The Developing Soul Stirs in the Light of the Winter Solstice by CYNTHIA WALLENTINE from the Soft Grey, out of the Dim Into the Dawn, It Slips

ISSUE 23 VOLUME 1 Proudly Serving Celts in North America Since 1991 DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015

A SEXUAL ASSAULT arrest in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan may lead to developments in the high profile disappearance of a pregnant hairdresser in Ireland 18 years ago. Fiona Pender, a 25-year-old hairdresser and part-time model, was last seen August 22, 1996 in Tullamore, Ireland. She was seven months pregnant when she disappeared. [See page 23]

The Developing Soul Stirs in the Light of the Winter Solstice By CYNTHIA WALLENTINE From the soft grey, out of the dim into the dawn, it slips. The thin edge of the developing season, the emerging soul, is looking to become new again. Samhain, with its darkness is passing. Exhausted from the involution, time has worn itself away, and looks to the be- ginning of another season. A myriad of winter festivals reflect the physical nature of our brightest daytime star, the sun. Reaching its southern limit at 3:03 PM PST on December 21, the sun takes its shortest step of the year – and returns. COVER ARTWORK: By Mary MacArthur This promised return of light, as illumi- nation, heat or truth touches all souls, setting a pattern for each day, season and belief. For we who still walk this earth, in won- At the winter Solstice, all that is old der tale and in personal life, the light becomes new. There are few who do has come a long way, from there to here. not draw strength from the sight of light Crossing mountain, ocean and plain, it in the darkness. One small light, one President Obama imposed candle, can draw and hold the attention traversed time to meet you and unfold of many. But there is more to the deal. in the coming year. sweeping immigration reforms As you stand in this place and watch it on November 20, easing the The origins of many common festival threat of deportation for some traditions are found in the responsibili- arrive, so you shall stand next year and watch it move off, continuing its end- 4.7 million undocumented immi- A SPECTACULAR scene takes place each year on the last ties felt by our forbears to speed sup- Tuesday of January when a replica Viking ship is set ablaze at port to that newly born sun. It is a two- less journey from here to there, leaving grants, including an estimated way street. you forever changed. the Up Helly Aa fire festival on the Shetland Islands off Scotland 50,000 Irish living in the U.S. to celebrate their Viking heritage. [Read more on page 9] Evergreen trees, festooned with figures Just as the path of the sun dims and [Read more on page 27] of luck, love and baubles of glass form brightens, so does ours. The moment a bridge between heaven and earth. of winter Solstice is one of emergence, as close as your next breath or as far Mail Agreement: Publication While grounding the divine, these deco- as 93,000,000 miles into space. 40009398 rations and festivities reflect illumina- In the distance, something is waiting. tion upward, lending strength to the Our Special Annual young light. Reciprocity. It is a turn – of life, season, fortune, or maybe just a phrase. It may change Winter traditions and religious practices your life, in fact it probably will. Both Christmas Greeting honor the hope of this world, the return new and old, it is coming. Blessings of Section - Page 15 of light from the darkness. the winter Solstice to you and yours. PAGE 2 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Irish-Canadian journalist Kathy Gannon honoured with the 2014 press freedom award TORONTO – Irish-Canadian Associated Press re- Carol Off she was sure that she and Niedringhaus were going to die before porter Kathy Gannon was honoured in Toronto with they reached the hospital. “All I kept the 2014 Tara Singh Hayer Memorial Award for cour- thinking is ‘I want to go peacefully’.” Tragically, Anja Niedringhaus did not age in reporting. survive the attack. But on December 3, her photography was celebrated at Gannon serves as special regional cor- Both veteran AP journalists on assign- the Canadian Journalists for Free Ex- respondent for Pakistan and Afghani- ment, the women were covering the run- pression gala in Toronto, where Kathy stan for The Associated Press. up to the Afghan national elections. The Gannon was presented with the press nearest hospital was a 45-minute drive freedom award. In April this year, an Afghan police of- away. ficer opened fire on Gannon and Gannon has covered the region for the Pulitzer-prize winning photographer In her first radio interview since the AP as a correspondent and bureau Anja Niedringhaus. attack, Gannon tells As It Happens host chief since 1988, a period that spans the withdrawal of Russian soldiers from Afghanistan, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the bitter Afghan civil war between Islamic factions and the rise and fall of the Taliban. Gannon was the only Western journalist allowed in Kabul by the Taliban in PHOTO: AP File Photo, 2012 the weeks preceding the 2001 U.S.- British offensive in Afghanistan. A KABUL court announced Wednesday, July 23, 2014, that the Afghan police officer charged with killing Associated Press pho- In addition to her coverage of South tographer Anja Niedringhaus, right, and wounding veteran AP cor- Central Asia, she has covered the Mid- respondent Kathy Gannon, left, has been convicted and sentenced dle East, including the 2006 Israeli war to death. against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and war in northern Iraq. del: From Holy War, to Holy Terror, Her brothers Robert and Terry, both A native of Timmins, Ontario, she was 18 Years Inside Afghanistan, an ex- retired, were prominent in their fields the city editor at the Kelowna Courier amination of the Taliban and post- and her sister, Patricia Ann, was a nurse DEIRDRE and Brian O’Ruairc of the Irish Club of White Rock in British Columbia and worked at sev- Taliban period, published by Public Af- in Canada’s north for 40 years. were overnight recently in Port Townsend, Washington, where eral Canadian newspapers before her fairs. Gannon is married to highly regarded they came across a lovely little Celtic shop called Wandering career took her overseas. She has lived Gannon is the youngest of six children. Pakistani architect and artist Naeem Angus. Deirdre says, “great store with a wonderful selection of in Israel, Japan, Pakistan and Afghani- Her brother Brian, now retired, and her Pasha, and has a stepdaughter, Kyla Irish stuff.” Pictured here holding a copy of the November 2014 stan. late brother Lorne were also respected Pasha. issue of The Celtic Connection is Deirdre O’Ruairc with Debbie In 2005 Gannon authored I is for Infi- journalists. and Maxx Sonandre and Tracey Williamson of the Wandering Angus. TARA SINGH HAYER MEMORIAL AWARD TARA SINGH HAYER, publisher and founder of the Indo-Canadian Times, was shot to death execution-style while getting out of his car in the ga- A Child’s Christmas in Wales rage of his home in Surrey, B.C. on November 18, 1998. Hayer was a vocal opponent to violence in the Sikh separatist move- “It snowed last year too: I made a snowman ment. He was also due to give valuable testimony for the prosecution in and my brother knocked it down the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985. and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea.” – Dylan Marlais Thomas [1914 - 1953] Following his death his statement to the RCMP became inadmissible as A Child’s Christmas In Wales evidence and was later cited as a reason why the suspects in the bomb- [Over 60 years after Dylan Thomas’ death, his writing is just as loved ing were eventually acquitted in 2005. now as it was then. The Swansea-born writer died in New York on No- vember 9,1953, aged just 39, but by that time he had already written works including Under Milk Wood, A Child’s Christmas In Wales, Por- ABOUT OUR COVER ARTIST trait of the Artist as a Young Dog and Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night. MARY MACARTHUR is our cover artist this month. She graduated from The University of St. Thomas and the Glassell School of Art in His influence has continued to be felt by writers and artists down the Houston, Texas, having studied theology, life drawing, English and generations and he is celebrated each year in his home town with the painting. annual Dylan Thomas festival. This event took on special significance in 2014 – the centenary of his birth.] Since then she has been working freelance design and illustration and has illustrated two books, Clare’s Costly Cookie by Julie Kelly and Life is Crumbly by Jansina Grossman. Mary is on a quest to become an illustrator and religious artist. For more about her work, see: http://snowflakeclockwork.blogspot.ca.

THE CELTIC CONNECTION

ISSUE 23 VOLUME 1 - Established in 1991 #452 - 4111 Hastings Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6T7 Tel: (604) 434-3747 • www.celtic-connection.com Maura De Freitas - Publisher - • E-Mail: [email protected] Catholine Butler - Advertising - • E-Mail: [email protected] Colleen Carpenter - Copy Editor • Ainsley Baldwin - Ad Production Distribution: Arlyn Lingat • Tom Butler • Allison Moore • Linda Robb • Frank Dudfield in Surrey • Neville Thomas in Burnaby & Coquitlam • Eifion Williams in Burnaby & Coquitlam • Doug Medley in North Vancouver • Gabriel Clark in Coquitlam & Port Moody • Joanne Long in Mission • Bill Duncan in Maple Ridge • Deirdre O’Ruaric, Ray & Mary Fynes, Gerry O’Keefe in White Rock • Nanci Spieker and Heather Murphy in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton. Published 10 times per year. Unsolicited submissions welcome but will not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 2013 The Celtic Connection. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices within the community. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number. Canada Post Canadian Publications Agreement 40009398 DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 3 PAGE 4 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 11th Annual CelticFest An Irish Christmas Celebration: Vancouver: An Exciting A Warm Night of Entertainment By CATHOLINE BUTLER exchange Christmas greetings. VANCOUVER – Two years ago Blake Line Up for 2015 Williams of the Irish Wakers wanted to Of course, one very important aspect help raise funds for the Irish Benevo- of ‘An Irish Christmas’ is that it’s a time lent Society of B.C. of giving and The Irish Benevolent So- ciety helps people with hope. At the same time, he wanted to provide Oscar Wilde said, “Nothing shall be out an evening of entertainment and socializing for many of the new Irish recently of the reach of hope, life is hope,” and arrived in Vancouver. He felt they might it’s that hope that the Irish Benevolent Society provides to people who are feel lonely for their family and friends BLAKE WILLIAMS at this special time of the year. down on their luck or just need a little of fun competition among all the bak- hand-up temporarily.” Last year’s ‘An Irish Christmas Cel- ers. ebration’ – produced and directed by Blake said, “That is really just a big part Williams – was a smashing sold out suc- Speaking about what first prompted of the Irish community, and we are cess. This year audiences can expect Williams to start ‘An Irish Christmas’, happy to support it.” more of the same warmth and enter- he said, “The origin actually started in He is very grateful for the support he tainment at St. James Hall in Kitsilano Ireland as I was visiting there and walk- has received saying, “Fortunately, we on Friday, December 13. ing along the Liffey in Dublin. have received the gift of time and tal- Speaking recently to The Celtic Con- “I was thinking about the large Irish ents from the artists, the volunteers, the nection about plans for this year’s Diaspora and the role Canada played support of the Irish pubs, The Celtic Connection and of course Irish Am- event, Blake said, “We’re very happy and I was aware of so many Irish com- to be back again for the second year. It ing to Vancouver. bassador Ray Bassett. DE DANAAN IRISH DANCERS on the Irish Heritage Society of takes a lot of work for the organizing “Later during my travels to Australia, I “So, it’s a real show of community and Canada float in the annual St. Patrick`s Day parade in downtown committee to pull it all off. also met many of the Irish who had even though it’s only been done once “We will have The Irish Wakers return- immigrated there. before at a sold-out concert, we are Vancouver in March. It is next scheduled for March 15, 2015. encouraging people to get their tickets ing, The Eire Born Irish Dancers, and “The Irish Wakers had just finished per- a new group this year called Raven & early to avoid disappointment because forming in Australia and some of us the hall will only hold so many.” Participating pubs and restaurants in Dove. Rebecca Blair, the well-known VANCOUVER – The dates have went off to a pub to chat about things. I • th and around the downtown Vancouver harpist, will also be back with a new been announced for the 11 annual began thinking about Christmas and Tickets are $20 per person and can CelticFest Vancouver in 2015. area will offer near non-stop perform- singer Sarah Ann Chisholm.” what an emotional time of year it can be purchased at www.eventbrite.ca ances by musicians, bands and dancers From March 7-17, concert ven- Something new this year will be the Irish be so far away from home.” or at The Celtic Treasure Chest, at throughout CelticFest, and up to and the Dunbar shop at (604) 261-3688 ues, pubs, clubs and city streets including St. Patrick’s Day on March soda bread contest and we are accept- Blake reflected on the need to create ing registrations by the Irish counties. and The Celtic Treasure Chest shop will come alive with the sights, 17. an event to offer a warm welcome to in Delta at (604) 940-5366. Also, sounds, and vibrant spirit of Celtic So, there will be one loaf of soda bread Irish newcomers, something that would from The Celtic Connection at (604) In addition to an amazing range of have a sharing and celebration of Irish culture. ticketed shows and events, CelticFest from each person registered and iden- 434-3747. For more information, tified by county and we will have a kind culture and where people could just visit: www.irishchristmas.ca. An expanded festival promises 10 2015 continues its tradition of offering event-filled days of music, dance, fam- a variety of FREE events for everyone ily fun, spectacle and discovery for folks to enjoy. of all ages and backgrounds. On the weekend of March 14-15, The Western Canada’s largest Celtic cel- Celtic Village returns both to ebration offers the best of traditional Granville Street between Robson and Winter Harp 2014: and contemporary Celtic culture in all Nelson and to Robson Square with its diversity, and vitality – and every- music, dance, fun and frolic, food – and one is invited! shopping, too! A Magical Seasonal Favourite “We’re looking forward to welcoming This FREE weekend-long street fair VANCOUVER – For over two dec- people from all around the region to our features performances by some of the ades, the sights, sounds and magical feel 11th festival,” says Festival Director hottest Celtic music groups around, of the Winter Harp concert tour has sim- Nicole Sirockman. along with local dance groups and other ply meant “Christmas” to enthusiastic entertainers, on multiple stages. audiences across western Canada. “Join us in an exciting celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic cul- Visiting Villagers can shop at the Street Winter Harp has become a must-attend ture, from great concerts and perform- Market for an array of Celtic treas- show for scores of fans – an eagerly ances, to workshops, special events, ures and the works of gifted artisans, anticipated event that regularly sells and, of course, the wildly popular Celtic and sample from a wide selection of out. food and fare. Village and the St. Patrick’s Day pa- As one devotee says, “(Winter Harp) rade. Friends and families can gather and has become an integral part of the magic “Festival Programmer Tom Landa, a wander, soaking in that special Celtic of Christmas for us.” feeling all weekend long. dynamic figure on the Celtic and music This year, the seven-member ensem- scene who has led The Paperboys to To participate as a Street Market ven- ble plays 14 concerts in 11 cities, from international fame, is hard at work in dor, complete the online entry form at Winnipeg to Vancouver Island - includ- his new job at CelticFest with some ON STAGE, Winter Harp’s outstanding musicians and singers, www.celticfestvancouver.com ing multiple dates in the Lower Main- clad in beautiful medieval attire, perform a collection of music great plans for 2015. Stay tuned for land. more details to come.” CelticFest’s signature event, the fun that ranges from familiar carols to Celtic, medieval, world and and fabulous St. Patrick’s Day parade, On the evening of December 20, they Spanish tunes. The festival’s schedule of ticketed paints downtown Vancouver in a glori- play Vancouver’s awe-inspiring St. events is a ‘must-see’ list of events. ous emerald green on Sunday, March Andrew’s-Wesley United Church. ing to O Come All Ye Faithful. Pappajohn says, “It is our great pleas- Here’s a glimpse of what’s on tap (with 15, starting at 11 AM. ure to present the 21st year of Winter The 2014 tour performances feature the Featured again this year is special guest full details to be announced January 21, Harp. The parade route flows north along much-treasured elements that have and celebrated Celtic harpist Kim 2015). Howe to Georgia Street, drawing spec- made the concert so popular. Robertson, whom Winter Harp Direc- “It is a true honour to again bring our In addition to main stage ticketed shows tators from far and wide to cheer on a tor Lori Pappajohn calls, “A legend in special concert of music, songs and sto- couple thousand lively parade partici- Backdrops of cathedral and snow sets spotlighting celebrated local, national the stage for the golden Celtic and clas- the harp world.” ries, and to share the wonder of the and international music artists, back by pants – marching pipe and drum bands, Christmas season with western Cana- sical harps, drums, tambourines, tem- Robertson is a leader in the renaissance popular demand is the CelticFest Cei- Celtic music groups, acrobats, drill dian audiences. ple bells, flutes and an assortment of of the Celtic harp in North America, and lidh on March 14. This rollicking, kick- teams, Irish and Scottish youth dance beautiful ancient and rare instruments. a pioneer of the folk harp movement. “We welcome people of all ages and up-your-heels night of music and dance groups, and many more. sells out every year. Featured is the ethereal-sounding bass backgrounds to join us in this unique and To be part of this grand procession, Also returning is acclaimed singer, joyful clebration of the season.” psaltery (the only one like it in the Roger Helfrick, whose voice is de- Whisky enthusiasts will have two great complete an entry form at world), the organistrum (an early form scribed by Pappajohn as “pure gold.” In addition to the December 20 Van- options to savour at the 2015 festival, www.celticfestvancouver.com of the hurdy-gurdy) and the Swedish Roger also plays both medieval harp and couver concert, other Lower Mainland with the introduction of The Belmont Sirockman says, “We can’t wait to open nyckelharpa. plucked psaltery. dates include the Chilliwack Cultural Whisky Tasting. the curtain on CelticFest Vancouver Centre on December 16, the North On stage, Winter Harp’s outstanding Other members of the ensemble include Both introductory and advanced ses- 2015! We’ve got a great festival wait- Shore Credit Union Centre for the Per- musicians and singers, clad in beautiful Janelle Nadeau (pedal harp, vocals), sions are geared to delight and inform ing to be unveiled, and I look forward forming Arts at Capilano University for medieval attire, perform a collection of Lauri Lyster (percussion, vocals), Jeff both whisky newcomers as well as sea- to seeing everyone there!” two nights on December 17 and De- music that ranges from familiar carols Pelletier (flute, bass flute, recorder, soned tasting “masters.” Event tickets go on sale, and the full to Celtic, medieval, world and Spanish cember 18, and Maple Ridge’s The wooden piccolo), Joaquin Ayala ACT for two shows on December 21. The Belmont is the new name for the festival schedule will be announced, and tunes: from Polish Lullaby to Parting (nyckelharpas, bass psaltery, beloved and refurbished The Cellar on posted online, January 21, 2015 at Glass, First Noel, A Gaelic Carol, El organistrum) and Lori Pappajohn Full concert performance information Granville Street. www.celticfestvancouver.com. Santo Niño, and Christmas is Com- (Celtic harp, vocals). is at www.winterharp.com. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 5 Community Events Listing December 14, 16 to 21 at 8 PM, December 13, 14, 20, 21 at 2 PM – The Cultch presents Dylan Tho- mas: Return Journey a Richard Jor- dan Productions (UK), starring Bob Kingdom. Original direction by Anthony Hopkins at the Historic Theatre at The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver. Tick- ets from $19, call: (604) 251-1363, or online: tickets.thecultch.com • December 22, at 7:30 PM – A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Dylan Thomas’ classic tale and an annual holiday tradition not to be missed. Live original music, readings and your favourite carols with Russell Roberts, Colleen Winton, Sayer Roberts, Gower Roberts and Brian Tate. Anvil Centre, New Westmin- ster. Tickets, call (604) 521-5050, or online at: www.ticketsnw.ca. • January 24 – Tam O’Shanter Dancers, will host their annual Robert Burns dinner/dance at the Star of the Sea Hall, 15262 Pacific Avenue, White Rock. Tx’s adults: $55, Children 10 and under $30. Call: Cheryl 604-535-8949 or Grant 604-345-5433. • Irish Language Classes in the Lower Mainland – A conversation circle every Monday evening from 7:30-8:30 PM. One week in Kitsilano at Calhouns Café, 3035 West Broadway, and the next week in East Vancouver at Café Napoli, 1670 Commercial Drive. No need to be fluent it’s a learning experience and all are welcome. E-mail Mike Kelly at [email protected] or call (604) 732-6986 or Scott Oser, e-mail: [email protected]. PAGE 6 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Here’s some great Celtic music to celebrate Winter Solstice and the Christmas season

