Celtic Canada Winter 2019 Issue by Celtic Canada

Fall/Winter 2019

Up close and personal with

Sid Ryan

IS YOUR HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE? Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

Because it wants to come home. Home to family, friends, stories. Home to festivals, traditional music, and the Irish pub. Home to majestic landscapes and fabulous feasts. You know the places. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the castles silhouetted against fiery sunsets, the islands that stir you with their beauty, the towns like Westport that pulsate with energy, and the iconics sites like Kylemore Abbey that are etched with true love. And when it comes to those legendary 100,000 welcomes, wellâ&#x20AC;Ś They say you should always listen to your heart, and it wants to be in the right place. Serving Dublin airport and connecting cities across Canada, Toronto offers year-round direct flights to Ireland. Find your way home at

Muckish Road Stone A

pproximately 5 kilometers from Falcarragh Co Donegal, there is an attractive little stone bridge, which most people pass over nowadays, without a second thought. But if you look more carefully, and pay attention to the nearby plaque, your curiosity may be raised somewhat. The plaque is written in Irish, and a rough translation into English would be, “Friends and relatives of the person emigrating would come this far. Here they parted. This is the Bridge of Tears”. Long before the building of the railway, or modern roads, this was the most common route leading from this area, to Derry 50 miles away, and hence to the ships which would take them to England, Scotland, Australia and America. The relatives of those emigrating would accompany them along the long walk up towards Muckish Gap, and

here their Goodbyes would be said. There was no “See you soon”s or “Catch you later.” The departure was treated like a death, for they would never be seen again. Crossing The Bridge had a finality for those who left, and for those who were left behind. And many tears were shed in this lonesome and beautiful place. A simple plaque in stone beside the bridge reads: “Fad leis seo a thagadh cairde agus lucht gaoil an té a bhí ag imeacht chun na coigrithe. B’anseo an scaradh. Seo Droichead na nDeor”. (“Family and friends of the person leaving for foreign lands would come this far. Here was the separation. This is the Bridge of Tears”.) The loved one’s of those leaving didn’t cross the bridge; it was those leaving who crossed

on their own. If those bricks on that bridge could speak, what very sad tragic tales they would tell. If you ever happen to visit it, strange as it may sound but you do feel the sadness and loneliness of the bridge and that long road from it. Credit: My First Focail

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

The Women of

Celtic St. Augustine W

hether you come to hear the great lineup of Celtic bands, to meet the award-winning authors of Celtic NOIR!, to watch the athletes of the Highland Games, to shop with the many Celtic artisans, or to just enjoy the immersive atmosphere of Celtic culture and scrumptious food, you can thank several talented Celtic women for organizing “The Finest Celtic MUSIC Festival in the United States”. Pat Syeles, Lisa Mack, Amy Galbreath and Erin Bradshaw Rodriguez pull it all together each year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary on March 14+15, 2020, the award-winning St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is recognized by audiences, bands, athletes, clans, and vendors, for its uniqueness and

Eleanor Reynolds Publisher/Editor

Contributors Shauna Dickso Rick Frayne

ECG www.ellie-corp.com Sales, Marketing & Creative Direction Graphic Design Prism Studios Advertising & Design Inc.

superior quality as one of the best in the U.S. This two-day event, which attracts an average crowd of 15,000 each year (to a town of 14,000), featuring top international touring Celtic bands like Albannach, The Dublin City Ramblers, Emmet Cahill, Jamison, Seven Nations, Steel City Rovers, and Syr. People are fascinated to learn that St. Augustine, Florida, USA, is not only The Nation’s Oldest City, but also “America’s Oldest CELTIC City”. St. Augustine was actually founded by Spanish Celts, who were steered by Irish vicars. As a result, the first St. Patrick Parade in history - anywhere was held here in 1601. To this day, more than half of St. Augustine’s population can claim Scottish, Irish, Welsh or other Celtic bloodlines.

This St. Augustine Festival directly engages its audience in fun, entertaining and informative activities based on the music, sports, and heritage of our Celtic culture. And in 2020, it will present a special new feature called “Celtic Noir: Authors Symposium”, offering panel discussions and Q&A sessions curated by Elizabeth Mannion and featuring award-winning Celtic authors such as Liz Nugent, Jane Casey, Gerard Brennan and Arlene Hunt. (More authors will be added to this roster as planning progresses.) There is also a Whiskey Tasting the evening before the Festival opens. This increasingly popular event allows attendees to savor seven different whiskies as you

Advertise Now Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Call: 416-845-9900

Sally Gorman Jason Thomson Cover Image Dublin At Christmas, Trinity College Source: Ireland.com

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Articles for submission Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Subscribe Now Online: www.celticcanada.com

Continued on page 6

Facebook www.facebook.com/celticcanada1 Twitter @CelticCanada Disclaimer: Opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Celtic Canada and/or ECG. Where materials and content were prepared by persons or entities other than CC/ECG, the said other persons and /or entities are solely responsible for their content. We reserve the right to edit all submitted articles prior to publication.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Continued from page 4 – T HE

WOMEN OF CELTIC ST. AUGUSTINE

hear the background of each from a Brand Ambassador. So, you may well ask, who is responsible for putting together this amazing event, which has been praised as one of the most organized festivals in the country? You may or may not be surprised to learn that is run primarily by a group of dedicated and talented women. Festival Director Pat Syeles, who proudly proclaims that she is 97% Scottish, Irish and English and descended from the Cunninghams and Kennedys, took over the leadership role four years ago, but has been with the Festival since its beginning. She manages all aspects of planning and finance for the Festival from recruiting vendors to renting equipment, managing online ticket sales and ordering supplies; and on Festival days she works in the trenches, managing the money and helping to do whatever needs to be done. According to Pat, “My most important responsibility was to find the right people for the right jobs. We are extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding team of talented, dedicated women who handle every detail of the operation of the Festival.” Foremost among them, she cites Lisa Mack (a/k/a Lisa McPhillips), also in her 10th year with the Festival, whose role is that of Entertainment Director and Production Manager. Lisa, whose ancestors hailed from, England, Ireland and Alsace Lorraine, became a “Mc” by marriage to a fine Scot. She explains that her two roles are very different jobs that carry parallel but related responsibilities. “As Entertainment Director, I am building the show that festival-goers see, which involves selecting and contracting the performers, creating the performance schedule to ensure 6

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a continuous flow of entertainment that stays on time and on budget, and making sure the needs of our performers are met. As Production Manager, my attention turns to all the behindthe-scenes parts of making a show happen. Technical items such as sound reinforcement, lighting design, engineering staff, stage plotting, etc., all fall into this category. I believe that having one person serving in both roles as a single point of accountability ensures the production and presentation will be seamless,” says Lisa. She adds, “I became peripherally involved in the festival in its very first year, when the production team initially contracted reached out for my assistance. Since that time, thanks to a major venue change, a new approach to booking artists, and some of the same production team members still involved, the event has spent the past decade evolving and developing the remarkable reputation it now enjoys.” Another talented woman, Amy Galbreath, serves as Field Team Leader and Site Planner. Amy is of Scottish descent, with the family clan name of Galbraith, which is of Gaelic origin. The early Galbraiths were centered in the Lennox district which spans the Highland and Lowland border of Scotland. Later generations of Galbraiths fled Scotland into Ireland in the 17th century and her ancestry shows many Irish ancestors (Greene & McFarland). Says Amy, “I knew I wanted to be a part of this special event from the first time I attended it in 2015. I had worked on another Celtic Festival in the area, but the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage festival felt like “home” to me. The production team

has the utmost respect for the Celtic culture and really brings an authentic experience to the festival goers.” “I spend a lot of time on planning the festival site – infrastructure, equipment, logistics, electricity”, continues Amy. I measure and plan where all equipment, infrastructure, tents and vendors will be on the site and produce the site plan for the team. I coordinate the load-in and load-out of every entity on the site for seven straight days. I hire a team of ten amazing people to help prepare, setup, tear down and manage the event and any problems we incur during show hours. My team and I are responsible for making sure every piece of equipment is working throughout the event and that we don’t run out of supplies or resources. I’m most proud of my accomplishment in our electrical requirements -- we’ve overcome all of our electrical problems since 2017. It is huge for an event of this size that has practically zero electrical problems! I’m also proud to be among a small group of women who act in the role of Site Planner & Field Team Leader in an outdoor festival environment. I found that my engineering and project management background was a perfect fit for this role. I absolutely love the measuring and planning of the field and taking care of problems as they arise during festival hours. This is a dream job for me!” Amy’s second-in-command is Erin Bradshaw Rodriguez, claims to be mix of a lot of different things, but most of all Scottish, Irish and English. My family is part of the MacPhearson and Chatten Clans. Says Erin, “As Asst. Field Manager, I am basically

Pat: “I want to do this until I drop! I’m incredibly proud of the hard work we put into this festival and getting such positive feedback from our audience makes it all worthwhile.” Lisa: “Absolutely, although I have some concerns that with its amazing popularity and growth over these 10 years, our event might eventually outgrow our venue.” Amy: “Absolutely I want to remain involved! I got involved with the Festival in 2017 because I saw an opportunity to combine my festival planning career with my Irish/Scottish heritage. This event feels like home for me and I’m so lucky to be on a team of amazing women that make this event happen every year. Each year we grow, adjust and streamline! I’m looking forward to the 10th Anniversary in 2020!” Erin: “Of course! This festival is definitely a part of me now. I look forward to it every year. We work hard ...and seeing thousands of people having a great time and completely happy is the best pay off. And, who doesn’t want to go to work with this group of awesome women? We Rock!”

