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Welcome to the Autumn edition of

Celtic Canada

Eleanor Reynolds Publisher/Editor ECG www.ellie-corp.com Sales, Marketing & Creative Direction Graphic Design Prism Studios Advertising & Design Inc. Contributors Kevin Murphy Paul Loftus Pat Foran Vanessa Foran Gerry Grennan Yvonne Morley Rory O’Donovan Colin Barry Philip Callan Pat Canavan Paul Junior Reynolds Siobhan Kukolic Katha Pollitt Vanessa McLean Deborah Anne Hall Colombe Nadeau-O’Shea Shauna Dickson Rachel McLaughlin Stephen Jeffers Donna Deen Advertise Now Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Call: 416-845-9900 Articles for submission Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Subscribe Now Online: www.celticcanada.com

W

e are delighted to feature Nathan Carter…Fresh from the Emerald Isle with a big smile, an even bigger heart and the ambition to take on the world, Nathan Carter has just finished his first North American tour and he’s set a course for himself, guided by many of the greats who have come before him!

Inside this edition you will enjoy stories and updates from Gaelic Athletic Associations and the events coast to coast!

A complete update from The Rose of Tralee and The Foran Family who visited Ireland to support their daughter The Rose of Ottawa ~ Vanessa Foran!

We were delighted to meet our New An Taoiseach ~ Leo Varadkar at the Enterprise Ireland cohosted Business Breakfast in downtown Toronto and have a complete update for you to enjoy.

Hard to imagine that it has been 50 Years… inside enjoy the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto.

For Boxing fans… Tim “The Irish” Cronin and His Journey to Becoming Canadian Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion is a great read!

Travelling to Ireland here are 10 Things to Do in Dingle! Or maybe you always wondered the Story behind Seaweed….

Game of Thrones Fans… Game of Thrones’ Cut Deep In a fantastically misogynist imaginary world, a highly qualified woman gets close to winning power. Can’t wait for Season 8…

A fantastic story covering The Fergus Highland Games by Deborah Anne Hall to our own Fashion stylist Shauna Dickson sharing this Autumns’ Fashion must haves to Chef Stephen Jeffers recipe specials… and lots more we hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have putting it together!

Slainte..

Come join us!!

Are you a member of a Celtic club or institution? Why not drop us a line. Are you in charge of a special Celtic event? Let us know. Do you own a Celtic business or provide a service that you would like to share with the 9 million Canadians claiming Celtic Heritage? Advertise with us.

If it’s Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Breton or Cornish, we want to know about it. If you have a Celtic related story, interview, review or production, we want to see it. Together we can build the most comprehensive multi-media platform for all things Celtic in Canada. Please join us on the journey.

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.

Front Cover Photo Credit: Paul Canning Photography

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

3

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD presented with the

Certificate in Professional Irish A

t an event held (Thursday, 7 September) in the Mansion House in Dublin, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD was among 70 people presented with the Certificate in Professional Irish.

This course is run by Dublin-based education company Gaelchultúr (www.gaelchultur. com) and is aimed at public sector employees interested in improving their spoken Irish skills.

Mr Varadkar successfully completed the Level 4 (lower intermediate) course this spring.

Speaking during An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD receives his Certificate in Professional Irish from the An Coimisinéir Teanga (Irish Language the event, the Taoiseach Commissioner), Rónán Ó Domhnaill Photo Credit: Joanna Travers said that it was “a source years I’ve made a great effort to improve my “The Taoiseach worked extremely hard of great pride” for him Irish.” during the course,” says Éamonn Ó Dónaill, to have gained the certificate and that he The Irish Language Commissioner Rónán Gaelchultúr’s Director of Education. “He wanted to “set a good example” as regards Ó Domhnaill, who presented the certificate attended every single class and did all the using the Irish language. He said that he was to the Taoiseach and the other recipients, continuous assessment tasks given to the on a “language journey” and invited others congratulated Mr Varadkar on completing students. He really applied himself and took to follow his example and join him on that the course and for leading by example as the course very seriously. journey. regards the language.

“It’s psychologically important for Speaking in Irish, the Taoiseach said: The Taoiseach attended a three-hour the Irish language community to have a “I made a decision at the beginning of class every Wednesday morning between Taoiseach in charge of the country who has the year to undertake the Certificate in February and the beginning of May. The respect for the language – it will add greatly Professional Irish because I wanted to classes were held in Gaelchultúr’s education to the status of the language to have such a improve my standard of Irish. I studied the centre on Clare Street in Dublin city centre powerful and influential figure taking such language at school, of course, but like a lot and fourteen other students, from a range of an interest in it.” of people in this country I haven’t had many organisations, also attended the sessions.

Other guests at last night’s event included opportunities to use it since then and was Mr Varadkar’s end-of-course oral exam Lord Mayor of Dublin Mícheál Mac therefore out of practice. As I said in the Dáil took place on Wednesday, 17 May – the Donncha, Dublin City Council CEO Owen several months ago, I have a great love for day Enda Kenny announced that he was Keegan and CEO of Foras na Gaeilge, Seán Ó our national language, and for the past few resigning as Taoiseach.

Coinn.

4

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

24TH ANNUAL SILVER BALL GALA CELEBRATES

a

CELTIC Calling

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK, TORONTO With a $1 million fundraising goal in one night, this celebration is about the courageous patients of Providence Healthcare and the confidence built by our dedicated staff throughout their recovery journey.

Our 800 VIP guests will be immersed in a Celtic festival from the moment of arrival until bidding goodnight. A cocktail reception will be followed by a delightful three-course feast.

Evening performances include the Highland Creek Pipe Band, Elevation, Ugly Horse Folk Trio, Ireland's leading classical composer Odhrán Ó Casaide, and featuring Universal Music's newest recording artist, Sibéal Ní Chasaide.

TICKETS: $600 TABLE SPONSORSHIPS : $10,000- $25,000 To secure your seat or for more info, please contact: Stephanie Mann Tel: 416-285-3666 x. 4032 Email: SMann@providence.on.ca www.providence.on.ca/foundation

In support of

Nathan Carter F

resh from the Emerald Isle with a big smile, an even bigger heart and the ambition to take on the world, Nathan Carter has just finished his first North American tour and he’s set a course for himself, guided by many of the greats who have come before him. While already a star in Ireland and attributed with a large contribution to the rebirth of the country music scene there, Nathan, like other notable Irish singers before him like Daniel O’Donnell, is fully determined to make a name for himself on the continent where the music he loves to play originated.

The 20-something singer sprang into the Irish limelight with his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Wagon Wheel” and now boasts three number-one albums, two numberone singles, and two number-one live performance DVDs. But a quick look at YouTube and you’ll find his success has been hard-earned in stadiums and theatres across the United Kingdom. Hundreds of fan videos pop up featuring the smiling front man playing accordion, piano, guitar and singing his heart out. His early success, though it may look easy, is an indicator of the determination and ambition behind that easy grin. What Nathan accomplished by age 16 might have been enough for some, but his sights were set on something bigger. And it’s 6

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

all the more charming to know his first big fan was his Gran, who drove him him from club to club, from Liverpool to Birmingham, to London, to Donegal... even parts of his own life start to sound like a country song.

Looking back, Nathan was likely never to escape his destiny. From age four, Nathan was picking up instruments, starting with the accordion, and by 12 years old he was playing in the Liverpool Ceili Band. He grew up in a house where Country and Western’s favourite sons and daughters (Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Don Williams and the great Johnny Cash) formed a large part of a musical education that wove American musical influences into Irish roots.

The first break came when Northern Irish songwriter, John Farry, took note of Nathan at a show and, with gran’s continued support in merchandising, began to book shows and put a band together. The second break was Nathan’s release of the Dylan cover “Wagon Wheel” which put him directly into the spotlight of the Irish media. With “Wagon Wheel” his days of earning one fan at a time were replaced by a rush of new opportunities, larger venues, two more number one albums, a record deal and all the television and radio coverage that comes with being “discovered”—even a Christmas special.

By 25, Nathan Carter had become a household name in Ireland and his music out-performed international superstars like Drake and Beyonce.

For a talented Irish lad, who “just loves gigging” as he says, Ireland’s number one spot might have been the ultimate goal but for this one, he’s still striving.

There is something about playing and finding the same in North America that he has found in Ireland that drives Nathan forward. It might be partly to do with tradition—he is following in the footsteps of many great Irish musicians before him, and this is the hallowed ground of the artists who came before Nathan and who set the standard for country music time and time again. He had a taste of what it will be like, performing on this side of the pond to an audience chanting his name during his 11city North American tour this September, and the standing ovations and wild applause are a good clue that this is one to watch and not to miss on his next trip here.

This is an artist that is on the rise and while he might be headed “home to Donegal” next week, it won’t be long before he returns.

To keep posted on Nathan Carter news, visit nathancartermusic.com

Photo Credit: Paul Canning Photography

Chieftains The

By Gerry Grennan

O

n August 27th the Toronto Chieftains Gaelic Football Team concluded a very successful season by participating in the Toronto GAA’s Championship Sunday agenda. Boys and girls from our U12 and U14 age brackets formed 2 mixed teams and played an exhibition game before the assembled GAA fans.

The children were positioned beautifully on the card that day. Playing right after the exciting women’s final and right before the men’s; the kids were able to see Toronto football at its’ best. They now have something to aspire to and based on the kid’s performance that day; the senior clubs may be looking to start a draft program. It was a wonderful experience all. The Toronto board had secured a bagpiper to march them out onto the pitch in front of the viewing audience. It was generous of the board and the kids were just eating it up. They really felt welcomed as members of the GAA community.

It was a championship Sunday and the Chieftains had truly earned a place there. The kids had recently returned from competing in the Continental Youth Competition (CYC). In late July, the Toronto Chieftains

Morley’s meet

I

and the Ottawa Gaels pooled their resources in a display of Canadian unity and we entered 6 teams (From u8 to u14, boys and girls) in a North American wide tournament that had 2200 children participating in it.

There was a NY team there that had just won the most prestigious U12 tournament in Ireland!

Our kids carried themselves tremendously well. Four of our six teams came home with hardware and as for the 2 teams that came home empty handed: it was because they did so well in the early rounds that they went into the high brackets to compete against the tournaments best. In a few years, people will be talking about Canadian GAA as being part of the tournament’s best.

But the football is over for this year. Fundraising for the 2017 season will be starting in November and our recruiting drive will begin early in the new year. It’s not on the calendar yet, but we may manage to fit a Christmas

party there in between. If you or anyone you know would like to be part of some, or all of the Chieftains program we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us at chieftains@live.ca

Nathan

t was a fabulous show. Nathan and Chloe were amazing. He’s the ultimate showman, kept us all entertained with his great vocals, and wonderful musicianship on both the accordion and piano. My favourite was his rendition of Caledonia - spine tingling!

L-R - Yvonne, Nathan, Kathleen (mom), Lorraine (sister), Mark O’Brien (Host of Ceol Agus Craic and my sisters fiancé) CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

7

Our Trip to

Ireland!

By Pat Foran

O

ne of my favourite vacations was a 10 day trip to Ireland eight years ago. Zipping around in a rental car from Dublin, to Belfast to Galway. Stopping in the picturesque town of Boyle, the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and a two night stay in The Lake Hotel in Killarney wrapped up a wonderful holiday. The landscapes, friendly people and “craic” (good times) helped make it a trip my wife Carole and I will always remember.

My Irish roots go back to the potato famine and while both my father and mother’s families come from Ireland we have been able to trace my father’s family to Castlegregory, in County Kerry. Our daughter Vanessa attends the University of Ottawa and decided to try out to be the Ottawa Rose for the popular Rose of Tralee Festival, one of the oldest festivals in Ireland

8

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

celebrating the modern Irish woman. Women with Irish roots from around the world are eligible to take part. When our daughter was selected to be the Ottawa Rose, representing Canada’s capital, we knew we needed to make another trip.