2014 has been an amazing year for Roots music in Vancouver and beyond! Concert highlights include sold out shows at The Rogue with Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in January, The Fretless with Cara Luft in By February, Carlos Nunez STEVE Quartet in February (and the EDGE incredible concert at The Cen- tennial Theatre in September double CD coming in at just under 80 minutes with 20 amazing versions of with all those special guests!). shanties and folk songs by the bellow- Welsh songwriter Martyn Joseph also ing hendectet (that’s the proper word filled St. James Hall in March, and we for an 11-piece band, by the way!). had memorable and well-attended Also look for The Elizabethan Session, shows with Ireland’s Caladh Nua, a suite of songs written about the reign Scots guitarist Tony McManus, of Elizabeth I. Scots & Irish pipers Ross Ainslie & It’s a formidable piece of work, featur- Jarlath Henderson, Quebecois trad ing no less than eight musicians who are ALASDAIR FRASER and Natalie Haas will make a return appearance at St. James Hall in trio De Temps Antan (twice!) and all singers as well (including Martin Kitsilano for The Rogue this January 11. English guitarist Martin Simpson. SImpson, Nancy Kerr, and Seth Lakeman.) Van Django Bells – The Rogue’s My personal fave was the debut of Cape Christmas Party - December 19 at St. Breton Celtic quintet, Coig. It was their Nancy Kerr also released a superb solo James Hall. first gig west of Ontario and they were debut album, Sweet Visitor in 2014. Dylan Thomas Christmas: A Child’s in stellar form! Kathryn Tickell, renowned Northum- Christmas in Wales, at Ryerson Dervish made a rare visit to B.C. with brian piper, teamed up with two classi- United Church – December 19. a stunning main stage set to close the cal musicians and a clog dancing accor- Winter Harp – December 20 at St. Mission Folk Festival in July, and dionist to record a fabulous album enti- Andrew’s Wesley, and December 21 in Cathy Jordan teamed up with Cana- tled Kathryn Tickell & The Side. Maple Ridge. dian singer Ruth Moody for a memo- I’d also recommend Welsh band 9bach rable trad. song workshop earlier in the for their amazing trad/ techno CD Winter Solstice Lantern Festival - day. Tinician and Manx-Gaelic singer Ruth December 21, at False Creek, Yaletown, Chinatown, and Strathcona. Far and away the best celebration of Keggin for her debut album, Sheear. Celtic and Irish music at the summer The pick of the Scots this year would Blues for Christmas - December 21, festivals was the Edmonton Folk be Hebridean singer Julie Fowlis at The Commodore Ballroom. Music Festival in August. (Gach Sgeul / Every Story), Scots/ Chelsea Hotel NY Party - December Celtic music legends Sharon Shannon, Cuban fusioneers Salsa Celtica (The 31, at the Firehall Theatre. THE DUHKS are a Canadian and American eclectic folk band, Lunasa, Donal Lunny & Andy Tall Islands) and Emily Smith (Ech- from Winnipeg, Manitoba featuring banjo, fiddle, guitar, per- Irvine, Ron Kavana, Niamh Parsons oes) while Oysterband also released 2015 shows include: cussion, and vocals. They blend folk music, along with tradi- and Paddy Keenan were joined by a superb song collection called Dia- Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas - tional Irish dance music, integrating Latin-influenced percus- young Dublin folk / pop singers Hud- monds on the Water (they are coming January 11, St. James Hall sion as well as Celtic and Cajun influenced fiddle-playing. son Taylor, and rockabilly queen to The Rogue in August, by the way). (www.roguefolk.bc.ca). Imelda May delivered a magnificent I am also very impressed by the new set on the Friday night main stage. N.Z.’s Don McGlashan - January 16, albums by Limerick’s Goitse (Tall at Presentation House in North Van. There were some great workshops / Tales & Misadventures), Caladh Nua Band Aid 30 sessions (Dublin-born Festival Producer (Honest To Goodness) and We Banjo Martha Redbone - January 17, Terry Wickham likes to call them 3 (Gather The Good) while Donegal Capilano University. “Wessions”) with most or all of the sisters The Henry Girls deliver sub- Roy Forbes - January 24, St. James tops the charts above cramped onto Stage 5, including lime harmonies on their fifth CD, Hall. a memorable party called The Pineap- Louder Than Words. ple & The Potato, with Hawaiians Foghorn Stringband - January 30, St. despite controversy From Canada’s east coast I’d heartily James Hall. Led Kaapana and Jake Shimabukuro recommend Coig’s debut CD Five and LONDON – Band Aid 30’s Do They the lyrics changed to reflect the Ebola jamming with Kavana, Lunny, Keenan, the new album by Antigonish sisters and The Duhks - February 1, St. James Know It’s Christmas? which features crisis. Shannon and the Lunasa boys! Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Ster- Hall too. a host of stars, has stormed to the top of the singles chart. One major criticism is the whole senti- Canadians Lizzy Hoyt, Ruth Moody, ling Road. Have a great Christmas / Solstice sea- ment of the song, Do They Know It’s Pharis & Jason Romero, England’s Calgary’s Lizzy Hoyt is a superb fid- son! The charity single, organised once again Christmas?, which was taken from the Jez Lowe and Baka Beyond, and dler and singer and harpist and her new by Bob Geldof, shifted more than original recording 30 years ago and Americans Della Mae and Elephant CD, New Lady On The Prairie, was 312,000 copies to make it the year’s helped famine-stricken Ethiopians. Revival were among my other high- fastest-selling single, the Official Charts produced by Vancouver’s John The Washington Post says that accord- lights of the weekend. Company said. Reischman. ing to a recent survey, 87 percent of the Shorefest on Sunset Beach is presented Finally, Victoria’s gorgeous old-time The track, with all proceeds going to- population in Liberia is Christian, so of by LG104.3 and The Rogue, and the band The Sweet Lowdown have just ward the fight against Ebola in west course they know it’s Christmas. Wednesday show with Locarno (led by put out their third CD, Chasing The Africa, has outsold the rest of the top Tom and Kalissa Landa) and Spirit five combined. Many commentators, including Al Sun. They’ll be at The Rogue on March Jazeera, accuse the song of having a of the West was especially memora- 20. ble. The reworked version features stars “them and us” feel about it. It claims There’s always heaps of Celtic music including One Direction, Bono and Ellie the song portrays the fantasy of an Af- My favourite albums of 2014 include to celebrate the winter Solstice and the Goulding, Ed Sheeran and Chris Mar- rica filled with victims waiting to be the following: Christmas season. Here are a few of tin, and is expected to raise millions to saved. help fight the disease. All Life Is Here by Manchester trio them! WIN FREE CD There is some support for it however. Harp & A Monkey, and The Ballad Band Aid 30 hit the shelves on the morn- An Irish Christmas – December 13 Win a free CD of Derek Warfield A blog by the Independent’s Benjamin Beyond by Co. Durham singer Jez at St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Av- ing of November 23, and within hours Lowe. & The Young Wolfe Tones, Let Ye Parker is called “Band Aid 30: Leave enue). All Be Irish Tonight. Entry by De- has already reached the top of the iTunes chart. The song raked in more Bob Geldof’s Christmas anthem alone Two great collections of songs about life Christmas Roguelele Night – De- cember 30. Mark your entry CD – how much have you raised for Ebola?” in the post-industrial north. and include your name and day- than £1 million in pre-order sales within cember 16 at St. James Hall. time telephone number. (Only minutes of being launched, Despite the controversy, the new re- Bellowhead released their fifth CD, Winter Harp – December 17 & 18 at one entry per person.) Entries cording is now the bookies’ favourite to Revival, towards the end of the year by e-mail only to: But there have been some complaints Blue Shore Financial Centre for the over the song’s content, with some of claim the coveted Christmas number and, if you’re careful, you can get the Performing Arts at Capilano University. [email protected]. one spot this year. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 7 The Irish Tenors: Irish Holiday Celebration RICHMOND, BC – Finbar Wright, releases has resulted in millions of al- Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan bums sold and the upper reaches of are on tour this year with The Irish Billboard’s music charts. Tenors Premiere Irish Holiday They have appeared on several highly- Celebration and will perform for rated television specials on PBS includ- one night only at the River Rock ing Ellis Island and Live from Belfast. The Irish Tenors continue to perform Casino on Friday, December 19. around the globe thrilling old fans while The trio have been touring together as winning over new ones. The Irish Tenors since 1998 with sold- • out shows at Radio City Music Hall, Tickets available at all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge-by-phone 1-855- THE IRISH TENORS – (L-R) Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns The Hollywood Bowl and major con- 985-5000 or order on-line at: cert halls throughout the world. www.ticketmaster.ca. and Ronan Tynan. Since they first joined voices they have made countless traditional treasures breathe with new life. Festival du Bois: Coquitlam’s Moreover they’ve proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of French-Canadian Festival material with such songs as My Heart Will Go On, Fairytale of New York COQUITLAM – Festival du Bois has announced the dates and even Jimmy Kennedy’s South of for its 26th annual festival in 2015. the Border (Down Mexico Way). From February 26 to March 1, an exciting roster of musicians and performers These songs sit comfortably in their rep- slated to perform over the February 29 - March 1 weekend will grace the stages ertoire alongside Danny Boy, Whiskey of the big heated tents in Mackin Park in Maillardville/Coquitlam, the centre of in the Jar and Fields of Athenry. francophone culture in B.C. All classically trained singers, Wright, Fans of Celtic music will enjoy the featured musical artists from Quebec and the Kearns and Tynan combine to produce Maritimes, as well as artists from other parts of the country and here at home. a sound and concert experience which touches the heart and stirs the emo- Get ready to dance and sing along. There are workshops, exciting shows and tions. activities for kids of all ages, crafts, delicious food – and so much more! Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for the full festival announcement in mid-January The magic they’ve captured on their at www.festivaldubois.ca. PAGE 8 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Jane Byrne honoured by the Vancouver Welsh Society ANCOUVER – The annual Vancouver Cel- ebration of Wales events was held at the Cambrian Hall this year on November 1 and V 2. The opening event was a ‘Noson Lawen’, a traditional Welsh fun evening in the Red Dragon, featuring guest soloist Nerys Jones from Seattle along with a fascinating account of both Welsh UK CAMPAIGNERS against the TTIP North American free trade and Celtic customs and legends by Dr. agreement believe the deal will impact health services. Antone Minard. By EIFION At one point during the evening, presi- WILLIAMS dent David Llewelyn Williams presented Million across Europe former president Jane Byrne with a gift JANE BYRNE and framed certificate of appreciation in recognition of her many years of lar event will be disappointed as both sign anti-free-trade service to the Welsh Society, including evening performances are already sold nine years as president. out. petition in protest The certificate reads: “On behalf of all On Sunday, December 14 there will be desperately fighting to prevent a criti- the members, please accept our grate- a bilingual Christmas carol service at LONDON – More than a million ful thanks for your leadership and your people across Europe, including cal debate from taking place about these the Cambrian Hall at 11 AM, followed trade deals with North America. vision for the continued success of the at 2 PM by the annual children’s Christ- 180,000 in the UK, have signed a Society. Your dedication and enthusiasm mas party. petition opposing trade deals be- “With TTIP threatening labour rights, keeps our Welsh spirit alive.” environmental standards and vital pub- The Welsh Society’s annual Christmas tween the European Union and On Sunday morning, November 2, there North America. lic services like the NHS, it’s not sur- dinner, catered by Jordan’s International prising that more than a million people was a bilingual church service, presided Food Designs, will be held on Decem- over by Neville Thomas. The after- The World Development Movement have voiced their opposition to it in such ber 20 at the Cambrian Hall. Tickets (WDM) said the Transatlantic Trade a short space of time.” noon Gymanfa Ganu (hymn-singing are available from Gaynor Evans, (604) festival) was well-attended, with guest and Investment Partnership (TTIP) had 271-3134. provoked strong opposition, which crit- Trade Minister Lord Livingston said, soloist Nerys Jones stepping into the “Pressure groups are misleading peo- breach as conductor. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Welsh So- DAVID LLEWELYN ics claim could lead to health services being privatised. ple into believing that TTIP will lower ciety is pleased to learn that its popular WILLIAMS standards and put the NHS at risk. This Prior to the second half of the Gymanfa Welsh language instructor Dr. Antone programme, David Llewelyn Williams Unions and campaign groups are op- is simply not true, as the EU, the U.S. Minard has been invited by Cymdeithas posed to the deal, which the govern- and the UK Government have all made drew the audience’s attention to the Madog to be one of the instructors at grievous loss of eight active members th ment maintains will boost business in clear. the 39 annual Cwrs Cymraeg (Welsh the UK, create jobs and fuel the of the Welsh Society who had passed “TTIP will, however, make it easier for course) gathering, to be held next July economy. away during the year. at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, small businesses to export and will mean In their memory, the president called for Oregon. Nick Dearden, director of the WDM, more choice for consumers and lower said, “The European Commission is prices in the shops.” a minute’s silence, following which the Cymdeithas Madog, officially The audience sang the beautiful and evoca- Welsh Studies Institute in North tive Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad, which America, is dedicated to helping North had been especially requested by Eliza- Americans learn, use and enjoy the beth Murray in memory of her late hus- Welsh language. band Don. Its annual week-long course attracts The president thanked the social com- participants from across North mittee under Gillian Rogers for arrang- America and includes many social ing such an enriching weekend and Ray events as well as language instruction. DR. ANTONE MINARD Batten for his valuable contribution as accompanist during the weekend January is normally a quiet month for events. He also thanked Nerys Jones the Welsh Society, but on January 24 for conducting the Gymanfa Ganu at members will again celebrate St. such short notice. Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine’s Day. Welsh Society members are now looking forward to Russell Roberts’ read- The program is being arranged by David ing of A Child’s Christmas in Wales Llewelyn Williams and will include an on December 12 and 13. Unfortunately, amusing limerick competition leading up many who planned to attend this popu- to the event. PEOPLE pose with the iconic Coca-Cola truck. SFU SCOTTISH STUDIES CENTRE Hundreds turn Upcoming lectures out in Cardiff to see much-loved and Presentations VANCOUVER – The Simon Fraser For the past three years, the centre has Coca-Cola truck University Scottish Studies Centre will hosted a very successful marathon read- It is a symbol that Christmas is coming present a lecture by Dr. Ann Rigney ing that has brought old and young to- and hundreds of people flocked to see (Chair of Comparative Literature, gether in celebration of the Scottish the iconic Coca-Cola truck as it pulled Utrecht University) entitled ‘Where bard. up in Cardiff on December 8. Walter Scott meets the Mahatma: Re- flections on Transnational Literature.’ Last year’s marathon went for a record The bright red truck, made famous by six hours! This year, they are asking the instantly-recognisable soft drink It will be held in 7000 Earl & Jennie people to come down and make history adverts, was parked outside the St. Lohn Policy Room at SFU Harbour in a different way by joining them for a David’s shopping centre through the Centre, 515 West Hastings Street in mass reading/singing of Burns’s most day. Vancouver on Monday, January 12 from popular works – To a Mouse and A The city was the 32nd stop for the un- 7-9 PM. Man’s a Man – plus the traditional hag- mistakable lorry, which has already vis- • gis-addressing and socializing. On January 23 from 12 noon to 1 PM, ited Swansea, Wrexham, Newtown and Starting at noon, the celebration will also Caernarfon on its 45-location tour. the SFU Scottish Studies Centre will present a Robert Burns Day Celebra- feature performances of Scottish mu- People from across South Wales turned tion in the Teck Gallery, SFU Harbour sic and song. Check their website for more details closer to the event at out to see the truck and have their pho- Centre, 515 West Hastings Street in tos taken on the Coca-Cola podium. Vancouver. www.scottish.sfu.ca. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 9 Largest fire festival in Europe takes place in Scotland in January LERWICK – Hundreds of Vikings march through the Shetland town of The Scottish Lerwick each year bearing lit torches island’s Norse in an annual celebration of their Norse heritage is cel- heritage at the Up Helly Aa fire festi- ebrated at an- val. nual Up Helly This is the largest fire festival in Eu- Aa fire festival rope and it takes place on the last Tues- and culminates day of January. The procession moves through the streets before culminating with burning a with the burning of a replica ship. replica Viking ship. The tradition originates from the 1880s and has been cancelled only a handful of times to mark the death of Queen The following year the torchlit proces- The procession culminates in the Victoria and the First and Second World sion was significantly enhanced and in- torches being thrown into a replica Vi- Wars. stitutionalised through a request by a king longship or galley. Lerwick civic body to hold another Up The current Lerwick celebration grew Helly Aa torch procession for the visit The event happens all over Shetland and is currently celebrated at 10 locations out of the older yule tradition of tar bar- of the Duke of Edinburgh. relling which took place at Christmas – Scalloway, Lerwick, Nesting and and New Year as well as Up Helly Aa. Up Helly Aa features a band of latter- Girlsta, Uyeasound, Northmavine, day Viking warriors, known as the Jarl Bressay, Cullivoe, Norwick, the South Squads of young men would drag bar- Squad, and draws visitors from around Mainland and Delting. rels of burning tar through town on the world. sledges, making mischief. Each year its hardy residents are forced The first galley was introduced and to endure the darkest of winters in the After the abolition of tar barrelling burned in 1889 and the leader of the entire British Isles. Last year the spec- around 1874-1880, permission was fire-bearing warriors is dubbed the tacular event went ahead despite storm eventually obtained for torch proces- “Jarl.” force winds. sions. There is a committee which a person And for those who could not be there, The first yule torch procession took must be part of for 15 years before one the Promote Shetland local tourist au- place in 1876. The first torch celebra- can be a jarl, and only one person is thority streams the ceremony live online tion on Up Helly Aa day took place in elected to this committee each year. to thousands of viewers across the 1881. globe. PAGE 10 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Migration surge to UK a blow to Cameron before election LONDON – Prime Minister David Cameron suffered a blow to his re-election campaign after his pledge to cut migration to the tens of thousands was undermined by new data showing a net 260,000 people moved to THE SALTIRE FLAG was raised over 10 Downing Street on St. Britain in the year to June. Andrew’s Day. The data, which showed net migration was up more than 40 percent on the previous 12 months, is awkward for Cameron who is under pressure from UK Politicians mark the rise in popularity of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP), which wants to strongly curb the number of St. Andrew’s Day people coming to Britain. BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron delivers his much-anticipated speech on immigration on November 28. LONDON – Leaders from across Sturgeon, who succeeded Alex Salmond Immigration has shot to the top of voter the political divide have reflected as both first minister and SNP leader, concerns before a 2015 national elec- from Cameron, accused him of deceiv- “If our concerns fall on deaf ears and said St. Andrew’s Day was “a won- tion and Cameron has promised to re- on the referendum campaign as derful time to reflect on Scotland’s ing voters on the issue. we cannot put our relationship with the they marked Scotland’s national duce net migration to below 100,000 be- EU on a better footing, then of course I many contributions to the world – our fore the May vote, a pledge a senior Nigel Farage, the party’s leader, said, rule nothing out. But I am confident that day on November 30. people, our history and our culture.” minister in his Conservative party said “He cannot control immigration from the we can and will succeed.” She said, “2014 has been a year like no the government was now unlikely to EU and has dropped his suggestions of While Prime Minister David Cameron other for Scotland, during which we meet. a cap or an emergency brake on num- And although he did not refer to UKIP used his St. Andrew’s Day message to bers coming in.” by name, he clearly had the anti-EU stress the importance of working to- welcomed the world for our Year of Cameron, who has vowed to renegoti- party in his sights as he warned politi- gether for a “successful future,” the Homecoming, the Commonwealth ate Britain’s ties with the EU ahead of The Conservative MP for Amber Val- cians to take care over the language new Scottish First Minister Nicola Stur- Games in Glasgow, and the Ryder Cup a membership referendum in 2017 if he ley, Nigel Mills, said. “I think the mes- they used about immigration. geon said she looked to the future with at Gleneagles.” is re-elected, set out new plans to limit sage we needed was that we would put “renewed focus and optimism” after the Sturgeon said Scotland was an “outward EU migration in a highly anticipated an absolute cap on it because we have “We must anchor the debate in fact, not independence debate. looking nation” and added, “As first speech. too many people coming. prejudice. We must have no truck with those who use immigration to foment Just over two months ago Scots voted minister, I recognise the importance of On November 28, he announced an ar- “The only comprehensible way of stop- division. We should distrust those who to stay part of the United Kingdom, Scotland working together with our ray of moves for stopping EU migrants ping that is to say ‘Look, here’s how sell the snake-oil of simple solutions.” with 55 percent voting for the union and friends in Europe and across the globe from claiming benefits, but while atten- many we are prepared to take each rejecting independence in the referen- to secure a better, more prosperous and tion was still focused on those moves year’.” Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, dum. peaceful future for all.” said some of Cameron’s ideas were he backed off from a confrontation with In his speech, delivered at a JCB fac- his counterparts on the Continent over “sensible and workable.” Cameron said the Saltire would be fly- tory in Staffordshire, Cameron empha- ing “proudly” above 10 Downing Street proposals to introduce a quota system sised the value to Britain of EU mem- But he added, “There are some very for migrants. as he told how he was “just one of the bership, insisting he believed he could serious questions about whether others millions of people who were relieved, Irish Minister Under the European Union’s freedom succeed in wresting powers back to this will ever really happen in practice and proud and delighted that Scotland de- of movement rules, EU citizens are en- country from Brussels. whether they are deliverable.” cided to stay.” warns over titled to work anywhere in the bloc. That But he also signalled he was prepared The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said, He added, “There was one big mes- has seen hundreds of thousands of EU to argue for Britain to leave the Union “David Cameron is a busted flush on UK quitting EU nationals come to work in Britain, which sage at the heart of our campaign: We as a last resort if other member states immigration. He has broken his prom- can have a strong UK and a strong Scot- DUBLIN – Ireland has weighed into has the group’s fastest-growing resisted his plans to cut benefits to mi- ises to the public and made false prom- the heated row over Britain’s future in economy. land – with its own identity and achieve- grants. ises to his party.” ments to celebrate. That’s what St. Europe, warning that any exit from the He put his emphasis on introducing Andrew’s Day is all about. EU would pull the two neighbouring stringent welfare restrictions as a way countries apart just as they are forging of reducing the “pull-factor” attracting “As we celebrate St. Andrew’s Day, historically close links. migrants to Britain. we celebrate Scotland, this great na- UK migrant threat tion of culture and enterprise, of pride Dublin’s Foreign Affairs Minister He outlined proposals, to be included in and passion, whose countrymen and Charlie Flanagan said the Irish are dis- next year’s Tory election manifesto, to women gave the world the steam en- mayed at the prospect of the UK going ban migrants from receiving in-work ‘fantasy’ says senior gine, the television, penicillin, James it alone and could not simply sit by as benefits such as tax credits for four Bond, Harry Potter – even the Higgs debate intensifies ahead of a proposed years and to stop jobless migrants quali- boson. make-or-break referendum on member- fying for unemployment benefits. ship in 2017. United Nations envoy “Today, Scotland’s national day, the Those who cannot find a job within six LONDON – The notion that a core not going to be cool.” world shows its admiration for those In a direct plea to Britain, he said, “While I’m fully respectful of and sen- months would be required to leave the British culture is under threat achievements, and the bagpipes will ring country, he said. And of the European search and res- out from the islands of Argyll to the sitive to the internal democratic reflec- from immigration has been de- cue mission, he said, “Not supporting streets of New York.” tion under way within the UK, I cannot The prime minister insisted the pack- scribed as a “fantasy” and search and rescue operations means shy away from this debate. age of measures he is unveiling will letting them die. The prime minister continued, “Every- “b******t” by a senior United “The UK’s continued membership of mean Britain has the toughest welfare Nations official. where you look around the globe, peo- system for EU migrants anywhere in “This is what happens, if you don’t ple want a bit of Scotland: in Australia, the EU is hugely important to us and Europe. Francois Crepeau, the UN’s special search and rescue them; they die. If where tartan is proudly worn; in the Ba- there is too much at stake to remain on we accept that, I think we go well be- hamas and Canada, where haggis is the sidelines.” His retreat over Tory plans for Britain rapporteur on migrant rights, also ap- yond the moral boundaries of our politi- eaten; and in France, where they drink to impose a cap on numbers of Euro- peared to criticise the British Govern- Flanagan added, “Ireland’s position on cal system.” more Scotch in a month than they do pean Union migrant workers received ment’s stance on supporting search and this is unequivocal: we want the UK to Cognac in a year. a mixed reception from Eurosceptic rescue efforts in the Mediterranean to In October the government set out its remain a full, integral member of the backbenchers who had been pressing save immigrants trying to reach Europe. opposition to search and rescue opera- “This St. Andrew’s Day, we will be Union.” tions, warning that they might encour- for a tougher stance with Brussels. He told the Independent, “The fantasy celebrating that huge global reach, fly- Speaking in London at the European age more illegal immigrants to attempt ing the flag for Scotland at our UK The Conservatives had previously is that there is a core British culture Council on Foreign Relations, the sen- the crossing. embassies and high commissions. floated the idea of restricting the that was created probably 2,000 years ior Irish government minister, who also number of EU nationals allowed to work ago and carried on, and now it’s being But after facing criticism in the Com- “And when I think of the Saltire, set has responsibility for trade, said the EU in Britain – a so-called “emergency threatened by all those barbarians that mons, immigration minister James against the sun in Dar es Salaam, bil- laid foundations for unparalleled peace brake” – but it was conspicuously ab- are coming to our gate. Brokenshire said the UK would be pre- lowing in the Ottawa wind, I think of all and stability across the continent. sent from his remarks, in the face of “This is utter b******t, but who is go- pared to offer further support on top of the incredible things that we are doing, the single debriefing expert already al- “That ought to be appreciated here in opposition from other European capi- ing to say this? That is why I think we together, as a United Kingdom. the UK, which sacrificed so much in tals. located. have a problem with political conver- “The key to a successful future is work- two world wars precisely because of Cameron said his aim was to introduce sations that we can’t have.” An Italian mission that saved tens of ing, as one, for the good of us all. That the absence of a settled European or- pan-EU reforms, but he was ready to He told the paper he was concerned by thousands of people making the treach- is why all of us – in every corner of our der based on law,” he said. implement them in Britain alone if he the rise of anti-immigration sentiment erous journey from North Africa was country – will be celebrating St. wound up and replaced last month by a “The role of the EU in bringing about did not gain support. across Europe and even went as far as Andrew’s Day and why nowhere will and maintaining that peace and stabil- saying, “If Britannia is ruled by the European Union initiative focused on the Saltire be flown more proudly than UKIP, which came under heavy attack border control. ity should never be underestimated or UKIP, or with UKIP-type policies, it is here, above 10 Downing Street.” taken for granted.” DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 11 Alex Salmond sets sights on Westminster EDINBURGH – Scotland’s He was given a standing ovation by his party colleagues, and was embraced by former First Minister Alex deputy Nicola Sturgeon, who has re- Salmond has confirmed his placed him at the head of the Scottish intention to stand for a seat in Government. Westminster at the general He said, “Scotland has a new sense of political confidence and a new sense election in May. of economic confidence. That new po- He resigned as SNP leader and First litical confidence, or engagement, is the Minister just hours after the Yes cam- point on which I wish to end.’’ paign lost the independence referen- The Gordon seat, which will now be- dum, and speculation over his political come one of the most-watched in next future has continued ever since. year’s general election, was won by Lib He will run in the Gordon constituency Dem Bruce with a majority of 6,748 which is currently held by Liberal Demo- over the SNP in 2010. crat MP Sir Malcolm Bruce, who is re- Salmond, who was First Minister for tiring. seven years, was recently named Spec- The announcement of Salmond’s can- tator magazine’s Politician of the Year didacy ends weeks of speculation about at a ceremony in London. a possible return to the Commons. SCOTLAND’S former First Min- He said he was “honoured’’ to receive Salmond told his Ellon audience that ister Alex Salmond is to stand the award for a second time, having there is the “prospect of real power for for a seat in Westminster at the previously been recognised in 2011 af- Scotland” if the SNP wins a significant general election in May 2015. ter the SNP’s landslide win in the Scot- number of seats at Westminster. tish elections. Since the referendum, support for the eral election, with one showing the SNP The former SNP leader said, “This has SNP has swelled and the party’s mem- leading Labour by 46 percent to 26 per- been a momentous year for Scotland bership has grown from 25,000 to more cent in Scotland. and, while the Yes campaign may not than 92,000. have won in the referendum, there is When standing down as First Minister, no doubt that Scotland has been Recent polls have also predicted large Salmond described his seven-year ten- changed utterly.” gains for the party at next year’s gen- ure as the “privilege” of his life.