10thAnnual

Amy’s right hand, sometimes her left, and sometimes both. I manage most of the logistics of getting the field infrastructure set up and supplies delivered and assist with all other miscellaneous tasks. On Sunday morning I meet with the crew and get them started. Amy’s and my festival days together go way back. I am always excited to work an event with her, so when she asked me to stay on as part of the permanent crew, of course I accepted! Amy is so great at what she does, she manages like no other and has an amazing spirit for this work. And Pat puts so much work into every detail. I don’t think I have ever seen someone so detail oriented. I feel fortunate to be a part of something so meaningful to the creators. I have always loved this festival. There is something magical about the setting, in old St. Augustine, that gives this event a great Celtic vibe.” Pat adds that the team is rounded out by Sherri and Mary as Gate Managers, Tiffany and Kayla as Vendor Managers, and Shelley as Volunteer Manager. And for 2020, the Curator for our new Authors’ feature is yet another woman, Beth Mannion. “But yes”, she says, “there are some men amongst us, including the Director of Advertising, Beverage Managers, and Highland Games Athletic Director.” When these women were asked if they want to remain with the Festival in the years ahead, they responded:

h 14 -15, 202 M arc 0 M

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el t ic s t a u g u s t i n e

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TOP INTERNATIONAL CELTIC BANDS NEW: CELTIC NOIR! Authors Symposium The St. Augustine

HIGHLAND GAMES The ORIGINAL ST. PATRICK PARADE (1601- First in the World )

In America’s Oldest CELTIC City St Augustine, Florida, USA proudly presented by:

The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is produced by Romanza – St. Augustine, Inc. and is funded in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and by Visit Florida.

CelticStAugustine.com SACF 2020 Celtic Canada Ad.indd 1

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

11/3/19 7:45 PM

Sid Ryan By Rick Frayne

t’s a darned good thing Sid Ryan has the professional skills and technical training to handle repairing high pressure steam lines and clogged toilets, both literally and figuratively. His trade craft as a journeyman plumber and steam fitter has no doubt come in quite handy over the years. Whether it was by diffusing potentially explosive or dangerously heated negotiations, clearing obstructions and restoring the flow of harmony amidst many critical labour negotiations, Sid may just be Canada’s most famous plumber amongst many other things. A year’s worth of interviews, training and exams, a brief two week career as a policeman in Templemore, County Tipperary is also a small but notable part of his bio and resume. Sid had then quickly seen all he needed to in order to realize he’d rather help shape new laws for workers than enforce old ones for petty criminals. Unlike his studies for the Gardai, there was no formal training for a future career that awaited in labour negotiations. It was then and still is, much more important to him to pursue criminality and wrongful doings at much higher, even global levels affecting the lives of thousands of people, if not millions. Leaving what he describes as “a dreary, dismal Dublin of the 70’s” embarking on his own Grape’s of Wrath experience and an unknown adventure of what was to be life in Canada, Patrick Cyril “Sid” Ryan left Ireland for Toronto in 1975 at 22 years old. He shortly returned to retrieve his soon to be newlywed bride Sheila, and bring her to Canada. His first job in Canada, literally fresh of the plane seems to have triggered his abilities to challenge management. That included having them tear off their own band-aid exposing certain racial inequities. Approximately 50% of his co-workers at the Scarborough’s Curity Products (bandage and gauze factory) was black. Yet, as pointed out by a new friend and co-worker, there was not one supervisor in the plant of 700 who was of colour and no explanation either? Sid sought the alliance of the United Steel Workers (USW) to bring about change and was successful just before a full plant walkout in support of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC ) protest of wage and price controls and his moving on to a new job. 8

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His trade skills of plumbing and steam-fitting was being sought at the Bruce Nuclear plant, then later at the Pickering nuclear plant. Acknowledging that history tends to repeat itself, one cannot deny the reality of history also predicting itself, perhaps through some strangely humorous but familiar “channels”. Art imitating life and vice versa within such predictions has been quite humorously witnessed within the television series “The Simpsons”. Ironically, Sid’s real life portrayal in a somewhat Homer’esque role actually occurred inside of Pickering nuclear facility. Even truer to the show, it was in fact related to an inspection, one of a very serious matter of health and safety involving potentially fatal consequences within this particular facility. It was one that would also create its own nuclear fission in the cause for worker safety with the impact and the permanent evidence of a nuclear event. Sid had been asked to enter a large sized rectangular concrete duct to perform certain maintenance tasks. Realizing perhaps before anyone else that this particular duct operated which connected each reactor building to a giant vacuum building could potentially operate under an extreme high pressure vacuum suction in the event of an accident producing winds of 1,500 kmh , Ryan realized there was no safety system in place to warn him of any impending disaster. He curtly said… No! Preferring not to be sucked through the plant like a gerbil in a central vacuum. It was not such an unreasonable work refusal. It was one that inspired further safety measures that likely prevented future loss of lives. The ensuing attention surrounding this incident caused plant safety precautions and policies to be re-evaluated and certain potential risks for fatal or serious injuries to be avoided. This arising consciousness and specific action also precluded Sid’s present day mantra of “Kill a Worker, Go to Jail” as a reminder to others, factually informing us that 300 lives are sadly still lost here in Canada every year due to industrial and work place incidents. Growing up in Dublin in a family of ten children, Sid had learned very early in life; The art of compromise, alliances, communication and going along to get

along. Not only were his every day sibling interactions an early exposure to negotiating life’s little compromises, collective bargaining and contracts, they were shaping a future yet to come. In addition to his mother Maureen’s cooking, much bigger deals of greater significance to many other families were also hammered out at the Ryan family dining table. Sid’s father Danny was an auto worker and a member of The IGTWU, Irish Transport and General Workers Union, founded decades earlier by Big Jim Larkin in the early 1900’s. This upbringing provided him with an early exposure and unique education into certain labour, management and worker’s issues. Many of these same principled business and labour relations challenges would echo and repeat themselves, almost verbatim for Sid later in life in his new homeland and future career. In 1960 Sid witnessed the sacrifices being made first hand by Irish auto workers including his own father, striking to then protest the amount of foreign content and auto assembly being done outside the country, at the expense of Irish jobs. It was a strangely familiar precursor to today’s auto industry issues and the effects of NAFTA. Free trade between Ireland and Europe had caused issues very similar to those facing today’s auto workers and component suppliers for Oshawa and Windsor area auto assembly factories. At that time, he also witnessed first-hand some highly heated conflicts between staunch strikers and the families of men who had crossed picket lines in order to avoid their own personal versions of the great famine. It was a harsh reality which was becoming increasingly real, especially for large families with many mouths to feed. Scabbing or starving? Not much of a choice and one he chose to see others hopefully never to have to endure in the future through intelligent bargaining and fair compromise. As an eventual result of the 1964 strike, Irish auto workers and drivers were able to buy the cars their neighbours helped to build in growing numbers, all due to legislation and policy changes that subsequently favoured the increase of fairer Irish domestic production and sourcing ratios and better gains for the national and local economies. Sadly, the gains

made in the 1960’s have all but vanished over the past four decades leaving Ireland few if any auto manufacturing plants. Union votes, campaigns, competition and goings on are not the only political arena that Sid has contended with throughout his life long involvement in Canadian labour movement., A natural loving harmony and long time symbiosis has existed between Ontario’s NDP and many of the unions led or served by Sid Ryan. These include, CAW, CUPE, OFL, Teacher’s, Nurse’s, hospital worker’s and many others professional unions and representative concerns in the area of labour relations. That ongoing honeymoon was tested when NDP leader Bob Rae was elected as Ontario’s premier and forced to reconcile certain economic realities by demanding concessions from loyal union supporters. A new social contract was needed to accomplish what would be known as probably the most defining moment within Ontario’s NDP history. One that was considered antiunion and anti democratic by many loyal union and NDP supporters when the NDP government insisted on concessions being extracted from workers equating to billions of dollars in savings. It was also one that would create a new term and unpaid vacations aptly called “Rae Days” for thousands of Ontario workers. This defining moment in history would later see Bob Rae’s popularity among union members diminish and eventually Rae transition into a literal turn-coat, trading in his high visibility bright orange NDP workers vest for a new cloak. Not quite a “Harris Tweed” but rather a nice new little red riding hood. Union votes, campaigns, internal competitions, and the sometime vicious infighting are not the only political arenas that Sid has fervently contended with in his career. Ironically, the same man who fought so hard for worker’s rights, compensation, benefits and safe working conditions was himself forced to fight for his own accrued vacation pay upon retiring from his position with the OFL, (Ontario Federation of Labour.) In what appears to be characterized by Ryan as petty and vindictive internal politics, he was deprived of approximately $46,000 in owed vacation pay. All by way of several years of accrued vacation time. This monetary scenario arose simply because as the leader of Ontario’s labour movement it just wasn’t possible or practical to take all of the time off that was allowed to him, and to be able to run the organizations effectively. Say what one may, but Sid’s work ethic was quite self-evident. Things like this might even explain why another controversial “ leader”

has a no regrets returning home Mar-a-Lago , enjoying family time, vacationing and golfing on many if not almost every weekend. Ryan was successful in recovering most of what was owed to him through small claims court. His defendants strangely presented the argument that they could not afford to pay him and that accrued vacation not taken was lost, as negatively as that may have reflected upon their stewardship and managerial acumen of their members resources. It was only a precursor to the leadership issues and management problems to face his former OFL now sliding downwards by his successors. It appears the plumber may have taken the drain plug with him along with his leadership savvy.