This time we decided to make it another 10 day adventure taking along our youngest daughter Sarah. Our daughter Vanessa, the Ottawa Rose decided to use the occasion to spend one month backpacking around Ireland before and after her time at the Rose of Tralee Festival. We flew into Dublin and spent time at the beautiful Trinity College. We also visited Cork a vibrant city with great energy, food and music. We are amazed how within hours of touching down in Ireland you’re able to have meaningful, lively conversations with people in a pub, a grocery store or on the street. The Irish love to talk and it’s like connecting with old friends you just haven’t met yet!

Sarah was in charge of a portion of the trip making sure we kissed the Blarney Stone, saw castles and took a horse drawn tour through the Gap of Dunloe, one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Then we were off to Tralee for the festival, the primary purpose of our trip. The Rose of Tralee Festival was a much bigger deal then we had expected. There are visitors from around the world, parades, fireworks, galas,

and plenty of music and dancing. The Rose Ball was an amazing night of fantastic fun.

Although when we went to bed at 2 in the morning someone remarked “So you went to bed early.” In Ireland the pubs stay open “till late” as there is no official closing time.

Vanessa had a great time representing Ottawa as a Rose and made many lifelong friends from around the world. I would recommend a trip to Ireland and would say even if you don’t have a family member in the Rose of Tralee Festival it’s a great time to go for a wonderful celebration of Irish culture. Just be prepared to stay up late and if you decide to drive remember, you’re on the other side of the road, there is little room for error on narrow streets and highways and you may have to stop occasionally to let sheep cross in front of you! For our family it was another fantastic holiday with memories that will last a lifetime.

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

9

St. Pat’s

San Francisco Treat!

By Yvonne Morley

T

he St. Pat’s Ladies finished off

unseat the champions, who would go on to

a successful 2017 season with

win the Toronto GAA Championship for

a sensational win at the USGAA finals in San Francisco. The victory

the third year in a row.

This set up the Shield final pairing with

bookended a successful year for the Ladies

Roger Casements. In what was an epic tie,

team, who started off the season with

the final was decided by the last kick of

a historic double win at the Montreal

the game. A heartbreaker for St. Pats, but

Shamrocks’ annual 9-a-side tournament.

jubilation for Roger Casements. The ladies

brightly with a win over eventual

quickly put this disappointment behind

Championship runners-up St. Vincent’s,

The ladies had some hard fought battles

international final!!

The men’s team started the season

them as they packed

followed by a narrow loss in extra-time in

their bags to head off

the final of the Montreal tournament. A

to the USGAA Finals,

series of injuries hampered their progress

which this year were

in the 2017 Toronto GAA Championship,

taking place in sunny

however, with several new faces joining this

San Francisco. It was the

year, the future looks bright for the team.

2018 will be a landmark year for St. first time St. Pats had

Pats as they look forward to celebrating

taken part in this annual

their 50th Anniversary. The event will

competition, and they

be celebrated on Saturday, May 12 at Le

were optimistic about

Treport Banquet Hall. The club would

back in Toronto which saw them qualify

leaving their mark, be it on the field, or in

like to extend an invitation to all former

for the Senior Championship Semi-Final

one of the local establishments! Many of

members and friends who would like to

after knocking out a valiant Ottawa Gaels

the players were playing both football and

join us in this celebration.

side, who had defeated the Pats in the

camogie, so it was a jam packed schedule

Shield Final in 2016. Next up were the

in 35 degree heat. The ladies played 3

the 50th Anniversary or to join our

reigning Championship and League title

games on the final day of the tournament

club, please contact us at

holders, St. Mikes. The girls played their

to secure their historic win over the

stpatstoronto@gmail.com or visit our

hearts out, but it was a bridge too far to

Cayman Islands in the Shield Final. A truly

website: www.stpatsgfctoronto.com.

10

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

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11

Current Market Conditions and

Fall Predictions

By Rory O’Donovan

I

t’s been five months now since the government announced the ‘Fair Housing Plan’ and we have certainly seen changes in some markets. The reaction that followed the announcement was psychologically driven. Buyers through uncertainty thinking they were then purchasing close to the top of the market deciding to take a step back and also sellers seeing such price gains in previous months, close to 33%, deciding to cash out resulting in increase inventory. This couples with a typical spring market sparked the beginning of the transition into slightly more balanced markets. I say markets because Toronto and the GTA is made up of number of localized sub markets.

As the past five months have come and gone some news headlines would give a reader the impression that the market

12

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

dropped significantly and that it wasn’t doing so good. The market statistics and numbers that have been published are correct but they are too general and require further analysis.

These statistics look at Toronto and the GTA as a whole and include all home types to establish a general year over year percent change average. The true accurate numbers are found in each individual area, and the supply and demand levels in those particular areas for each particular home type.

Location, location, location comes to mind. And what makes a great location is economic fundamentals. Proximity to transit, commerce, schools, hospitals, entertainment, parks etc. Sought after area of the city of Toronto tend to hold their value. The fundamentals are in place so the demand remains strong. More desirable neighbourhoods tend to have less inventory which in turn drives up the price. With that also though, there is a point at which it become unaffordable for most and the number of qualified buyers is reduced resulting in a more moderate price growth.

Todays market sees most activity between $300,000 and $1,000,000 for all property types.

The low rise market in Toronto due to supply and demand in general has pushed prices well above $1,000,000 in more sought after neighbourhoods resulting in more buyers shifting their

attention to condos. The condo market has been seeing an increased in demand due to affordability so the condo market will continue to see further price growth going forward. Buyers are also most active at these price points considering properties sold for under one million allow for a downpayment less that 20% making it more affordable to get in to the market.

Currently we are experiencing a much healthier market. Five to six months of inventory is regarded as a balanced market.

Inventory levels vary throughout the city, some areas are seeing closer to four months while other area are seeing closer to one or two months . Under five months indicates it’s still a sellers market but areas with closer to five months are becoming much more balanced markets. Three to four months of inventory is a healthy market because its close to balance but also just under allowing for more moderate growth and appreciation, keeping above inflation.

Heading into the fall market a further increase of inventory should be expected.

This inventory would be your typical fall market but also properties being re-listed that did not sell during the spring/summer due to buyer uncertainty. The question is will those buyers come back into the market to buy up that inventory in the fall and if so this could lead to prices increase again.

At this point the dust has well settled after the announcement of the “Fair Housing Plan” so buyers & sellers have had time to process and adjust to the market. Since the announcements there has been two slight increases in mortgage interest rates.

Increasing rates is a good idea to try and create a bit more stability in the market going forward. In general though the increases are still relatively low. Bank of Canada Qualifying Rate is 4.84% and Prime Rate is 3.2%. These slight increases may not have too much of an impact or effects on buyers decisions or affordability.!

2017 Eastern Canadian

GAA Championship S

ince 2014, GAA clubs from

were sailing through

Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and the

the uprights and

Atlantic provinces have had the

sliotars were being

opportunity and privilege of being a part

pucked across

of the Canadian GAA’s newest division: the

the field. By the

Eastern Canada GAA (ECGAA).

time the last game

This year, Canada’s 150th coincides

had been played

with the ECGAA’s 4th annual Divisional

(33 in total), the

Championship and this event was

players were spent,

appropriately held in the nation’s capital the

somewhat sunburnt,

weekend of September 1-3, 2017. Hosted at

and for some,

Twin Elm Park by the Ottawa Gaels GAA

the recipients of

and Eire Og Ottawa Hurling Club, the

a championship

tournament drew 150 senior players from

cup. On the

volunteers at the club, division, county, and

six ECGAA clubs to Ottawa to compete in

neighbouring fields, the youth players spent

provincial level. Notably, the ECGAA was

a brilliant showcase of Men’s and Ladies’

the morning playing competitive football.

extremely fortunate to have qualified officials

Gaelic Football and Hurling. This milestone

Afterwards the youth and their families

in attendance to referee the day’s matches.

event also included a youth tournament of

devoted an afternoon to watching the seniors

The following officials, Colm McDonald

60 young footballers between the ages of 5

play on, cheering on their favourite squads.

(Ulster GAA), Mel Kenny (LGFA), Sean Egan

and 15, the first divisional youth tournament since the inception of the ECGAA. Teams from Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, P.E.I, and Halifax began battling it

At the end of the day the winning teams

(Toronto GAA Chair), and Jimmy Doyle

were presented their cups and shields, and

(Western CGAA Chair) were invaluable in

with their final burst of strength, hoisted

keeping the games, disciplined, fair, and with

them over their heads to loud cheers. The

the help of our Jarlath Connaughton, Chief

ladies senior football final was captured

Competition Officer (mostly) on-time.

The ECGAA also extends its thanks to

by the Ottawa

Irish ambassador Jim Kelly and his wife

Gaels for the third

Ann, for opening their residence to players,

year in a row. The

coaches, officials and other dignitaries for

Ottawa Gaels junior

a brilliant welcome reception on the Friday

squad was just as

night. Other weekend social events included

formidable, winning

a fabulous awards banquet at St Brigid’s

the junior ladies

Centre for the Arts. Sunday morning had

football shield. On

players gathering for an exclusive breakfast

the men’s football

and viewing of the All -Ireland Hurling Final

side, the Montreal

at the Heart and Crown Irish Pub in Ottawa’s

Shamrocks took

Byward Market.

home the senior cup

It’s safe to say that this year’s Eastern

out on the senior pitch early on Saturday

as well as the top spot for hurling. The men’s

Canada GAA championship is the new

morning. The day was hot, sunny, and

junior shield was won by the Halifax Gaels.

benchmark for the division. We are looking

This wonderful event could not have

forward to the 2018 ECGAA championships

cloudless; a perfect setting for a day of Gaelic Games. Everywhere one looked, footballs

occurred without the tireless assistance of

in P.E.I.!

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

13

4 Steps to LOWER the Cost of HIGHER Education

By Colin Barry

M

ore than ever, the job market requires advanced degrees and specialized skills. According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 75% of new jobs need a post-secondary education . Also, graduates earn 50% more than other full-time workers who do not have a degree . But the cost of education continues to escalate. Now, more than ever, families need a plan to afford the cost of higher education.

The following is a short summary of a presentation that I give to families that want to stretch their education dollars. I’ve boiled down the key steps from the two-hour session for you, the Celtic Canada reader.

Saving (age 0 to 17) The cost of post-secondary education is too high for most families to pay for the costs as they take place. They need to save up for it.

Here are the steps required to get a plan in place to save for education: • Start with a rough idea of the costs TODAY • Estimate how much it will cost in the FUTURE • Estimate how much you will need to SAVE • Start saving early in an RESP to SPEND LESS A good starting point is to look up current education costs online. Some provinces even pull this data together for you in an online database.

Estimating the costs in the future is a bit tougher. I recently studied the tuition cost of an Arts and Science program in Ontario. I found that tuition costs have increased by 40% from 2006 to 2014. That is a growth rate of 4% per year. Living expenses generally increase with inflation.

Use a financial calculator to calculate the required savings. It is not uncommon to see required savings of over $100,000 for tuition and living expenses for a four year university program in the future.

There is a very useful tool available to Canadian families to save for education – a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). It is important to start an RESP early, as soon as a child has a SIN. That way you take most advantage of the tax deferred growth and the grant that is available from the government.

Speak to a Certified Financial Planner about how to make the most of an RESP so that you save more and spend less.

This is also a time when student get access to credit in many forms. A little lack of discipline can end up in high credit card debts and student loan debt.

Tuition Tax Credits reduce income tax for the student, or the parents. The rules on how to use them are complex and many families struggle to use them effectively. Be sure to get professional tax advice to maximize the credits available to you.

Selecting (age 17)

Succeeding (age 22+)

Selecting the right program is critical to managing the costs of education. It is particularly difficult for a young adult to make this choice at a young age and when the stakes are so high. The costs of a poor program choice are: lost tuition, lost time, and lost income.

Understanding costs is key to the selection process. Program costs vary widely across schools and academic disciplines. The location of the school greatly influences travel and living expenses.

