseach marches alongside partner in St. Patrick’s parade in New York NEW YORK – Taoiseach Leo Varadkar walked in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day pa- rade alongside his partner Matt Barrett. Up until recently, LGBT groups were banned from marching in the parade and Varadkar said that the changes showed signs of progress and diver- sity. “Only a few years ago people couldn’t march under the rainbow banner, but that has all changed,” Varadkar said. “Ireland has embraced diversity and TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett at the inclusiveness, and certainly Irish 2018 St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. America in New York embraces that too.” Varadkar said being in NYC on St. their Irish connections. Patrick’s Day had given him a sense of Prior to the change, NYC Mayor Bill how strong the Irish community is in He also said that on a personal level it de Blasio boycotted the parade in pro- the city and how proud people are of was a pleasure to be taking part with test. his partner. Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Chasing Wellness By COLETTE MANDIN evaporated and all of my symptoms I am 62 years old and yet it was returned. only a few years ago that I These symptoms which I get include found out that I was born with a gastric discomforts; sore joints, espe- genetic disorder – Hereditary cially the large knuckle of my right in- dex finger; sleep disturbances includ- Hemochromatosis (aka the ing night time headaches and night- Celtic Curse). I have been on a mares; low energy and mood; dry learning curve ever since. mouth and eyes; hair loss; and intoler- ance to hot/cold. In 2010, I was commuting home from work with my husband when, very I am with a new family doctor and we suddenly, I felt discomfort in my chest. COLETTE MANDIN are learning how important monitor- ing transferrin saturation is at this It went up my arms and I had an elec- stage. tric feeling up my spine and skull. We “It became painfully drove to the hospital thinking I was I am currently on a three month recall having a heart attack. clear to me that my via donations to Canadian Blood Serv- ices. Many tests and hours later, a physi- mother’s long illness cian told me that my heart seemed fine My doctor would like to see the re- but that he was puzzled by my symp- and death by liver sults of this schedule by performing toms – they seemed to be neurologi- my iron studies prior to each phle- cal. cancer may well have botomy. He told me that if this happened in been undiagnosed I agreed to experiment with this sched- another 10 days to come back. It did. ule, although I do feel tentative going Hemochromatosis.” for three months between phleboto- Back I went and after another exami- mies since my previous experience at nation and a follow up referral to a my family doctor discovered that de- this same interval led to me feeling so cardiologist, it seemed my heart was spite my ferritin being monitored and unwell. doing fine. But I had no answers....what within a normal reference at 124 ng/ was going on? I am sharing my experience because it mL, my transferrin saturation was is clear to me that not all people with Time went on with a stream of weird back up to 82 percent! I was not feel- Hereditary Hemochromatosis manifest symptoms like low energy, acute ver- ing great. it in the same way. tigo, acute gastritis. I thought, “This I went for a few extra phlebotomies to post-menopause stuff is awful!” There seem to be inconsistencies in the lower that number, then onto a recall knowledge and treatment of the disor- In 2012, my family doctor did some of every second month. der. While I am grateful that I was di- iron studies and discovered my ferri- After a few months, I was feeling so agnosed in 2012, we still struggle to tin was 700 ng/mL and my transferrin much better. My ferritin was dropping figure out what my treatment norms saturation was 97 percent. as was my saturation (47 percent) and should be. I feel like I am on a roller She ordered a DNA test and it con- I finally felt well again. coaster, with no turn-off switch, chas- ing wellness. firmed I was a C282Y homozygote and For about a year I donated blood at had Hereditary Hemochromatosis. • Canadian Blood Services every two One in 300 Canadians mainly of north- I saw a genetic counsellor who ex- months and became symptom free. ern European descent are at risk for hemochromatosis. Most are unaware plained it and gave me information My fitness increased as my energy about what I should tell my family. of the condition. The Canadian climbed. I thought the solution was Hemochromatosis Society’s mission is It became painfully clear to me that found! I was so excited. to promote the early