Celtic Canada Spring 2023

Ward

Traveller’s Talent!

Sharyn

The Toronto

St. Patrick’s Parade

By Seán O’Shea

The Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade is the largest annual Irish event in Canada that takes place in the city to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.

With roots stretching back to the mid19th century, the parade has been running continuously since 1988 and has become a staple of Toronto’s social calendar — a sure sign that the long winter is over and spring is about to arrive.

Over the years, the parade has grown in size and popularity, and today it is one of North America’s largest St. Patrick’s parades. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 19th and will once again bring hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Toronto to take in the colourful floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish music and dance.

The parade will begin at 12 noon at the corner of Bloor and St. George before making its way eastbound along Bloor St, turning south on Yonge before ending at Nathan Phillips Square with a large gathering of people, live music, and dance.

And the person leading this year’s parade is a man with a strong, proud Irish heritage. The Grand Marshal for 2023 is Jack Armstrong — the famous voice as a sportscaster on TSN for the Toronto Raptors.

Jack is the son of Irish immigrants, with his mother hailing from Roscommon and his late father coming from Mayo. He is immensely proud of his Irish heritage and is honoured to be leading this year’s parade to celebrate his Irish heritage.

The involvement of Jack Armstrong as Grand Marshal is a testament to the importance of the St. Patrick’s Parade in Toronto and its growth as a major event in North America. That growth can be attested to the large number of volunteers who dedicate an immense amount of time each year.

Shaun Ruddy, the Chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Parade Society of Toronto, has been involved with the event for many years. Ruddy, himself a proud son of Donegal, has worked tirelessly to ensure that the parade remains a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Under his leadership, the parade has grown to become one of the most popular events in Toronto, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“The parade is not only a celebration of Irish heritage and culture but also a great opportunity to promote the city of Toronto and its diversity. It’s not just a great opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with the family, but it also provides an opportunity for people to learn about Irish culture and

history. The parade also features a variety of community groups, schools and cultural organizations, highlighting the diversity of the city”, Ruddy told Celtic Canada.

Overall, the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade is a beloved annual tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and strong community involvement, the parade is a must-see event for anyone visiting Toronto in the month of March.

This year, it will be even easier for families across Ontario to travel to Toronto to enjoy this celebration. The St. Patrick’s Parade Society is proud to work with Metrolinx to organize special rates on GO trains into the city to enjoy this year’s parade.

GO trains travel into Union Station, just a quick 12 minute walk to Nathan Phillips Square or an easy transfer on TTC’s Line 1 Subway to Museum Station to catch the start of the parade.

So whether you were born in Ireland, have Irish heritage or just want to feel Irish for a day, make sure to get to Toronto on Sunday, March 19 for Canada’s largest celebration of the Emerald Isle.

Photo Credit: is Karl Malone

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GREEN! All things

023 brings back St. Patrick’s Day Parades & Festivals like never before!

There are lots of ways to enjoy St Patrick’s Day, from parades, parties and pints of Guinness to hearty traditional Irish food.

The ‘wearing of the green’ tradition will be front and centre with people donning green clothes, green wigs, green face paint and bunches of shamrock to proudly mark their Irish identity.

Traditional Irish music will spill out from every pub in the land and there is often dancing in the streets, especially after a few pints of ‘the black stuff’.

We were delighted to chat with Sharyn Ward a traditional singer and proud Irish Traveller from Longford and a mother of two, her unreal rendition of Black is the Colour which placed her in Ireland’s Got Talent final where

she sang One Starry Night – more on her journey as she travels and weaves her journey to releasing her first original album and plans her first tour!!

Irish Design located in beautiful Niagara on The Lake – Ontario, Shauna has some spectacular spring fashions to share with us and the lovely part is if you are not close by you can shop on line!!

Enjoy some family favourites in your home with Lamb Hot Pot Stew, Colcannon, Shamrock Soup & finish it off with some Shamrock Cupcakes too!

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

“Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!”

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.

Blasket Islands A boat trip to the

amous for its literature, scenery and wildlife, the Blasket Islands in County Kerry offer an unmissable experience for the adventurous traveller. The best way to see them? Jump on a boat tour from Dingle!

“It’s one of the most dangerous stretches of water in Europe,” says our skipper, Billy. “The currents here can be quite bad, the water rushes in like a river.” We’re bobbing about in the Blasket Sound aboard the “Peig Sayers” Stormforce 11 RIB speed boat as part of the Great Blasket Island Experience tour.

Ahead of us lies the cloud-darkened mass of the Great Blasket Island, which writer Seán Ó Faoláin once described as “wallowing like a whale in the darkening sea”. Its steep slope is strewn with broken-down cottages; a place suspended in the past.

The weather hasn’t been on our side for the trip out here. For more than an hour, we’ve rolled over silver-tipped Atlantic waves that have slapped the boat and caused varying degrees of seasickness in some of the passengers on board. We’ve passed ancient forts, jagged sea cliffs and majestic rock formations along the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, but the green faces tell their own story.

“Just sit down when you get onto land,” Billy says kindly as he helps the unwell onto a dinghy for the final journey to the island. “That’s all you can do… it will pass.”