When expenses are greater than the ability to fund them it results in high debts and/or premature drop out. So it is important to add up the expected costs and compare them with the plan to fund those costs. Budget worksheets are available to help with this process.

A budget worksheet can quickly tell you if you will need financial aid. There are many local, provincial and federal financial aid programs to use. The Council of Ontario Universities says that 60% of university students receive provincial financial aid. Again, understanding your ability to access these programs is an important step in making a selection. It may be easier to access than you think.

The last step in the journey to spend less on education happens when the student graduates.

This is where the investment in education starts to pay off, where potential converts to success.

Like before, make a spending plan based on your income available. This will reduce the risk of “lifestyle inflation”. That is where new income allows for more lavish living without concern for future goals or paying off debt. The average debt of Ontario graduates in 2012 was over $22,000 . Without a plan to manage this debt the young adult will struggle to deal with the debt and the stress that comes with it.

There may be a need to wind-up the almostdepleted RESP. Ideally, plan for the RESP to be completely used while the student is in school to minimize income tax. If there is excess, it can be rolled over to subscriber’s RRSP, if there is room available.

Studying (age 18 to 22) Once the selection is made, there are a lot of expenses to pay for, and money to spend. For many students this is the first time that they are responsible for a large amount of money. It can be a real test of their abilities to manage their income and expenses. Again, the budget worksheet can help student and parents manage their expenses.

(905) 829-0094 www.colinbarry.ca 14

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Conclusion This highlights some of the key ideas to LOWER the cost of HIGHER education. Postsecondary education is critical to the success of future Canadians, but it is getting more and more expensive. The right plan makes sure that you are able to afford the necessary education.

If you would like a copy of the presentation, please contact me.

About Colin Barry – Canfin Financial Group Colin Barry is a Certified Financial Planner who works with families and small businesses to plan their finances and make the most of what they have. Visit www.colinbarry.ca for more information. Fee for service financial planning and investments provided through Canfin Magellan Investments Inc. Insurance provided through Canfin Capital Group Inc. 1. L ooking ahead; A 10-Year Outlook for the Canadian Labour Market 2008-2017, HRSDC 2. Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), Back to School Quick Facts, July 2014 3. N ational Post, May 30, 2016. As student debt climbs to an average past $25K, schools invest …

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

15

The Ireland-Canada

political and trading relationship has never been stronger.

By Philip Callan

I

n the last number of months,

Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Ireland

Irish economy since the recession. Over

there has been visits from former

Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto

the last two years Ireland has been one of

and the Ireland Funds Canada.

the fastest growing economies in Europe,

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister Eoghan Murphy, Minister Simon Coveney,

The breakfast focused on the

with GDP growing by 5.1% in 2016, and

Minister Pat Breen and in June, an

increasingly strong business, political and

forecast to grow by 4.3% this year. At 6.4%,

Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Canada

social ties between Ireland and Canada.

unemployment is now back to levels last

led by Minister Seán Canney, in which over

The new Taoiseach referenced the visit

seen in 2008.

20 Irish companies participated. In July,

of former Taoiseach, John A. Costello, and

The Taoiseach focused on the strong

Prime Minister Trudeau visited Ireland for

his announcement on that visit to Canada

export-led recovery, which depends heavily

two days and participated in an Enterprise

that Ireland would formally become a

on the export performance of Enterprise

Ireland roundtable discussion along with

Republic.

Ireland client companies. Enterprise

Ambassador Kelly and Ambassador Vickers,

The Taoiseach noted the warm bilateral

Ireland client exports reached €21.6bn

along with leading members of Irish and

relationship which has developed between

euro or $32bn Canadian dollars in 2016,

Canadian business associations.

Ireland and Canada, as seen by the three

growing by more than 6% year on year.

Enterprise Ireland client company exports to Canada reached a record level last year, at €282m ($450m Canadian), which was a 7.3% increase on 2015.

Canada is Enterprise Ireland’s 10th largest market (and is the largest indigenous export market outside the EU, USA and China). More than 400 Enterprise Ireland client companies are doing business in Canada with a significant number having local presences, employing some 6000 people across Canada. Leading sectors include Financial services /Fintech and Software Telecoms and Internet of Things (IoT), Natural Resources,

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Enterprise Ireland co-hosted Business Breakfast in downtown Toronto

Construction, Digital Media, Content and Gaming, Education and E-Learning, Agritech/Engineering, Lifesciences and

In late August, the new Taoiseach, Leo

bi-lateral meetings between Taoisigh Kenny

Digital Health and Consumer Retail.

Varadkar, visited Canada in a further

& Varadkar and Prime Minister Trudeau

sign of the strengthening cross-Atlantic

in the last six months. The Taoiseach said

forklift manufacturers like Combilift and

relationship. An Taoiseach, along with

that both himself and Trudeau ‘are both

FX Service providers like Fexco, to retail

marching alongside Prime Minister

convinced that this is a genuine moment of

technology firms such as OnePosting &

Trudeau at the Montreal Pride Parade,

opportunity for our two countries.’

Ezora and construction firms like APA

also gave the keynote address at a Business

Trading and business links were the

Breakfast at One King West, in downtown

main theme of the breakfast, and the

Toronto. The breakfast was co-hosted by

Taoiseach noted the strong recovery of the

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

These companies range from specialist

Systems and Carey Glass.

In some industries, Irish-Canadian collaboration is producing some game-

changing projects. At the Toronto

addition, Irish firms will be able to tender

3,100 people in Ireland. The recent

International Film Festival this year, Irish

for public works contracts across Canada.

announcement of the Toronto Dominion

Animation firm Cartoon Saloon and

He noted some specific applications of the

(TD) bank to establish a presence in

Canadian production company Aircraft

new agreement, which include more than

Dublin is a concrete example of this strong

Pictures premiered their co-production

98% of the tariff barriers to trade between

investment.

‘The Breadwinner’. Executive produced by

Canada and the EU, including Ireland,

Angelina Jolie, the film is an example of the

being removed and that, for the first time,

would be doubling the ‘Team Ireland’

strong co-operation between the animation

both markets’ procurement systems will be

footprint overseas by 2025. This will

and film production sectors in Ireland and

opened to each other, regulatory barriers

include augmented diplomatic missions

Canada, and the film is predicted to be in

will be eased and market access rules will

and increased resources for state bodies

contention for the Oscars later this year.

be made more transparent. Remarking on

such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland,

The Taoiseach announced that Ireland

Noting the potential impacts of Brexit

these changes, the Taoiseach said that ‘this

Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia. This

for Irish exporters, the Taoiseach remarked

will help unlock the enormous untapped

increased presence will be known as

that it was now more important then ever

potential for greater trade and investment

‘Ireland’s Global Footprint 2025’ and will

for Irish firms to develop relationships and

between Ireland and Canada.’

lead to ‘greater investment, tourism and

business partners in global markets, and Canada was a prime example of this.

The Taoiseach went on to speak about

In a nod to the attendance of IDA Ireland at the event, the Taoiseach noted that Canadian investment in Ireland is

trade; stronger links with our diaspora and increased cultural exchange.’

Concluding the breakfast, he urged the

the upcoming trade agreement between

estimated today at $14 billion (Canadian)

audience to ‘join us in building stronger

the EU and Canada. The ‘Comprehensive

dollars. Foreign Direct Investment from

business and trade links between our

Economic and Trade Agreement’ (CETA)

Canada to Ireland has been buoyant in

countries, which will enhance the success

will provide tariff free access for Irish and

recent years and at the end of 2016, IDA

and prosperity of the Irish and Canadian

European businesses and vice versa for

Ireland had 28 Canadian companies

peoples.’

their Canadian counterparts into the EU. In

in its client portfolio, employing over

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

17

What I did on my

Summer Vacation

By Kevin Murphy

I

remember back in elementary school one of our first assignments of the year was an essay describing what we each of us did over the summer. So, here is what the Montreal Irish community did on our summer vacation.

People outside the Irish community always seem surprised when they hear the community taking part in events or activities that aren’t on St Patrick’s Day when in fact the community is active throughout the year. Most organizations wind down for the summer but it seems we take advantage of the beautiful Montreal weather to get together more than ever.

Each summer starts with the Annual Walk to the Stone. This Walk, or pilgrimage, held on the last Sunday in May is said to have started over 150 years ago where members of the Montreal Irish community would walk from their local parish to the Stone in remembrance of the more than 6000 Irish immigrants who died on the shores of Montreal.It is also an opportunity to remember and thank the many locals who helped our forefathers in a time of absolute despair. These locals included then Mayor John Easton Mills who would walk down to the fever sheds after completing his civic duties to assist in caring for the sick and dying. After spending many weeks helping throughout the nights he himself was stricken with the deadly disease and succumbed to it in the fall. This Walk is such an important event to the community it is widely supported and attended.

This year’s Walk was especially important as we learned Hydro Quebec had recently made an offer on the land earmarked by the community for a proper park and memorial to the events of 1847-48, much like was done in Toronto, New York, Vancouver and many

Comedy night. Photo credit Kevin Murphy 18

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

other places. The Rock was the first memorial to the Famine anywhere in the world but the years have transformed the area where it is located into a most desolate place. In one of history’s ironic twists Hydro Quebec intends to use the land to build an electrical transfer station to, in part, power the every growing Griffintown district. A district that once was the heart of the Montreal Irish community where families lived in squalor is now the trendiest district in Montreal. Unfortunately, the sale of the land could not be stopped but in a positive turn one of the President’s of Hydro Quebec, Marc Boucher, informed the community only a portion of the land would be used for their needs and that they are committed to working with the Irish community to make the memorial happen. As a show of support Marc Boucher and many local politicians who long pledged their support to this project, including Member of Parliament for Montreal Marc Miller and Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, walked with the Irish community.

All have committed to a working group that would be inclusive of the entire Montreal Irish community to ensure this project would become a reality. I trust the leaders of our community working together with both Hydro Quebec & all parties and I am certain of a positive outcome for all.

The following month the Montreal Irish community got together as we usually do at the beginning of the summer at the Irish Embassy pub . This kick off to summer is a last chance for many to see each other before we go our separate ways for the next couple of months.

That’s the theory anyhow.

A few days later we got together once again, this time to walk in Montreal’s Canada Day parade. This is always a humbling experience as we do not participate with a float, with dancers or anything special really. We arrive just with our colour party, including the Irish flag, and a simple sign identifying us as the Montreal Irish community. We walk together not as the 20 different

Canada Day. Irish organizations in Photo credit Kevin Murphy Montreal but simply as one group. Nothing spectacular. The cheers and applause we receive from the ethnically diverse crowd who appreciate our community, what it has done and continues to do for the city makes your heart swell.

Many years ago Father Tom McEntee had the idea that he wanted to provide past and current residents of Griffintown and their families an open air mass in part to remember their former parish of St Ann’s. This beloved church was the centre of Griffintown in many aspects. Many of its former parishioners continue to lament the circumstances of the church’s closure and subsequent demolition.

On July 26th Father McEntee’s “Mass in the Park” in the ruins of St Ann’s Parish to celebrate the Feast of St Ann was held once again with a great turnout.

For a community that says they take the summer off after a very busy “Irish Season” the weekend of August 19 - 20th was incredibly busy. Several members of the community took the opportunity to make the annual pilgrimage to Grosse-Ile and the Irish Memorial. As a quarantine station from 1832 to 1937 Grosse Ile served as the entry point for immigrants arriving in Canada. In 1909 a 46 foot celtic cross was erected on the highest point of the island to commemorate the immense loss of life. Since then the site has been named a

20th party. Photo credit Kevin Murphy National Historic Site and is operated by Parks Canada to help inform Canadians of this important part of our history. All who have embarked on this annual pilgrimage return describing it as both emotional and a must.

This year was no different.

For those who stayed behind including some members of the “Big Three” organizations, the United Irish Societies, Erin Sports Association and the St Patrick’s Society, were invited to a special reception at McKibbin’s Irish pub to assist in their 20th anniversary celebration. This was a great evening which was topped with a very special guest, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Kevin Vickers.

