Irish Scene May June 2015

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Western Australia’s

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Volume 17 Number 4 May/June 2015

PERTH WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL ROSE OF TRALEE

PERTH CENTRE

In this Issue....

• Brian Kennedy / Pat Shortt for Perth • Sean Doherty recognised • St Patrick’s Day wind-up • Darkness into Light • Labhair Gaeilge with Rachel • John Bailie Story • Ted Stopped the War! • “Giddy Up” by Marie Moloney • IACC Mentoring/Awards • Bloomsday 16th June • Book Reviews

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IRISH BUSINESS CONTACTS / INDEX BAGGAGE (UNACCOMPANIED) Australian International Express 9243 0808 69 Exportair Tim 9477 1080 BUTCHERS 58 McLoughlin’s Northside Meats Tel: 9249 8039 60 Meat Connoisseur Tel: 9309 9992 CAFE/DELI: 15 Mooney’s Irish Sandwich Bar Tel: 9221 4872 Kallaroo Seafood 9401 9141 CAR RETAILERS: 27 John Hughes, Vic Park - Tel: 9415 0110 CELEBRANT: Marian Bryne Tel: 0410 345 224 CIVIL ENGINEERS: 56 Neo Infrastructure Tel: 0407475033 COMPUTER System Engineering: Nick McNamara | MCN Technology Tel: 0424 515 337 EMPLOYMENT: 65 All Force Labour Solutions Tel: 0457824916 38 Final Trim Operators Tel: 1300 083 599 18,19 Reliance Professionals Tel: 1300 224 222 ENTERTAINMENT: Fiddlestick - David MacConnell 0413 259 547 ENGINEERING: Green Engineering Tel: 0419911 737 FINANCE/ADVICE: 84 The Loans Café-Nik Silsby Tel: 0402 284594 FREIGHT HANDLERS: Australian International Express 9243 0808 69 Exportair - Tim Hawdon Tel: 9477 1080 FUNERALS: 52 McKee Funerals Tel: 9401 1900 FURNITURE: First in Furniture Joondalup Tel: 9300 9010 HAIR & BEAUTY: 39 Elma Lauren Hair & Beauty 94448381 IMMIGRATION ADVICE: 17 EasiVisa Carol-Ann Lynch 9429 8860 33 McGovern Migration Tel: 6161 8854 Gallagher Migration Tel: 04140498 910 IRISH FOOD: Taste Ireland Sydney - Tel: 02 9386 5522 20 Essence of Ireland Tel: 9301 5485 Hetty’s Scullery Tel: 0416365099 JEWELLERS: 6 Master Jewellers: Graham Tighe 0414309274 MECHANICS: 1 Killarney Autos - Neil Lenihan 0439 996 764 BVM Autos - Mike Barton Tel: 0413 889 501

ORTHODONTIST / DENTIST: 35 Solas Orthodontics Tel 9383 7600 PUBS, CLUBS & RESTAURANTS: 93 An Sibin Tel: 9328 8930 91 Breakwater, Hillarys Tel: 9448 5000 48,49 Carnegies, Perth Tel: 9481 3222 52 Celtic Club, West Perth Tel: 9322 2299 46 Danny Murphy’s Bar & Grill 9342 4818 43 Durty Nelly’s, Perth Tel: 9226 0233 Fenian’s / Novotel, Perth Tel: 9221 1200 Friar Tuck’s, Wannanup Tel: 9534 4788 96 Irish Club of WA, Subiaco Tel: 9381 5213 JB O’Reilly’s, Leederville Tel: 9382 4555 Paddy Maguire’s, Subiaco Tel: 9381 8400 37 Paddy Malone’s Joondalup 27 Rosie O’Grady’s Fremantle Tel: 9335 1645 2 Rosie O’Grady’s Northbridge Tel: 9328 1488 12 The Mighty Quinn, Tuart Hill Tel: 9349 9600 24,25 The Cure Northbridge Tel: 9227 9055 23 The Hidden Bar, Northbridge Tel: 9228 2200 8 Voyage Kitchen Tel: 9447 2443 Woodvale Tavern, Woodvale 9309 4288 84 Woodbridge Hotel, Guildford Tel: 9377 1199 REAL ESTATE: 41 O’Rourke Real Estate Tel: 9341 6611 16 Professionals Kelly Team YokineTel: 9344 5544 ROOF PLUMBING Mick’s Maintenance 0418 917 050 SHOE REPAIR / NEW SHOES: 57 Reids Bootmakers: Tel 9361 5301 SOLICITORS & LEGAL: 13,83 Kavanagh Lawyers - Tel: 0430 960 859 SPORT - CLUBS AND INFORMATION: 90 GAA - Barney McKenna 0408 904 419 89 Shamrock Rovers 94 St Gabriel’s Hurling Club 95 Irish Golf Club of WA Martin 0419934681 THEATRE: 64 Irish Theatre Players TRAVEL & TOURISM: 32 British Travel - Jenny Allen Tel: 9388 3114 5 Flightworld Michael Deering Tel: 9322 2914 TYRES, BATTERIES, BRAKES WHEELS: 20 Tyrepower: Perth City - Fiona: Tel: 9322 2214 WEDDING RECEPTIONS / FUNCTIONS: 52 The Celtic Club, West Perth Tel: 9322 2299

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Inaugural Irish Trotting Race Night Friday May 22

This is a wonderful initiative of the Perth Trotting Community, an Irish Race Night. The Claddagh Association, Irish Families in Perth and The St Patrick’s Festival all support this event.

Local Irish charities/groups will benefit from the night.

The Irish Race Night will be run in the same tradition of the famous Italian Night and Chinese New Year events at Gloucester Park.

Be on-course to catch, 10 Big Races on the Track, Irish Food Stalls, Irish Dancing and Entertainment from the Trackside Stage and ‘Sulky Sprints’ up the Home Straight. They will be wearing the Special Shamrock Silks for Every Race on the night.

MEET THE INTERNATIONAL ROSE OF TRALEE

It will also be an opportunity to see the entrants for the Perth Rose of Tralee. The 2014 Rose of Tralee, Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh, will also attend. The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 56 years in 2015. The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish descent from around the world to County Kerry, Ireland for a global celebration of Irish culture.

Be at Gloucester Park on Friday May 22 for this inaugural Irish Race Night, a great addition to our WA’s Irish events calendar. Long may it last!

Get your group together for a great night. Tables are available in the Beau Rivage Restaurant and private boxes and function rooms are also available for group bookings.

For more information contact Gloucester Park on 9323 3555.

THE IRISH SCENE

Publisher/Advertising: Fred Rea 0418 943 832 Editor: Lloyd Gorman 0479 047 250 - gormanlloyd@hotmail.com Proof Reading: Jack Cullen, Imelda Gorman and Colin Merrey Publisher: Gaelforce Promotions, 12 Dysart Court, Kingsley WA 6026 Email: fred@irishscene.com.au Tel/Fax 9309 3167 www.irishscene.com.au Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by contributors in articles, reproduced articles, advertisements or any other printed material contained in Irish Scene magazine or on www.irishscene.com.au are those of the individual contributors or authors and as such are not necessarily those of Gaelforce Promotions. The publisher and editor reserve the right to accept, reject, edit or amend submitted material in order to make it appropriate or suitable for publication. Irish Scene welcomes submissions, ideas and suggestions for articles and features as well as photographs of events happening around and within the Irish community in Western Australia.

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THE WEST OF IRELAND IN THE FIFTIES THE HEART OF THE STORY THEN AND NOW

By Sr Elizabeth Bones

Life in Ireland in the fifties taps into the stored memories in the recesses of my mind.

Prominent memories relate to patterns of culture and religion, school, climate, family life, work and play. It is always difficult to uncover past material and circumstances and present them in an understandable way for the reader in contemporary society. It needs to be visioned in the historical context of time and place.

Snippets of events may highlight what is, has been, and remains at the heart of our story. Retrospective reflection taps into a way of life adapted to the circumstances in the aftermath of a history of famine, poverty and oppression. The land in Connaught was sub-divided in Cromwellian times following transplantation of people from Ulster, Leinster and Munster. It was said “to hell or to Connaught”. Recovery from the deprivation was slow and emigration seemed to be the best option for many years for those who could find a way out of the country. Books, songs and stories from those centuries uncover the pain and agony of both transplantation and emigration. The author, L. Mc Manus in his book “The Silk of the Kine” touches the many emotions experienced by the dispossessed bearing their transplanted certificates whilst marching their stock amidst wailing and death en route to the West. The poignant song “Kilkelly Ireland” by Peter Jones is a heart rending account of the interactions and grief of both the migrant and family left behind.