Gordon Brown to quit The National as MP and turns down newspaper seat in House of Lords now permanent EDINBURGH – A new Scottish LONDON – Former Prime newspaper supporting independ- Minister Gordon Brown has ence is to become a permanent confirmed in an emotional fixture after a successful trial. farewell speech that he will The National went on sale as part of leave Parliament at next an initial five-day run but will now con- May’s general election, after tinue after sales “beyond the wildest 32 years as an MP. dreams” of publishers. Speaking in his Kirkcaldy and An editorial in the paper on November Cowdenbeath constituency, he said he 28 thanked readers for their support and would be leaving “public office” but disclosed that 60,000 copies were sold would continue his public service in his on its first day and that about 11,000 role as the United Nations’ special en- people have signed up for a digital sub- scription to The National. voy for global education. The newspaper costs 50p and the mast- He said he would turn down a seat in head describes it as “‘the newspaper the House of Lords and would never that supports an independent Scotland.” return to frontline politics. FORMER British Prime Minister It is published by Newsquest, which al- But he promised to intervene in future ready publishes the Herald, the Sun- to safeguard Britain’s place in the EU, Gordon Brown is to step down day Herald and the Evening Times in Scotland’s place in the UK and the as an MP. Scotland. NHS. He also pledged to work for Ed Miliband’s election as prime minister in The Sunday Herald was the only news- May and to help Labour in the 2016 paper in favour of leaving the UK in Scottish Parliament elections. “We are not leaving the run-up to September’s referendum. Fife, it is London Its editor Richard Walker is also in Brown, who appeared with his wife charge of The National. Sarah and sons John and Fraser, said local people had shown “kindness” and we are leaving.” The editorial in the paper today said, given him “strength” when his daugh- “Our first edition sold out. We printed ter Jennifer Jane died after 10 days 100,000 copies the following day, and some 13 years ago. ing memory, his 10 years at the Treas- sales stayed at a high level. ury saw him pump billions into public “We are not leaving Fife,” he said. “It services and keep Britain out of the “They have slipped slightly since – as is London we are leaving.” euro – a decision that Blairites now sales inevitably do after a launch edi- admit he got right and their man wrong. tion. But they remain beyond our wild- Brown bowed out on a high after play- est dreams and are bolstered by more ing a pivotal role in heading off a Yes But his tenure was marred by feuding than 11,000 digital subscriptions. It’s vote in the referendum on Scottish in- between Brownites and Blairites. It been an incredible – if challenging – dependence in September. stemmed from his decision to stand week.” aside to give Blair a free run at the He played a critical role, along with Former First Minister Alex Salmond Tony Blair, in the New Labour project Labour leadership as the modernisers’ candidate when John Smith died in 1994. showed his support for the publication which made his party electable again as he carried a copy of The National in 1997 after 18 years in the wilder- His premiership never really recovered on stage as he was named Spectator ness. from the “non-election” of 2007, which magazine’s Politician of the Year at a As the longest-serving chancellor in liv- he called off at the last minute. ceremony in London. PAGE 12 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 A POSTCARD FROM LONDON Britain’s moving tribute to her First World War dead

By ELFAN JONES BEDLAY CASTLE, located just northeast of Glasgow, is for sale with an asking price of £500,000 and comes with nearly LONDON – In 1914 the First 10 acres of land. World War broke out and at the eleventh hour of the elev- th enth day of the eleventh month 16 Century Haunted of 1918 it ended. In the four years of conflict nine SOME five million people visited Britain’s moving tribute to her Scottish Castle for Sale million soldiers had been killed First World War dead. The ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas Of Red’ GLASGOW – With an asking price of site, has long been used as a home and and 21 million injured. installation with 888,246 ceramic flowers planted under the Tower £500,000, this Scottish castle is an at- has six bedrooms. One will find large of London represented every British or Commonwealth citizen tractive offer, although you might be barrel-vaulted store rooms, cellars and Among those casualties, 888,246 Brit- who died during the conflict. The display raised an incredible sharing the building with a specter. two smaller larders as well as the main ish and Commonwealth soldiers fell. kitchen and living room. £11.2 million for charity. The first flower was planted on July 17 Bedlay Castle, located just northeast of Now, 100 years on, to commemorate and the last was put in place on November 11 to coincide with their sacrifice, the same number of ce- Glasgow, comes with nearly 10 acres The master bedroom is on the first floor Armistice Day ceremonies of land. together with a drawing room and gal- ramic poppies were planted in the moat lery, and a large dining room. The other surrounding the Tower of London. During the Middle Ages this land was subjects chosen by the Lewes bonfire count holder with two mothers or two five bedrooms can be found on the sec- owned by the Bishop of Glasgow, but ond and third floors. The artistic vision entitled “Blood Swept societies. fathers would be problematic. in 1580 the property was given to Lands and Seas of Red” by ceramic th I witnessed effigies of both Angela This is the bank the government had to Robert Boyd, 4 Lord Boyd of One of the legends about Bedlay Cas- artist Paul Cummins and Royal Shake- Kilmarnock, who built his own castle tle is that it is haunted – before this cas- speare Company set designer Tom Merkel and the Olympic cyclist, Sir bail out with public funds, and that the Bradley Wiggins, being paraded in ad- Financial Conduct Authority fined £14.5 at a natural defensive point. tle was built the property was used as Piper, created the effect of a river of a palace for the Bishops of Glasgow. blood flowing around the castle, both vance of being propelled into the No- million for serious failings in advice given The 16th century building is a simple spellbinding and very moving. vember sky. to mortgage borrowers. They obviously tower house of two storeys and an at- Apparently one of the bishops drowned find many things problematic. On that occasion a 10-foot high effigy tic. The tower house was around 13 by in a nearby lake, but his ghost has been Each day at sunset names of 180 Com- • 7.5 metres, and had a square stair tower roaming around Bedlay Castle ever monwealth troops, killed during the war, of her majesty the Queen accompanied And finally a Christmas tale to warm by cardboard corgis was also paraded. protruding from the north-east corner. since, despite an attempt at an exor- were read out as part of a roll of hon- the cockles of your heart (unless you cism in the 18th century. our followed by the playing of the Last I don’t think the Queen was blown up are a taxpayer in Doncaster). At the ground floor were two vaulted Post by a member of the armed forces. cellars, with a hall above. The stair Some people have reported seeing the or burnt but the strategically placed Doncaster Council in South Yorkshire bangers (firecrackers I think you call tower was later modified by the addi- bishop’s large figure appearing sponta- Volunteers began planting the poppies has written to Peter Macdonald, an un- tion of an extra storey, reached by a neously, and others have heard of him in August with the last one being planted them) did the corgis no favours and Alex employed alcoholic, as he was falling Salmond can be grateful that he didn’t spiral stair corbelled out from the join moving around the building. on Armistice Day by 13-year-old cadet into arrears with his rent. of the stair tower and the main block. Harry Hayes from the Reading Blue suffer the same indignity. The sale is being handled by Duncan Coat School Combined Cadet Force. The letter read, “We can see you are In 1642 the castle was sold to James Barrie of CKD Galbraith. It has been suggested that Ed Milliband, struggling to pay the shortfall between the Labour party leader, needs some- Robertson, who later became Lord Having pierced the ceramic flower into your rent and your housing allowance Bedlay. He commented, “The sale of Bedlay the ground, he saluted the thousands of thing to buck him up a bit as his rating due to the large amount you spend on Castle makes owning a beautiful Scot- people in the crowd completing the vi- in the polls is at an all-time low. alcohol. His family extended the castle, and tish castle an affordable reality for brant swathe of the breath-taking me- owned it until 1786. This extension is many. However the scale of the resto- No doubt the Tory council in Lewes “We understand that you spend this as morial. would have a few ideas. of the same height as the original build- ration work required is fairly extensive you are alcohol dependant. We have ing, with a single room on each floor. but would be well worth the investment My wife and I felt privileged to be • decided to award you a discretionary In the banking world the Royal Bank of Round towers finish off both western of time and finance. among the estimated five million peo- housing payment and will pay you an corners of the extension. ple who visited the Tower of London Scotland are considering doing away extra £9.06 per week.” “The property is deceptively close to and witnessed this extraordinary dis- with the age-old security question re- Because the extension was built on the city of Glasgow, and there is direct play. questing the maiden name of the cus- In Doncaster this will buy him at least lower ground, an extra floor was cre- access to the A80 to Stirling, Edinburgh tomer’s mother, not wishing to offend another three pints of beer ated at the lower level, accessed from and Perth via the M9 and A9; yet the Despite pleas and a petition to retain customers raised by gay parents. the ground floor, and including a hidden mixture of pasture land and amenity the poppies, volunteers began remov- A very happy Macdonald said, “I know Global head of RBS’s Inclusion pro- this is a nanny state, but I had no idea room beneath one of the towers. woodland surrounding Bedlay gives a ing them on November 12 and now the considerable element of seclusion and site is bare and a sea of mud. gramme, Majorie Strachan stated that they looked after you this well.” The castle, which is a listed historical asking for the maiden name of an ac- privacy.” The ceramic poppies were for sale at Merry Christmas to all, £25 each and all have been sold with Elfan the proceeds being shared between six military charities. Sadly, there are no Confidence in Scottish plans to repeat the display. • Tributes for PD James Last month’s issue of The Celtic Con- businesses ‘on the rise’ nection mentioned that an effigy of who has died aged 94 EDINBURGH – Business conditions calculated from all the responses. Alex Salmond was blown up at the an- LONDON – The queen of crime writ- The Dalgliesh books found a wider au- in Scotland are improving, according to nual November 5 Guy Fawkes celebra- a survey of chartered accountants. Only 21 percent of respondents said tions in Lewes in East Sussex. ers PD James has died aged 94 after a dience through a series of ITV adapta- marketplace competition is a greater career that took her from the civil serv- tions with Roy Marsden in the lead role The latest business confidence monitor challenge than a year ago. Piers Morgan, the self-satisfied and ir- ice to the House of Lords via the and James branched out into non-fic- shows Scottish businesses recorded a ritating television presenter, advised bestseller lists. tion and stand-alone novels including confidence score of 22 between July Turnover is reported to have increased Salmond not to take it personally as in one updating Jane Austen’s Pride And by 5.5 percent in the last 12 months, Her family said the bestselling writer, and October, up from the previous quar- a previous year his effigy had suffered Prejudice. ter. with gross profits up by 4.9 percent. the same fate. who became Baroness James of Hol- land Park in 1991, died at home in Ox- Death Comes To Pemberley pitched A total of 60 chartered accountants Both of these growth rates are faster than those seen over 2013. Similar Having had the great pleasure of at- ford. Austen’s characters, Mr. Darcy and his were asked how they would describe tending one of these riotous affairs, I wife Elizabeth, into the middle of a growth rates are expected in the year The novelist, who wrote a string of their confidence in the economic pros- think it should be explained that it is all murder mystery and was later filmed pects facing their business over the next ahead. for fun and charity and no insult is in- books about detective Adam Dalgliesh, by the BBC. spent 30 years working as a civil serv- 12 months, compared to the previous Scotland’s confidence rating is still be- tended to the individuals selected to 12 months. low the UK average of 28.6. accompany Guy Fawkes on a sudden ant before becoming a full-time writer. She listed Austen among the four au- journey to the stars. thors she regarded as having the great- They scored zero for stating “as confi- The business monitor is conducted by Her publishers Faber & Faber said, est influence on her work, alongside “She was so very remarkable in every dent,” positively up to 100 for more the Institute of Chartered Accountants It is all very much tongue-in-cheek, and Dorothy L. Sayers, Graham Greene and confident, and negatively down to -100 in England and Wales (ICAEW) and personalities in the news are often the aspect of her life, an inspiration and Evelyn Waugh. great friend to us all.” for less confident, with an average score Grant Thornton UK. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 13 The two Perths: The douce and the dangerous

