Winter 2017 $4.99
www.celticcanada.com
Celebrate Christmas with our Celtic Cocktail ~ Cheers!
INTRODUCING
A new whisky from a bygone era. Many moons ago, distilleries cooled their spirit in worm tub condensers. Sitting stubbornly atop a rough rock in Speyside, Craigellachie has stuck by this rare method, which imparts unusually strong sulphury flavors. Try a bottle and taste for yourself. Visit Craigellachie.com.
visit craigellachie.com to learn more ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ©2017. CRAIGELLACHIE AND ITS TRADE DRESS ARE TRADEMARKS. IMPORTED BY THE CRAIGELLACHIE COMPANY, CORAL GABLES, FL. SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY – 46% ALC. BY VOL.
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FEATURES 10
16
The Barra MacNeils ~ An East Coast Christmas
Celtic Christmas Cocktail
20
Mayo Person of the Year
29
Whiskey Galore!
30
Christmas in Ireland!
34
Irish Style!
Photo Source: Tourism Ireland - Mourne Mountains
CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Welcome to our Winter issue.
Tis the season
Eleanor Reynolds Publisher/Editor ECG www.ellie-corp.com Sales, Marketing & Creative Direction Graphic Design Prism Studios Advertising & Design Inc. Contributors Rory O’donovan Colin Barry Shauna Dickson Siobhan Kukolic Desmond Devoy Albert Syeles M. O’Neill Emmett McCourt Advertise Now Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Call: 416-845-9900
W
to be merry!
e are delighted to feature The Barra MacNeils ~ An East Coast Christmas a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season! Check out tour dates as it is a true Celtic tradition! The jingle of sleigh bells and the aroma of our Christmas Celtic Cocktail wafting through the air is enough to put any Scrooge in the mood for Christmas. It might be cold outside, but our Celtic Christmas Cocktail is sure to warm your heart and soul and put you in the spirit of Christmas, so give it a try and tell us what you think!! We have a fantastic feature on Whiskey… The demand for Irish whiskey, now the world’s fastest growing premium spirit, is being supported by a raft of new distilleries that have sprung up around the country in recent times. With around 30 distilleries either in production or at various stages of development, and still more in the pipeline, the whiskey revival is being felt right across the island of Ireland. Earlier this month I visited Niagara on the Lake and one of my favourite shops Irish Design and found some woolen treasures which I had no problem treating myself to!!! It’s Perfect timing for Irish Style… it’s a time to celebrate holidays, spend time with family and cozy up to a roaring fire with a cup of (Baileys) hot chocolate. With shorter days and unpredictable weather, having an arsenal of quality garments in your closet will make this season so much more bearable and dare I say it: enjoyable. After all, if anyone can do winter right it’s a Canadian in an Irish wool sweater says Shauna from Irish Design, so be sure to visit Shauna at Irish Design and make a day of it at Niagara on the Lake or visit her website to order online… Imagine a summer in Galway… are you looking for an exciting study abroad opportunity in summer 2018? Then choose a course at the National University of Ireland Galway, ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide check them out and see why!! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our advertisers & contributors for another excellent year of Celtic Canada and to wish them and all our readers the very happiest of holidays! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.
Articles for submission Visit: www.celticcanada.com Email: info@celticcanada.com Subscribe Now Online: www.celticcanada.com 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. 4
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.
CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
Happy Christmas
from Irish Ambassador to Canada Mr. Jim Kelly
I
t is my pleasure to send greetings to all readers of Celtic Canada and to the Irish community across
Canada. It is hard to believe how quickly the first year of my posting in Canada has passed by. It has been an active and exciting year, featuring no less than eight visits to Canada by members of the Government of Ireland, including the first working visit to Canada by a Taoiseach in 12 years, when Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited in May. This was followed just three months later by the visit in August of his successor as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, with PM Trudeau paying a visit to Ireland just one month before. This increased level of activity reflects the new strengthened bilateral relationship
which we are all working to build between Ireland and Canada, founded on our strong and historic people-to-people links and availing of new trade and economic opportunities. Next year will see a further historic development as we look forward to the opening of a new diplomatic consulate in Western Canada, based in Vancouver. This will be the first expansion of Ireland’s permanent diplomatic presence in Canada since 1939, and will greatly increase our capacity to serve the growing community in Western Canada. In the course of my busy work and travels through Canada, it has been a great pleasure for me to meet so many members of our vibrant and active Irish community. I look
forward to the opportunity to meet and get to know many more of you in the years to come. To all those travelling home this holiday season, Anne and I wish you a safe journey and an enjoyable time spent with family and friends. It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to wish all the readers of Celtic Canada a very Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2018�
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The Pubs of Christmas By Molly Kett
O
n the first day of Christmas my true love said to me, “Let’s go to the pub, love.” It’s a Friday evening chilled to the bone, you decide it would be a fantastic night for a pub visit. You imagine the warm and welcoming atmosphere; the pub banter, delicious comfort food and a beer to lift your spirits, a pub that makes you feel at home. You quickly get ready to head into the city to an Irish pub, but which one should you visit? Don’t fret, Celtic Canada has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best pubs from Toronto to Ottawa and even Montreal that will warm your bones after a long day of enduring the colder weather and get you into the Spirit of Christmas…
Where? M any locations throughout Ottawa. Website: http://www.heartandcrown.ca The Heart & Crown Irish pubs “where good friends meet for genuine Irish hospitality.” I know first-hand, as a frequent customer to the ByWard Market location during my four years living in Ottawa, that this statement holds truth. The ByWard Market location was the first to open in April 1992, when two Irish immigrants, Larry Bradley and Pat Kelly, took a shot at their dream after meeting in the construction business here in Canada. Since then, The Heart and Crown has
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become well known for live music, great food and Irish hospitality. In Ottawa, there are three Heart & Crown locations, The Aulde Dubliner & Pour House, and the James St. Pub all under the Heart and Crown Group of Pubs. With tremendous success they have grown exponentially in the last 24 years, and continue to be a true Irish owned and family run business. One of the unique things about these pubs is the charm, character and authenticity, creating a true Irish ambiance! From the moment you walk in the atmosphere welcomes you with a warmth no closer to Ireland… the design of each location reflects its origin from furniture, fixtures, bars and décor being built in Ireland with handcrafted millwork for authenticity and excellence! The Heart and Crown has created the traditional Irish experience, using rich natural timbers, hand crafted mirrors and leaded glass providing a true authentic feeling. The builders and designers for each location were flown over from Ireland to ensure everything was just perfect and properly installed. These establishments are truly authentic Irish pubs. The menu is full of flavours of Ireland, tantalizing your taste-buds, from The Award Winning House Crafted Fish & Chips to old time favourites~ Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Sausages to Chicken Curry, yes the curry comes with Chips… Other classics on the menu include homemade Seafood Chowder, a variety of Burgers and Sandwiches,
NY Centre Cut Striploin, and much more. They offer a large variety of local and imported draught, bottled and canned beer and cider, as well as a unique drink menu, which includes classic cocktails and drinks with a Pub twist. One of our favourite things about this local business is their ongoing community involvement. Most recently sponsoring Ottawa Music Trivia, which supported charities such as Operation Come Home and the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre, and Awesome Auction, a charity for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. They currently have a five-year partnership with the Bruyère Foundation, which focuses on palliative care and is among the top 40 research hospitals in Canada. Finally, every Christmas day, they host a volunteer and donation based traditional Christmas lunch for the less fortunate. On top of being a huge year for Ottawa and celebrating Canada’s 150th, 2017 also marked the Heart and Crown’s 25th anniversary! Continued on page 8.
5555 Eglington Avenue West, Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5M1 T: 416-695-9178 F: 416-695-9620 info@irishshebeen.com
www.irishshebeen.com
Continued from page 6 - The 12 Pubs of Christmas
Where? 8 38 The Queensway, Etobicoke, Ontario. Website: http://www.thegalwayarms.ca. Earlier in this article, I mentioned that a good pub should make you feel at home. Our next recommended pub for our 12 pubs of Christmas, has the tagline that it’s “your home away from home.” What could be more promising than that? This pub is rooted in family and tradition. Tom Keane, the pub’s founder, came to Canada from Tuam, County Galway. With him, Tom brought his dream of opening his own pub, with experience being drawn from his upbringing of his family being in the same business. In 1991, with his wife Della and their kids, The Galway Arms was created. The pubs menu is full of Irish tradition and pub favourites at a very reasonable price. The pub’s in-house chef, Guillermo Tavara, cooks with fresh, top quality ingredients. Under the category “Hearty Homemade Favourites” the pub offers my personal favourite food, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew
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and many more. They have something for everyone, with options like their Louisiana Chicken Wrap or The Arms Wings. The pub also has daily deals for their customers, including Sunday Dinners which feature Traditional Irish Prime Roast Beef or Belfast Ham Dinner or Roasted Rosemary Half Chicken. As expected, the Galway Arms has a wide variety of beers on tap to choose from, too many to list! To check out a 360 degree tour of the pub, or make a reservation to visit the pub, visit their website. Don’t miss adding this traditional family pub to your list.
Where? 3 9 Colborne Street, Toronto, Ontario. Website: http://pjobrien.com/our-story/ P.J.’s is another pub rooted deep in family and tradition, two features that often result in a terrific and cozy pub, which is exactly what we looked for in making this list. P.J.’s is a local favourite with Irish Expats
and is inspired by four generations, tracing back to Ireland and true Irish roots in hospitality. Treating customers with top quality service and hospitality is a Quinn Family mantra and the great team of Irish and Canadian staff keep a high standard of service and hospitality in place. When the Quinn’s immigrated to Canada, they say it felt natural to bring the authentic Irish Public House to Canada. This pub is the sister pub to the Irish Embassy Pub & Grill locations, that also made our top list of pubs. This pub’s menu uses locally sourced and often organic ingredients. The pub’s executive Chef, Bala, serves up a vast menu of delicious and nutritious food, including traditional Irish Pub dishes and much more. Drinks? They’ve got them. The pub has an extensive drink list, with an entire menu page dedicated to Scotch and Irish Whiskies. The pub includes special menus for holiday events and even has a sports schedule. This pub has thought of anything and everything. P.J.’s has thought of every aspect of pub life, to ensure the best experience for their guests. Their website is quite extensive, so be sure to check it out for more information.