State and church laws in the fifties were of a hard line nature mingled and integrated with a more earthly Celtic spirituality and warmer nature. In common with most world religions and culture Ireland has identified ways to seek out the Mysterious, the Supernatural; an outer - world focus; something beyond themselves where the physical meets the spiritual and merges with the Divine. In Ireland connection with the sacred is cultivated and manifested in many ways.

Pilgrimage to sacred sites on mountains, holy wells, islands and famine grave sites maintain perspective on our continuing journey. The awe inspiring natural wonders of mountain, lake and bog lands merge with the unexplained experience of a Presence tangible in Irish poetry, song, art and music. Recorded sites of martyrdom, death from starvation and the beehive huts of the early Christians all evoke a contemplative reverence. Mass rocks used during religious oppression are very special places and a solemn reminder of what our forebears held and protected in spite of imminent danger to their lives. The great landmarks of towers and castles belie the reality of life for the majority.

What is at the heart of the matter is still what counts!

To catch a glimpse of Ireland in action in the fifties we need to take a look at the facilities available at the time. Work in rural Ireland in particular was laborious and time consuming.

Cars were scarce and public transport non-existent.

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Telephones were rare except at the country shop and fridges and radio were not everyday household items.

Electricity and piped water were emerging luxuries.

Most people worked on small farms sustained by saving crops, turf, vegetables and fruit trees. Farm animals were mainly cattle with a sprinkling of sheep, donkeys, a few goats and horses. Familiar work tools were slanes, spades, scythes, loys, sickles, hayforks, rakes, harrows, ploughs, potato spraying machine and horse drawn mowing machine. Threshing machine was motorised!

Villages had combined use of the mowing machine and often farmers had to wait until late twilight for its use when weather was fine. Soon silage became the answer to the problem of wet summers. Most farmers made their own butter, bread and jam. Most people cooked on open fires with amazing results. Fires were raked at night covering the coals with ashes which survived until morning. The crickets usually sang at this time from underneath the fireplace and often visitors would wait to hear them because not all homes had an inbuilt late night chorus! The next decades welcomed gas bottles.

Family life was marked by large families, emigration, lack of job opportunity and basic but indepth education. The syllabus covered a wide range of subjects which today would equate with degree level because of the additional learning experiences on farms and tuition from parents, many of whom had returned from work in England. The local garda, priest, teachers, midwife and doctor held the key to most situations requiring direction and acted as advocates on many issues, however they too were fully integrated into the local culture, religion and pub life! Licences were required for many items including dogs, guns, and oil and there was a careful watch and fine for errant thistles and boocooloons amongst the crops. Hungry farmers fishing for salmon in spawning season did so under great duress.

Not only was there a fine the “perpetrators” made the headlines on the local paper. This alerted others that the salmon were about and hunger kept some up much later at night so that the “child might see the morn”. Children with keen eyes were sometimes positioned on vantage points to warn of approaching garda on the bike! People shared a great camaraderie and had their own beliefs, cures and remedies and all under the direction of a higher Spirit. Holy water was a special sacramental used at all times but particularly in illness, during storms and even sprinkled on stock and crops and as a blessing on wells and rivers. The rosary was said around the fire at night under the picture of the Sacred Heart.

Additional prayers were offered for the faithful departed and our benefactors especially those who migrated to America and who sent generous gifts at

abundant prior to the unfortunate spraying of weeds.

Children knew where to find and identify the multitude of local and migrant birds. All ears were alert for the first to hear the cuckoo and corncrake. People said in Gaelic tongue “go mbeimid beo on tam seo aris” [This was often said with sadness especially by those who felt they wouldn’t be alive the following Spring]. Yellow hammers, blackbirds, thrushes, wrens, magpies and robins were among the songsters to awake the dawn.

The lark awaited his/her own musical display later in the day and evening hovering high over its nest in the bog. The evening nightingale and owl sounds were a little more eerie and the bumble bee and butterflies assured us of a sunny summer. To see a bat was fairly rare and children were advised to come indoors in case it got entangled in their hair; “as blind as a bat” was the explanation!

Summer, the delight of all, meant school holidays, fun in the bog and hayfields and days out at the August fair and local festivals. Picking wild berries was a favourite pastime; the earliest being strawberries and bilberries, followed by raspberries, sloes, nuts and blackberries. St John the Baptist was celebrated with the bonfire and fun for all. The swaying of the meadows merged with the sunshine and shadow chasing each other. Spring flowers gave way to a different display of poppies, large daisies and splashes of meadow blues, yellows, pinks and multi-coloured bog and marsh flowers and varieties of heather.

Autumn meant harvesting with the midgets in full

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Christmas time. Large families seem to have experienced the miracle of the loaves and fishes and their parents, like their Creator, seemed to make things out of nothing.

Left overs were shared with passers-by, especially the gypsies and tinkers. Being in constant touch with earth and nature meant that people gained insights and inspiration leading to amazing inventiveness and improvisation.

Bicycles were available and shared in the family.

The post and telegrams were delivered by bicycle. The advent of a travelling van with supplies was a great gift and orders were handed in for the following week. Most people walked or cycled to Mass and the stories and events shared, together with the conversations at the pub and school was the “mass media”.

Home births and deaths were usual rather than the exception. Ghost stories were plentiful but most children knew better and played the game themselves.

The four seasons had their own highlights for children and adults alike. Spring, although often bitterly cold brought hope as St Bridget’s and St Patrick’s Day were celebrated with concerts and day off. It was a time to connect with family away from home, sending greenery and cards. The shamrock was always respected as the sign of the Trinity explained by St Patrick. Easter signalled resurrection of The Lord and also new life in the Northern Hemisphere. The explosion of new growth of wild flowers in the woods and fields created great excitement. Masses of primroses, violets, daffodils and daises defied the frosty climate. Bird’s nests were

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bite. With hay, turf, corn and potatoes saved it was time for some respite and a celebration of Halloween.

Cabbage played a great part in deciding children’s future together with all kinds of games of prediction.

It was time to light the fires and secure or sell the stock. The Puca had spat on the blackberries by now and the cabbage too had passed its expiry date! Berries displaced flowers with masses of gold and red on the rowan tree and in a good season the holly bush provided sustenance for some birds. The swallow was sadly farewelled in autumn. It lined up with its young on wires, sheds and fences before take-off to distant lands.

Their nests in the haysheds were never disturbed and only required re-enforcement the following year.

Winter heralded the good news of Christmas with great anticipation. People made special efforts to go to church more regularly and had put cash aside for special treats and of course, to whom it may concern; Santa Claus! Holly and ivy were the main decoration together with special candles and bells. Christmas Day was very special and after Mass a special dinner was celebrated and children enjoyed their Christmas mementoes from Santa.

In those days people fasted from midnight until after morning Mass. St Stephen’s Day welcomed the Wren Boys collecting money for themselves and a share for the poor which was usually placed in the crib in church. We looked forward to hearing the strains of tin whistles and flutes in the distance often emerging from a foggy roadside. Sometimes the Wren Boys sang carols and their shaggy looks scared the local canines.

Heavy snow and frost often followed in January, hemming people in. Most people anticipated this situation and had supplies stored.

For our family running a poultry station meant that we were busy throughout the four seasons but with less activity in the winter. Our Dad died at a young age in a severe winter and Mam continued to run the poultry station and small farm. The yearly cycle commenced in chilly spring weather when incubators were prepared, heated and fertile eggs placed on trays.

Keeping them warm and turned frequently meant constant vigilance. There were many miracles as well as some mishaps mostly because of the coldness of the ambient temperature and external weather patterns.

Older family members took charge of the incubators and although it was an exclusion zone from younger siblings we were often granted sneak peeks. It was delightful to hear the little chirps and taps as the fluffy, wobbly chicks emerged from the broken shells.

