ISSUE 28 VOLUME 7 Proudly Serving Celts in North America Since 1991 NOVEMBER 2019 Inside This Issue

THE BODIES of 39 people were discovered in a refrigerated trailer unit in a U.K. industrial park in the early hours of October 23. The grim discovery sparked a huge international investigation to try to identify the victims – eight females and 31 males – now under- stood to be Vietnamese nationals. Police believe they are dealing with a multi-million euro human trafficking ring. [More on page 8]

THOUSANDS of Scottish independence supporters at a rally in George Square in Glasgow on Saturday, November 2 where the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was time to break away from the “chaos of Westminster” in a second independence poll next year. Scotland voted 62 percent to remain in the European Union in the Brexit referendum. [Read more on page 9] ARTWORK by Amanda Clark [More about the artist on page 2] AS WE ENTER THE SEASON of darkness and draw closer to the warmth of our hearth and family, we are reminded that the light returns with Winter Solstice. It whispers the promise of renewal with the coming of Spring [St. Brigid’s Day: February 1]. This eternal journey is illustrated in the final stanza of the Brendan Kennelly poem Begin: “Though we live in a world that dreams of ending / that always seems about to give in / something that will not acknowledge conclusion / insists that we forever begin.” [Read more in Cynthia Wallentine’s column, page 19]

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs hosted the inaugural Con- ference of Honorary Consuls of Ireland in Dublin in September. Attendees outside outside Farmleigh House included [L-R] Laureen Regan (Calgary), Deirdre Halferty (Calgary), Doodie Cahill (Ed- monton), Eithne Heffernan (Toronto), and John Keane (Seattle). [See more on pages 13 & 17]

• IRISH IN B.C. — NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED BY IWN — [PAGE 10] • ICCC —NEW IRELAND - BC TRADE DIRECTORY — [PAGE 11] • ISSC CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY — [PAGE 12]

AGAINST A BACKDROP of the shuttered Northern Ireland parliament, women who suffered under the restrictive abortion laws celebrate ‘historic’ decriminalisation on October 22, 2019. Termination of

pregnancy has been legal in England, Wales and Scotland for decades, but remained banned in 40009398

Northern Ireland in almost all circumstances – including rape and incest. In July, in the absence of a Publication sitting Northern Ireland Executive, MPs in Westminster voted by a landslide to give women the right Agreement: Mail to abortion, as well as to lift the ban on same-sex marriage. [Read more on page 15] PAGE 2 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Féile Bríde 2020 Vancouver: Celebrating the Creativity of Women VANCOUVER – The Irish Benevolent Society of B.C. in association with Simon Fraser University and the Irish Women’s Network announces St. Brigid’s Festival in Vancouver. Smyth; an Irish feminist, socialist and By MARY McSWINEY LGBT activist listed as one of Time magazine’s most influential people of Féile Bríde is a full day aca- 2019. demic and cultural event dedi- Ailbhe Smyth has been instrumental cated to the celebration of the in the success of recent referendums women of Ireland, through the aimed at moving Irish society towards medium of Brigid – Ireland’s tri- modernity and inclusiveness. A pres- entation by Ailbhe is inspiring, emo- ple goddess and matron saint. tive and not to be missed. The daytime program features work- Ruth Negga writes of Ailbhe and her shops such as “Yours Always: Irish activist colleagues in Time magazine Women Writing the Diaspora” pre- “It was breathtaking to witness the sented by Professor Dara Culhane from determination, intelligence and sheer the Department of Sociology and An- hard work of its leaders Grainne Grif- thropology at Simon Fraser Univer- fin, Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O’Connor, sity. who mobilized people of all different The workshop and performance will backgrounds in the lead-up to the vote. share how Irish women as writers and They put the experiences of women readers of letters home maintain en- and the needs of their country first.” during connections over time; creating Coinciding with the traditional festi- the ties that bind and bridging the lines val of St. Brigid’s day, Féile Bríde takes that divide. place on Saturday, February 1, 2020 Exhibits will include ‘HerStory’ the at Simon Fraser University Harbour Irish women’s storytelling project, Campus in Downtown Vancouver. which uncovers forgotten and fascinat- It is supported by the Government of ing women’s stories from history, Ireland through grant funding with the mythology and contemporary culture. Irish Emigrant Support Programme. Further information on Herstory can be found at https://www.herstory.ie. Updates on Féile Bríde will be posted to Irish Benevolent Society of B.C. [Local participation is invited for the Facebook page. HerStory project. Details to follow in the December issue of The Celtic Con- For further information contact: nection.] Maura De Freitas (Publisher/Editor, The Celtic Connection) by e-mail: Attendees can also participate in a St. [email protected] or (778) Brigid’s cross making workshop taught 238-1522. by Irish-Canadian artist, Deirdre Keohane. Attendance is free, evening attendees are asked to register in advance on The evening portion features refresh- eventbrite.ca: St. Brigid’s Day 2020 ments and keynote speaker Ailbhe Vancouver. ABOUT OUR COVER ARTIST Our cover artist this month Amanda Clark lives in the small village called Shalford in England. Her home is a two minute walk away from a beau- tiful woodland where she loves to explore and go for dawn walks. All of the seasons fill her with inspiration and dreams for painting. While walking in this magical place, she is in the company of deer, crows, a fox or two, sometimes a glimpse of badgers and hares speeding across the open fields from the woodland edge with a swoop of a flying owl over head. Much of her inspiration for paintings comes from this place. She has been creating artwork since 2000, and said she loves every moment of an artist’s life. Amanda has an Etsy shop where she sells ceramic pieces and jewellery, greeting cards, and open edition prints. You can find more here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/earthangelsarts.

THE CELTIC CONNECTION

ISSUE 28 VOLUME 7- 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 • Deirdre O’Ruaric in White Rock • Heather Murphy in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton. Published 7X per year. Contents copyright 2019 The Celtic Connection. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices within the community. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number. Canada Post Canadian Publications Agreement 40009398 NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 3 Veteran RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne dies aged 85 DUBLIN – The death of leg- terest. On some occasions the show endary RTÉ broadcaster Gay made headlines itself, with celebrity guests and politicians. Byrne was announced on Mon- day, November 4. He was 85 It also featured discussions on issues such as divorce, abortion and LGBTQ, and had been ill for some time. issues which were then rarely spoken Since news of his death was announced, about on television. tributes have poured in for Byrne who Some notable guests included former was the undisputed leading figure in EU Commissioner Pádraig Flynn who the history of Irish broadcasting. spoke about his European salary and GAY BYRNE [1934-2019] lifestyle and Annie Murphy, who had He played a hugely influential role in its listeners who were encouraged to had a child with Bishop Eamonn the transformation of attitudes in the Casey. latter part of the 20th Century. write in and then phone Gay to com- ment on the issues of the day and with Gay also presented a long running ra- In a tribute to Gay Byrne, the week’s their own stories. dio show on RTÉ Radio 1, first known Late Late Show opened featured the A natural showman, his seemingly ef- as the Gay Byrne Hour and then the original music and a series of classic Gay Byrne Show. He presented his fi- entrances by the late host. fortless command of his medium in both television and radio belied a fierce nal daily radio show in 1998 and his President Michael D. Higgins opened perfectionism and unremitting work final Late Late Show the following the tributes on the night, hailing Byrne ethic. summer. as an icon who had the courage to “open However, he did not retire from pub- up what should be opened up.” The Late Late Show, which he pre- sented for many years, as well as his lic life, becoming the chairman of the “I think that maybe the biggest thing daily radio show, were both ground- Road Safety Authority and presenting was that people felt was that you had breaking for their time. other acclaimed television shows in- a kind of a safe, non-judgmental space cluding The Meaning of Life. where you could begin to think in a After first airing in 1962, the Late Late Show went on to become one of the Gay also returned to his first love, ra- modern way,” he said of the show dur- dio and presented a regular jazz pro- ing Byrne’s tenure in the host’s seat. world’s longest running chat shows thanks to Byrne’s relaxed but knowl- gramme on Lyric FM until he was di- In a career that spanned six decades, edgeable presentation style. agnosed with cancer in 2017. he was father figure, confessor, inquisi- He is survived by his wife Kathleen, tor and entertainer, all rolled into one. This allowed him to combine light en- tertainment with serious current affairs their daughters Crona and Suzy and The show had a close relationship with discussions and matters of human in- their families. PAGE 4 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton, N.S. ‘The Highlight of My Year’ HE 23rd annual Celtic Colours Festival typically wondrous set in the second half. Such inventive medleys and ar- took place in Cape Breton October 11-19, rangements! and I was invited as part of their Media A very rainy Tuesday followed, and and Presenters Program. we had another showcase to attend, T this time at the First Nations Hall in I missed it last year, but had been to Wagmatcook. the previous three. It’s a highlight of ROGUE FOLK CLUB Fiddler Howie MacDonald was ac- my year – not just for the music and companied by his brother on piano and the scenery, but it’s also a rare chance Jerry Holland Jr. on cajon and played to catch up with my cousins who live some brilliant tunes mostly from his in Nova Scotia. new CD, Shades Of Plaid. So Margaret and I flew into Sydney The Denny Family Dancers treated and zoomed away in our rented Mus- us to some fascinating traditional tang to Centre 200 in downtown Syd- dances from their Miqmaq culture, and ney to see The Chieftains & By then we hit the southern end of the Friends. It’s a hockey arena and there STEVE Cabot Trail once again to head over to must have been well over 5,000 peo- EDGE Mabou for our final concert: “Kicking ple there. Brilliant sound, too. Ash,” with the two Artists In Resi- Thanks to amazing good fortune we been travelling all day so it was a bit of PHOTO: Steve Edge dence – Beolach and Breabach. challenge to be up and running for the MAIRI RANKIN & ERIC WRIGHT play The Rogue Folk Club on found someone pulling out of the park- The former released their first CD in next show in Inverness, around the ing lot just as we arrived, so were able Saturday, November 30. 15 years that night. All Hands is a fabu- southern arc of the Cabot Trail on the to park and pick up our accreditation lous collection of tunes on fiddle, pipes west coast of Cape Breton. in time to catch the first act, Scottish and piano. You can hear what I mean singer / harpist Phamie Gow. The theme of this year’s festival was “I cannot recall ever having when they play The Rogue on Janu- She was joined by Ashley MacIsaac, “Young Heroes and their Mentors,” ary 31. celebrating the burgeoning array of and then English guitar wizard Tim So, after nine shows in five days, and young musicians and dancers and sing- heard such a breathtaking guitar jam!” Edey joined Ashley for some fast and around 2,500 kilometres driving ers from both sides of the Atlantic – furious tunes, and Phamie and Ashley around the roads of Cape Breton, we and also celebrating some of their played some lovely duets. headed back to the airport early the teachers and mentors who continue to next morning to begin our long jour- Then came the intermission, where I pass on the torch of tradition in Cape Sunday began with a Meet & Greet with particular, The Earl of March’s Daugh- ney home to B.C. in time for the Mar- managed to meet up with cousins Breton and beyond. the other delegates at our motel before ter, I think, was especially memora- Elaine and Greg from Digby – and a we drove up to the Gaelic College in ble. tin Simpson and Sojourners con- few Vancouver friends too – in the “We’ll Meet In Inverness” took place St. Ann’s for a concert called “The certs. in a large wooden church, and featured Young Heroes.” After the break J.P. Cormier and Tim crowded lobby. On the Saturday it was so good to be teenage sisters Elizabeth (17), on fid- Edey launched into a guitar medley able to relax and watch the Celtic Col- Our seats were right at the back, but dle and Sarah MacInnes (19), on The CB University Pipe Band kicked which embraced jigs, reels, swing ours Finale Concert on their Live with the trusty Nikon 300mm lens I Gaelic vocals. They are the grand- things off with some wonderful origi- tunes, bluegrass, manouche and rock managed to get a few decent photos of daughters of fiddle legend Buddy nal tunes and the very young singers and roll in a set which ran for almost Stream, with Beolach and Breabach together again, and, best of all, an out- the stage. MacMaster, and are exceptionally tal- of Na Gaisgich Oga sang a few songs an hour without a break. standing set by Hebridean singer Julie ented. in Gaelic. This show is part of The Chieftains’ I cannot recall ever having heard such Fowlis and her superb band – plus a 57th anniversary tour, and the second Young Scots Jenna Moynihan (fid- Then came two young guitarists (Ben a breathtaking guitar jam! There was duet with the remarkable 16 year old half was spectacular! Only three core dle) and Mairi Chaimbeul (harp) VanZutphen and Keigan still more to come! Scotland’s Miqmaq singer Emma Stevens in a Chieftains remain in the band these played some sublime duets, before sis- MacLennan) and their mentor Brian Kinnaris Quintet are five young tri-lingual rendition of The Beatles’ days: piper and raconteur Paddy ters Dawn and Margie Beaton from Doyle to play some fiery tunes. women from Glasgow, again led by Jen Blackbird. Moloney, flautist Matt Molloy, and Mabou played some more inspired fid- Fuaran from Scotland also featured Butterworth. some extremely talented young musi- If you haven’t been to Celtic Colours singer / bodhran player Kevin dle tunes. Fiddles, cello, guitar and mandolin – Conneff. cians and singers. yet – or even if you have – I’d defi- After the break the Scots trio Talisk and very glittery dresses – treated us nitely recommend you consider it next They were joined by harpist Triona took to the stage. Concertina wizard Formed by Feisean Nan Gaidheal to an exhilarating set! October. Marshall, young Irish fiddler Tara Mohsen Amini (also of the quintet to encourage a new generation of Gaelic One of their tunes is called Space Ghet- If you’re interested, I’ve posted some Breen, Hebridean singer Alyth Imar, who played The Rogue in singers and speakers this is a fantastic idea, and again there were some very tos. If you say it with the double T in photos of the trip and those incredible MacCormack, Ottawa valley broth- March) won the BBC Musician Of The an “American” accent, you are saying ers Nathan and Jon Pilatzke (amaz- Year at the 2018 Folk Awards and here gifted singers especially Duncan shows on my FlickR page https:// MacLeod. “Spice Girrrls” in Glaswegian! Great flic.kr/s/aHsmHQoA63. ing dancers, and Jon plays fiddle), and he shone in the company of Hayley fun! Jon’s wife Cara Butler – another fabu- Keenan (fiddle) and Graeme The future looks very rosy for Scots / Back at The Rogue, we have New- lous dancer. Armstrong (guitar). Gaelic music. More excellent fiddle Monday began with brunch and an- foundland’s folk / pop duo Fortunate other showcase at the Gaelic College. Ones with opener Sherman Downey There was Will MacMorran from What a tremendous band! All tunes from Elizabeth MacInnes, and Colin Grant (fiddle) has a new band on Friday, November 8; bluegrass / old Nashville on guitar too. Ashley joined instrumentals but played with verve, then some great medleys from Que- called Knotwerk with two guitarists. time / Celtic / country-folk legend Tim them for a set, Mary Jane Lamond panache, and quite a bit of subtlety at bec’s Veronique Plasse and (mentor) Very impressive ballads and fiddle O’Brien and his five-piece band on sang a Gaelic song with them, Tim times as well. The finale with all the Andrea Beaton finished the afternoon tunes! Look for their debut CD in the Friday, November 22; Quebecois trad. Edey joined in on melodeon, the Cape musicians and singers on stage was re- in fine style. next few weeks. supergroup Le Vent Du Nord on No- Breton University Pipe Band played markable. Then we zoomed back over Kelly’s a selection from the San Patricio James MacLean is another young CB vember 26; The lovely Marin We headed back out into the pouring Mountain, grabbed Thanksgiving din- Patenaude Band and opener Mark (Mexican War) CD, and there were ner at a roadside cafe, and we were guitarist and a student of Brian more Irish dancers on stage before the rain for the long drive to Membertou, Doyle. After seeing JP and Tim the Stuart on November 29; and the afore- which is part of Sydney. The Trade & back at Membertou again – this time mentioned Mairi Rankin & Eric music reached its crescendo with a blast to witness Cape Breton’s hirsute folk previous night any solo guitarist was of reels led by Tara Breen on saxo- Convention Centre is huge (600 seats going to have to go some to make an Wright on Saturday, November 30. around tables) and has a restaurant and rockers, Villages. phone! I’d never heard reels played impression. Looking ahead we have bluegrass / casino attached. on the sax before. She is a phenom! They reminded me of Lindisfarne in country folk quintet John Reischman the 1960s, but slightly less melodic. Villages were on next, but we’d al- Cara Butler and Nathan led an An Dro Tim Edey and Dwayne Cote (fiddle) ready seen them so we hit the won- & The Jaybirds on December 5, and started the evening with some spirited Talk about retro! I can’t recall seeing our annual Cool Yule with Van Breton dance from the stage and into anything quite like them this century! derfully scenic Cabot Trail in the sun- the audience, sweeping up dancers to Celtic and manouche tunes and then shine and drove counter-clockwise to Django & LJ Mounteney on Decem- join the ring and the ensemble snaked my favourite Canadian Celtic band, More amazing young Scots perform- Cheticamp for a delicious fish supper ber 13. Coig, played a typically scintillating its away around the floor and back ers followed – Ur: The Future Of and then continued on to Judique for David Francey, Fred Eaglesmith, and set. onto the stage to join the massed ranks Our Past. another evening of fiddle tunes. Beolach – plus Pharis & Jason of musicians. Tim Edey joined them on melodeon “That looks like Jocelyn Pettit,” I We were a bit late. Not surprising after Romero at Cap University – in Janu- The show was billed as “The Chief- too. After the break Troy mused from our table at the back of a six hour drive and a stop for dinner! ary. tains Irish Farewell” and I wondered MacGillivray (fiddle, piano) and the huge room. I zoomed in with the Andrea Beaton (fiddle) were joined Some legendary local fiddlers like Stan J.P. Cormier and Daniel Lapp, if this might be my last chance to see camera. “It is Jocelyn!!” She will be Pierre Schryer and Adam Dobres, by Troy’s sister Sabra (dance) before graduating from the Royal Scottish Chapman, Brenda Stubbert and them in North America. Not so. They Wendy MacIsaac were joined by pi- and Loudon Wainwright III in Febru- are playing a big tour in March in the Scotland’s Breabach – one of two Conservatory of Music with a Mas- bands honoured as Artists In Residence anos and guitars and the first half ary; Sharon Shannon, Altan, Irish States. I guess that might be their last ters in February. Mythen, and Martyn Joseph – plus (the other being Cape Breton’s wound up with a superb set by Mairi one. Who knows? Dervish at Cap – in March; and The Beolach) – finished the evening with These young performers are definitely Rankin on fiddle and Eric Wright We stayed in Baddeck, which is an some wonderful pipe and fiddle tunes top notch, led by the remarkable gui- (The Fretless) on cello. Fretless and more in April! tarist Jen Butterworth. One song in hour’s drive from Sydney, and we’d and songs in Gaelic and English. The Fretless string quartet gave a Full details on www.roguefolk.com. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 5 A year of toe-tapping tunes enjoyed at the Wolf & Hound VANCOUVER – It seems bond together, parents moving to the By BLAKE WILLIAMS music, kids lil’ feet swaying in their hard to believe that already a strollers...the sessions have cast a year of Irish sessions that be- spell!” gan in October 2018 has limited openings available and to add different instruments and playing tech- It can take a while when something passed. niques. new begins for the word to get out, but now it really is getting out. Thanks If time flies when people are having The customers include international to the owners, staff, players, and pa- fun, then there has been an abundance visitors, locals, UBC students, Irish trons the sessions go on and October of fun in the past year at the Irish ses- new to Vancouver, and all generations. 13 marked the first anniversary of the sions that take place from 5:30-7:30 BLAKE WILLIAMS (R) on the bodhran at the Sunday night Irish Some have driven from as far away as regular Sunday night sessions. music session at the Wolf & Hound in the heart of Kitsilano. PM each Sunday at the Wolf & Hound. Chilliwack, White Rock and Deep Cove in North Vancouver to attend. Mary Brunner reflects that she really Led by legendary local fiddler Mary enjoys the diversity of playing with Brunner as session master and sup- The diversity of players each week, different musicians every week and ported by two time provincial fiddle the Sunday roast beef dinners, and the speaking with customers who come up champion Michael Burnyeat, the ses- charm of hearing acoustic Irish music to ask questions and to express their sion flows smoothly with familiar keeps them coming back. enjoyment and appreciation. tunes, occasional songs, new tunes, and Others from Ireland now living in Van- • occasionally a song from a guest in the Everyone is invited to attend ‘An Irish audience. couver say they come for the ‘craic’ as it helps ease homesickness and miss- Christmas’ – a special fundraising The sessions have a small core group ing friends and family. event on Sunday, December 22 to sup- of players who regularly attend which port the Irish Benevolent Society of is a big commitment and other musi- There is a small dance floor where tod- B.C. and Féile Bríde 2020 Vancouver. cians who are invited to both fill the dlers drag their parents and grandpar- Admission is $10 by donation and will ents to join in a multi-generational feature music, song and dance with dance. the participation of 10 session musi- Restaurant owners Brian and Chander cians at The Wolf & Hound, 3617 West CD MUSIC REVIEW are avid fans of the sessions and re- Broadway in the heart of Kitsilano, cently commented, “Seeing families Vancouver.