Where? 4 9 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario & 1234 Bishop St., Montreal, Quebec. Website: http://www.irish-embassy.com This next pub on our list will be perfect for readers who may not be located in the Toronto area. The Irish Embassy Pub & Grill has two locations: one in Toronto and one in Montreal, Quebec. Being another pub run under the Quinn family traditions, it’s a place you can count on, with every experience at both locations guaranteed to be a good one. The Toronto location has an excellent chef, Niles Villeneuve, who cooks up everything from Ontario Beef Cottage Pie for lunch, Traditional Irish Lamb Stew for Dinner and even includes a brunch and late night menu. A short walk to the Air Canada Centre, Sony Centre and other downtown attractions makes this the ideal location before and after a game or concert. The Montreal location has an extensive menu, with Irish and Canadian dishes prepared in house. The Celtic and Canadian music that can be heard throughout the pub creates a warm, lively atmosphere. One Montreal classic this pub has to offer is an inhouse smoked meat sandwich on rye. Both locations serve a big Irish breakfast on the weekends and show most of the big games. Both locations, of course, have a lengthy drink menu, with something for everyone to enjoy. Both locations often have live music playing, to really amp up the perfect pub atmosphere.
The Irish Shebeen schedules weekly live music, sure to bring some liveliness to your week as you find some of your new favourite musical talents. In terms of food, there’s something for the traditional Irish soul like a delicious Steak and Guinness Pie, but there’s also much more. Some of their dishes touch on other cuisines like their Asian Stir Fry or Curry Chicken. The Irish Shebeen has something for every taste. Let’s not forget the drinks! Arguably, this is the most important part of a pub, and you won’t be disappointed by the selection. The pub has a wide selection of beers on tap, with a variety of other drink options at the bar for those who are looking for more than a pint. The Irish Shebeen’s Facebook is full of 5-star reviews. Make sure you put this Irish Pub at the top of your list to visit this winter
season for some good food and good fun. Our final few pubs we have to recommend for our Christmas Feature have many fantastic reasons to visit, rooted in Irish tradition. Dora Keogh - Toronto The CorkTown Irish Pub - Hamilton Rose and Crown - Toronto Muckish Irish Pub - Scarborough St. James Gate Pub - Etobicoke The Brogue Inn - Mississauga If you enjoy our recommendations, let us know! Take a photo at the pub and share it on social media with the hashtag #CelticCanada. We’d love to see the fun you’re having! Happy Christmas & A Prosperous New Year!!
Where? 5555 Eglington Ave. W., Etobicoke, Ontario. Website: http://www.irishshebeen.com The Irish Shebeen, one of the newest Irish Pubs inspired by tradition in the Etobicoke area just west of Toronto. This pub was built on the idea of a gathering place for friend’s to share a pint. “Shebeen” or “Shibin,” is an Irish term for a place where friends gather for a drink. The feeling of comfort you’ll find within the pub starts right with the name itself!! CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Barra MacNeils The
An East Coast Christmas
A
n East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. With their
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captivating vocals, distinctive harmonies and extraordinary musicianship, The Barra MacNeils inject new life and energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas, prompting the Halifax Daily News to call them “a treasure of the East Coast, rich with tradition
and unmatched in ensemble performance”; and the Globe & Mail to call the recording on which their concert is based “one of the best five Christmas albums of all time!” The five MacNeil siblings – Lucy, Boyd, Stewart, Kyle and Sheumas – combine on a vast array of instruments including accordion, guitar, piano, fiddle, bodhran, mandolin, banjo, Celtic harp, tin whistles, bouzouki, flute … all underpinned by the nimble-fingered Jamie Gatti on bass. The result is a sound that is unmistakably The Barra MacNeils, one moment a rousing chorus, then a hauntingly beautiful Gaelic ballad, the next a flurry of foot-stomping instrumentals, which of course pulls one then another into a step-dancing revelry. For a delightful seasonal celebration, don’t miss An East Coast Christmas with The Barra MacNeils! For show schedule visit www.barramacneils.com
Brig o’Doon, Alloway
Robert Burns W
hether his subject was a man or a mouse (or even a louse), our National Bard had a rare talent for putting himself into others’ shoes and expressing life’s universal emotions. From traditional ballads and romantic songs to humorous satires and thoughtprovoking poems, Robert Burns composed some of the world’s most instantly recognisable lines of poetry and song lyrics. His words have been cherished and passionately recited for the past two centuries. Indeed, it’s because of this great man that we promise, every Hogmanay, to ‘tak a cup o’ kindness’ with our neighbours and go forward into the new year with a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
The life of Robert Burns Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759, on a dark and windy night in the village of Alloway in Ayrshire. He died just 37 years later, at his home in Dumfries, from an illness that sadly would have been easily treatable today. Despite his short life Burns left a huge catalogue of poetry and songs that have been poured over, enjoyed and spoken aloud for over 200 years. His timeless words have echoed throughout the generations, inspiring people from every walk of life. Although he left a great legacy, Burns’ start in life was a humble one. He was born
the son of poor tenant farmers and was the eldest of seven children. Even with the family’s money struggles, his father recognised the importance of education and ensured that, alongside working on the family farm, his children were given the opportunity to read and learn. There were signs of Robert’s exceptional writing talent from an early age - at 15 he penned his first love poems - though it was not until 1786 at the age of 27 that he rose to fame with the publication of his first collection of poetry, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. This masterful collection made a huge impression on Edinburgh’s literary elite, and propelled Burns to celebrity status. In his personal life, Burns dedicated hundreds of lines of verse to the fairer sex and went on to father 12 children, nine with his wife Jean Armour. He was also a passionately proud Scot - he even spent many years collecting and preserving traditional Scottish songs for the future. For all his fame, Burns never forgot his roots. His love for farming stayed with him throughout his life and his writing often dealt with issues affecting the poorer classes, notably highlighting the need for greater social equality. You’ll see all of these influences captured in his dazzling collections of poetry and song - his lasting legacy to the world.
© Scottish National Portrait Gallery
6 great Burns attractions Step inside the cottage where Burns was born or sip a pint in his favourite drinking hole, The Globe Inn. At the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh you can see the desk where he composed some of his most famous works or pop into Rozelle House Galleries to view a series of 54 stunning paintings which depict the tale of Tam o’ Shanter. Source: www.visitscotland.com CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Avoid the January Credit Card Blues By Colin Barry
C
hristmas is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family. It’s a time to exchange gifts that let others know how much we care about them. We also throw lavish parties to eat, drink and be merry. It’s my favourite time of the year, outside of the sailing season. When the parties are over, it’s time to pay the bill. The expenses from the Christmas season can add up. Many families dread the arrival of the Christmas credit card bill in January. When credit card bills arrive reality sets in. There are simple things that you can do to avoid this dreadful event. In fact, these tips can also apply to credit management at any time of the year, including the holidays.
(like me). Instead, you can take advantage of promotions, like Black Friday. Online shopping sites like Amazon can be a great source of gifts at lower prices. Just allow enough time for shipping. This early action spreads out the Christmas spending, too.
Save for Christmas. Rather than rely on credit at all, save a little each month for Christmas. Putting aside $50 per month is pretty easy to do. A year of saving would result in $600 for Christmas. Make a New Year’s Resolution to set up an automatic transfer to a savings account. Then forget about it until December.
Set a limit. Spread the shopping over a few months. I have a bad habit of procrastinating until late December to buy gifts. This results in a much higher than normal credit card balance in January. Instead, spread the shopping over two or three months to split the load into smaller, and manageable, debt lumps. To do this, get off to a good start by making a list early. Then, with time on your side, start looking for value.
By setting a limit you are choosing how you spend your money. Christmas can cost a lot more than we think it will. That credit card bill in January can be a surprise. But it doesn’t have to be. Make a gift list and decide how much you want to spend on each gift. Don’t forget the 13% HST. Add it up to get the total cost. Then decide if that is how you want to spend your money. If it is, that’s great.
Change the dialogue. Shop around and online. There are few deals to be had when you are running into the mall on December 24th
Nollaig Shona Duit from
Colin Barry
Canfin Financial Group www.colinbarry.ca 12
CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
A plan for Christmas often involves your family. Your spouse and children will influence the family’s budget too. When that pricey impulse item does not fit in the plan don’t say “we can’t afford that,” because you probably can. Instead say “we choose not to spend our money that way”. This small change is powerful.
It says that you are in control of money and not the other way around. What a great lesson for children.
When all else fails … Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we can’t pay off the credit card balance in one month. If that happens transfer the balance to a line of credit. This saves the interest expense in two ways. A credit card interest rate can be five to six times that of a line of credit. You will pay less interest as a result. Also, when there is no credit card balance, the interest-free period of the credit card is maintained. Let me explain. When you buy something on a credit card, there is no interest charge until the credit card payment is past due. This can be a period of many weeks of interest-free credit. But, if you carry a balance on your credit card, the interest-free period is gone. So interest accrues right away when you buy something! Managing credit is easy with a little planning. The holidays are much easier to enjoy when you don’t have to worry about debt. Be sure to spend your time enjoying the holidays with family and friends – it’s the best gift of all. I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! 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.
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
• Traditional Irish Meals • Live Sporting Events Via Satellite (Home to all the Live Rugby Six Nations and the summers G.A.A. Action)
Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events. Celebrating 30 years on The Queensway.
A Better Pint From Start to Finish!
365 Days a Year
The Galway Arms Lounge Bar & Restaurant 840 The Queensway (Between Royal York & Islington) • (416) 251-0096 www.thegalwayarms.ca The Galway Arms Irish Pub CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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8 Splendid
Irish Castles and Manors to Lay Your Head for the Night
C
rown an Irish vacation with a stay in one of the island’s magnificent castles or stately homes where you can relax in accommodation fit for a king.
1. Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
Majestic five-star Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens whose lineage goes back 1,000 years to High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. It sumptuous décor and fine food are reasons to stay indoors but are rivalled by a top-class golf course and 400 acres to explore.