They were carefully transferred to warmer rooms to vie and contend for the cosiest spots under the hoovers. Tragedy was not unknown here either, namely chicks trampling over each other, lamps overheating or children’s accidents with the glass thermometers. We were very attuned to the sounds of chirping and pecking as well as the visual display of lemon yellows, white, rusty brown and speckled coats. With care and vigilance the chicks grew strong and were

7

introduced to the sunshine and transferred to larger barns. They were fed on meal, grain, chopped cabbage and their great favourite, dandelion leaves. They also loved to pick on turnips and when older, potatoes were added to the meal and of course plenty of water. Being a registered Poultry station meant that many rules applied and only a certain mix of poultry allowed. In our mix we had Rhode Island Reds, White Wyandottes, Leghorns and Sussex. Heating for the incubators and hoovers was oil-fuelled and quite costly.

In the summer the growing chicks were separated and moved to various barns and mobile arks. Blood testing was carried out by the visiting poultry instructor and we became very familiar with petri dishes and exposing the brachia I vein for venepuncture. Our role was to catch the chicks and Mother was an expert at holding them while blood was taken. The results, happily was always an “all clear”. They were then ringed according to type and age and they walked awkwardly for a while pecking at their new bangles trying to dislodge them. Cleaning the chicken houses was a big chore and carrying food and water quite an exercise.

We always used spring - well water in case the rivers were contaminated.

The pullets were now ready to lay and even though the Leghorns were very gentle creatures you sometimes got a nip if you tried to remove the eggs from under them too soon; a specific hen’s warning lesson! The roosters were segregated and housed where there was plenty of space in the bog- land fields. The Sussex were notoriously proud, majestic birds who exhibited their own pecking order. Their strong beaks and talons were vicious weapons of domestic violence. The last to be penned at night were usually battered from fights and took it out on us flying and pecking our legs. Our collie dog was great company and befriended everyone but this did not apply to the night time fox that prowled around after dark. His morning body language and signs of a scuffle alerted us to the encounter. The pen doors had to be tightly secured at night: a lesson learned earlier when the foxes broke in and mutilated the chicks.

Late summer and autumn was show time and we all joined in the excitement and preparation involved, with Mother at the helm. She knew exactly what the criteria was for possible success. Wing span, perfect feet, eye and feather colour and red undamaged comb was part of the check-up. The breast bone was checked to eliminate curvature. Eggs were also exhibited as well as our Khaki Campbell ducks. Fortunately we got prizes which helped to finance the adventure and the cost of hired vehicles for transport to neighbouring towns.

Our ducks were usually hatched out by a clocking hen for two reasons. Ducks usually made inattentive mothers and we only reared a small supply. Their eggs were fairly strong and were not popular and people were not fond of duck for table either. Ducks of course are imprinted to enter water immediately after hatching and naturally mother hen panics and abandons them; it does seem unfair, a situation too

for us as children to manage. This meant imprinting a sound for them to relate to and follow. We usually mimicked their own “beagle, beagle” and they followed us to the streams on the farm and return to the pens later. The ducks were good at foraging and soon became lanky and independent. On occasions a missing duck would return scurrying, from the bog, quacking loudly and starving, followed by an entourage of beautiful fluffy green/yellow ducklings. She usually nested in the cleft of rocks shaded by ferns and briars. She had been accustomed to better food than the few snails she may have had while hatching. We were thankful that she hadn’t become the fox’s meal.

Our chicks and ducks were all free range; something certainly prized today. They were healthy, happy

Benedict wins award!

Congratulations to Benedict Jackson of Albany on winning the The Manea Award presented on Saturday 25th April 2015 at the John Boyle O’Reilly Annual Event held in Bunbury, Western Australia.

The award which was presented

and content and although it was all hard work with little profit, other than maintenance, it was a healthy lifestyle.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life today, contemporary Ireland continues to integrate its cultural, religious and wounded past in a positive way. Healthy questioning and evaluation lead us to an appreciation of the contribution of its entire people on a forward journey. The scars of the past are still manifest in the compassion of its people. Ireland’s soul has a consciousness of a wider world in need of a helping hand and often gives, as in the past, from meagre supplies. We appreciated “helping hands” in the past so we remember “to go and do likewise”[cf Lk 10; 37]; this is at the heart of psyche and soul!

Sr Elizabeth Bones (below) is a sister of St John of God and has spent most of her life in the eastern states of Australia and presently lives in Western Australia.

reprinted Benedict’s Benedict with his family. essay on the life of his great grandfather James Keilly. James was on the Hougoumont with John Boyle O’Reilly and the other Fenians on that warm summer’s day on 9 January 1868 when it arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, and the last convict ship to transport prisoners to Australia. Benedict had no idea he was getting the award and received it graciously. He thanked the association for considering him and he said he will continue to research the Fenian story. Well done Benedict.

Michael Manea and Benedict Jackson

by Michael Manea is in honour of the late Dr Ernie Manea, who was dedicated to and a passionate supporter of the John Boyle O’Reilly annual event. Benedict received the award for Excellence in Literature and endeavour to maintain the spirit and memory of the Fenians. In a past issue of our Irish Scene we

History, folklore, novels, and song tell us how we got to this place.

Let us hold the gems and pardon the grievances! Our faith journey has carried us, elevating our hope and enlivening our love.

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County Tyrone in Glory

H

(Part Three)

By Peter Conole

aving triumphed by completSir ing the enormous, worldAndrew wide infrastructure work asClarke, signed to him by the Admiralty, Sir 1873 Andrew Clarke could have been forgiven for resting on his laurels after receiving his knighthood and promotion in 1873. He had no such option of course, because his achievements meant that Clarke was now a member of the inner elite of the Imperial system. For the balance of his career the gentleman went from one high endeavour to another, recognised and used as a well-informed adviser on world affairs and as effective man of action.

The Government appointed him Governor of the Straits Settlements, them as little more than slaves. He which at that time comprised only punished abusive employers and the important base of Singapore and sugar plantation owners with fines the province of Johore on the Malay or imprisonment.

Peninsula. The region, originally In general terms, he kept a very controlled by the East India Compatight control over administrative ny, had been converted into a Crown matters and built up a competent Colony in April 1867. The area was civil service. It is quite possible Sir a trouble spot and when Clarke arAndrew planned from the start to rived there on November 4, 1873 he create some kind of British-conwas armed with a strong mandate trolled federation of Malay States. to carry out reforms and deal with He plunged straight into the numernumerous diplomatic ous problems which beset problems. He had asked the region - piracy, slave raidfor but did not get direct ing, petty wars and feuds and command of the local garendless succession disputes rison, although he still re- and used a combination ceived all the cooperation of brilliant negotiating and he needed in carrying out pure gun boat diplomacy to awkward tasks. sort out the mess.

Andrew Clarke foFirst cab of the rank was cussed on building up the Sultanate of Perak, where Singapore as the major the local ruler turned to Britcommercial and adminis- Clarke monument ain for support during a civtrative centre for what is in Singapore il conflict. Clarke moved in now the nation of Malaysia. He dewith appropriate armed support in serves as much recognition as StamJanuary 1874 and restored Sultan ford Raffles for being a founding Abdulla to his throne, also arranging father of the modern island nation for the suppression of slavery, handof Singapore. Sorting out problems ing over of assorted weaponry and with the local Chinese community the destruction of forts and stockreceived early attention and, apart ades as part of the deal. On January from accepting their role in com20, 1874 the Treaty of Pangkor efmerce, he took strong action to profectively brought Perak under Brittect the rights of ‘coolies’ working ish control and protection. Central on mainland plantations. He preto the agreement was the appointvented their ill-treatment, cracking ment of a Resident - a critically imdown on any Malay or European portant type of imperial official - to bosses who sometimes treated advise the Sultan and establish sta-

9

ble government. Clarke gradually extended his system of control and guidance to other Malay States but it was no easy task.

Selangor received prompt attention, for in November 1873 local pirates had murdered several people on a ship they boarded in the Malaccca Straits. The Royal Navy subsequently dealt with the pirates and captured a number. Clarke and Admiral Charles Shadwell sailed north with a squadron in February 1874, went upriver to the capital Langat and bluffed the Sultan of Selangor into submitting and agreeing to a suitable treaty. As part of the agreement he was required to deal with the pirates under his own laws. After Clarke and company left the sultan had sixteen of them beheaded and sent the executioner’s sword as a gift to the Governor in Singapore. It would be interesting to know whether Sir Andrew kept the weapon as a personal souvenir.