Later that same evening a comedy night fundraiser was held to benefit St Gabriel’s Parish and Montreal St Patrick’s Parade. The line-up of comedians was impressive including the well known Joey Elias and our very own Patricia Mulqueen. This event raised over $3300 for the community well down to the organizers.

The next morning leaders of the Montreal Irish community were fortunate to have the opportunity to briefly meet Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The second Taoiseach to visit Montreal this year. An article detailing Taoiseach Kenny’s visit to Montreal can be found in the previous issue of Celtic Canada.

Taoiseach Varadkar spent a great deal of time with each individual listening and trying to truly understand what each person’s role and functions were in the Irish community. Not surprisingly he was very well informed on Montreal’s Black Rock project and Ireland’s need for a skating rink for the Flying Ducks and many other ice hockey organizations.

Taoiseach Varadkar was quickly rushed off to Toronto for meetings and receptions in much the same way Taoiseach Kenny was earlier this

year. Hopefully the next time a Taoiseach arrives on our shores the greater community will have time to meet him/ her.

Of course many other events took place these last few Taoiseach visit. months but they are too Photo credit Kevin Murphy numerous to mention.

So much for taking the summer off from Irish activities!

With all things the summer has come to an end. But as they say each end is a new beginning. This new beginning started with the first General Meeting of the United Irish Societies of Montreal in preparation of Montreal’s 195th St Patrick’s Parade. They promise to once again to prove why they are amongst the best parades in the world. The parade date has been announced to be on March 18, 2018. A fantastic piece of news is that none of the major parades in Quebec and Ontario will conflict with one another. More on this in the next issue.

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celticcanada.com/celtic-maple-leaf-collection/ CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

19

50th Anniversary of the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto

By Pat Canavan

W

ell what a party we had in Toronto on September 10th celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto at the LIUNA Local 183 Gerry Gallagher hall.

Well over 700 people came out for an afternoon of fun with a show provided by many Irish entertainers, all volunteering their time.

The show was opened by the Irish Choral Society under the baton of Sinead Sugrue.

What a concert they gave us. We look

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

forward to their next performance.

We had a preview of the next play of the Toronto Irish Players, The Veil, which opens on Sept 21st at the Alumnae Theatre. It looks like another smash hit for them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who put in the time an effort to make this a great day for all to enjoy. Without them we would not be able to put on these events.

The Wild Geese from Brampton put on a great show and where then joined by Bob Sharpe and John O’Neill to put on another great performance of ballad music.

Eithne Heffernan again shined as she played her harp and sang more traditional songs.

The Chris Langan Irish Music Association, together with Maureen Mulvey calling out a few sets of old time music, soon got everyone up to dance to the Siege of Ennis set piece.

Great fun had by all.

Irish comedy was supplied by Teige Reid great show.

Hugo had everyone up on their feet dancing to the slosh and singing along

to some of the oldies. He closed off the afternoon with his rendition of Joe Dolan, the role he played in the latest TIP play The Night Joe Dolan Car Broke down... Thanks Hugo.

I would like to thank Pat Foran from CTV for taking on the role of emcee for the afternoon. Pat travelled to Tralee this year with his daughter who was the Ottawa Rose of Tralee. Thank you Pat for volunteering your time and expertise.

In closing, I would just like to thank all of those who came out for the event.

Slan Patrick Canavan President Irish Culture Society of Toronto

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

21

Tim “The Irish” Cronin and His Journey to Becoming Canadian Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

By Paul Junior Reynolds

I

n 1997 a young teenager named Tim Cronin whose grandfather came from Cork joined the Belleville Boxing club and learned the craft of boxing under the watchful eye of the club founder Mel Trenholm and coaches Jack Ireland and Dominic De Gasio all of whom were great trainers and mentors. To say Tim liked the sport is an understatement, he embraced it with a passion and focus.

Tim grew up admiring the famous Shawn O Sullivan who he later met in 2015 and what a moment that was stating “Shawn inspired me and many others across Canada that goals in life can be achieved if one puts in the hard training and makes the effort ”. Tim’s parents Gayle and Doug instilled the same values in him noting that the world is his oyster and he could achieve his goals in life if he had strong foundations and this he did with great passion.

After years as an amateur boxer Tim moved to Toronto and joined the Cabbagetown Boxing club where he turned pro in 2012. Tim further crafted his boxing skills under the guidance of the famous Canadian coach and trainer Pete Wiley and Jonny Kalbhenn who he owe’s so much to.

To become a champion one has to train at an elite level and Tim had the privilege to train, spar and be in the company of some of Canadas boxing greats, Now Retired Canadian heavyweight Neven Pajkic, George Louis Chuvalo, Egerton Marcus, Milsos Pantelic, Ned Simmons, Carlos Varella Sr. Trainer to the Nicaraguan the triple world champion Alexis Arguello and of course the famous Razor Ruddock to name but a few.

In the last three years Gary Freedman has sponsored the St Patrick’s Day parade and its been a highlight for Tim to be part of the country’s largest Irish event.

4th April 2017 Tim “The Irish” Cronin being victorious over Nathan “Timberwolf” Miller.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Lockhart

In his lead up to becoming the Canadian Champion he had the privilege to fight against some great boxers like, Francois Melville, Guillermo “Vampiro” Herrera, Kristof Demendi, Travis Connors, Jay

L to R, Ron Sanderson Liveco Promotions, Ryan Grant, Tim “The Irish” Cronin, Gary Freedman Manager, Carlos Varella Jr. and Lance “ The Cutman” Campbell.

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Sadly in 2015 Tim’s father Doug passed away coming as a severe blow to the family and just before his fight with Jay Alexander. Tim won the fight and what a battle that was stating after the fight “Dad this is for you” as I know you are looking down on me as a proud dad. Over the years Tim had great support from the Irish Francois Melville and Tim in 2015 community and stated it is always a great boost On the 4th April this year in the Royal walking into a packed 5000 seater stadium York Hotel beamed worldwide Tim “The and seeing the Irish flags and members of Irish Cronin” faced Nathan “Timberwolf ” The Cork association in the stands cheering Miller who traveled all the way from him on.

Moncton New Brunswick in what was to Over the years Tim has been be an eight round battle of champions with very lucky and he accredits this to Tim being victorious and becoming the new rigid training with top class coaches, Canadian Lightweight heavyweight Boxing surrounded with good people starting Champion. Tim dedicated his win to his with his manager Gary Freedman who family, his entire team over the years, his fans has been with him from day one, a for all the support and his soul mate and great guy and a close friend, followed girlfriend Kahla Philips who had been with by the people in his corner, Ryan Grant Tim on his journey to becoming Canadian trainer and mentor, Kevin Kempcke, champion.

Almaz Dosmatoc, Lanze “ The Cutman” Tim’s Record to date is One loss on a split Campbell Tim’s sister Tracy who looks decision 1 draw and 11 straight wins. after his PR, his coach Carlos Varella Jr, In the last few years boxing has taken Stephaine Boyd former Middleweight off in Canada with some great pro fighters Canadian Champion a friend and like Josh “The Dub” O Reilly, and “Irish” mentor of course Alan ( Tim‘s Lucky Cam O’ Connell and Stephen O Keefe a Charm) Louthe who has led him into young amateur boxer from Cork and Jack the ring over the years with lots of hype, Hemmings. Going forward later this year fanfare, bagpipes and eight Irish flags Tim will defend his title and with a bit of including the Cork flag that has caught luck and careful planning with his team a the eye of fans worldwide. major fight in the USA.

Shawn O’ Sullivan and Tim Cronin two great champions finally meet in 2015.

Photo courtesy of Michael Delaney

Alexander all of whom he has great admiration for both in and outside of the ring. Tim stated that to lace on a pair of boxing gloves and step in to a ring facing ones opponent takes real courage, determination and true grit.

L to R, Tracy Cronin, Jenn Quigley, Alan Louthe, CMYK.pdf Tim Cronin, ICC GaryAd_DSlowey Freedman, Broker April Meeks

1

15-02-16

3:35 PM

Photo courtesy of Michael Delaney

Working with the Irish Communitiy, both new and established, to find value and security in their new Toronto home.

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dslowey.com • home@dslowey.com

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

23

10 Things to Do in

Dingle

A

little dream world, Dingle town is a hub of literary and creative culture. Music plays long into the night, and festivals can be found along its winding roads. With the watchful gaze of the Blasket Islands, wander ruined cottages; take in dramatic views from Slea Head; discover the stories; and taste its famous seafood cuisine. Here’s 10 things not to miss when on a visit to Dingle!

Gregory Peck Award. This year the film Ryan’s Daughter will open proceedings on St. Patrick’s Day, while a David Lean retrospective will also feature.

Fancy a sup of the Wild Atlantic Way? Well, what better way to raise your spirits than with a visit to Dingle Distillery, the first purpose-built distillery for a new whiskey in Ireland in over 200 years. It may not be possible to bottle the Kerry landscape, but these spirits definitely come close.

1. Learn to Speak Irish!

Dingle is Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht town and thousands speak Gaeilge – Irish – as their first language. But you won’t feel out of place. The people of Kerry welcome you: they’ll tell you “Fáilte romhat isteach – you’re most welcome here”. Meeting the locals in the pub you learn your very own ‘cúpla focáil’ (couple of words) in Irish to take home. Spend an enjoyable hour learning to speak a couple of Irish phrases with a native speaker in the heart of Dingle Gaelthacht at the Diseart Cultural centre.

3. Fungi the dolphin Fungi is Dingle’s most famous personality.

He is a mature male bottle-nosed dolphin who made the town his home over a quarter of a century ago. He thrives on the attention of his many admirers. The people of the area adore him and others travel from all over the world to spend time with him. Find out more about whale and dolphin watching.

4. Beach Trekking Imagine a horse ride that starts in the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula, rises to a panorama stretching as far as the Skelligs, before trotting through the old town towards a canter or gallop on the shoreline. Such an experience not only exists, but you can do it in all within two hours on the Wild Atlantic Way with Dingle Horse-riding.

2. Dingle International Film Festival

5. Enjoy a Drop in Dingle!

A four-day extravaganza takes place in March and celebrates all things film and animation. 2016 is a very special year at the festival as the team celebrate the birth centenary of the late, great Gregory Peck (Roman Holiday, To Kill a Mockingbird) who had a personal connection to Dingle and is honoured with the festival’s annual

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Image via Dingle Distillery

6. The Blasket Islands Just off the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands lie at the very edge of Europe– you can’t go any further west! Rich in both history and folklore, these now deserted islands were home to legendary Irish storytellers like Peig Sayers and Tomás O’Crohan. Explore the Blasket Visitor Centre at Dunquin to see how people once lived, before you head to An Blascaod Mór (the Great Blasket).

7. Under the Sea Submerge yourself in the wonderful enchanted underwater world of Oceanworld!

Come face-to-face with the most fearsome creatures of the sea: sharks. Gain exclusive access to Sand Tiger Sharks - this is the only place in Ireland where you can see them!

Meet the delightful Polar Penguins and get hands-on experience at the Touch Tank where you can stroke the friendly Rays and even hold a Starfish.

Take a dive or a snorkel, and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery and coral off the wild Atlantic shores.

10. Catch, cook and eat in Dingle Cookery School Experience the ‘tide to table’ ethos first hand with an experience at Dingle Cookery School. Lasting over three hours, it combines theory with very hands on experience.

Working with local ingredients – fish and shellfish from the Atlantic, whiskey from the Dingle Distillery, plus lamb, eggs and cheeses from nearby – you can create a truly unique meal from the Atlantic seas and land.

8. Climb to new heights or take a dive!

The Wild Atlantic Way, with its cliff faces and sharp ascents, is home to world-famous climbing. Near Dingle in County Kerry lies Dunshean Head and its looming sea stacks – here’s what to expect from the Razor’s Edge. Or if diving is your thing Waterworld is Ireland’s largest diving and leisure centre.

you’re bound to catch a lively traditional music session.