For centuries, the Great Blasket Island was home to a community of people for whom crossing these waters was a way of life. It’s thought that the islands were first inhabited in the 1700s, but by 1954, the population had dwindled from a peak of 176 in 1916 to just 22 – and they were ready to depart for a new life on the mainland.

“There was no option but to leave,” islander Gearóid Cheaist Ó Catháin told the Irish Times in 2014. The isolation of the Great Blasket locals was tested by the death a young man from meningitis; bad weather meant he couldn’t access medical care, nor could they access a coffin for him after his death. “People got scared. They were getting old and the isolation started to get to a lot of them.”Dinghy to the Great Blasket Islands

Crossing in the dinghy under an ashen sky, it’s easy to appreciate a small bit of the unpredictability of life here, where summers must have been glorious and winters dark and brutal. A simple landing on the island at the small harbour is an adventure in itself. After that, it’s a steep hike up the slippy, jagged rocks, followed by a sharp grassy incline that causes even the fittest of the

Great Blasket Island pier

group to pause for breath.Out in the ocean rises the archipelago of misty-green islands: Inis na Bró, An Tiaracht, Inis Tuaisceart. To our left and right is the abandoned village of broken-down cottages that seem to be slowly being consumed by the landscape. I wait behind as our group trails on up the ridge. It’s suddenly eerily silent but for the mournful bellows from the island’s colony of grey seals.

It’s hard to imagine the Great Blasket as a hive of activity, but at its peak 30 houses were wedged into the side of this hill, as well as cattle, sheep, donkeys and poultry. Smoke would have puffed out of cottage chimneys, villagers would have been hard at work, children’s voices would have been heard.

Usually, a visit to the Blaskets would begin with a tour and talk from an OPW guide, but this is weather permitting, and the rough sea conditions today have limited the amount of boats crossing over. After spending some time exploring the cottages, I decide to undertake the 90-minute walking route around the island’s precipitous hills.

The grassy path leads away from the village towards the cliffs and as I venture along, a pack of strange flies dance around my head, my boots are filled with muddy water from several missteps, and the warm, windless air becomes thick with midges.

But what beauty there is here, with heather-flecked hills that tumble down to a flinty sea studded with misty-green islands.

For the 90 minutes I’m walking, I don’t meet a single soul.

The beauty of the Blaskets has been written about extensively, but while the island is large, the liveable bit of it feels quite small. Instead, the vast bulk of the Great Blasket is made up of cliffs, hills and bog. Living in this environment was challenging, and it wasn’t uncommon for islanders to fall to their deaths. The son of one of the Blasket’s most famous writers, Peig Sayer, died while pulling heather on one of the slopes here in 1920.

As I round the southern edge, the village comes into view and the white of writer Tomás Ó Criomhthain’s restored cottage looks remarkable against the almost otherworldly green of the grass. It’s extravagantly, heartstoppingly beautiful. I’ve just enough time to walk down to where the cliffs overlook the pale sands of the beach,

and sit and watch the seals while having my lunch.

Back in the boat, Billy is eager to get us going to see some of the area’s wildlife. With the engine off, we bob about close to shore while the seals pop up their heads as if engaged in an endless game of whack-a-mole.

The grey seal colony here is now the largest in Ireland, but these playful creatures only moved in after the humans left. In the past, they would have been hunted by islanders, who used to roast their meat for food and use their skins and oil.

Billy hopes we’ll spot more wildlife, but he’s managing our expectations and says he doesn’t fancy our chances. Still, off we set at high speed, heading towards what feels like the horizon. “We’re looking for where the gulls are feeding, where the fish are”, Billy explains as he scans the stony water, eyes narrowed, attention fully focussed.

It feels like we’re suspended between moments of stillness and mad dashes after something imperceptible. Astonishingly, we suddenly find ourselves surrounded by

a frenzy of common dolphins, with Billy excitedly telling us how they round their fish into a circle, bunching them tighter and tighter before taking turns to feed.

As we’re enjoying the dolphin activity, a huge sleek, basalt-coloured hump breaches the surface of the water and with it comes an almost overwhelming stench of putrid fish – a minke whale. “That’s why they’re called ‘stinky minkys’m lads. Can you smell him?”, laughs Billy. It’s an exhilarating sight, with all of us transfixed and gasping whenever we see the whale.

Sea birds swoop overhead, and Billy points out manx shearwaters, storm petrels and gannets, who torpedo the water around us. He’s hoping for a humpback to make an appearance, but we’re all so high on wildlife, we don’t care. “Wow, lads, look at that,” Billy suddenly shouts.

“It’s a skua – wow, that’s so rare, that’s a much better sight than the minke whale.” We watch as the great skua – often described as the pirate of the sea – harasses a smaller bird in an effort to get it to drop or regurgitate its food, which it then scoops up.

Nobody minds when, after around an hour, Billy suggests we head back to town. We know we’ve done well. A satisfied calm takes over the boat as we chug our way to Dingle under royal blue skies, stopping to spend a few moments under the incredible sea cliffs and craggy sea arches on the peninsula’s coastline.

Stepping off the boat in Dingle, we’re all exhausted but utterly delighted with ourselves. It feels like the day has been spent on another planet, and it takes a while to adjust to the busy town. But a few hours later, sitting around the crackling warmth of the fire at Foxy John’s, I’m already planning my return.