One can only imagine the entrainment value of such an irony being played out on real life Court TV, with or without Judge Judy. The nation’s top union negotiator fighting for his own vacation pay! Given Sid’s tenacity and reputation, perhaps a pay per view production and payout might have even rivaled the entertainment value alone and perhaps even generated a purse worthy of a Connor McDavid MMA bout. Sid Ryan’s legacy is far from over and his work is far from finished. Presently promoting his recent biography entitled A Grander Vision with an ongoing book tour, he rapidly Continued on page 10 CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Continued from page 9 – S ID

RYAN

elaborates, in print as in speech the fine details of his life and times, bringing forth the specifics of certain pivotal negotiations, philosophies and life lessons. Naming the names of the innocent, and the guilty, with all facts and figures attached. Although it is said history is written by the winners, Sid Ryan may not have always held the castle, the office or the factory permanently after each and every battle, but his tactics, successes and his legacy resonate at levels well worthy of any celebrated General, warrior or world leader. Apropos to world affairs, Sid’s ongoing works in raising the detailed awareness of global inequities and oppression continues. We spoke with him about global issues and several other historical incidents that have shaped and inspire to shape his personal mission, philosophy and on-going thinking. CC- Many people don’t realize it, but you are quite involved with the cause of Palestinian rights and social justice. What exactly does the state of Palestine and its issues have to do with the life of an IrishCanadian union organizer and labour negotiator? SR- Well, like the Six Day War, this could easily be a six day explanation. Simply speaking, the parallels and similarities between Palestine and Northern Ireland are quite striking although the geography is indeed quite different. Ultimately, it’s about human rights and one group of people being unfairly oppressed by another often under the presence of a military occupation. Being occupied by another state’s military is something many Irish people are all too familiar with as is the brutality associated with that type of occupation and the ultimate resistance to it. Our world’s youth and many adults are becoming used to describing events in 140 characters or less, so we also run the danger of history being grossly abbreviated and even censored at the cost of accuracy and what was learned through conflict, sacrifices and resolution. There are many lessons to be learned from the Irish peace process and subsequent Good Friday Agreement. CC- Are the people involved in Palestine just as passionate and is there the same hatred for the other side and how did you even come to take interest in Middle Eastern affairs? SR- Actually I first became involved through a good friend named Peter Liebovitch who in his early life came form an orthodox Jewish family in Montreal. Peter shared his insights about the plight of Palestinians with me that was quite a profound enlightenment. 10

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We had met through the labour movement, a place where we are all truly of the same faith. Much like our past troubles in Ireland there are passive, moderate, strongly opinionated, radical and violent people on either side of the issues. Unfortunately, sometimes the greatest problems are often caused by the smallest minority of violent radicals on either side. Fortunately, there are also people working zealously within their lands and outside to bring about peace on both sides. Through the internet and social media, there are more and more people seeing through the propaganda staged in order to maintain, or even escalate tensions under the premise of “fighting” terrorism, often for the real motives of profit and control. In the case of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Europeans actually see the problem much more objectively and don’t fear reprisals for speaking their truth. That’s probably because many of them have in fact witnessed military occupations and oppression in Europe throughout history. Many Canadians, especially our politicians and leaders are overly sensitive to even the potential of wrongfully being called anti-Semitic, despite legions of Israeli Jews and citizens who oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestine and some even support the BDS movement. Canadian politicians and their parties need to grow a backbone and not be afraid to call out Israel for human right abuses in the occupied territories. CC-Are you concerned that given the short shallow scope of our daily world news and how few corporations now own the major networks and our news outlets, the Middle East peace process may be incurring undue delays? Perhaps independent news and alt media needs to step up and expose situations in Palestine that the world at large and perhaps even CNN isn’t showing us? SR- Mainstream media is under the ownership of a handful of multinational corporations. What they choose to present or omit is what people tend to believe. Let’s understand that the person reading you the news every night is not the person who wrote that news story but is in fact giving us the mainstream corporate spin. Let’s ask, just who is and what are their interests and their leanings? CC- I see what you meant by doing your due diligence on the people across the table. Do you think most people may not even fully realize and appreciate the differences between Zionism and Judaism? So perhaps a prevalent fear of being labelled anti-Semitic has in fact caused many people, even certain

media persons to extend unfair privilege and unbalanced scrutiny towards Israel’s treatment of Palestine? SR- I think it comes down to the network they are working for. For example, a Fox News reporter knows exactly what the editorial position of the corporation is and they are going to hew as close to that line as is feasibly possible. I do not think the pro Israeli lobby deliberately conflates anti Zionism with anti Semitism and in doing so labels any criticism of the government of Israel as anti-Semitic. CC- It sounds a lot like outside onlookers watching the news and equating all Irish Catholics with the IRA and all Irish Protestants with the UVF? SR-Yes, generalizing and mischaracterizing are equally dangerous. Just as in negotiating a contract, details and facts are sacred ingredients that cannot be substituted or cut back upon without consequences. SR- It’s not all political, violent or warring factions here, I have actually worked extensively with the cause of worker’s rights in Palestine, Iran, Northern Ireland, Cuba, Argentina, S. America, Mexico and elsewhere besides the Middle East. My personal platform and message is to shed light on unfair labour practices globally. CC-What have you learned through dealing with various leaders in the Irish peace process that may be transferrable to the IsraelPalestine peace process? SR- Well in addition to the scale of the occupation being much different, there are leaders who have agendas and therefore need to please their people much like within labour negotiations. At a fundamental level, most people want peace and harmony even if exceptions exists within their camp, but you can work with those who are there to gain middle ground and clearly desire genuine resolution. Above all else, compromise takes brave leaders to take risks and have vision. Peace would never have come to Northern Ireland without the strongmen of Northern Irish politics Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley coming together and agreeing upon the Good Friday Agreement. CC- You have three daughters. Do you think the men in their lives will ever stand a chance in an argument after watching you in action all of their lives and learning the ropes from the master? SR- Well, their spouses can always hire me to represent them in negotiations, can’t they? But, I would not want to sit across the table from any one of my three daughters, I’ve been

on the losing end of those debates too many times for comfort. CC- Speaking of actually learning the true craft of negotiation, is there a school or an academic setting anywhere that business students can actually learn to do what you do with the finesse and mastery that you possess? SR- Well it’s a bit like someone watching Muhammad Ali or George Chuvalo fight films and then getting into the ring, thinking that your now qualified. There’s a lot going on that even the camera doesn’t see. One wrong word at the wrong time can lose everything for you and the people you represent. So experience and having a feel for the sport, psychology, a sense of timing and going through the motions in the right order to get to the conclusion is everything. The notion of adversarial imagery or hard nosed antics and fist pounding on the table is far from the way to success in any win-win resolution. CC- So is there a school or place that actually teaches your expertise? SR- No. I’ve been in a position to hire some very intelligent PhD’s and MBA’s for specific jobs, but there is no “University of Advanced Labour Negotiations”. That’s simply because there are no two sets of negotiations that are exactly alike. The target can be always be in motion and sometimes not even real as stated. Experience and instincts are essential. Street smarts are called just that for a good reason. CC- So what advice would Professor Sid Ryan give to a class of students who may desire the ability to negotiate at a serious world class level? SR- Well firstly, mind your manners and respect the person on the other side of the table.. Then, like a fighter or a poker player, study your opposing individual’s mannerisms and behaviours. Know their dislikes and their likes in terms of everyday life preferences, quirks and even triggers. Respect them as a person, because indeed they are. Treat everyone as if they’re important, because indeed they are. You aren’t there to argue unnecessarily or humiliate someone for sake of vengeance or your own ego. But, if you’re being told 2+2 equals five, there is an art to humbly have your opponent eventually understand things, then ultimately say in their own words that the correct answer is actually four. All this without belittling them or any ad hominem or personal insults. Even an argument is still an ongoing conversation, but withdrawal or the silent treatment is a failure. However, know that some people don’t always want a real solution. Knowing when

to walk away, even if temporarily is also very important. Building trust, respect and confidential candour is paramount whether in labour negotiations, world politics, office politics or sitting at the family dining table. CC- So as we approach Thanksgiving, is it actually possible to discuss religion or politics after dinner without any fisticuffs, flying plates or butter knife stabbings? SR- Absolutely. It’s possible to discuss anything anywhere with anyone. The secret is to keep it factual and friendly, and not emotional. Remember what I said about research? Asking questions that compel a rightful answer from someone is also far more effective than clobbering them with facts. Even when you’re right. No one can really resent you for what they’ve just said, can they? Think of an exclamation mark as a baseball bat and a question mark as a shepherd’s crook. Which one would you rather be led by? And, don’t forget about your tone of voice. Be yourself and stick to your “first date manners” to keep people interested, interactive and mutually respectful. CC- What would be an example of some of the real life theatrics you’ve been privy to in high level negotiations? SR- Well, during the Irish peace process discussions as an international observer, The Secretary General of Northern Ireland, Mo Mowlam was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. It was a serious underlying issue that no doubt invoked an extra degree of respect and compassion for her at multiple levels. Added to that, behind closed doors, when the brass tacks were spread out on the table, she would often enter the room without her wig and joke about it. But yet she was very much instrumental in helping deliver peace to Northern Ireland. She was also a master of comic relief once calling out Ian Paisley as “a wanker”. May her soul rest in peace. CC-How did she do beyond all that in your eyes? SR-Well, making promises that you might not have control over or be able to keep is not something I’d recommend in any negotiation. In Portadown, N.I. during the marching season at the time of the talks in ‘97, Mo had submitted that there would be no Protestant presence or marchers on Garvaghy Road, a predominantly Catholic neighbourhood that had seen endless conflict. The Catholic community there had grown sizeably over the years. The Orangemen had continually marched through the neighbourhood in what was considered to

be overt acts of triumphalism. There had been conflicts almost every season along this route and the history surrounding those skirmishes is overwhelming to comprehend. In any case, her trust was broken in 1997 when she allowed the Orangemen to march down the Garvaghy Rd despite assurances to the Catholic community that she would not. Some of the key political leaders of the Orange Order taunted the Catholic residents on the Garvaghy Road by dancing a jig to mock them. Riots ensued and more troops and razor wire now separated the area. The following year, amidst the tensions of the marching season a petrol bomb was thrown into the Quinn family home. They were a mixed faith family within the Protestant area with three young boys, 7, 8, and 9 years old. They all tragically died in the fire. The shockwaves of that senseless tragedy and the brutal sacrifice of three little boy’s lives raised a consciousness among the leaders of the Orange Order that no march down a street is worth an innocent life let alone three. CC-That’s really sad to think it took such an extreme sacrifice from a family of mixed faith, a literally neutral family and one that epitomized the ultimate example of religious co-existence and unconditional love to then become innocent victims of senseless murders in their own beds. SR-Yes it truly is. The horror of that tragedy reverberated around the world and eventually forced the Orange Order to back down from their confrontation with the British Army at Drumcree Church the hottest flashpoint in the conflict. CC- Some people question the validity or the actual need for unions today, especially here in Ontario. Companies like Honda and Dofasco - Acelor Mittal operate very well with happy workers well paid workers, in a safe work environment. So just how is it possible for them to do that without a union? SR- Well, you generally find that large corporations in steel or auto manufacturing will pay their workers comparable wages and benefits to those paid to their unionised counterparts in order to keep the union out. It’s pretty clear for non-union companies to realize that in a free market economy, they need to keep up wages and benefit parity or they stand to lose their workforce to those who pay well and keep things safe. Or they risk being unionised. Does that make sense? CC-Yes it does Sid… and by the way, I saw what you did there, getting me to make that concession.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

20 Things Irish Abroad Miss Most About Home By Sally Gorman

*Disclaimer - This was not supposed to be a food list... it just happened to turn out that way.

nd just in case anyone is wondering, I do actually miss my family and my friends a God-awful lot but they didn’t make the cut!