6. Ballynahinch Castle, Co Galway
4. Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois
The 800-year-old, multi-award-winning Ashford Castle offers opulent five-star accommodation set in a 26,000-acre estate. Recently the location for top golfer Rory McIroy’s wedding, it is a fairytale setting complete with its own school of falconry.
2. Bantry House, Co Cork
Luxurious Ballynahinch Castle was named Ireland’s number one hotel by Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s readers. The 17thcentury castle boasts elegant bedrooms with stunning views over woodland and river.
7. Crom Castle, Co Fermanagh A lavishly furnished late Georgian home, Ballyfin sits at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Its mix of old world charm and modern amenities, including beauty treatment rooms, a gym and indoor pool, make for a memorable stay.
Still the home of Lord and Lady Erne, magnificent Crom Castle sits in the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands. Its west wing can be hired as self-catering accommodation, or a cook can be provided. The castle has been the filming location for a number of TV programmes including Blandings.
Considered to be one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, Bantry House overlooking Bantry Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way, offers bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation. Also noted for its elegant gardens, the stately home is a perfect place for a luxurious overnight stay.
3. Dromoland Castle, Co Clare
8. Lismore Castle, Co Waterford
5. Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal Magical Lough Eske Castle is a turreted five-star hotel whose history dates back to the 1400s. With a first-class spa and fine dining to add to its deluxe accommodation, it is an indulgence to be embraced when exploring the rugged beauty of Donegal.
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The 12th-century castle owned by the Duke of Devonshire is available for hire by groups of up to 30. Guests enjoy the exclusive use of the castle and estate facilities including the Duke’s personal butler and his team. Source: ireland.com
Stress Test
New Qualifying Rules January 1st 2018 By Rory O’Donovan
T
he Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) recently made announcements which will effect how lenders will qualify buyers. Beginning January 1st 2018, all buyers regardless of the amount of downpayment will have to qualify at the stress test rate. This rate is either the greater of the Bank of Canada’s five year posted rate or 2% higher than the negotiated contract rate. Around 5%. These measures are being put in place due to concerns by the government of future interest rate increases which could lead to a housing market correction. By employing these measures now they are preparing buyers for what they can comfortably afford when/if rates do increase in the future, in turn reducing the risk of defaulting. The government has taken a number of steps over the past few years to slow the market down but this particular measure could have the bigger impact on the market. The impact of being stress tested at a higher rate is the reduction in buying power. To give you an idea of the reduction in buying power, a basic example would be: A household income of $100,000 with a 20% downpayment at a five year mortgage rate of 3.09% amortized over 25 years can currently afford a home worth $706,692. Under the new rules, they need to qualify at 5.09%. Now they can only afford a home worth $559,896, a difference of $146,796. In an attempt to make qualifying easier It’s possible that we may see some buyers move towards shorter term mortgages with lower interest rates. We may see buyers move to alternative and unregulated markets to borrow money and we may also see people extending the length of their mortgage amortization so that their payments are lower, allowing them to qualify for more house. It’s guess work predicting how buyers and sellers will react to the changes. We may see sellers deciding to sell and increase supply or buyers may decide to wait it out like they did during the spring/summer market
resulting in reduced demand. It’s common to experience a psychological reaction due to government announcements which can result in a temporary slow down of the market. A similar stress test was implemented on October of 2016 but that stress test only applied to buyers with a downpayment of less than 20%. The results of that impacted first time buyers the most, forcing a lot of buyers originally looking at freehold to then consider a more affordable option which was a condo. In terms of a prediction this new stress test may have similar implications and so we may see a spike in the demand for condos. In general condos are the more affordable property type for most buyers. January 1st, 2018 is when the new rules begin. Since the announcements buyers and sellers have had time to process, adjust and act accordingly. If you are considering buying speak with your lender and see if or how the changes could impact you. For some buyers the new rules may mean that they can no longer afford to buy so they may need to re-evaluate their needs and plans, or consider buying before the changes. This may lead to a spike in prices in the short term towards the end of 2017. Having a preapproval is not a guarantee of a mortgage. If you don’t have a firm deal/agreement in place before January 1, 2018 you’ll have to
qualify at the new rates in 2018. Firm deals/ agreements dated before January 1, 2018 will not be subject to the new qualification rules. If you renew your mortgage with the same lender who is holding your mortgage now nothing changes. If you switch to a different lender you’ll need to qualify under the new rules. This is beneficial for the banks because it’s hard to see the banks being too competitive with rates on renewal knowing the cost to the consumer of the stress test. About Rory O’ Donovan Rory O’ Donovan is a licensed Real estate professional who works with first time buyers, repeat buyers, sellers and investors. Visit www.roryodonovan.com for more information.
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Celtic Christmas Cocktail Christmas Market
Heat up your glass, mix hot chocolate
Writers Tears
powder with boiling water, pour in ½ oz of
Sortilege Maple Syrup Whisky
Writer’s Tears and ½ oz of Sortilege. Mix
Hot Chocolate
in ¼ teaspoon of Cinnamon. Top off with
Ground Cinnamon
freshly whipped cream and sprinkle with
Freshly whipped cream
cinnamon.. now relax and enjoy the flavours
to make you his favourite Celtic Christmas
of Christmas Market… you can make this
Cocktail cheer.
at home or pop into PJs and ask for Conor
If you are more adventurous why not give these a try! Winter Boots
Irish Punch
Baileys ½ oz
Magner’s Cider fill half glass
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur ½ oz
Ginger Beer fill half glass
Kahlua ½ oz
Muddled Orange
Jameson ½ oz
Bourbon ½ oz
Cocoa Powder Mix all together and serve in a high ball Shake with ice, strain and serve in a
glass on the rocks.
Martini glass
Irish Embassy Celtic Christmas Cocktail Jameson Whisky ½ oz Blueberry Green Tea 2oz Ginger Rosemary Simple Syrup .75oz Lemon Juice ¼ oz Rince glass with Soho Lychee. Combination of warmth from the whisky, calming green tea and savoury rosemary makes for the perfect cocktail to enjoy this Winter. 16
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CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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The
Goggin-Carroll School of Irish Dance
Has One of Its Most Successful Oireachtas’ To Date By Siobhan Kukolic
A
s a retired adult Irish dancer and a mom to three competitive Irish dancers, I have attended my fair share of Oireachtas championships over the years. The Eastern Canadian Irish Dance Championships happen each year in the fall and hundreds of dancers from the eastern
half of the country descend upon the host hotel to test their skills at the country’s Olympics of Irish Dance. Nine international judges hailing from places in Europe including Ireland, England and Scotland as well as from the United States decide which half of the dancers in each age category
All the Goggin-Carroll placers on Day 1 of Oireachtas
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First place 8-hand team in Under 15. Back row from left - Catherine Hoare, Emma Carrasco, Rachel Hennessy, Emily Hambly. Front row from left - Jameson Kukolic, Jack Kukolic, Josh Vilim and Gavin Willoughby. get recalled for a medal and the top few in each category also qualify for the World Irish Dance Championships happening this coming March in Glasgow. This year the dance school my family belongs to, Goggin-Carroll, had one of its most successful Oireachtas’ to date.
Goggin-Carroll dancers came first place in seven solo categories: • Will St James in Boys Under 10 • Abby Hennessy in Girls Under 12 • Ava Vickers in Girls Under 13 • Catherine Hoare in Girls Under 14 • Gavin Willoughby in Boys Under 14 • Morgan Fontaine in Boys Under 15 • Brynna McVittie in Ladies Under 19 We also had 18 World Qualifiers and 17 of them were on the podium including: Will St James, Sean Smith, Jameson Kukolic, Josh Vilim, Jack Kukolic, Gavin Willoughby, Morgan Fontaine, Abby Hennessy, Amy Zenker, Ava Vickers, Catherine Hoare, Megan Wilkie, Brianne Slawick, Lauren Pope, Brenna Allore, Sophie Prevost, Caitlyn Micuda and Brynna McVittie. Many of our teams also placed at the event including first, second and third place in Under 15 four-hands, first and second place in Under 15 eight-hands and first place in Over 15 eight-hands.
Barb Goggin founded the school in 1989 and Ryan Carroll joined the school after touring the world with Riverdance. Sisters Lauren Giannone and Rebecca Stewart competed under Barb and Ryan for their entire dance careers and after retiring from dance they took their TCRG exams and joined the Oakville teaching team. David Branton, also a TCRG, teaches alongside Barb at the Goggin-Carroll location in Windsor. My sons Jack and Jameson were part of the first place Under 15 8-hand team and both boys came second in their solo competitions. My daughter Maggie’s Under 10 6-hand team came second place and she placed third in her solos for the Premiere grades competition as well. People often ask me how I can spend so much money on dance. I tell them that I’m not paying for dance. I’m paying for grit, dedication, perseverance, winning and losing with grace, teamwork and embracing
All the Goggin-Carroll placers on Day 2 of Oireachtas failure. My kids have learned all those lessons at the Goggin-Carroll School of Irish Dance and I know it will serve them well as they grow into adulthood.
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The Bridge Between
County Mayo and Toronto, Canada Toronto’s 2017 Mayo Person of the Year Toronto’s 2017 Mayo Person of the Year was Mary Kelleher (nee Conlon) from the village of Derrycastle, near Kilkelly. Mary left Derrycastle in 1961 to pursue a nursing career in Derbyshire, England and became a Registered Nurse. She then went to Glasgow to do her Midwifery. In 1967, Mary emigrated to Canada with another nurse from Omagh, County Tyrone. They did not know anyone in Canada but they had a job waiting for them with a furnished apartment close to the hospital where they worked. Lots of other Irish nurses from the hospital in Glasgow followed them so they had a great time going to Irish dances and football games as well as meeting the Irish community in Toronto. Mary intended to work in Toronto for one year and then travel to the United States to work as she has a lot of Conlon relatives in America. Then she planned to return home to Ireland. But in 1969 Mary met Jim Kelleher (a Cork man) who came to Canada in 1968 and was not planning on staying either. This meeting changed both of their plans.