The Blaskets keep calling.

Source: Tourisim Ireland

Sea arch, Dingle Peninsula

Dinghy to the Great Blasket Islands

Sharyn Ward

Traveller’s Talent

Sharyn Ward a traditional singer and proud Irish Traveller from Longford and a mother of three, her unreal rendition of Black is the Colour placed her in Ireland’s Got Talent final where she sang One Starry Night – “makes me proud to be a Traveller”, she says.

Since the show she has performed at events to raise awareness of Traveller mental health.

Last year Sharyn released her first original single, ‘Feeling Free’ a traditional Irish song with lively banjo & accordion coupled with such very strong vocals and weave Cant (Traveller language) throughout the song, you can feel the energy in her voice and her pride in her culture. ‘Feeling Free’ was produced by John Flynn, JMR Studios, Shankhill. Instrumentals by Dick Farrelly. ‘Feeling Free’ written and sung by Sharyn Ward.

And as a run-up to the release of her album, Sharyn has returned with a powerful new single, ‘This Auld Camp Here’.

What’s exciting is each original track set she is working on for the album showcases various aspects of Travellers life and their culture. ‘Feeling Free’ celebrated the deep bond between a man and his horse, ‘Where Do All The Travelling People Go?’ brings about a strong message on mental health challenges and the discrimination Travellers are faced with as well as Sharyn’s own journey through some hardships.

We asked Sharyn what this new release is all about … “‘This Auld Camp Here’ well it’s about how we wouldn’t take all the money in the world for the auld camp we live in...”

“It’s about when people wanted to buy us out, and them not realising that money can’t buy things in life that are important to us – like family, my faith, peace, love, unity, storytelling, singing, passing traditions on to our young people, and the way our children can run wild and free,”

In 2019, Sharyn won The Traveller Pride Award in the Music category, the awards are co-ordinated by the Irish Traveller Movement.

We were very excited to chat with Sharyn about her journey in the music world and what tomorrow looks like… we certainly can’t wait to have her visit Canada and tour coast to coast to coast bringing us the sound of music!! I remember many celebrations myself of The Travellers Weddings &/or Funerals… gosh they would go on for days and what a hooley!!

Tell us about your background Sharyn?

I’m a very proud Irish Traveller woman, I’m married to the love of my life and we have three beautiful children.

I’m originally from Co. Longford but moved to Dublin when I met my husband. I have made a lot of great friends since I came here but I always make sure to go home to see my old friends and family.

What age did you start singing at?

I don’t ever remember not singing. I was surrounded by my Big-Daddy (my grandfather) and all our family a lot as a child and they constantly sang and played music all day. Also my father and mother played music from morning until night at home and I loved to listen and learn the words of the songs and then go back and sing it to the family who came to visit our home. Without realising at the time the older people were passing down traditions and songs. One of the songs I sang recently has been dated back to the 1930s or 40s and I learned that from listening to family singing it since I was a child. Singsongs at weddings

and other occasions is where I learned some of the best songs I know. I knew from I was a child that I wanted to be a performer and to sing to the world.

What was it like growing up for you?

Where do I start? I was surrounded by great family and friends, Travellers and non-travellers and I was a very popular child when I was younger. Had a lot of friends and enjoyed life. I didn’t enjoy school I’m not going to lie but I later went to college to become a beauty therapist and enjoyed that a lot.

Ireland’s Got Talent

Tell us about that experience?

Here’s the funny thing lol….I didn’t actually apply for IGT.

There was some filming going on here in the camp with the family and I’d met Lucy Kennedy and became great friends with her instantly. They all insisted I came out to the fire to sing and I went out for a few minutes sang a song called one starry night

and she loved it, got her sound person out to record and came back to me the next day and said IGT want me to audition and I was delighted to know that people thought I was that good, but refused as I wasn’t ready to be just put out into the world. I was afraid of social media. There is a lot of discrimination against my people at the time so I was afraid in a way.

Anyway after thinking about it for a few days and a lot of talking on the phone to Claire Ridge (part of IGT) and a lot of praying for guidance I agreed to do it.

I was just put straight through to audition with Judges I didn’t have to do anything only turn up lol . When I got to the side of the stage and once I seen my children, I knew what I had to do. I don’t want them to suffer for been a traveller or to be held back so I just went for it. I did it for all my people!!

What was the most special thing about this experience?

Well apart from nearly falling off the stage with the audiences reaction I could barely

speak - I just kept thinking “what is going on?” I couldn’t believe it. I felt so proud and it was like a “ah finally moment”.

The entire team of IGT told me that my life would change forever and they were right. In so many ways and all good. What felt extra special for me is that yes there was a little negative comments but it was outnumbered by the positive.

It was the most beautiful feeling. I cried my eyes out the day I woke up and seen my picture all over the papers lol people loved me I couldn’t believe it .

What’s your favourite Song ?

I have so many songs that I love, too many - How about I tell you SOME of my favourite singers

Pecker Dunne, Finbar Furey, Luke Kelly , Christy Moore, Margaret Barry, The Pogues, The Wolfetones, The Dubliners, honestly I will take up this whole page if I keep listing them..

What does tomorrow look like for you ?

I feel like the future is very bright.