The Celtic Kitchen Party Sociable! The Celtic Kitchen Party (CKP) have just released their latest CD entitled, Sociable! MUSICIANS gathered at the Wolf & Hound on West Broadway. Boasting a diversity of talent the band The regular Sunday night sessions led by legendary local fiddler plays a mix of their own originals as Mary Brunner were started in October 2018 and have grown in well as traditional and contemporary popularity with visitors including UBC students, Irish new to Van- East Coast, Irish and Scottish Celtic couver and all generations in between. music with just the right dash of pop, classic rock and country. All of the above ensures a lively high energy performance at any venue that CKP perform. There are five members in the group, Andrew Vanhorn, leader, guitar and vocals; Colin Skinner, tin whistle, bag- pipes, background vocals; Ted Chew, Book your seat now for the 2019 fiddle; Scott Jackson, bass and Nathan Crockett, drums and percussion. Irish Seniors’ Holiday Luncheon Based in Kingston, Ontario, the group VANCOUVER – It’s that time of year when we start to think formed nine years ago out of their as- sociation with the Kingston Irish Folk about the holiday season and one of the popular events on Club and their connection with Long the local Irish community calendar is the annual Irish seniors’ & McQuade music store since several luncheon. were both members and employees and realized they had a love of this The luncheon will be held on Thurs- They are hosted by the Irish Wom- style of music. day, December 12 from 11:30 AM en’s Network of B.C. with support to 2 PM. Seats are limited so book from the Government of Ireland CKP have shared the stage with the now and don’t be disappointed! through grant funding with the Irish Mudmen, The Mahones, Sean Emigrant Support Progamme. McCann, Next Generation Leahy and Each year over 100 Irish seniors get Queens Bands to name a few. For the together at the Hilton Metrotown Special guests at this year’s event past seven years, they have a regular Hotel in Burnaby. Just like many will be Irish Consul General Frank first Saturday of the month billing at elders in our community, Irish sen- Flood and his wife Orla Ní Bhroithe. iors are vulnerable to isolation and the Tir Nan Og Irish Pub in Kingston. Tickets are $20 and to reserve e-mail loneliness and they miss connecting There are 11 tracks on Sociable! which with old friends. Aideen Clery at: aideen1433@ include such favourites as Wild Rover, gmail.com, or call (604) 727-8590. So this is always a wonderful op- All For Me Grog, Wolfe Island Jig, You can mail a cheque (made out to Lullaby (For Those Who Died), Pride portunity to connect with old friends, enjoy a delicious meal, share the Irish Women’s Network of BC) of Newfoundland, and the Hockey to Aideen Clery, 986 East 20th Av- Song. stories, and have the craic. The lunch usually ends with a sing-song and enue, Vancouver BC, V5V 1N6, or For more information about The Celtic many have their party-pieces ready pay by e-transfer to irishwomens Kitchen Party, visit them online at: to share. [email protected]. celtickitchenparty.com. PAGE 6 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Irish language weekend: Irish language immersion weekend for beginners NEW WESTMINSTER – An Irish language immersion weekend for beginners A first for western Canada will be held on November 30 - December 1 in New Westminster, B.C. near the Royal Columbian Hospital and two blocks from Sapperton Skytrain VANCOUVER – Irish language Station. enthusiasts gathered at Simon Fraser University Harbour Cen- Cost is $30 for one day or $50 for two day classes. A light lunch will be tre Campus for the first Gaeilge provided each day. Full details will be provided to registered attendees. To reserve, e-mail: Brendan at [email protected] or Aisling at immersion weekend to be held [email protected]. in western Canada on the week- end of October 4-6. The event was organized by Barra Ó The Merriam-Webster Scannláin and supported by the Con- sulate General of Ireland, Vancouver. The weekend offered Irish classes, BARRA Ó SCANNLÁIN introducing the Irish Language Weekend of Medieval Irish workshops, and social events, designed presenters Dean Farrell and Síne Nic an Aillí at the opening night to give students an immersive experi- reception on Friday, October 4. ence in the heart of downtown Van- just got a major update couver. Presenters included Dean Farrell who is from Dublin and currently living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where he is working as an Irish language instruc- tor with the Ireland Canada Univer- sity Foundation. Síne Nic an Aillí is working with Conradh na Gaeilge in Dublin, where she is Director of the Cultúr Club ini- GROUP PHOTO of all participants in the first Irish language im- tiative. mersion weekend in western Canada held at SFU Harbour Centre Barra Ó Scannláin who is originally campus in downtown Vancouver. from Donegal is currently working as fairsing atá aige ar chúrsaí Gaeilge i They were both fantastic in the class, an Irish language instructor with the Meiriceá Thuaidh. Is mór an truaidh as was to be expected, but they also Department of Modern Languages and nach raibh sé ábalta bheith linn sa put in a lot of work behind the scenes. Cultural Studies at the University of deireadh. To maximize their chances of discover- A huge thanks to the General Consu- A TINY group of scholars has Alberta in Edmonton. ing new words, the researchers focused Tá mé buíoch daoibhse go speisialta, late of Ireland, Vancouver, who have added 500 words and made 5,000 on less-studied, and often less savory, Following the weekend, Barra wrote a na daoine a chuir muinín ionam, a been supporting me in this venture from revisions to the Dictionary of the manuscripts. summary of the event in both English cheannaigh ticéad, a rinne poiblíocht ar the start, from funding to administra- Irish Language. and Irish. It is published below in both an ócáid, agus a thaisteal (bíodh sé tive support, to recommendations for This meant shelving popular stories and languages: cúpla uair a chloig ar eitleán nó cúpla restaurant and bar venues, networking For the past five years, Sharon poems and diving into legal texts and • uair a chloig ag cuartú spás páirceála in and more. Arbuthnot has been on the hunt for medical tomes. By BARRA Ó SCANNLÁIN Downtown Vancouver!) le bheith i new words. She isn’t searching in the There is a place in my heart (that Teagascóir Gaeilge/ láthair thar an deireadh seachtaine. places one might expect linguistic in- Some texts, by their very nature, are Irish Language Instructor sounds better as Gaeilge!) for the team vention, such as far corners of the less useful for the job. “You don’t get A chairde Gael, Agus an pobal Gaelach i Vancouver, ar working in there, Frank, Jenny, Krystel internet or the text messages of teen- much vocabulary from genealogies,” Bhuel, is doiligh cur síos ceart a ghlac riar maith acu páirt sna himeachtaí and Katherine (and Órla keeping an eye agers. Arbuthnot – a scholar of early Arbuthnot says. dhéanamh ar an chraic agus an thar an deireadh seachtaine. Is sibhse a on them all, à la Irish mammy). They and medieval Irish at Queen’s Univer- Accordingly, the rediscovered words chuideachta a bhí againn i Vancouver dhéanann obair na gcapall sa chathair i gave me a good warm Irish welcome to sity Belfast – is more interested in for- shed light on a less romantic part of an deireadh seachtaine seo. rith na bliana le deiseanna a thabhairt Vancouver. do dhaoine teagmháil a bheith acu leis gotten words, ones invented over a medieval Irish culture. Bhí sé speisialta, lán craic agus comhrá, Thank you also to Oideas Gael (http:/ an Ghaeilge - coinnigí oraibh, tá sé ina thousand years ago that have become For example, one gross word the re- agus thar a bheith pléisiúrtha domhsa, /www.oideas-gael.com/en/), who helped spreagadh mór do chathracha ar fud lost to modern scholars and dictionar- searchers discovered was béochlaid, do na múinteoirí eile Dean agus Síne, cover some of the expense involved Mheiriceá Thuaidh agus ar fud an ies. which means to “rub with grease and agus daoibhse na rannpháirtithe fosta with this weekend, and to Liam Ó domhain maraim! fat.” tá súil is agam! Cuinneagáin who discussed the running So she spends her days poring over Tá súil agam gur bhain sibh rud éigin of the weekend with me over the sum- delicately inked manuscripts written Béochlaid first appeared in a 14th-cen- Tá mé ag scríobh chugaibh inniu le amach as an deireadh seachtaine - cairde mer, and for sharing his experience with in medieval Irish, scanning for an ar- tury passage on how to care for a new- buíochas a ghabháil libh agus le buíochas úra, nasc leis an phobal Ghaelach, focal Irish language work in North America. rangement of letters that seems some- born baby, stressing that people should a ghabháil leis na daoine a chuidigh liom Gaeilge nó dhó, píosa craic, cibé cad é, how new – a difficult thing for a lan- be careful not to lose anything in the an éacht seo a bhaint amach. bhain mise sult thar na bearta (do It was a pity Liam couldn’t make it guage that’s well over a thousand years this weekend to Vancouver. baby’s ears as it is being washed and Tá mise mo luí i mo leabaidh, piachán Leibhéal 3!) as, agus tá mé ag dréim len old. rubbed with grease. orm agus ag streachailt na súile a é a dhéanamh arís amach anseo, gan I am especially grateful to all the par- Now Arbuthnot and researchers from These words may seems strangely spe- choinneáil oscailte, ach is mé atá sásta dabht ar bith. Bhí sé ina phléisiúr mór ticipants, who put your faith in me and the University of Cambridge have just cific now, but might have been quite agus tá súil agam gur amhlaidh an cás castáil libh ar fad agus aithne a chur in the weekend, bought tickets, adver- completed the monumental, sprawling common in medieval Ireland. ag gach duine agaibh! oraibh. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo tised the event, and travelled (whether project of revising the Dictionary of arís! it was a few hours on a plane or a few Arbuthnot sees medieval Irish as a Tá aitheantas speisialta tuillte ag Dean the Irish Language, which was first hours looking for parking in downtown “beautifully transparent” language. For agus Síne, a thaisteal achar fada an bheirt [English translation] published by the Royal Irish Academy Van) to be there. example, the word for mousetrap trans- acu le bheith linn anseo in iarthar Well, it’s hard enough to describe the in the first half of the 20th Century. lates into “wooden cat.” Cheanada, agus a chuir go mór mór leis craic and company we enjoyed this And to the Irish language community Over the past five years, they identi- an deireadh seachtaine. weekend in English let alone in Irish in Vancouver, many of whom took part fied 500 words lost from dictionaries She also rediscovered the medieval Irish but I hope I can articulate properly in the activities over the weekend. word for placenta, bratt boinne, which Thug siad fuinneamh, craic, greann, for centuries, made around 5,000 revi- how special it was. translates into “a cloak” or “covering” agus saineolas leo! Bhí siad iontach sa You are the ones doing the great work sions to current definitions, and de- relating to a female. “It’s a lovely sort rang mar is dual daofa, ach rinne siad The weekend we spent in Vancouver on the ground all year round to give bunked several words that turned out of phrase,” she says. obair mhór sa chúlra fosta. was full of fun (craic!) and good con- people the opportunity to have regu- to be fake or erroneously defined. versation, and it was a real pleasure for lar contact with Gaeilge. Medieval Irish, like many other lan- Buíochas mór le Ard-Chonasalacht na The dictionary, which was digitized in myself and for the other teachers, Dean guages at the time, was written in hÉireann Vancouver, a thacaigh liom ón Keep at it, for it’s an inspiration to 2007 by scholars at the University of and Síne, and for you the participants scriptio continua, a style of writing tús, idir maoiniú, obair riaracháin, cities with Irish communities anywhere Ulster, spans around a thousand years, too I hope! without spaces. In other words, the moltaí do bhialanna agus tithe tábhairne, in North America, and anywhere in the from about 700 to 1700. Their research manuscripts contain long strings of text gréasánú, agus eile. I’m writing to you all today to express world for that matter! is funded by the UK Arts and Humani- my gratitude to those who helped make ties Research Council. without any division, with words writ- Tá áit in mo chroí don fhoireann istigh this ambitious project happen. I hope you got something out of this ten continuously into each other. ansin, Frank, Jenny, Krystel agus weekend – new friends, a connection Updating the lexicon of a thousand- “Sometimes you’ll find the rare large Katherine (agus Órla ag coinneáil súil I’m writing from my bed, with a hoarse with the Irish language community, a year-old language may seem like a fool- st capital letter, but really it’s just con- orthu!), a chuir fáilte chroíúil romham voice and sleepy eyes, but I’m feeling word or two of Gaeilge, a bit of craic, ish task for anyone living in the 21 tinuous running text,” Arbuthnot says. nuair a landáil mé in Vancouver i lár na good and I hope you are too. whatever it was, I thoroughly enjoyed Century. “Once you’ve lost your way, it’s hard seachtaine. Dean and Síne, who both travelled great it, and I can say without hesitation that But understanding the words medieval I’d like to do it again next year. to get back on again.” Buíochas fosta le hOideas Gael (http:/ distances to be with us out west, de- people used offers insight into the lives Though she hardly thinks that any of /www.oideas-gael.com/ga/), a chuidigh serve special recognition for all they It was a great pleasure to meet you all they lived – how they behaved, what the 500 words will enter modern use, liom costaisí a chlúdach, agus Liam Ó contributed to the weekend; they and get to know some of you. Go they believed, and how they saw the Arbuthnot hopes that people will use Cuinneagáin, a phléigh leagan amach an brought with them lots of energy, great mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís! See world, says Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, a the dictionary to gain a fuller under- deireadh seachtaine liom i rith an craic, fun, laughs, and expertise of you all next year!? medievalist at Cambridge, who worked standing of medieval Ireland. tsamhraidh, agus a roinn liom an taithí course! with Arbuthnot, in a press release. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 7 Something for everyone with the best in Irish cinema By PADRAIC COFFEY that Irish film can extend outside the VANCOUVER – This November VANCOUVER IRISH Emerald Isle, to examine important is- FILM FESTIVAL sees the launch of the second Van- sues around the globe. couver Irish Film Festival (VIRFF). herself unexpectedly pregnant in her More light-hearted than Gaza is Extra Ordinary, a comedy-horror featuring Established in 2018, VIRFF brought a forties. Fans of the hit Netflix series Derry Girls will love this story set in Maeve Higgins, star of the much-loved diverse selection of films from around RTÉ series Naked Camera. Ireland to audiences here in British the Oak Leaf county. Columbia, with support from the Con- A slightly more sombre tale is Rosie, She plays a driving instructor in rural sulate General of Ireland based in the written by acclaimed novelist Roddy Ireland with the ability to communi- city. Doyle. Set in Dublin, it details over cate with the dead, something she must 36 hours the efforts of a mother-of- reckon with when an ageing rock star In 2019 the VIRFF received Emigrant makes a deal with the Devil in her town. Support Programme funding for the four to find emergency accommoda- first time. Now, it returns with an tion for her family. Touted as Ireland’s answer to Shaun equally stellar line-up for cinemagoers, Not sugar-coating the current housing of the Dead, Extra Ordinary has al- representing the best the Irish have to crisis in Ireland’s capital city, Rosie ready proved a hit back in Ireland, and offer. has won acclaim from both audiences will no doubt please audiences in Van- couver. The festival will take place over three and critics, winning Best Irish Film at nights, from November 29 to Decem- the Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards. Some Irish classics will also feature at ber 1, in the Vancity Theatre on Those with an interest in Irish-language the festival. Seymour Street. cinema will be delighted to see The For a certain generation, there is no In addition to its excellent array of fea- Camino Voyage, a documentary chart- more magical Irish family film than Into ture films, there will be live traditional ing the journey of four artists and mu- the West, the story of two traveller Irish music on our Friday opening sicians from Ireland to Galicia in boys who head from their council es- night, and snacks that will have you Northern Spain, using only a naomhóg, tate in Dublin towards the West of Ire- nostalgic for the auld sod (don’t be a traditional Irish canoe. land, in search of the mythical land of surprised if a few packets of Tayto Among its crew are Brendan Begley, Tír na nÓg, on a horse of the same are found). Liam Holden and the late poet Danny name. The programme at VIRFF 2019 has Sheehy, but also singer-songwriter With these and other films being something for everyone: comedy, Glen Hansard of The Frames, and star shown, the Vancouver Irish Film Fes- drama, fantasy, Irish Oscar shorts, of the smash-hit musical Once. tival is an event you won’t want to documentaries, Irish-language cinema That’s not the only documentary miss! and family fare. which can be seen at VIRFF 2019. • There’s also Gaza, from Garry Keane Tickets can be purchased through the Among the films being shown this year Vancity Theatre website. For updates is the comedy A Bump Along the Way, and Andrew McConnell, Ireland’s of- on the festival, follow on Facebook which scooped the Best Debut Irish ficial entry for Best International Film Feature Award at the 2019 Galway at the 2020 Academy Awards. (facebook.com/virff.org/), Instagram Film Fleadh. (instagram.com/vancouveririshfilm Chronicling the lives of those living in festival) and Twitter (twitter.com/ the war-torn strip of land between It stars Bronagh Gallagher as the virfforg), or look for the hashtags mother of a teenager girl, who finds Egypt and Israel, Gaza is a heartrending work, and demonstrates #virff #irishfilm #hashtag #irishabroad. A Maritime Treasure Comes to The ACT Arts Centre Maple Ridge MAPLE RIDGE – The role of iconic Like many from the Maritimes, to the book’s description of the red- Anne Shirley in The ACT Art Cen- Cruddas has always felt a connection haired orphan’s physicality, move- tre’s upcoming presentation of Cana- with the character of Anne, starting ments, and voice. da’s Ballet Jörgen’s (CBJ) Anne of from an early age – a connection to Green GablesTM – The Ballet will be Anne’s appreciation of beauty, her As a dancer, everything is about the played by Halifax, Nova Scotia native, imagination and tenacity, and her abil- body and movement so in order to principal dancer Hannah Mae ity to connect with people around her. properly portray the story of Anne Cruddas. Shirley, Cruddas worked with CBJ’s Learning to transform into Anne has Artistic Director and CEO Bengt Hannah received her formative dance been a natural progression for Cruddas Jörgen and Stage Director Heinar Piller training from the Maritime Conserva- who has reread the series and watched to find the perfect dance movements tory of Performing Arts and the Leica the movies. In order to portray the to fit Anne’s words and emotions. Hardy School of Dance before joining uniqueness of Anne without words, CBJ in 2009. Cruddas has paid particular attention This was not always an easy task be- cause Anne, although buoyant, light, and happy, often has swings in emo- tion going from what she calls “the depths of despair” to being over the top ecstatic, signified through dance with plenty of jumping. “I think we can say some things with ballerina Anne that might not be able to be said or seen on screen or in the musical.” – Hannah Mae Cruddas Audiences of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet can experience the won- derfully eclectic elements of Anne’s vivid imagination, told through the beauty of dance, firsthand on The ACT Arts Centre Mainstage Wednes- day, February 12, 2020 at 7:30 PM – one of only three Lower Mainland performances during the tour. • Single tickets or family packs may be purchased online at theactmaple ridge.org, by phone (604-476-2787), and in-person (11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge). PAGE 8 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 U.K. to Hold December Election in New Phase of Brexit Odyssey LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Brit- ity and strengthen her hand in negoti- ating a Brexit deal. ain, in the boldest gamble of his high-wire political Instead, May wound up with a career, has won backing to hold a general election shrunken majority after running a des- ultory campaign during which she was on December 12, throwing back to the British peo- tarred for advocating a harsh new ple the bedeviling issue of how, or even if, their coun- policy on care for the elderly that crit- try should leave the European Union. ics branded a “dementia tax.” With two smaller parties, the Liberal The 438-20 vote in Parliament, Democrats and the hard-line Brexit which came after the opposition British PM Party, also contesting for votes, the Labour Party dropped its resist- choice of the next government could Boris Johnson turn on a tiny number of Parliamen- THE CONTAINER lorry where the remains of 39 migrants were ance, provided the starting gun for tary seats. one of the most momentous and wins backing for new discovered in the early hours of Wednesday, October 23. unpredictable campaigns in post- U.K. General Election Far from securing a healthy majority, World War II Britain, a six-week the next prime minister may have to race that could forever alter Brit- Thursday, December 12 govern with a minority, as Johnson 39 people found dead ain’s relationship to Europe and its has. place in the world. were all Vietnamese Much will hinge on the sentiments of a fickle British public that is not just LONDON – Members of the Vietnam- miles east of London in the early hours divided into warring camps but ex- ese community gathered in London for of October 23. hausted with the whole shambolic a vigil in memory of the 39 people found dead in a lorry in Essex. The grim discovery sparked a huge in- process and hoping for something, ternational investigation to try to iden- anything, finally to be decided — as The service on the evening of Novem- tify the victims – eight females and 31 long as it is not for the other side. ber 2 was held at the Church of the males. Police believe they are dealing Holy Name and Our Lady of the Sa- with a multi-million euro human traf- For Johnson, a flamboyant populist cred Heart in east London. ficking ring and are determined to who took office in July and has pre- charge the crime bosses behind it. sided over a period of unrelenting po- Candles arranged to read “39” were at litical upheaval but little tangible the foot of the altar ahead of the mass Two suspects arrested have links to progress, the election is a bet that he in the Catholic church, which has a Northern Ireland and the Republic of and his Conservative Party can win a large Vietnamese congregation. Ireland as well as with the road haul- age and shipping industries. parliamentary majority by selling to The Reverend Simon Nguyen said, the public a Brexit plan that Parlia- “Today we gather to remember the Truck driver Maurice (Mo) Robinson ment has held up. people who have departed. These peo- (25), of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, But it comes with extraordinary risks, DOMINIC CUMMINGS with Boris Johnson as his puppet were ple who used to live among us, who was arrested at the scene in Essex. He not least that Britain could end up in depicted on one float joining the march. The float was being manned dined with us. Today they are no longer appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ the same political cul-de-sac it is in with us.” Court charged with 39 counts of man- now, with no party winning a clear by Phil Jeanes (67), who said he had driven the sculpture from slaughter, conspiracy to traffic peo- Dusseldorf in Germany overnight. He was part of a group called Members of the congregation per- ple, conspiracy to assist unlawful im- majority and with Parliament still hope- formed readings as part of the vigil and lessly divided about the way forward, EU Flag Mafia, and has lived in Essen for the last nine years with migration, and money laundering. his German wife. candles were lit. Addressing the con- more than three years after Britons gregation, Nguyen said, “Yesterday the Three other people arrested in connec- voted to leave the European Union. police in Essex announced all the vic- tion with the incident – two men aged It is also plausible that the divided tims were Vietnamese. 38 and 46 and a 38-year-old woman – Thousands march on have been released on bail. opposition camp could put aside its “We show our condolences and sym- differences and ride a wave of public pathies for the people who have lost A second Northern Irish man is also disgust with the Conservative govern- Westminster to demand their lives on the way seeking freedom, facing multiple counts of manslaugh- ment’s failures to an upset victory that dignity and happiness. ter. U.K. authorities allege that he de- puts the Labour leader, Jeremy livered the trailer in which the migrants Corbyn, in the prime minister’s office vote on Brexit deal “We ask God to welcome them into were found dead to a Belgian port be- and leads to a softening or outright re- his kingdom even though some of them fore its onward journey to Britain. versal of Brexit. LONDON – Effigies of the where a number of celebrities and poli- were not Catholic but they strongly ticians addressed the crowd. believed in eternal peace, so we pray Eamon Harrison (22), from “The gulf between left and right is so prime minister were held aloft for them. Mayobridge, Co. Down, was arrested deep, and the outcome is so uncertain,” on the People’s Vote protest One group of protesters spotted near in Dublin following the endorsement said Anand Menon, a professor of Downing Street were pulling a float “We pray for those who have lost their of a European Arrest Warrant. politics at Kings College London. “It through central London on Sat- depicting Number 10 aide Dominic sons and daughters, their loved ones is a uniquely volatile moment in our urday, October 19. Cummings using Johnson as a pup- at this very challenging time.” Meanwhile, authorities in Vietnam say electoral history.” pet. they have also arrested two suspects Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart The bodies were discovered in the back believed to be part of the smuggling Still, after weeks of paralysis, capped praised a crowd of thousands of With “Demonic Cummings” splashed of a refrigerated trailer unit in a U.K. ring connected to the deaths. by another day of byzantine people for keeping the fight for a across its forehead, the figure on the industrial park in Grays, Essex, 20 maneuvering in Parliament over the second EU referendum alive as float appeared to be wearing a Nazi date of the vote, the prospect of going they filled the streets of London. uniform, including an armband which to the polls provided a rare moment of read ‘Get Brexit Done’. clarity. As Menon put it, “You can say And many of them cheered as they Grenfell Tower fire report many things about this election, but learned Boris Johnson had lost a key Meanwhile, pro-Brexit activists also For nearly two hours, residents in the you can’t say it is not an election Commons vote on his Withdrawal gathered in Westminster. LONDON – London’s Grenfell about big things.” Tower fire in 2017, which killed 24- storey building were told to stay Agreement, withholding approval of Jason Hurt (48), from Sheffield, was in with their doors closed. Facing a British public that is fed up the deal until the legislation to imple- sporting a “I voted Leave” T-shirt, and 72, was Britain’s deadliest resi- with Brexit and campaigning in the early ment it is in place. said he feels people who voted for dential blaze since the Second Exterior cladding, made out of flam- twilight of the days before Christmas, Brexit are being ignored. World War. mable aluminum composite material, It came after Stewart said the crowd had been added to the building the year Johnson and his opponents will seek “I voted Leave, I want my voice heard,” has proven a second referendum was Findings from the first phase of the before and that material wouldn’t have to frame the election around compet- he said. “It is always about the not the “pipe dream” that opponents long-awaited public inquiry, led by been allowed on a highrise in many ing visions of Britain’s future: Remainers, never about the Leavers. have described it as. retired judge Martin Moore-Bick, were countries. Johnson’s, based on a swift exit from There are 17.4 million of us, we never released on October 30. the European Union; and the Labour He told the crowd, “You haven’t just get our voices heard.” Hundreds of highrises around Britain Party’s, based on holding a second ref- filled a nice bar in north London, you On June 14, 2017, a faulty refrigerator have similar cladding and insulation. Pam Julian, from Bermondsey, south- erendum on whether to leave at all. have taken over an entire city. You started a small kitchen fire on the east London, held a sign which read, The government said it would all be haven’t just impacted the Brexit de- fourth floor of Grenfell Tower. Within History warns, however, that other “Screw EU, we want our country back” replaced, however, many people are bate, you have transformed British minutes, flames were crawling — at issues could intrude, from crime or the – but said she has nothing against Eu- still living in buildings sheathed in it. politics.” alarming speed — up the facade of the stability of Britain’s National Health rope. Owners, residents and government of- building. Service to an external shock, like a ter- He added there was “nothing demo- ficials are fighting over who will pay The 68-year-old said Brexit is about rorist attack, or a peripheral issue that cratic” about the 2016 referendum. The Grenfell report cleared the occu- to replace it. regaining her independence. “It is not assumes symbolic importance. “People weren’t just misled, they were pant of the apartment where the fire just about trade or what Boris is say- The second phase of the inquiry will lied to,” he said. started of any wrongdoing. It blamed Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, ing. The main thing is to regain our begin in the new year and focus on combustible panels affixed to the ex- called a snap election in 2017, confi- Protesters made their way through cen- independence, to be able to self-gov- context, such as how the tower came terior of the building for accelerating dent that she could expand her major- tral London towards Parliament Square, ern,” she said. to be wrapped in combustible panels. the blaze. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 9 Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland’s future ‘must be in our own hands’ GLASGOW – Thousands of inde- It was the first time she had spoken at come out on December 12 and send pendence supporters heard Nicola an independence rally since 2014. the biggest, loudest most resounding Sturgeon call for “Scotland’s future to message to Westminster. be put into Scotland’s hands.” The event prompted a counter dem- onstration by dozens of unionist sup- “That it is time for Scotland to choose The first minister told a major rally in porters who waved flags and blew our own future. It is time for Scotland Glasgow the time would come to break whistles as supporters of Scottish in- to be an independent country. away from the “chaos of Westminster” dependence gathered. in a second independence poll next “An independent country that will be year. The SNP leader focused on the U.K.- the best of friends and family with our wide election on December 12 at the neighbours across the British Isles, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said event, which was organised by The across Europe and across the world.” SCOTTISH First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed thousands a new Scottish independence referen- National newspaper. of independence supporters at a rally in George Square in Glas- dum was not “desirable or necessary.” The first minister told the crowd the She has made it clear that she wants to general election was “the most impor- gow on Saturday, November 2. It was the first time she had spo- The Conservatives and the Liberal ken at an independence rally since 2014. Democrats also oppose a further vote. hold a poll on the issue next year and tant election for Scotland in our life- said the general election was a “cross- times. The future of our country is on Sturgeon was one of a number of SNP roads moment” for Scotland. the line,” she said, “and there is no when she claimed a victory for Boris can’t event make up its mind where it politicians and independence cam- doubt whatsoever that Scotland stands Johnson in the election would result stands on the question of Brexit.” paigners to speak at the #indyref2020 Sturgeon told the pro-indy crowds, at a crossroads moment.” in “a future where Scotland gets ripped “Over the next few weeks, it is our job out of our European family of nations The first minister’s speech came after rally in George Square. she confirmed that she would send a to convince everyone we know to There were boos from the audience against our will, a future where the U.K. turns in on itself, a future of a letter “before Christmas” to 10 Down- hostile environment for migrants.” ing Street — regardless of who was occupying the office — requesting the Instead, she said, there was “a much Scottish Parliament is granted powers The Rise and Rise better alternative and that alternative to hold another independence referen- of the Scottish Diaspora is not a U.K. Labour Government that dum.