9. Catch a trad session This colourful fishing town, set around a busy fishing port and marina, is packed with eclectic eateries and traditional pubs where

These are just 10 of Dingle’s many stunning sights and delights, why not discover more yourself?

Source: www.wildatlanticway.com

After A Goal Of 100 Rejections,

My Publishing Dreams Came True

By Siobhan Kukolic (www.siobhankukolic.com)

M

y parents hail from Mayo and Cork and my three kids are competitive Irish dancers. As an Irish descendant, writing has always been in my blood.

I decided in the year 2000 to write a book and I made a goal of 100 rejection letters because Dr. Seuss got 43 for his first story. To date I am at 32 rejections for various manuscripts. Then on January 1, 2016 I started a weekly blog which led to my becoming a blog contributor for The Huffington Post. I decided to turn the first year of my blog into a book and here we are.

The Treasure You Seek is about following your heart, believing in yourself beyond reason, embracing failure and knowing that you are enough. It includes inspirational

stories about famous failures, cultural icons, world leaders and regular folks like you and me. The goal is to remind us that we have all we need to be the change we wish to see. A perfect read for graduates from elementary school through university, people starting their career, changing jobs or retiring, friends going through a medical crisis, new parents, empty nesters and anyone who wants to be inspired.

It’s available at Indigo and Amazon. I’m currently speaking about my journey in classrooms, school boards and boardrooms.

I’ve also started a movement to inspire one million people (#AMillionTreasures).

I’m asking people to share my book with a mental wellness centre, a youth group, a school board, a classroom, a library, a cancer

treatment centre, a retirement home or anywhere they see fit to remind us that we have all we need to be the change we wish to see.

Here’s to following your heart, never giving up and turning rejection into treasure. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jgCYYAqxcns&feature=youtu.be Canadian Indigo Link: http://bit.ly/ TheTreasureYouSeek-Indigo-CA Canadian Amazon Link: http://bit.ly/ TheTreasureYouSeek-CA U.S. Amazon Link: http://bit.ly/ TheTreasureYouSeek-US U.K. Amazon Link: http://bit.ly/ TheTreasureYouSeek-UK

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

25

An Amazing Whirlwind:

The 2017 Rose of Tralee Festival

By Vanessa Foran

T

his past month was very busy and exciting for me and I have just gotten settled back into life in Ottawa this week. I left for Ireland in the beginning of August and was backpacking and staying with some of the other Roses before the Rose of Tralee festival began.

I was lucky to be able to visit some of Irelands great natural wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giants Causeway, and also had the opportunity to meet so many different people along the way. It is definitely true that Irish people are very talkative and friendly because I encountered so many people who were so excited for me when I told them that I was in Ireland for the Rose of Tralee festival. The festival itself was a blast and it was great to finally meet all the other 63 Roses from around the

Canadian Roses together, from left to right: Sinéad McGahern, Katie Hanlon-Wadman,Colombe Nadeau-O’Shea and then myself.

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Myself and my escort Damien Hanrahan and my rosebud Isla. world who I had seen photos of and read about before the festival. It was really amazing to learn about the global Irish diaspora and meet women from Hong Kong all the way to New Zealand. I was also emotional to feel reunited with my Irish heritage as it was my first time visiting Ireland and my ancestors are from Kerry, specifically Castlegregory.

I was privileged to have been paired with two great escorts, Garry McKay and Damien Hanrahan, who were both super helpful and supportive throughout the festival. From carrying purses

to boosting morale the escorts were a very important part of keeping the Roses organized. Of all the events we attended during the festival I think that the parades were definitely the most fun because we were able to put smiles on so many children’s faces just by waving at the crowds from the floats we were on. I want to also congratulate Jennifer Byrne, the Offaly Rose, on being chosen as the 2017 Rose of Tralee. Jennifer is such a kind and accomplished person and will do a great job representing the festival and all the other Roses this year. This past year has been very eventful as the Ottawa Rose outside of the festival as well. I was able to attend the Ottawa Irish Film Festival, the Ottawa Welcomes the World Irish Embassy event and volunteered at the Oreichtas Gaeilge Cheanada, a Gaelic language festival in June. I look forward to continuing to be involved in the Irish community in Ottawa for the rest of the year and would encourage any women interested in the festival to apply to the Ottawa Rose Centre this winter because it really is the adventure of a lifetime.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers with the Ottawa Rose Centre because my journey to Tralee would not be possible without their hard work.

The Story of

Seaweed T

he Irish love their food, and it’s hardly surprising, with the country boasting a rich culinary heritage and enjoying accolades the world over for its fine produce.

As an island perched smack bang in the thundering Atlantic, our seascapes offer fantastic fish, but what else lies under those idyllic waves? Why, a barrage of ‘sea vegetables’, of course! Chefs are simply going wild for seaweed as a delicious new twist to their dishes.

While the likes of Richard Corrigan, Heston Blumenthal and Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall bring this nutrient-rich delight to 21st-century food-lovers, the foraging and harvesting of seaweed has long been a tradition on the rugged Irish coasts. Pull on your wellies, roam the shores and see what delicacies you can find.

Carrageen Traditionally used as the key ingredient in wobbly puddings for its natural thickening qualities, carrageen (which means ‘little rock’ in the Irish language) is incredibly rich in iodine.

The renowned Cork cookery school and restaurant Ballymaloe makes a sumptuous

carrageen moss pudding, and even a chocolate version if you like your seaweed a little more decadent.

Sleabhac The multifunctional seaweed sleabhac was considered a powerful folk tonic, an aphrodisiac and a treatment for gout. In times gone by, fishmongers would pickle sleabhac to sell as an alternative to dairy products for seasoning potato dishes with during Lent.

Known to the Japanese as ‘nori’ and prized for sushi, this seaweed grows wild and springs from the rocks in abundance along the Wild Atlantic Way. This versatile sea vegetable is also known as sloke, and by yet another Irish-language moniker – sliúháne.

As it only grows in the winter months, foragers have to brave the elements to pick this unique food from the tidal rocks. Today you can enjoy sleabhac as a seaweed soup, in Japanese-style rolls or even baked as a scrumptious alternative to crisps.

Duileasc

Foraging Seaweed

Coastal foragers have long understood that duileasc (dulse) is a great source of antioxidants and protein. Baked in breads and scones, fried and added to potato champ or dried and eaten as a popular crunchy snack, there’s no end to this rich

red sea lettuce’s culinary possibilities.

Today’s chefs and adventurous home cooks are rediscovering the versatility of these wild superfoods as natural gelling agents, or simply for the vibrant colours and savoury flavours they bring to a mouth-watering variety of traditional and contemporary dishes.

Ruálach This distinctive, olive-brown seaweed is also known as sea spaghetti, himanthalia elongata, spaghetti de mer, button weed, and imleacán cloch. As Prannie Rhatigan of Irish Seaweed Kitchen explains in the video below, ruálach is usually found in a tangled mass when the tide is in, often floating in rock pools. Adult strands can be as long as two metres, having grown from ‘buttons’ underneath the plant. Prannie, who regularly forages for seaweed on gorgeous Streedagh beach in Sligo, suggests making this tasty Carrot & Sea Spaghetti Salad; a perfect introduction for seaweed novices!

So as you walk the windswept beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way, keep an eye out for these intriguing vegetables of the sea.

If you’d rather let someone else do the squelching about, check out local seafood restaurants and food festivals in Galway, Sligo, Connemara and Clare – to name but a few – that celebrate sea foods of all kinds.

You might just pick yourself a one-of-a-kind lunch.

Or if you’d rather soak up seaweed’s benefits with a luxurious bath along the Wild Atlantic Way, check out Voya seaweed baths, Bundoran seaweed baths and aqua marine treatment, and Connemara seaweed baths.

Source: Failte Ireland CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

27

This Season,

‘Game of Thrones’

Cut Deep

In a fantastically misogynist imaginary world, a highly qualified woman gets close to winning power.

By Katha Pollitt

A

s Season 7 of Game of Thrones comes to a close, beware of spoilers and undead dragons

and consider Daenerys Targaryen. (If you haven’t followed the show, you can go read something else now.) Here is a woman of high moral purpose and great gifts, who has had to overcome many obstacles in her quest to rule the war-torn and poverty-stricken land of Westeros as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. For years, she has been preparing. She had to free herself from psychological submission to her worthless brother. She had to transform her forced marriage to the savage Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo into a loving, respectful partnership, learning

Daenerys Targaryen stands next to Drogon, one of her dragons, during the sixth season of Game of Thrones. (HBO)

his language and adopting his culture,

mistakes—it was one thing to raise the

human race, it looked like everything was

and after his death and that of her baby

only dragons in the world from eggs,

finally coming together for her.

she had to win the loyalty of his incredibly

quite another to keep them from burning

sexist and violent followers, who wanted

children and livestock to a crisp. It was

revelation fans have been expecting for

to follow the usual custom and stick her in

hard for her sometimes to find the right

years. Jon Snow, the supposed bastard

a hut for the rest of her life with the other

balance between her natural kindness and

child of Ned Stark and an unknown

widows of big men. She had to outwit

the need to look tough—especially since

mother, is really the child of Ned’s sister

the seers and pirates of the magical city

she was constantly underestimated in a

Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’s

of Qarth, amass several armies, besiege

fantastically misogynist society that is,

oldest brother, the long dead crown prince.

three cities, free thousands of slaves, and

of course, nothing like our own. So yes,

R+L=J indeed. Moreover, Lyanna and

then deal with the economic fallout and

she executed some people she probably

Rhaegar were secretly married, so Jon is

guerilla warfare from enraged slaveholders.

should have pardoned—but everyone in

a legitimate Targaryen. Assuming that

Raised in a feudal world where the point

her world did that. Basically, Daenerys was

the rules of succession are the same in

of having power was mostly to get more

a far better ruler than Westeros had ever

Westeros as in the medieval England it

of it, she actually thought a lot about how

had, and, assuming she, her allies and her

sometimes resembles, Jon’s claim to the

to rule wisely, how to make the world a

dragons could get rid of that ice-zombie

throne supersedes Dany’s, because the

better place for everyone. She made some

army that threatens to exterminate the

direct descendants of the crown prince

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Not so fast. Sunday night came the

take precedence over his siblings. (That is

their work and careers ranked lower than

out of sheer personal ambition, and, unlike

why, incidentally, Richard III murdered the

comparable achievements by men, and

any other politician, loved the taste of

little princes in the tower. As the sons of his

moreover have to put up with stupid

power. Cersei is actually a lot like Trump:

dead brother King Edward IV they blocked

“debates” over whether women are

She’s prickly, sadistic and cares nothing

his path to the throne. If he did murder

genetically hampered when it comes to

for the public good, only about promoting

them, that is. Not everyone thinks he did.)

anything involving STEM. Women in

her family. She even shares Trump’s love

Besides, he’s a man. Jonny-come-lately

Hollywood, consigned to lesser roles, and

of gold, although in her case it’s the base

is a great guy with a sword and a tanker

not many of them. (Did you know that

of her power, not interior décor. She hasn’t

of ale, goodhearted, fair-minded, and

even in Frozen, the story of two sisters, the

prepared for the many-years-long winter

honest to a fault. He’s also devastatingly

majority of words were spoken by men?)

just beginning (not that anyone else really

handsome, looks good in a man-bun, and

Women period, who are constantly told

has—they’re too busy fighting each other),

I love his Yorkshire accent. But admit it, he isn’t all that smart. He’s way too trusting, he can’t see more than one step ahead, and his rectitude keeps him from telling the necessary lies that Machiavelli rightly argues statecraft requires. Moreover, he’s never actively run anything bigger than the Night’s Watch, where he made so many enemies his men actually murdered him.

In the great Battle of the Bastards he had to be rescued by the Knights of the Vale, secretly summoned by his sister Sansa.

In other words, Sansa, who’s never lifted a sword in her life, is a better military

Can you think of another woman who prepared all her life and had all the qualifications and lost to a man with far fewer who just happened along? Daenerys is Hillary Clinton, with dragons.

strategist than he is.