I have found my place in the music world with the help of good people. Especially all the gang at the Axis in Ballymun. But I am still figuring it all out with the help of some great friends and family in the background.

Working with Missing Link Productions at JMR Recording Studio is where I’ve done my songs with John and Dick. I’m still finishing off my own album there too and it’s going to be finished very soon.

When will you go on Tour?

I’m going to be definitely touring this year. I’m waiting to confirm dates but keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates on that. I really truly can’t wait to actually get out and meet my fans/ friends. I’d be lost without my social media family. They keep me going.

Where is your favourite place to be?

At home in the camp surrounded by my family. I am a family woman. They are my life.

Irish Film set to shine at the Oscars!

By John Galway, Executive Director, Toronto Irish Film Festival (TIRFF)

To quote RTÉ “Best Day Ever!” as it helped announce a recordbreaking year for Irish film at the Oscars with The Banshees Of Inisherin leading the way with a stunning eight nominations. When you add in the best actor nomination for Aftersun which is written and directed by Scottish director Charlotte Wells (who many feel was robbed in not receiving nominations in both categories) it was quite the day for Celtic Cinema!

The Banshees Of Inisherin saw Martin McDonagh, Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell recapture the magic of their previous collaboration In Bruges. The film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for McDonagh, Best Actor for Farrell, Best Supporting Actor for Gleeson and rising star Barry Keoghan, Best Supporting Actress for Kerry Condon and Best Original Score for Carter Burwell.

McDonagh is a previous Oscar winner for his short film Six Shooter which won the 2006 award for Best Live Action Short. The film stars Brendan Gleeson and features Domhnall Gleeson in his very first film role. It’s available for free on You-tube if you want to check it out!

Making history this year was also An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) which followed its record-breaking run at the Irish boxoffice with the first ever nomination for an Irish language film with its nod for Best

International Feature Film. An Cailín Ciúin is perhaps now the most recognized of a recent wave of Irish language films that includes Arracht (shown at TIRFF 2021), Doineann (shown at TIRFF 2022) and Róise & Frank (set to have its Canadian premier at TIRFF 2023!).

Northern Ireland had a role to play to with the nomination for the touching An Irish Goodbye (shown at TIRFF 2022) in the Best Live Action Short Film Category. Led by a fantastic performance by James Martin the film has been travelling the world through the film festival circuit.

Irish actor Paul Mescal, who many will recognize from Normal People, scored a Best Actor nomination for his incredible work in Aftersun. Set in the early 2000s, the film follows Sophie, an 11-year-old Scottish girl, on vacation with her father at a Turkish resort on the eve of his 31st birthday.

Not to be outdone, two additional nominations went to Irishmen in the technical categories: Jonathan Redmond for his work on Elvis (Best Film Editing) and Richard Baneham for his work on Avatar: The Way Of Water (Best Visual Effects).

The Oscars will be awarded on March 13th. If you are keen to see the next wave of Irish film and the talent set to explode onto the international scene, March is the best time!

The Toronto Irish Film Festival is all set to unveil its largest program ever of features, documentaries and short films ever, and Irish film festivals in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver will be bringing the best of Irish Cinema to Canada.

The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Credits: The Walt Disney Studios.

30 Years! Celebrating

By John Barry

Tthe Irish Club of Mississauga celebrates its 30th year in existence it seems a good time to reflect back to its humble beginnings and long standing connection to the community that surrounds it.

The Club began as an idea in a near by pub where a few would gather back in 1992. The group gradually got larger until someone came up with the idea of finding a place and starting their own Club. And thus produced the beginnings of The Ireland Supporters Club ( now The Irish Club of Mississauga ). Legend has it that the original motto was “Country First, County Second”. It was also built around the idea of promoting Irish Culture and the community in which it existed. I think it’s fair to say that both ideals have been carried out successfully for the last 30 years.

The location at 4120 Ridgeway Drive ( unit 39 ) in Mississauga was selected and many talented hands volunteered to construct the beautiful 40 foot bar, the bathrooms, lighting, fireplace along with all the chattels that made it the inviting place that it became and remains to this day.

It didn’t take long to secure a liquor license and then install the beer taps that got the bar up and running. Of course this is a quick summary and there are a thousand more details that had to be looked after, but the fact is many contributed and worked together to get the Club started and that

same spirit continues some 30 years later.

There have been countless nights of fabulous live entertainment, fundraisers, birthday parties, anniversaries, baby showers and even a couple of weddings. We have celebrated the lives of those who have left us and honoured their memory in proper Irish style…with a drink, a song, a story and a tear. As Hugo Straney likes to say, “We have kept the flag flying in Mississauga”

It wasn’t always easy though, the pandemic was a challenge. With the help of the Irish Government and our generous members we managed to keep the home fires burning.

At the heart of our Club however are its members. That is the epicentre of our atmosphere and strength. We are all part of this family whether you be born in Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, or anywhere in this world. We are proud to have a diverse membership. The only prerequisite is that you enjoy the company of others and respect and support the Club.

There is so much that the Club offers to its members as well. We have our Golf Society, Darts League and our Pie & Peas Nights ( which ends with karaoke ). There’s also Ceilidh, Irish and Line dancing along with the popular Spring and Christmas markets featuring local talent.

Even if it’s just a great pint or a drink and some good craic in a warm and friendly atmosphere that you’re after, it’s all here.