By HARRY McGRATH

EDINBURGH – Until recently I had spent as much time in Perth, Ontario as in Perth, DONALD PATON with Provost of Perth Elizabeth Grant at the Scotland and my vague notion launch of his new book Perth As Others Saw Us. of the original Perth was She was taken “to view the Tay in all less problem and “the poverty and dis- based on two things. its grandeur” by John Dickson, a law- advantage lurking not far from The first was the testimony of a young yer and a member of the Society of Debenham’s front door.” Writers to the Signet. man I coached in Canada who became According to Roy, some of the good a professional footballer in Scotland. Dickson records that “she looked over people of Perth are pretending not to He played for four different teams in the parapet of the bridge through her see any of this. gold eyeglass and disposed of the Tay Scotland, the first of which was Perth’s His mood is not helped by a woman who team, St. Johnstone. with the remark ‘Ah! A pretty little creek’...” approaches him after his speech to say He told me that walking around Perth “I do hope Scotland isn’t as depressing after dark produced a heightened sense She is not the only iconoclast in the an- as you made it out to be tonight.” thology and this often provides the most of physical threat in him that no other If a new city has to be created, Roy Scottish town could match. engaging testimonies, especially compared to politicians and monarchs who “would have given the honour in Scot- land to a town less pleased with itself.” In 2013, I finally visited Perth myself to usually say what they are expected to speak at the Burns Club annual dinner. say. Roy is one of a handful of people who From the convivial interior of the Salu- Queen Victoria has two entries without get two entries in the anthology and it tation Hotel (commonly referred to as saying much of anything and there are is interesting to see how attitudes can ‘the oldest hotel in Scotland’) it was contributions from politicians of various change over time. hard to imagine the danger supposedly stripes who sing the town’s praises. Roy’s mood is much lighter in the ear- lurking in the streets outside. One notable exception is Michael lier piece, penned 25 years before he Donald Paton has shed light on this ap- Russell, until recently Scotland’s Cabi- delivered his Burns speech, and Perth parent contradiction in his new anthol- net Secretary for Education, but writ- emerges as quirky and funny rather ogy of writing about Perth. ing here when he was following the jour- than self-satisfied. It contains evidence of both Perths – ney around Scotland once taken by poet Victorian-era art critic John Ruskin also the douce and the dangerous – and Edwin Muir. has two entries. many more Perths besides. In fact, Russell provides a nicely crafted de- In the first, he is full of the joys of the there seem to have been almost as many scription of Perth as he found it in 1998. two childhood years he spent in Perth Perths as there were people to observe but the second is taken from his diaries them. He gives to the Salutation Hotel with one hand (“my favourite”) and takes when “all looked hopeless and cheer- Paton has collected over 120 pieces of away with the other (“though its claim less; the town smoky and ugly in outer writing about Perth and arranged them to be the oldest in Scotland is probably suburbs.” in chronological order. bogus”). Ruskin concludes that it is not Perth that has changed but him, “partly from my The first is by “traveller-poet” John He also slips in what might now be re- Taylor who arrived in1618 when the garded as a wee piece of modern Scot- own pain at not seeing E(uphemia) town was still called St. Johnstone and tish history: “Perhaps I like Perth be- G(ray).” found it “much decayed by reason of cause I associate it with success: it was ‘Effie’ Gray was born and is buried in the want of his Majesty’s (James VI) here that Alex Salmond became SNP Perth. She is the subject of a recent yearly coming to lodge there.” leader in 1990, and, at the same time, movie starring Dakota Fanning. as his campaign manager, I avoided The last is a speech by Queen Eliza- There is poetry-a-plenty in Paton’s an- beth II delivered in 2012 “on the occa- being defeated for the party office I held.” thology and it is of varying quality. The sion of the granting of city status [to best of the worst poetry is, as always, Perth].” Anthologising is a notoriously tricky by William McGonagall who left Dun- In between times, Paton has done a fine business considered in some academic dee for Perth “resolving to return no job of gathering an eclectic selection of circles as being subject to politicizing, more [to Dundee] owing to the harsh writers most of whom, as the title sug- sacralising, anathematizing and so on. treatment I had received in the city as gests, are visitors to Perth rather than But Paton is refreshingly honest about is well known as a truth without record- residents. his motivations. ing it.” Burns is here, so too Scott, Buchan, “As in any anthology,” he writes in the The inhabitants of Perth, by contrast, Defoe, Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and Gen- introduction, “the selection reflects the were very kind to him and his wife and eral Wolfe. More recently, comedian compiler’s tastes and prejudices. I have he rewarded them with a series of po- Billy Connolly, actor Brian Cox and included what interested, engaged or ems Beautiful Ancient City of Perth / writers like Tom Weir, Jack House and amused me and this brought together One of the grandest on the earth, etc. some improbable bedfellows!” Nigel Tranter have all had something The title Perth As Others Saw Us is, to say about Perth. He has clearly taken care to juxtapose simultaneously, a tip of the hat to Robert There are also plenty of unknown punt- the propagandist and the cynic where Burns (‘To see oursels as ithers see ers who have felt moved to put their appropriate. us!’) and an indication that most of the thoughts on paper when passing through As mentioned, the Queen has the last writers are visitors rather than residents the town. entry in the anthology and praises Perth of Perth. Paton, as many Celtic Connection for its importance “at the very heart of The book is a fascinating read in itself readers already know, was born and Scotland.” but also preserves some writing that raised in Perth but now lives part of the Scottish Review editor and journalist would have disappeared from history year in Vancouver and there is some Kenneth Roy, however, has the penul- without Paton’s efforts. Future genera- evidence of the Canadian connection timate entry and tells a different story. tions with an interest in Perth will have in the anthology. cause to be grateful. By coincidence, he was in Perth to • Several visiting Canadians are cited, speak at the annual Burns dinner the [Perth As Others Saw Us is available including a young girl who was in Perth year before I did. from the publisher tippermuirbooks@ in 1846. blueyonder.co.uk or from Amazon]. But his real concern is the town’s home- PAGE 14 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 An Irish Christmas Tradition: Legacy of First World War The Candle in the Window THE candle in the window at Christ- mas symbolizes many things in Ireland. Christmas truce lives on It’s still a favorite traditional Irish Christ- mas decoration, harkening back to that The poignancy of those Christmas ancient Christmas Eve when Mary and Joseph could find no shelter. The words from the “Kerry Christmas kickabouts lives on today. A century on, Carol” give a senses of the roots of this there are numerous commemorations It is a symbol of Irish hospitality – a old Irish tradition: this December. way of welcoming Mary and Joseph…and any travelers who might Don’t blow the tall white candle out At the National Football Museum, a But leave it burning bright, new exhibition, “The Greater Game – happen to pass by looking for a warm place to stay. So that they’ll know Football and the First World War” opens they’re welcome here on December 19. In the days when it was illegal and even This holy Christmas night! dangerous to practice the Catholic faith It will cover all things football, includ- The placing of a lighted candle in the ing the Christmas Truce, but also the in Ireland because of the oppressive Penal Laws, the candles seen in the win- window of a house on Christmas Eve controversy surrounding the continua- is still practised today. tion of the 1914-15 football season, the dows of Irish homes at Christmas also development of women’s football at signaled traveling priests that this was A further element of the tradition is that munitions factories and the Footballers a home where they would be welcome the candle should be lit by the youngest Battalion, formed at Fulham Town Hall and where they could safely conduct member of the household and only be in 1914. the traditional Irish Catholic Christmas extinguished by a girl bearing the name THE Duke of Cambridge will unveil a new Christmas Truce Monu- Mass. ‘Mary’. ment at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Stafford- The museum is also supporting shire on December 12. He is pictured above with Arsenal and www.footballandthefirstworldwar.com, a project to create a database about England star Theo Walcott at the launch of the Football Remem- football during the war, to which eve- bers design project. ryone is encouraged to contribute. LONDON – The Duke of On December 23 – that first winter of December 6 marks the start of Foot- the First World War – hymns were ball Remembers Week, and on Decem- Cambridge will attend a heard from both sets of trenches and ber 17, the British Army will take on dedication ceremony for a German soldiers coming back into the the German Army in a special football monument commemorating front line brought with them small coni- match at Aldershot Town Stadium. the 1914 Christmas Truce at fers, which they tied to the parapets. The match will bring together serving By Christmas Eve, these trees had been soldiers from both countries almost ex- the National Memorial Arbo- decorated with candles and paper lan- actly 100 years on from the original retum in Alrewas, Stafford- terns that could be seen shining across Christmas Truce moments of Decem- shire on December 12. the mud. ber 25, 1914. The memorial unveil is part of Football As a deep hard frost settled over north- Remembers, a series of events in De- ern Europe, carols drifted into the air cember being delivered jointly by the from both sides of the line – O Premier League, The FA and the Foot- Tannenbaum, Oh Come All Ye Faith- ball League in partnership with the Brit- ful. ish Council, to commemorate the First In no-man’s land, soldiers from the two World War. sides shook hands and laughed and The design for the memorial was cho- smoked. They exchanged presents: sen by The Duke of Cambridge and beef, rum, chocolate and cigarettes England star Theo Walcott, after the from the British and sausages, cognac Football Remembers competition was and coffee from the Germans. opened to more than 30,000 schools They dug graves in the hard earth, gath- across the UK. ered the bodies of the dead, and occa- Until now, there has been no memorial sionally buried them, German and on the 150-acre site dedicated to the Briton, side-by-side. Christmas Truce story of December 25, They made repairs to the trenches, and 1914. The new memorial has been talked about their families – many of funded by the Football Remembers the German soldiers spoke excellent partners. English. One hundred years ago this Christmas, And then, in pockets, up and down the on the bitter, battered no-man’s land 500-mile front line, they played football between the German and Allied – sometimes with a tin can, sometimes trenches, bands of cold, demoralised, with a rolled up sandbag and occasion- bewildered men, taught to hate, played ally with a real leather football – their together in the most famous scattering huge army boots heavy with water, the of football games in history. ball leaden from the constant damp.

THE 1914 Christmas Truce during the Great War. This is the original image printed in The Illustrated London News on Janu- ary 9, 1915. The caption reads: “The Light of Peace in the trenches on Christmas Eve. A German soldier opens the spon- taneous truce by approaching the British lines with a small Christmas tree.” DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 15

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PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 19 Hemochromatosis community loses its founder and crusader VANCOUVER – Hereditary The Canadian Hemochromatosis So- ciety grew in recognition and activity hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is an level under the tireless guidance and leadership of Marie. Many of these inherited disorder that causes the body to years the CHS operated out of Marie’s absorb two to three times the normal and Tom’s home, with files kept under V the bed. amount of iron. However, as Charles Magill writes in Over the years, the excess iron his story on Marie in the October 1995 Reader’s Digest, “As the society grew, builds up in the vital organs, so did Marie’s anguish over Tom’s joints and tissues where it can worsening condition. cause a number of debilitat- “Arthritis crippled his hands, and joint ing and potentially fatal con- disease in his feet made walking agony. Angina prevented him from sleeping, ditions such as liver and heart and twice, heart attacks landed him in disease, diabetes, impotence intensive care.” and arthritis. After Tom passed away, Marie found Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most solace in keeping herself busier than common genetic disorder in Canada, ever. However, her own health faltered. affecting one in 300 Canadians, pre- Before she stepped down as president dominantly of Celtic and European de- of the Canadian Hemochromatosis So- scent. ciety in 1994, she was able to persuade the Canadian Red Cross to accept blood Tens of thousands of Canadians and PHOTO: Delta Optimist people around the world have Marie donations from people with MARIE WARDER warned the hemochromatosis. Warder to thank for their diagnosis and medical community and gen- treatment of hemochromatosis. She convinced Consumer and Corpo- eral public about the dangers rate Affairs Canada to have the term Journalist, author, teacher, musician, and of iron overload and its poten- founder of the Canadian “reduced iron” on food labels (which tial to devastate families and was often misinterpreted by Hemochromatosis Society, Marie spent future generations if left undi- nearly half of her life crusading against hemochromatosis sufferers as having the ravages of hereditary agnosed and untreated. a reduced quantity of iron) replaced by hemochromatosis. “iron.” Both her daughter, Leigh, and husband, She was also present at the World Tom, were diagnosed with the disorder. “Genetic disorders Health Organization meeting on the pre- Tom suffered severely from the dam- vention and control of age caused by the excess iron before recognize no hemochromatosis, held in Israel. passing away in 1992 from liver failure As Marie recovered from her health caused by hemochromatosis. Leigh, boundaries” issues, and through the following years, thankfully, was diagnosed early enough she continued to help those with to minimize any potential harm. hemochromatosis. During this period, Marie acknowledged The distress of knowing both Leigh and that “genetic disorders recognize no Where she worked as a lay chaplain at Tom had this “iron thing,” seeing how boundaries”, and she established The Delta Hospital, near her home in close to death Tom had gotten before International Association of Tsawwassen, B.C., she would often see receiving a diagnosis, and realizing it Hemochromatosis Societies to help patients with symptoms of was indeed hereditary, compelled Marie fledgling groups in other countries get hemochromatosis, and seize any oppor- to warn the medical community and off the ground. tunity to present them with information general public about the dangers of iron on the disorder. overload and its potential to devastate A central registry of hemochromatosis families and future generations if left sufferers was built to coordinate fam- She often received e-mails from newly undiagnosed and untreated. ily screening. Newsletters were writ- diagnosed individuals with questions and ten and mailed as funds permitted. Fed- expressions of gratitude for her book, Letter writing ensued but proved un- eral and provincial governments were The Bronze Killer. successful after being rejected from briefed. Information was spread. Let- Marie blogged about hemochromatosis, various publications due to lack of case ters were taken to heart and personally and was an avid user of social media to histories. answered by Marie. get the word out about the disorder. Despite the rejections, Marie was mo- Public awareness in Canada increased, In recent years, unable to type and re- tivated by Leigh’s improvement in her in no small part to appearances by stricted to the use of a wheelchair, iron levels to start writing the ground- Marie, CHS medical advisors and Marie would use a voice recognition breaking book, The Bronze Killer, and hemochromatosis sufferers in the me- device to write her books, e-mails, and founded the Canadian dia. Hemochromatosis Society (CHS). online content. After two years of searching for enough The days she thought she would let go “hemochromatotics” to start a society, of hemochromatosis, hemochromatosis writing and re-writing the constitution would not let go of her. and saving enough money for activities, Even a few weeks prior to her passing, Marie finally incorporated CHS in 1982 Marie forwarded a request she re- with seven members. ceived to the office of the Canadian In the years that followed, Marie Hemochromatosis Society by an indi- learned as much as she could about the vidual looking for more information. disorder from researchers and doctors After several years of deteriorating around the world; many from Canada health, Marie had to be hospitalized in agreed to become directors of CHS’ late September 2014. In the early hours Board and/or medical advisors to the of October 20, Marie slipped away society. peacefully at the Delta Hospital at the After receiving request after request in age of 87. the mail for patient information, Marie Marie’s talents, skills, aptitude, fortitude realized she and the society needed to and commitment have saved numerous produce brochures for the Canadian Canadians and others around the globe public. from the preventable hazards of Soon after, Marie felt the space con- hemochromatosis, and helped countless tained within a brochure limited the others find an early diagnosis. amount of information that she could MARIE WARDER wrote the Thank you, Marie, for all you gave from provide, and so she wrote the booklet, ground-breaking book, The your heart to help so many. Iron…the other side of the story!, Bronze Killer, and founded the For more information on the Canadian which became the society’s only on- Canadian Hemochromatosis So- going source of income for some time. Hemochromatosis Society, visit: ciety (CHS). www.toomuchiron.ca. PAGE 20 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Some great memories of beautiful Cape Breton and our stay at the unique Normaway Inn