Let’s see. Can you think of another woman who prepared all her life and had

from birth on and who knows maybe

and doesn’t believe or care about those

all the qualifications and lost to a man

even before that, that independence and

winter-enabled ice-zombies anymore

with far fewer who just happened along?

equality are not for them, much less a great

than Trump cares about global warming.

Daenerys is Hillary Clinton, with dragons.

high destiny. Who would take care of the

I cannot imagine things turning out well

children? Who would bake those goddamn

for her.

Now, Jon is not remotely like Donald Trump. He lacks intense personal

cookies? Remember all the garbage Hillary

ambition, for one thing (at this point

took because of cookies?

in the series he’s just bent the knee to

Well, I see I’m getting carried away,

Things may not turn out well for Jon either. He has “protracted noble death scene” written all over his adorable

Dany, and seems to realize she has what

perhaps because I just saw on Twitter that

face. Then too, he and Dany have just

it takes and he doesn’t. But then again,

in the UK gift shops are selling a pink

commenced a passionate romance. (Royal

he doesn’t yet know his parentage). Also

child’s hat embroidered with the slogan

incest was a Targaryen practice, so the fact

unlike our President, he’s modest, aware of

“Future footballers wife.” We actually don’t

that they are aunt and nephew wouldn’t

his limitations and willing to learn. He’d

know how the story will turn out—and

matter.) They could end up ruling

probably do all right on the Iron Throne

we may have to wait for two years to find

together, like William and Mary or Maria

until someone cleverer assassinated him.

out, which is a great crime. Right now, the

Theresa and her husband Whatshisname.

main threat to Dany besides ice-zombies

Maybe he could run her army or, since

with all those women who’ve had to be

is another woman, the villainous Cersei,

Game of Thrones is a fantasy, raise their

twice as good as a man to get half as far

current occupant of the Iron Throne.

babies.

as a man. Women writers whose big,

Cersei is the ruthless Hillary of the

extravagant novels get reviewed and

Clinton-haters’ imagination, the woman

marketed as chick-lit. Women scientists,

who killed Vince Foster, threw a lot of hissy

who, according to myriad studies, find

fits, stayed in a loveless marriage with Bill

Still, this plot twist is bound to resonate

Maybe in Westeros the woman can win.

Source: www.thenation.com

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

29

36 Hours at the

Fergus Scottish Festival

By Deborah Anne Hall

T

he 72nd annual Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games were held August 11-13, 2017 in the quaint town of Fergus, Ontario. Fergus; originally named Little Falls, is nestled along the shores of the Grand River in the heart of Wellington County. The town was founded in the 1830’s by Scottish settlers whose centuries old limestone buildings stand as a visual reminder of their ancestors heritage.

The self-proclaimed “ Scotland without the airfare” festival is indicative of the preservation of the townships Scottish roots.

The festival begins with a myriad of events in various locations around town

during the week, culminating in the weekend gathering (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) which is held on the grounds of Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. I gladly spent a jam packed 36 hours over the

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weekend enjoying a little bit of everything that the festival had to offer.

Fergus Scottish Festival offers a hugely popular onsite serviced campground with sites available for all festival attendees, games and event participants as well as the many vendors. We chose to join our friends in their RV and stayed on the grounds in the midst of all the festivities. It was the best thing we could have done. No hassles with parking. No worries about driving if we tippled too many cider or ales in the Highland Pub. Endless evenings spent with friends. Having our own little space on the grounds allowed us to refresh ourselves when we needed it.

Although we stayed on site during the weekend by no means is camping the only accommodation available in the area.

Numerous bed and breakfasts are available within walking distance of the festival grounds and little inns and larger hotels are available just a short drive away. The festival offers a handy shuttle bus if one wished to take advantage of the service.

The efficient, friendly volunteers at the registration tent ensured that the check-in process went smoothly and quickly. In fact all of the volunteers that we encountered over the weekend were equally as pleasant and helpful, truly making their guests feel welcome.

The Bagpipes, Heavies Competitions and the Music have to be the main reasons I love to visit the festival but I would be remiss if I left out the Clan tents located in the Heritage Village, food and vendor stands, Highland Dancing, Tea Tent and the McKiddies Adventure area. There’s a little something for

everyone here at the handicapped accessible event.

Upon our arrival Saturday morning we headed directly to the Main Field to watch the Heavies Competition. If you’ve never been to a heavies event, they are all unique in their demands for strength and agility.

Tossing, hurling, swinging and throwing heavy objects for long distances and height are the main objectives. I have to admit that watching the long wooden caber being tossed by strong men and women dressed in their clan kilts has to be my favourite. The strength and range of motion required to toss a cedar pole end to end is fascinating to watch. The large, heavy, egg shaped Braemar Stone - think Olympic shot put - also captures my attention. Round these events out with Weight for Distance and Height, Scottish Hammer Throw and Sheaf Toss and there you have it.

Sunday mornings Masters Heavy Event Class included Andrew Younghusband the Canadian television host best noted for his series Canada’s Worst Driver. Younghusband was on site all weekend with a Discovery Channel film crew taping an episode of his latest television series; Tougher Than It Looks. He did remarkably well for someone

just learning the sport. You’ll have to tune in to the show to find out his overall results.

The Welcoming Ceremonies kicked off the official opening of the games at noon on Saturday. Special guests, local dignitaries, the parade of Clans, pipe bands and a massed Highland Fling entertained the crowd who ringed the edges of the main field. The Friday night Tattoo’d in Tradition and highly anticipated Scottish band the Red Hot Chilli Pipers had to be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions.

Our next stop was to the Highland Pub, the large covered tent set up for the musical portion of the festival. First up, the duo of Scottish Gaelic performer Gillebride MacMillan and Don McLean. Gillebride is well known in North America due in part for his role as Gwyllyn the Bard in Season One of the hugely popular television series Outlander based on the Diana Gabaldon novel of the same name.

Town Pants, a Vancouver based band was a welcome addition to the musical lineup this year. The unusual addition of banjo, fiddle and bass accompanied by drums and guitar were unique for this versatile Irish, Scottish band. The five member group performed several of their own original tunes and some lively crowd pleasing covers.

The audience particularly enjoyed their jumping, jigging version of Galway Girl.

The hands down crowd favourite of the weekend was the Scottish Tribal Bagpipe and Drum Band Albannach. The haunting sound of the lone piper, the heart pounding, chest thrumming beat of the drums were

joined by the meditational droning of the handcrafted didgeridoo; a quite unique sound to accompany the drums and pipes. It amazed me that during the dynamic performance wee babes could be seen sleeping away in their parents arms.

The closing show held on Sunday evening is the Kitchen Ceilidh; the most exhilarating, hand clapping, toe tapping musical event of the festival. I would have to say the Ceilidh is my favourite concert of the weekend. Many of the artists from the weekend lineup join together on stage for an hour of harmonious, random melodies and a whole lot of musical madness and mayhem. Watching the musicians perform together is a pure delight.

A visit to the Heritage Village, particularly the Clan tents - there were 36 clans represented with several first time clans in attendance - was a fun way to search more of my own Scottish heritage and learn a little bit about the meaning of many of the clan names. Speaking with the knowledgeable members of the various clans was an interesting way to pass an hour. Gaelic lessons, stories and tales, Seamus the Living Historian and sheep sheering to name a few; were on the schedule in the village.

A stroll through the McKiddies area provided hands on fun in the form of archery, curling, swordplay and weaponry and a host of other events. A great venue at the festival to bring children of all ages. This adult was fascinated by the hundreds of links required to make just a small piece of handmade mail.

A quick stop at the Highland Dance tent to watch the competitions, admire the colourful costumes and if you were lucky enough to hit the timing just right; be inspired by a Scottish sword dance. The exacting precision required to not just dance but move amongst the sabres is quite incredible.

Festival food; who can resist buying what the vendors have to offer when the delicious scents waft across the grounds, tickle your senses and whet your appetite. Pulled pork, mac and cheese and poutine, scotch eggs, haggis, fish and chips, ice-cream were just a few of the scrumptious goodies available on various vendors menus. A stop at the Tea Tent was on our list for breakfast Sunday morning to sample some of the locally crafted teas and freshly baked scones served with sweet jellies, jams and cream. The Bentley House Fine Teas creation scottish caramel puerh tea was a huge hit with our group.

Shopping; I would be remiss if I left out the vendors who line the concession avenue.

Celtic jewelry, kilts, tee shirts, handcrafted artisans, heraldry signs and crests to name a few. There was a little something eye catching and special available for purchase for those who wished to take away a memento from the festival. One of my scores; an Albannach Canada 150 tee shirt.

I really enjoyed my 36 hours at the Fergus Scottish Festival and although I didn’t get to see all of the artists, heavies contestants, musicians, speakers and vendors that I wanted to, what I did get to see was fabulous.

I will definitely be returning next year.

Deborah Anne Hall is of Irish and Scottish heritage. Lives in Southern Ontario.

Recently retired. She loves to entertain, travel and journal.

Photos courtesy of Milton Young.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

31

Rose of Tralee Toronto Centre An Experience by Colombe Nadeau-O’Shea

E

veryone tells you it’s hard to explain. Everyone tells you it will be one of the best experiences

By the time you set eyes on the first Rose(s) (in my case, shout-out to Texas, Arizona and Newfoundland-Labrador!),

of your life. Everyone tells you you’ll meet

you feel an instant connection and sense

lifelong friends and travel the world to visit

of comfort. Maybe it’s because we’d been

them. Everyone tells you to brace yourself

talking for months on WhatsApp leading

and get ready to sign a lot of autographs

up to that moment, or maybe it’s because

(why on earth would someone want

we shared an inexplicable bond already, I’m

my autograph?!). Everyone tells you it’s

not sure. The transition into friendship was

emotional.

shocking. Surprise #1.

You brush

The next few days in and around Kildare

it off. You’ve

were incredible. We traveled around the

been through

beautiful country, meeting incredible people

stuff. You’ve

and seeing incredible sites along the way.

traveled the

There were a lot of bus sing-alongs. There

world. You’re

were a lot of warm welcomes. There were

emotional, but

a lot of photographers. The time we had in

only when you’re sad. This will be a piece of

Kildare allowed us to bond as Rose sisters,

cake.

mostly away from all the chaos we were

I should have listened.

about to experience in Tralee. It was the

Well I suppose I did listen. But it’s

perfect start to one of the best experiences of

extremely hard to wrap your head around

my life. Surprise #2.

embarking on “the best experience of your

On the Tuesday, we arrived in Tralee. We walked off that bus to hundreds of people waiting for us, our escorts showing the way, people clapping and dancing and screaming.

Champagne. Photographers. Little. Girls.

Everywhere. Autographs! Surprise #3.

The welcome we received in Tralee was

around Dublin, and I knew where the closest

astounding - I will never forget it. The

Starbucks was.

next 7 days are almost a blur. More singalongs on the bus (wow – these girls are

when I took the train to Maynooth, three

talented!). Touring stunning Kerry. More

suitcases in hand…

autographs and more pictures. More time

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

because I’ve never looked that tired before.

Surprise #4.

At the Celebration of Roses, my name was called as one of the first 16 that were to be on TV. I couldn’t help but feel confused.

Me? Really? But…look around you! A very humbling experience to say the least. Getting up there on stage with Daithi was some of

it’s indescribable. You’ve known these women

alone in a few short paragraphs? Well, if I can

I had no idea what I was walking into

took a picture of myself one morning

pride that you feel watching them up there -

experience that often left you speechless, let

huge help. I felt comfortable, I knew my way

comes the total, utter exhaustion. I actually

that stage, however. The absolute sense of

difficult. How do you put into words an

there a few weeks beforehand. That was a

organization. Many 4 hour nights – here

Nothing beats watching my girls up on

I knew writing this would be extremely

Arriving in Ireland felt normal; I was just

places like Pieta House, a suicide prevention

shared that experience with them.

Nope. It’s just the beginning.

expected it to be.