And there is of course St.Paddys Day, our biggest celebration of the year! Come out and help us celebrate our 30th Anniversary at The Irish Club of Mississauga. Here’s to 30 more great years!

Lead sponsors

Canada Ireland Foundation presents

BOUND FOR CANADA: A Musical Journey

from Hardship to Hope

Original orchestral score by Odhrán Ó Casaide

Performed by acclaimed musical talent from Canada and Ireland:

• Sibéal Ní Chasaide

• The Garda Band

• North York Concert Orchestra

• Toronto Choral Society

Gala Concert

Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto

Tickets & Info

canadairelandfoundation.com

Media sponsors

Montreal St. Patrick’s Parade

By Lauren Tracey

On March 19th 2023, the Montreal St. Patrick’s Parade will go down St Catherine Street for the 198th time. This makes it the largest and longest running Saint Patrick’s parade in Canada, bringing upwards of 200,000 people to the streets of Montreal every year.

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Montreal as far back as 1759, by Irish soldiers in the Montreal Garrison during the British conquest of New France. Due to the Great Irish Famine (18451849), 40% of Quebecers can trace their Heritage back to Irish roots. In 1847 alone, almost 100 000 Irish arrived at Grosse Isle, an island which housed the immigration reception station. The island’s facilities were only equipped for fewer than one hundred patients and consequently, in addition to the many lives lost during travel, thousands died in quarantine on the island. Most survivors were sent from Grosse-Ile to Montreal. Orphaned children were adopted into Quebec families and became Québécois, both linguistically and culturally. Some of these children fought for their right to keep their Irish surnames, and were largely successful. In 1909, a Celtic cross

was erected on Grosse-Ile to commemorate the tragedy. Today, the island remains a National Historic site.

In the 1840s and 1850s, Irish immigrants laboured on the Victoria Bridge, living in a tent city at the foot of the bridge (see Goose Village, Montreal). In the late 1850s, workers unearthed a mass grave of 6000 Irish immigrants who died on our shores stricken in transit or upon arrival in 1847-48. Installed in 1859, the Black Rock remains at the bridge entrance to commemorate the tragedy and, as the inscription on the Stone reads “To preserve from desecration the remains of 6000 immigrants who died of ship fever”. The Irish would go on to settle permanently in the close-knit working-class neighbourhoods of PointeSaint-Charles and Griffintown, working in the nearby flour mills, factories, and sugar refineries.

The Montreal St Patrick’s Parade has been held since 1824, and the United Irish Societies of Montreal (UIS) has proudly been its organizers since 1929. The organization serves as a social and cultural hub for members of the Irish community and those interested in Irish culture in Montreal. In addition to the enormous task of organizing the parade, the UIS takes pride in promoting and preserving Irish heritage and culture in the Greater Montreal Area. We organize events and activities throughout the year to celebrate Irish history and traditions, as well as charitable events to give back to the community. Notably, every year, the UIS distributes Christmas Baskets to families in need during the holidays, a tradition that we are very proud of.

The UIS has seen the leadership of many incredible individuals, and in the last 25 years, many women have taken on these roles. In 1991, Mabel Fitzgerald became the first woman elected as President of the United Irish Societies of Montreal, a role she held until 1993. Since then, 7 of the last 15 presidents have been women. In 2008, the UIS elected the first woman as Vice-President Organization (Parade Director), Beverly Murphy. She later went on to be president in 2014-15. Patty McCann followed as the Parade Director from 2012 to 2022.

Every year since 1956 the UIS has selected a Queen and Princesses to represent the Irish Community. Today, this selection is done in the form of a public speaking contest during which the contestants, women between the ages of 1825, give speeches on their ancestry, Irish Heritage, and personal accomplishments. The five women selected subsequently have the opportunity to learn more about their roots, all the while engaging with and representing the Irish community throughout Green Season and beyond.

Currently, the President of the UIS is Kevin Tracey. He is supported by an executive of 7 in addition to several committee chairs, each of whom play integral roles in the success of the organization. As it often is, the UIS is a real family affair. Both of Kevin’s daughters are on the executive: Lauren as VP Advertising & Public Relations, and Leah as Communications Chairperson.

Belfast Pubs

Belfast’s Watering Holes are Iconic

1. Crown Liquor Saloon

Stepping into the Crown for the first time is almost overwhelming. The fabulously ornate late 19th century tiles, stained glass and carved wood are all thanks to the skill of Italian craftsmen, hired to work on the pub after they had finished working on churches being erected in Belfast at the time. Cosy up in one of the booths built for Victorian drinkers who didn’t want to be seen, and sample the pub’s excellent craft beers and delicious, unpretentious good food.

2. The Perch

Clank up five storeys in an old-fashioned lift and you’re decanted into an airy space of old skylights, brick walls, tiles, patterns, birdcages and big potted plants – this is The Perch. It’s like a groovy, mad Victorian conservatory, right in the middle of the historic Linen Quarter. Take a seat (if you’re lucky) at the rectangular island bar or head outside and snuggle under a blanket with a hot toddy (whiskey) in winter, or something ice-cool in the summer. A DJ, great beers, cocktails and a nightclub downstairs... the perfect mix for partying or chilling.