Mary and Jim got married and have two children, Siobhan and Seamus, and three grandchildren, Jack, Jameson and Maggie who are avid Irish dancers. Canada is their home now but their hearts are always in Ireland. They visit as often as possible and they never forget their Irish heritage. They can often be found listening to Mayo’s Midwest Radio on the Internet in their kitchen in Canada. Since settling in Toronto, Mary and Jim have been involved in the Irish community and are great supporters of the Mayo Association. Jim is also part of an Irish band called Madd Paddy.
The Mayo Association of Toronto
The Mayo Association of Toronto has been around for 32 years. It was set up in 1985 by three gentlemen from Mayo. John Morley from Knock, Brendan Glavey from Kilkelly and Kevin McGreal from Westport. In later years Cathal Boyd (RIP) from Bonniconlon joined the leadership team. The Association has grown over the years and currently has over 100 members. It is made up of a dynamic and lively group of individuals who strive to create opportunities that allow people from Mayo to get together. The year begins with a New Year’s Luncheon usually held at the Brogue Inn (whose owners hail from County Kerry). It is a welcome event Mayo Association of Toronto presenting a cheque for $1700 to after the hustle Cynthia Clampett of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice from left: Jim Kelleher, Valerie McLoughlin, Cynthia Clampett and Mary Kelleher. 20
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and bustle of Christmas and gives people the chance to catch up and share news from home. In February there is a Pub Night fundraiser at the Galway Arms, owned and run by Della Keane (Hyland) from Ballindine. The Pub night is always wellsupported not only by people from Mayo but also from other counties. The usual debate around who was the best Mayo footballer of all time to the latest antics in the Dail can be heard around the bar. In 2015 funds from the Pub Night at the Galway Arms were donated to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. In July 2015 Mary and Jim Kelleher and the Mayo Association of Toronto President Valerie (Rowland) McLoughlin (Bellacorick, Erris) were all home at the same time. The group met Cynthia Clampett, the CEO of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, at The Hotel Ballina and presented her with a cheque for $1,700. As anyone outside of Ireland knows, the biggest event of the year is the opportunity to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year is the 30th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto. The Mayo Association of Toronto is proud to have been involved since the beginning. Floats
were entered in over 20 parades, taking home first prize on a few occasions. The most memorable entry was one of Knock Airport with a pretty sizeable model of a plane. Unfortunately, the winds on that day were unfavourable and the plane stayed in the “hanger.” That took a while to live down. There is also a full week of celebrations prior to St. Patrick’s Day. The summer barbecue is at Tom and Kitty Freeley’s house. Tom is from Ballyhaunis and Kitty is from County Kilkenny but is a great Mayo supporter. It’s always a wonderful day and well attended. There is lots of food, including Irish Soda Bread, and all kinds of home baking and desserts. A great variety of music, dancing and storytelling goes on late into the night around an outdoor fire, until the mosquitos come out. The Toronto Mayo Association hosted the Mayo World Convention in 2004 and it was a great time for all. In September 2014, six of our members representing the Mayo Association of Toronto travelled to Cleveland to attend the 2014 World Convention of Mayo Societies, and in 2016 President Valerie and Treasurer Anne travelled to Mayo to attend the World Mayo Convention held at
each weekend, one on Saturday and two on Sunday, so everyone is kept up to date with all the news from Ireland as well as activities in Toronto. The Mayo Person of the Year dinner dance is held in May each year. It is always a great night and well supported by all the other county associations. Mary’s brother Michael and his wife Geraldine came from Ballyhaunis to represent the Irish family when Mary Kelleher was honoured as Toronto’s Mayo Person of the Year in 2017. Mary was also honoured with a plaque during a visit home to Mayo in August 2017 by Kevin Bourke of the Irish Diaspora Committee which celebrates Irish people and their descendants who live outside of Ireland. That presentation occurred at the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar. the Broadhaven Hotel. They came back with lots of great stories and met so many great Mayo people. The Mayo Association of Toronto supports the Rose of Tralee, the St.Patrick’s Day Parade Society, the Cork Night, along with many other charitable events. There are three Irish radio programmes on the air
Roots and Wings Thank you to all the people around the world who keep the memories of an Irish upbringing shining bright. It’s associations like these that allow Irish immigrants to celebrate their Irish culture while living across the ocean from their homeland.
Celebrating Canadian Celtic Heritage
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Ireland remembers former Taoiseach
Liam Cosgrave dead at 97 By Desmond Devoy
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He was the son of W.T. Cosgrave, the first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State, and, in a manner befitting the closing of a loop, the younger Cosgrave had his private funeral at the Church of the Annunciation in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, and was buried at Goldenbridge Cemetery, the same places where his own father’s funeral and burial were held 52 years ago. (In accordance with his wishes, Liam Cosgrave had no state funeral.) Cosgrave was born on April 13, 1920, in Dublin. He studied law at University www.oideasgael.ie College Dublin, and was called the Adult Irish bar in 1943. He was Language Courses also a private and All learning levels later lieutenant in - weekend & week-long the Irish Free State Cultural Activity Holidays Army during the • Hill Walking in the Donegal Highlands Second World War • Archaeology • Environment & Culture • Digital Photography • Painting & Sketching period. He was also • Flute & Whistle • Beat the Bodhrán elected to the Dail • Irish Harp • Tapestry Weaving Eireann for the first time in 1943, at the age of only 23. He would serve as a TD until 1981. In 1950, he married Vera Osborne, and the couple would Info & Brochure 2018 from go on to have three children, Mary, Ciaran, and Liam. Vera died last year. Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Dhún na nGall When Fine Gael Fón: +353 (0)74 97 30 248 came to power in oifig@oideasgael.ie 1954, Taoiseach
ometh the hour, cometh the man. The man was Liam Cosgrave, and the hour, so to speak, was from 1973 to 1977. And he could not have come to power at a more confounding time in Irish or world politics. The former Fine Gael leader died at the age of 97 on Wednesday, October 4, making him the oldest living former prime minister in Europe. His death marks a break of sorts with a living connection with the period of the Easter Rising.
IRELAND’S LANGUAGE & CULTURE
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Facebook photo, courtesy Young Fine Gael Dublin Fingal John A. Costello appointed Cosgrave Minister of External Affairs, and he would lead Ireland’s delegation when the republic entered the United Nations in 1956. Cosgrave boasted that Ireland was “respected” at the U.N. because the nation had “no ulterior motive(s).” He would contest the party leadership in 1959, but lost to James Dillon. He would eventually win the brass ring of the party leadership in 1965. Despite winning the top spot unopposed, he was not always a popular party leader. Despite criticism, Cosgrave gave as good as he got, calling his critics “mongrel foxes,” which had “gone to ground,” during a speech at a party Ard Fheis. In the 1960s, Fine Gael tacked slightly to the left. While Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society programs were being brought to life in the United States, Harold Wilson’s Labour government reformed Britain with a socialist bent, and Pierre Trudeau promised a “Just Society” in 1968, Fine Gael also bought into their own “Just Society,” program, popular in the late 1960s.
However, even with this new reformist streak, Cosgrave was sometimes at odds with his own party. He voted against his own government on the issue of contraception in 1974 and was at odds with his party while in opposition over the “Offences Against the State Act,” bill put forward by Jack Lynch’s Fianna Fail. But a loyalist bombing in Dublin on Dec. 1, 1972, meant that Fine Gael had to pivot towards the public mood and supported the government bill. Cosgrave’s Fine Gael swept to power as part of a coalition government with Labour on March 14, 1973, which ended 16 years of continuous Fianna Fail rule. (Photos of President Eamon de Valera presenting the seal of office to Cosgrave in the spring of 1973 show Cosgrave smiling brightly - and de Valera, the founder of Fianna Fail, looking mournfully at the camera.) Once the thrill of victory had begun to wear off, the realities of office began to settle upon his shoulders, starting with the oil crisis, as well as a slump in beef markets. His government also negotiated the Sunningdale agreement in 1973 which proposed a devolved assembly for Northern Ireland, an attempt to bring about a democratic end to The Troubles. “There are no winners and no losers here at Sunningdale today,” said Cosgrave when he signed the agreement on Dec. 9, 1973. But the deal was doomed when a Loyalist general strike in Northern Ireland brought the province to its knees, and essentially killed off the agreement, since some hardline unionists saw it as allowing Dublin a say in Northern affairs. ICC Ad_DSlowey Broker CMYK.pdf 1
The violent Loyalist backlash against Sunningdale spread south with the Dublin and Monaghan bombings on May 14, 1974, when around 5:25 pm three car bombs planted by Loyalists detonated in Dublin, killing 23 people and injuring more than 100 others. Five more people died and another 20 were hurt in a blast in Monaghan Town an hour later, according to the BBC. “I do not know which evil men did this but everyone who has practised violence or preached violence or condoned violence must bear his share of responsibility,” said Cosgrave in a televised address. “It will bring home to us what the people of Northern Ireland have been suffering for five long years.” Two years later, Ireland saw another major terrorist strike when Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland, Christopher Ewart Biggs, was killed by an IRA bomb outside of his Dublin residence in 1976. One of Cosgrave’s biggest political crises saw the resignation of the President, Cearbhall O Dalaigh. In October 1976, Cosgrave’s Defence Minister Paddy Donegan provoked a constitutional crisis when he referred to O Dalaigh as a “thundering disgrace,” for referring a bill to the Supreme Court which increased the period of time Gardai could hold terrorist suspects. Donegan offered to resign when his comment was picked up by the press, but Cosgrave refused to accept it, bringing about O Dalaigh’s resignation because of a perceived lack of support. By June of 1977, Fianna Fail was back in office 15-02-16 under 3:35Jack PM Lynch and Cosgrave
was out as Fine Gael leader a week after the election, succeeded by Dr. Garrett FitzGerald. Since leaving politics in the early 80s, he kept a low public profile, though he was seen at several prominent events, such as the Easter Rising’s centenary celebrations last year, book launches, and the historic visit by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011. Deidre Clune, the Fine Gael Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South, wrote on her website on Oct. 5 that Cosgrave campaigned for her in Kilkenny in the runup to the European elections in 2014. Clune’s father, Peter Barry, had served in Cosgrave’s cabinet, and Cosgrave “told me he wanted to play a part (in my election) as the Barry’s and Cosgrove’s go back a long way and he was grateful for the friendship and loyalty the two families shared,” she wrote. “Following my election as an MEP, he rang to congratulate me and reminded me that it was the Fine Gael party members that ensured my election. I was very conscious of that fact but that call reminds me of the similar values we both shared.” Shortly after Cosgrave’s death, President Michael D. Higgins led tributes to Cosgrave, saying he had served the people of Ireland “with all of his energy, intellect, as well as passion.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that Cosgrave “was someone who devoted his life to public service. A grateful country thanks and honours him for always putting the nation first,” a reference to one of Fine Gael’s 1973 election posters, that “Cosgrave Puts The Nation First.”