N my journey through the Maritimes last summer with my son Pat and granddaugh- Oters, Madi and Kelsey, we had some wonderful experiences and enjoyed spectacular scenery. WHITE ROCK IRISH CLUB After arriving in Nova Scotia, we travelled to Prince Edward Island, White Rock then on to Cape Breton Island, and finally to Newfoundland through to Labrador. Irish Festival: It was the trip of a lifetime for us as a By family and one particularly memora- CATHOLINE Plans for ble part of the journey was the time BUTLER spent on Cape Breton Island. March 2015 The views are breathtaking with the been since Norman passed away and PAT McCAY with his two daughters Kelsey and Madisson holding By DEIRDRE O’RUAIRC mountains and the ocean. It’s easy to George said, ‘that’s going to be the a copy of The Celtic Connection in front of a spectacular scenic WHITE ROCK – Nollaig Shona. understand why so many songs are name, it’s the Normaway’.” view on their trip through the Canadian Maritimes last summer. December is fast approaching and the written about the beauty of the island. Dave has been at the Normaway for the White Rock Irish Club executive would At dusk, we started looking for a place past 40 years. He said, “I got the horses like to wish each and every one of you to spend the night but everywhere we after I got married, because my wife a very happy and peaceful Christmas stopped was fully booked. We began loves animals and I thought that my wife and all the very best in 2015. thinking we might have to spend the would be less likely to leave me if there “I said, I’ll find out The club will hold its AGM on January night in our vehicle. were some horses here. 30, 2015 and the positions coming up Finally, someone suggested the “Now, she’s more likely to leave me and I introduced are president and secretary. Normaway Inn and they called ahead because I breed them and forget to sell If you would like to put your name for- and told them we were on our way. them. My wife bought the donkey. myself. He said ward or nominate someone, please send By the time we arrived, we were tired nominations to Robert Holland by e-mail and hungry and they very kindly kept “We used to have Highland cattle and sheep and I sold them but I’m planning that he was John at: [email protected], or phone the dining room open for us....and what (604) 446-1219. a delicious meal it was. to buy more. But yeah, I’ve got to sell some horses first if I want to hang onto Kennedy and we Plans are underway for the White Rock The Normaway Inn is actually a big my wife.” Irish Festival for the month of March farm with several cottages. Luckily, Some well-known Cape Breton musi- chatted for about and what an honour it is to the Irish we were able to secure a couple of community! those cottages for the night. cians have worked and performed at the DAVE MACDONALD, the owner Normaway barn and some recognized 45 minutes to St. Patrick’s Day is in the planning – In the morning we could see around political figures have also stayed at the of the Normaway, is a real character and a great storyteller. more details in the New Year. The Irish the farm with several horses and a inn. Club is represented on the planning donkey in the field. There is also a huge an hour.” Recalling some of the well-known committee, which meets every two barn which doubles as a concert venue. weeks. If anyone would like to join in On the night we arrived, there was a guests who have stayed at the inn, Dave It seems that Buddy was at a party and, said, “One time I was standing at the to step dancing, and one of those kids along with a number of other guys, they the planning or has ideas, please con- concert, but apparently we were too was Ashley MacIsaac. It was just an tact me. late to enjoy it. door on Father’s Day 1996, the same started playing the music. year I got married. incredible evening, he was so talented. We would much appreciate any sugges- Breakfast was in the main house, a Ashley has continued to play here over Then it got dark, and they played all “And, here is John F. Kennedy Junior night long and then the next day, they tions or ideas you may have for the club, lovely old rambling inn with a welcom- the years. I would love to hear from you. ing charm and a well-lived in feel. standing in the doorway with his sister played all day again. Caroline, but I didn’t know who he was. “Two years ago, we had a concert in There are rooms upstairs and a large And, then someone said, “Buddy, it’s We have several new Irish families I always ask our guests where they’re our livingroom and public radio from the dining room on the main floor where getting dark again,” and Buddy decided moving into the area and we would like off to that day, and he said New York. States were here to record it. Then, they to extend a warm Irish/White Rock guests can enjoy a chat over a leisurely took Ashley to New York to do work to write a song about it. meal. “Then, one of the girls working here welcome to them. If you meet newcom- on Broadway. “The Rankin family live just down the asked if I thought he was JFK junior. ers please share our information with Dave MacDonald is the owner of the “One year, Natalie McMaster was play- road from me,” said Dave. “Jimmy them. Normaway and a real character who “I said, I’ll find out and I introduced Rankin got married here, and Raylene ing here and The Herald newspaper There is an unofficial Irish Club meet- loves to swap stories with his guests. myself. He said that he was John did a big spread on it. worked here. Sad that she has passed He has a great sense of humour and it Kennedy and we chatted for about 45 away, an absolutely marvellous girl.” ing most mornings at 10 AM at Tim seems he knows just about everyone minutes to an hour. “About 900 people showed up at the Hortons at 152ndStreet/17th Avenue. A in Cape Breton and beyond. Normaway, and that day the carpen- And of course, there was the very tragic nice way for newcomers to meet us. “Anyway, he got to his flight a little late, ters were just finishing the stage as the and untimely death of John Rankin early He has an amazing recollection for and that’s how everyone else found out one winter morning when he was on It is by working together as a team that people were arriving...it was quite a will keep our club alive and vibrant! dates, along with who visited the who he was. I think he was looking for day. his way to a hockey game. Normaway on a certain date, and when a place to get married because it was • John swerved to avoid a mound of salt various musicians played at the inn. later that summer that he got married. “Natalie was as wonderful as she al- For more information about the White ways is, and before the concert she was on the ice covered road near Whale Rock Irish Club, contact president He spoke to me about the history of “John Kennedy Junior’s grandmother over by the tree teaching the kids how Cove, and plunged over a 25-metre cliff Deirdre O’Ruairc by e-mail at: the Normaway and about the concerts was connected to Nova Scotia. Jackie to play the fiddle – we had people here into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. [email protected], or call held in his barn. O’s people were French and I think her (604) 538-6765. from Halifax and all over for the Speaking about future plans at the grandmother lived in Nova Scotia. Jackie “George Washington MacPherson was evening. Normaway, Dave said, “Our long range was always very fond of Cape Breton.” the chap that built the Normaway,” he “After that day, we decided if Natalie plans are to do more music nights in said. Dave continued to tell me about some the barn. We do them in the livingroom is going to play here, we wouldn’t ad- th “He was born on this property and, in of the other famous guests he hosted. vertise it.” now. This is our 30 anniversary of Dan Akroyd is one, and William Shatner doing music almost seven nights a 1925 he wrote a book called A Par- Rita MacNeil was the first person to sons Adventure that told all about his did a film here. He and his family stayed week.” here for three weeks and he loved Cape fill the barn according to Dave and that life and speaks with great fondness As I was wrote this article, I was think- Christmas holly Breton. was in 1984. He said, “then we did an about his dad Norman. outdoor concert with Rita as well.” ing about our visit to the Normaway and The placing of a ring of holly on doors originated in Ireland as holly “In 1926, George bought this property “I remember the first time Ashley meeting Dave MacDonald. When he MacIsaac played here,” said Dave. “His Rita grew up in Big Pond and for a few starts to talk, time stands still as you’re was one of the main plants that from his brother Ralph and built the years, Dave shared a telephone party flourished at Christmas time and Normaway with the intent of catering dad called up in the morning and asked drawn into this rivetting storytelling. if the dances were open to the public line with her. which gave the poor ample means to salmon fishery, retired preachers, We all left with great memories of the with which to decorate their dwell- and I told him, yes. “She was a wonderful gal and sad she and you name it. Normaway Inn, The Cabot Trail and ings. is passed on, but she left a great musi- “According to my dad, one day, George ‘”Anyway, at the barn, we always have beautiful Cape Breton. a little open mike session and the MC cal legacy behind,” he said. All decorations are traditionally was in the livingroom chatting to his The Normaway Inn is located on Egypt taken down on Little Christmas for the evening invited some kids up to John Allen Cameron also played there wife and asked what they were going Road, Margaree Valley, Cape Breton, (January 6) and it is considered to the mike. and he recorded a song that Buddy to call the Normaway. Nova Scotia. For more information, call be bad luck to take them down be- MacDonald wrote called Getting Dark “She asked how many years had it “One of the kids would play the piano, toll free at 1-800-565-9463 or visit forehand. then would move to the fiddle, and then Again. online at: www.thenormawayinn.com. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 21 IRELAND-CANADA CENTRE FOR COMMERCE WestJet CEO says Canada is Dublin’s fastest growing market CALGARY – As most Irish- Canadians have heard, WestJet now flies to Dublin. This is a very exciting time for the Calgary based airline, not only accessing Ireland, but also, by opening up access to the EU for trade and tourism. The Ireland-Canada Centre for Com- merce, Calgary, had the opportunity to host a luncheon featuring Gregg Saretsky, President and CEO of WestJet and joined by Michael Hur- ley, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa. Oil and Gas, IT, Agriculture and Trans- portation industry executives filled the room to network and listen to these compelling speakers. Opening the lunch, the ICCC was delighted to welcome Michael Hurley from the Irish Embassy in Ottawa for his first trip to Western Canada. Michael Hurley has recently taken up duty as Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa. Before that he was Deputy Director for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at GREGG SARETSKY with Laureen Regan of the Ireland-Canada the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin. Centre for Commerce, Calgary and Michael Hurley, the new Deputy Head of Mission with the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa. His previous overseas assignments were in: The Hague, as Deputy Head of Mission; Brussels, at the Irish Per- manent Representation to the European IRISH WOMEN’S NETWORK Union; and Madrid, as Consular Attaché. Michael spoke on the ties with Ireland Christmas in the City that continue to be strong, and also the new focus of the embassy now that Ire- land has shown such strong recovery. – What to Do? The Ireland-Canada Centre for Com- By ITA KANE-WILSON merce, Calgary, looks forward to work- VANCOUVER – There are so ing with Michael Hurley over his term many things to do in Vancouver in Canada. over the Christmas holidays and Gregg Saretsky, was instrumental in family favourites of ours include getting WestJet to go to Dublin. That the Festival of Lights at Van commitment to this new route has seen unprecedented success for the airline. Dusen Garden, Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park, The St. John’s to Dublin route sold 11,000 seats in the first 24 hours. With and the Vancouver Christmas travel between Ireland and Canada at Market downtown. WINTER SOLSTICE lantern fes- an all time high, the timing couldn’t be tival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classi- better. These all cost a pile of money, but if you do your research online you can cal Chinese Garden in Gastown. Passenger numbers to Canada have find some free activities out there as been off the scale with almost 100 per- well. friends in Ireland. cent growth year on year. Canada is There’s free ice skating at Robson Dublin’s fastest growing market this The Irish Women’s Network and the Square during the holidays. You still year. Irish in Vancouver Facebook pages are have to pay for skates and helmet maintained by volunteers living in Van- Gregg went on to say that the airline rental, but it’s not expensive. couver. has also extended the dates they will Canada Place is always worth a wan- be flying between Ireland and Canada, If you ever feel like reaching out, we’re der around and Granville Island has lots starting early in the year in May and on the other end. There’s a big Irish of free activities this time of year, in- going on well into October. community here and nobody should ever cluding the Winter Solstice Lantern Fes- feel alone. With new planes on the horizon, the tival on December 21. opportunities for additional flights from With that in mind, the Irish in Vancou- This is an annual event and this year other Canadian cities are on the hori- ver/VIBE and Irish Women’s Network takes in the Roundhouse in Yaletown, zon. are organizing a Christmas get-together Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gar- and more details will be on social me- Gregg closed the luncheon with a draw den in Gastown, as well as Granville dia very shortly. for two return tickets to Dublin next Island. More details on their website: summer. www.secretlantern.org. Keep an eye out. It would be great to see you and raise a glass with you. Sean Kelly, a long time member of the Christmas is also a very lonely time of ICCC in Calgary, was the lucky win- year for a lot of people away from home Happy Christmas to one and all. ner! He was delighted that he will be either for the first time, the fifth time or • able to return home next summer with even the twentieth time. It never gets For more details, visit:www.irishin the whole family. easy being away from your family and vancouver.com. PAGE 22 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Dublin accuses British Army of torture during the Troubles BELFAST – The British and Irish Gov- ernments will clash in the European Court of Human Rights over one of the Troubles’ most harrowing torture cases involving the degrading treatment of Irish prisoners at the hands of the Brit- ish Army. Dublin has asked the ECHR to revisit its judgment in the “hooded men” case of the 1970s, when 14 suspects were THE GENERAL POST OFFICE in Dublin was the centre of the arrested in 1971 after Edward Heath 1916 Easter Rising. introduced internment without trial in a bid to quell violence in Northern Ire- land. National holiday possible The 14 men were captured, flown by helicopter to a secret location, now th known to be the Ballykelly army base, for 100 anniversary and subjected to methods of torture including “white noise,” sleep deprivation PHOTO: Amnesty International. and beatings. THE ‘HOODED MEN’ at a press conference in Dublin with Colm of 1916 Rising On their way to the interrogation cen- O’Gorman from Amnesty International. DUBLIN – Preparations are underway tre, the men were hooded and thrown for the centenary commemorations in to the ground from helicopters. Testi- The evidence came to light in a televi- said it had “always fully co-operated” 2016, which a member of the British monials suggest many were told they sion documentary, The Torture Files, with statutory inquiries. Royal Family could potentially attend. were hundreds of feet in the air, but by the Irish broadcaster RTE. Among the ideas proposed to com- were actually just a few feet from the But campaigners welcomed the move memorate the historic event, a once- ground. Since then, campaigners and a number to attempt to bring the case back into of the 14 prisoners have lobbied the the ECHR. off ‘Republic Day’ is being “seriously Three years later, the men were Irish Government over the case with considered” by politicians. awarded £12,500 in damages and the Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty’s Northern the request to the ECHR made on be- The idea is that a ‘Republic Day’ would ECHR later admonished Britain for its Ireland programme director, said, “Ire- half of the Irish Government by For- be held on Monday April 25, 2016, degrading treatment, but, crucially, fell land is to be commended for playing its eign Minister Charlie Flanagan. marking 100 years and a day after the short of finding the UK guilty of tor- role in ensuring the UK is finally held Rising itself. ture. “On the basis of the new material un- responsible for what it did to these men covered, it will be contended that the in those interrogation rooms 43 years A series of seven concerts starting on Newly unearthed documents stored in ill-treatment suffered by the hooded ago. Easter Monday, 2016, each of which the UK public records office in Lon- men should be recognised as torture,” will be dedicated to one of the seven don appear to suggest Britain accepted “We hope the UK Government now he said. signatories of the Rising has been con- that the techniques used on the men announces without further delay the firmed. They will take place at the Na- amounted to torture. The UK Ministry of Defence has re- establishment of an independent inves- HEATHER HUMPHREYS, Min- tional Concert Hall. jected allegations that it used torture and tigation.” ister for Arts, Heritage and the The Easter Rising was an armed insur- Gaeltacht, has direct responsi- rection lasting six days from Easter bility for the 1916 centenary cel- Monday, April 24 to Saturday, April 29, ebrations. New book prompts call for inquiry 1916 with the aim of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing an Irish Re- ernment and unionism to the centenary public. ceremonies has created significant con- into some deaths during Troubles It was the most significant uprising in troversy, both Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein Ireland since the rebellion of 1798. have indicated strong disagreement with DUBLIN – Northern solicitor John the plan. McBurney says he wants to know what Led by Pádraig Pearse and James the taoiseach and Garda Commissioner Connolly, the Irish Volunteers took over Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said, are going to do about claims in a new the GPO on O’Connell Street and key “I have been raising for some time now, book alleging collusion between the IRA locations around the city were occupied both in the Dáil and elsewhere, the and some members of the Garda dur- by members of the Irish Citizen Army, widespread concern at what has so far ing the Troubles. Irish Volunteers and Cumann na mBan. been a minimalist approach to marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Ris- New allegations that rogue gardaí and The Irish tricolour was raised over the ing. other State employees colluded with the building and Pearse went outside to IRA throughout the Troubles, even help- read the proclamation declaring Ireland “The government’s treatment of the his- ing to prevent the entire army council to be a republic. toric Moore Street 1916 battlefield site from being arrested, should be sub- has been a disaster, with the desires of jected to a formal inquiry, it has been Following on from days of bloody fight- property developers getting precedence claimed. ing and shelling of buildings from the over the need to preserve and promote THE SMITHWICK tribunal found on the balance of probability gun boat Helga on the river Liffey, the our national heritage. The allegations are made in a book Rising was finally suppressed and the Southside Provisional: From Free- that there was collusion between the Garda and IRA in the killing leaders surrendered. “For the record, the 1916 Rising was a dom Fighter to the Four Courts by of RUC officers Harry Breen (L) and Bob Buchanan (R) in March seminal event in Irish history, a deci- Dublin solicitor Kieran Conway. 1989. They were first imprisoned in Richmond sive blow in the struggle for Irish free- Barracks and then the leaders were dom and a beacon of hope for colonised In the book Conway claims he is a court-martialed and executed at Although never conclusively proven, The killings included Northern Irish high and oppressed peoples the world over. former IRA head of intelligence and has court judge Lord Justice Gibson and his Kilmainham Jail. Many of the Volun- there is compelling evidence that an IRA “The democratic and republican prin- knowledge of IRA collusion with gardaí wife Cecily, and the Hanna family who teers who had taken part in the Rising supporter within the Garda provided in- ciples of freedom and equality con- and high ranking public figures. were killed in an apparent case of mis- were sent to internment camps in Eng- formation to the IRA in Northern Ire- tained in the 1916 Proclamation are as taken identity, among others. land and Wales. McBurney, a Northern solicitor who has land. relevant to the Ireland of 2014 as when represented the families of Peter A decision to invite representatives of Breen and Buchanan were the two Among the claims in Conway’s book is read aloud by Pearse at the GPO.” Robinson and Ian Paisley, also repre- that the IRA received a tip-off from high the British Royal Family, the UK Gov- sented the family of the late chief su- highest ranking RUC officers to be killed in the conflict. Their deaths also up within the Garda Síochána that the perintendent Harry Breen of the Royal force’s Special Branch was about to Ulster Constabulary at the Smithwick strained relations between RUC and Irish police. arrest the IRA ruling command while it tribunal in Dublin. was at a secret location for talks with Two senior police officers, Chief Su- The Irish Government set up a tribunal Protestant clergymen in 1974. perintendent Harry Breen and Super- headed by Justice Peter Smithwick to determine the facts of the case. Conway also alleges in the book that intendent Bob Buchanan were am- members of the Dublin establishment bushed by the IRA in County Armagh The tribunal found on the balance of including a top banker, stockbroker, a after they traveled from Dundalk where probability that there was collusion be- leading journalist and several main- they had a meeting with An Garda tween the Garda and IRA in the killing stream politicians aided the Provisionals Síochána on March 20, 1989. of Breen and his colleague superintend- in their armed campaign. ent Bob Buchanan in March 1989. Prior to driving to Dundalk, Breen had Elite figures in Irish society ferried IRA expressed concern that there was an McBurney has since been examining weapons and hid wanted activists in IRA mole in the Garda whom he named 13 other killings in the Dundalk border houses in affluent areas of Dublin, ac- BIRTH OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC by Walter Paget [1863-1935], to his staff officer. area between 1981 and 1985. cording to the book. depicting the GPO during the shelling. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 23 Homeless man dies in a doorway just steps away from Dail Eireann DUBLIN – The death of Jonathan Corrie (43), a heroin addict who died in a Dublin city-centre doorway, highlights the growing problem of homelessness. His body was discovered on the morning of December 1 on Molesworth Street. Corrie, who was from Kilkenny, was remembered as nice, polite, gentle and no trouble by those who offered him “I’ve never forgotten about her,” said Fiona Pender’s mother. care and comfort, as he battled his own “She’s on my mind constantly. It’s important for me to find her demons. body and the body of her baby. I need to give them dignity.” “He had been coming into us for about five years. He would come in once or twice a week. He was always very Sexual assault arrest in polite,” recalled Alice Leahy from the THE PLIGHTS of Jonathan Corrie who died on the street outside charity Trust. Leinster House highlights the growing issue of homelessness in Dublin. “He might have a clean-up and a cup Canada may lead to of tea and, if he needed, his feet treated. body in Irish cold case “He was very quiet, nice, polite, gentle SASKATOON – A sexual assault ar- daughter’s case and only that the new and never caused any problems when rest in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan may information came from a “foreign” he was with us. We were all very sad lead to developments in the high profile source. to hear of his passing.” disappearance of a pregnant hairdresser in Ireland 18 years ago. Media reports say sources have con- Reacting to the death, Archbishop firmed that revelations were made dur- Diarmuid Martin called for a public Fiona Pender, a 25-year-old hairdresser ing the investigation of the sexual as- debate on homelessness and revealed and part-time model, was last seen Au- sault case in Saskatchewan. a diocesan property would be made gust 22, 1996 in Tullamore, Ireland. available to house up to 30 people be- Pender was seven months pregnant According to a report in the Saskatoon fore Christmas. when she disappeared. Herald, the man is the main suspect in the Pender case, but was never As a mark of respect to Jonathan, the Police believed she was murdered and charged. Oireachtas Christmas Tree lighting cer- her body buried, but nearly two dec- emony at Leinster House was post- ades later her fate remains a mystery. Although he has denied involvement in poned. the disappearance, police have report- Now, the arrest of a 41-year-old Irish edly received information that he may Instead a vigil attended by more than man in Saskatoon for sexually assault- have told another woman the location 200 people was held and bouquets ing and threatening to kill his wife has of where Pender is buried. placed at the scene where Corrie BROTHER Kevin Crowley at the Capuchin Day Centre for the allegedly led to information in the Pender passed away. homeless in Dublin’s north inner city. They offer meals and food case. It is unclear when the man left Ireland parcels to an average of 2,000 people daily. or when he married, but he and his wife Speaking at an emergency summit on The Star Phoenix reports that after the moved into their home in Saskatoon less homelessness, Environment Minister ing rents in the capital. arrest of the man, who cannot be iden- than a year ago, say residents. Alan Kelly has pledged every person tified due to a publication ban on any- sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin Homeless people Despite all the good intentions, one of thing that would identify the complain- RCMP have confirmed the man’s ar- will be offered emergency accommo- the biggest providers of hot meals for ant in the sexual assault, Irish police rest but declined to comment on the dation by Christmas. have been dying homeless people in Dublin never re- have began further investigations into connection to the Pender case or any collaboration with Irish police. He said an additional 200 beds will be ceived an invite to the emergency sum- the Pender disappearance and are plan- made available in the coming days and on the streets for mit. ning to dig in new locations for her body. Alison O’Reilly, a Pender family friend weeks and that any extra funding Brother Kevin Crowley, from the “I’ve never forgotten about her. She’s and a reporter with the Irish Mail, said years but it took Fiona’s disappearance gripped Ireland needed to meet the ambitious target will Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street, been on my mind constantly,” said be made available by his department. one outside the has been seeking help for those with- Pender’s mother Josephine (65). “It’s in 1996, and news of the developments out homes for years, yet he was not important for me to find her body and in Canada has thrown the case back “In the city of Dublin, by Christmas, onto the public radar there. there should be no reason for anybody Dail to get asked to attend the discussion in the the body of her baby. I need to give to sleep rough. If they want a bed, it’ll Custom House organised by Minister them dignity.” She said Josephine and her remaining attention.” Kelly. be there for them. That’s the ambition.” Irish police told Josephine that new in- son “have been to hell and back,” as “Maybe I’d be a nuisance to them,” said they’ve clung to even the smallest leads. Kelly also said there was an urgent rent supplements to vulnerable families formation could lead to a break in her need to roll out targeted increases in Crowley. “Homeless people have been who can no longer afford sky-rocket- dying on the streets for years but it took one outside the Dail to get attention.” He added, “If I was there, I’d tell them there should be less talk and more action. Instead of putting up people in ho- tels and spending a fortune with nothing to show for it at the end, they should be building housing units for homeless people. “What is needed is housing where people can have dignity and respect, especially for people with families.” The Capuchin Day Centre runs a daily provision of meals and food parcels for those in need. “Yesterday we had 2,000 people through our centre for breakfast, food parcels and dinner,” said Brother Kevin. Charities and agencies invited to the summit included Merchant Quay Ire- land, Trust, Barnardos, Focus Ireland and the Simon Communities of Ireland. Peter McVerry Trust, Threshold, NABCO (National Association of Building Co-operatives), Irish Council for Social Housing, Crosscare, Sophia Housing, and Society of St. Vincent De Paul were also represented. PAGE 24 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 ‘All I want for Christmas is a sectarian hate-filled flag’ BELFAST – A flag protestor has told how her 13-year-old son asked for an Ulster Freedom Fighter (UFF) flag for Christmas. The mother spoke of the boy’s love of loyalist flags in an interview with Queen’s University researchers, who carried out a major study on the flag dispute. She said, “On top of his Christmas wish MOUNTING PROTESTS – including the taking to the streets by list was the inevitable Play Station 4, 150,000 people around the country last month – reflect wide- and top of his list was ‘Mammy, I want spread anger at austerity measures imposed on Irish citizens. a UFF flag, the black one with the red hand and gold, right? “And I was going ‘Where does this Controversial water come from?’” The mother, who has not been identi- charges will be capped fied, added, “Eventually I did manage AN ULSTER Freedom Fighters flag. Members of the UDA, since to track one down and he was, what, 1973, used the cover name of UFF to claim responsibility for the 13 at Christmas. killing of Catholics. next April at 160 euro “And he opened the Play Station box Under the scheme, householders who with others from different backgrounds. DUBLIN – Irish homes will begin to and went ‘Thanks Mum’, and then he get water bills capped at 160 euro from do not pay the water charge face late opened the flag and was ecstatic.” The study also criticised Stormont lead- next April, the government has con- payment penalties of 30 euro for single The report was published on the sec- ers who have “not provided an inspira- firmed. adult homes and 60 euro for others. tion.” It said that “political parties, rather ond anniversary of Belfast City Coun- Those who don’t register for the levy than modelling good relations, act to After months of confusion and increas- cil’s decision to restrict the flying of the will not qualify for the water conserva- encourage mutual hostilities. ingly heated street demonstrations over Union flag to 18 days a year. the latest austerity tax, Environment tion grant and will automatically get a The study has suggested that a group “In this context it may require the rec- Minister Alan Kelly admitted mistakes 260 euro a year bill. onciliation bodies to bring forward their in its calamitous introduction. of uncontrollable loyalist rabble-rousers Gardai said there have been arrests and own ‘peace plan’ setting forward a were more trouble than paramilitaries LOYALISTS taking part in flag charges around the country related to clear vision of how reconciliation can “We, as a government, have made mis- during the Union flag protests. protests at Belfast City Hall para- water charge protests, but they were be achieved,” the report stated. takes but now we face a critical It reveals how inflammatory “flag pro- lysed the province, cost £21 choice,” he said. “Put simply, we now unable to immediately give an overall vocateurs” toured the country stirring million to police, and led to 160 Background have a choice that is based on either figure. Two years ago, Belfast City Council short-term emotion and anger or long- up trouble and warns that events could PSNI officers suffering injuries. The Garda Ombudsman – the force’s voted to restrict the flying of the Union term prudence and common sense. spiral out of control yet again if politi- official watchdog – said it is investigat- flag on City Hall to 18 designated days Anger is never a good starting point for cians do not show better leadership. into a deep well of Protestant resent- ing 16 complaints against officers in- ment with the peace process. a year instead of 365. a key decision.” “The Flag Dispute: Anatomy of a Pro- volved in policing demonstrations. The council’s nationalists, who have a Under the controversial scheme, house- test” said there was great respect and The report states that one of loyalism’s Some of the complaints include allega- slim majority, had proposed removing it holders will be liable for charges of 160 emotional resonance for paramilitary most frequently voiced concerns is that tions of assault, which are classified as altogether, but accepted the Alliance euro for single-adult homes and 260 flags, as well as the Union flag. ‘no-one listens to us’ – although “this is criminal investigations, while others re- not accompanied by any desire to lis- Party’s compromise. euro for all other homes. Researchers at the Institute for the late to claims of abuse of authority. ten” on its part. Unionists had wanted the flag kept up But water conservation grants of 100 Study of Conflict Transformation also The torching of two Cork County Coun- permanently, apart from the Progres- euro a year mean the effective costs called for more resources to be put into It proposes that reconciliation agencies cil water services vans in Bantry, west sive Unionist Party. It initially supported will be 60 euro and one euro respec- cross-community work and less into review single identity work, which does Cork, is being linked by some to the designated days but later did a U-turn. tively. bolstering loyalist culture. not reach out to nationalists and urges growing fall-out. The protests which followed lasted un- support for programmes that help loy- The charges, liable from January 1, will Nolan believes that the protests tapped alists articulate grievances and engage til summer 2013 and still flare up occa- Mounting protests – including the tak- sionally. remain the same for four years. Fol- lowing angry protests targeting senior ing to the streets by 150,000 people government ministers in recent days, a around the country last month – reflect national demonstration against the “tap widespread anger at the latest auster- Memorial concert marks tax” is being planned for December 10. ity measure imposed on Irish citizens. 