In April 1874 the ruler of Sungei-Ujong was brought into the fold, but his rival in Rembau was stubborn. He attacked a coastal vessel, gathered arms and built stockades for resistance. Clarke moved north from Singapore on HMS ‘Charybdis’, linked up with another ship and descended on Rembau.

The Governor and his subordinates demolished the forts, received the submission of the local ruler, suppressed bandit gangs and set up the usual administrative arrangements.

Without going into details, Clarke then took action to settle a border dispute between the States of Johore and Pahang. His intervention made possible another treaty in September 1874.

Soon afterwards Sir Andrew visited Thailand, which was in the middle of a potentially bloody succession dispute. During a complex series of negotiations which ended in February 1875 the Governor was able to mollify rival factions, arrange a peace settlement and ensure that the legitimate heir was placed on the throne. The young king was suitably grateful and in later years

until early 1882. During his stint he paid a friendly visit to Clarke in there he re-established close links London, as did some admiring Mawith the Royal Corps of Engineers. lay princes at various times. Sir AnThen came a truly great promotion: drew Clarke left Singapore for India in 1882 Clarke won appointment on May 26, 1875. His administration to the position of Inspector Generhad been a triumph, even though a revolt in Perak had to be crushed in al of Fortifications and Director of a rather bloody war within a year Works, the duties of which had vital after he left. and world-wide implications for the Local people still keep the mementire military establishment.

During his first year in office ory of Sir Andrew Clarke green. A Sir Andrew Clarke arranged for the major harbour facility of Singapore building of major fortifications at - Clarke Quay - is named after him, Alexandria in British-controlled as is one of the prime market streets Egypt. Events in that part of the near the port. The attached photoworld captured his complete his graph is of a marble column bearing complete attention not long aftera bronze bust of Clarke; it stands at the famous Victoria Concert Hall, wards. As Inspector General, Clarke another landmark of the city. Even reformed various aspects of miliin Malaysia he is still regarded with tary administration in Britain. He some respect; streets bear his name arranged for closer cooperation bein Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and other tween the Army and the Royal Navy places. at all levels. He also obtained naval Clarke was sent to India to serve men and representatives of the Royas a member of the Viceroy’s Counal Artillery and the Scientific Corps to work within his Department for cil. It was an important position and liaison and specialist advice purhe was valued for his ability to provide balanced advice on a range of poses. Not forgetting education he issues. Diplomatic work and close also emphasised strongly the need involvement in some special projfor army men to study naval history and affairs closely because of their ects also consumed his time and ever-increasing global importance. energy. Sir Andrew won agreeSir Andrew Clarke was proment for the building of bridges and roads. He also proposed methmoted to Major General on May 21, 1884. He received another royal ods for improving famine relief in honour in 1885 - the Grand Cross the sub-continent which were well of St Michael and St George for his received. In 1877 he was made a work as Inspector General. The inCompanion of the newly created Order of the Indian Empire. Sadly, teresting thing is that those glitterthe Raj was financially ing prizes came towards the stretched in those years end of a period of conflict and some of Clarke’s and controversy in the solbest plans for defence dier’s life. and development were During 1883 disconsidelined, leading to tent in the Sudan, then a tension between him province of Egypt, reached and the Viceroy. For serious heights when Musexample, he suggested lim fundamentalist rebbuilding a good railway els threatened the capital, network to move troops Khartoum. They were led up to and around the Afby the Mahdi, who opposed ghan border easily. The Death of General Gordon both corrupt Egyptian rule and Britain’s determined efproject was shelved, a mistake that caused problems in forts to crush the brutal Sudan slave a war only a couple of years later. trade. He wanted to establish a new Clarke and his family left India in Caliphate.

1880 and arrived back in England in Clarke’s friend general Charles July, having survived a shipwreck off Gordon enters the picture at this the Italian coast during the voyage. point. He had governed the SuAfter a short period of rest Sir dan some years earlier and was a Andrew was made Commandant of determined, influential enemy of the School of Military Engineering at the Islamic slave trade. There is no Chatham in 1881, a position he held need to recount in any detail what

10

followed, as it has been the subject of much historical study and even film-making ever since. Gordon was sent by Prime Minister Gladstone (who did want Britain to get heavily involved) in 1884 to help out the Egyptian government, but ended up trapped and under siege at Khartoum. He refused to give up his defence of the city because he believed (correctly) that disgusting atrocities would follow if the Islamists captured the place.

Sir Andrew was worried as early as December 1883 and suggested building a railway extending from the port of Suakin on the Red Sea to the Nile above Khartoum so an army could be sent speedily if needed. Gladstone was not interested.

There was a confrontation in May 1884, when an anxious Clarke lobbied hard to try and get something done. General Gordons’s brother, Sir Henry Gordon, advised Gladstone that he did not think Charles was in mortal danger. He then told Clarke what he had said. Sir Andrew replied “then you have just killed your brother”.

The end of the tale is well known. A British Army was finally sent to save Khartoum, but the organisers made the mistake of trying to move the soldiers by river, which turned out be unsuitable. By then it was far too late to revive Clarke’s railway idea. Khartoum fell in January 1885 and Gordon was killed, along with thousands of other people. A relief force arrived very soon afterwards, heard the bad news and then chugged mournfully back down the Nile. Prime Minister Gladstone suffered much savage press criticism (one paper called him the ‘Murderer of Gordon’) and a massive hit in popularity. The disaster was a major factor in Gladstone’s decision to resign in June 1885.

Sir Andrew Clarke served on with as much devotion to duty as ever but the end of his military career was fast approaching. Clarke was promoted to the honorary rank of Lieutenant General and placed on the retired list on July 27, 1886.

Despite his age he embarked immediately on a political career with the initial aim of helping to secure Home Rule for Ireland.

IRISH

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12

We keep our finances totally separate... so we’re not de factos, right?

Not necessarily. How you both manage your finances may be only one factor to be considered by the court.

Being in a de facto relationship brings great benefits but it also can involve serious obligations.

For advice please contact Louise Muhling

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13

GIVING Something

BACK

Peter Murphy, Conservation Officer, National Trust (WA) - April 2015

When National Trust covenanter Terry Lightfoot from Boyanup contacted me looking for someone who makes and installs hollows for native animals that have lost their homes, I knew the very fellow that deals with such things.

Enter Len Sims from Donnybrook. Len, 75, is a keen naturalist and known in his community as ‘The Possum Man’.

This is due to a family of Brush-tail Possums having adopted Len as their friend.

Len loves to tinker in his shed where he recycles old pieces of timber and steel and which he turns into the most beautiful of sculptures. He also recycles old fallen trees into hollows for those native animals that have lost their homes through land clearing and logging in the nearby jarrah forest.

Terry, 84, wanted four hollows - two to be used by cockatoos for nesting and two for possums to live in. So Len took to the task with great enthusiasm by recycling a large dead marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) that had blown-over on his fire-break during a storm.

Making and installing hollows requires not only woodworking and rigging skills, but also an understanding of habits of the animals that may want to nest or live in them, and with orientation probably being the most important; especially for shade; and to make sure the hollows are protected from prevailing wind and rain.

Height also plays a factor, by making sure hollows are well out of reach of predators such as feral cats, goannas, snakes and rodents.

Location too can be a factor, by making sure there is an abundance of the animal’s natural tucker close by. Species and age of tree where hollows are to be installed is also important, while it’s always a good idea to place a hollow where they

can be easily observed from the ground or with a pair of binoculars.

And it was in Len’s shed where the magic all began, with Len cutting the trunk of the marri into four 1m long-sections and then hollowingout the interiors. Bottoms made from sheet metal were then fixed to each hollow and removable inspection lids made from wood were fixed to the tops. An entry hole was then shaped into each side of the hollows to allow animals to come and go. Hoop-iron was then attached to each hollow so they wouldn’t split. Chain was then fitted for attaching to a suitable tree. For

installation, we had to hire a cherrypicker that could reach a height of at least 20m, while making sure access to the site was practical.