diagnosis, screen- my mother’s long illness and death by In June 2017, I got a call from the ing and testing of Hereditary liver cancer may well have been undi- hematologist’s office ordering a stop Hemochromatosis through its aware- agnosed Hemochromatosis. to the phlebotomies for six-12 months ness-raising programs in medical com- Under the supervision of a because my ferritin was at 9 ng/mL. munities and with those at risk, to see an end to suffering and premature hematologist, I started with regular I booked an appointment to see him death related to the disorder. phlebotomies every 10 days at a medi- and he was surprised at how healthy cal IV clinic. Please support this mission with a and fit I was – I was walking, cycling, donation to the Canadian By May 2013, my ferritin was down doing yoga. Hemochromatosis Society, 285 – 7000 to 51 ng/mL and I was put on a three- However, as the time passed without Minoru Blvd., Richmond, BC V6Y 3Z5. four month recall. a phlebotomy, I watched with dismay More information can be found at I followed this recall until 2015 when as my energy and wellness slowly www.toomuchiron.ca/celtic. PAGE 16 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 SEATTLE IRISH NEWS

PASSINGS perform in center field about 30 • Margaret Mary McSweeney Cornell minutes before the game which starts (82), a native of England who grew at 7:10 PM. up partly in Ireland, died in Seattle April Reduced price tickets ($34 view level 22; or $44 main level) and a free Irish Night • Sr. Ellen Caldwell, CSJP, a native of Mariners’ Cap – available online only – Co. Cavan who celebrated her 100th at: mariners.com/Irish, or call (253) birthday in November, died in Bellevue By 237-2811. April 5; JOHN KEANE 2018 LAW FELLOW – Tara Casey from • Sr. Camillus Elliott, CSJP (99), a native Bray, Co. Wicklow, a final year law of Co. Carlow, died in Bellevue April 2; MAY 28 MEMORIAL DAY MASS – An student at University College Dublin, is this year’s Thomas Addis Emmet Fellow • Kenneth Cooper (65), son of the open-air Memorial Day Mass will be who will be working in Seattle for two Seattle area’s Alice and John, and celebrated at the Seattle area’s Irish months this summer at the Appleseed father of Keely, died suddenly in Pioneer Cemetery, St. Patrick Cemetery GALWAY MAYOR Pearce HONORARY PARADE Grand Foundation. California February 24; in Kent, at 10:30 AM on Monday, May Flannery and St. Patrick, aka Marshal Bruce Cosacchi fol- 28. Founded in 1997, the law fellowship Tom Keefe at Seattle’s Irish lowing Seattle’s St. Patrick’s • Marty Owens (72), a native of program is named for a hero of Week Proclamation luncheon. Day Parade. Limerick, died February 24 in The four-and-a-half acre cemetery is Ireland’s 1798 United Irishmen University Place; located one mile east of I-5 on Orillia Road at 204th Street, just east of Sea- rebellion. • Seamus Healy (84), a native of Co. Tac Airport. Sponsored by the UW and Ireland’s Roscommon, died in Walla Walla Free Legal Advice Centers, the February 7; Founded by Limerick-man Richard O’Connell in 1880, the cemetery is the fellowship program is supported by • Margaret Gardner (90), the mother resting place for numerous Irish-born Seattle’s Irish Heritage Club. of Irish Network Seattle’s Aly Gardner- Seattle Pioneers who survived the PLANE PURCHASES – Ireland’s low Shelby, died in Dublin February 5; Famine and they are especially cost air carrier Ryanair announced in • Eamon Moran (62), a native of Co. remembered on Memorial Day in April that it will purchase an additional Roscommon and brother of Seattle’s addition to remembering those who 25 Boeing 737s, at a list value of $3 Mike Moran, died suddenly in Seattle have given their lives in service to this billion. January 28; country. This brings to 500 the number of • Brendan Gallagher (89), a native of All are welcome but bring a lawn chair! Boeing jets in Ryanair’s fleet, all of Achill Island, Co. Mayo, husband of For information, contact (253) 237- which were built in the Seattle area. Diane and a Seattle-area resident 2811. Ireland is Washington’s fourth largest since 1952, died in Tacoma January JUNE 23 SENIORS’ LUNCHEON – All European export market, with exports JANE SEPEDE and Washing- FRANK AND MARY Shriane 13; Irish seniors and spouses and friends totaling $2 billion in 2016. ton State Attorney General Bob celebrated their 50th wedding • Michael Byrne (74), father of – those of Irish birth, Irish descent or Ferguson, the St. Patrick’s anniversary on April 27. For SEATTLE-DUBLIN DIRECT – Aer Seattle’s Dave Byrne, died in Wexford Irish connections – are invited to the Day Parade Grand Marshal at which for over 30 years was a Lingus starts their new Seattle to on January 21 following a long battle Irish seniors’ luncheon on Saturday, Seattle’s 2018 Irish Week center for Seattle’s Irish com- Dublin direct route on May 18 and Irish with Parkinson’s. June 23, at Assumption Church Hall, Proclamation luncheon. munity activities. 