EDINBURGH – The Scottish ing in numbers and strengthening its diaspora was discovered some- presence in various countries. time shortly after the Scottish And where resources are stretched, Parliament ‘reconvened’ in innovative private concerns have picked up the slack. 1999. I recently attended a series of events This doesn’t mean, of course, that By organised by the Scottish Business Scots didn’t emigrate in droves before HARRY Network which, among other things, that. In his book To The Ends of the McGRATH is working in partnership with the .scot Earth: Scotland’s Global Diaspora, domain. 1750 - 2010 historian Tom Devine re- veals that 2.5 million Scots left Scot- SBN has a particular focus on connect- land between the years 1825 and 1938 address the issue of declining popula- ing Scottish entrepreneurs with inter- and that the exodus continued even in tion in Scotland. national Scottish business leaders and periods of relative economic boom. creating a Scottish diaspora network Canada was a natural target and was to help facilitate this. These included both the mid-Victorian visited by the first minister at the time period when Britain was said to be a and the leader of the Catholic Church The quality of the speakers at ‘Scot- land of plenty and the 1950s when in Scotland who gave a ‘come back’ tish International Week’, the number standards of living were rising and PM speech at St Francis Xavier Univer- of countries in which they had worked Harold MacMillan famously said sity in Nova Scotia. and their willingness to share their “most of our people have never had it knowledge and experience was inspir- so good.” As far as I know, nobody accepted the ing. invitation and it was roundly satirised Devine goes to some lengths in the in a front page Globe and Mail story Remarkably, a SBN-sponsored ‘Scot- book to explain this paradox but one under the headline ‘Will ye no come tish Business Diaspora Survey’ con- thing we can say for certain is that back again?’ ducted before international week re- Scottish emigration isn’t what it used ceived over a thousand responses. to be, either in nature or in numbers. The newspaper provided a handy list (with pictures) of well-known Scots- In September, the U.K. Government An uncle of mine once told me that Canadians and implied that it would even reintroduced the two year post seeing friends off to Canada from the be happy enough to be rid of some of study work visa. docks in Greenock felt like a bereave- them. This was broadly welcomed by uni- ment as you could be almost sure you versities and employers even though would never see them again. The next initiative was a better one. The ‘Fresh Talent Work in Scotland the inspiration behind it may include Nowadays, a relatively small number Scheme’ enabled international students the prospect of Brexit wreaking havoc of young folk fly out of Scotland armed to stay in Scotland for two years after on the university sector and the fact with the Canadian Government’s completing their studies. that the U.K. economy is estimated to Working Holiday Visa. have lost £8 billion since the visa was However, it had a kind of in-built weak- abandoned in 2012. Even if they find a way to stay in ness. Scotland’s invitation was some- Canada beyond the two year pro- one else’s to rescind and even gradu- Canada, in particular, capitalised on the gramme, social media and international ates who might be inclined to stay per- opportunity to attract international flights mean that they never seem that manently were often invited to leave students who may otherwise have far away. by the United Kingdom Border Agency come here. after their two years was up. The number of first generation Scot- There were some shallow sighs of re- tish immigrants to Canada has, in the Indeed, the programme itself was not lief when the Brexit deadline was post- words of another Scottish historian secure and Fresh Talent was duly ‘de- poned from tomorrow (October 31) “been reduced to the trickle,” but his- leted’ by UKBA in 2008 and replaced to the end of January and replaced with tory ensures that there are still far more by Tier 1 (Post Work Study) until it a general election on December 12. people with a Scottish connection out- too bit the dust in 2012. Recent surveys suggest that antipa- side of Scotland than there are Scots at thy to Brexit is deepening even fur- home. Fast forward to 2019 and I am happy to report that Scotland’s efforts to ther in Scotland. Until devolution, however, there were reach out to its diaspora, and the world There was some circumstantial evi- no organised government initiatives to in general, is in a much better state. dence of this at International Week too involve diasporic Scots in their home- as speaker after speaker insisted on land. The Scottish Government has offices in China, Canada, United States and referring to it as ‘the B word’. That changed after 1999 even if some Europe and Scottish Development In- To paraphrase Robert Burns, there’s a of the original projects were, to put it ternational has hubs in more than 30 lot of guessing and fearing around. But kindly, somewhat naive. countries around the globe. if there is an upside, it might be that One of the first of these extended an Remits include inward investment and Scotland’s relationship with its invitation to people of Scottish descent diaspora engagement. The long-stand- diaspora has never been closer or more to return to their homeland and help ing Global Scots initiative is increas- promising. PAGE 10 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Discover how many Irish are in B.C., or where to find an Irish community group in your area VANCOUVER – A great new resource what challenges they face as immi- for Irish community organizations is THE IRISH WOMEN’S grants as well as thoughts on how the now available online at Consulate can best support their com- www.irishinbc.ca. NETWORK OF B.C. munity. www.IrishinBC.ca Visitors can access a wide range of in- Between focus groups and individual formation and explore maps showing surveys, over 280 individuals provided where the 675,000+ people with Irish been to their work with the commu- input on these questions and their com- heritage are located in the province or nity, given their relatively new pres- ments will help inform the community ence in Vancouver. THE CHILDREN’S Halloween party hosted by the Irish Club of where to find the seven GAA clubs in engagement strategy of the Consulate B.C. moving forward. White Rock. Another significant part of the Com- The new website was launched on munity Mapping Project was reach- For more information, or if you have October 17 in front of representatives ing out to community members around questions or comments, please go to A dynamic community from a wide range of registered com- the province to seek their input on irishinbc.ca/contact-us. munity groups. It is the result of an extensive Com- in White Rock, B.C. munity Mapping Project undertaken by the Irish Women’s Network of BC on behalf of the Consulate General of gathers year-round for Ireland in Vancouver. While the exact number of Irish-born great Celtic celebrations in the province is hard to pin down given the mobility of people on work- WHITE ROCK – The Irish is always the annual St. Patrick’s Day ing visas and the lack of tracking of Club of White Rock has just dinner and dance with music by Pat movement between provinces, it is Chessell and Band and Irish dancing estimated that there are close to 10,000 hosted their annual children’s by the Steele School of Irish Dance. Irish-born in B.C. Halloween party and it was a This is always a great evening and next This is based on the almost 6,000 Irish- big success celebrating Hallow- year it will be held at the Hazelmere born noted on the 2016 Census in ad- Golf and Tennis Club on Saturday, dition to the newer arrivals. IRISH WOMEN’S NETWORK President Eilis Courtney at the offi- een Irish-style with all the old March 14, 2020. traditional games and treats. In terms of community groups pro- cial launch of the new IrishinBC website in October. It is the result White Rock is located about an hour viding support to the Irish commu- of an extensive Community Mapping Project undertaken by the Do mark it on your calendar for next drive east of Vancouver in a beautiful nity or promoting Irish culture and IWN on behalf of the Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver. year. Fun was had by young and old seaside town and it is home to the Irish heritage, 47 have registered to date and alike. Club of White Rock and surrounding are now ‘mapped’ on the website. area. The next event is the annual Celtic These are based primarily in Metro Christmas Celebration on Friday, De- The club has been in existence for over Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and cember 6 at Beecher’s Place in Cres- 40 years and now offers a very strong the Okanagan. cent Beach, Surrey. Irish community. Everyone is invited Of those number, 17 were founded to visit and to share the information This is a full night of entertainment since 2010 which speaks to the phe- with friends and family. A warm wel- nomenal growth of Irish in this prov- with live music, delicious food and come is extended to all new arrivals. Christmas cheer. Advance ticket sales ince and specifically in Vancouver. only. Tickets are $20 and to book, call For more information about the club, Do you have an organization or Sharon (604) 338-3553 or Deirdre put a like on the Irish Club of White Facebook page that supports or pro- (604) 803-0773. Rock on Facebook and follow, or sign motes the Irish that is not yet listed? up for their e-mails at: The club also offers many other small [email protected]. Organizers are confident that there are local gatherings. One of the highlights many more groups around the prov- ince yet to be included. Registration remains open so that additional groups can sign up and be added. Irish Consul General Frank Flood and Vice Consul General Jenny Bourke acknowledged and paid tribute to the JENNIFER BOURKE, Vice Consul General of Vancouver, Jackie work done by the IWN on the Com- Parsonage (IWN) Geraldine Megannety (IWN), Eilis Courtney munity Mapping Project and spoke (IWN), Leanne Ardley (IWN), Frank Flood Consul General of Van- about how important the project has couver at the launch of the new online resource. IWN members presented with a copy