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Take a Tour of “America’s Oldest CELTIC City
St. Augustine!
by Albert Syeles, President of Romanza-St.Augustine
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very March “Spanish” St. Augustine, Florida, USA, celebrates its Celtic roots with the only St. Patrick Day Parade in Northeast Florida, and the St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, recognized as “the finest Celtic music festival in the United States”. Established in 1565, 43 years before Jamestown, St. Augustine is historically thought of as Spanish. Even the significant British Colonial period here, which spans the American Revolution, only gets occasional attention. But over half of the citizens of St. Augustine can claim Irish, Scottish, Welch, or other Celtic ancestry. And in recent years, tens of thousands of heritage and tourism visitors have discovered and celebrated St. Augustine’s CELTIC roots. Celts are prominent in this fair City’s long and remarkable heritage, including Colonial Governors and historic vicars of Celtic descent, stories of romance and mystery, and most extraordinarily: St. Augustine was founded by Celts!
Mission Nombre de Dios The mission is the site of Don Pedro Menendez’s 1565, landing and the first European mission and settlement in North America. His 800 colonists and soldiers were from the northern, Celtic region of Spain. The people of his home town, Aviles, and the surrounding regions: Asturias, Galicia, and Basque, are of Celtic descent! They have their own language. The people of Northern Spain
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are Spanish-Celtic and share many traditions and even DNA with the Scots and Irish. They play bagpipes called “gaita”, and wear kilts called “falda escocesa”. Aviles still celebrates its Celtic roots with the annual “Festival Intercéltico de Avilés” of more than 100 groups including huge gaita competitions! This music has more in common with the “Celtic Nations“ of Brittany, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Scotland and Ireland than with Spanish music from Castille or Andalusia. According to former Mayor George Gardner, “Our city’s heritage is more bagpipes than bullfights”. Separated by a range of mountains from the rest of Spain, Asturias and Galicia in Northern Spain are different in several ways from the Southern parts of Spain. The country looks green, and the music sounds somehow familiar to ears used to listening to Irish or other Celtic music.” Music is a compelling reflection of a culture, as is the array of Asturian pipe bands, led by the gaita which is arguably the forerunner of the Scottish bagpipe. St. Augustine was founded by Celts… Spanish Celts! The Mission is also the site of America’s first Mission and Parish. Irish priests, fleeing English Protestant rule in their native land, made their way to Spain and its colonies like St. Augustine. The Catholic Church in Spain trained and assigned numerous Irish priests to be the Colony’s vicars. Other priests were born in Spain or Portugal of Irish parents, and were often engaged by the Jesuits and the Franciscans because they spoke English. Ricardo Artur (Richard Arthur) was one of these. He served in St. Augustine between 1598 and 1606, and was the first parish priest in North America. He was of Irish descent. St. Augustine’s has a long and amazing Celtic history that started right at the beginning in 1565. St. Augustine was founded by Celts… Spanish Celts. St. Augustine is not only the “Nation’s Oldest City”, it is America’s Oldest Celtic City!
Castillo San Marco - 1784 the Spanish government stationed the Hibernia Regiment in St. Augustine with 460 Irish soldiers. The Spanish military welcomed these Irish expatriates, who couldn’t return to their homeland. They came from a militarized society with weak central authority, and had a professional reputation for bravery as soldiers. Several Irish and Scottish military men even rose to the position of Governor of Spanish Florida. The arrangement allowed the Irishmen the opportunity to keep spirited, armed and trained to face any challenge, including the possibility of returning to Ireland. During the British Period, His Majesty’s Highlanders were billeted here. The garrison and its men interacted with the townspeople in many ways and with notable incidents.
City Hall /The Alcazar and the Statue of Don Pedro Menendez Here is a statue in front of the 1886 Alcazar Hotel, now City Hall/Lightner Museum. That’s the founder of St. Augustine and Governor of La Florida in 1565, Menendez who we told you about back at the Mission, Don Pedro Menendez.
Government House (The Colonial Governor’s Mansion) Six of Florida’s Colonial Florida Governors were of Celtic descent: Brigadeer Sebastián Kindelan y O’Regan (Irish descent; Second Spanish Period), Enrique (Henry) White (Irish descent; Second Spanish Period), General Patrick Tonyn (Irish descent; British Period), Major General James Grant , Laird of Ballindalloch (Scottish
descent; British Period), Admiral John Eliot (Cornish descent; British period), Brigadier General Montfort Browne (Irish descent; British period), George Johnstone (Scottish descent; British period).
Clandestine Romance Our visit to Government House includes a little “romanza”. In 1785, the clandestine marriage of the lovely Dominga de Zespedes, daughter of the Governor, upset her family, embarrassed her father and put him in a delicate position as the head of the Spanish government in Florida. Lt. Juan O’Donovan was posted by the Spanish to St. Augustine with the Hibernia Regiment, composed of soldiers from Ireland. Dominga and O’Donovan wanted to marry. But Lt. O’Donovan did not meet the criteria for the noble Céspedes family. Not only was O’Donovan not Spanish, his officer’s pay was insufficient to provide a household that would be adequate in the eyes of her father. On May 29, 1785 the couple used the excitement of a grand party in the Governor’s Mansion to sneak away from the festivities. Father Miguel O’Reilly was lured to the house of Dominga’s friend Angela, hearing she had suffered a serious accident. He arrived to find Dominga and O’Donovan. Instead of giving last rites, the priest married Dominga and Lt. O’Donovan. The couple promptly returned to the grand party and announced the bond. O’Donovan was arrested immediately for marrying without the permission of his commanding officer and was sent to Havana under arrest. Officials and even the King of Spain examined the case over the next two years, but the marriage was valid. Finally in March 1787, O’Donovan was returned to St. Augustine and to his wife of almost two years with whom he had never lived.
Plaza de la Constitución In 2012 St. Augustine celebrated the bicentennial of Spain’s 1812 Constitution and our unique Constitución Monument in the Plaza. This is the only remaining Monument to Spain’s original Constitution. All the rest of the 1812 Constitucion Monuments in the world have disappeared – except ours. The Monument was erected by the order of Florida’s Spanish Governor Sebastien Kindelan y O’Regan. (Both his parents were Irish. NOTE: Our City Manager, John Regan, says he is no relation.) Brigadeer Kindelan’s name is still on the 200-yearold Monument. When Spain’s King returned from exile in 1814, he dissolved the fledging Constitucion and issued orders to destroy all monuments to it. Some say that since St. Augustine spent the entire treasury building it, but just hid the Monument’s plaque in the church until the Constitucion was reinstated in 1820. Others say we just didn’t get the memo. Continued on page 26.
St Augustine, Florida, USA
Founded in 1565 by Spanish Celtic colonists
Find the CELT in YOU!
March 9 - 11, 2018
Arguably the finest collaboration of Celtic artists in the United States Enter the Haggis Seven Nations Steel City Rovers
Emmet Cahill Rathkeltair House of Hamill
Dublin City Ramblers Emish Albannach
The St. Augustine Highland Games, St. Patrick Day Parade, Celtic Music, Dancing, Artisans & Food.
CelticStAugustine.com
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Continued from page 25 - Take a Tour of “America’s Oldest CELTIC City St. Augustine!
Aviles Street: Padre Miguel O’Reilly House Museum An this street, named after St. Augustine’s Sister City in Northern Spain where the 800 colonists set sail, stands Father Miguel O’Reilly’s house. In the late 1700’s, it was the parish rectory. He and fellow Irishmen were the colony’s principal pastors in the Spanish Period. O’Reilly was born in Ireland where the English were still suppressing the Catholic faith. He was trained for the priesthood in Spain, and sent to St. Augustine in 1777 to minister. He became the chaplain of the Hibernian Regiment and “vicario” of the entire Colony. Here he was the teacher of Felix Varela, the Cuban writer and hero who is now up for Sainthood.
of St. Augustine marched to attack whigoccupied Savannah. One morning with the fortification of some fine Scottish spirits, Rory decided on his own initiative to attack a small whig fort on the route, despite the protests of his compatriots. He approached the gate and commanded “Surrender!” He was promptly hit in the face with a rifle ball and fell, but immediately recovered. Rejecting calls from his own to run for his life, he called back “Run yourself, but I am of a race that never runs”, retreating backwards safely into the lines, flourishing his sword, keeping his face to the enemy.
Murder Mystery on Charlotte Street On the night of November 20, 1785 the only violent crime in the Second Spanish period disrupted life in St. Augustine. Lt. Guillermo Delaney of the garrison was attacked near the home of his girlfriend, Catalina Morain. Delaney lingered with his wounds for two months, but could never describe his assailants before he succumbed. Delaney was apparently not the only admirer of this “seductive seamstress”. Two men were jailed, but were later found to be falsely accused. Two other soldiers, known for either violent temper and jealous rages, or
Find the CELT in YOU in America’s Oldest CELTIC City Narrow Streets, Pipers and Bravado During the American Revolution, Rory McIntosh, captain of His Majesty’s Highlanders, always attended by Scottish pipers, paraded the narrow streets of St. Augustine, breathing out fire and slaughter against the 13 revolutionary “whig” colonies. Outside of Canada, Florida was the “fourteenth British Colony” that remained loyal to the Mother Country. “Old Rory” was a most extraordinary character, a kind of Don Quixote, who even in old age, was at all times ready to storm any whig fortress that might present itself. In 1778 the garrison
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scandalous conduct with a servant girl, were imprisoned for perjury and for implicating the two innocent men. At least one of them was suspected of conspiring with Catalina. Evidence was scarce. The Governor was unable to prove the murder charges and turned to the slow wheel of bureaucracy in Spain. In the interim, some of the witnesses were transferred out of St. Augustine, and the case grew cold. The two men were still in jail in 1790, when the Governor’s term ended. The murder of Lt. Delaney remains officially unsolved. Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine (Across the street from the Constitución Monument)
Irish Priests Thomas Hassett and Miguel O’Reilly supervised the construction of St. Augustine’s beautiful Cathedral from 1793 to its completion, and consecrated it in 1797. Anne O’Malley’s Irish Pub, sponsor of the St. Patrick Day Parade, offers a convivial drink as an essential part of Irish hospitality.