6201 33rd Avenue NE, 8-10 blocks community organizations in Seattle Ar dheis Dé go raibh north of University Village Mall. have been credited in the media with a h-anam dílis helping bring about the new route. May their faithful souls rest The lunch is $10 pp ($20 non-seniors). Sea-Tac Airport’s calculations show at God’s right hand Reservations are requested to (253) 237-2811. that each new route adds between IRISH FIDDLE CONCERT – Seattle $75 million and $100 million to the local Folklore Society presents in concert JULY 1 IRISH RACES – Irish Day at economy. traditional Irish fiddler Gerry O’Connor the Races at Emerald Downs is Incentives are usually offered to with accomplished guitar accompanist Sunday, July 1 at the racetrack in encourage new routes, for example, Richard Mandel, on Saturday, May 19, Auburn. Aer Lingus will receive about $1 million 7:30 PM at the Phinney Center in Coupons for free admissions and free in incentives from Sea-Tac and the Seattle. race programs will be mailed upon community, while the airport will also Gerry is a many times All Ireland title request. Call with your name and temporarily waive landing fees, etc. winner, and a four-time Féile Oriel address to (253) 237-2811. In 2016, a total of 35,189 passengers winner who has played with legendary Irish Day features thoroughbred racing flew between Sea-Tac Airport and bands such as Planxty, Bothy Band, IRISH ATTORNEY GENERAL Séamus Woulfe speaking at with Irish music, stepdancers, free kids Dublin, approximately 23,460 outbound De Dannan, and the Chieftains. activities (pony rides, inflatable slide, Seattle’s 2018 Irish Week Proclamation luncheon with Seattle to Dublin and 11,730 inbound to Seattle. Mayor Jenny Durkan seated at left, and MC Kip Toner at right. Richard has performed with numerous face painters, etc.). For reserved seating or dining reservations, or for The new flights, four times weekly, are well-known Irish artists such as Paddy Our guests from Ireland – Attorney truck, that’s a CRH-owned company. more information on Emerald Downs, expected to sharply increase those Keenan, Mick Moloney, and Jimmy General Séamus Woulfe and his wife If you buy paving stones at Lowe’s call (253) 288-7711. numbers. Keane. Tickets at Brown Paper Sheena Hickey, Galway Mayor Pearce Hardware, they were probably Tickets. JULY 15 PICNIC – Seattle’s Irish MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIPS – For Flannery and Galway City Director Tom manufactured by a CRH-owned students seeking to apply for one of SIFF IRISH FILMS – The Seattle Community Picnic is noon-6 PM, Connell, and from the DC Irish Embassy company. For more information, visit the 12 available Mitchell Scholarships International Film Festival which runs Sunday, July 15, at Lake Sammamish Joe Gavin and Martina Gavin – all CRH.ie. State Park in Issaquah (exit # 15 off I- for the 2019 academic year, the expressed surprise at the number and May 17 - June 10, has several Irish MISCELLANEOUS 90). application is now online at US- quality of the events celebrating St. films in its lineup. • Congratulations to Frank and Mary IrelandAlliance.org with an application Patrick’ Day in Seattle. Kirkland Opening Night: The Drummer Games and fun for the entire family, deadline of September 28. Shriane who recently celebrated their and The Keeper – A drummer for a and all are welcome. Free hot dogs CRH TOUR – While in Seattle for Irish 50th wedding anniversary with a party Up to 12 scholars will be selected for Dublin rock band who is diagnosed and hamburgers will be provided but Week, Irish Attorney General Séamus at Shawn O’Donnell’s in Everett. bring your own drink and a dessert to one free academic year of post- Woulfe toured the Northwest Oldcastle with bipolar disorder joins a weekend Frank Shriane from Co. Roscommon be shared. graduate study in any discipline and Americas Materials companies’ mixed-ability soccer team and makes married Mary Keating from Co. Carlow offered by an institution of higher new facility in Frederickson, just south fast friends with a 17-year-old with There’s a covered picnic area and in 1968 and they raised three children learning in Ireland. of Puyallup. Asperger’s Syndrome. several BBQ grills if you bring in their Capitol Hill home, which for over The scholarship program provides Zoo – Based on a true story, as the charcoal. The companies are owned by CRH, 30 years was a center for Seattle’s tuition, housing, a cash stipend for Ireland’s largest company which has Irish community activities. Blitzkrieg hits Belfast in 1941, a Hurling game starts at 1 PM followed living expenses, and a travel stipend. 