KEVIN MCDONNELL, TRIONA KING, Jason Crew, and of new book by Irish feminist writer Spiderman (aka Ray O’Farrell) Sharon Woods decorating for VANCOUVER – Two members of the and Chelsea McDonnell. the Halloween party. Irish Women’s Network of B.C. – Geraldine Megannety and Mary Hatch – were presented with a copy of the recently published book The Making of Inequality: Women, Power and Gender Ideology in the Irish Free State 1922-1937 from Oonagh Berry, on behalf of the author Maryann Valiulis. Maryann Gialanella Valiulis is a fel- low emerita of Trinity College Dub- lin. She was director of the Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, TCD, from 1994 to 2012. She is also the author of the award- winning biography of Richard GERALDINE MEGANNETY and Mary Hatch with Oonagh Berry. Mulcahy, Portrait of a Revolutionary (Dublin, 1992). Valiulis also edited the 2008 book Gen- to the traditional narrative of Irish his- She has published extensively in Irish der and Power in Irish History pub- tory and how it can help to understand JUNE PARNELL, Kathleen Pedersen, Sharon and James Woods, history, including editing The Irish lished by Irish Academic Press. That the ways in which power operated in Robbie Greville, Mia Woods and Declan Ryan. Journal of Feminist Studies. book asks what can gender history add and flowed through Irish society. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 11 New Ireland - BC Trade Directory launched by the ICCC Van IRELAND CANADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER – The Ireland Canada Chamber of Com- merce, Vancouver (ICCCVan) officially launched the first Ire- land - BC Trade Directory on October 1. This project was funded by the Consulate Gen- eral of Ireland in Vancouver. Jim Kelly the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada and Frank Flood the Con- sul General of Ireland in Vancouver PHOTO: Mark Montgomery were special guests at the launch of [L-R] FRANK FLOOD the Consul General of Ireland, Vancouver the new directory. with Jim Kelly the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada with Lar Quigley and Rauiri Spillane of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce. The advantage of doing business in Ire- land is outlined in the directory and it shines a light on the strong economic ties that exist between Ireland and Brit- ish Columbia. It maps out the links between the two regions highlighting the connective tis- sue that makes such a diverse range of industries thrive in both areas. Enterprise Ireland has identified four key areas of opportunity where Irish companies are well placed to deliver products and services: Financial serv- ices, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food and telecommunications. These are some of the areas covered in the new directory. To view the entire directory online, see: icccvan.ca/trade-directory. PHOTO: Mark Montgomery MEMBERS of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Van- couver executive who worked on project [L-R] Lar Quigley, Gertie Referendum O’Shea, Mark Montgomery, Ruairi Spillane, Aoife Dowling, Brid on extending Dunne. presidential vote ‘highly unlikely’ this year DUBLIN – A referendum to give vot- ing rights to Irish citizens living out- side the state in presidential elections is now unlikely to take place until the new year. Government sources indi- cate the vote has been delayed amid Brexit turmoil. The referendum, which would, if passed, allow Irish citizens living abroad to vote in presidential elections from 2025, was originally earmarked for a polling date in May – at the same time as the local and European elec- tions – but was then rescheduled for PHOTO: Mark Montgomery late October or early November. SUZIE O'SHEA chatting with IWN president Eilis Courtney at the launch of the new Ireland - BC Trade Directory. That would have required the legisla- tion to have been published before the summer recess to ensure a Referendum Commission was established suffi- ciently in advance of polling day. However, in cabinet meetings during July, several ministers expressed res- ervations about the referendum going ahead in the autumn, arguing that it would divert public attention away from preparations for Brexit. The referendum is likely to encounter a higher degree of opposition than the recent ones on divorce and on blas- phemy. In February, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dáil the campaign could turn out to be complex and if the govern- PHOTO: Mark Montgomery ment was to succeed with it, it would GUESTS applaud the welcoming statements at the official launch need to put in a “good campaign.” of the new Ireland - BC Trade Directory in October. PAGE 12 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019

IRISH HERITAGE QUEBEC – LA SOCIETE HISTORIQUE DE QUEBEC Collecting and preserving the history of the Irish in Quebec