1. Chippers I feel like this is something that has definitely come up in previous articles but Supermacs needs to pull itself together and go global. The world needs to experience garlic cheese chips, curry cheese chips and taco chips too. Poutine is as good as it gets here in Toronto! For those of you who don’t know, poutine is chips, gravy and cheese curds.

2. A full Irish The things I’d do for a Superquinn sausage, some Tullamore white pudding and a loaf of batch bread! Can’t forget my Granny’s famous brown bread, fried with Kerrygold butter either!

3. Chicken fillet rolls Warning: Irish pubs all over the world will try recreate Spar’s infamous chicken fillet roll but truth be told, they’ll never be same! The mayo just isn’t up to scratch, the rolls are never as crispy and don’t get me started on the chicken.

4. Real Cadbury’s No matter what corner of the world you’re in, you’ll find Cadbury’s chocolate...but not the good stuff! That’s held captive on the Emerald Isle. Thankfully, I’ve had my fix over the last few weeks as my boyfriend received a care package from home full of the real deal. It’s just so milky, creamy and delicious.

5. Milk Speaking of milk, it comes in a plastic bag over here. I’m not joking, look it up! I 12

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was scarred for life when I discovered the dairy aisle in Walmart! I’ve gone from being an out and out milkaholic to a complete non-drinker. Back home, I kept the milkman in business (yes, we actually still have a milkman). Now, my Dad sends me milk updates via the family Whatsapp group. They can’t seem to keep on top of the milk situation since I’ve left.

6. Guinness I’m not in a position to comment on this one really as I actually don’t take a drink myself but I’ve been told several times over that Guinness just doesn’t travel well, a bit like the Cadbury’s chocolate! Once it leaves the island of Ireland it seems to lose its touch.

7. Penneys If my boyfriend hears me whine about Penneys one more time he’s actually going to lose his marbles. Forget diamonds because Penneys is a girl’s real best friend. There are women in Toronto who have considered flying to New York to do a Penneys haul and some of my pals here have done full on shopping sprees over Facetime. It’s a very serious matter.

8. Lucozade, Club Orange When you don’t drink alcohol, tea or coffee, you rely a lot on fizzy drinks. Trust me when I say it doesn’t take too long to get fed up of Coke, especially when it’s served everywhere on tap, yuck! It’s times like this you’d miss the old reliable options like Lucozade and Club Orange.

9. Irish TV They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone and I’m not ashamed to say that I’m missing Francis Brennan like a

hole in the head. Canadian TV is made up largely of news channels, weather channels and sports channels. I’ve yet to discover the Martin King and Jean Byrne of Toronto TV and Friday nights just aren’t the same without Ryan Tubridy and The Late Late Show.

10. GAA Again, like the Cadbury’s chocolate, GAA can be found in every corner of the world. Toronto of course, is no exception and boasts several football, hurling and camogie clubs. Unlike the milk situation, we aren’t deprived of GAA over here. We can still watch the games (at the most ungodly hours may I add) but knowing that we won’t be making the trek to Croker with the “hang sambos” in tow anytime soon is a little tough. Let’s just hope the Lake County are going well by the time I get home!

11. Driving When you live in such a big city with nifty public transport, there is literally no need to own a car and sometimes, it makes me miss the freedom I had when I was spinning around in my little Peugeot 207. However, I don’t miss that little red petrol light which almost always seemed to be aglow!

12. Local papers Catching up on all the local gossip and seeing who or what made the front page every Tuesday is actually something I miss. The novelty of knowing someone interviewed in the weekly Vox Pop or seeing your clubs winning result splashed across the back page, you just don’t get that here.

Continued on page 14

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

• Traditional Irish Meals • Live Sporting Events Via Satellite (Home to all the Live Rugby Six Nations and the summers G.A.A. Action)

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365 Days a Year

The Galway Arms Lounge Bar & Restaurant 840 The Queensway (Between Royal York & Islington) • (416) 251-0096 www.thegalwayarms.ca The Galway Arms Irish Pub CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Continued from page 12 – 2 0

THINGS IRISH ABROAD MISS MOST ABOUT HOME

13. The bog Don’t tell my Dad this but it will actually be weird not heading to the bog this summer. It’s probably his favourite place on the planet and seeing the joy it brings him is actually kind of cute. I like to think I’m a good worker in the bog but in reality I think he just brought me to keep him company.

14. Chats after mass Don’t tell my Granny this but I actually haven’t been to mass once since settling in Toronto! Back home, you could be a half hour trying to get out of the chapel because every Tom, Dick and Harry will grab you for the local round-up.

15. Irish crisps

I’m actually not missing them. What I am missing though is the likes of Skips, Meanies, Chickatees and so on.

16. Short TV ads Ads back home can be an absolute pain but you ain’t seen nothing till you live in Canada. Do not, I repeat, do not, take short and infrequent commercial breaks for granted because here, they are a different kettle of fish.

17. No tipping/tax included I wish tax and tipping wasn’t a real thing. In Ireland, we are blessed that tax is included in the price and tipping doesn’t exist because it is the biggest pain in the arse. Am I right or am I right?

OK, so I know I’m fairly far down this list and I haven’t even mentioned the holy grail once. Yes, I’m talking about Tayto! I may be about to ruffle a few feathers here but

18. Cheap travel In Ireland, we can get flights to almost anywhere in Europe for a very reasonable price. Let’s give Mr O’Leary credit where credit is due. Internally flights within Canada will cost you an arm and a leg, a small fortune.

19. Decent Chinese I understand that Irish Chinese food may not be the most authentic but by God do I miss spice bags, 4 in 1s and chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce.

20. Cheap phone plans Listen to me here and now, you won’t get a better deal than €20 all you can eat data and free calls and texts anywhere else in the world. Here in Canada, I pay $50 a month for the most basic phone plan. That’s the cheapest of the cheap so treasure what you’ve got.

The House Children W

hile visiting family in Ireland, I attended a celebration for a nun’s golden jubilee in Ballinasloe, Galway. During the event a conversation about an industrial school, that had once existed behind the convent, caught my attention. It was the first time I’d heard about this type of institution and I left Ireland feeling compelled to learn more about these facilities. At home, I began to search for information about these institutions. I scoured the internet for articles, blogs and message board postings. Most of what I read was about the horrible experiences and abuse endured by many of the children. Further research shed light on the Irish culture of that era. Many families were poor, unemployment was high, and an old brand of Catholicism heavily influenced government policies and the moral views of the majority of the Irish people. My journey continued and led me to conversations with five women who were 14

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raised in Saint Joseph’s Industrial School in Ballinasloe between 1930 and 1960. I was surprised at how different their experiences were. It was a relief to learn that in spite of their many difficulties, they also shared fond memories of friends they’d made, and some of the nuns. I began to appreciate that the industrials schools, although a terribly imperfect system, had also served their primary purpose of sheltering and feeding these children, many of whom might otherwise have endured worse fates. While compiling my findings it occurred to me that others might also be intrigued with this topic, so I began to entertain the idea of writing a book. The women consented to my writing their stories but wanted to remain anonymous, so I was faced with the challenge of telling their stories without revealing their identities. The House Children is the end result of my mission to give a fair and authentic account of life in an Irish industrial school.

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10 of Ireland’s Top Experiences

hink you know Ireland? We’ve compiled a list of authentic experiences around the island, as told by the people who have been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt.

Fields, ancient history and a High King’s HQ: what’s not to love?”

4. Local GAA match, County Galway “There is no place more emotional than the sidelines of a Gaelic football match. At a recent game, county rivals and objective spectators alike surrounded me, all sharing their commentary at full volume. When the full-time whistle went, we were so hoarse we could barely cheer!”

1. Visiting Titanic Belfast “The building struck me first, with its glimmering sail-like shapes. Inside was no different: Titanic Belfast is a world-class exhibition right at the heart of the ship’s story. From clanking shipyard rides to an underwater journey to the Atlantic wreckage site, it turns emotions upside-down.”

2. Cruit Island, County Donegal “Out of all my memories of this rugged part of the world, a cycle to Cruit Island on the Wild Atlantic Way remains the sharpest. I never imagined there could be somewhere so beautiful. Gorgeous beaches (12, no less), wild horses on the shore, and a tiny population. Paradise.”

“It was a particularly blustery day and I could hear the wind gushing in my ears as I stared down at the main attraction: the crumbling cliff edges, the huge drop to the Atlantic waves churning underneath – and the serious adrenaline rush when I took it all in.”

6. Exploring Dingle, County Kerry

3. The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

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8. Game of Thrones Territory, Northern Ireland “I’m addicted to HBO’s Game of Thrones, and the fact that it’s filmed here makes it even easier for me to follow my passion. I took an archery lesson in Castle Ward Estate (House Stark), where Jon Snow and Robb gave Bran archery tips. It’s also probably the only place in the world where a person like me can play at being a GoT star shooting – and losing – arrows.”

5. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

“To me, Dingle is perfect. Where else can you take a boat to meet a celebrity dolphin (Fungi), have a pint in a pub-come-grocery store (Foxy John’s), and treat yourself to an ice cream of toasted Irish oats (Murphy’s)?”

“I first visited The Rock as a child and spent the day escaping Mum by darting in and out of nooks and crannies – giving the Viking sarcophagus a wide berth. Even now I’m older, it still holds a certain fascination.

cruiser, a feeling of calm…I saw things I’d never see from the road, like Boa Island, with its strange, two-faced Janus figure. Life on the water is slower, quieter and a little bit more mysterious around here.”

7. Cruising Lough Erne, County Fermanagh “Water lapping against the side of the

9. Dublin Coastline “I love getting the DART train from Dublin to Dun Laoghaire: you can see right across Dublin Bay to the headland out at Howth. After a walk along the East Pier, a legendary Teddy’s 99 ice cream is pretty much compulsory as a reward.

10. Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival (August), Meath “Vintage farm machinery, dog shows, ladies selling homemade jams and blacksmiths demonstrating the best way to shoe a horse. This is one of Ireland’s longestrunning agricultural shows, and I’m there every year. It’s a glimpse of old Ireland.” Eager for more on the island of Ireland? We’ve even got plenty of FREE things to see and do – perfect for making your own memories! Source : Ireland.com

Top 10 Whisky Tasting Bars in Edinburgh Jason Thomson

dinburgh has an amazing history which is soaked in the whisky industry. Andrew Usher, a whisky blending pioneer, gave the city a magnificent concert hall bearing his name and the Shore in Leith is populated by many a converted warehouse. There is even a new distillery creating whisky in the city centre – Holyrood Distillery – the first single malt distillery in the heart of Edinburgh for nearly 100 years. Here’s our list of the top 10 bars to enjoy whisky in Edinburgh.

one but it’s just too hard to separate these two classic bars! An often-overlooked whisky destination, both Teuchters bars have a great range of whisky from all over Scotland. Best of all, if you can’t decide what to have then why not try their famed ‘Hoop of destiny’ – a twist on an old fairground classic but where you win a dram at the end rather than an oversized cuddly toy.

7. Cannonball Restaurant and Bar, Castlehill cannonball-restaurant-edinburghIf you’re looking for something a bit more exclusive in your Edinburgh visit look no further than the Cannonball Restaurant and Bar. Their private ‘Glengoyne Room’ is available for hire for a variety of functions. A perfect location based right next to Edinburgh Castle.

8. Black Cat, Rose Street

4. Devil’s Advocate, Advocate’s Close 1. Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder, 2 Hope Street usquabae-whisky-bar-edinburghSince it opened, Usquabae has quickly developed a reputation as one of the city’s premiere whisky bars. With a range of malts that would even make the most devoted of whisky collectors grin it has some truly special bottlings and tasting flights available. The place to go if you’re dead set on finding a whisky older than yourself!

2. Amber Bar, Scotch Whisky Experience, Castlehill An overlooked gem. The team at the Scotch Whisky Experience are so full of knowledge and enthusiasm, many an afternoon has been lost as they make recommendations and chat all things whisky with people from all over the world. A great place to start if you’re just starting out with whisky.

3. Teuchters West End & The Shore This may be slightly cheating as we’ve managed to sneak in two pubs instead of

Devils-advocate-whisky-barTucked away just off the Royal Mile, Devil’s Advocate boasts over 300 whiskies from all over the world. The staff are happy to help and can make a mean cocktail. The best place in the city to round off a day of whisky sampling!

5. Kilderkin, Holyrood Another overlooked bar with an unusual selection, the Kilderkin sits right at the heart of the city by the Scottish Parliament. If you’re lucky your visit might coincide with one of Jolly Topper’s tastings which are held here. They are some of the best value for money whisky tastings in the city and if you can make it along you certainly should!

6. Bow Bar, Victoria Street The Bow Bar is a proper pub. Great drinks, great staff and a whisky list full of hidden gems. Based just off the busy Royal Mile, its one of the best places to go for an authentic pub atmosphere without heading out of the city centre.

The Black Cat bar on Rose Street has very subtly built up one of the best collections of whisky in Edinburgh over the years. There are lots of forgotten gems lining their packed shelves so be sure to have a proper look before ordering anything. A small but perfectly formed bar on one of Edinburgh’s most famous drinking streets, Rose Street.

9. Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel If you’re looking to sample some of the more high-end whisky on the market, then Scotch at the Balmoral is the place for you. You’ll be blown away at their range – which is on full display behind a full wall-length cage.

10. Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar & Shop, SMWS, Queen Street The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has long had a mystique about their exclusive independent bottlings and you can now enjoy this yourself in their fantastic new bar. Spend your time picking the brains of their amazing staff whilst enjoying limited edition single cask whisky. If you like, why not become a member and you can check out the exclusive area at the top and their second venue, The Vaults in Leith? For information on local distilleries, check out our Scottish Whisky Distilleries Guide! Source : visitscotland.com CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Galway City alway has a bohemian flavour that is typical of the west of Ireland psyche: laid back, relaxed and ready for a party Galwegians revel in enjoying themselves. Right in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, the city has a reputation for artistic creativity and an infectious up-tempo vibe that’s played out in a full calendar of festivals and events. From music and horseracing to literature and oysters – Galway knows how to celebrate. Throughout the year there’s a party atmosphere that gives this place a special edge. It’s no wonder people pour into the hopping bars, traditional pubs and fantastic restaurants every weekend. The flamboyant arts scene attracts visitors from all over the world, with a whirlwind of

activity that includes the much-trumpeted Galway International Arts Festival and the indulgent Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. And if it’s social glamour you’re after, then don a fancy hat at the summer Galway Races, when 250,000 people converge at the Galway Racecourse for equestrian high-jinks that last a whole week.

Historic Flavours The past lingers in the air here. Traces of old Galway, including the city walls and the distinctive Spanish Arch, give the city an ancient atmosphere. Follow the salty

Steeped in history, for sure, but the city buzzes with a contemporary and cultured vibe as students make up a quarter of the population. Lonely Planet 18

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air that breezes through the winding lanes to traditional shops and pavement cafés. Shaped by its status as an important seaport, you’ll find plenty of seafood on the menus.

Listen to the babble of languages and you’ll soon appreciate the diversity of cultures found in Galway, a place that is also known as “City of Equals” for its promotion of respect and understanding. At times, Galway feels like the ultimate modern bohemian metropolis, but beneath the surface beats a heart that is deeply traditional. Heavy-knit Aran jumpers crowd the souvenir shops; Claddagh rings twinkle in the windows of jewellers; traditional music sets pubs alight in the evenings; and the county is home to the largest Irishspeaking population on the island. If you want to immerse yourself in the lively side of Irish culture – Galway city is the place to do it. Source : Ireland.com

Return To The Tower Has Been Released

he final novel in my epic high fantasy series, The Scepter And Tower Trilogy, Return To The Tower has been released in both Kindle and paperback formats. Having stolen Elyon’s second great gift, Tristan finds himself thousands of leagues from home, on the rumbling slopes of Drochcarn, in the land of the druids. To end the Deamhan Lord’s dark reign he must return the Scepter and the Augury to the Tower of Dochás. But ahead lie ancient horrors, enemy-occupied lands, and Faolukan’s ruthless ally—Gundovald, the Butcher of Burgundia. It’s a race to reach Ériu before Faolukan the arch druid arrives with his fleet of mesmerized soldiers and shapeshifters. Faolukan and the Deamhan Lord’s goal? To crush Ériu and its people once and for all.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Irish Style By Shauna Dickson

s cooler weather approaches, we instinctively reach for our sweaters and switch our mentality from sandals to boots. If there’s anything perfect for this autumn chill, its a tweed coat, waterproof boots, wool accessories and of course an Aran sweater. All of these are awaiting their turn in the wardrobe, chomping at the bit to be taken out. The variety of styles are continuously expanding each year, with colours as rich as Irish moss and designs inspired by the rugged and raw Atlantic coast of Ireland. It’s time to spice up your wardrobe this autumn with the highest quality Irish knits and outerwear. The Aran sweater, originated for outdoor life, ensured protection and warmth for its wearer. Over the course of many years, the best wool

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manufacturers in Ireland have honed their skills and adapted these styles for modern life. Now only the highest quality luxury wools are used to weave not only the most durable and functional sweaters, but the fashionable and super soft ones as well. For a relaxed daytime look, throw on a side zip merino wool “coatigan” or super soft merino wool poncho from Aran Crafts Knitwear. These cozy knits shine when worn over leggings or jeans for those truly chilly days. Take your look effortlessly from day to night by wearing a beautifully designed tweed cape and wool scarf from Mucros Weavers. Their magnificent scarves are woven on looms that are almost 200 years

old, ensuring quality but also supreme softness you definitely won’t find anywhere else. That’s not something you can say everyday, and certainly something you can be proud of wearing. Taking centre stage in the ladies outerwear department this season are tweed jackets from Jack Murphy. Made from the finest luxury fabric, these mid length coats are smart and classic. Magee also deserves a mention for their mens and ladies tweeds. Outstanding quality that is built to last, these pieces are classic, refined and never go out of style. Pair any of these beautiful jackets with waterproof Dubarry boots and wrap a wool or alpaca scarf around you for a timeless look that keeps you warm and stylish at the same time. Settling into a the cooler seasons can be daunting if you aren’t prepared. Nothing keeps you warm quite like wool does, helping also to regulate your body temperature and wick away moisture. In most of Canada, autumn can sometimes be as frigid as a winters day, so why not wrap yourself in Ireland’s finest garments to beat that chill. These months are truly where Irish designs shine, they are what these creations are built for. For sweater manufacturers Fisherman out of Ireland, the inspiration stems from the otherworldly landscape of their home of Donegal. Steeped in history, their surrounding countryside is their muse, and therefore helps them create some truly enchanting designs. For men, their lightweight aran crew neck stands out among the rest and for ladies, their two tone aran polo neck is an absolutely stunning piece that can be worn over a pair of jeans and skirt alike. Wearing your Irish heritage is not the only way to feel connected to home, but in Canada, it sure comes in handy. The versatility and quality of any garment spun from the Emerald Isle will ensure it has a long, happy life in your wardrobe. Nothing compares to tightly woven tweeds or super soft wool garments during our cold autumn and winter days. The season is just beginning, so pull on your hat, bundle up with a sweater and envelop yourself in your comfortable and classic Irish clothing.