3. Kelly’s Cellars

Kelly’s Cellars has been a Belfast stalwart since 1720. Traditional music sessions four days a week host some of the island’s finest players. If the whitewashed walls and low arches could talk, they might whisper of plots and intrigues: the United Irishmen met here to plan the 1798 rebellion. According to legend, one of them, Henry Joy McCracken even hid behind the bar to escape a soldiers’ search. With Irish-speaking staff, a huge range of whiskeys and craft beers, as well as perhaps the best pint of Guinness in Belfast, you’ll be in for the night.

These are the 10 You Simply Can’t Afford to Miss

4. Duke of York

Tucked away up a narrow cobbled lane in one of the oldest parts of the city, the Duke of York is a bright, cosy relic of the city’s past, with a jumble of mirrors, advertisements, bottles, beer trays, shining brass work and wonderful tiles. Remarkably, this version of the pub was rebuilt in 1974, but the recreation of 1950s life is almost magical. Music fans will adore the fact that rock band Snow Patrol played their first gig in this very spot. Settle down for the evening with a couple of names from the astonishing whiskey collection.

5. The Dirty Onion

Shakespeare” in honour of its theatrical connections, and now you can enjoy a drink beside Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and football hero George Best. The pub is famed for its beers, ciders and whiskeys, and later in the evening the older clientele make way for a younger crowd.

helps you feel right at home – it’s also run by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, with all the funds raised going to promoting their work towards equality and inclusion in the city’s community. Enjoy a few delicious drinks and help do some good at the same time!

Located in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion offers an authentic bar experience with a modern twist! Enjoy traditional music sessions in the evenings as you relax with your drink beside a peat fire, or step outside into the trendy beer garden (one of the biggest in Belfast) and relax while sampling a delicious craft beer or spirit. Head upstairs and you’ll find Yardbird, a cosy rotisserie chicken restaurant, offering perfectly cooked tasty chicken and brilliant sharing options. With its winning combination of old and new, this place is not to be missed!

6. Bittles Bar

Squeezed into a red-brick flatiron-shaped building, Bittles is a rare find – a pub whose outside is as extraordinary as its inside. The walls of the lounge feature paintings of Ireland’s literary and sporting heroes. The pub, founded in 1868, used to be called “The

Laying claim to being the oldest bar in Belfast, White’s Tavern is certainly one of the most atmospheric. There has been some sort of hostelry here since 1630, so the place breathes history. Amid the whitewashed brick walls, dark panelling and open fire it’s easy to imagine 18th century ne’er-do-wells muttering at the next table. With live music and delicious food on offer, and even films screened in the courtyard in summer, this is a real find.

If you like your pubs themed around classic Hollywood movies, you’ll love the Bullitt Bar. Yes, THAT Bullitt - Steve McQueen, San Francisco, epic car chase – can now be experienced in the heart of Belfast. This courtyard bar is part of the Bullitt Hotel (low on frills, big on style) and prides itself on its wide selection of cocktails and craft beers, not to mention its very own Bullitt brew, a refreshing lager with a delicate apple nose. Nicely situated within walking distance the trendy Cathedral Quarter and the city centre, it exudes the kind of effortless, laidback cool that would make McQueen proud.

Named for the late poet and Belfast native John Hewitt, this homely bar is a bastion of amazing live music. With performers lighting up the stage every night of the week, it’s a prime spot for the foot-tapping oneof-a-kind sessions that Belfast is rightfully famous for. A warm and inviting interior

On a corner that has housed a pub for more than 100 years is Sunflower – a slice of Belfast’s social history tucked into the Cathedral Quarter. The first thing you notice is the security grille on the door – a relic of a time long gone from the city’s psyche, and merely present as an act of preservation. Sunflower is described as “a thriving love letter to folk music and craft ale”, and offers impressive craft beers, a short menu during the day and live music every night.

Source: Tourisim Ireland

7. Whites Tavern

8. The John Hewitt

9. Bullitt Bar

10. Sunflower

Irish Style

By Shauna Dickson

As we head into another spring season, it’s only natural to take a look at our closet and think “How about a refresh?” This season, Irish designers are feeling colourful and have added marvellous magentas, lovely lavenders, tranquil blues and zesty citrus shades to the knitwear lineup. They’re here to prove that Aran classics are not just a thing of the past, but can be cemented into the present and ultimately, the future of fashion. The Aran knit can essentially do no wrong. It lingers in the past and consistently arrives again every year to prove it’s longevity.

The best way to keep tradition alive is to honour it often and to make sure the contemporary vision suits a modern lifestyle. At IrelandsEye Knitwear, this is something they do well.

A brand founded in Dublin and featured in clothing shops worldwide, IrelandsEye have presented a beautiful collection for 2023 full of joyful, vivid colours and special designs. They describe their new “Solstice Collection” as: “inspired by the character of strong Irish women, who embrace the colour and darkness of life, with equal measure. Cropped, oversized and shaggy silhouettes with a focus on warmth and layering.” Fitting that it’s inspired by the strength of Irish women, as

February 2023 was the first time Ireland observed St. Brigid’s Day as a national holiday to celebrate the countries only female patron saint. It’s worth noting that when we think of strong Irish women, St. Brigid does still come to mind. The woman who represented strength, healing and feminine spirituality lives on in many ways. Perhaps even through dazzling Irish knitwear and design! What a nice thought to usher us into spring.

design is Co. Mayo based, Aran Woollen Mills. They describe their vision as “crafted in Ireland, inspired by tradition, made for the future.” Their Aran Classics collection boldly takes on 2023 with “fresh stitches, a vibrant colour palette and the softest Merino wool, all woven together with our unique design magic.” Reinventing a classic certainly takes talent, and when it’s done right, you can feel the charm in every fibre and every stitch.