By CATHOLINE BUTLER UEBEC CITY – END OF SEASON wrap up party at Donnellan’s Irish Pub on Sep- Irish Heritage Que- tember 27. bec was founded in Q 1973 by the late Marianna O’Gallagher along ISSC 45th anniversary with several members of the Irish community in Quebec City. dinner and dance The organization was incorpo- rated on August 13, 1990 and By GRÁINNE MC DERMOTT volunteer coaches, referees, commit- PRO and Irish Language tee members and organisers who make was registered as a charity in & Culture Officer these fantastic events possible. 1998. ISSC Vancouver VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Irish We would also like to extend a huge Joseph (Joe) Lonergan is the president Sporting and Social Club (ISSC), to- thank you to all of our sponsors that of Irish Heritage Quebec and he re- HERITAGE QUEBEC directors: [L-R] Back: Larry Hamilton and gether with JP Ryan’s Hurling, are supported us this year, Donnellan’s cently spoke to The Celtic Connection John O’Connor. Front: Michael Pouliot, John Bertrand, William proud to celebrate their 45th anniver- Irish Pub, Tegan Law, Seva Physi- about some of the aims and events that Mylett, Bryan O’Gallagher, Coleen Bilodeau, and Joe Lonergan. sary dinner dance on November 22 at otherapy and Whistler Water. the organization is promoting. (Absent from photo: Daniel Hughes.) the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel Van- Dinner dance tickets are on sale now Lonergan is a retired school teacher couver from 6:30 PM. and cost $90. Please contact who taught at St. Patrick’s School from Pipe Band and also bands from Bos- It will be a night of celebrations in hon- [email protected] to arrange 1971-2006, the same school that his ton and Chicago here for the parade. our of a hugely successful season in e-transfer and for further information father and grandfather all attended. He So, city hall is very generous with fund- which teams represented the club, and on the night. recently published a book titled From ing for the parade because of course it brings lots of tourists into the city. collect silverware, all over North ISSC Ladies’ Football Success: Shamrock to Maple which is available America. • Senior & Junior Vancouver Cham- on Amazon. “Also taking part in the parade are Les One of the major focuses of the ISSC pionship “Marianna O’Gallagher founded Irish Patriotes de Québec, the women and is around promoting our Gaelic Games • Western Canadian Championship Heritage Quebec and her intent was to men’s Gaelic football and hurling and encouraging participation at every • Intermediate North American form a local Irish historical society in teams.” Championship age and skill level. It was an active year Quebec City.” he said. Speaking about the history of the Irish in this regard with several initiatives ISSC Camogie Success: “When I say local, we don’t give in Quebec City, Lonergan said, “a great across various fronts. • Junior B San Diego 7’s Football courses in Irish history, our interest is number of Irish arrived into Quebec at On the youth side, we provided a Championship the local Irish people and to help them the height of the Famine but many of • Emerald City Tournament with genealogy studies and to collect them didn’t stay. Gaelic games coach to seven local MARIANNA O’GALLAGHER, schools for four weeks, ran youth • Football Spring League documents that people might be dis- founder of Heritage Quebec pic- “Surprisingly, there was a strong Irish games across the season and had a ISSC Men’s Football Success: carding such as old photographs. Also population pre-famine in Quebec. The Gaelic games youth camp. • Senior Spring League to encourage anybody that is involved tured sitting on a float when she Irish started trickling in by 1810 and in any aspect of preservation of Irish was the Grand Marshal in the St. The youth weren’t the only group to • Senior Vancouver Championship by the 1830s there were enough here • Junior Vancouver Championship heritage in Quebec. Patrick’s Day Parade in Quebec to start their own Irish church and they have an opportunity to learn the skills City, 2010. Sadly missed, she of the game, all were welcome at six • Senior Western Canadian Champi- “We currently have about 270 dues built St. Patrick’s Church.” onship passed away the same year in weeks of skills development sessions paying members and on our Facebook Speaking about the devastation of the for beginners for football and hurling/ JP Ryan’s Hurling Success: page we have between 900 and 1,000 May 2010. Irish Famine, the one positive thing camogie, a hugely successful initiative • Senior North American Champion- members. that happened for the young orphaned which will run again in early spring ship “We used to have a strong Irish com- children who arrived at Grosse Ile was 2020. • Senior Western Canadian Champi- munity in the city, but I would say that they were allowed to keep their It would be remiss to reflect on such a onship there no longer is. A lot of people have “...the fact that they own name but there is more to the successful year without taking the time • Senior Vancouver Championship emigrated west to Montreal and On- story according to Lonergan. • Junior Vancouver Championship to acknowledge and thank all of the tario and other parts unknown. weren’t fully adopted He said, “Last spring we had a key- “There was a time in the 1960s when note speaker from Parks Canada, the Irish would have made up 40 per- into the family but Marie-Claude Belley, and she spoke cent of the population, but now they about the adoption of famine Irish or- make up less than two percent.” were considered phan children, not only in Quebec City, but throughout the province. Speaking about the premises that the organization occupies, Lonergan said, more as workers to “Very often they were adopted by ag- “we have an office in the presbytery ricultural families and often they were of St. Patrick’s church. We also have help on the farms allowed to keep their Irish names. That the use of McMahon Hall which is can be looked at two ways. You may beneath the church and holds up to and households.” say, well that was great culturally, but 180 people. There is also underground the speaker said it is also indicative of parking, so we are very lucky in that the fact that they weren’t fully sense.” adopted into the family but were con- LADIES FOOTBALL USGAA cup presentation sidered more as workers to help on Lonergan said that historically there the farms and households. was a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Que- tivity had begun its passage into his- bec City but it stopped in 1926 until tory. However, the Cadets of St. “Sometimes it was possibly a very it resumed again in 2010. Patrick’s High School held modest pa- happy affair, but other times that may rades until the 1940s. not have been the case. It would have According to the records, Québec depended on the families.” City’s first parade was held in 1837, The parade starts at St. Patrick’s School four years after the opening of the Irish and proceeds down Grande Allée and Dr. Mark McGowan, Professor of community’s first church, St. Patrick’s, finishes at city hall. History at the University of Toronto on rue McMahon. is writing a book about the period en- Lonergan said, “We have a contingent titled Suffer the Children: Irish Fam- The parade attracted a large number of that walks in the parade but we do not ine Orphans and the churches of Mon- people and quickly became a major put the parade on as that is a separate treal 1847-1848. annual event in Québec City. In 1916, organization from Heritage Quebec. the parade was suspended due to World They have a great relationship with For more information about Irish Her- War I, resuming in 1921. city hall and, of course, city hall is itage Quebec and for any help with family genealogy related to the area, In 1928, two years after the last pa- very interested in having the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. particularly greater Quebec City and JP RYAN HURLING North American Senior champions (first time rade, the Québec Chronicle Telegraph area, see online www.irishheritage for JP Ryans & first time a Canadian team has won it). acknowledged with regret that the fes- “We have the New York City Police quebec.net, or call (418) 704-3404. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 13 First Department of Foreign Affairs conference for honorary Irish consuls from around the world By DEIRDRE HALFERTY Honorary Consul Ireland Calgary and Southern Alberta CALGARY – I recently returned from Ireland where along with Laureen Reagan (Honorary Vice Consul Investment and Trade, Calgary), and all the honorary consuls for Ireland from around the world, I had the immense privilege of attending the inau- gural Conference of Honorary Consuls of Ireland. The conference was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs THE PRESIDENT of Ireland Michael D. Higgins (centre) is pic- with the intention to provide the tured above with his wife Sabina (L) and Deirdre Halferty (R), the opportunity for honorary consul Honorary Consul Ireland for Calgary and Southern Alberta. generals, honorary consuls and honorary vice consuls to share ex- periences, to acknowledge our The Department of Foreign Affairs is keen contribution to Ireland, and to dis- cuss the government’s key priori- to reach out to their diaspora and ties. to double its footprint by 2025 as part The conference took place against the of the Global Ireland 2025 initiative – backdrop of the centenary of the dip- lomatic service and the landmark ini- Ireland’s ambitious program to double tiative Global Ireland 2025 – Ireland’s the scope and impact of the Irish ambitious program to double the scope and impact of the Irish global global footprint by 2025. footprint by 2025. The opening reception for the con- strong government-led ‘Team Ireland’, dark at this point. What is clear is that ference was hosted by Ciarán Can- will double its impact over the next six Ireland will have to be prepared for non TD Minister of State for the years. either eventualities, which means an Diaspora and International Develop- inordinate volume of work in shorten- Pat Breen TD Minister of state for ing time frames. ment at the EPIC, the Irish Emigra- Trade Employment, Business, EU Sin- tion Museum. gle Market and Data protection, spoke The second day continued with meet- Many local readers met the minister about Ireland’s new policy for interna- ings on trade and promoting Ireland as earlier this year when he visited the tional development. a destination for business investment, Irish Centre in Calgary. tourism and education presented by Ireland is consistently recognised glo- Eamonn McKee Director General, If you have not been to the EPIC bally as a leader in the delivery of high- Trade Division and a presentation by Museum located at the CHQ Build- quality aid which is untied and comes Ireland’s Global Cultural Outreach ing, Custom House Quay, Dublin....it from the stance that Ireland works to hosted by Eugene Downes, Cultural is an absolute must see! The exhibit end hunger; Ireland works to protect; Director. was designed by the same people who Ireland works to improve health; Ire- created the Titanic exhibit in Belfast. land works to ensure girls have access A discussion on consular assistance and to education; Ireland works to prepare consular services was hosted by Eliza- The conference opened with welcome young people for the future; and Ire- beth McCullough, Consul Director remarks by Niall Burgess, Secretary land works to promote democracy and along with an overview of Ireland’s visa General followed by a presentation governance. service was presented with much dis- from Global Ireland. cussion highlighting the need to speed Brendan Rogers, Deputy Secretary up the process. The intent of Global Ireland to dou- General presented on Ireland’s campaign ble Ireland’s global footprint by 2025, for an elected seat on The United Na- We learned about data protection and and represents the most ambitious re- tions Security Council 2021-2022. the implementation of the general data newal and expansion of Ireland’s in- Their platform is to approach from the protection regulations in a presenta- ternational presence ever undertaken perspective of Ireland’s empathy, part- tion by Fiona Flood, Director of Secu- in terms of diplomacy, culture, busi- nership and independence. rity, Coordination and Compliance. ness, overseas aid, tourism and trade. The highlight of the conference was the The closing reception, hosted by Tour- Ann Derwin the Director General, first evening when we attended a re- ism Ireland took place in the Long Global Ireland Service and John ception hosted by President Michael Room at Trinity College Dublin. Concannon, Director General, Glo- D. Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins The Long Room is still an active li- bal Ireland said, “the initiative is de- at Áras an Uachtaráin. signed to support a renewing of our brary and houses the iconic Book of international presence, ensuring that The president was extremely generous Kells. If you have never been there, I we are properly equipped for the new with his time and we were introduced highly recommend it as a must see. to the two-family dogs. challenges we will face in a changing This was an exceptional conference and world.” If you wish to read the president’s one in which I was very proud to par- To deliver Global Ireland, the follow- speech you can find it at the following ticipate. ing five strategic objectives will be link. https://president.ie/en/media-li- brary/speeches/speech-at-a-reception- The Department of Foreign Affairs is pursued: Ireland will build strong stra- keen to reach out to their diaspora and for-honorary-consuls. tegic political partnerships with the to double its footprint by 2025. U.S. and Canada and assume a lead Simon Coveney TD Tanaiste and Min- role in building stronger transatlantic ister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, also They realise that there is power in the relations; Ireland will build a mutu- hosted dinner for us at Farmleigh House Irish diaspora and the intention is to ally beneficial two-way economic re- in Phoenix Park. support cultural groups and business lationship, approaching a trillion U.S. to the best of their ability. Along with Tanaiste Simon Coveney dollars by 2025; Ireland will consoli- Given Ireland’s history of emigration, date, deepen and expand the extraor- TD and Helen McEntee TD Minister of State for European Affairs, we were relations with the diaspora have al- dinary partnerships with our diaspora ways been a part of the country’s po- enlightened about the Irish Govern- in the U.S. and Canada doubling the litical, social and economic life. impact of this collaboration in the ment’s efforts to position Ireland for period to 2025; Ireland will double either a deal or no-deal Brexit. The result of generations of emigra- our impact by promoting our culture These meetings and discussions were tion is that today the Irish nation can and nurturing our reputation across lengthy with no answers as the Irish be said to stretch far beyond the the U.S. and Canada; and finally, a Government itself is completely in the boundaries of the state. PAGE 14 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Policing the Irish border is becoming a lethal risk