87,000 employees worldwide. teenager and his friends break into by games and fun for the entire family • Ceol Cascadia Irish Music Week is at their zoo to protect a baby elephant. (tug-o-war, sack-races, water balloon IRISH WEEK 2018 – Thanks to all who CRH, whose name began in 1970 as the Evergreen State College in Olympia participated in our Irish Week Making the Grade – Every year over toss, etc.). For details, e-mail: an abbreviation of Cement Roadstone August 5-11. [email protected], or call (253) 237- celebrations in Seattle and especially Holdings, is the largest building 30,000 students prepare for rigorous • The winner of the Irish Festival raffle 2811. to all the volunteers who helped materials company in North America and daunting piano exams in Ireland. who won two return tickets from organize 15 different Irish Week and the second largest building JULY 24 IRISH BASEBALL – Irish Night Seattle to Dublin on Aer Lingus was This documentary explores the bond events which ran from February 18 to materials company in the world. between teachers and pupils, and the at the Seattle Mariners is Tuesday, July March 25. Patrick Hand, while Joseph Lavy won intense musical dedication required to 24, vs. the San Francisco Giants at CRH companies in the state of a week’s stay for two in the Blooming On St. Patrick’s Day, we had the largest make the grade. Seattle’s Safeco Field. Washington directly employ 1,270 Wildflower B&B in Dingle, and Mal crowd ever attend the St. Patrick’s Day workers. Monahan won the Irish Belleek Pottery Watch the Tara Academy Irish Dancers Details at www.siff.net/festival/film- Parade and the Irish Festival plates. guide. and the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums afterwards. If you see the name Oldcastle on a MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 17 Digitized footage of architects of Irish independence now online DUBLIN – Footage of the ar- chitects of Irish independence unseen for a century has been made available online. Easter Rising 1916 leaders Michael ON THE REVIEWING STAND at Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day Collins and Eamon de Valera were Parade – (L-R) Washington State Attorney General and St. among those featured in an Irish Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Bob Ferguson (with his Independence Film Collection young son), Irish Attorney General Séamus Woulfe, Galway which repatriates and digitalizes the Mayor Pearce Flannery, Sheena Hickey, Martina Gavin, Dónal priceless material. McKevitt, and Irish Embassy (DC) official Joe Gavin. The collection was acquired from Brit- ish Pathé and Topical Budget, which was one of the biggest British showreel companies of the silent era. Their archives were “the most repre- PHOTO: Irish Film Institute sentative and covered the broadest OVER 150 films in the Irish Independence Film Collection are period of time”, said IFI director Ross now available for the public to view online, free of charge. Many Keane. of the newsreels had not been viewed since their original broad- Ireland lacked homegrown film-mak- cast in cinemas 100 years ago. ing during the rebellion against British rule, the subsequent War of Independ- land and de Valera visiting Boston in Courts by the Irish Free State Army ence and Civil War. 1919. was also covered. The material also featured the funeral The IFI received funding from Ire- THE ROBERT EAGLE STAFF Middle School marching band The only recordings of these key events were kept abroad, often inac- procession of the founder of Sinn Fein, land’s Department of Culture, Herit- performing in Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. cessible to the public and held in Brit- Arthur Griffith, in Dublin, as well as age and the Gaeltacht to create copies ish archives. Irish crowds welcoming republican of the original newsreels. Countess Constance Markievicz after The Irish Film Institute (IFI) has now her release from prison. Keane said the collection related to one transformed these fragile film prints of the most pivotal periods in Irish into digital copies and centralized them It includes the visits of Queen Victoria history and it was critically important in Ireland for the first time. to Dublin in 1900 and King George V to bring this material back home, gath- and Queen Mary in 1911 as well as ering it all together in the one place They included Collins addressing a the funeral of republican hunger striker and sharing it with the world, free of huge crowd following the signing of Terence MacSwiney in Cork in 1920. charge, on the IFI Player. the treaty which heralded the end of British rule over 26 counties of Ire- The shelling of the historic Four “The value of this moving image mate- rial cannot be overstated,” he said. Bank of America to relocate up to IRISH PRINCESS Nicole Russeff poses with the Seattle Fire- fighters Pipes and Drums before the start of the parade. 