The finest products from Ireland to you.

905.468.7233

75 Queen Street, NOTL

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

12 Day Outlander Itinerary

xplore the land that inspired Outlander on this epic, 12 day Outlander tour of Scotland. See where Outlander stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at Outlander filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit Outlander book locations. Along the way you’ll also explore historic attractions with real-life Jacobite connections, where you can delve into the true story of the Jacobite cause.

Day 1 – Exploring Edinburgh

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Spend your first day exploring the story of the Jacobites and Edinburgh’s connections with Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is your chance to learn more about the political landscape that Claire falls into when she travels back in time to 1743, two years before the 1745 Jacobite Rising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. As you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town keep your eyes peeled for three key Outlander filming locations.

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Stop 1 - Palace of Holyroodhouse Book location and Jacobite connection Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries. Today it is the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty The Queen. In September 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause. Jacobite connections to look out for in the palace: • The Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held a lavish ball. • The ‘Darnley’ bed which the Prince slept in during his stay. The bed was originally supplied for the Duke of Hamilton in 1682. You’ll find it in The Queen’s Bedchamber. • Portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his brother, Henry Benedict Stuart, which were painted by Louis Gabriel Blanchet in 1739. You’ll find these in the Royal Dining Room. Open: all year

Stop 3 - National Museum of Scotland Located just a short walk from Royal Mile, on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories. Head to Level 3 of the Scottish History and Archaeology galleries to discover the true story of the Jacobites. The Jacobite Challenge uses key objects to tell the story of the Jacobite cause and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s time in Scotland. Jacobite objects in the national collection include the Prince’s backsword, shield and clothes. Open: all year Stay in Edinburgh

Day 2 – A day out to Bo’ness & Linlithgow

Stop 2 - Old Town Book location and filming location – season 3 Edinburgh’s Old Town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the New Town on the north side of the city centre) and the buildings you’ll see remain largely unchanged from how they would have looked centuries ago. The Old Town is home to three filming locations from Outlander. Look out for these places as you wander up the Royal Mile: • Bakehouse Close – this filming location is where Claire and Jamie are reunited after 20 years apart. • Tweeddale Court – this historic street becomes the 18th century market where Claire meets Fergus again. • Signet Library – the interior of this beautiful building doubles as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica. If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir pop into Hamilton & Young Jewellery Designers, also on the Royal Mile, to browse Celtic and Outlander inspired items.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway © Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved. Take a ride on a vintage train and tour a beautiful ruined palace on this great day out from Edinburgh. Another lovely stop on your journey from Edinburgh (or on your way back) is South Queensferry, where you can see the iconic Forth Bridges up close.

Stop 1 - The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Filming location – season 1 How does a leisurely ride in a comfy vintage train carriage sound to start your day? Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness &

Day 4 – A day trip from Stirling

Kinneil Railway stood in for the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank said goodbye before taking up their wartime duties. Watch the scenery glide past from the steam or diesel-hauled train and explore the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest railway museum, which is next to Bo’ness Station. Open: seasonally

Stop 1 - Hopetoun House

Stop 2 - Linlithgow Palace Jacobite connection and filming location – season 1 Explore the nooks and towers of this beautiful ruined palace and take a refreshing walk around Linlithgow Loch. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the palace on his journey south. Its elaborate courtyard fountain is said to have flowed with red wine to mark the occasion! In Outlander the majestic entrance and corridors feature as Wentworth Prison where Jamie was imprisoned. Open: all year Top tip: Linlithgow has a direct rail connection to Edinburgh which takes just 20 minutes. Stay in Edinburgh or Linlithgow

Day 3 – Exploring attractions en route to Stirling

Blackness Castle, Falkirk Travel from Edinburgh or Linlithgow to Stirling, stopping at two beautiful stately homes and a fortress castle as you go.

Filming location – season 1, 2 & 3 Dating from the 17th century, Hopetoun House near South Queensferry is a beautiful stately home surrounded by a vast, 6,500 acre estate. Various parts of the house and grounds have played roles in Outlander: • The Duke of Sandringham’s stately home (S1) • The spare room in Jamie and Claire’s Paris apartment (S2) • The Hawkins Estate (S2) • The backdrop for Parisian streets (S2) • The stables at Helwater and the exterior of Ellesmere (S3) Another key filming location on the Hopetoun Estate is Midhope Castle, which features as the exterior of Jamie’s beloved Lallybroch.

Stop 2 - Blackness Castle Filming location – season 1 & 2 Stop for a visit at Blackness Castle, a 15th century fortress on the banks of the Firth of Forth. In Outlander the castle features as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters in Fort William. Its internal courtyard is shown in the heartwrenching scenes from Jamie’s incarceration. Open: all year

Stop 3 - Callendar House Filming location – season 2 Stop for an afternoon visit at another grand stately home – Callendar House in Falkirk. Located within the expansive greenery of Callendar Park, the house dates from the 14th century and has hosted many famous historical figures, including Bonnie Prince Charlie. In Outlander the house’s authentic Georgian kitchen appeared as part of Bellhurst Manor, the home of the Duke of Sandringham. Open: all year Stay in Falkirk or Stirling

Hop in the car and enjoy a day out from Stirling. Today is the day you’ll visit Doune Castle – otherwise known as Castle Leoch – as well as two other great attractions.

Stop 1 - Drummond Castle Gardens Filming location – season 2 The beautiful Drummond Castle Gardens is one of Europe’s finest formal gardens. In Outlander the gardens are shown as the ornate park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in France. During your visit look out for the two beautiful copper beech trees which were planted by Queen Victoria in 1842. Open: seasonally Note: Drummond Castle itself isn’t open to the public.

Stop 2 - Deanston Distillery Filming location – season 2 Formerly a working cotton mill, Deanston Distillery is now famous for the glorious whisky it produces. Take a tour to find out how whisky is made. In Outlander the historic buildings stand in for Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre. Open: all year Continued on page 24 CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

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DAY OUTLANDER ITINERARY

Stop 3 - Doune Castle Jacobite connection and filming location – season 1 One of the major stops on your itinerary – a visit to Doune Castle. This striking ruin doubles as the exterior of Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century. Nowadays Doune Castle might be most famous as an Outlander filming location, but did you know that the castle has real life Jacobite connections too? The Jacobites took the castle from government troops in 1745 and, following the 1746 Battle of Falkirk, government prisoners were held there. Open: all year Stay in Stirling

Day 5 – Historic towns in Fife

Falkland © Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved. Wake up in Stirling before travelling over the Firth of Forth into Fife. Today you’ll visit two beautiful historic towns - Culross and Falkland.

In Outlander the Mercat Cross area in the centre of the town becomes the fictional village of Cranesmuir, where Geillis lives, while the garden behind Culross Palace stands in for Claire’s herb garden at Castle Leoch. Open: town – all year, Culross Palace – seasonal

Stop 2 - Falkland Filming location – season 1 & 2 Explore the historic streets of this picturesque town and visit grand Falkland Palace, which was built in the 1500s and became a favourite country residence for many kings and queens. In Outlander, Falkland is one of the first places shown on screen - the town substitutes for 1940s Inverness where Claire and Frank go on their second honeymoon. Around town you can visit: • The Covenanter Hotel, which stands in for the cosy Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse. • The Bruce Fountain, where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire’s room. • Fayre Earth Gift Shop, which doubles as Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store. • Campbell’s Coffee House and Eatery, which becomes Campbell’s Coffee Shop in the show. Open: town – all year, Falkland Palace – seasonal. Stay in Falkland

Day 6 – Discovering Highland history

Stop 1 - Royal Burgh of Culross Filming location – season 1 & 2 With its cobbled streets and rows of historic cottages, your visit to Culross will feel a little like stepping back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries.

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1960s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. In Outlander the museum’s replica 18th century Highland crofts are shown when Claire joins Dougal and his followers on their task to collect rent from the clan’s tenants. Open: seasonal

Watch the landscape changing from pastoral lowland scenery to rugged Highland peaks as you travel from Falkland to Inverness, stopping en route to visit a replica 1700s Highland settlement.

Stop 1 - Highland Folk Museum Filming location - season 1 See what life was like for the people of the Highlands from the 1700s up until the

Stop 2 - Culloden Battlefield Book location and Jacobite connection Stand on the rugged moorland where the 1746 Battle of Culloden took place and feel the atmosphere of the site where one of the most harrowing battles in British history took place. Culloden Moor was the site of the Jacobites’ final stand in the Risings, when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers, including clans such as the Frasers and MacKenzies, were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. In the Outlander novels, the moor is where Jamie fights in the 1746 Battle of Culloden. Pop into the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover more about the battle. Open: battlefield – all year, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre - seasonal

Stop 3 - Clava Cairns Located just a few minutes’ drive from Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns are said to have provided an inspiration for Outlander’s mysterious Craigh na Dun – the standing stones which sweep Claire back in time. This sacred site was an important Bronze Age burial place. Its grave sites, cairns and standing stones date from around 4,000 years ago. Make sure and take lots of pictures, but please don’t climb on any of the monuments. Open: all year Stay in Inverness

Day 7 – Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness

There are several boat tour companies that will take you out for a cruise on this iconic stretch of water. In the Outlander novels Claire and Frank take a cruise on the water and in her 18th century life Claire meets the Loch Ness Monster here (referred to as a water horse in the novel).