affair on the Cavan-Fermanagh border ATTEMPTING to plot a THE VIEW train route from one end occurred in September. FROM IRELAND A director of Quinn Industrial Hold- of the Irish border at the ings in Derrylin, Kevin Lunney, a local Irish Sea to the other end man, was abducted, brought to the southern side of the border and tor- in South Donegal is an im- tured within inches of his life. possible endeavour. The attack on Lunney forms part of a long series of QIH workers who have Though only around 100 miles sepa- By been attacked, and who have had their A PHOTOGRAPH taken by Martin Kenny of his car burnt out at rates the two places, it might as well MAURICE homes and cars targeted. his home in Aughavas, Co Leitrim. Supplied by Brian Farrell. be 10 times that distance from the FITZPATRICK point of view of rail infrastructure. The attack on Lunney, however, was the closest that the thugs have come Travelling from one end of the border to murder. The background to the QIH by rail to the other is a little like trying Mallon and to Chris Patten, who is a complex narrative of a dispossessed Sinn Féin TD to travel from Key West in Florida to chaired the commission for a new po- businessman and competing loyalties, Havana: merely 100 miles separates lice force. but the fact that it is happening on the the two cities, but most travel opera- Given how elusive this new policing border does not help ongoing security shocked after arson tors will route you through Canada. system was to secure, why would concerns in that region. Uniquely on the island, the North mid- politicians today jeopardise it? Garda Commissioner of Ireland, Drew lands and the North-west of Ireland Again, Chief Constable Byrne illus- Harris said in response: “Some of the attack at his home are unserved by rail. trated how an essential societal matter individuals involved are very careful AUGHAVAS, Co. Leitrim – This severance from the rest of the is- has been made into a political football: to ensure that their identities are con- land’s rail connection is symbolic of a “The time is fast approaching when cealed and the burning of vehicles and Following an arson attack at his deeper and enduring political discon- we need to return policing and justice destruction of evidence is very evident home in Aughavas, near nection from the politico-economic functions to Westminster in order to in this and have made this particularly Ballinamore in Co. Leitrim, Sinn difficult.” centre of the North (Belfast) and from deal with the very real problems faced Féin TD Martin Kenny has can- the politico-economic centre of the by our police and the local justice sys- Harris’s comment is a disturbing straw South, Dublin. tem.” in the wind. The commissioner is say- celled a planned trip to Canada Even if Shane Ross remains minister Such a reversion might bring narrow ing that the police forces on neither to speak at the annual Friends for transport for the next thousand political gains for the Democratic Un- side of the border have a strategy to of Sinn Féin banquet in To- halt the vigilantism. years, he will not lay tracks along the ionist Party, which still enjoys a promi- ronto. border. nent (though rapidly diminishing) po- These are the on the ground effects of litical position in London. The government’s reluctance to culti- the political instability in Northern Martin Kenny who is the Sligo/Lei- vate the border area is also matched Yet restoring policing and justice func- Ireland and of Brexit. trim deputy described the incident as by an unwillingness in the private sec- tions to London’s purview would be traumatic for both himself and his fam- A spokesperson for the ‘New IRA’ told ily. tor to stray anywhere near the border an extreme provocation to the nation- Channel 4 in October that “any infra- to invest and to develop. alist community. structure would be a legitimate target His vehicle was set alight outside his Some lenders operating in Ireland to- In any society premised upon the for attack and armed actions against home in the early hours of Monday, MARTIN KENNY day even explicitly exclude considera- check of one community being required those infrastructures and against the October 28, after receiving a death tion of borrowing applications from to balance the other, the perception people who are manning them.” threat because of his defense of asy- happens when you fire things up to a lum seekers in Ireland. high level and what impact that has, border counties on the southern side that the police force is once again a He did not state that if Irish soldiers such as Cavan, Monaghan and Don- unionist organisation would be disas- and the consequences it has, which is or Irish customs officers were man- Kenny has supported a proposal to beyond their control,” he said. egal. trous for the Good Friday Agreement’s ning the border they would be any the accommodate asylum seekers in provisions. As if these economic challenges were less targets. Policing the border is be- Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, where a local In a statement, Ballinamore Commu- not stark enough, the border area Against this backdrop a most grisly coming a lethal risk. community group has mounted a nity Group condemned the attack on stands to be more damaged by Brexit round-the-clock silent protest in op- Kenny and said the demonstrations than anywhere else on the island. It is position to the plan. will continue. in the light of these realities that at- In an interview with Ocean FM, he “The demonstration in Ballinamore has tacks on the border in recent months said there is no suggestion that any of been conducted in a peaceful and re- should be understood. those involved in the protest were in- spectful manner and it is our firm com- Northern governance of the border is volved in the incident. mitment that it will continue in the same way. Any other elements are not undermined by the ongoing political He said the destruction of his car was inertia in Belfast. indicative of the community of “traumatic,” adding that his vehicle Ballinamore,” it said. As the Chief Constable of the Police was parked near to his house and that Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) the flames from the fire cracked one of Alan G. McConnell of Sinn Féin of Simon Byrne stated in August, the ab- the windows of his home. Sinn Fein (Canada) expressed solidar- ity with Martin Kenny and said his sence of the Northern Ireland Assem- “There was sheer panic in the house. bly has created a “political vacuum” strong opposition to racist hate speech My wife was very distressed and wor- against asylum claimants is precisely and a “breeding ground” for dissident ried. It’s just crazy, I can’t believe it. I terrorism and hatred of the police. the type of principled and courageous woke up around two in the morning to stand supporters have come to expect From this vacuum came a bomb attack KEVIN LUNNEY, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings,sustained hear hissing and cracking and then I from Sinn Féin leaders. at Wattlebridge in Fermanagh in Au- 'life changing' injuries after being abducted and tortured. The sinis- saw the flames,” he said. He said the FOSF annual dinner in gust, which targeted the police. ter attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have “We were fortunate. If it was closer to plagued the business. Toronto is scheduled to proceed as Clearly frustrated, Chief Constable the house, there could be a lot more planned on November 9 with Niall O Byrne was unusually outspoken about damage done. We are where we are, as Donnghaile as a replacement for Mar- the failure of politicians to do their a garda sergeant said to us last night, it tin Kenny. jobs causing risk to the police: “We is steel and glass and plastic, they are have become the shock absorbers for all replaceable.” He is a Dail Éireann Senator and a former Belfast City Councillor who failures elsewhere in terms of the abil- He said since the attack, he has received ity of other agencies to do their job was appointed the youngest ever thousands of messages of solidarity Mayor of Belfast at the age of 25. because they’re not getting direction and support for him and his family. because of the lack of an Executive.” In Vancouver, an inaugural Friends of While he emphasized that while he was Sinn Féin dinner will be held on Sun- Of all the sensitive issues that required not placing blame on any group, Kenny cross-community assent to facilitate a day, November 10 with Megan Fearon, called ongoing demonstrations being Sinn Féin MLA, Newry & Armagh, as new society in Northern Ireland after held by Ballinamore Community the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, guest speaker. She will discuss issues Group against plans to home asylum related to Brexit and Irish unity. the justice and policing system was seekers in Ballinamore “regrettable.” the most vexed. The dinner will be held at the Anza “The situation in Ballinamore has be- Club at 3 West 8th Avenue in Vancou- That a new civilianised police force, come a very tense and difficult situa- reflective of the population, in the ver. For tickets or more information, A SPOKESPERSON for the ‘New IRA’ told Channel 4 in October tion. To say it is regrettable is an un- call Bernard Ward (604) 218-7524 or years after the Good Friday Agreement derstatement,” he said. in 1998 was successfully implemented that “any infrastructure would be a legitimate target for attack and e-mail: [email protected]; or call is a great credit to (among others) armed actions against those infrastructures and against the peo- “The handful of people who are at the Séan Maloney (778) 773-3775 or e- former Deputy First Minister Seamus ple who are manning them.” head of that really need to look at what mail: [email protected]. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 15 Northern Ireland has been forced to change its abortion laws and recognize LGBT rights BELFAST – Of all the strange SISTER Joan Chittister and former president Mary McAleese in twists and turns that U.K. poli- conversation at Trinity College Dublin. tics have taken in recent years, the sudden legalisation of abor- tion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland is perhaps one Mary McAleese of the most unexpected. At a time when the Northern Irish has sharp words Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) still props up the Westminster gov- ernment, change seemed unlikely. of criticism for the The party is staunchly socially con- PATRICK CORRIGAN, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty Inter- servative and largely opposed to re- national, said the moment comes after years of campaigning. “This form on both issues. Yet thanks to is an incredible moment for so many people, especially for same- Catholic Church movement from Westminster, abortion sex couples, who will now be treated as equal citizens in their own has now been decriminalised in North- country.” DUBLIN – Former president Mary ker of “really embedded misogyny” ern Ireland. McAleese has been elected the new which goes very deep in the church. chancellor of Trinity College in Dub- Until October 21, 2019, abortion was lin. She will succeed her predecessor Permanent deacons are ordained men only legal in Northern Ireland if there in the role of president Mary who have no intention of becoming was a severe and long-term physical priests. Robinson. or mental risk to the woman’s health. The former president graduated with They can be married and have secular The Abortion Act introduced in the an honours law degree from Queens jobs to support their families. They rest of the U.K. in 1967 was never University Belfast in 1973 and was support local priests by visiting the extended to Northern Ireland, which appointed Reid Professor of Criminal sick, teaching the faith, counselling cou- has meant that every year hundreds of Law, Criminology and Penology at ples and giving advice to the pastor. women have had to travel to England TCD in 1975. They can baptize, witness marriages for terminations. At 24, she was the youngest person to and perform funeral and burial serv- Recent rulings in the High Court in ices outside of saying Mass. They can hold the post and in that role she was Belfast and the Supreme Court in Lon- a founding member of the Campaign also distribute communion and preach don have stated that the situation in for Homosexual Law Reform and its the homily. Northern Ireland was incompatible CAMPAIGNERS celebrated the decriminalisation of abortion in legal advisor. They are called permanent deacons to with human rights legislation. Northern Ireland on Tuesday, October 22 after a hard-won victory. She was the first Catholic and the first distinguish them from seminarians, In January 2017, the devolved govern- on its citizens than other parts of the Government up and running again. woman to be appointed director at the who spend a year as transitional dea- ment of Northern Ireland broke down U.K. cons before being ordained as priests. But Sinn Fein chose not to take part Institute of Professional Legal Studies over a dispute about a renewable heat- ing initiative and was suspended. The DUP has opposed the changes but and the event ended up being largely at QUB in January 1988. In 1994 she She added that allowing women dea- has been treading a careful line. To symbolic. It was over within in an hour became the university’s first female cons would not solve all the problems In July this year, Westminster passed block Westminster, it would have to and descended into farce, with various pro-vice-chancellor. in the Catholic Church and that the legislation which said that if the North- get the Northern Ireland Assembly up parties walking out en masse. McAleese went on to serve two terms voices of women need to be heard. ern Irish Assembly had not been re- and running again, which would have established by October 21, 2019, then involved political compromises on Yet the DUP’s position against liber- as president of Ireland from 1997 to She said women are not just oppressed alising abortion may suggest there will 2011. She is now a member of the in the Catholic Church at the moment the law in Northern Ireland would be other issues that it is not yet ready to changed. make. be difficulties ahead in cementing sub- Council of Women World Leaders, a but actively suppressed. stantial change by the end of March network of 74 current and former fe- Referring to the ban on her taking part That means that a new legal framework But senior DUP members, including next year. male prime ministers and presidents. for abortion law must be in place by party leader Arlene Foster have been in a conference on women at the Vati- Resistant voices may have influence In the role of chancellor, she will be can in March of last year, she said she March 31, 2020 and same-sex marriage present at sizeable anti-abortion ral- and opposite-sex civil partnerships lies outside Stormont, home to the as- during the consultation. As a result, at the official head of the university and “never received an explanation as to least in the interim, we will still see preside at meetings of its senate. why [she was banned], even though I must be introduced by January 13, sembly. 2020. significant numbers of women having Speaking at a conference in TCD on asked for one.” The DUP attended the assembly just to travel to England for treatment. November 2 under the title ‘The “Ironically, a conference dedicated to The U.K. Government now has a legal as the deadline on the legislation ap- Abortion equality across the four re- Women The Vatican Couldn’t Silence,’ women in the church was not to be duty to introduce access to abortion proached in what was supposed to be gions of the U.K. is yet to be fully McAleese had some very harsh words allowed to have women who were pre- in Northern Ireland by the 2020 March an attempt to get the Northern Ireland guaranteed. of criticism for the Catholic Church. pared to speak about women in the deadline along the lines of the 2018 church.” UN Committee on the Elimination of She was joined on the podium by U.S. Discrimination Against Women report. theologian and Benedictine nun Sister McAleese also spoke out about the Joan Chittister who has also been a mistreatment of migrants to Ireland. This will allow for abortion at the very strong women’s advocate speaking out She said it bothers her greatly to see least in cases of rape, incest, severe about the lack of gender equality in people who are strangers to Ireland foetal abnormality and threats to a the Church. treated in ways that are contrary “to woman’s physical or mental health. Both women received a standing ova- the ethic of our country and our peo- In the meantime, interim arrangements tion on arrival at the conference to a ple.” have been put in place so that abor- packed Edmund Burke Theatre for a Without specific reference to commu- tion is now decriminalised. GPs will discussion chaired by broadcaster nity protests against accommodating be encouraged to put women seeking Ursula Halligan. asylum seekers in Achill, Ballinamore, terminations in contact with a central booking system which can arrange Chittister said that “silence, invisibil- and Oughterard, she spoke of people who had to leave their homes and “sud- NHS-funded treatment in England. ity is the only role a woman has in the Catholic Church. We make very good denly they have nowhere, and noth- Despite these monumental develop- window dressing, but in terms of be- ing. And now they rely on the kind- ments, it’s not guaranteed that North- ness of strangers. ing able to contribute as a baptised ern Ireland will end up with the same person to the development of the “My God tells me I have to be the abortion laws as the rest of the U.K. church, we are not there. stranger who is kind. It bothers me There may still be an uphill battle to greatly finding that [in] a country that implement a similarly liberal frame- “Some day you have to wake up and work. say what you see, and what I see is I’m so proud of, that sometimes peo- that the Catholic Church, for women, ple are not experiencing the kindness Indeed, these legislative changes have is a totally owned subsidiary of pious that I know is the ethic of our country not been driven by the government in males. We really are not full members and our people.” Northern Ireland, but from Westmin- of the church. We are the outside edge.” She pointed out, “We relied on it [kind- ster. During the discussion, McAleese called ness] ourselves so often when we went The changes do reflect a growing cross- on the Catholic Church to allow women as emigrants to other countries, poor, party consensus in Westminster that to become deacons. She said it would our two hands the one length, looking Northern Ireland should not continue be a breakthrough, a breach in the bun- for opportunity.” to be allowed to impose different rules PAGE 16 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Deceased Irish grandad’s prank SEATTLE IRISH NEWS from beyond the grave goes viral DUBLIN – Mourners couldn’t believe it when they heard a voice beyond the grave at a Dublin man’s funeral. Those who attended the funeral of Irish Defence Force veteran Shay Bradley on October 12 couldn’t believe it when he started speaking to them from his coffin. His voice could be heard shouting: ‘Hello, hello. Let me out, it’s f***ing dark in here” as the coffin was being lowered into a grave. But instead of alarm, a ripple of laughter sweeps CIARÁN CANNON, Irish Government Minister for the Diaspora and across the crowd. International Development; Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayor; Paul Burfield, Enterprise Ireland SVP; and Michael Treacy, Irish Vice- The voice continues, “Where the f*** DUBLIN MAN Shay Bradley, who died on October 12 at the age am I? Is that that priest I can hear?” Consul at the announcement of the opening of an Enterprise Ire- of 62, had organized the prank with his son Jonathan, and foot- land office in Seattle, WA. and the laughter grows even stronger age has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social as the sound of knocking on wood can media since the funeral. be heard. He continued, “This is Shay I’m in as “the best send off for an incredible members of the IDFVA I extend our Enterprise Ireland the box. No in f***ing front of you. man,” wrote on Twitter that the re- sincerest condolences and prayers to I’m dead.” Shay then sings: ‘Hello cording had been played through a Anne and family at this sad time. May again, hello...hello, I just called to say speaker on the ground next to her fa- Shay Rest in Peace.” opens a new Seattle office ther’s grave. goodbye.” In a separate post they added: “Was SEATTLE – Enterprise Ireland (EI) has officially This was a prank planned by Bradley The video which has gone viral, was asked a question the other day, it was who passed away in October after a shared by the Irish Defence Forces what’s the difference between military opened a physical office in downtown Seattle at 1201 long illness. Through a pre-recorded Veterans’ News who said on humour and civilian humour... it’s sim- 3rd Avenue, Floor 22. message, he was able to entertain the Facebook: “It is with great sadness ple, it’s black. This video should say attendees at his own graveside. that I was informed of the passing of it all. This is the funeral of Shay Enterprise Ireland is the VC (venture capital) arm of the Irish our Military Brother and Veteran Col- Bradley on the 12th of October 2019 Government, responsible for supporting Irish companies to start, His daughter Andrea, who described it league Shay Bradley. On behalf of the and it says it all…” commercialize and globalize. With a portfolio of 3,500 Irish companies, EI is the largest VC firm in Europe by deal volume. Collectively, their portfolio is responsible for helping bring Book written in memory of those US$26.13 billion exports to Ireland. Irish investment in the U.S. is at an all time high. Over 100,000 people are employed in the U.S. by Irish companies in 2018, of which 85,000 people are who died during NI Troubles employed by 520 Enterprise Ireland-supported companies. BELFAST – This July marked Ireland is now the ninth largest source of foreign direct investment into the the 50th anniversary of the first United Sates at $146.2 billion. lives lost to the Troubles in “Washington State and the city of Seattle is a prosperous region for aerospace, Northern Ireland. The conflict data centers, cybersecurity, interactive media and the wider breadth of digital lasted for 30 years until the sign- technologies,” said Paul Burfield, SVP West and Southern United States, En- ing of the Good Friday Agree- terprise Ireland. ment on April 10, 1998. “These centers of excellence align strongly with the capabilities of Irish com- panies, and connecting the Emerald Isle and the Emerald City is a link that we The death of an innocent Derry man, at Enterprise Ireland are excited to develop.” Sam Devenney, as a direct result of a brutal police assault in his own home For more information, contact either of Seattle’s now-local EI representatives, during rioting, coincided with that of [email protected] or Eva.Mahon@enterprise- Francis McCloskey, an elderly farmer ireland.com. during an RUC baton charge in LOST LIVES WRITERS [L-R] Brian Feeney, David McVea, David Dungiven, Co. Derry on July 14, 1969. McKittrick, Chris Thornton and Seamus Kelters. Since October 5, 1968 the 50-year-old unionist state had been rocked to its from anywhere between a few hun- They thought it might take them a cou- Galway: 2020 European foundations by the rising challenge of dred pounds to over a thousand. ple of years to get their book into print the civil rights movement. but in the end the research and writing “We all regard that as a shame and a took over a decade, during which time The events in Derry on that day as disgrace which goes against the spirit the original team recruited dozens of Capital of Culture unarmed marchers were batoned by of the book,” said David McKittrick, people, including another 15 journal- Galway’s year as European Capital of The county will be ablaze in a week- the RUC under the direction of a one- one of the five-strong team who pro- ists, to help them. Culture “could not be more timely” long festival of fire to launch the pro- party unionist regime had shocked duced Lost Lives. amid changing political relationships, gramme in February, as flames move David said the original plan had been U.K. and world opinion. “We all went into it with no expecta- a senior diplomat said. through six towns and villages in an to record just a line about each death. ancient pagan Celtic tradition, ahead Since that time booksellers have tions of making money. The intention The programme launch was celebrated of an opening ceremony in the city. amassed a huge collection of more pub- was to do good so the idea that people “We became engrossed and we start- with an extravaganza of festivities in lications about the Troubles than even are making money out of our book is ing collecting more files and more in- Galway on September 18. Highlights of the 12-month project, the most assiduous of readers could horrendous to us.” formation and it turned into one of the include an art installation called ‘Bor- most worthwhile things that I have Chair of Galway 2020 European Capi- probably read in a lifetime. But now Lost Lives has found a new derline’, involving communities in the ever done, growing and growing all the tal of Culture, Arthur Lappin and Irish county working with those from across But there’s one rather hulking elephant concept as a movie. A ‘who’s who’ of time into a huge book,” he said. Culture minister Josepha Madigan the border in Derry. The Connemara which isn’t widely available. And 18 Northern Irish actors have recorded were among those in the city to cel- mountains will be lit up in green for that’s one of the most impressive and stories for a movie made by the Bel- “There was nobody in charge and a ebrate the beginning of the year. St. Patrick’s Day in March in a com- comprehensive books ever written fast based DoubleBand Films com- great camaraderie developed between mission entitled ‘Savage Beauty’ by about the Troubles – Lost Lives: The pany. us. We were driven by a shared vision Ireland’s ambassador in London Adrian and desire.” O’Neill said culture can be successful Finnish artist Kari Kola. stories of the men, women and chil- David McKittrick found it a compel- dren who died as a result of the North- in “challenging mindsets” in a way that Irish President Michael D. Higgins ling but difficult watch. But he said it No fewer than 50 companies were ap- brings people together and is “non- ern Ireland troubles. has done justice to the book which was proached but the response was almost said, “The festival will provide threatening.” He hailed culture as a uniquely Galwegian, Irish and inter- The book details, in over a million produced by him, David McVea, the universally discouraging with some “very effective instrument of soft di- national perspectives exploring those words, the stories behind every one of late Seamus Kelters, Brian Feeney and saying the book was “going to be like plomacy.” quintessential Irish themes of language, the 3,700 deaths during three decades Chris Thornton, the producer of the a Bible and was going to cost at least landscape and migration.” He said the of horror. new BBC Northern Ireland series, £30.” He said, “As we now try to kind of Spotlight on the Troubles: A Secret maybe reset political relationships festival will become a celebration “of It is out of print now and with the History. “They asked who was going to buy it during difficult times, I think we need the local, national and European com- firm that published it going out of busi- and we said ‘not many’,” revealed culture more than ever. munities of which we all are part.” ness there’s little likelihood that it will The seeds for the book were first sown David. Funding for the 39.7 million euro pro- ever return to retail shelves. in the early 1990s when the writers “So I think Galway 2020 could not be started with a completely blank can- Eventually Mainstream Publishing in more timely and I’m sure Galway 2020 gramme comes from the Irish Govern- On the internet however a flourishing vas, with no files, no publisher and Edinburgh agreed to take a massive fi- will be a very, very effective demon- ment, Galway City Council, Galway second-hand market has grown up basically no idea about where their nancial gamble to bring out the book stration of the power of culture to do County Council, and the European around the book with copies on offer journey might lead them. and it was published in 2001. all of that.” Union. NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 17 SEATTLE IRISH NEWS