125 UK staff to Dublin from July DUBLIN – Bank of America Merrill and other EU sites, and will again be to operate as a branch once the merger Lynch intends to relocate up to 125 made up of both new hires and volun- is complete. UK staff to Dublin as part of its Brexit tary relocations. contingency plans, with affected em- The Wall Street giant confirmed last ployees at risk of redundancy if they Bank of America Merrill Lynch de- year that it had chosen Dublin as its refuse to move to Ireland. tailed its plans in a corporate filing re- post-Brexit EU hub. garding a cross-border merger of its The bank said the “likely” relocations UK and Irish banks, meant to ensure The company currently has 700 staff will impact staff working in control it can continue conducting business and in Dublin and about 6,500 in the UK. and support function roles, including servicing clients in the EU after Brit- Most of its UK staff are based in Lon- finance, risk, compliance, tech and ain leaves the bloc. don, though around 1,000 are based in operations as well as wholesale credit. Its London banking entity is intended Chester, while smaller teams are dot- It added that staff will be moved “pre- ted throughout the country. dominantly” to Ireland, starting in July 2018. JOHN O’BEIRNE, a resident of Vancouver, B.C., was in Seattle The role changes are expected to be along with his family for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. made through a combination of new While watching the parade, one of the assigned reviewing stand hires and “voluntary” relocations of announcers roped John into being an announcer with them. “relevant staff” who will be offered According to organizers, John did a great job sharing the pa- new local contracts. rade announcing duties. Pictured above at the parade (L-R) John But those who fail to accept an offer and Gerrarda O’Beirne with Noreen McCormack. to head to Dublin risk losing their jobs. While Bank of America plans to con- sult affected staff, any employee which “declines an invitation to relocate to Ireland will be considered for suitable alternative employment, failing which they may be made redundant”. Another raft of relocations to other EU offices could follow depending on the outcome of Brexit negotiations, the bank explained. “The precise number (and timing of) the potential second-phase relocations remains under review”, the bank said, adding that it was also subject to dis- cussions with the Central Bank of Ire- land and European Central Bank. ADAM NORBY and Rory Fuhrman, along with Alex and Mark It expects the majority of those roles O’Beirne, accompanied John O’Beirne to the St. Patrick’s Day will head to France, with a smaller Parade in Seattle. number moved to Ireland, Germany PAGE 18 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018 IRISH SPORTING & SOCIAL CLUB Vancouver ISSC is starting with the right leg forward! By AISLINN RICE nabbed the John Coughlan Cup with venues for all codes. the Senior title. VANCOUVER – The ISSC Likewise, please visit our website at football season has kicked off Well done to all teams for a great dis- www.isscvancouver.com for all up- with an amazing Spring League! play of team spirit and skills through- dates and upcoming events. out the six weeks. Teams from ISSC, JP Ryan’s hurling Please contact isscvancouver@ and camogie, Fraser Valley Gaels, Eire Massive thank you to our develop- gmail.com if you have any questions Og, and Aussie Cougars all took part ment officer, Lorraine, who organized or queries about our sports or club. in a six-week ISSC Spring League. the Spring League with the help of her All new members are welcome to join amazing committee. throughout the season. All teams showed tremendous skill and love for the sport throughout the A special thanks to all players and Season Schedule 2018 six weeks. Each team played one game supporters, without you all this would May 18-21 – ISSC will travel to Vic- every Friday night, which led to the not have been a success. toria for the Highland Games; finals on the last night. On April 14, 2018, both the JP Ryan’s May 26-27 – San Diego 7s Tourna- Suspense was high on the finals night camogie and hurling teams travelled to ment; as the score lines were very tight. Seattle to play in a games day with June 9 – Seattle Day Tournament; Seattle and Tipperary San Francisco. All teams played to the best of their June 16 – ISSC club night out; Despite the weather, the display of abilities and showed