Stop 3 - Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness © JohnBraid/ DollarPhotoClub Wake up bright and early to get the most of your day in Inverness. Spend the morning exploring the city before heading to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Jacobite connection On the north west shore of Loch Ness you’ll find the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle. The site has been a significant place since around AD 580, when St Columba is said to have visited. There has been evidence of a castle on the site since the 1200s. It was the first Jacobite Rising of 1689 that marked the end for Urquhart Castle as a working castle and garrison. In 1692, following the end of the first rising, government forces blew up the castle to prevent it falling under Jacobite control in the future. Urquhart Castle has lain in ruins ever since. Take a tour to learn about the castle’s history and explore the ruins. Open: all year Stay in Inverness

Day 8 – Driving the Great Glen to Fort William

Stop 1 - Inverness Book location Explore the beautiful Highland city that Claire and Frank choose for their second honeymoon in the Outlander novels. Top places to visit in Inverness include: • Inverness Museum & Art Gallery – discover the intriguing objects, including Jacobite memorabilia. • Victorian Market - browse the shops under the market’s historic cast iron and wood domed roof. • Inverness Botanic Gardens - see beautiful blooms and exotic cactuses. • Leakey’s Bookshop - search through shelves filled with great books. • River Ness - stroll along the river banks and cross the suspension bridge to the Ness Islands.

Stop 2 - Loch Ness Book location A trip to Inverness isn’t complete without visiting Loch Ness. This huge expanse of water is an immensely impressive sight – the loch holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel Admire the views of native Caledonian pine forests, glistening lochs and open moorlands as you drive through the Great Glen on your way from Inverness to Glenfinnan. This is the glen that Claire and Jamie rode through after their wedding in the Outlander novels.

Stop 1 - Glenfinnan Monument Jacobite connection Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the Outer Hebrides.

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising. Open: site - all year, Monument & Visitor Centre – seasonal Tip - While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the Harry Potter movies.

Stop 2 - West Highland Museum Jacobite connection Explore the history of the west Highlands and see archaeological finds and treasures from throughout the area. The museum also has a great Jacobite exhibition with plenty of lesser-known stories to uncover. Some of the fascinating items you can see include: • Bonnie Prince Charlie’s death mask • A fine silk waistcoat belonging to the Prince • A fan created for a grand ball at the Palace of Holyroodhouse • A secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie Open: all year

Stop 3 - Nevis Range Mountain Gondola Get a better view of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, on a gentle ride in a suspended mountain gondola up the side of Aonach Mor, one of Ben Nevis’ lofty neighbours. Soak up the far reaching views towards Ben Nevis, Fort William, the Great Glen and the surrounding Highlands and hop off at the top station to visit the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar, where you can have a hot drink, a tasty snack or a meal. Open: all year except for an annual maintenance period in winter Stay in Fort William

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DAY OUTLANDER ITINERARY

Day 9 – Exploring Glen Coe en route to Glasgow

Glasgow © Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved. Set off from Fort William on your journey south to Glasgow. Your route will take you through one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland – through the deep valley of Glen Coe.

Stop 2 - Glasgow Cathedral Filming location – season 2 Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the most intact medieval cathedrals on the Scottish mainland. Visit to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and step down into the historic crypt, which was built in the mid-1200s to house the tomb of St Kentigern. In Outlander the cathedral’s crypt doubles as L’Hopital Des Anges in Paris, where Claire volunteers to work. Open: all year

also stands in for French countryside as the characters travel between Le Havre and Paris. Open: all year

Stop 3 - George Square Filming location – season 1 In the evening, head to George Square to see the historic area that becomes the 1940s spot where Frank spontaneously proposes to Claire. Enjoy a stroll through the square as you soak up the ornate architecture of the surrounding buildings and study the square’s many statues and monuments. There are plenty of great places to go for dinner in this area, or in the nearby Merchant City too. Stay in Glasgow

Day 10 – Exploring Glasgow

Stop 2 - Kelvingrove Park & The University of Glasgow Filming location - season 3 Stroll through the lush grounds of Kelvingrove park, which becomes the Boston park where Claire enjoys walking. Afterwards pop over the road to explore the historic University of Glasgow buildings. In Outlander the university becomes Harvard University, where Frank teaches. Open: all year

Stop 3 - Hunterian Museum

Stop 1 - Glen Coe Filming location – season 1 Featured in Outlander’s opening credits, visiting world-famous Glen Coe will be a highlight memory from your trip. Driving through this deep-carved glen feels like you’re entering in a secret part of Scotland. Pull into one of the parking places to absorb the atmosphere created by the towering peaks around you before popping into the Glen Coe Visitor Centre. You can grab a bite to eat here before browsing the exhibition. Open: glen – all year, Glen Coe Visitor Centre – all year except a few weeks in December/January Tip – You don’t need scorching sunshine to get the most from this beautiful place. In many ways Glen Coe is even more striking on an overcast, brooding day, when mist is sweeping down the glen and cloud is lying low on the hills.

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Pollok House, Glasgow This is your chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city. There are plenty of top attractions to visit today, including Pollok House, Kelvingrove Park and the Hunterian Museum.

Stop 1 - Pollok Country Park Filming location – season 1 & 2 Visit Pollok House in the south of Glasgow to see the historic building’s grand rooms and vast servants’ quarters. The main part of the house was built in 1752 – during Jamie’s time in Outlander. In the TV series Pollok Country Park, which surrounds Pollok House, features in a few different scenes. It doubles as the grounds surrounding Castle Leoch and

Located in the historic University of Glasgow buildings, the Hunterian Museum has lots of fascinating exhibits and stories for you to uncover, including medicine, zoology and anatomy. Make sure to visit Mackintosh House too, to see the home that Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed with his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Open: all year

Stop 4 - Ashton Lane In the evening head to the city’s West End for dinner and drinks. Look out for Ashton Lane with its twinkling fairy lights, quirky places to eat and independent cinema. Find more things to do in Glasgow Stay in Glasgow

Day 11 - Exploring Ayrshire & Galloway

great stopping point is Dunure Castle (less than a mile away) which features as Silkie Island in the show.

Stop 3 - Drumlanrig Castle

Drive south west from the vibrant city of Glasgow to explore Ayrshire and the lush landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway, Sam Heughan’s homeland.

Jacobite connection and filming location – season 2 Take a tour of this beautiful 17th century castle, near Thornhill, and explore period rooms filled with artwork, French furniture and antiques. Afterwards take a stroll in the castle’s 90,000 acre estate which includes championship mountain biking trails. In Outlander, the exterior, living rooms and bedrooms of Drumlanrig Castle became Bellhurst Manor, including a bedroom that was once slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie, as he made his way north to Culloden. Open: seasonal

Wander round the beautiful rooms, tour Traquair House Brewery and navigate your way around the maze. While you’re there find out more about Traquair House’s Jacobite connections - in the 1700s the earls of Traquair supported the Jacobite cause. Bonnie Prince Charlie even visited the house in 1745. Open: seasonal

Stop 4 - Galloway Forest Park The lush Galloway Forest Park is close to where Sam Heughan (Jamie from Outlander) grew up in Dumfries & Galloway. Head to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre to take a refreshing stroll along the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch. Close by, you can see wild creatures in natural surroundings at the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park. Open: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park seasonal Stay in Dumfries & Galloway

Stop 1 - Dean Castle Country Park Filming location - season 2 Surrounded by mature woodland, 14th century Dean Castle in Kilmarnock appears in series two of Outlander as Beaufort Castle, near Beauly in the Highlands. In the show Claire and Jamie visit Lord Lovat at the castle to try and persuade him to send his men to aid Charles Stuart. Although Dean Castle is currently closed for restoration, the beautiful country park – with its walking routes, Urban Farm, visitor centre and café – is the ideal place to stretch your legs and explore. If you have time you can also visit the nearby Dick Institute Museum and Gallery – also in Kilmarnock – to view the collections from Dean Castle which are on display at the museum during the castle’s refurbishment.

Stop 2 - Dunure Harbour Filming location - season 3 Drive along the Ayrshire coast until you reach the pretty harbour village of Dunure. In Outlander, Dunure doubles as Ayr Harbour, where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in pursuit of Young Ian. Another

Day 12 – Heading back to Edinburgh

Stop 2 - Robert Smail’s Printing Works Pop into this historic print works to see how items such as stationary and newspapers would have been printed before the time of computers. Although the printing works date from 1866 (after Jamie’s time in Outlander) this quirky historic attraction will give you a feel for what life may have been like for Jamie in his print shop on the Royal Mile in the Outlander novels. Open: all year

Stop 3 - Craigmillar Castle

Traquair House, Innerleithen Your final day takes you from Dumfries & Galloway back to Edinburgh, stopping at some great historic attractions en route.

Filming location - season 3 Located on the south side of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle has plenty of interesting rooms and hidden nooks for you to explore. The oldest part of this ruined castle – the tower house – dates from the 1300s. In Outlander Craigmillar becomes Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie is incarcerated. Open: all year Source: VisitScotland

Stop 1 - Traquair House Jacobite connection Explore Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, a former royal hunting lodge dating from 1107 which remains a family home to this day.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

Celtic Christmas Fare Source: BordBia

AMELDA’S PERFECT SAUSAGE ROLLS Ingredients Makes 16 Rolls • 5 00g (18oz) good-quality sausage meat • 5 0g (2oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese • 3 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley • 5 00g (18oz) all-butter puff pastry, thawed if frozen •p lain flour, for dusting • 1 egg • 1 tbsp milk 2 tsp sesame seeds • s ea salt and freshly ground black pepper • t omato ketchup, to serve

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6). Line two baking sheets with non-stick baking paper. To make the filling, put the sausage meat in a bowl and mix with the sun-dried tomatoes, onion, Parmesan and parsley. Season to taste. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured work surface to make a long oblong shape that measures 35cm x 33cm (14in x 13in), then cut the pastry in half again lengthways. Form half of the sausage meat filling into a long log shape that will run the whole length of the pastry, then put it on top of the pastry, making sure it’s approximately 5mm from the edge. Break the egg into a bowl and add the milk and a pinch of salt, then lightly beat together to make an egg wash. Brush the sides of the pastry with the egg wash, then fold the pastry over to enclose the filling and press down well to seal the edges, either crimping them with your fingers or pressing down with a fork. Repeat with the rest of the pastry and filling. Cut each long sausage roll into eight bite-sized pieces, trimming down and discarding the ends. Glaze the sausage rolls with the rest of the egg wash, then sprinkle each one lightly with sesame seeds and arrange on the lined baking sheets. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden, swapping the baking sheets around on the oven shelves halfway through.