Len and I picked-up the cherrypicker at 8.30am and arrived at Terry’s at 9.00am. Our first task was to install a hollow to accommodate a nesting cockatoo in a marri tree.

And with Terry looking-on and me operating the cherry-pickerbucket from the relative safety of the ground - Len began the task of preparing fixings on the tree used to attach the hollow.

After Len had prepared the fixings, we then placed the hollow (weighing approx. 60 kilos) into the cherry-picker-bucket, and up it went. Then with some jiggling (and swearing), Len managed to fix the hollow neatly against the tree with cable and chain. Len then filled the bottom of the hollow with woodchips and leaves before hammering-in a wooden-peg just below the entry hole for the animal

14

to perch.

Once Len had completed his job, the three of us stood back, and from the ground - proudly surveyed our new addition to nature. The same ritual was repeated another three times, and by mid afternoon we had installed two cockatoo nesting hollows and two possum homes.

As part of the Trust’s Covenant Stewardship Program, this would have to be one of the most satisfying projects I’ve been involved

especially in being able to give something back to nature, while knowing that perhaps one day a female Red-tail Black Cockatoo may decide to lay her single egg in one of the hollows, or a Brush-tail Possum may curl-up on a bed of leaves in their new home.

Darkness into Light is a 5km walk to promote suicide awareness and mental health. The first Darkness into Light Walk was held in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in 2009 and for the past 6 years has been the symbol of hope and support for families that have struggled with mental health.

The 2015 walk will take place in Perth, Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane and many other international venues. This year will be the event’s first in Perth so we really want to make an impact in terms of participants and money raised. The walk will take place in South Perth on Saturday 9 May – starting at 5.45am in the dark and finishing in the Est 2012 morning light.

Irish Sandwich Bar At the finish line of the event we will have representatives from Lifeline and Headspace on site to distribute information packs to everyone about current services in Perth.

People can register for $35 by visiting http://dil.pieta. ie/venues/ venue-view/ “Can I have a cuppa darkness-intoBarry’s Tea mate, light-perth If you need more this Green Tea is information effecting me in a regarding the big way!” event you can visit http://dil. pieta.ie/ or 251 Hay St, East Perth join the facebook PHONE ORDERS page ‘Darkness into Light Perth’

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15

21 Years in Yokine!!

In 1994 Fergus Kelly opened the doors to his new real estate office on Flinders Street in Yokine. Starting with a small team of staff and a couple of properties under management, The Kelly Team now employ full time 20 staff; have almost 500 properties under management; and two locations. Our award winning Yokine office is just metres away from our original small office on Flinders Street, and our Balga office is located in Balga Plaza Shopping Centre.

We are proud to be celebrating our 21st birthday and firmly believe our longevity in this tough industry is down to providing consistent excellent service to our clients, who in turn continue to provide repeat and referral business to us.

Selling?

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Shop 193b, Flinders St, Shop 12,108 Princess Rd Yokine WA 6060 Balga WA 6061 (08) 9344 5544 (08) 9442 6899

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Not happy with your current Property Manager? Call Tara now on 0488 184 979 to find out how we can help you!

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WA’s first choice when it comes to sound migration advice

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EasiVisa has built a strong reputation for excellence and for finding visa pathways to permanent residence that other migration agents have said are impossible. When you chose a migration agent to help you with your visa application it’s important to know that you have chosen one of the very best. We are so confident in our ability to deliver great visa outcomes that we now offer a “No Visa, No Fee Guarantee.”

It makes good sense to team with a migration firm willing to put their reputation on the line for you. Easivisa is delighted to do this by offering our new “No Visa, No Fee Guarantee.”

YOUR FUTURE IN AUSTRALIA

As the mining boom cools down and jobs begin to dry up, anyone holding a working holiday visa or a 457 visa should be thinking carefully about whether they want to go home when their visa expires or stay in Australia. Applying for a permanent residence visa is rarely a quick process, especially if you have a skills assessment and English test to sort out. If you want to stay in Australia, now is the time to start investigating your eligibility to apply for a permanent skilled visa and then finding out exactly what is involved and how long it all takes. Our team of experienced migration agents is here to help you assess your options for the future.

Easivisa is really proud to be supporting the very lovely Claire Hayes in The Perth Rose of Tralee Festival 2015

FREE IMMIGRATION SEMINAR Rosie O’Grady’s Northbridge Corner of James and Milligan Streets

Tues 2 June 2015 – 7.00pm If you are coming straight from work, Rosie O’Grady’s has an excellent restaurant.

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RSVP to support@easivisa.com or call 08 9429 8860

“I cannot thank EasiVisa enough for supporting my entry to The Perth Rose of Tralee Festival 2015! Through the festival, I’ve discovered a vibrant Irish-Australian community in Perth.

Together, the other entrants and I have enjoyed many social events celebrating our Irish culture and heritage. We have also had wonderful opportunities to work with local charities. I would highly encourage the whole community to take part in the Rose of Tralee Festival. Go raibh míle maith agat!”

Claire Hayes

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LABHAIR GAEILGE Cén fáth nach bhfuil tú ábalta do theanga féin a labhairt?

Bhuel, tá a lán daoine sa lá atá inniu ann agus níl siad ábalta é sin a dhéanamh,ach ná bí ró-dhian orthu féin.

Tá an iomarca daoine timpeall agus níl siad ábalta ach a n-ainmneacha féin a rá! Is mór an trua é nach gceapann sibh? Agus cad é an scéal faoin amhrán násiunta? Amhrán na bhFiann? Tá gach duine abálta é a mhumbláil ach níl sé ar eolais acu ina iomlán nó i gceart. Tá ceangláin ar fáil anseo . Go isteach ann agus foghlaim é i gceart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7lGmgFovM San Astrial mar shampla is féidir bualadh lena lán Éirinigh ach má bhíonn tú ag iarradh Gaeilge a labhairt leo, ní bhíonn clú dá laghad acu. Bíonn sé greannmhar iad a chloisteáil áfach. Ba mhaith leo Gaeilge a fhoghlaim ach níl siad ag déanamh aon rud faoi.

Bá choir rud a dhéanamh. Is ár dteanga í an Ghaeilge agus tá sé an-tabhachtach duinn.

Tá sí an-tábhachtach dúinn mar go dtugann sí aitheantas ar leith dúinn mar Éireannaigh.

Bíonn ranganna Gaeilge ar súil. Seol ríomhphoist chuig LearnIrish@yahoo.com.au má tá suim agat. Go isteach ar facebook freisin agus brú ar Learn Irish in Perth chun níos mó eolais a fháil. Bíonn ceol agus damhsa ar súil san Irish Club i Subiaco fréisin.

Má tá tú ag taistil tá sé tabhachtach do theanga féin a úsáid. Nuair a bhí mé féin agus mo chairde sa Mhéiriceá Theas d’úsáideamar ár dteanga an t-am ar fad! Ní raibh a fhios ag éinne cad faoi a bhíomar ag caint. Bhí sé go hiontach agus an-úsáideach.

So, beidh mé ag cur seanfhocail agus frásaí éagsùla ar fáil anseo agus tá súil agam go mbainfidh sigh úsáid astu. De réir a chéile tiocfaidh an beagán Gaeilge atá agat ar ais chugat agus ná déan dearmad gur gá í a labhairt aon seans atá agat.

For the English translated version visit www.reliancerecuitment.com.au

Seanfhocal an Lae ‘Is fearr Gaeilge Bhriste ná Béarla cliste’ It’s better to have broken Irish than excellent English.

Go dtí an chéad uair eile

Rachel Rafferty

Business Development Manager Rachel.rafferty@reliancerecruitment.com.au

RELIANCE RECRUITMENT. PROMOTING IRISH CULTURE AND HERITAGE 18

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADD LEADING TALENT TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS, OR A JOB SEEKER WANTING REAL EXPERTISE TO HELP GUIDE YOU, ENGAGING WITH RELIANCE RECRUITMENT ENSURES OUR NETWORKS BECOME YOURS

Reliance Recruitment has proudly become one of Australia’s leading providers of recruitment services. We are compiled of 3 main divisions, each providing an unrivalled service to a specialist area of the global market. We aim to secure, retain and align talent towards our clients’ strategic goals, whilst supporting individual candidates to actualise their potential and achieve their career aspirations.