PASSINGS 2021 Diversity Visa Lottery at • Sister Sheila Collins CSJP (97), a dvlottery.state.gov. native of Co. Galway, died in Bellevue Lottery registration is open through 9 on October 15. AM PDT on November 5. The Diversity • Sr. Marie Murphy, OP (87), a native Lottery (sometimes referred to as the of Co. Cork, died in Seattle on Septem- Green Card Lottery) provides a limited ber 29; By number of U.S. visas for individuals from countries with historically low • Ed Heavey (90), formerly a King JOHN immigration to the U.S. and people from County Superior Judge and president KEANE Ireland and Northern Ireland are eligi- of the Friends of St. Patrick, died in ble. There is no fee involved to apply. Seattle on September 27; CULTURE CAPITAL – Seattle’s Sister • Tom O’Connell (96), whose Irish-born City of Galway is a European Capital grandfather founded St. Patrick Cem- of Culture in 2020. Each year, the Eu- etery in Kent, died in Kent on Septem- ropean Union designates a city as a ber 26; European Capital of Culture, and these [L-R] Mary Kelly, Nick Duggal, Cherry Leung, Trisha Creaven, Tina • Margaret O’Connell (95), Tom’s wife cities are expected to produce an in- Bonfield, and Jordan Harris at the social after the Mass of of 75 years, died in Kent three weeks novative year-long cultural program Rememberance in Gaelic at St. Patrick’s Church on October 25. earlier on September 5; that highlights the richness and diver- sity of cultures. Big things are planned • Fr. Colm Stone, OCD, a Carmelite priest for Galway next year, making 2020 the who served at St. Cecilia’s in year to visit. Stanwood, died in Dublin on Septem- ber 2; L-R] BILL BARNES, Kay IRISH FILM FESTIVAL – Interested in Irish film? You’re not alone! Come to • Pat Cummins (81), a native of Co. McKenna, Maura Barnes, the Irish Heritage Club meeting (6 PM, Louth, died in Seattle on September 8; Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne, and John Keane at a November 10, St. Patrick Church Hall, • Janet Becker (80), a sister of Diane social following a Celebration of 2701 Broadway E), and meet with Betty Egan and others to see how we Gallagher of Tacoma, died in Rockford, Our Saints Mass for the Seattle IL on August 22; can make this happen. area’s ethnic communities at St. • Pat Murphy Wood (77), a sister of James Cathedral on October 26. The Irish Reels film project was IHC Board Member Heather Murphy, launched in 1997 to support Irish film- died in Seattle on August 2; makers by providing a platform for films not getting U.S. distribution and to in- • John Rowland (95), a native of Co. troduce Northwest audiences to these Mayo and brother of the late Finian unique and inspiring stories. Rowland, died in Seattle on August 2; Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílse The Reels are no longer active and – May their faithful souls rest at even though we have an abundance [Clockwise from bottom left] JOHN TOBIN, Brendan Boyle, Rod God’s right hand of ways to distribute films globally and Margason, Linda Noé, Fr. John Madigan, Fr. Martin Bourke, and • for audiences to access film, we are Miriam Doyle at the tea and coffee social after the Mass in Gaelic IHC AGM – The annual general meet- asking if an Irish Film Festival program on October 25. ing and election of officers for the Irish in Seattle is welcomed, needed, or Heritage Club is at 6 PM on Sunday, doable. More information at (253) 237- [L-R] IRISH VICE-CONSUL November 10, at St. Patrick’s Church 2811. Hall, 2702 Broadway E (at Roanoke), Michael Treacy, exhibit artist MISCELLANEOUS Seattle. All officer terms end in 2019 Paula Stokes, and • For information on the next Irish Book while board members whose terms IRISH PRESIDENT Michael D. Club meeting, contact hudit King County Council expire in 2019 are Frank Gill, Jean Roth, Higgins with John Keane @comcast.net. Meagan McGuire, and Nanci Spieker. (Seattle) and Doodie Cahill (Ed- member Joe McDermott • The 41st Annual Magical Strings Celtic If you’re interested in getting involved monton) at a September 19 re- at the opening of an Yuletide Concerts throughout the or would like to make a nomination or ception at Áras an Uachtaráin in Northwest, from December 1 to De- Irish Famine Exhibit in suggestion, contact the Nominations Dublin for Ireland’s Honorary cember 21 with Seattle’s concert on Seattle on October 18. Chair at (253) 237-2811. Consuls. December 7. Details at: SENIORS’ LUNCHEON – The Irish sen- YOUTH GAA – Woodinville High School magicalstrings.com. iors’ Christmas luncheon is at noon on has now been added to the list of Saturday, December 7, at Shawn Seattle area schools that are using O’Donnell’s Restaurant in Fremont, Gaelic football in PE class. NOVEMBER PRAYER 3601 Fremont Avenue N, in Seattle Over the past several years, the fol- FOR OUR BELOVED (three blocks west of Aurora Avenue lowing schools have at one time or on the corner of 36th Street & Fremont DEPARTED SOULS another used Gaelic football in PE Avenue). All seniors with an Irish con- Grant O lord, that my own heart class: Skyline HS, Woodinville HS, Lib- nection are welcome. may be touched, as yours is, at the erty HS, Issaquah HS, Lake Washing- passing of all souls into eternal life. The Christmas lunch buffet will offer ton HS, Eastlake HS, Juanita HS, and In great confidence, I pray for all Irish soda bread; roasted turkey; Kirkland Middle School. For informa- my friends and loved ones who are glazed ham steak; homemade stuff- tion contact [email protected]. no longer here on this journey of ing; colcannon; cranberry sauce; faith. I pray also for those who are IRISH THEATRE – Director Kelly green beans amandine; and more! facing at this moment their own last McMahon is establishing an Irish-fo- agony. The subsidized cost for the buffet cused theater company in Seattle, with lunch is $10 for seniors and $20 for the aim of presenting an inaugural pro- When I am sad at the death of those non-seniors and all are welcome, but duction in 2020. who were close to me, may my sad- we are restricted to 100 seats! So, ness be firmly supported by my faith Kelly has a Masters degree in Drama advance reservations are required to that life is merely changed not ended & Theatre Studies from NUIG (Gal- (253) 237-2811. that those I love are still with me way), and has worked with Irish though unseen. GAELS AGM – You’re invited to at- theater artists and companies in Ire- tend the Seattle Gaels AGM (annual land. O Lord, increase my faith in the great mystery of eternal life. Teach me to general meeting) on Saturday, Decem- With the support of the Irish Heritage live each day knowing that all here ber 7 at 6 pm at St. Andrews Bar & Club, she has organized a meeting for passes and that when we leave we Grill, 7406 Aurora Avenue N, Seattle. Friday, November 15 at 6:30 PM at the will travel very lightly. The AGM is a very important event Starbucks in Upper Queen Anne, 2135 May you, Lord Jesus Christ, wel- where 2019 business is concluded, Queen Anne Avenue N. Anyone inter- come me and all those for who I pray talk about the future of the Seattle ested in more details should e-mail: into eternal life at the moment pleas- Gaels and vote in the committee mem- [email protected]. ing to you. Glory be to you one God, bers and on any motions for the 2020 VISA LOTTERY – Irish Immigration Father Son and Holy Spirit now and season. Centers around the U.S., including forever. Mary, Mother of the living pray for us. Amen Seattle’s Irish Immigrant Support, urge All registered club members from 2019 – From St. Benedicts Abbey Irish nationals who are interested in are eligible to vote. Details on the AGM Benet Lake Wisconsin and other events at Facebook.com. getting a U.S. Green Card to enter the PAGE 18 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 Otherworldly or breathtaking just seem inadequate descriptions REETINGS The distances between towns are vast, POSTCARD FROM as in Canada, but unlike Canada most from the Namib of the roads are gravel. Not a place to coastal desert, NAMIBIA go if you have false teeth. which covers Tara, the gentleman who checked my G tyre pressure, refers to the driving ex- over 50,000 square miles. perience as the “African massage!” Namib quite aptly means “vast,” and After a six hour drive I wondered if THE SOUTHERN NAMIB desert is home to some of the tallest having existed for 43 million years is Parkinson’s disease was setting in. and most spectacular dunes of the world, ranging in color from reputed to be the oldest desert on earth. We flew from London to Windhoek pink to vivid orange. These dunes continue right to the edge of the via Johannesburg on Monday, Octo- I am here with my wife on a three week By Atlantic Ocean. The cold waters of the sea brushing against the th ber 21 and in a week have driven from holiday to celebrate our 25 wedding ELFAN dunes of the Namib desert is one of the most surreal sights. th the desert to the mountains and today anniversary and my 75 birthday. JONES Starting in Namibia then a brief stop 350 miles into Etosha National Park. at Victoria Falls ending up in The The recommended means of travel is This is a safari park which covers an Okavango Delta Botswana. self-drive, and although there is little incredible 8,500 square miles. We were Namibia, was once a German colony traffic and Namibians drive on the left 40 miles into the park when a tyre fi- and although tourism is the largest in- as we do in the U.K., it is probably an nally succumbed to the roads and we dustry here, it is not a common choice adventure for younger folk. were stuck. for a holiday for the British. This has to be one of the few coun- Strictly forbidden to leave our car we I had heard of its beauty a few years tries in the world where the process to waited two hours to be rescued, and ago whilst working in neighbouring collect your hire vehicle is accompa- as the minutes ticked by the mood in- South Africa and it has lingered on my nied by a safety video. After watching side the car did become a tad tense. the video the inclination is to say “for- bucket list. Now here it has not disap- Luckily the lions must have dined else- get it” and give them the keys back. pointed. where and the two armed rangers The scenery in the desert area is hard With 50 times as many accidents as in kindly changed the wheel and we were to describe, because when you see red the whole of Europe, you are pro- on our way. vided with two spare tyres, and a mo- sand dunes hundreds of feet high Last night we stayed at the Ongava bile phone. IN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, a safari park we dined under a stretching as far as the eye can see, Lodge, an African-style hotel compris- there is the feeling that you might have The hire company strongly advised to ing of 15 en-suite thatched cabins and myriad of stars and enjoyed watching as animals emerged from been transported on to the film set of the bush and drank. We marvelled at the gentle Springbok that always have bottled water on board, a large open sided main lounge, bar and Star Wars – otherworldly or stunning keep filled up with fuel and never, ever dining area overlooking a watering hole. arrived before suddenly fleeing as two black rhinos and two male or breathtaking just seem inadequate drive after dark because of wild ani- We dined under a myriad of stars and lions arrived simultaneously, eyeing each other as they drank. descriptions. mals roaming the road. watched as animals emerged from the bush and drank. As we marvelled at the gentle spring- bok that arrived, they suddenly fled Cambrian Hall 90th anniversary as two black rhinos and two male lions arrived simultaneously, eyeing each other as they drank. celebrated over three event-filled days The black rhinos then entertained us VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Assistant Conductor, Luke with a fight and the lions quietly Welsh Society celebrated the Cambrian McAndless-Davis. watched hoping that perhaps that one Hall’s 90th birthday on October 4-6 would severely injure the other and with some popular and entertaining Welsh-born mezzo-soprano Nerys they could finish him off. Jones is based in Seattle and has per- events. formed with numerous opera compa- I cannot think of any restaurant in The weekend celebrations began on nies, including the Puget Sound Op- London or Bournemouth that offers Friday night, October 4 with a tradi- era, Tacoma Opera and Seattle Opera. this entertainment. tional Welsh Noson Lawen, an evening The popular soloist has won many ac- Dining in Namibia is remarkably inex- of mixed entertainment in the Red colades and made many friends during pensive. A bottle of wine here is the Dragon, featuring both amateur and previous visits to the Cambrian Hall. same as one pays for a glass in Lon- professional performers. Nerys delighted the Point Grey audi- don which is wonderful and danger- The highlight of the weekend was a ence with selections from Grand Op- ous at the same time. Welsh Celebration Concert, held at era and well-known stage musicals, as The people are friendly and, although West Point Grey United Church on well as popular Welsh songs. there is a higher level of sophistication October 5. The concert was jointly Leanne Page is a well-known Celtic in the Republic of South Africa, you organized by the Vancouver Welsh So- will not feel threatened here which can ciety and the Vancouver Orpheus harpist and classically trained singer MEZZO-SOPRANO Nerys Jones, tenor Sam Wyn-Morris and based in Surrey. happen in South Africa, especially in Male Choir. Welsh Society President Lynn Owens-Whalen all contributed to Johannesburg. the success of the weekend celebrations. In addition to the Orpheus Choir, the She was accompanied at the concert by her son Connor on classical guitar I am just back from a four hour “game” program featured guest artists mezzo- mental in organizing this special event, drive. We were driven around in an soprano Nerys Jones from Seattle, lo- and Irish whistle. The popular duo played a selection of traditional Welsh, together with representatives of the open jeep and saw, giraffes, zebra, el- cal harpist Leanne Page and her son Orpheus Choir. ephants, black and white rhinoceros, a Connor, and Samuel Wyn-Morris, an Scottish and Irish music. The last event of the weekend was a pride of lions, ostrich, a mongoose, a up-and-coming young tenor from Their expressive combination of voice, black backed jackal, several ground Wales, who also served as master of harp, guitar and whistle created a mu- well-attended Gymanfa Ganu (hymn festival) on Sunday, October 6 in the squirrels, and various forms of deer, ceremonies for the concert. sical atmosphere that enchanted the springbok, oryx, kudu etc. We also audience. Cambrian Hall, when two of the art- The Vancouver Orpheus Choir is well ists who performed in Saturday’s Con- swallowed more dust than a coal miner. known for its unique arrangements and Tenor soloist Samuel Wyn-Morris, a cert, Nerys Jones and Samuel Wyn- As a matter of interest, a white rhino its mix of popular music genres, in- graduate of the Guildford School of Morris, gave encore performances as is not white but has a wide mouth and cluding male voice classics, sacred Acting, has already made a name for guest soloists. a German explorer named it the vide music and folk songs. himself in musical theatre and concert rhino meaning wide. This got mistrans- appearances. THE 90-YEAR-OLD Cambrian The Gymanfa was conducted by A capacity audience at West Point Hall, a Vancouver Heritage build- Orpheus Artistic Director Liana lated to white. Grey United Church was treated to an Sam was the first member of LARS ing, has been home to Welsh in Savard, again with Barry Yamanouchi The black rhino isn’t black, in fact engaging performance of popular num- (Loud Applause Rising Stars), a Vancouver since 1929. as the accompanist. Following the both are a dull grey colour. The only bers from the Choir’s extensive reper- Llanelli-based organization mentoring Gymanfa, members of the Social Com- difference is the width of the mouth toire. talented young musicians. Sam repre- Interspersed with the choral and solo mittee served a te bach (light refresh- and that the white is reasonably docile Much of the Orpheus’s success is due sented LARS at the 2018 World War2 items, three members of the Vancou- ments) in the Red Dragon lounge. and the black will pick a fight with Liberation Commemorations in the city ver Welsh Society, Alcwyn Rogers, to its Artistic Director Liana Savard President Lynn Owens-Whalen and anybody. and its popular accompanist Barry of Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. Lynn Owens-Whalen, and myself pre- sented brief historical snapshots on Vancouver Welsh Society members On that note, and hoping I have not Yamanouchi, both of whom received He is soon to join the 2019-2020 cast wish to express their gratitude to the put you to sleep, I will be on my way enthusiastic receptions from the audi- of Les Miserables in London’s West the 90-year history of the Cambrian Hall. Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir and back to Windhoek and on to Victoria ence at the October 5 concert. End and sang one of the most popular guest artists for their valuable contri- Falls. In addition to Liana, some musical hits from the musical at the West Point Lynn Owens-Whalen, the Vancouver bution to the success of the Cambrian Best wishes items were conducted by the Choir’s Grey Concert. Welsh Society president, was instru- Hall’s 90th anniversary celebrations. Elfan NOVEMBER 2019 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 19 My life-long memories of religion and prayers after growing up in 1950s rural Ireland