If you love the sound of adding a punch of colour but are afraid to take the risk, start small with a scarf or cute floppy hat. Little additions like this will spread some life into your existing outfits. It’s a quick way to test out a new fashion vibe without breaking the bank, or your heart, if it turns out the colour is not for you. In most instances, you can’t really go wrong if you trust your gut. Whatever you are drawn to, simply take the plunge and add it to your collection. If it makes you happy from first glance, it’ll be sure to boost your mood every time you wear it. Try a delicious shade of chartreuse green for example. It may perk you up even more than a morning cup of coffee! Pairing a sherbet orange cardigan over a navy skirt and watching how the colours compliment each other oh so perfectly will definitely put a spring in your step.

If you’re loving the retro resurgence over the last few years, a straight leg light wash pair of jeans with a sleeveless vest and black blazer overtop could be your new spring staple outfit! Or why not try dark flared denim and a cream cable knit polo neck

sweater to hop on the nostalgic vibe that is still in full swing from 2022? Finish off by adding your favourite sneakers or polished loafers and you’ve instantly put together a casual-chic outfit. If you’re more of a neutral lover, fear not! The blush, cream, oatmeal and taupe toned knits haven’t gone anywhere. They have always been and will continue to be a favourite among Irish designers and fashionistas alike.

If you’re a 9-5 office go-er, trousers, skirts and jackets are pretty much the norm. Jack Murphy Clothing (designing in Dublin since 1922) make beautiful tweed outerwear that will never go out of style. Go for the gold and elevate your look by switching out your black trousers and basic white button down for tweed culottes and a lightweight jewel tone cable knit crew neck. Throw on a lovely tweed blazer to complete the look, keep you cozy and transition from heavy winterwear to something lighter for these brisk spring days.

Choosing to invest in quality instead of quantity helps build a capsule closet you will love for years. Take care in choosing your

clothes and in the long run your clothes will take care of you too. That’s why hand knit designers like Edel MacBride from Donegal have a special place in the history of Aran fashion. Her pieces are truly special, and her passion for keeping the Aran tradition alive is unmatched. Using locally dyed and spun yarns which are handknit and loomed in Ireland, her business is proud of its slow fashion philosophy. With over thirty years experience, Edel is renowned for expert craftmanship and being a champion of traditional knitting skills. She says it best herself “Sustainability and ethical production are not a trend for me, but a way of life.” Do yourself a favour and check her out online at www. edelmacbride. com. You’ll fall in love with the art of keeping Irish heritage alive through knitwear.

It’s been said that 2023 will be the year of rebirth, renewal and strength. We are all ready for that, aren’t we? So don’t be afraid to mix traditional style with a colour you maybe haven’t worn before, or a new design you love but have yet to try. The great thing about Irish style is that it quite literally never goes out of style. Fads may come and go but the Celtic influence seems to always stick. So the next time you find yourself wondering, “What’s next in fashion?”, take comfort knowing that if you own some Irish knits or outerwear, you’re enriched with the heritage of your past while already being one step ahead.

h e s e k n i t s a r e h e r e t o s t a y

The Family Feast

LAMB STEW HOT POT

You can also use neck of lamb or gigot chops to make this stew. Simply ask your butcher to cut it into 1½cm slices for you. This is a great nutritionally complete dinner in one pot for the whole family.

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 675g shoulder of lamb

• 4 tablesp. plain flour

• Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

• 1 teasp. chopped fresh thyme

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 large leek, sliced

• 2 large carrots, sliced

• 100g swede, cut into cubes

• About 600ml chicken stock

• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

• 675g even-sized potatoes

• 40g butter

• Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

Method

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180ºC (350ºF). Trim the lamb very well and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season generously, then use to coat the lamb. Arrange half of the lamb in the bottom of a round dish and add a sprinkling of thyme. Scatter the onion, leek, carrots and swede on top, then season and add another sprinkling of thyme. Arrange the remaining lamb on top to cover the vegetables completely and sprinkle over the remaining thyme.

Pour enough chicken stock to just come up above the last layer of lamb. Cover the casserole with a lid and place in the oven for about 1 hour until the lamb and vegetables are just tender and the stock has thickened slightly. Place the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside for 5 minutes until cool enough to handle. Slice the potatoes lengthways into 1cm thick slices and lay them in a slightly overlapping layer on top of the stew.

Melt the butter in a small pan or in the microwave and brush over the potatoes. Season to taste and cook in the oven for another 40 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and nicely golden and the lamb stew is bubbling up around the edges of the dish. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and serve straight to the table.

COLCANNON CAKES WITH POACHED EGGS AND HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

This dish would also be delicious served with a slice of baked ham or bacon if you have any leftover. Alternatively, chop up the ham or bacon and add to the colcannon mixture before shaping into patties.