that the standard June 17 – BC Highland Games; of football has once again risen in Van- hurling and camogie was none short of couver. fantastic! June/July – Vancouver League Com- mences (please see schedule below); Although the competition was very All teams proved that all games are high and extremely close, there could equally as important regardless for the August 5-6 – Western Canadian Cham- only be one winner for the women and award given! pionship in Vancouver hosted by Fraser Valley Gaels; one winner for the men! JP Ryans’s were victorious across the August 31 – North American Cham- Ladies football: JP Ryan’s camogie board on this day and showed that they pionship in Philadelphia. team were victorious in the Junior will not be defeated easily at any level Women’s final over Fraser Valley this season. We would like to wish all our Vancou- Gaels. With football, camogie and hurling off ver clubs and teams the very best of luck for the upcoming games and tour- ISSC Celts defeated ISSC Harps in a to such a great start, training has well SENIOR LADIES FINAL – ISSC Harps vs ISSC Celts. naments. very close Senior Women’s Final. and truly begun. The ISSC look forward to another great Men’s Football: Eire Og, on their first Please visit our Facebook page at: sporting year full of healthy competi- year as a club, won the Junior men’s www.facebook.com/isscvancouver/ for tion amongst the Vancouver teams and League Final, while ISSC Royals updates on training days, times and teams of North America. Irish village turns out to welcome Grand National champion Tiger Roll DUBLIN – Grand National winner A remarkable eight-year-old, Tiger Roll and see all your family, friends and the Tiger Roll received a hero’s wel- added the world’s greatest steeplechase crowd here in Summerhill.” come as the champion horse and to his CV when hanging on in a dra- matic finish to emerge victorious by a Looking back on the race itself, he said his trainer Gordon Elliott were of the Davy Russell-ridden winner, treated to a rapturous homecoming head from the strong-finishing Pleas- ant Company, trained by Willie “Two hundred yards out I thought we in the village of Summerhill in Mullins. were home and hosed and we were County Meath on April 15. going to hose up. In fairness, he’s only JUNIOR MEN’S FINAL – Éire Óg vs Fraser Valley. In doing so he gave trainer Elliott a a small horse and in the last 50 or 100 second win in the Aintree spectacular, yards he just hit a brick wall. after Silver Birch in 2007, and was adding to his three triumphs at the “Thankfully the line came in time. I wasn’t sure he had won. When you Cheltenham Festival. aren’t sure of the angles at a track, you A native of Summerhill, Elliott’s pride are always very nervous. If it was in and joy paraded down the main street Ireland I could tell you the angles of surrounded by a couple of hundred every track. It was just a feeling of people, in company with stablemates relief and it’s great.” Bless The Wings, who was third, and General Principle, who landed the Irish He added, “He’s been a super little Grand National on Easter Monday. horse to win at three Cheltenham Fes- tivals and then come back and win an Elliott said, “It’s unbelievable and it’s English National. I’m very proud of only sinking in now when you get home him.”

SENIOR MEN’S FINAL – ISSC Royals vs ISSC.

A HUGE crowd gathered in Summerhill, Co. Meath to welcome JUNIOR LADIES FINAL – JP Ryan’s Camogie vs Fraser Valley Gaels. home Grand National champion Tiger Roll. MAY/JUNE 2018 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 19 Alex Ferguson has emergency surgery Pope Francis confirms first papal visit to Ireland in 40 years after brain hemorrhage DUBLIN – Pope Francis will ished by clerical sex abuse scandals. MANCHESTER – Alex visit Dublin on August 25 and It is anticipated there will be pro- 26 as the city hosts the World tests by victims’ groups angry that Ferguson is in intensive care the Church has yet to redress their after undergoing emergency Meeting of Families, an inter- grievances. surgery following a brain national Catholic event which Margaret McGuckin, who is leading hemorrhage. is staged every three years. calls for a special payment to child The 76-year-old former Manchester victims of abuse in Catholic residen- The conference is taking place in tial homes in Northern Ireland, said United manager was rushed to hospi- Dublin August 21-26 and the 81- tal on the morning of Saturday, May the Pope has not done enough to help year-old pontiff will preside at the victims. 