40th anniversary Woman to head up of Birmingham pub bombings An Garda Siochana BIRMINGHAM – A memorial concert was held in Birmingham on No- DUBLIN – Noirin O’Sullivan had been vember 21 to mark the 40th anniver- acting Garda Commissioner since her sary of the IRA pub bombings. predecessor Martin Callinan stood down in March during a wave of con- The event has been organised by the troversies to engulf the force earlier this Justice for the 21 campaign group, who year. have renewed their appeal for a new inquiry into the case. Her elevation means women now oc- cupy many of the top justice jobs in the On November 21, 1974 IRA devices Republic, including Justice Minister, were planted in two central Birming- Director of Public Prosecutions, Attor- ham pubs – the Mulberry Bush and the ney General and Chief Justice. Tavern in the Town. Deputy Commissioner since 2011, The bombing will forever go down as O’Sullivan has publicly declared her one of the darkest days in Birmingham’s backing for more openness in the Garda NOIRIN O’SULLIVAN history. THE Birmingham Six were released outside the Old Bailey court and committed herself to working with Retired Garda officer John Wilson, a While the IRA may have wanted to in London in 1991 after their life sentences were quashed. the new Garda Authority, the Garda Ombudsman and the Garda Inspector- whistleblower who was central to ex- strike at the heart of Britain, it was the posing the penalty points scandal, said Irish community which suffered hard- ate to bolster public confidence in the The aftermath of that horrific explosion wrongly convicted to life imprisonment. force. the appointment was a missed opportu- est. At least 10 percent of those killed created a backlash against the city’s nity to bring in an outsider to change a and injured were either Irish or of Irish Irish community which took decades to They served 16 years before their sen- The force has been at the centre of “poisonous and hateful culture” within descent. heal. tences were quashed in 1991. Hugh several controversies in recent years, the force. Callaghan has backed a renewed call including allegations of wrongdoing, Although warnings were sent, the pubs Irishmen – Hugh Callaghan, Patrick for a new inquiry into the attack, claim- “On a personal basis I wish her well in were not evacuated in time and 21 peo- malpractice and corruption that led to Joseph Hill, Gerard Hunter, Richard ing “it could mean the real killers being the resignations of ex-chief Callinan as her role as the new Garda commissioner, ple were killed, with a further 182 in- McIlkenny, William Power and John caught and the last bit of suspicion but I have called repeatedly for the ap- jured. well as former justice minister Alan Walker – were arrested and later gone.” Shatter earlier this year. pointment of an outsider,” he said. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 25 Give the Gift of Health The Gloaming in concert: This Christmas HIS update just in SLÁINTE – TO YOUR Two sets of pure musical bliss from the North Pole. GOOD HEALTH! T The Elfin flu has By EILIS COURTNEY shut down Santa’s VANCOUVER – Saturday, workshop for the rest of the November 18 was a date I week causing a slowdown in have been anticipating for production. quite a while. As a result, some of Santa’s gifts will By MAUREEN Not only was it to be the Canadian de- not appear under the tree this year. The but of the new Irish “super-group” The bad news is that you will have to pro- KEANE Gloaming but during the summer, I was vide them. The good news is that invited by my colleagues at the UBC Sláinte has some really great ideas for Chan Centre to do a pre-show talk with you. two of the members, Martin Hayes and Give the gift of health this year by stock- Iarla Ó Lionáird. ing the kitchen with the proper tools. I first heard The Gloaming when they These take the form of small kitchen performed a piece called Opening Set appliances, kitchen utensils, cookware, during the ‘Ceiliúradh’(Celebration) at cooking classes and cookbooks. the Royal Albert Hall held in honour of Appliances. Giving kitchen items as the historic visit of President Michael D. Higgins to the UK. PHOTO: Don Erhardt gifts can be fraught with misunderstand- IARLA Ó LIONÁIRD, Martin Hayes of The Gloaming onstage at ing so please ask the potential recipi- I was blown away by the haunting sing- ent what they want before you buy. the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC for the pre- ing of sean-nós exponent Iarla Ó show talk with Eilis Courtney. Most young women want something Lionáird and the phenomenal individual more romantic for Christmas than a and combined musicianship of the other blender. four equally talented members, Martin The right tool for the right project is Hayes, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Denis You can give your health-conscious worth its weight in gold. These include Cahill and Thomas Bartlett (aka brother a juicer and your lasagna-lov- potato peelers, can openers, whisks, Doveman). ing sister a pasta maker, but you will be tongs, scoops, slicers, and garlic sleeping under the tree Christmas night presses. Little did I know then that if you buy your wife or lover a pres- Vancouverites would get the chance to sure cooker. Sláinte recommends kitchen tools made see them live. Happily, the Chan Cen- with large, easy-to-grip handles such as tre for the Performing Arts at UBC If she is interested in cooking, find a the products made by OXO. managed to secure them for the last cooking class for couples; this also gives concert of the group’s 2014 tour. her the gift of your time and shows that They are particularly good for older you are willing to learn something that cooks who may have trouble gripping My research for the pre-show talk was is important to her. small, hard handles that slip out of the helped greatly when I went to see the hand. documentary The Gloaming: Moment An exception to this “appliance rule” Sharp knives are also an essential tool; to Moment, sponsored by the Chan is the high-end coffee maker or es- Centre at The Cinematique, which ex- presso machine. For coffee aficiona- a dull knife can make any slicing task real drudgery. plains how the group got started and dos of all ages, these appliances can details the collaboration between the make the perfect gift. If you give knives, include a book on PHOTO: Don Erhardt five performers. THE GLOAMING performance was an unforgettable experience Sláinte strongly suggests you stay how to use each type of knife and how to care for them. The audience that night was also and included traditional tunes and old Irish poems and songs away from any product advertised via treated to a second movie, Aisling blended with contemporary arrangements. TV infomercials. The products adver- Cooking Lessons. Most of us learn Gheal, which is about a group of tised at night tend to be overpriced; to cook from female relatives, usually women passionate about keeping the products advertised during the day tend our mothers. Very often they never sean-nós tradition alive. to break before the new year. learned to cook either, so mom had lit- THE CHRISTMAS LEGEND OF THE BAGPIPES tle to pass on. It is not every performer who agrees Cookware. Consider the recipient’s to give a pre-show talk just before go- There is a legend in Italy that of all the musical instruments, it was the bagpipes stage of life when choosing cookware. As a result, a growing number of peo- ing on stage so the fact that Martin and that pleased the Blessed Virgin Mary the most. Young singles and seniors cooking for ple do not know the cooking basics and Iarla did so was greatly appreciated by This is the instrument, it is said, with which the shepherds of Bethlehem had one or two need smaller capacity the result is poor nutrition. the packed room of fans. serenaded her. cookware than those with families or Cooking classes make a great present Despite being delayed arriving in Van- And thus, one sure sign of the approach of Christmas in Italy, is the appearance adults who enjoy entertaining. for yourself no matter what your age. couver, Martin and Iarla were relaxed in the streets of bagpipers, the zampognari. Sets of cookware are nice but Sláinte Many men become interested in nutri- and entertaining and had the room laugh- These men, shepherds from the countryside, arrive in Rome and elsewhere in always ends up with sizes or shapes she tion and cooking after retirement (or a ing and fully engaged with their stories mid-December. never uses so she has started to buy heart attack!). of the group’s coming together musi- them piece by piece. For them a class in whole foods cook- cally as well as tales about the tour they For centuries, it was their custom to make their way from one street corner were just completing. image of Mary to another, serenading her with bagpipes. She recently found new skillets at ing will pay back in better health. Cook- ing classes are a lot of fun and you can Costco. The handles are rubberized and Both men have known each other for a Their itinerary is now considerably abbreviated, but they remain heralds of the eat the homework! easy to grip and long so you won’t get long time, having performed as young coming of Christ. – James Monti burned by splashing liquids. In addition to cooking schools, cooking boys at various traditional competitions classes are available online, on DVD and so the friendship and mutual respect Best of all, they are not expensive with came through in the conversation. NOVENAS the small skillets coming in a package discs, through adult education in your of two. Ask if the recipient prefers non- community, and offered by food mar- My job was made very easy indeed as stick or stainless steel surfaces. kets and kitchen stores. the chat just flowed and all too soon, NOVENA TO NOVENA TO ST. JUDE THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful serv- Some hospitals even have classes on the half hour was up and everyone Cookware eventually wears out, espe- needed to get into the theatre for the Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary (never ant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors cially items with nonstick coating. Once special diets such as gluten-free or low known to fail). O most beautiful flower of and invokes you universally, as the patron sodium cooking. It’s best to give the gift main act. Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of of hopeless cases, of things almost de- the coating is scratched or chipped the Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God. spaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless skillets should be discarded. of cooking classes through a gift cer- The concert was two 45-minute sets of tificate so the recipient can pick the type Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my and alone. Make use I implore you, of that pure musical bliss, with traditional tunes necessity. There are none that can particular privilege given to you, to bring What is the condition of your parent’s and time of the class. and old Irish poems and songs blended withstand your power. O show me herein visible and speedy help where help is al- or grandparent’s cookware? Perhaps Cookbooks There is a wide variety with contemporary arrangements, to you are my Mother, Mary, conceived without most despaired of. Come to my assist- they could use a few small skillets and provide the audience with a new listen- sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee ance in this great need that I may receive a box of kitchen tools. of cookbooks available. Don’t skimp (three times). Sweet Mother, I place this the consolation and help of heaven in all here. Get a splashy coffee table sized ing experience. cause in your hands (three times). Holy my necessities, tribulations, and Every cook should have at least one book on a topic they love. During the encore, demanded by the Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all sufferings, particularly - (Here make your cast iron skillet. Cooking acidic foods appreciative fans, Iarla sang my favour- roads so that I can attain my goal. You request) and that I may praise God with in a cast iron skillet (like tomato sauce) Beannachtaí na Nollag from the staff gave me the Divine gift to forgive and forget you and all the elect forever. I promise, O here at Sláinte (that is, my cat and ite song from the CD – Saoirse/Free- all evil against me. This prayer must be blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this is an easy and natural way to add ab- dom. said for three days, even after the request great favor, to always honor you as my spe- sorbable iron to the diet. myself). • is granted and the favour received, it must cial and powerful patron, and to gratefully Listening to him sing in Irish (Gaelic) in be published. – PKM, MJ, CC, CTK encourage devotion to you. Amen Kitchen Tools. Anyone setting up a Maureen Keane MS CN is the author the acoustically-stunning Chan Centre – PMC, MJF, CB, CC new kitchen (for example, someone of 14 books on health and diet and a was a moving, patriotic experience I moving, restocking, or downsizing) can member of the Academy of Nutrition never felt before – and one that will be Publication of this prayer is $25 monthly use a few new kitchen doodads. and Dietetics. Read her blog at: remembered for a long time. (Canadian residents include 5% GST) keanenutrition.com. PAGE 26 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Ancient Celtic monastic settlement was an important pilgrimage site By MARIE BRUCE IT takes about two-hours of easy driving from Dublin on those amazingly good Irish roads to reach the ancient Celtic site of Clonmacnoise. It is situated outside Athlone in the county of Offaly right in the centre of Ireland. I vowed I would not visit Ire- land again without a visit to Clonmacnoise and 2014 was the year. If you enjoy history and ancient sites, then Clonmacnoise is up there with Delphi in Greece. CLONMACNOISE, founded in 544 by St. Ciaran. is an easy two- It is a hugely atmospheric place with hour drive from Dubln. It became one of the most important places enough buildings and ruins to imagine of learning and pilgrimage in Europe. it in its hayday, more like a small town than a monastic site. I should mention the stunning situation Words of Ireland: on a hill running down to the River Shannon with wide views of the countryside. Marketing fun Irish St. Ciaran founded the first monastry here in 544, he died soon after but Clonmacnoise continued and became one of the most important places of sayings to the world learning and pilgrimage in Europe. By CATHOLINE BUTLER The site includes the ruins of the ca- The Irish have a way with words and a thedral, seven churches and three high unique turn of phrase that often, when crosses. I was amazed so much has WRITER Marie Bruce gathering turf in the bog in Co. Offaly. translated into another culture, have a survived, considering it was plundered very different meaning. often by the Vikings and fell into de- collection of early Christian gravestones In fact, the bogs of Ireland offer not cline from the Thirteenth Century for dating from the Eighth to Twelfth Cen- only turf for fuel but a wildlife refuge Dublin-based Teresa Croke has devel- several hundred years until it was des- tury, thankfully these are now safe for for birds, and allow wildflowers and oped her business around these every- ignated a national monument in 1877. future generations to view. orchids to flourish in its peaty soil. day sayings and added them onto shopping bags, insulated lunch bags, shoe There is plenty to see and I spent a I was there in mid September and was Cutting turf or “saving the turf” was bags and mouse pads. couple of hours walking and resting on very surprised there were very few said to be backbreaking hard work, the site, as I said it had that special people visiting this amazing place, I machinery now does all the work. These products have provided a good highly recommend taking the time to peaceful atmosphere that draws you in Although it was late, I had to have a laugh and a great conversation piece and you need time to absorb the place. visit Clonmacnoise, it makes a terrific for Irish people all over the world. day trip from Dublin. walk out into the bog. I wanted to hold The last high king of Ireland Rory a sod of turf in my hand and smell it. Croke recently spoke with The Celtic O’Connor was buried under the high We drove through parts of County Of- Connection about her new business faly on our way back to Dublin. For me, The smell of burning turf can make Irish altar of the cathedral which is now in immigrants long for home and family, saying, “We all know the Irish have a ruins. The round towers and Celtic the big thrill was seeing acres of great way with words. My company, bogland. It is uniquely Irish to visit the there was such comfort sitting around DUBLIN-based Teresa Croke crosses are true symbols of Irish mo- a glowing turf fire on a winters night. Words of Ireland, has captured some nastic sites. bog and celebrate the survival of these of those funny Irish expressions on gifts has launched a gift line featur- ancient peatlands. There are still pubs, mainly in the coun- and everyday products. ing some of Ireland’s unique and They recommend you visit the museum try, with turf fires. This would be a big Jokes and songs were written about the funny expressions. She is seek- and interpretive centre first, to get the attraction for me, to have a pint of Guin- “I think my inspiration came from the time line and the history. bogs of Ireland and men from the coun- fact that I have always loved funny ex- ing a North American agent to try were often referred to as bog men. ness beside a turf fire. pressions and the distinct accents from help bring her products to a The museum also houses a fantastic counties all around Ireland. larger audience. “Having lived in Canada for many years, I know how much fun it is to use from Ireland over the past five years – these favourite phrases, especially with and they all grew up hearing these Samuel Beckett play other people who actually understand phrases.” it ...who get it.” There are now Irish people living in banned for 50 years Teresa decided to put all her favourite every corner of the planet and Teresa Irish phrases onto products that people said, “we love getting photos and sto- use in their everyday life, and she said ries from people from around the world to open in Vancouver it’s been lots of fun working on these – some have immigrated to the United products. States, Canada, Australia the U.K. and VANCOUVER – Blackbird written by Samuel Beckett in 1956 for Asia. the BBC. Her range includes items like lunch bags, Theatre returns to The Cultch tote bags, mouse mats and key rings – “We had one Irish guy living in China this year with the Canadian After its broadcast in 1957 several it’s novelty fun items. and his colleague asked what it means prominent theatre producers, including when some Irish people say ‘he’s a gas premiere of Samuel Beckett’s Laurence Olivier, tried to obtain the For example, the cooler lunch bags are man all together.’ These are some of play All That Fall. rights to produce it as a stage play, but a great talking point. Teresa said her the funny phrases we all use and we Beckett refused all requests. customers have told her about the laugh don’t even think about it.” For more than 50 years no one was al- they’ve had during their lunch break lowed to stage this entertaining and Finally in 2012, Trevor Nunn, English Teresa Croke lived in Canada for sev- deeply affecting Irish play. theatre, film, and television director suc- PHOTO: Tim Matheson sharing the meaning of some of these All That Fall with William Sam- sayings. eral years where she worked as an air- ceeded in persuading the Beckett es- line attendant for 14 years and loved her At last the ban has been lifted and au- tate to allow theatrical staging of the ples, Lee Van Paassen and The smaller tote bags are convenient work. She was based mostly in Van- diences in London and New York have script as a radio play and All That Fall Adam Henderson at the historic for carrying all kinds of items, such as couver but also lived in Toronto and been treated to the double delight of played in London (2012) and New York Cultch in Vancouver from De- library books, boxes of tea, even Irish Montreal before moving back to Dublin seeing a radio play produced on the (2013) to rave reviews. cember 29 to January 24. dancing shoes. a few years ago. stage. The Guardian wrote, “Beckett at his Plunkett, and William Samples. Some women have been known to carry Teresa is looking for an agent in Van- Blackbird Theatre, whose Waiting for most Irish and accessible.” an extra pair of flats to change into af- couver to market Words of Ireland prod- Godot was a held over hit at The All That Fall will run from December Ben Brantley of The New York Times ter a night on the town wearing those ucts. The products are mailed out the Cultch, and whose Uncle Vanya 29 to January 24 at the historical Cultch said, “You’re unlikely to find a more high heels. These totes will come in day the order is received and can be played to packed houses last year, has theatre located at 1895 Venables Street salty or succinct embodiment of his fath- handy here. mailed anywhere in the world. been granted the rights to present this in Vancouver. For tickets or or more omless sense of humor.” first Canadian production of All That information, call (604) 251-1353, or “There is a broad international appeal To purchase Words of Ireland products, Fall. for these products,” said Teresa. As you e-mail: [email protected] or visit the The play stars Leanna Brodie, Adam book online at: http://thecultch.com/ know, many people have immigrated website at: www.wordsofireland.ie. All That Fall is a 75-minute radio play Henderson, Lee Van Paassen, Gerard shows. DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 27 Themes explored film ‘Calvary’ show a new form of Catholicism The burning of the church in this film, like many churches that have been burned in Ireland in the past 15 years, is done with malicious intent. Only the stone altar remains after the arson attack. It is set against the sea as a symbolic sole remnant of a ruined church, still somehow standing in spite of such assaults. MORE than 50,000 undocumented Irish living in the United States Through exploring such themes in have been given fresh hope with new immigration reform an- Calvary, McDonagh shows a new nounced by President Obama. Many hope to one day return home form of Catholicism possible in Ireland to visit without fear of losing the life they have built in America. in 2014: the church’s ecclesiastic dog- mas are exchanged for the pastoral sympathy of a priest such as Fr. James, who embodies a capacity to endure the worst abuses of a disaffected commu- Obama immigration BRENDAN GLEESON (R) as Father James and Kelly Reilly as nity. Fiona (L) in Calvary. Gleeson is at his most solid and con- vincing in this respect: he holds his reforms give hope he credits had hardly rolled on John character’s position with dignity and Michael McDonagh’s new film, Calvary, has clear concern for the hurt that people have experienced. to undocumented before a pointless spate of controversy, T That said, the director is careful not to generated by the director himself, threatened to sub- allow matters to become overly sol- emn. The dialogue sparkles, moving Irish in the U.S. sume the genuine worth of his sequel to The Guard the action at a good tempo, leavened (2011) in a public row. throughout by the McDonagh trade- WASHINGTON – More than He added, “Having now received the mark wit for which his playwright 50,000 Irish immigrants living il- details of the measures announced by THE VIEW President Obama, we will examine At issue was the quality or otherwise brother is also famed. legally in the United States have of Irish films. More about that later. FROM IRELAND them closely with a view to ensuring Now back to McDonagh’s comments been given fresh hope of one day that as many Irish nationals as possible Calvary is in every sense a follow-up on Irish film: He who damns shall be being able to return home. benefit from their application.” to McDonagh’s first feature, The Guard saved? (a third film would certainly be welcome In a unilateral move that has left mem- Obama rejected Republican accusa- to form a trilogy). Calvary is one of the very few genu- bers of the U.S. Republican party out- tions that he was exceeding his author- inely Irish films ever to squarely face raged, President Barack Obama has ity as president, saying that these were This film involves just as equally com- issues of the meaning of life. So it is a announced immigration reforms that will the “kinds of actions taken by every sin- pelling a performance from the protago- pity that McDonagh wants to distance leave 3.7 million of the estimated 11 mil- gle Republican president and every sin- nist as its predecessor, played by By himself from the Irish film-making tra- gle Democratic president for the past MAURICE lion people living illegally in the U.S. eli- Brendan Gleeson on both occasions. dition. gible for three-year work permits. half century.” FITZPATRICK In Calvary he is a priest. The priest’s As he stated in an interview, “I’m not Those entitled to apply will have to have He dismissed suggestions from mem- swaying soutane and the garda uniform a fan of Irish movies, I don’t find them been in the U.S. for more than five years bers of Congress that his actions for in small town Ireland are still the clear- “I’m not a fan of to be that technically accomplished and be the parent of a U.S.-born child. undocumented migrants amounted to an est symbols of community, and touch- and I don’t find them that intelligent...so amnesty. stones of communitarian common Irish movies, I don’t I’m trying to get away from the de- His administration will begin accepting cause, although trust in them has been scription of the movie as an Irish film applications this spring from undocu- “That’s the real amnesty – leaving this greatly diminished by scandals in the find them to be in a way.” mented migrants who are seeking to broken system the way it is,” he said. recent past. avoid deportation. “Mass amnesty would be unfair. Mass that technically That wasn’t very nice, and neither is deportation would be both impossible It is therefore appropriate that it accurate. The film is set in Sligo with Obama outlined the actions in a televised and contrary to our character.” McDonagh, in his demythologisation of accomplished and an Irish cast, and McDonagh is of Irish address, describing them as “account- small town Ireland, cast Gleeson first extraction. McDonagh’s comment is ability – a commonsense, middle ground Under Obama’s measures, his admin- as a guard and now as a priest. implausible. approach.” istration will expand eligibility for “ex- I don’t find them treme hardship waivers” allowing quali- In neither role does Glesson fulfill the that intelligent... How will the BIFA (British Independ- “If you meet the criteria, you can come fying illegal immigrants to visit their stereotypical function of his uniform or ent Film Awards) assess Calvary in out of the shadows and get right with home countries through their U.S.-born cloth: instead, he restlessly seeks to re- — John Michael early December, remembering that its the law. If you’re a criminal, you’ll be children or legally resident spouses. habilitate the role and make it mean- counterpart IFTA (Irish Film and Tel- deported,” he said in a 15-minute prime ingful in a changed Ireland. McDonagh evision Awards) gave it the Best Film time speech from the East Room of the In his televised address, Obama chal- plaudit? White House. lenged Republicans to focus their en- Just as the garda was irreverent and ergy not on blocking his measures but Then there is a misanthropic Celtic Ti- brutish, the priest is flawed, yet both Does this film present an Ireland for Presidents, as head of the executive on approving long-stalled legislation to ger aristocrat, determined to regain his characters are good people determined Britain, with its director jeering Irish branch of government, can issue orders take their place. soul, using Father James as a handler. in their own quirky manner to serve the films and film-makers along the way on policy matters if Congress doesn’t He said, “To those members of Con- public. Another character who comes closer as a bonus? Surely it is possible to ana- support them. gress who question my authority to to the bone in this film is a pub owner, lyse films, including those set in Ire- Many other parallels to The Guard In the absence of legislation, Obama said make our immigration system work bet- come to mind – in both films, a black played by Pat Shortt. land, independently of such limited cri- that he would direct immigration en- teria? ter, or question the wisdom of me act- man, a deliberate anomaly in a rural His premises is about to be repossessed forcement agents to focus on deporting ing where Congress has failed, I have Irish drama, plays a central character; by the bank, and who instances the Steve McQueen, who in 2008 made “felons, not families; criminals, not chil- one answer: Pass a bill.” both feature a precocious child, albeit a Catholic Church’s theft of Jewish Hunger (for my money one of the best dren” and overlook the illegal status of Irish immigration activists welcomed somewhat miscast one, who is a keen wealth and collusion with the Nazi re- “Irish” films of the past decade) hap- just over four million immigrants who are the president’s actions. observer of the world; both films are gime as adequate evidence that the pened to be an Englishman, although parents to U.S.-born citizen children or elevated at moments by gorgeous im- church has no moral authority to pon- he made no to do about the fact. legal permanent residents. “This will have a big effect on our com- ages captured by cinematographer tificate to those who overextended At the risk of tempting fate, it seems The measures will apply to those in the munity,” said Ciaran Staunton, the New Larry Smith. themselves financially. likely that BIFA will give Calvary an U.S. for longer than five years once they York-based co-founder of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. In Calvary, too, Patrick Campbell’s Scenes in Calvary switch very rapidly award, but will do so for the film’s own pass a criminal background check and magisterial music score and his choice and, for the most part, effectively. proper merits. their taxes are paid up-to-date. They will “Many people will sigh with relief be- of songs sees ‘The Beatitudes’ in Irish able to apply for work permits and a tem- cause not only could they not work here One scene that sounded a rare duff note Whether or not BIFA claim followed by Calvary’s theme song, porary reprieve from deportation. legally but they couldn’t travel. For any- which, in sounding almost foreign, was saw Fr. James passing the time of day McDonagh as their own, and whether Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Jimmy one who meets both areas this will in- just the musical transportation that the with a young girl, a visitor to the local- or not McDonagh wishes to acknowl- Deenihan welcomed the announcement deed be a huge day.” film required. ity, only to have her father pull up in his edge Calvary’s self-evident Irishness, car in high dudgeon, concerned that his it still feels like the second expression but added that he saw the measures as He expressed disappointment that un- And foreignness is a desirable effect daughter is being pumped by a priest. of an Irish film trilogy. a first step forward. documented Irish who have been living since Calvary sets the most unlikely in the U.S. for more than five years who The personal insult, the condemnation A better line of inquiry than all this “Today represents real progress, albeit characters side-by-side. don’t or couldn’t have children will not by association, the harsh public percep- speculation about national appropria- with further important steps yet to be be helped under these measures. Some sensibilities may be offended by tion of a very individual and private tion might be: If McDonagh makes achieved,” he said. “Some will not ben- the presence of a lippy New Jersey rent priest, pushes Fr. James to drink – but another Irish film, what subject mat- efit from these new arrangements and “We hope that the White House will boy in small town Ireland beside a the dramatic context and chain of cau- ter will spark his interest next? we will continue to make the case on address this oversight immediately,” he frighteningly insensitive hospital doctor. sation do not seem authentic. their behalf.” said. PAGE 28 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 SEATTLE IRISH NEWS