(wow – I know these people?!). Visits to

made my heart warm. It was so great to have

you to wonder: “Is it all downhill from here?”

Tralee was everything, and nothing, that I

Doctors, physicists, artists, entrepreneurs

parents and brother were in the audience

so many incredible things. That also leads

can do this too.

these smart, ambitious, strong women.

the most fun I’ve ever had. Knowing my

life” when you’ve been so lucky to experience

jump out of a plane, then maybe, maybe, I

to spend with these incredible women,

for about a week, and you are so overjoyed to see them exuding confidence, poise, and talent. I went up to one mother after and was balling my eyes out while telling her I was so proud of her daughter. Surprise #5 – there were lots of tears.

Selection night came so fast – you almost forget about that part of it all.

It’s almost like it’s

not relevant

never been more exhausted in my life. I’ve

Thank

anymore. It

never shed so many tears of joy. Tralee is

you to

doesn’t matter

something that I will hold deep in my heart

Uncle

whose name is

forever. Perhaps the most special part of it all

Rory for

called, because

was a deep sense that Nana’s spirit was there,

helping

whoever it is,

watching me, the whole time.

to guide

you already

I am beyond grateful for this incredible

me

love. I feel so

experience. Thank you to my amazing

through

confidently

sponsors (notably David Dunkley Fine

this process. Thank you, lastly, to my fellow

that our

Millinery, The Dress Diva, my parents,

Toronto Rose family – I’m VERY confident

beautiful Rose

Stephan Caras, and my Rose center) –

there would have been no Tralee without

of Tralee Jennifer Byrne will make us all

without you, there would have been no

you, not even an unfashionable one. Your

incredibly proud this year – congratulations

Tralee! Or at least a very unfashionable

help with planning, execution and moral

Jenny! We love you, and we’re so proud.

one. Thank you to my amazing parents and

support was integral to my experience.

Tralee was everything, and nothing, that

brother. Having you there grounded me.

I expected. Lifelong bonds were made. We

Seeing my face on your t-shirts everyday

made so many little girls so very happy. I’ve

provided some much-needed humour.

I will never forget you Tralee.

How could I, with almost 20,000 photos to reference??

Winter is Coming

L

ike the actual irritated, dry-skin, no sun for weeks, and lack of energy winter! Ease winter blues with a daily dose of light therapy from Verilux’s new HappyLight Touch (Costco.ca and the HappyLight Touch is CN$ 124.99).

Delivering safe, UV-free, full spectrum light, the HappyLight Touch helps with your body’s needs to relax, focus and revitalize!

Easy to use, you can personalize your UV-free light therapy while remaining energy conscious with its adjustable settings. The portable and sleek design of the HappyLight

One-Touch Timer Touch can be placed about anywhere in your home or office and isn’t an eye sore! NEW! The HappyLight® Touch is our most convenient and modern light therapy lamp, and delivers an intense 10,000 lux for increased energy, mood, focus & sleep.

Sleek, Modern Tablet Design Can be positioned vertically or horizontally to blend seamlessly into office or home décor

4 adjustable settings provide 15 – 60 minute session intervals for energyconscious and effective light therapy

Wide Surface Area Offers more light and freedom of movement for the user while still being very lightweight and portable

Adjustable Light Intensity One touch, adjustable setting ensures your eye health and comfort CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

33

Irish Style

By Shauna Dickson

A

utumn is here, with its beautifully changing colours and fresh cool air. It’s the time of year probably most Canadians look forward to, when we can finally get a break from the intense

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

summer heat, and look ahead to the upcoming season of sweaters, boots and pumpkin flavoured everything. Across the board, Canada has pretty definitive seasons with hot summers, frigid winters and everything in between. However, Ireland is different in the sense that sure, the weather can be changeable, but it is never really extreme. It is almost always going to sprinkle (or downpour) at some point during the day, and you are going to bring a sweater with you just in case you need it. Autumn is the time of year for us Canadians to experience what the Irish get to almost all year round.

Sweater weather is here, and although most of Canada did not get severe heat this summer, it is still nice to have a change and with that change, a shift in our wardrobe.

You’re first thought when you hear the words sweater weather is most likely a chunky crew neck or button down cardigan.

Of course these are staples in many Canadian and Irish wardrobes, but this season has seen a turn in styles. Ladies styles are more

adventurous with dusty pink, royal blue and cherry red popping up in sweaters, coats and scarves. Deeper colours like purple, mauve and mocha have also been influencing a wide variety of styles for ladies. Menswear has become rich with chic designs like stripes, contemporary necklines and contrasting colours. Black and cream combine together for a polished look, which is perfect for a walk in the fresh air or of course, a pint of Guinness at a local pub.

What’s great about the ever-changing landscape of Irish based fashion is first and foremost the beautiful quality and class, and secondly the flawless transition from just functional to functional and stunning.

The list of Irish designers is never ending but some that stand out and continue to please are: Fisherman out of Ireland, Rathlin Knitwear, Aran Woolen Mills, West End

Knitwear, Ireland’s Eye Knitwear, Avoca and Jack Murphy. Owning virtually anything from any of these high quality designers ensures you have a garment that will outlast almost anything else in your wardrobe, keep you incredibly cozy and warm, and most importantly never compromising style for comfort. After all, our individual style is what separates us from the rest and defines our personality, so why have anything else wrapped around you this fall than a super soft merino wool scarf, or a lightweight wool poncho direct from the Emerald Isle? For an instant classic look, try a Barbour waxed cotton coat and pair it with the outstanding Dubarry boots. To top it off, throw a soft lambs wool scarf around your shoulders from McNutt of Donegal.

Pack away the flip-flops and bring out your snuggly slippers folks! The crisp air and crunchy leaves beneath our feet are here for the next few months and with an Irish based and influenced wardrobe, you’ll be wishing it were autumn all year round!

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

35

Natural Goodness for Our Skin Direct

from Donegal

By Rachel McLaughlin

W

hen you take something said to be some of the most back from a holiday moisturising for our skin. destination or Through talking to important place, there is people who use the always something more soaps, Siobhan said special about it. she often learns how Shivon Soap was created it has helped skin around that idea, and with problems like eczema, natural ingredients from acne and dryness.

Donegal and beyond, we really The entire process are getting some of the county’s of making soap bars Honey & Irish Oats Handmade Soap takes up to six weeks. natural goodness for our skin.

Donegal Woman caught up Siobhan and Kevin with Siobhan Harkin, who founded Shivon use the cold-processing method, which Soap with her husband Kevin. For the past is commonly used around the world, two years, they have been Siobhan tells us. handmaking soap Honey & Irish Oats bars from their Handmade Soap Soap Shack in As the artisan Ballynakilly, movement takes hold, Inch Island. Siobhan has been inspired The by seeing what other main people are doing in other ingredient countries. in some of “A lot of people are going their soaps is back to their roots and making seaweed, handthings. I like to see the care and the harvested from time they take to do it, and I love people Keith and Rebecca Harkin Donegal’s beaches. who go to the trouble of making something In the handmade,” Siobhan said. traditional way, Siobhan and Kevin take their “People genuinely want to get something baskets down to the beach at Inch Island to from Ireland.” pick the seaweed themselves. They then dry it “Ingredients such as Guinness, Irish out and add it to their soaps. oats, honey and seeds bring natural Irish Does rubbing pieces of Donegal onto our nourishment to our bodies and resonate well skin really benefit it? with people interested in Irish produce.

“Seaweed is just one of the “We use olive oil, coconut additives we use. We like the oil combined with natural idea of seaweed because additives e.g hand-harvested of the actual goodness in Irish seaweed for its high the oil,” Siobhan said. nutrient content and “Our soaps also contain benefits to skin. coconut oil, olive oil and “Each bar is lightly pure essential oils.” scented with variety “It’s the glycerin of therapeutic essential content that makes these oils, chosen for their natural soaps stand out from aromatherapy benefits and the big brands,” Siobhan subtle fragrances,” she said.

Shivon Handcrafted Solid Perfume said. Glycerin soaps are Through their online 36

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Siobhan and Keith Harkin store, Siobhan and Kevin have been shipping soaps out to America, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Their son Keith Harkin is a successful singer based in Los Angeles. While touring the USA, Canada and Australia both solo and with Celtic Thunder, he has been gathering up fans for Shivon Soap back home.

Siobhan’s daughter Rebecca is also a musician making her name in Donegal/Derry and the USA. She has performed in venues in Ireland and America, and between both stars the Shivon Soap name has been travelling all over the world.

“It’s amazing, America is so big, and if we get a handful of customers in each state, that will keep us going,” Siobhan said.

“We are a small business and we do it in a very small way,” she said. “But we are always developing and learning as we go along.”

Siobhan had worked in offices for 30 years before deciding to pursue her creative interests.

Now, through craft fairs and Lip Balm interacting and advising customers online she is enjoying meeting people from all over the world.

The growing American interest and positive reviews mean that repeat customers are keeping the Harkins busy.

They have also launched a lip balm and Shivon solid perfume – so there’s another way we can treat ourselves and have a wee piece of home.

Source: DonegalWoman.ie

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

37

Chef Stephen’s Feast!!

S

tephen Jeffers is a very well-known culinary figure in Ireland. Stephen thrives on teaching and sharing with everyone his knowledge and talents.

FREE RANGE CHICKEN BREAST & BLACK PUDDING Lots of countries claim they invented black pudding (aka blood sausage), from the North of England, to Scotland, Ireland, France and even Poland. There are many takes on the sausage but my personal favourite is a northern version by O’Dohertys of Enniskillen. They also sell outstanding real black bacon. If you are ever in Enniskillen it’s a must.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Method

2 tbsp oil 50g butter 2 shallots, chopped 175g black pudding, crumbled 2 tbsp chopped thyme Black pepper 4 free range chicken breast fillets 8 slices of streaky bacon

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 25g of butter in a heavy-based frying pan. Add the chopped shallots and the black pudding and fry, stirring, for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, mix in thyme and drain and set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket in the thick side of each chicken breast fillet. Fill each pouch with the cooled black pudding mixture. Wrap each chicken breast fillet in 2 slices of streaky bacon.

Pearl Barley Chicken Jus 6 shallots 100ml port 250ml red wine 1 litre of brown chicken stock Salt and pepper Cooked pearl barley

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CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 25g of butter in a large, heavy-based frying pan. Add in the bacon wrapped chicken breasts and fry until coloured on each side, around five minutes. Transfer the chicken breasts to a roasting tray and roast in the oven for 5-8 minutes. Serve with pearl barley, chicken jus and seasonal vegetables.

Pearl Barley Chicken Jus Place slice shallots into a heavy pan and add port and red wine and reduce to a glaze. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil, skimming off the scum. Simmer and reduce until a sauce consistency. Pass through a sieve, add cooked barley and season.

WINEPORT BEEF & GUINNESS STEW This is a classic Irish dish that is perfect for feeding a group of people. With the distinctive flavour of Guinness, it makes a good alternative to Irish stew.

Ingredients

Method

2.25 lb/1kg of stewing beef (shin, flank or rib, trimmed and cut into 1in/2.5 cm cubes 1oz/25g flour 1 onion, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, sliced thickly 1 large or 2 small parsnips, peeled and cubed 1 pint/600ml Guinness, or beef stock Quarter bottle/225ml prune juice or to taste (optional) Bouquet garni or mixed herbs Half celeriac or 3-4 stalks celery, trimmed and cubed Half an orange, left whole (optional)

Season the beef and toss in the flour to coat. Heat a little oil and butter in a heavy pan and brown the meat in batches, then transfer to a casserole dish. Add the onions and other vegetables, and sweat gently for a few minutes in the same pan.

Transfer to the casserole dish. Add any remaining flour to the pan, stir to absorb whatever fat is left, then cook for a minute before stirring in the Guinness (or stock and prune juice if using). Add the liquids to the casserole (enough to cover the main ingredients) as well as the bouquet garni or mixed herbs and the orange. Season, stir to mix well, cover and cook in the oven for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Remove the orange and bouquet garni, check seasoning, and add two prunes soaked in Guinness (optional). Serve with mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped parsley.