5. closing ceremonies on the final two In a statement, a United spokesman days. Ireland was once considered among said, “Sir Alex has undergone emer- the most conservative countries in The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Confer- Europe, where the Catholic Church gency surgery today for a brain ence has welcomed the news and said hemorrhage. The procedure has gone wielded great power and influence they are “deeply honoured” that over the state authorities. very well but he needs a period of in- Pope Francis has chosen to come to tensive care to optimise his recovery. Dublin. Until the 1990s, homosexuality and His family request privacy.” divorce were illegal. Homosexuality The last pontiff to visit the Republic was decriminalised in 1993 and the Ferguson has been married to wife SIR ALEX FERGUSON managed Manchester United between of Ireland was Pope John Paul II. He Cathy since 1966. They have three ban on divorce was removed by a ref- 1986 and 2013. drew crowds of over 2.5 million – erendum in 1995. sons: Mark (born 1968); and twins more than half the state’s population Darren and Jason (born 1972). The most successful manager in the going to St. Mirren, where he won his – in 1979. In 2015, the Republic of Ireland be- came the first state in the world to His son Darren, the manager of League history of the British game, Ferguson’s first trophy by taking the Scottish first Like John Paul II, Pope Francis will One side Doncaster, did not attend his trophy haul at Old Trafford included division title in 1977. make same-sex marriage legal by a celebrate Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix popular vote. side’s final home game of the season 13 Premier League titles, two Cham- Park but he will arrive in a vastly pions League crowns, five FA Cups Ferguson moved on to Aberdeen and on Saturday after his father took ill. turned them into a major force in a changed and much more secular Ire- Full details of the Pope’s visit will and four League Cups. The Football Association, Premier Scottish top division in which Rang- land, with the church greatly dimin- be released at a later date. League, FIFA, UEFA and individual Ferguson famously won the Treble of ers and Celtic had dominated. Premier League, FA Cup and Champi- clubs from Britain and around the He led them to three Scottish titles, Prayer for our First Responders world all tweeted their best wishes ons League in 1999, the year in which four Scottish FA Cups, one League Cup Lord, please watch over all of the men and women who work protecting others. along with a host of current and former he was knighted. and the European Cup Winners’ Cup We pray for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics that they may have United players. Ferguson began his playing career with in 1983 by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in safe shifts and come home to their families each and every night. We pray that The Scot retired as United manager in Scottish club Queen’s Park as a 16- the final. despite the evil they might see on a daily basis, that they remain compassion- year-old striker whilst working as an May 2013 after winning 38 trophies Ferguson managed Scotland in the 1986 ate and caring towards all. Lord, we ask that you hear these prayers through St. during 26 years in charge. apprentice tool-worker at Clyde Ship- Michael the Archangel. Amen. yards. World Cup in Mexico following the He was at Old Trafford a week earlier death of Jock Stein, although he was when he presented Arsenal boss Arsene His most notable spell as a player unable to take his country past the Wenger with a commemorative trophy. came in a two-year stint at Rangers group stage. from 1967. He retired as a player in “We will keep Sir Alex and his loved 1974 when he was on Ayr United’s He became Manchester United man- ones in our thoughts during this time, books. ager later that year. United celebrated and we are united in our wish to see their first Premier League triumph un- him make a comfortable, speedy re- He began his managerial career as a 32- der Ferguson in 1993, the club’s first NOVENAS covery,” United later said in a tweet. year-old at East Stirlingshire before league title for 26 years. Novena to are none that can withstand your the Blessed Virgin Mary power. O show me herein you are my Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother, Mary, conceived without sin, (never known to fail). O most beautiful pray for us who have recourse to thee MMA fighter Conor McGregor flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, (three times). Sweet Mother, I place splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother this cause in your hands (three times). of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, Holy Spirit, you who solve all assist me in this my necessity. There problems, light all roads so that I can freed on bail after Brooklyn melee are none that can withstand your