PASSINGS article was written by Bríd Nowlan, • Father John Horan, 94, a native a member of Irish Network Seattle. of Duagh, Co. Kerry, who has been CITY OF FILM – Galway, Seattle’s a priest in Seattle since 1946, died Irish Sister City, has been awarded in Seattle on November 23. the permanent status of UNESCO • Michael Doohan, 69, a native of City of Film by the United Nations Gortahork, Co. Donegal, died in Educational, Scientific and Cultural Renton on November 23 after a By Organization. very brief battle with cancer. JOHN KEANE Galway is now one of just five cit- MOTHER’S CHRISTMAS – The ies around the world to have been 2014 Mother’s Christmas Dinner is awarded the status of UNESCO City Sunday, January 5 at 6 pm with the cember 6 as one of their Raise Your of Film. location still TBD. Glass events to highlight the A total of 63 cities were shortlisted SEATTLE POLICE Department’s 2014 Officer of the Year, Of- Known as Little Christmas around Seattle Gaels GAA Club which was for the award in this application ficer Ryan Gallagher (right) meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Gov- the world, the twelfth day of Christ- founded 35 years ago in 1979. period and the designation recog- ernment Buildings in Dublin on September 30. In the rear are mas is called Nollaig na mBan (or The national recognition by Guin- nizes a city’s contribution to cinema Seattle Mayor Ed Murray (left) and John Keane. Women’s Christmas) in most parts ness is an acknowledgment of the and media production. of Ireland. Gaels’ efforts to promote the Irish The Galway area has a long asso- Celebrate this Irish holiday by tak- games of Gaelic football, hurling ciation with film making going back ing the woman in your life to din- and camogie around the Pacific over eighty years, including Man of ner! For details and reservations, Northwest and it also ties in with Aran in the early 1930s, The Quiet call (206) 412-2960. Guinness’ Made of More promotion. Man in 1952, The Field in 1990, and The Guard in 2011. CELTIC YULETIDE – Magical The Gaels today organize teams in Strings’ 36th Annual Celtic Yuletide all four GAA codes – men’s Gaelic The award is seen as a fitting tes- Seattle concert is December 13 football, women’s Gaelic football, tament to all of the great directors, with Tacoma’s concert on Decem- men’s hurling and women’s producers, writers and actors who ber 12. Concerts will also be held camogie. have made Galway their home over in Kent, Mount Vernon, Bellevue, Four Gaels’ teams traveled to Bos- the years. Portland and Leavenworth. ton this past Labor Day weekend It is estimated that the growing film Featuring the lyrical and joyful to compete in the North American and TV industry in the Galway area sounds of Celtic harps, hammered GAA Championship finals and in currently employs in the region of dulcimers, violins, cello, whistles, 2016 the North American GAA 600 people and is worth almost $90 concertina, percussion and more, Championship finals will be played million to the local economy. this grand gala of Celtic-inspired in Seattle. The title of Creative City of Film also holiday music is filled with Irish sing- The 2016 finals will bring over 100 includes membership of UNESCO’s PHOTO: Sean O Sullivan ing, dancing, juggling, caroling and teams and 5,000 players and spec- Creative Cities Network. The City DANNY AND CATHRYN Quinn at Seattle’s Irish Seniors’ Christ- storytelling. For the details, visit tators to Seattle from all across the of Seattle is in the process of ap- magicalstrings.com. mas luncheon shown here with Daidí na Nollag (Father Christ- USA and Canada. plying to be awarded the title of mas, a.k.a. Owen Cullen). The couple were celebrating their 40th FINNEGAN’S WAKE – Saturday, For what the Gaels have accom- UNESCO City of Literature. wedding anniversary. December 13, 8 PM, in the Chapel plished over the past 35 years, IMMIGRATION CHANGES – Irish Performance Space at Good Shep- they were a worthy nominee for government and religious leaders herd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave National Guinness recognition. along with Irish immigration groups N. Seattle. OFFICER OF THE YEAR – Seattle across the U.S. have welcomed the An original staging performed from Police Officer Ryan Gallagher and executive action on immigration that memory by Neal Kosaly-Meyer of his partner Jeremy Wade were re- was recently announced by Presi- the complete first chapter of James cently honored as the Seattle Po- dent Obama. Joyce’s novel Finnegan’s Wake, lice Department’s Officers of the It is estimated that these new with sound design, lighting (dark- Year. changes will provide significant re- ening), and sets carefully made. lief to at least several thousand of This is a FREE performance. Patrol Officers in Seattle’s East Pre- cinct in the Central District, several an estimated up to 50,000 Irish- BOOK CLUB – The next Irish Book months ago Ryan and his partner born undocumented in the U.S. Club meeting is Tuesday, January were shocked and upset to find two who, because of their status, have 13 to discuss The Land of Spices young girls living in a home with no been unable to attend weddings, by Kate O’Brien, a book that was beds. funerals and other key family banned in Ireland when first pub- events back in Ireland. lished in 1941. The officers purchased two brand new twin beds with their own money There are currently 11 Irish Immi- O’Brien’s writings were ahead of and later delivered them to the gration Centers across the U.S. their time and she is known as a home. that provide an array of front line feminist writer because of her de- services to Irish immigrants. One of They then founded The Beds for PHOTO: Sean O Sullivan sire for gender equality. Contact them is Seattle’s Irish Immigrant (206) 361-1713 for meeting details. Kids Project and with the Seattle Support Group. PHYLLIS SAMPSON and Nora Jordan [seated], Irish Vice Con- Police Foundation have already sul Kevin Byrne [standing], with Daidí na Nollag (Father Christ- HERITAGE CLUB AGM – At the raised thousands of dollars to in- If you have specific questions about mas, a.k.a. Owen Cullen), Maureen Keane and Nanci Spieker at Irish Heritage Club’s recent Annual sure that Seattle’s children have a your situation, please e-mail: Seattle’s Irish Seniors’ Christmas luncheon. General Meeting, David Jacobsen suitable place to sleep every night. [email protected]. was elected president for 2014- CENTENARIAN’S BOUNTY – Sr. 2015. In 2011 Ryan also founded the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums Rose Donoghue, a native of Co. Ari Hausler and Jane Sepede were Pipe Band which he brought to Ire- Leitrim who now lives in Bellevue, re-elected to the board while David land this past September for a two- recently received the following let- Jacobsen, Corbin Johnson and week tour of Ireland where they ter from the President of Ireland: Brendan Shriane are new board were joined in Galway by Seattle “Dear Sr. Donoghue, I have learned members and Mary Shriane is the Mayor Ed Murray. with great pleasure that you will new membership secretary. An officer in the Friends of St. celebrate on 23 November, 2014 Special thanks to Justin McMahon Patrick in Seattle, Ryan traces his the hundredth anniversary of your who stepped down after two years Irish ancestors to Crossmolina, Co. birth. as president but who remains on Mayo. “What a wonderful occasion for the board, to Frank Gill who stepped you, your extended family and down after 14 years as membership MAYOR’S ANCESTRY – The Oc- friends as you reminisce and cel- secretary, and to Ralph Kosche who tober issue of Irish Lives Remem- ebrate a life great in years, and I stepped down after 10 years on the bered (irishlivesremembered.ie), a have no doubt, rich in accomplish- board but who remains as stage free online Irish genealogy maga- ments. manager for the Irish Festival. For zine, has a nice article on Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s Irish ancestry. PHOTO: Sean O Sullivan more information, visit irishclub.org. “I join with your family and friends in wishing you a very happy birth- JOAN O’BYRNE, Owen Sweeney and Mal Monahan [seated], Daidí GUINNESS RECOGNITION – The mayor’s four grandparents day. na Nollag (Father Christmas, a.k.a. Owen Cullen) [standing] with Guinness co-hosted Seattle’s Irish were born in Ireland, in Limerick, Mary Monahan at Seattle’s Irish Seniors’ Christmas luncheon. Community Christmas party on De- Tipperary and two in Co. Down. The [Continued next page....] DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 29 SEATTLE IRISH NEWS