Serving Suggestions Arrange on plates or a large platter and serve hot or cold with tomato ketchup.

PERFECT CHRISTMAS HAM Tips for cooking the perfect Christmas Ham

Ham Glaze

1. C hoose the right sized ham e.g. a 4kg fillet of ham will feed 10 people and allows a little extra if your family like to help themselves to more on Christmas night! 2. M ake sure your ham is of the best quality. Choose ham with the Bord Bia Quality Mark so you know where it comes from and that it has been produced to Bord Bia’s highest quality standards. 3. L eave the skin on the ham when simmering. It can easily be removed after cooking and adds to the flavour. 4. F or extra flavour add some vegetables and a bay leaf to the cooking water. 5. Adding cider, apple juice or orange peel to the cooking water intensifies the flavours and gives the meat some extra zing! 6. D o not throw the cooking water out. It can be used to keep the ham moist when roasting in the oven. 7. A ham glaze adds a sweet flavour to the ham by providing a contrast to its natural saltiness. It also adds a nice colour and texture to the finished product. 8. F reeze any remaining cooking water in portions as stock for making soups and sauces.

For best results, once cooked, remove the skin of the ham with a sharp knife and gently score the fat into diamonds. For a simple glaze mix 1 tablespoon of mustard with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and spread over the fat before roasting in the oven for 30 minutes. For a honey glaze, add 3 tablespoons of clear honey and the grated rind of an orange to this mixture. An alternative marmalade and ginger glaze is included in the recipe below.

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Leftovers? If there are any…. here are some delicious ideas: • Slice the ham and serve with wholegrain mustard and herb dressing in a sandwich • Chop up the ham and add to frittatas or omelettes • Combine the chopped ham with a tin of tomatoes, some garlic and basil for a tasty pasta sauce

Chef, Neven Maguire’s Roast Turkey with Chestnut and Dried Cranberry Stuffing Ingredients - Serves 10-12 • 6 kg (12lb) oven-ready turkey, at room temperature (preferably free-range) • 1 orange • 4 rindless streaky bacon rashers • 8 ready-to-eat pitted prunes • 4 50g (1oz) cocktail sausages • 1 75g (6oz) butter, at room temperature • 1 tbsp plain flour • 3 tbsp Madeira • 6 00ml (1 pint) turkey or chicken stock (see tip below) For the stuffing • 7 5g (3oz) butter • 1 large onion, diced • 1 75g (6oz) fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 00g (7oz) canned or vacuum-packed chestnuts, chopped • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 2 tsp chopped fresh sage • 5 0g (2oz) dried cranberries, finely chopped • s alt and freshly ground black pepper • s mall bunch fresh herbs, to garnish (to include parsley, sage and bay leaves)

Method Once you have invested in a large piece of muslin, which is readily available from good kitchen shops and on line, often referred to as ‘butter or cook’s muslin’, the easiest way to roast a turkey is, fortunately, also the best. Forget spinning it during cooking, or brining it, or embalming it in foil – this is absolutely foolproof.. If you want to be sure that your turkey is cooked invest in a meat thermometer and push it into the thickest part of one of the thighs. This will then clearly show you when the turkey is cooked, leaving no doubt in your mind. Preheat the oven to 190C (375F), Gas mark 5. To make the stuffing, melt the butter in a frying pan and add the onion, herbs, cranberries and chestnuts then cook for a few minutes until the onion has softened but not coloured. Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl and tip in the onion mixture, then mix well to combine and season to taste. Divide among two buttered sheets of tinfoil and roll each one into sausage shaped rolls, twisting the ends to fasten; set aside. These can be made 2-3 days in advance and kept in the fridge until needed. Cut the orange in two and stuff into the cavity of the turkey. Cut bacon in half and use to tightly wrap prunes. Arrange on a plate with the cocktail sausages, cover with cling film and chill until needed. Turn the turkey breast-side up and tie the top of the drumsticks with string. Melt the butter, then soak the muslin in the butter, then season the turkey and place it over the turkey, ensuring it is all covered. Weigh the turkey to calculate the required cooking time, allowing 20 minutes per 450g (1lb) plus 20 minutes extra – this size turkey should take about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Put the turkey in a large roasting tin. Baste every 45 minutes to 1 hour; it is important to do this quickly so as to not let the turkey or oven cool down, as this could alter the cooking time. Add the bacon wrapped prunes, cocktail sausages and stuffing rolls to the turkey for the last

30 minutes and allow to finish cooking. If the stuffing rolls have been made in advance and are well chilled down then give them an extra 15 minutes or so until they are fully heated through. To be sure its cooked, insert a fine skewer into the thickest part of the thigh: the juices should run clear, but if they are still pink, return the turkey to the oven and check again every 15 minutes until you are happy that the turkey is cooked right the way through. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter, then carefully remove the muslin and surround with the bacon wrapped prunes and cocktail sausages. Cover with foil and leave to rest in a warm place for 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes is fine, then carefully remove the muslin. Place the roasting tin directly on the hob over a gentle heat and skim any excess fat from the cooking juices. Stir the flour into the tin’s residue. Cook on the hob for a minute or two, stirring until golden. Pour in the Madeira, stirring to combine, then gradually add the stock, stirring until smooth after each addition. Bring to the boil and let it bubble for about 10 minutes until reduced and thickened, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.

Serving Suggestions Garnish the turkey with the bunch of herbs in the neck cavity and bring to the table. Carve into slices and arrange on warmed serving plates with some of the gravy, the roast potatoes, vegetables and all of the trimmings.

Turkey Stock – Tip Ask your butcher for the giblets with your turkey as they make excellent stock. I always soak mine in cold water overnight to remove any impurities. Place them in a pan with a chopped carrot and onion, six whole peppercorns, two bay leaves and a sprig to thyme. Pour in 2 pints (1.2 litres) of water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Strain and use as required. Continued on page 30 CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

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CHRISTMAS FARE

ROASTED VEGETABLES Ingredients - Serves 8 Cooking time: 20-30 minutes

Method

• 7 00g each of carrots, parsnips and white turnip, peeled and chopped into 5cm chunks • 7 00g potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges • 2 red onions, peeled and cut into eight, through the root •O live oil • S alt and freshly-ground black pepper

Put the vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer them to a roasting tin and spread out into a single layer.

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200ºC (400ºF).

Cook for 20-30 minutes until tender.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CHILI AND LEMON Ingredients - Serves 8 • 1 kg Brussels sprouts, trimmed • 1 tablesp olive oil • 2 shallots, finely sliced • 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced • 1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced • Squeeze of lemon juice • Salt and fresh-ground black pepper

Method Trim the sprouts and place in a saucepan of boiling salted water. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes depending on the size of the sprouts. While they are cooking heat the oil in a pan and sauté the shallots, garlic and chilli for a couple of minutes over a medium heat. They should be soft and not coloured. When the sprouts are cooked drain them well, then stir through the shallots, garlic and chilli mixture along with a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and black pepper to taste.

CELERY WITH HERBY BUTTER! Ingredients - Serves 8

Method

• 2 heads of celery • 5 0g butter • 2 tablesp. red wine vinegar • 2 tablesp. fresh chives and tarragon, chopped • S alt and freshly-ground black pepper

Wash and trim the celery stalks and cut into strips approx. 4cm long. Place in a saucepan, add a little salt and barely cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes. Meanwhile melt the butter in a small pan, add the vinegar and cook for two minutes. Stir in the herbs and seasoning. When the celery is cooked, drain well and then pour the herby butter over the celery. Serve immediately.

VERA’S SHERRY TRIFLE Ingredients - Serves 8

Method

• 200g (7oz) Madeira cake, broken into pieces • 300ml cream • toasted flaked almonds, to decorate • pomegranate seeds, to decorate • spun sugar, to decorate (optional)

To make the custard, put the milk, cream, vanilla pod and seeds in a heavybased pan set over a gentle heat and cook until it nearly reaches the boil – but don’t allow to boil.

For the custard • 300ml milk • 100ml (3.fl oz) cream • 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out • 5 egg yolks • 4 tbsp caster sugar • 2 tsp cornflour For the fruit • 100ml (3.fl oz) sweet sherry • 100g (4oz) caster sugar • 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out • 1 x 500g (18oz) bag of frozen fruits of the forest 30

Meanwhile, put the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour in a large bowl and whisk together until pale and thickened. Remove the hot milk and cream mixture from the heat and slowly whisk it into the egg mixture through a fine sieve until smooth. Discard the vanilla pod and pour back into the pan, then set over a gentle heat. Cook, without allowing it to boil, until the custard coats the back of a wooden spoon, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, covered with a piece of cling film pressed directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming on top. Meanwhile, prepare the fruit. Put the sherry in a large pan with the sugar and vanilla seeds and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until syrupy, stirring occasionally. Stir in the frozen fruits of the forest and set aside until cooled, stirring occasionally. The fruits should defrost naturally in the hot syrup but still hold their shape. Scatter the Madeira cake over the base of a 1.5 litre glass serving bowl. Spoon over the fruit and cover with the cooled custard. Chill for 1 hour, until the custard sets a little firmer, or up to 24 hours is fine. When ready to serve, whip the cream in a bowl until you have achieved soft peaks. Put spoonfuls on top of the custard, then gently spread with a palette knife or the back of a spoon to cover the custard completely (or you can use a piping bag). Sprinkle over the toasted flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds and decorate with some spun sugar if liked, then place straight on the table to serve.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL/WINTER 2019

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