Client retention and commitment are the focus of our practice.

At Reliance we accommodate a wide and diverse range of clients and candidates. Our clientele range from global corporations to small start-up companies. We work across all levels and all industries.

Through this diversity we provide a service like no other. Our team has excellent specialist knowledge in their sectors and a thorough understanding of the issues faced by organisations. We provide a personal consultancy service that revolves around integrity. We combine industry knowledge with an understanding of your company culture to deliver the very best qualified candidates who are also the right fit for your organisation.

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20

Jackie coloured our world with music

By Fred Rea Some weeks ago I received a phone call from a very upset Oliver McNerney informing me of the passing of his dear friend, songwriter and singer, Jackie Trent.

Oliver kindly sent me the history of Jackie Trent. The legendary British singer/songwriter passed away on the 21st March 2015 in hospital in Minorca, Spain after a long illness aged 74. She was born Yvonne Burgess on 6th September 1940 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the daughter of a coal miner. At the age of nine she won first prize in a national poetry competition. Her first stage appearance was at the

erney

McN r e v i l O

Every Saturday Evening 6-8pm Enjoy Irish Ballads and Showband Hits www.capitalcommunityradio.com

For all your favourite musical memories

age of 10 in a pantomime Babes in the Wood. Jackie was inspired by her parents to love music and at the age of eleven she won the Carrol Levis talent show.

She sang to packed audiences in local British Legion and Working Men’s clubs and with local big bands.

She became known as the Vera Lynn of the Potteries.

Jackie Trent left home at 16 to go and work as a singer in London. In 1965 she had her first No. 1 record, with her recording of Where Are You Now My Love which knocked the Beatles song Ticket to Ride off the top of the charts. The song was co-written by her soon to be first husband song-writer Tony Hatch, who she would go on to co-write over 300 songs. 22 of those songs went on to be big hits for Petula Clark and some of the great hits were, Down Town, Don’t Sleep in the Subway, Call Me, Colour my World, Who Am I, The Other Man’s Grass and I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love’’.

Trent also wrote the lyrics to the Australian TV soap opera Neighbours the song was recorded

by Australian singer Barry Crocker.

She had another No.1 hit in Australia in 1969 with a duet song with her writing partner husband Tony Hatch titled The Two of Us. Frank Sinatra went on to record three of the songs composed by Trent and Hatch. Their songs were also recorded by Jack Jones, Shirley Bassey, Vikki Carr, Nancy Wilson, Dean Martin, Des O’Connor and our own Val Doonican.

In 1968 the song writing couple wrote the song Joanna for Scott Walker of the Walker Brothers. The duo was nicked-named Mr. & Mrs Music by the press.

In 1978 the husband and wife song writing team went to live and work in Ireland for four years, while there, they did a lot of musical specials for RTE Irish television. Four years later they departed for Sydney where they spent 13 years, during this time they did a lot of charity work for the Channel 7 children’s Telethon and they also performed in Carols in the Park. Mr & Mrs Music became leading figures in the Australian entertainment industry and eventually they became citizens.

Jackie Trent was married to Tony Hatch from 1966 to 1995 the 21

couple went on to have a son and a daughter together, they separated in 1995. Jackie married Colin Gregory in 2005 and went to live in Spain. In 2013 Jackie Trent and husband Colin came on holidays to Perth, while she was here, Longford man, Oliver McNerney, befriended Jackie and he did a nice long two hours live on air interview with her. It was broadcast on Oliver’s weekly radio show Easy Saturday on Capital Community Radio 101.7fm where Oliver is a volunteer music presenter. Oliver said, “Jackie Trent may have passed away, but her great music and songs will live forever in our great musical memories of her prolific lyrical song writing talent”.

Jackie Trent was 60 years in the music business. In a recording career spanning from 1962-1990. she released a total of 12 albums, five compilations and 51 singles and she became more famous as a song writer than a singer. Rest in peace and long may the music of Jackie Trent live.

Oliver’s very popular show goes to air at 6pm to 8pm every Saturday evening. Listeners can phone the station at 93649888 or text Oliver at 0450459217. The show is also digital and a lot of people in Ireland and the UK listen in. Oliver’s wife Stella has produced the show for the past five years. You too can listen in by visiting www. capitalcommunityradio.com. Oliver plays among others, some nice old Irish songs and Irish Showband hits from the golden years of radio.

Jackie Trent with Oliver Mc Nerney.

FROM

Belfast Busselton TO

John and Doreen Bailie Back in the early 1970s John and Doreen Bailie traded a life in Northern Ireland for a lifestyle in the southern hemisphere. According to John, who was born in Belfast in 1947 but who lived in Bangor, Co. Down, he and his wife Doreen - a native of Magherafelt, Co. Down, left “because of the troubles”.

The young couple - with their son Christopher John - were destined for Australia and in 1973 they landed in Melbourne but soon afterwards came west.

“We came to live in Perth in beautiful Western Australia and after working in the local wine industry, and the medical industry, for some 35 years Doreen and myself decided to come and live in beautiful Busselton,” said John. “We arrived here in 2004, so about 11 years ago and we converted a home in Busselton quite close to the beach into a Bed and Breakfast and called it Broadwater B&B. We are very cosy and comfortable and I like to think it’s an Irish bed and breakfast.

We offer our guests some warm Irish hospitality and a fully Irish breakfast every morning cooked by

my darling wife Doreen.”

The B&B can accommodate up to six guests and has a swimming pool and a friendly Jack Russell called Angus.

“People come from all over the world and stay with us, we get a lot of Irish people, and we relate warmly to all the people who come, it doesn’t matter where they are from. Busselton is a very beautiful place in the Southwest, on the Indian Ocean about a three hour drive from Perth.”

Outside of the bed and breakfast business the couple have other interesting jobs.

“I’m a train driver, I drive the train on the Busselton Jetty which is the longest wooden piled jetty structure in the southern hemisphere (about 2km long).

It’s my privilege to drive the train, it’s a paid job that I get to do on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At the end of the jetty is an underwater observatory where people can go down to the ocean floor and look at all the wonderful marine life protected in a beautiful reservation.

I dress up like Casey Jones and I love my job. Again I meet people from everywhere, it compliments the bed and breakfast very well. I used to work in several of the wineries down here and I enjoyed that very much before I drove the train” For her part Doreen drives limousines for big events and special occasions such as weddings, or ferrying visitors around the local wineries.

“It’s a wonderful life down here.

We are never going to retire, when you retire you are setting out to die, so instead we keep ourselves busy and happy. That’s my philosophy, live life and don’t wait until the end to wonder what there is to do. We

22

Life is beautiful for the Bailies

have eight grandchildren now so we have plenty going on. It’s a bit like that old Irish saying, happy wife, happy life. I try to keep the wife happy, and the family. I think that just about sums it up.”

John (Casey Jones) Bailie All along the Busselton Jetty there were fishermen hauling in fish.

Among them was a local schoolboy fishing with a bent pin and a ball of string. Beside him was a fish weighing over 10 kilos. A bloke came down to the pier and asked him about his catch.

“What kind of fish is it, mate?”

“I don’t know, but that bald fella over there told me it was a bloody fluke.”

23

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MUSLIMS SHOULD NOT BECOME AUSTRALIA’S NEW IRISH SCAPEGOAT

By Lloyd Gorman – Perth WA A leading Irish Australian politician has made an appeal not to repeat the mistake of exposing Australia’s Muslim community to the same discrimination and persecution experienced by the nation’s Irish population in the past.

Speaking in Federal parliament in February the MP for Perth, Alannah MacTiernan, 62, called for religious tolerance as Australian war planes and special forces help in the battle against ISIS and wages a war on the homefront to stop young Australian Muslims from becoming radicalised.

“Today, one of the big issues is the pressure that the Muslim community in Australia is under,” said MacTiernan – whose father Murrough came from Sligo and who how has other Irish roots on both sides of her family dating back to the middle of the 19th century.

“Its leaders are being called on to do more. Individual community members feel variously embarrassed, angry or conflicted by the violence that is being perpetrated in the name of Islam around the world, and in at least one instance in our own country. In the 19th and 20th centuries Irish Catholics were the ones who were in the spotlight and whose loyalty and patriotism was under suspicion she said.