attain my goal. You gave me the power. O show me herein you are my Divine gift to forgive and forget all NEW YORK – Ultimate Fighting In January, the UFC announced that Mother, Mary, conceived without sin, evil against me. This prayer must be Championship star Conor McGregor Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony pray for us who have recourse to thee said for three days, even after the was released by a New York judge on Ferguson would fight for the undis- (three times). Sweet Mother, I place request is granted and the favour $50,000 bail after being charged on puted lightweight title at Saturday’s this cause in your hands (three times). received, it must be published. – PMK, Friday, April 6 for his part in a melee MMA event, known as UFC 223. Holy Spirit, you who solve all MJK, CC, CB, KLSLK, BC at a media event to publicize a series problems, light all roads so that I can • of UFC fights at a Brooklyn arena. UFC President Dana White told ESPN attain my goal. You gave me the Novena to St. Joseph on Friday that a UFC fighter on the Divine gift to forgive and forget all Oh glorious St. Joseph, thou hast The sport’s best-known athlete and an bus was hit and cut by a dolly thrown evil against me. This prayer must be power to render possible even things international star, McGregor (29) ap- through the window, and that another said for three days, even after the which are considered impossible, peared before a judge at the Kings fighter had the cornea of his eyes cut request is granted and the favour come to our aid in our present trouble County Criminal Court, dressed in a as the glass broke into dust-like mate- received, it must be published. and distress. Take this important and blue, long-sleeved shirt that hid his CONOR MCGREGOR arrived rial. – B. McWilliams difficult affair under thy particular pro- • tection, that it may end happily. trademark tattoos. at a New York City courthouse UFC was founded in 1993 and popu- Novena to (Name your request.) O dear St. He is charged with three counts of as- in handcuffs. larized cage fighting. It holds dozens the Blessed Virgin Mary Joseph, all our confidence is in thee, sault and one count of criminal. At the of fights around the world every year Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary let it not be said that we would invoke he took on boxer Floyd Mayweather (never known to fail). O most beautiful thee in vain and since thou art so pow- bail hearing the judge also granted a in August 2017. His technical knock- that have surpassed pro wresting and flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, erful with Jesus and Mary, show that request to allow the Irish-born out loss to Mayweather was the sec- boxing in popularity, and are broad- splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother thy goodness equals thy power. Amen. McGregor to travel outside the United ond biggest pay-per-view fight in his- cast in more than 156 nations, reach- of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, St. Joseph, friend of the sacred heart, States before his next court appear- tory. ing 1.1 billion households. assist me in this my necessity. There pray for us. – For favour received. ance on June 14. Publication of each novena is $25 per issue The MMA star had surrendered to (Canadian residents include 5% GST) police on Thursday evening, soon af- Ireland wins ter a video of the fracas at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center went viral. It appears to show McGregor and his Six Nations Grand Slam entourage using a metal barricade and LONDON – Irish rugby fans hailed England to cement their third ever other objects to smash windows on a a glorious Saint Patrick’s Day after Grand Slam. bus filled with fighters departing from clinching the Grand Slam against A packed-out Twickenham erupted in the media event. England at Twickenham. a thunderous roar as the men in green The fracas appeared to be related to stormed to victory on the feast day of London turned green as Ireland’s tri- the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Saint Patrick, beating England 24 to umphant rugby squad took their place decision to strip McGregor of his ti- 15. in Irish folklore following the Six Na- tle. He last fought in a UFC bout in tions showdown. Despite flurries of snow, the Guinness November 2016, when he defeated flowed and there was an Irish invasion Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight Ireland had already won the Six Na- of fans in pubs near the stadium in belt. tions – their third in five years – but south west London, the home of Eng- secured a tremendous triumph over But he never defended the title, though lish rugby. PAGE 20 www.celtic-connection.com MAY/JUNE 2018