The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival Every year, we celebrate St. Augustine’s remarkable Celtic Heritage the week BEFORE St. Patrick’s day. The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is arguably the finest Celtic music festival in the United States, according to the international bands who perform here, and was voted “Bold City Best” Concert/Event in the Jacksonville region and Best Festival/Event in St. Augustine — both for the second year in a row in 2017. Enter the Haggis, from Toronto, and Emmet Cahill, formerly of Celtic Thunder, are two of this year’s headliners. New bands are the Steel City Rovers from Hamilton, Ontario and House of Hamill from Phildelphia. Other musicians returning to the 2018 event include fan favorites Dublin City Ramblers from Ireland, Emish from New York, Southern US favorites Seven Nations and Rathkeltair, and crowd favorite Albannach from Scotland. Go to celticstaugustine.com for more details. The festival is set for March 9-11 in downtown St. Augustine, also featuring a pre-festival Whiskey Tasting, The St. Augustine Highland games, Celtic shopping and food, two stages with a variety of other entertainment, kids games — and the ONLY St. Patrick’s Day parade in Northeast Florida The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is produced by Romanza – St. Augustine and is funded in part by St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and by Visit Florida. Explore our quaint “European” city, loaded with history, many cultures, scenic beauty, great food and lively entertainment year-round! Find the CELT in YOU in America’s Oldest CELTIC City.
IRN BRU 4x330ml CANS now available. TFB & Associates Limited, Markham, Ontario is the official distributor for IRN-BRU in Canada, appointed by the Scottish brand owner, AG BARR, plc. Containing only Canadian government approved ingredients. Distributed by: TFB & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Markham, ON | 905-940-0889 www.tfb.ca | orderdesk@tfb.ca
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Summer School in
Galway, Ireland A
re you looking for an exciting study abroad opportunity in summer 2018? Then choose a course at the National University of Ireland Galway, ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide. “Our summer schedule boasts an array of two to four week programmes in Irish Studies, Education in Ireland, Irish Language, Ecology and Archaeology” highlights Nuala McGuinn, Director of the International Summer School programmes at NUI Galway. “Each course aims to give students a rich and diverse perspective of the subject area. They are taught by lecturers and education professionals who have a vast range of knowledge of their subject matter”, explains Nuala McGuinn. Educational field trips are also an integral part of our summer school programmes
Pictured at the NUI Galway summer school – July 2017. From left: Kevin Higgins, Eamonn Wall, Sean Ryder, Nuala McGuinn, Laurence Marley, Vincent Munley, Maria Brady, Louis DePaor and offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of their chosen specialism to its fullest extent. The Irish Studies programme, is the University’s longest running summer school and looks at the diversity of ‘Irishness’ through literature, culture, history and language. This programme gives a comprehensive introduction to the area, taking elements from all the contributing disciplines of English, History, Sociology, Irish, Music, Archaeology and Creative
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Writing to give students an impressive study programme. For teachers seeking an option to attain continuing professional credit while also enjoying some vacation time, the Education in Ireland programme provides an ideal option to combine work and pleasure. This course covers aspects of the Irish education system, Irish history, literature and culture of Ireland and is a great choice for elementary or high school teachers, adult educators and special education teachers. Feedback from former students is resounding – “this comparative education course helps participants understand how insights into the Irish education system can challenge, redefine or reshape their educational perspectives and practices”. Ecology has just been added to our summer school schedule in 2017. This new and exciting course offers students practical experience of the natural environment in the west of Ireland. “It provides students with survey skills to identify natural resources and develops their skills to evaluate the sustainable use and conservation of Ireland’s ecological resources”, highlights course
academic director, Dr. Michael Gormally. Offered, as two courses, each two weeks in duration, the programme focuses on a selection of habitat types in Connemara (West County Galway), and in the Burren (East County Galway). If you are interested in learning the “cúpla focal”, a range of Irish language courses are offered at beginners’, intermediate and advanced levels each summer. Based in An Cheathrú Rua, in the heart of Connemara, students partake in intensive Irish classes
each day and also enjoy classes in traditional Irish singing and dancing while Introductory lectures in Irish history, literature, folklore and society are also offered as an integral part of the programme. Students stay with host families and live as part of a community in the Gaeltacht region. “This provides students with a unique opportunity to learn Irish in its natural environment, with native families”, highlights course academic director Dr Dorothy Ní hUigín.
If you like the idea of working on a real archaeological dig and the prospect of discovering medieval artefacts in an ancient landscape, there are a range of archaeology field schools to choose from located in counties Clare, Galway and Mayo. Dig in and take a look at our 2018 summer schedule, on our website at: www.nuigalway. ie/international-summer-school/.
Whiskey Galore in the Home of the ‘Water of Life’
T
he most quintessential of Irish drinks has always been irresistible to aficionados, but thanks to a huge surge in new admirers from home and abroad the ‘water of life’ is enjoying a big renaissance. The demand for Irish whiskey, now the world’s fastest growing premium spirit, is being supported by a raft of new distilleries that have sprung up around the country in recent times. With around 30 distilleries either in production or at various stages of development, and still more in the pipeline, the whiskey revival is being felt right across the island of Ireland. From world-famous drinks like Bushmills, which have been made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim for over 400 years, to a range of exciting new artisan brands, it means there has never been a better time to explore the home of whiskey with an ‘e’. The perfect place to start is Dublin’s new look Jameson Distillery Bow St, which continues the phenomenal growth story of the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey. Three different fully-guided tours, story rich and fun, each offer the chance to touch, taste, smell and interact with the famous brand in Dublin, while at Jameson’s
refurbished sister brand home in Midleton, County, Cork, three more fully guided experiences are on offer. In Dublin, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery is another unmissable destination for whiskey fans. Teeling’s signature tastes were recently recognised at the prestigious 2017 World Whiskies Awards, where the distillery collected the coveted World’s Best Irish Single Grain and World’s Best Irish Single Malt prizes. For whiskey fans, or anyone with an interest in Dublin’s long association with the spirit, a Teeling’s tour is great first-hand experience of the sounds, smells and feel of a fully operational distillery. Afterwards, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail from the Teeling mixologist at The Bang Bang Bar with views overlooking the city.
No whiskey fan could miss Dublin’s Whiskey Museum either, which uniquely depicts the origins of Irish whiskey, its rise to glory, its dramatic fall and of course, the current revival of new Irish whiskeys. Many other whiskey experiences are on offer around the country and they can be explored on the Ireland Whiskey Trail, a free touring guide to distilleries, the best whiskey pubs, hotel bars, well-known and up-andcoming brands, as well as specialised whiskey shops. Source: ireland.com
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4 Places to Spend
Christmas in
Ireland Recommended by RIT
T
here are so many ways to experience the best of Ireland, from majestic landscapes to bustling cities lined with cobblestoned streets, and this is especially true during the holidays. Whether you’d prefer a luxurious stay in the countryside, pints in the local pub on Christmas Eve, or something for the whole family, the offerings are plenty. Here’s four of our favourite ways to spend Christmas in Ireland.
might even catch Bono and Glen Hansard on a busking session! Stick around to ring in 2018 at New Year’s Festival Dublin, featuring light shows, concerts, and more.
Powerscourt Hotel
Adare Manor For luxury and lavish hospitality, there is no finer way to enjoy Christmas at the newly reopened Adare Manor. A warm Irish welcome with a champagne reception, a visit from the big guy himself, and nightly entertainment are just a few things to expect at this 5 star manor. On Christmas Day, tour the manor gardens before a festive treasure hunt and gourmet dinner. For your last full day try your hand at archery and falconry, or spend the day at the spa.
Christmas in the City A Dublin Christmas can be just as magical as one in the countryside. Think Christmas markets, twinkling lights illuminating the streets and hot whiskies in the pub. To make the most of your Christmas in Dublin, first head to Winter Wonderland. It’s a Christmas mecca, with rides, markets, and a skating rink. Stroll the shops on Grafton for your last minute gifts before warming up in the your pub of choice for a Christmas Eve pint. You 30
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Experiencing the magic of Christmas is easy at Powersourt. This 5-star hotel offers a warm festive welcome with all the traditional fare - mince pies, prosecco, mulled wine, and carrots and reindeer dust for the younger guests. Then enjoy a candlelit Christmas Eve dinner, before resting up for a Christmas Day breakfast buffet. Explore the Wicklow winter wonderland, or retreat to the Swarovski Crystallit pool. On Christmas night, guests gather to play games and sip brandy while taking in the breathtaking views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Belfast Love Head to the Northern Irish capital for a family-friendly Christmas. Start at Titanic Belfast for their annual “Magical Christmas Experience”. Mrs. Claus, Father Christmas and plenty of elves all make an appearance. While you’re there, be sure to explore the Titanic with the award-winning Discovery Tour - it’s an instant trip highlight every time. Follow your tour with a visit to St. George’s Market, which opens its doors on Christmas Eve for any last minute produce and treats. If you can make it, the Belfast Christmas Market houses 80 wooden chalets, from handcrafted gifts, crepes from France, and the traditional Glühwein.