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 450g potatoes, peeled

• 40g butter

• 3 scallions, finely chopped

• A little salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 50g Savoy cabbage, shredded

• A little plain flour, for dusting

• Olive oil, for frying

• 1 tablesp. white wine vinegar

• 4 large eggs

For the Hollandaise Sauce

• 2 teasp. white wine or tarragon vinegar

• 2 large egg yolks

• 100g unsalted butter

Method

Cook the potatoes in a covered pan of boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, heat a knob of the butter and one tablespoon of water in a heavy-based pan with a lid, over a high heat. When the butter has melted and formed an emulsion, add the scallions and cabbage with a pinch of salt. Cover, shake vigorously and cook over a high heat for 1 minute. Shake the pan again and cook for another minute, then season with pepper.

Drain the potatoes and mash until smooth, then beat in the remaining butter. Fold in the cabbage mixture. Shape the mixture into four balls, dust with flour and press into neat patties.

Heat a thin film of olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan and add the patties, then cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

To make the poached eggs, bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the vinegar and season with salt and keep at a very gentle simmer. Break the eggs into the water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until just cooked but still soft on the inside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper, trimming away any ragged edges.

To make the hollandaise sauce, place the vinegar and egg yolks in a food processor with a pinch of salt. Blend until just combined.

Gently heat the butter in a heavy-based pan until melted and just beginning to foam. Turn on the food processor and with the motor running at medium speed; pour in the melted butter in a thin, steady stream through the feeder tube. Continue to blitz for another 5 seconds and pour back into the pan but do not return to the heat. Allow the heat from the pan to finish thickening the sauce as you stir it gently for another minute before serving. Season to taste with salt.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, place a colcannon cake on each warmed plate and place a poached egg on top of each one. Spoon over the hollandaise sauce and add a grinding of black pepper.

ST PATRICK’S DAY SOUP WITH SHAMROCK SHAPED CHEESE CROUTONS

Ingredients - Serves 4

• 60g butter

• 2 medium white onion, chopped

• 600g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• Salt and pepper

• 800ml vegetable or chicken stock

• 240g sorrel leaves, shredded

Cheese Croutons

• 2 slices thick wholemeal bread

• Olive oil or melted butter to brush on

• 100g grated Irish cheese

SHAMROCK CUP CAKES

IngredientsMakes 24 cupcakes

• 200g caster sugar

• 200g soft butter

• 4 medium eggs

• 1tsp Irish cream liqueur (optional)

• 200g self-raising flour

Frosting

• 1 pack green sugarpaste icing sugar

• 1 tub ready-made royal icing

To Cook

• 2 x 12 cup muffin tins,

• 24 muffin cases

• Shamrock cutter

Method

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onion and potato and cook gently, covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add salt, pepper and stock and bring to the boil. Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Add the sorrel leaves and cook for 5 minutes more.

Liquidise the soup until smooth.

To make the Cheese Croutons: Cut shapes from the bread and brush lightly with olive oil or butter. Grill on one side then turn over and sprinkle with the grated cheese and grill until cheese is melted.

Place on top of the hot soup.

Method

Preheat the oven to 180ºC, fan 160ºC, gas mark 4. Put the sugar and butter in an electric mixer and beat until pale and fluffy.

Beat the eggs lightly in a small bowl and add slowly to the mix, using medium speed. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a little of the flour. When the eggs and butter mixture is well combined, mix in the liqueur (if using) and the remaining flour at slow speed.

Divide the mixture between the muffin cases using two teaspoons or a piping bag with a wide nozzle [no.10].

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the sponge is lightly golden and springs back to the touch.

Leave to cool before icing.

To make shamrock decorations: Roll out the green sugarpaste to about 3mm thickness using a little icing sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out shamrock shapes and put to one side.

Prepare the royal icing as on the pack and cover the cupcakes with a spoon or pallet knife

[Add green colouring if desired].

Place the green shamrock shapes on the icing before completely set. Wait until fully set before serving.

FISH PIE - ALWAYS A FAMILY FAVOURITE.

Ingredients - Serves 6

• 600g fish, e.g. haddock, hake, monkfish, trout, skinned and boned

• 600ml milk

• ½ onion

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 pepper corns

• 20g butter

• 20g plain flour

• 2 tomatoes, skinned and sliced

• 3 tablesp. flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• 1 tablesp. lemon juice

• Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Topping

• 900g freshly mashed potatoes

• 25g cheddar cheese, grated

Method

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 200°C (400°F).

Place the milk, onion, bay leaf and pepper corns in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, add the fish and cook gently for 4-5 minutes. Remove the fish from the pan, allow to cool a little, then flake into bitesized pieces and place in a bowl.

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring all the time until golden brown. Gradually stir in the fish cooking liquid until the mixture boils, season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Now add the sauce to the fish along with the parsley and lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Spoon half the fish mixture into a 1½ litre baking dish, arrange the sliced tomatoes on top and then spoon in the rest of the fish. Spread the mashed potatoes on top, finely sprinkle the cheese all over and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and browned.

Chef’s Tip

Try not to over-cook the fish at the poaching stage as it will have plenty of time to cook through when in the oven.

Other fish you could use: Any combination of fish will work.

Source: BordBia

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