Authorities from the police and political classes to elements within the Catholic hierarchy believed the people capable of violence and insurgents were being harboured within the Australian Irish community she added.

MacTiernan (right) gave the example of an attack on the second son of Queen Victoria that happened on the first ever Royal tour of Australia.

“In a striking parallel, there was even a crazed supporter of the Fenian cause, [Dublin born] Henry O’Farrell, who made an attempt to assassinate Prince Alfred during a visit to Sydney,” she said.

“There were mass rallies in response to this, and when leading Catholics described the acts of Henry O’Farrell as those of a lone madman they were howled down. It was felt by the community that this was part of a much bigger problem that we had with Irish Catholics.”

She said anti-Catholic groups were formed, paranoia and fear spread by certain politicians and even attempts to pass tough new laws to clamp down and punish would be terrorists and their supporters.

“We need to look at what has happened in the past and at the role of Irish Catholics here today,” MacTiernan explained.

“The Prime Minister and Leader of the opposition are both Catholics, something perhaps unimaginable during this time when Irish Catholics were under such deep suspicion. We have to learn from this. We simply cannot make the mistake we made 100 and 150 years ago and cast suspicion on an entire community. We must recognise that we can work together, that we can move through this, and that ultimately we will be a society, when the absurdity of the Catholic/ Protestant sectarianism of the past seems absurd. I am confident that if we keep committed and focused we can make that Muslim and non-Muslim divide equally absurd.”

MacTiernan repeated similar views during a debate on the ABC’s current affairs show Q&A on April 13. MacTiernan was elected to the seat of Perth in 2013*. Before this she was the mayor of Vincent Council and was instrumental in getting council support for the return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in the

26

same year she entered Federal parliament in Canberra. *The seat of Perth has been held on at least one other occasion by an Irish person.

Sir Walter Dwyer, as he was later knighted, was born on August 27 1875 in Carrickon-Suir, Tipperary. He was educated locally by the Christian Brothers and his family moved to Australia when he was 16, initially to Melbourne and three years later to WA during the gold rush.

The Australian dictionary of biography describes him as being” over six feet tall, handsome, with a resonant voice he had a slight Irish brogue which he used most effectively in public speaking. In 1911 he won the Perth seat in the Legislative Assembly for the Labor Party.

In parliament he helped to draft the 1912 Industrial Arbitration Act and secured the passage of the Money Lenders Act (1912) which protected borrowers, and the Landlord and Tenant Act (1912).”

In his chosen career Dwyer was a high profile lawyer. “In 1915 he took into partnership J. P. Durack and, in 1917, W. H. Dunphy, forming the firm of Dwyer, Durack & Dunphy. Dwyer was defence counsel for several of the defendants in the Perth Industrial Workers of the World trials of 1916,” the biography adds. “In 1919 as a leading member of the Celtic Club, and supporter of Irish nationalism, he led a prohibited march through the city on St Patrick’s day. He was prosecuted, convicted and fined; having refused to meet the fine, he only escaped imprisonment because a supporter paid for him. To mark the occasion, the Celtic Club presented him with an illuminated address.”

He was also a philanthropist and supporter of the arts and culture was one of the first trustees of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery of WA. He was knighted for his service and works in 1949. He died in St. John of God Hospital in Subiaco and is buried in Karakatta cemetery.

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TED STOPPED THE WORLD WAR FOR FIVE MINUTES

By Fred Rea

existence this mining claim recovered over 500,000 ounces of the precious yellow metal. By 1898, Coolgardie was the third largest town in the colony, with a population of 15,000, and another 10,000 in the surrounding region.

In June 1893 Paddy Hannan from Co Clare in Ireland and fellow Irishmen, Thomas Flanagan and Dan O’Shea from Cork followed a new rush to Coolgardie.

Along the track on 10 June, where Kalgoorlie now stands, they found gold near the surface of the dry red soil.

Working in secret, each man won the equivalent of several years’ wages in the space of a week. On 17 June Hannan rode his horse to Coolgardie with about 100 ounces (3.1 kg) of gold and broke the news. The next morning the rush to Kalgoorlie began. Hannan’s fame as the discoverer of the richest goldfield in Australia came rather easily. His find was not as difficult or as courageous as the earlier Coolgardie find. An

Everyone likes a good yarn and the Ted McMahon story is a ripper! So, let us set the scene so you can understand the McMahon connection to the goldfields in Western Australia.

The story begins in Coolgardie in WA which owes its existence to the discovery of gold at nearby Fly Flat in September 1892. According to all accounts the two prospectors credited with the discovery were Arthur Bayley and William Ford.

Reports of the time indicate that on 17 September 1892 Bayley hastily reported the discovery of 554 ounces of gold to John Michael Finnerty (1853-1913), the then resident mining warden at Southern Cross. Finnerty, also a magistrate, was born in Dan Shea (second from left) and Paddy Hannan (far right). C. 1900 Co Limerick, Ireland. At the time unassuming man, he did not claim that 554 ounces of gold was worth the he was the sole discoverer. Moreover stupendous sum of 2200 pounds he did not initially recognize the value and in accordance with Western of the geological formation—the Golden Australian mining regulations, Mile Dolerite—which has yielded most Bailey was offered a “reward claim” of Kalgoorlie’s gold. Even the popular covering 20 acres of land at Fly picture of him as a lonely walker carrying Flat. Bayley’s reward claim proved swag and water-bag is romantic: he to be a very profitable one indeed, travelled in company, and with horses. and was continually worked until But he deserved his success. He had 1963. During the 70 years of its boldly prospected in new territories

28

for a quarter of a century. Above all, his discovery came in the depth of a national depression: never was a goldfield so timely.

It is interesting to note that the population of Kalgoorlie around the 1900’s was 30,000, as it is today.

As a result of Paddy and his mates discovery of gold came a huge influx of people from the Eastern states and from around the world. One of the families who arrived was the McMahons.

And a son of this family Ted was the man who went on to stop World War One for five minutes.

Let me explain….

Ted’s uncle was none other than “The Emperor of the Cornet” Hugh McMahon. Hugh was well known in Western Australian circles and one of Australia’s greatest cornetists.

Hugh McMahon

He founded and was bandmaster of the Boulder City Band and at other times led the Perth City Band and many other bands

troops and the Turks carried on as usual during the concert with rifle and machine-gun fire. Although I have played since that night to all classes of audiences in various kinds of theatres, I think the spectacle of thousands of soldiers from all parts of the Empire – black, brown and white – lining the sides of the steep hills on both sides and in the gully, to the accompaniment of chattering messengers of death, was indelibly imprinted in my memory as the most inspiring. During the first verse of The Rosary played by me on the cornet, the firing was more rapid, and in the second one could hear spasmodic shots. During the third and final verse not a sound could be heard – only the strains of Ethelbert Nevins famous song The Rosary. At the conclusion there was a tremendous outburst of applause The Boulder City Band early in the 1900’s with Ted ad Hughie and other members from all listeners, including those of the McMahon Family in the trenches above us, and then around Perth. It was reported at been the goal which myself and all everyone again settled down to the the time that Hughie performed a players who have been fortunate grim business of war. If I added to real treat at one concert by playing enough to hear him will always the pleasure of the boys during ‘Killarney’. He was a wizard on strive to obtain. On the eve of those awful months on Gallipoli, the cornet and there was nothing the battle of Suvla, all troops of the then that is all I desire, knowing that it is good to give he rendered better than an Irish fourth brigade, AIF, pleasure to others”. aire. Thousands of people in the New Zealand Brigade Ted McMahon For his deeds, state were over and over again and the Indian Brigade Ted was awarded enraptured with Hughie’s rendering were congregated in the Distinguished of Killarney, The Rosary, Lost Chord reserve fully ready Service Medal and and Ave Maria to mention a few. It to move off along was also mentioned was The Rosary that was to make his the beach in order to in despatches. In nephew Ted McMahon famous. clean up the Turkish 1918 he led a band In an interview with the Mirror outposts between at a command newspaper in 1935, Ted recounted us and our objective the story of a rare historical moment before the dawn of August 6m 1915. performance at Buckingham Palace that changed his life for ever.