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Fall Under
Cork’s
Busy, Attractive and Artsy Charm
I
Gateways at street level reland’s vibrant second city is point to Cork’s more recent a rare mix of cosmopolitan past as a merchant city when, in sophistication and laid back the 18th century, traders brought charm. their goods in by boat. A Within its compact centre, visit to the Cork Butter art galleries rub shoulders Museum reveals more with snug traditional about this period pubs and historic when the Cork buildings tower Butter Exchange over trendy coffee became the shops. largest butter Cork is the market in the perfect base world. from which to The city’s explore both 19th century the Wild Atlantic history is told in Way and Ireland’s the magnificent Ancient East, but Cork City Gaol first you must get visitor centre, which is under its skin. particularly atmospheric on The best way is to walk an evening tour. the narrow, undulating streets, St Anne’s Church The fascinating heritage crisscrossing the River Lee which explored, now delve into the city’s flows through the city. Along the well-deserved reputation as a first-class way, Cork’s colourful history will make foodie destination. The many restaurants itself felt. and gastro-pubs serve up delicious local St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, an imposing dishes, and the thriving craft beer scene example of French-gothic architecture, can wash it all down. attests to the city’s founder and patron The city is the home of the famous saint who established a monastery there in English Market, regarded as one of the AD 650. best covered food markets around and a
St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral 32
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source of delicacies and artisan produce from around the world. An afternoon spent browsing its shops and stalls is an epicurean’s delight. Cork folk are fond of a festival and there’s barely a month goes by without one. From the Cork International Poetry Festival in February to the city’s famous Christmas celebration, Glow, there is a fountain of festivals that feature everything from music to literature, food and film. Should you somehow miss one though, there’s enough fun in the city’s lively, music-filled pubs to provide plenty of ad hoc entertainment. A visit to Cork isn’t complete without climbing to the belfry of the 18th-century St Anne’s Church to ring the world-famous Shandon Bells. From there you can also enjoy panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. Cork people are fiercely proud of their city. After a visit, it will be easy to see why. Source: ireland.com
Ringing the Shandon Bells
Epic Sounds: Walking on Cars & the Wild Atlantic Way
C
ritically-acclaimed Irish band Walking on Cars’ brilliant track ‘Don’t Mind Me’ soundtracks the latest Wild Atlantic Way video. Here, lead singer Patrick Sheehy lets us know what makes their hometown of Dingle in County Kerry so special, and explains how the therapeutic and invigorating effects of this magical stretch of coast fed into the writing of their album. A thrilling showcase of the various elements that combine to make the west coast so enigmatic, this new video is an invitation to embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of life for yourself. Having grown up in the enchanting town of Dingle in west Kerry, Walking on Cars understand what makes this part of the world so unique, and have drawn inspiration for their album from the lush, wind-swept landscapes around them.
“You can’t really put your finger on it”, Patrick begins, “but there’s something in Dingle that people are drawn to. We spend a lot of time on the road – airports, buses and taxis have become part of our lives. But we always have that sense of a homecoming at the end of a long tour. Every time we take that turn into Dingle and the bay comes into
view, there’s that moment of – ‘We’re home!’. Indeed, it was an annual Dingle winter festival that inspired the friends to form the band in the first place. Other Voices takes place each December in the town, and sees both Irish and international acts perform in the cosy surrounds of Dingle’s one-of-a-kind venues and local pubs. Think warm wools, friendly chatter, roaring fires and inviting hot ports. “Other Voices has really given the musical aspect of the town a huge boost” says Patrick. “For us as a band growing up in that environment, we were inspired by it, and that’s where the seed was planted in terms of musicality for us.” Did they make it along to the 2016 event? “We did! It was absolutely fantastic – really cold but the skies were blue; perfect weather for the occasion.” The haunting Kerry landscape also played a pivotal role in Walking on Cars’ debut album, Everything This Way. In order to get away from the bustle of everyday life, the band rented a cottage for six months on the very edge of the Dingle Peninsula. There, they relaxed into the pace of this mesmerising part of the world, and began writing songs. “We were literally on the tip of the peninsula”, recalls Patrick, “the most westerly point of Europe. The views definitely helped the vibe along as we were trying to find our sound. Our songs are quite epic, and we believe that the landscape around us had something to do with that.” The Wild Atlantic Way also features heavily in the band’s stunning videos, as Patrick explains; “We try to incorporate the landscape into our
videos to show people where we’re from and what we’re about. We take pride in it, we’ve used the landscape in 80% of our videos to date and we’ll probably continue that way.” When they do get the opportunity to chill out at home in Dingle, what are their favourite haunts? “We take the odd trip out to see Fungie the dolphin”, he smiles, “and the lads play a lot of pitch & putt in Milltown – it’s a great place by the sea during summer. Maybe lunch in Louis Mulcahy’s, and Dick Mack’s for a pint.” What about more secluded places; little-known spots where you can really unwind and get away from it all? “There are some amazing beaches all over the west Kerry peninsulas”, he says. “Our main one is Béal Bán. If you go there during the day, there’s a chance you’ll be on your own, which is amazing.” Outside of his home county, is there anywhere else along the Wild Atlantic Way that holds a special place in his heart? “Every time we’re in Galway we stroll up towards Salthill, it’s a really cool place. We’ve all visited the Cliffs of Moher too – they’re fantastic.” The band actually ventured to the most northerly part of the country when they were working on earlier material, so they really have done their fair share of traversing the length of this winding coast. As Patrick recalls; “Donegal is an amazing place. We recorded our first EP in Termon (outside Letterkenny), and it was like Dingle, in terms of seclusion and magic. It’s just a lovely place to be creative.” No doubt the band will continue to draw inspiration from the every-changing landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. “Yeah, it really is one of those coastlines that you could travel up and down forever and never get sick of,” he laughs. And we couldn’t agree more! To learn more about the video, read our feature on how you can embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of life. Discover more about Dingle or take on the other regions along the coast. Source: Failte Ireland CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Irish Style By Shauna Dickson
I
t’s my favourite time of year: Winter! Not an opinion shared by many I’m sure, but some of us wait all year to finally be able to layer scarves over chunky sweaters and break out the boots. It’s a time to celebrate holidays, spend time with family and cozy up to a roaring fire with a cup of (Baileys) hot chocolate. With shorter days and unpredictable weather, having an arsenal of quality garments in your closet will make this season so much more bearable and dare I say it: enjoyable. After all, if anyone can do winter right it’s a Canadian in an Irish wool sweater! This season you’ll want to walk the dog in every snowstorm that comes your way with the variety of colours and styles that are available from Irish designers this year. Blackwatch is a very traditional colour combination of deep blue and green and is throughout Ireland and Scotland alike. This season we are seeing this more than ever. Scarves, men’s sweaters and ladies sweater coats or “coatigans” bring this colour to life with many different Celtic knots and designs. It’s a colour that will quite literally never
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go out of style and continue to compliment every outfit. Try a knee length sweater coat over a pair of insulated leggings and weatherproof Dubarry boots for a day-to-day look that you’ll never tire of. Sweater weather provides plenty of opportunities to throw on an Irish jumper or wear a parka that’s inspired by the dampest of days. Unlike most down winter coats, the parka from Jack Murphy is not overwhelmingly puffy or inflated. In fact it has quite the opposite feeling. With such a flattering feminine waistline and length, you’ll want both of the stunning colours in this gorgeous new style for 2017. For men
we have the classic parka style for this season and a style upgrade with the new wool “Roark” Duffle Coat, also from Jack Murphy of Dublin. Wool may as well be bulletproof as it is one of the strongest natural fibres that repels virtually anything: rain, sleet, snow, wind and everything in between. Because of this, wool sweaters have been an important part of every Irish family’s heritage. Working and living in the cold and windy coastal areas of this beautiful but damp country would be a lot tougher without the help from 100% merino wool or pure new wool garments. If you think of wool, you most likely think of the scratchy, itchy sweaters that you grew up wearing. Now they are refined and perfected that there’s no man made comparison that would hold a candle to something so natural and iconic. Even wool socks worn right against your skin will be soft and super warm. You can express
your own individual style with bright, vivid colours, or keep it classic with a cream and black Thermohair pair that are actually tested in Antarctica and designed for people suffering from diabetes, yet loved by everyone. What’s even softer than wool? Wool mixed with baby smooth cashmere of course. Find this in a Scarf Company or John Hanley striped scarf that is perfect for you or as a gift for someone special. These will only get better with age and tie together any outfit in the cold winter months. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures are what we have come to expect from our winters here in Canada. When dressing for the day you won’t have to sacrifice function for fashion if you try a classic Aran knit, wool coat, and a pair with your favourite warm accessories. You’ll be sure glad you did.
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35
The Parade
of Nations By M. O’ Neill
Serbian Dancers
T
he Community Folk Arts Council of Toronto hosted the parade on the 1st. July . The parade had participants from over thirty countries and what a spectacular event it was, it gave all countries including Ireland the opportunity to say thank Canada for allowing us to make this great country our home. The Parade Belarus director was Alan Louthe who took charge along with Fethi Karakeceli President of the CFAC and their team and managing the over 3000 parade participants down Yonge Street. Starting at Church and Bloor the two hour parade proceeded across to Yonge St. and down Yonge to Dundas square where the festivities went on all day, with choirs, singers and dancers. The parade line up to name a few consisted of Belarus, Serbia, The Kurdish, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Hawaii The Portuguese, Poland, Croatia, Armenia, Hungry, Macedonia, Indonesia. Those who represented Ireland were from Co. Mayo, Ann and Pat Mc Mahon, Jim and Valerie Mc Loughlin, Vincent and Ciara Mc Loughlin, and from Co. Kerry, John and Maura Bradley, Pat Kennedy and Jim Curran, Matt Kennedy and last we had from Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Johnathan Johnston & Julia Bauer. The parade of Nations was produced by Wendy Limbertie Representatives of the Italian Police Executive Director of the Community Folk and Parade director Alan Louthe & Fethi Arts Council. Karakeceli President of the CFAC at 7am on the day.
Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance
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Peru
Ireland
Thailand
The Children’s Philharmonic Choir, 150 strong from Szentesházasfalu, Transylvania
The Irish Marchers
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Web: www.dan-dooley.ie CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Emmett McCourt
Chef, Author & Passionate Irish Food Campaigner
F
ood for Emmett McCourt has been a constant journey of love and passion for over two decades. His culinary career began 26 years ago at the NI Hotel and Catering College, Portrush. Since then he has travelled the world working in the kitchens of some
of the world’s finest restaurants, luxury cruise liners and hotels alongside some of the world’s greatest chefs, including international names such as the legendary Georges Paineau and Yves Thuries of France. His skillset is based in the deeprooted Irish customs of food foraging and
the use of traditional methods of food preparation and presentation. Emmett is an experienced lecturer and educationalist and a prominent campaigner for, and contributor to, the Agri-Food sector across the North West of Ireland and beyond.
STUFFED PORK FILLET Ingredients
Method of work
Pork Fillet 1kg
1. C lean and trim the pork fillet removing the chain and fat
Salt & Pepper to Season Tamworth Streaky Bacon 250g Savoy Cabbage Leaves Blanched and refreshed 150g Grated Carrot 1 medium Tinfoil Sheets 2 to Roll
2. P lace the pork fillet lengthways on a chopping board, slice inwards along the fillet to form an escalope shape, careful not to slice straight through. 3. Cover the fillet with cling film and baton out flat 4. Lay the Fillet flat on two sheets of seasoned tin foil 5. L ayer first with streaky bacon then blanched cabbage leaves and finally with grated carrot, season with salt and pepper 6. R oll as tightly as possible in tinfoil, turning ends as you go 7 Place on tray and Roast in oven for 40 minutes 180°C Gas 6, leave to rest.
EMMETT’S APRICOT & CHESTNUT STUFFING Ingredients
Method
1lb -Sausage meat
In a sauce pan sweat the diced onion, mixed herbs and butter without color, on a very low heat.
1lb bread crumbs 8oz dried apricots chopped finely 8oz Roasted Chestnuts (Optional) (Chestnuts scored with knife, roasted in medium oven shells on for 10 minutes) remove from shells and chop finely. (Or use pre-packed cooked chestnuts)
In a mixing bowl, add the sausage meat with the bread crumbs and combine the apricots and chestnuts, add the cooked onion, mixed herbs and butter. Mix well. On a sheet of tinfoil place a good amount of the stuffing mix; roll up as sausage shape turning in the ends as you go to resemble a Christmas cracker.
1/4lb butter A good bunch of fresh Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Chopped) or 4 table spoons of dried mixed herbs
Bake on a baking tray for 30 minutes at 180c, gas 6, leave to rest for 10 mins, before unraveling and slicing.
1 small onion, diced
Delicious served at Christmas with your Roast Turkey dinner
1 sheet of tinfoil 38
CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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7 Christmas Break Ideas in
Scotland’s
I
Seven Cities By Annierose Knox
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe (11 December) on the 2017 programme. Wrap up warm and head to the Christmas Village for some merriment. Warm up… with a dram of single malt. Try one of the ‘Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire’ at one of the city centre’s whisky bars, such as Illicit Still or CASC (which stands for Cigars, Ale, Scotch, Coffee).
n all of Scotland’s cities, the jingle of sleigh bells and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air is enough to put any Scrooge in the mood for Christmas. It might be cold outside, but Christmas city breaks in Scotland are simply magical. And here is why:
Glasgow at Christmas time
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets © George Clerk
Edinburgh
Enoch Square (9 November – 22 December) and George Square (25 November – 29 December). Get into the festive spirit… at some of Glasgow’s lively pubs. Listen to fiddle tunes with live folk sessions beside the roaring fireplace in the Babbity Bowster or stay warm on a chilly winter’s night inside Stravaigin, which serves up some delicious Scottish food.
From November to January, fall under the Yuletide spell at Edinburgh’s Christmas. Just imagine: fairy lights twinkling in the trees; bustling markets selling all kinds of festive goodies; and warm drinks and delicacies from across Europe. Enjoy panoramic views of the capital from the top of the Big Wheel, or brave a twirl on the 60-metre-high Star Flyer. Bring in 2018… at the one and only Edinburgh’s Hogmanay! This year, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man will headline the concert in Princes Street Gardens – be quick, it’s one of the hottest tickets in town.
Glasgow Over in Glasgow, the fun never stops at Glasgow Loves Christmas. This year’s festivities include the fabulous Style Mile Carnival (26 November), the epic 5K Santa Dash (10 December), and markets at St
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Christmas market at Slessor Gardens, by Dundee’s waterfront
Dundee Ah, Dundee – a cool, creative and cultural city which is always up for making Christmas memories with you! A city known for inventing marmalade, The Beano and Grand Theft Auto – see if you’ll have a bright idea this Christmas! Stay indoors… with a visit to the fascinating gallery, The McManus, go stargazing at the Mills Observatory or enjoy a live show once darkness settles at the Rep Theatre. Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen
Aberdeen Up in Aberdeen, the granite buildings sparkle and song fills the north easterly air during Aberdeen’s Winter Festival with carol concerts and a special performance from
Chocolates at the Legends of Grandtully, Perthshire
Inverness Cathedral © Colin Keldie
Wallace Monument, Stirling
Perth
Inverness
Stirling
If there’s ever a time and a place to indulge, it’s Christmas time in Perth. Starting with the Christmas Lights Switch On on Saturday 18 November, winter festivities will crop up across the city, making winter a simply wonderful season to make a trip to the ‘Fair City’. Stocking fillers… can be found at Perth’s Chocolate & Gin Street Festival on 18 – 19 November, which will feature a huge variety of producers, gin tastings and chocolate workshops. The Highland Chocolatier in Pitlochry is a must-visit stop for fans of the cocoa bean.
The Highland capital’s beautiful architecture looks particularly magnificent in the low winter light, and with plenty of festive frolics and fantastic shopping events this winter, you’ll be sure to find perfect pressies for everyone. Tuck into a festive feast… at one of Inverness’ top restaurants. Try the innovative menus at the Mustard Seed or have a hearty roast dinner at the Dores Inn on Loch Ness.
With a mighty castle overlooking cobbled streets, and the magnificent Wallace Monument looming in the distance, Stirling’s backdrop is a wonderful place to embrace the city’s biggest ever winter festival programme, with exciting Hogmanay celebrations and a street parade featuring Santa’s reindeer taking place this year. Go on a winter wander… and admire ageold landmarks in the city centre, or venture into the surrounding countryside and take in the breathtaking views from the top of Dumyat Hill. Find out more about Scotland’s Christmas & Winter Festivals or start making plans for unforgettable Christmas holidays or Hogmanay breaks in Scotland. Source: www.visitscotland.com
Calton Hill, Edinburgh CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
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Haggis Food & Drink
What is haggis? Haggis is Scotland’s national dish and the crowning glory of a traditional Burns Supper, and although it’s an object of Scottish culinary fascination around the world, it certainly is not a beauty queen. But take our word when we say that what haggis lacks in appearance it certainly makes it up in its taste! Intrigued yet?
and farms shops, or you can order it online. Macsween of Edinburgh is one of the best known haggis producers in Scotland and you’ll see their haggis for sale all year round; it’s available to buy online and can be shipped overseas. Haggis is also produced on a smaller scale by local producers and butchers.
Are you adventurous enough to feast upon Scotland’s most famous dish? What is it made of? This enduringly popular dish is a type of savoury pudding that combines meat with oatmeal, onions, salt and spices. Often served with the classic sides of bashed neeps and mashed tatties (that’s Scots for turnip and potatoes), haggis is traditionally cooked in a sheep’s stomach (a historic way of preserving meat), but most haggis nowadays is sold and cooked in a synthetic sausage casing. We agree that it may not win the title of the most elegant dish on the planet, but it really is undeniably delicious! Need more convincing? As strange as haggis may sound, the end result is a culinary masterpiece. Meaty, oaty, fiery and moist, haggis makes a scrumptious meal. Largely made from oatmeal, it gives haggis its soft, crumbly texture - similar to stuffing - and earthy flavour, and, when combined with salt and spices, it has a spicy, rustic hint with a peppery kick! Now, that certainly sounds delicious, doesn’t it?!
Where to buy haggis? You can try your luck at haggis-hunting in the Scottish hills, but it’s probably also worth knowing that you can buy haggis in many places around Scotland, from local butchers to independent retailers, large supermarkets 42
CELTIC CANADA | WINTER 2017
dancing, rousing songs, poetry, drams of whisky and, of course, heaps of haggis, but most importantly - good company and loads of fun.
Not only for Burns Night This versatile food is also used as a focal ingredient in more contemporary dishes in the restaurants and pubs across Scotland. From traditional haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky sauce to modern dishes with a twist like haggis Scotch quail’s eggs, haggistopped nachos or the excellent Balmoral Chicken, (which is a succulent chicken breast stuffed with spicy haggis and wrapped in sizzling bacon), haggis is favoured yearround in Scotland and beyond.
Where does haggis come from?
25 January and Burns Supper Haggis is really thrown into the spotlight around Burns Night, when Scotland and the world pay tribute to one of the greatest writers of all time, Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard. Burns was a fan of the national dish too, and in 1787 he dedicated an entire poem - Address to a Haggis - to the ‘great chieftain o the puddin’ race’ and nowadays haggis, neeps and tatties are the focal point of every Burns Supper. Celebrated annually on Robert Burns’ birthday, 25 January, Burns Night gathers Scots around the world to pay tribute to the great poet’s life and works, and to Scottish culture. There is a delicious meal, ceilidh
We’re sorry to break this to you but… haggis is not a small animal indigenous to the Highlands of Scotland and, therefore, does not have legs of any length. It is said that in days gone by hunters would mix offal, which couldn’t be preserved, with cereal - creating the first haggis. The first written mention of a haggistype sausage comes from the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes in 423 BC when he refers to one exploding! Though the actual origin of the word haggis remains a mystery, many people believe that it may have come from the Scots word hag which means to chop or hew. The dish has Viking connections too, with strong similarities to the Swedish word hagga and the Icelandic hoggva, both of which also mean to chop or hew. Haggis-type dishes can still be found in Scandinavia today. Source: www.visitscotland.com
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