I HAVE ALWAYS been fascinated and drawn to We said the rosary every night kneel- ligion and went to early mass every ing on a draughty flag stone kitchen day. holy places and the symbols of my Catholic reli- floor. In our house there was no escap- ing the rosary – cold and tiredness I sat at the back of the church and felt gion. were no excuse and we also had added safe, it was the only place that I felt prayers for the sick and special inten- such peace and serenity although I By MARIE BRUCE tions, it seemed to go on forever. don’t think I prayed much. I went to a convent boarding school, There was always a little voice inside For instance, I have a large collec- where daily mass and a stop for the me that said “here you are back where tion of holy water fonts purchased Angelus, night prayers, and many re- you started in your hour of great need.” on my travels from all over the treats were all part of the curriculum. I I felt guilty I wasn’t a more diligent world and proudly display them in could say the main focus of my whole Catholic. Guilt comes with my Irish my hallway at home. I have a St. childhood was the Catholic Church. Catholic upbringing. Christopher medal pinned on the This is what prompted me to write pannier on my bike. I found it tedious and boring and some- times scary but it made a deep impres- about this new secular life some of us I bring holy water along when I visit sion on me and one that continued have embraced. I often wonder if it is very sick friends they were always throughout my life in a bittersweet lack of commitment or the influence happy to be blessed with water from way, so it is not surprising that I have of the scandals in the Catholic Church Fatima or Lourdes or for that matter a fascination with religious places. which has caused many of us to fall Knock. I have visited great spiritual away. THE CHARTRES CATHEDRAL I came to Canada in late Sixties and places, like Lourdes, Fatima and I have Organized religion is not part of my Labyrinth in France is one of the walked the Camino. met George at Whistler on the very world’s most well-known laby- first night I was there. children’s life and the daily prayers we Together with my late husband said are abandoned to more secular rinths, attracting pilgrims for over OUR LADY VICTORIOUS in Eventually we married in the Catholic pursuits like yoga, and biking and hik- 1,000 years. Situated in the floor George, I have visited nearly every Prague in the Czech Republic is great church in Rome and twice I heard Church without all the blessings be- ing in the beautiful enviroment they of the church, it serves as a tool mass in the Vatican and the great Notre famous for its statuette of the cause George was a non-Catholic. live in. for contemplation, meditation, Infant Jesus of Prague. The Dame in Paris. We had three children and they were I am proud of my children. They are and prayer. statue originated in Spain and I visited the glorious church of Our all dutifully baptized and we went to honest, hardworking and responsible, was donated to the Carmelites Mass every Sunday. they have no fear of someone looking terror of confessions....not to mention Lady Victorious in Prague to see the by Polyxena of Lobkowicz in Child of Prague statue, to this day it is over their shoulders, and they know the nightly rosary. 1628. I chose Catholic school for my chil- right from wrong. crowded with pilgrims from all over dren where they received all the sacra- Out of those dark times I still have my the world. ments. Then they grew up, went to Our influences are very different, own version of Catholicism without A friend of mine told me one of the night sky accompanied by African pil- university and travelled. maybe they are better but I muse now the fierce dogma of the 1950s in rural grims who chanted their way up the on how much the world has changed Ireland. I’ve become a different Catho- treasures in her family was a big statue This brings me up to my own life and of the Child of Prague given to her steep climb. and the direction in which it is head- lic. how times have changed in my life- ing. mother as a wedding present. We arrived just in time to watch the time. The church I attend is welcoming, en- sun rise and fully experience the place I feel we all still need some sort of compassing and inspiring. There is a I have walked the labyrinth in glorious I am now 75 and George died very sud- Chartre Cathedral. where Moses received the ten Com- spiritual help and time for prayer and strong community spirit and it em- mandments. denly in 2011. We had a United Church reflection is important. braces a gentler more loving approach On a trip to Jordan and Egypt we funeral service more suited to his non- to God. climbed Mount Sinai on an Easter Sun- I grew up in rural Ireland in the Fifties, traditional church values. When I look back, I feel grateful that I day. despite a hugely busy home with a was born in Ireland and suffered I am here out of choice and Sunday dairy farm and eight children, time was I was in deep grief for years and though those gruelling Catholic ser- mass is still a very important and up- We started at 3 AM by the light of the always made for prayer. searched for peace. I turned to my re- mons of hell and damnation and the lifting part of my life.

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS Almighty Father, we your faithful, attend here with offerings. I pray Finding Light in the Darkness of Days that, by your command, what we bring shall become more than money, but rather an instrument of your will, worth ten, nay, one hun- Between Samhain and Solstice dred times its value as mere cur- storm, heat, and extinction now vis- news. No single action can turn the is the still-living wisdom of our exist- rency. May it strengthen the walls By CYNTHIA WALLENTINE ited upon our planet. tide of our times. ence, the reason to be and the resil- of your house and provide service ience to survive. and comfort to all who come here in HE darkness of Although the glaciers and ice pack are Instead we must, one by one, resolve need. Amen. irretrievably melting, we turn away, to tackle the darkness by aligning with The Celtic festival of Samhain tells us ~ Submitted by Roger Buston this Samhain sea- check our cell phones for messages, the light that which is considered we will each be, until we are not. son parallels an and count on others to save the planet. through a lens of compassion and care instead of the drivel of gawping mouths Treading the darkened road, the eye NOVENA enveloping plan- For those who feel pain for people and whose fear of change and longing for naturally seeks light. Punctuating the T the planet, respite is infrequent. retro-vision has pressed our society darkness of these days, the winter sol- stice guarantees that light returns to Novena to the etary darkness that chills Families and children are humiliated for to its very edge. even the warmest heart. the planet, offering promise of what Blessed Virgin Mary seeking safety and a better future, bom- Just like the quest to explore, resil- may be, of brighter, warmer days, how- bastic politicians advertise their per- Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary ience is baked into every human com- ever you define them. (never known to fail). O most beauti- Technological prowess, the will for po- sonality disorders around the globe, munity. ful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful litical power, and fear of change strip single-use plastics choke the heating Perhaps those bright days may not the ability of human, animal, and envi- vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed oceans, and animals, insects, and birds Samhain, the season of darkness and arrive in our lifetime, but maybe so. Mother of the Son of God. Immacu- ronment to adapt rapidly enough to quietly die. disintegration, is initiated on the eve No individual or society that has suf- survive. late Virgin, assist me in this my ne- of the Celtic New Year on October 31. fered is without patience, sometimes cessity. There are none that can with- There are grim recitations in every era, Anyone who viewed the impassioned terrible patience. stand your power. O show me herein but in our time we did not anticipate The season, and its hallmark event, you are my Mother, Mary, conceived comments of 16-year old Swedish ac- the breathtaking consequences of the Halloween, remind us of native decay Stand today for what you believe is tivist Greta Thunberg before the without sin, pray for us who have re- technology that we loosed upon our of our seasons, our society, and our right. Live with integrity, eschew course to thee (three times). Sweet United Nations cannot help but be world at the advent of the Industrial bodies. No living system remains un- greed, use what you need, help others. Mother, I place this cause in your struck by what generations have done Age. changed in perpetuity. hands (three times). Holy Spirit, you to the generations that will follow their Witness darkness and hope for light, who solve all problems, light all roads footsteps on this good Earth. Exploration and greed are fundamental The great mythologies of the world do those of tomorrow will celebrate your so that I can attain my goal. You gave qualities of the human psyche and it not exist only to provide fanciful vi- resilience and effort today. me the Divine gift to forgive and for- And if you are one of those who ridi- goes to follow that unbridled develop- sion to young learners, they represent get all evil against me. This prayer culed this girl as she spoke accurately ment along both of those avenues would an enduring, collective primer to the You need not move mountains, a change must be said for three days, even af- and emotionally, shame on you and come to folly if not held in check. And perils, pleasures, and meaning of hu- of heart travels farther than any ter the request is granted and the fa- your kind. thrown stone ever could. vour received, it must be published. here we are. man life. – PJMK, MJK, CC, CB, LMC, ST Despite her good intent, the august The time is long past for swiping left Wherever your roots, embedded in Blessed Be in this season of Samhain, may you always find light in the dark- Publication of body did not enact change or resolve to rid ourselves of uncomfortable those folktales and seasonal traditions to actually do anything about the fire, ness. a novena is $25 PAGE 20 www.celtic-connection.com NOVEMBER 2019 RECLAIMING CAPE BRETON GAELIC THROUGH FILM AND THE ARTS

HALIFAX – Speakers of Cape Breton The sudden stop of Gaelic Gaelic have their origins in the High- intergenerational transmission, caused lands and Islands of Scotland. by shame and prejudice, was the im- mediate cause of the drastic decline in Scottish Gaels were settled in Nova Gaelic fluency in the 20th century. Scotia, commencing in 1773 with the arrival of the ship Hector and continu- Ultimately the population dropped ing until the 1850s. Gaelic has been from a peak of 200,000 in 1850, to spoken since then in Nova Scotia on 80,000 in 1900, to 30,000 in 1930 and Cape Breton Island and on the north- 500 to 1,000 today. eastern mainland of the province. There are no longer entire communi- The Gaelic cultural identity commu- ties of Canadian Gaelic-speakers, al- nity is a part of Nova Scotia’s diverse though traces of the language and pock- peoples and communities. ets of speakers are relatively common- place on Cape Breton, and especially Thousands of Nova Scotians attend in traditional strongholds like Christ- Gaelic-related activities and events mas Island, The North Shore, and annually including: language work- Baddeck. shops and immersions, milling frolics, square dances, fiddle and piping ses- In 1939, A.W.R. MacKenzie founded sions, concerts and festivals. the Nova Scotia Gaelic College at St. Ann’s. St. Francis Xavier University Despite the long history of Gaels and in Antigonish has a Celtic Studies de- their language and culture in Canada, partment with Gaelic-speaking faculty the Gaelic speech population started members, and is the only such univer- to decline after 1850. sity department outside Scotland to This drop was a result of prejudice offer four full years of Scottish Gaelic (both from outside, and from within instruction. MANY SCOTTISH immigrants were drawn to Cape Breton Island because the landscape reminded the Gaelic community itself), aggres- Many English-speaking artists of Ca- them of the Scottish Highlands with its rugged beauty and relative isolation. About one third of Cape sive dissuasion in school and govern- nadian Gaelic heritage have featured Breton Island is a National Park, and a large portion of the island is encircled by the Cabot Trail, ment, and the perceived prestige of Canadian Gaelic in their works, among which is a 186 mile loop road that travels around the perimeter of the island’s northern section. English. them Alistair MacLeod (No Great Mis- For generations Gaelic has faced wide- chief), Ann-Marie MacDonald (Fall on that doesn’t make them any less Ca- of Cooley. The twist is that it will be spread prejudice in Britain, and those Your Knees), and D.R. MacDonald nadian,” MacLeod said. “I think if they set in modern-day Glace Bay, Nova feelings were easily transposed to Brit- (Cape Breton Road). want to tell those stories in their own Scotia. ish North America. languages, they should absolutely have Gaelic singer Mary Jane Lamond has the right to do that. Those stories are MacLeod purposefully writes his In 1868, the Scottish-American Jour- released several albums in the language, no less Canadian.” Gaelic films in the present day to show nal mockingly reported that “the pre- including the 1997 hit Hòro Ghoid thu that the language is still very much liminary indispensables for acquiring Nighean, (“Jenny Dang the Weaver”). A spokesperson for Telefilm Canada alive. He hopes his short film, which Gaelic are: swallowing a neat assort- Cape Breton fiddling is a unique tradi- told CBC that due to the number of has English subtitles, can be used as a ment of nutmeal-graters, catching a tion of Gaelic and Acadian styles, applications the organization receives, resource for Nova Scotians interested chronic bronchitis, having one nostril known in fiddling circles worldwide. it focuses on Canada’s official lan- in learning the language. hermetically sealed up, and submitting guages, although exceptions could pos- The first Gaelic language film to be MacLeod is still looking for funding to a dislocation of the jaw.” sibly be made on a case-by-case basis made in North America, The Wake of if there was demonstrable audience for his feature film, and is even casting That Gaelic had not received official Calum MacLeod (Faire Chaluim Mhic demand. his net as far as Scotland. status in its homeland made it easier Leòid) is a six-minute short filmed in In the meantime, he’s travelling around IAIN MACLEOD is a Halifax- for Canadian legislators to disregard the Cape Breton. The Gaelic scholar MacLeod is still in the process of writ- ing his feature-length film, which is the Maritimes showing audiences that based filmmaker who is writing concerns of domestic speakers. Legis- Michael Newton made a half-hour it’s possible to create a film that cel- lators questioned why “privileges documentary, Singing Against the Si- based on a 2,000-year-old Irish epic a feature film entirely in Gaelic about a stolen bull called the Cattle Raid ebrates the tradition of Gaelic without should be asked for Highland lence (2012), about the revival of Nova keeping it stuck in the past. set in Cape Breton. Scotchmen in [the Canadian Parlia- Scotia Gaelic in that language. ment] that are not asked for in their Now, a young Halifax filmmaker wants own country?” to make a feature film entirely in Gaelic Around 1880, Am Bàrd Mac set in Cape Breton. The Fairy Flag of Clan MacLeod Dhiarmaid from The North Shore, Iain MacLeod who is learning the lan- wrote An Té a Chaill a’ Ghàidhlig (The guage of his ancestors wants to use his Woman who Lost The Gaelic), a hu- films to show that Gaelic isn’t a thing and its Legendary Protective Powers morous song recounting the growing of the past. The Fairy Flag (Scottish Gaelic: Am was entrusted to a family of heredi- phenomenon of Gaels shunning their Bratach Sìth) is one of the treasures tary standard bearers. In the mid-20th mother-tongue. His earlier project, a short filem, An t- kept by the chief of Clan MacLeod, a Century, the Fairy Flag was said to Inneal Espresso, or the Espresso Ma- With the outbreak of World War II the Highland Scottish clan associated with have extinguished a fire at Dunvegan chine in English, was one of three Gaelic the Isle of Skye. Castle, and to have given luck to serv- Canadian Government attempted to shorts that premiered at the FIN At- prevent the use of Gaelic on public icemen flying bombing missions in the lantic International Film Festival this It is held in Dunvegan Castle along Second World War. telecommunications systems. fall. It’s a comedy about a woman des- with other notable heirlooms, such as The government believed Gaelic was perately trying to get her expensive the Dunvegan Cup and Sir Rory One of the main stories that have been used by subversives affiliated with Ire- espresso machine back from a friend’s Mor’s Horn. traditionally told about the origin of ex-girlfriend. the fairy flag is its association with land, a neutral country perceived to be The Fairy Flag is known for the nu- tolerant of the Nazis. magic. “The reality is that for minority lan- merous traditions of fairies, and magi- In Prince Edward Island and Cape guages, any kind of media representa- cal properties associated with it. It tells of certain events which took tion is very valuable,” MacLeod told place after an heir to the clan’s chief- Breton where the Gaelic language was It has been examined numerous times CBC’s Mainstreet. “If you can make a tain was born. strongest, it was actively discouraged in the last two centuries, and its con- film in Gaelic, and start to make even a in schools with corporal punishment. dition has somewhat deteriorated. It It tells a tale how a host of fairies ap- few people start to think about it in a Children were beaten with the maide- is ripped and tattered, and is consid- peared and wrapped the infant in the different way, I think that’s a huge crochaidh (“hanging stick”) if caught ered to be extremely fragile. Fairy Flag after the child’s nurse mo- thing.” speaking Gaelic. mentarily left him on his own. The silk of the flag has been stated to But actually getting a Gaelic language Job opportunities for monolingual have originated in the Far East, and When the clansmen banqueting below film from script to screen is proving PRINCESS singing lullabies. Gaels were few and restricted to the was therefore extremely precious, demanded to see the child, the maid difficult. Illustration by H.J. Ford, 1921 dwindling Gaelic-communities, com- which led some to believe that the flag was ordered to bring him forth. When pelling most into the mines or the fish- That’s partly because one of the major may have been an important relic of she brought out the baby, wrapped in ery. funders of Canadian film — Telefilm some sort. The flag is said to have originated as a the flag, everyone gazed in wonder at Canada — focuses on productions in gift from the fairies to an infant chief- the child and the garb wrapped around Many saw English fluency as the key Others have attempted to associate English, French and Indigenous lan- tain or a gift to a chief from a departing him. to success, and for the first time in the flag with the Crusades or even a guages. fairy-lover. Canadian history Gaelic-speaking par- raven banner, which was said to have The room was filled with the fairies’ ents were teaching their children to “There are millions of Canadians who been used by various Viking leaders in Clan tradition, preserved in the early song which declared that the flag had speak English en masse. don’t speak English and French and the British Isles. 19th century, tells how the Fairy Flag the power to save the clan three times.