“Born, as you were, in the second est personal congratulations and decade of the Twentieth Century, most sincere good wishes, along you have lived through remarkable with the enclosed centenarian pay- times in the history of Ireland and ment. the world. “Yours sincerely, Michael D. “You have witnessed remarkable Higgins, Uachtaráin na hÉireann, changes, in lifestyles and techno- President of Ireland.” logical developments, unimagina- A check for $3,135.36 was en- ble at the time of your birth in 1914. closed with the letter. “May you be surrounded today by MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS the warmth of happy memories and An Annual Celtic Christmas Cel- secure in the knowledge that you ebration at The Kirkland Perform- continue to make this world a bet- ance Center on December 12 and LOS ANGELES Galaxy forward ter place for all who love you. 13, features violinist Geoffrey Cas- Robbie Keane displays his tro- “I am delighted to send my warm- tle with special guests, dancers, and phy with his wife Claudine and a visit from Santa Claus. son Robert. Robbie Keane named MLS MVP LOS ANGELES – After a terrific season with LA Galaxy, the Irish striker has won the league’s equivalent of Player of the Year. Major League Soccer has named Robbie Keane as its Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2014 on December 4. Ireland captain Keane was included in GUESTS at the 100th birthday celebration in Bellevue for Co. Lei- the Team of the Year and has now beaten competition from Seattle trim native Sr. Rose Donoghue – (L-R) [Front Row] Sr. Monica Sounders striker Obafemi Martins and Heeran (from Co. Leitrim), birthday girl Sr. Rose Donoghue, and New England Revolution’s Lee Nguyen Mary Charles (from Co. Leitrim). [Back Row] Brigid Morkel (from to claim the league’s most prestigious Co. Leitrim), Therese Michels (Sr. Rose’s niece who lives in individual prize for the first time. Renton), Sheila Gormley and her husband Donal (Sr. Rose’s Having finished second behind former nephew) who live in Co. Meath, and Honorary Consul of Ireland team-mate Mike Magee last year, the John Keane who delivered to Sr. Rose a congratulatory letter and LA Galaxy skipper produced his best check from Irish President Michael D. Higgins. form during his fourth season in the U.S. – with 19 goals and 14 assists from 29 appearances. Galaxy overcame Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final and 34- year-old Keane is certain to start when Bruce Arena’s men take on Revolution in the MLS Cup Final. Keane’s scoring exploits are clear: He’s netted 53 goals with 35 assists in 84 regular season games since joining LA in August 2011, plus another eight goals and six assists in 16 playoff matches MEMBERS of the Seattle Gaels women’s football and camogie and seven goals in 14 CONCACAF teams at the Seattle Gaels awards banquet – Katie Corcoran, Champions League games. Camille Clarke, Heather Morris, Brianna Wallace, Lindsay Brown, Ranko Asari, Bridgett Vechey, Chelsey Thomas, Ada Chen, Aoife He’s tallied 22 goals with 18 assists in Blake, Vanessa Peterson, Jayme Markham, Jenna Volcko, Kerry all competitions this year. Rezmer, and Caroline Lee. In center rear with his hands raised is But his game is far broader than the Gaels Chair Brian White. numbers suggest. He gives a master class in off-the-ball movement every time he steps on the field and plays the pivotal role in the Galaxy’s interchange-heavy possession game. “We think Robbie’s spectacular,” Gal- axy head coach Bruce Arena said following the ceremony. “He’s remarkable in the sense that his consistency year in and year out has been spectacular. And you don’t see that typically of strikers. “He sets the tone for our team each and every day. “He’s a great professional, he’s good OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS of the Irish Heritage Club at with our young players, he’s fabulous Seattle’s Irish Community Christmas Party – (L-R) [Front] in getting the team ready to play. Candace Dunne, Mary Shriane, Nanci Spieker, Jane Sepede “Those things you don’t see in the box and Jean Roth. [Rear] Brendan Shriane, Corbin Johnson, Ari score, for sure, but he’s that guy with Hausler, John Keane, David Jacobsen and Ralph Kosche. our team.” PAGE 30 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Hockey world mourns the loss of ‘The Big Irishman’ VANCOUVER – He was known as ‘The Big Irish- man’ and when Pat Quinn (71) passed away in Van- couver on Sunday, No- vember 23, 2014, the hockey world lost a legend. DELEGATES at the Canadian County Board convention – (L-R) [Standing] Ulster Provincial Council President- Elect: Michael He was a player, coach, a Hasson, Toronto St. Mike’s: Sean Harte, Ulster Provincial Council player’s coach, a general President: Martin McAviney, Canadian Secretary: John O’Flynn, manager, president, chairman Canadian Vice Chair: Ronan Corbett. [Seated] Canadian Devel- PAT QUINN’S warmth and humour came through despite a tough opment and Child Protection Officer: Paula Macfarlane, Cana- and team owner. demeanour. He is remembered with great fondness and respect dian Chair: Brian Farmer, Canadian Treasurer: Yvonne Morley. Pat Quinn did everything in hockey by friends and foes alike. but officiate and was convinced he’d be better at that than the men 2014 Canadian County in stripes, whom he loudly baited from the bench, always working a wad of green chewing gum. Board Convention held “He was around the (NHL) 45 years,” said Leaf coach Randy Carlyle. “That in Ajax, Ontario is longevity in this business.” By SEAN O’FLOINN Emmets, and Brampton Roger Case- In all the places where Quinn’s enor- Secretary of the Canadian ments. mous shadow fell – Toronto, Hamilton, County Board The Eastern Divisional Board (founded Vancouver, Edmonton, Atlanta, Los TORONTO – The Canadian in 2014) consists of Ontario’s Ottawa Angeles and even Boston where the County Board Convention was Gaels and the Eire Og Ottawa Hurling Bobby Orr hit still resonates – people held in Ajax, Ontario on Decem- Club, Quebec’s Montreal Shamrocks, paused to remember one tough Irish- ber 7, 2014 with the election of Quebec City’s Les Patriotes, Nova man. officers by delegates for 2015 and Scotia’s Halifax Gaels and Newfound- Years ago, a Vancouver reporter asked for the passing of motions pre- land and Labrador’s St. John’s Avalon Quinn how he kept going in an often sented by clubs. Harps. cruel sport that battered him physically, The founding of the Canadian County denied him a chance for so long, and The name of the Gaelic Athletic Asso- Board took place in Toronto, Ontario saw him hired and fired so many times ciation, as it applies to Canada, is the on Sunday, November 15, 1987. GAA as coach and executive. Canadian County Board, Incorporated (CCB). President Dr. Mick Loftus of “If there is such a thing as destiny, I Crossmolina, County Mayo, chaired the just feel I get put back into this busi- The basic aim of the CCB is to pre- meeting. ness,” Quinn said. serve and promote Gaelic games and pastimes in Canada. Among those in attendance were To- “Even when I didn’t search it out, the ronto’s Cormac O’Muiri, Ottawa’s Pat game came back to me. For that I am In seven provinces (five time zones) of Kelly; Montreal’s Paul Moran and grateful.” PAT QUINN [January 29, 1943 - November 23, 2014] the Maple Leaf County are 15 cities Paddy Dunne (R.I.P.). with 21 affiliated GAA clubs with over Quinn’s condition prevented him from 700 playing participants. The first elections of officers were To- attending this year’s Hall of Fame in- – before the belt on Orr opened many been the 2002 Olympic gold and the ronto’s Paul Kennedy as chairman, Van- duction ceremony in Toronto where he eyes. 2004 World Cup, both with Canadians. Going from west to east (7,349 km in couver’s John O’Flynn as secretary and total), the Western Divisional Board is chairman, a fitting tribute to a man Quinn always wanted to put that inci- Quinn is survived by his loving wife of Ottawa’s Michael Connolly as treasurer. who was a walking, talking archive of (founded in 1994) consists of British dent into perspective. He pointed out 51 years Sandra (née Baker), and his Others who have served on the County the sport. Columbia’s Vancouver Irish Sporting that the two defencemen had some prior daughters Valerie Quinn Rydland (Rick) and Social Club; Alberta’s Calgary Board since its foundation include And Quinn was all about old school run-ins leading up to the hit. and Kathleen Allison (Kalli) Quinn. Chieftains; Red Deer Eire Ogs (Mens); Diarmuid O’Connor, Noelle Russell, hockey which often led to clashes in Proud Grandpa to Quinn, Kate and Kylie Edmonton Wolfe Tones; Fort Sean Harte, Matthew Healy, Fionnuala One in particular saw Orr slash Toronto Rydland. the modern NHL, with player agents, a goalie Bruce Gamble when he covered McMurray Shamrocks (Mens); Sas- McGovern, Pat Donnelly, Billy Millar, heavyweight league office and the me- the puck in a prior game. This resulted To his family he was a devoted son and katchewan’s Regina Gaels (Mens); and Lorraine Morley, Jarlath Connaughton dia in the bigger cities he worked. in Quinn knocking down Orr with a brother, a loving husband and father and Saskatoon’s Clann na nGael (Mens). and Eddie Mangan. He wasn’t always successful as an cross check. a warm and caring grandpa. The Toronto Divisional Board (founded Youth and minor organizations that the executive, but as coach, he put the Fly- While on his back Orr kicked Quinn in Pat always lead by example. He always in 1947) consists of Ontario’s Toronto County Board works with include Van- ers and Canucks in the Cup final, be- the stomach. Quinn retaliated with a put his family first, he was a man of Hurling Club, St. Mikes, St. Pats, St. couver ISSC, Brampton Rebels, To- came only the second coach since boot to Orr’s behind. God, a loyal friend and a proud Cana- Vincents (Mens), Gaels (Mens), ronto Chieftains, Ottawa Gaels and Punch Imlach to get the Maple Leafs dian. Camogie Club; Durham Robert Ottawa Eire Og Hurling. to the conference final twice and holds On the well-known hit, Quinn gave the record among Toronto coaches with credit to his teammate Brit Selby, who a .591 winning percentage. In 15 full usually was assigned to check Orr. seasons up to his last job with the Ed- Selby was alongside Orr as he carried monton Oilers, his various teams missed the puck along the sideboards in his own the playoffs only three times. end. First line, or fourth, Quinn made a place His attention was directed at Selby and for someone willing to work their way he didn’t see Quinn skating in to lower to it. the boom. “I’d never have played in the NHL with- “I caught him with my shoulder,” said out Pat,” said Mike Busniuk, who was Quinn, who was accused at the time of on the Flyer team that had a league catching Orr with an elbow. record 35 game unbeaten streak in 1979-80. “It wasn’t an elbow. If my elbow hit him, maybe it was a momentum thing,” “We were treated like men. You made he added with a sly smile. a mistake, he put you back on the ice. You missed curfew, he didn’t say a Quinn went to the expansion Canucks word, but you knew to work extra hard and later the new Atlanta Flames. VANCOUVER – A new board of directors was elected at the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social at practice the next day. Even when he He was never a gifted player, but later Club annual general meeting on November 24. The Board is as follows (L-R): Chair – Vacant sent me down, he looked me in the eye.” he dedicated himself to make the game (Pending Ratification); Secretary – Rachel Quinn; Western Canada Reps – Elmarie Cronin; Quinn was moved up, down and all entertaining and railed against trap Vice Chair – Elan Park; Club Development – Ronan Deane; PRO – JP McLoughlin; Treas- around himself – he was once Tim teams such as the New Jersey Devils. urer – Dave Foley; Social – Tommy Bourke; Western Canada Reps – Robert Dunphy. Horton’s defence partner on the Leafs His proudest achievement might have DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 www.celtic-connection.com PAGE 31 Former Rangers owner arrested upon arrival in UK GLASGOW – Former Rang- ers owner Craig Whyte has been arrested at Heathrow following his detention by police in Mexico. An arrest warrant was issued for the 43-year-old in connection with an investigation into the sale of THE VANCOUVER Irish Sporting and Social Club, with fund- Rangers Football Club in 2011. ing from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the GAA, has Whyte took control of the Ibrox club in stepped up its efforts in the promotion of Gaelic Games in the May 2011 but it went into administra- Lower Mainland of British Columbia. tion in February the following year. It is understood he was held by police FORMER Rangers owner Craig Whyte (43) faces charges in the in Mexico and was flown to Heathrow sale of the Rangers Football Club in 2011. IRISH SPORTING AND SOCIAL CLUB airport in London where he was de- tained by Police Scotland officers on Sporting a goatee beard and slick back Four men appeared in court earlier last November 27. hair, he made no comment as police month charged with fraudulent activity Outreach success From there he was escorted north for officers ushered him through a large linked to the sale of the club three years an appearance at Glasgow Sheriff crowd of reporters and cameramen. ago. Court where he was released on bail Whyte bought the club from Sir David Charged with attempting to pervert the to a new generation after a 45-minute judicial examination. Murray for £1 in 2011. Rangers subse- course of justice, Gary Withey (50), One of Whyte’s bail conditions is to quently went into administration in Feb- David Whitehouse (49), Paul Clark VANCOUVER – The Van- surrender his passport. ruary 2012. (50), and David Grier (53), all made no couver Irish Sporting and So- plea or declaration and were granted “Before class I had He made no plea or declaration to a The businessman faces a string of alle- cial Club, with funding from charge of being involved in a two-year bail following a hearing at Glasgow gations including claims he funded a Sheriff Court. the Department of Foreign Af- never even heard fraudulent scheme and a second alle- controlling share in Rangers by selling fairs and the GAA, has of Gaelic football gation under the Companies Act. off season tickets – after pretending to The three were employees of Duff & After being granted bail, Whyte left then chairman Sir David Murray he had Phelps, the company which carried out stepped up its efforts in the from the front door of the court build- cash of his own. the administration of Rangers. Withey but by the end worked for Craig Whyte’s London law promotion of Gaelic Games ing amid chaotic scenes. A number of It is also alleged a failure to pay out- angry fans who had turned up outside firm Collyer Bristow before he took on in the Lower Mainland of of class I was standing VAT and National Insurance a post with Rangers. British Columbia. yelled abuse as Whyte left in a waiting payments plunged Rangers into admin- fascinated with car. istration. There were several significant stages in the successful promotion of Gaelic the complexity football to schools in 2014. All of these involved e-mails, phone calls, and hours of the game.” and hours of volunteer time. ‘JACK TO A KING’ Firstly, members visited schools and suc- in neighbourhoods of the schools where cessfully presented a clear short (1.5 the club had the best responses in 2014. hour maximum) format to a variety of Ronan added, “Secondly, we were able age groups from primary to graduating – THE SWANSEA STORY to engage with the school districts and class in secondary schools. teachers themselves, and demonstrate of the 2002/3 season and avoided rel- This year seven secondary (over 500 the value of Gaelic football as a chal- By EIFION WILLIAMS students) and one primary (over 150 stu- lenging and interesting set of skills for egation out of the league. all students to try. dents) schools had successful presen- A new Welsh documentary film Following what one critic called “a real- tations. life sporting fairy-tale,” by 2011 Swan- “We were able to convince almost 50 chronicles the rise of Swansea ISSC spokesman Ronan Deane said, physical educators from all over the sea City had climbed into the Premier City Football Club from almost League. “We were bombarded by requests from Lower Mainland to work with the ISSC certain oblivion at the bottom of new schools to see us for the first time, on future projects.” In what will probably forever remain and from previous schools who want the Football League in 2003, to one of the highlights in the club’s his- The ISSC is always looking for ways the rarified atmosphere of the Pre- us back to go again.....Yes, I said bom- of showing off their favourite sport. tory, Swansea clinched promotion that barded!” mier League eight years later. year by defeating Reading 4-2 in a In March this year, they featured in the The film, Jack to a King – The Swan- championship play-off at Wembley in Students at Clayton Heights Secondary St. Patrick’s Day parade and held a sea Story, is directed by Marc Evans, HUW JENKINS Chairman of the front of 90,000 spectators. School in Surrey enjoyed three visits this demonstration game against the local who has also directed episodes of the Swansea City Football Club at year. The kids were thrilled with the Australian team. The promotion was reputedly worth £90 opportunity and took to this “odd” sport popular mini-series Hinterland, which the London premiere of Jack to million to the club and brought great with enthusiasm. Volunteers also presented hurling and is set in the Welsh county of Ceredigion. a King. economic benefits and worldwide rec- Gaelic football at the City of Richmond (‘Swansea Jacks’ or ‘The Jack Army’ ognition to the city. Some of the comments in the feedback ‘Move for Health’ weekend with ap- are terms of unknown origin sometimes included: “Before class I had never proximately 100 participants. fall, and rise again, through the words Now in its fourth season in the Premier used to describe Swansea City support- even heard of Gaelic football but by the of the characters involved. League, Swansea City has held its own end of class I was fascinated with the The club also participated at the De ers.) against the competition. complexity of the game. Thank you Danaan Feis weekend in November at A people who survived wartime bomb- Older Swans’ supporters, who for dec- Ronan and Tara for being awesome!” the Olympic Oval in Richmond, with ing, industrial decline and recession With a third of this season’s Premier- ades shivered on the terraces of the old says Saul S. approximately 40 volunteers presenting showed the same resilience in saving ship matches played, Swansea today Vetch Field watching Third or Fourth “Thanks so much for coming out Ronan information on hurling and Gaelic foot- its football club. sits at seventh place in the league and Division football, would be shocked to and Tara – we all had a great time! I ball. is taken seriously as a potential threat find their beloved team playing in the play soccer so learning how to play In 2001 Swansea City, languishing at by other teams in the league. And the “These events are annual and form a Premier League in the brand-new state- Gaelic football was an interesting twist the bottom of the football league and club is still largely owned by its sup- very simple, and intrinsic, part of our of-the-art Liberty Stadium. on the game I’m familiar with,” says facing bankruptcy, was sold for one porters. programs,” says Ronan. Our attend- pound to a businessman named Tony Liam B. Swansea last tasted top-tier football in ance at these events, and our receipt Petty. Jack to a King was released in the UK the 1981/82 season after winning rapid In September a “Cul Camp” type for- of invitations to attend these and other in September and has been generally promotion from the fourth tier in four mat was rolled out as part of the Fall events demonstrates to us our value, The new owner’s solution to the club’s well-received by critics. seasons, a league record, only to slide Youth Gaelic Games Program. and motivates us to attend and promote financial woes was mainly to fire play- all the way back down over the follow- The film’s executive producer Mal more and more.” ers to cut costs. ing four seasons. Pope, summing up the film’s appeal, said It ran over four successive Saturdays • and was well attended and good value Petty’s controversial handling of the that “this is a truly remarkable story of For more information about the Van- Given the club’s roller coaster history, for the club and participating member club’s affairs led to huge opposition how a ragtag band of builders, house- couver Irish Sporting and Social Club supporters are inclined not to take the families. from supporters, who formed an organi- wives, teachers and travel agents came and the GAA Youth programs, visit: club’s success for granted. zation to take over the club and restore together to save their football club and The response was extremely positive www.isscvancouver.com, or e-mail: its fortunes. The film says as much about Swansea ended up turning their city into a world- and the format will expand to Spring [email protected]. The club is itself as it does about its football club. wide brand. and Fall programs to be held in May also on Facebook at: ISSC Vancou- Several investor/supporters paid ver and ISSC Vancouver - Youth £50,000 each to save the club. As it and September 2015. They will be held It tells the story of the club’s rise and “A story of how sometimes even the Gaelic Games. turned out, the team won the last game wildest dreams can come true.” PAGE 32 www.celtic-connection.com DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015