Source: Ireland.com

CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST & BANANAS When we came up with the concept of Jeffers, we wanted the offerings at Jeffers to be special at all times of the day. When you have had our French toast, you’ll see where we are coming from.

Ingredients - Serves 4 Cinnamon Toast 4 thick slices of batch loaf or crusty bread 4 bananas (sliced) 2 free range eggs 160ml milk 0.8g cinnamon powder Pinch of salt 0.9g vanilla sugar Maple syrup Butter Vanilla Sugar 750g Caster Sugar 2 Vanilla Pods

Method Cinnamon Toast Beat together eggs, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Heat a heavy pan and melt butter gently until pale. Place bread in egg mix, then cook on both sides until golden brown. Keep warm on oven tray.

Using the same pan, add bananas and vanilla sugar and cook until caramelised.

Drizzle on maple syrup and place on the French Toast.

Vanilla Sugar Put the sugar into an airtight jar. Split the pods and add to the sugar. Close jar.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

39

Emmet Cahill’s Ireland

By Donna Deen

F

or Irish tenor and Celtic

and has toured across the U.S. in over 50

Thunder lead singer Emmet

cities. He is a true believer in grassroots

Cahill, 2017 has been a year

networking, whether it’s launching his

of many firsts. The 26-year-old from

successful “Christmas in Ireland” church

Mullingar, County Westmeath released his

concert tours or inviting community

debut orchestral album, “Emmet Cahill’s

choirs to perform with him at his shows.

Ireland,” which went to number one on the

Making contacts at the local level has

U.S. Amazon, iTunes and Billboard World

the world before me. They are the people I

already paid off handsomely for Cahill:

Music charts. Cahill made his symphony

pay homage to every night when I stand on

this year he opened the New York City

debut, headlining two concerts with Space

stage and tell their stories through song.”

St. Patrick’s Day parade with a haunting

Coast Symphony Orchestra in Florida. And

Growing up in a musical household,

rendition of “Danny Boy,” was the guest

there’s his first solo tour of Canada this

it’s natural that Cahill pursued a career

star with Symphony of the Mountains last

month, covering seven cities across five

in music. His father began teaching him

July and will make his Carnegie Hall debut

provinces.

to play the piano at the age of four; at age

in March 2018.

seven Cahill began voice lessons. Cahill

All of this success makes for a still-

[a 6-day cruise and a 20-city U.S.

“I have a busy fall with Celtic Thunder

says his parents were his main musical

hungry but happy young man. “I am very

“Symphony” tour in November and

influences, taking him and his siblings

ambitious and I have dreams and goals to

December], so I only had a 9-day window

with them as they traveled around Ireland

achieve, but I don’t like to obsess about

for the Canadian tour in October,” explains

singing at church events. Eventually, the

the future. If you do, you don’t appreciate

Cahill. “I would love to visit more cities

Cahills formed a family band called the

all the wonderful things happening in

in Canada and they are absolutely in the

Musicahill Quartet. “We were known as the

the present and there is so much good

plans for next year and beyond.”

Irish von Trapps,” jokes Cahill.

happening in my life and career right now

Cahill says he was “ecstatic” when his

Cahill won a 5-year Schola Cantorum

that I so cherish.”

album, a compilation of Irish classics

music scholarship in secondary school and

(“Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes Are

then went on to receive formal classical

Emmet Cahill Canadian Tour Dates:

Smiling”) went to the top of the charts.

training in opera at the prestigious Royal

http://www.emmetcahill.com/tour-dates/

“The support was just incredible,” notes

Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. But

October 2 – Victoria, BC, St. Matthias

Cahill. “These are songs that have been

Cahill’s plan for a career in opera changed

passed down through many generations.

when he auditioned for the popular Irish

Songs like ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘An Irish

music show Celtic Thunder and was

Lullaby’ resonate with so many people

chosen as a principal singer.

because they associate them with their

With Celtic Thunder, Cahill has

loved ones and memories of their

performed across the United States,

childhood.”

Canada and Australia. He has sung at the

“I chose songs that have honesty and

Pentagon in Washington, DC and Radio

integrity attached to them. They speak

City Music Hall in New York City. Celtic

of experiences we can all relate to, real

Thunder albums have reached number

human stories, both happy and sad. Irish

one on Billboard magazine’s World Music

music will always be a huge part of my life.

charts in both the United States and

It’s ingrained in me as a person and I am

Australia.

proud to fly the flag for the Irish people of today, and the Irish people who traveled

40

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

In 2015 Cahill began his solo career

####

Anglican Church October 3 – Vancouver, BC, Knox United Church October 4 – Calgary, AB, St. David’s United Church October 5 – Edmonton, AB, St. Charles Parish October 6 –Broderick, SK, The Terrace Dining Room October 7 – Oakville, ON, St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church October 8 – Halifax, NS, St. Patrick’s Church

A Beautiful Time of Year

in Ontario A

utumn’s vibrant colours are a great backdrop for some amazing experiences

Just because summer is drawing to a close it doesn’t mean you have to put the travel bug to bed.

Sure, the kids are back in school and most people wrapped up their holiday time in July and August. But there is a lot to see and do across Ontario in autumn.

Whether for an overnight weekend getaway

•E njoy

or a simple day trip, there are festivals and

some

restaurants, wineries, distilleries, breweries,

culture.

events and the gorgeous fall countryside

Besides

waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

the festivals

“Autumn is simply beautiful in Ontario,” says Minto Schneider, Chief Executive Officer

celebrating our agricultural heritage, check out local community theatres for their latest production, enjoy

of Waterloo

some Ontario art at local galleries and

and local chefs and restaurants will be

Region Tourism

partake in the history of our province and

stocking their menus with ingredients

Marketing Corp.

country at museums and historic homes

from local farms. It is a great time of year

that open their doors to the public.

to sample the food in your own backyard,

“The weather is not too hot, not too cold, the panorama

•B e romantic. The colours of the changing leaves are something to behold, and are

paired with some incredible Ontario wines, beers and spirits.

of colours on the trees is unquestionably

an amazingly romantic backdrop for a

“Last but not least, check the weather

stunning and there is so much going on in

date outing. Spice it up with a visit to

forecast before you head out,” says Minto.

communities across the province.”

Ontario’s last wooden covered bridge

“There isn’t a typical weather pattern for

— aptly known as Kissing Bridge —

autumn in Ontario. Some days could be

the fall, Minto offers the following tips to

spanning nearly 200 feet across the Grand

hot. Others downright chilly. Have a look

make the most of your excursions:

River in West Montrose, or enjoy the

ahead and plan your dress appropriately.

• Celebrate. Between Labour Day and

colours with your loved one from the

Jeans and a light sweater may be enough,

Thanksgiving, there are festivals and

vantage point of a historic train on the

but it doesn’t hurt to have a warm jacket

fall fairs in communities all across the

Waterloo Central Railway.

if the temperature dips, or a t-shirt under

When travelling around Ontario in

province, many of them celebrating the

•G et outdoors. Squished in between

that sweater if you need to shed some

harvest and fall’s bounty. Of course, one

summer’s humidity and winter’s snow,

of the biggest seasonal celebrations in

the fall is the ideal time to get outside.

the province is Kitchener-Waterloo’s

Take a hike on some of stunning trail

www.explorewaterlooregion.com, or

Oktoberfest — the largest Bavarian-style

systems, visit a local farmer’s or artisan’s

connect with Waterloo Tourism on social

festival this side of Munich — happening

market or view Ontario’s countryside

media; Like it on Facebook and Follow on

October 6th to 14th in various locations

from the vantage point of a bicycle.

Twitter

around the community.

•E at local. Autumn is harvest season,

layers.”

For more information, please visit

@ExploreWR.

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

41

ATD Conference 2017 Atlanta

Third Keynote Speaker: Ronan Tynan

By Paul P. Loftus

R

onan Tynan is an Irish Tenor, a medical doctor, a gold medalist in the Paralympics, a former jockey and a motivational speaker. He grew up on a farm in County Kilkenny in Ireland. He was born with a lower-limb disability and subsequently suffered complications in a car accident which resulted in his legs being amputated when his was 20. He made a rapid recovery and between 1981 and 1984 he won 18 gold medals and broke 14 world records.

Ronan always wanted to be a doctor and was accepted to medical school at Trinity College, Dublin from where he graduated. He specialised in orthopedic sports injuries. He subsequently began voice training and entered the BBC’s singing competition “Go for It.” He won the competition and was selected to be a member of the Irish Tenors. He now lives in Boston.

Press Briefing Of those keynote speakers who give a Press Briefing most do so after their speech.

However, Ronan provided his before his presentation. I found a natural rapport with Ronan as a fellow Irishman and we started our conversation discussing Gaelic football and hurling.

Ronan gave us a lot of family background which would help us understand his presentation even better. His father was only 5’4” and his mother was only slightly taller. His father referred to his mother as “top management or she who must be obeyed, which my Irish colleague here [me] will perfectly understand. Irish mothers are powerful directed people. The reason I stand in front of anybody today is because of her.”

As one of seven children I can certainly agree with Ronan as my mother ran a dry cleaning business while raising the seven of us. My Dad was a livestock dealer and it was unusual in those times to have a dual career family.

42

CELTIC CANADA | FALL 2017

Ronan went on to say that “People who believe in you and encourage you give you the motivation to be the best you can be.” For a boy with physical challenges parental love was extremely important and Ronan received this in abundance.

Speech Ronan started his presentation with a song.

He has a very powerful voice. He then went straight in to his fascinating presentation.

Right from the beginning he emphasised the power of expectations of others in his success.

This was music to my ears as I’m a very strong proponent of the Pygmalion Effect or the Self Fulfilling Prophecy. I’ve written an article on the topic which has appeared in a number of international business magazines including the Canadian Banker. The theory states that if others have high but realistic expectations of us we in turn have a tendency to live up to those expectations. These expectations are communicated to us both verbally and nonverbally.

The idea comes from Greek mythology.

Pygmalion was a prince of Cyprus who wanted the ideal woman so he carved a statue out of ivory and called his creation Galatea.

So perfect was his statue that he fell in love with it. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, saw his desperation and gave life to it. This story was the basis for George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion.

Ronan talked about the “belief of others in me”, particularly his immediate family.

From his sister Fiona, who he said was “my shield and support”, to his mother and father, the belief was there. He spoke with such passion about overcoming his handicaps that there were many tears in the captivated audience. He said “we all need someone.” His father would say “Ronan, you’re great.” He was convinced by his father that he was a winner and a winner he became in so many

areas of his life. “My father always reckoned I was a winner.”, he said. He is convinced that mentoring does make a big difference in a person’s success. Parents, teachers and bosses have a profound effect on the self confidence, behaviour and success of their children, students and direct reports. He said “You see in yourself what others see in you, a strength waiting to be harnessed.” A strong belief by others in you leads to increased self confidence and these self expectations are known as the Galatea Effect.

“That’s all we need to do today, build on strengths” because “there’s no reverse gear in life-you have to go forward”, “we can be recognised for the extraordinary, that’s what makes us great” is the type of advice Ronan provided to his audience. By building on success you can achieve more success i.e. build on strengths.

Ronan believes that the biggest risk in life is not taking risk because life is driven from within you.

My favourite quotes from the presentation is “A smile is the cheapest drug on the market and there are no side effects.”

He finished his presentation as he started it, with a song I, like the several thousand other people who heard his speech left in awe. For someone with such physical handicaps to become so successful in so many areas in life is an inspiration to all of us. If you ever go a chance and want to be inspired go listen to him.

Paul Loftus is a Montreal-based Industrial/ Organizational Psychologist, an Intercultural Consultant and a Freelance Journalist. He has been conducting both public and in-company management development seminars in Bermuda for over 20 years. He can be reached at (514) 282-9111; ploftus@colba.net; www. paulloftus.com

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