The Army orders of the day and the Gallipoli incident was “Twenty years have rolled by told us that we were expected to referred to by the Prince of Wales. but still the fascination of music cross the Peninsula during the The prince remembered that Ted soothing the breasts of those war- operations, so naturally everyone served with him at Suez and in the hardened men of both friend and was keyed up to a nervous tension. Sinai campaign and later for six foe holds a permanent place in To keep the boys in good spirits, weeks in Flanders.

Mr. Ted McMahon was a popular, the memory of those who passed General Sir John Monash (then through the anxious times of the commanding the Fourth Australian well-known and highly respected Great War. Many and varied are Brigade) suggested a camp fire citizen of Boulder on his return from the Great War where he lived the accounts of the memorable concert. night given in the newspapers of Many a fine tune were gathered and worked for many years. He England and Australia but let me together, one particular being served as president of the Boulder assure readers that I am in no way outstanding, that of Corporal Wilson sub-branch of the Returned a Gabriel, nor yet can be compared of the Canterbury Rifles who sang Soldiers’ League, and served for with that great old emperor of the The Trumpeter. During my travels four and a half years for his country cornet my uncle, Hugh McMahon, since the war I have not heard a at the front. Ted was also elected whose glorious golden tones have finer baritone singer. Both our to the Boulder Town Council by an

BOULDER CITY BAND

29

overwhelming majority and, during his term of office did his very best in the interests of the ratepayers, never being afraid to voice his opinion, on matters pertinent to the welfare of the town. Boulder Town Council existed for many years but now with the adjoining city of Kalgoorlie is known as The City of KalgoorlieBoulder. Ted was a member of the Amalgamated Engineers’ Union and the Musicians’ Union of Australia.

He has followed a musical career and has attained to the position of bandmaster of the local Brass Band.

He also displayed a lively interest in the sporting life of the community.

In 1935 Ted was presented with a certificate from the RSL in appreciation of his valuable services as past president. It was also noted that as an indication of Ted’s loyal service he had played the ‘Last Post” on no less than 1600 occasions. In response Ted said, “This is one of the proudest moments in my life to receive this certificate.

It does not mean the termination of my duty to my cobber mates, on the contrary, such recognition inspired me to go on and do my best with what power I had”.

This story was brought to life by a Turkish amateur historian called Mr Bacri who mentioned about this story of an Australian trumpet player who played a song called Un peu d’amour. The account had come from a Turkish officer who wrote about the song which he said was played at sunset.

After hearing the story, Canberra musician and World War I researcher, Dr Chris Latham began his search for the trumpeter’s identity. Three years ago he found an account in the Australian War Memorial’s oral records from the 1970s by Colonel James Lumsden McKinley about a trumpeter in a West Australian battalion stationed at Quinn’s Post.

So how did this story reach the pages of the Irish Scene? My good friend Des Kavanagh was in Esperance with his wife Paula and daughter Shauna. He met local resident, Kerry Everett who

is the step great grand-daughter of Ted McMahon. The story of Ted McMahon was relayed to Des when Kerry met him and showed him the silver trumpet presented to Ted following the war. Recently in Canberra, the well-made silver horn has been put through its paces

by Sydney Symphony Orchestra trumpeter Paul Goodchild.

Mr Goodchild said playing an instrument was an emotional experience.

“It’s like having a game of cricket with Don Bradman’s bat,” he said.

“It’s just the most gorgeous instrument and it’s an absolute privilege to play it,” he said. Kerry Everett had loaned Ted’s silver cornet for the Gallipoli-themed concert.

Shauna Kavanagh holding Ted McMahon’s cornet

VALE

HUGH MC MAHON AND TED MC MAHON A million cornet notes spilled on the air Ten thousand songs that drifted to our ears A rhythm rollicking that stayed a care A silvery note that started trickling tears And now the silent cornet lies aside, Whose mouthpiece thousands thrilled with sweet refrain Cold lips gone where dead cornetists ‘bide And shall not blow one sweetened note again

“Not lip service, nor obsequious homage to superiors, nor servile observance of forms and customs...the Australian army is proof that individualism is the best and not the worst foundation upon which to build up collective discipline.”

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Before Riverdance, The world of Irish Dancing had Anna McCoy

By Fred Rea

Patrick Rooney recently sent me an article from an Irish newspaper on the death of a teacher who introduced the world to Irish dancing.

The Irish dancing community has paid tribute to a legendary teacher credited with helping to spread the dance form around the world.

Anna McCoy died peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast aged 89.

Over the course of more than six decades she taught Irish dancing to thousands of young people from both sides of the community.

She has also been heralded as a key figure in helping introduce the dance style to a worldwide audience with her students performing across the globe.

Ms McCoy had the first Irish dance team to perform in the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York after first travelling to the US in the 1940s.

Pat Rooney told The Irish Scene he first me Anna not long after she got her teacher’s certificate.

“She was going out with Albert McMurray from our parish and it was Al who brought Anna and some dancers from her McCoy School down to our parish hall”. That night

Anna had four dancers with her and Pat remembers them dancing the four hand reel. Anna asked if anyone present was interested in Irish dancing. Pat said, “I was about 14 at the time and I had never seen Irish dancing before. Although we were all into Gaelic sports and I showed great interest in the dancing”. The following week Pat went to Anna’s class in Chapel Lane in Belfast above a Bookies shop and next to St Mary’s Church. “I was going to the local Christian Brother’s school at the time”. So Pat started his Irish dancing and not long after realised that his left foot wasn’t right for solo dancing so Anna put him into figure dancing, four hands and eight hands.

McCoy School full senior class with Anna McCoy right and Pat Roonery 4th from left.

31

Pat was in the McCoy dancing team that went to Dublin for the All Ireland Feis and the Fr Matthew Feis. The first All-Ireland the team did went well but a few years later they won the title as figure dance champions of Ireland.

“Anna made up her own dances and the particular dance that won it for us was called the Ardagh Chalice. It was based on the famous and ornate chalice that is now on display in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin”. Anna would finish the dance looking like the famous chalice.

“She was very innovative and creative”. Her boyfriend at the time Al would also play a part in the teaching classes by issuing instruction to us through the movements even though he didn’t dance with Anna’s school. They later married.

Many of Anna’s pupils went on to win many Irish titles. Pat added, “We travelled the width and breadth of the Ireland to dance in competitions”.

Members of her McCoy School of Irish Dancing also won numerous Ulster and All-Ireland titles in both solo and figure dancing.

Her younger brother Paddy McCoy described her as an “innovative and creative” teacher who “did a tremendous amount for dancing”.

The 83-year-old from Belfast, who was himself an Irish dancer,

the group said: “As well as being an inspirational teacher, she also held the position of president, honorary member, adjudicator, grading examiner and founder member of An Comhdhail’s examination panel.

“Her legacy as a teacher is renowned worldwide, with the

Single dance champions of Ireland - Anna in centre Pat far left

also recalled his sister as stylish and “gregarious”.

“I remember her as a kid Anna was always dressed to kill. She was always bringing in Woman’s Own magazines and everybody

Patsy Byrne, Paddy McCoy, Pat Rooney and Bertie Rea

talked about her style,” he said.

“Her dancers were solo dancers and teams, and they won numerous championships. She had a great cross-community component to her

dancing.”

She started her own Irish dancing studio in central Belfast after achieving her teaching certificate in 1943. Her brother said she had “the idea of taking it further afield” and helped introduce the world to Irish dancing. Her dancers performed across Europe and America and appeared on Irish, British and US television.

Mr McCoy said his sister had been described by dancing experts as having “arguably the most famous Irish figure dance team of the 20th century”, while one believed that “apart from Riverdance no dance group received so much publicity for Irish dancing”.

The Congress of Irish Dance Teachers (An Comhdháil na Muinteoirí le Rincí Gaelacha), of which Ms McCoy was a founder member, described her as an “iconic figure in the Irish dancing world”.

In a tribute on their website,

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Pat Rooney and his sister Alice

McCoy School of Irish Dancing attaining numerous Ulster and AllIreland titles in both solo and figure dancing. In addition, Ms McCoy and her dancing school appeared on Irish, British and American TV, and performed at various international events with a highlight being the first Irish dance group to perform in Carnegie Hall, New York.

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“Although Ms McCoy’s legacy lives on through the many past pupils she qualified as teachers and adjudicators, she will be sadly missed within An Comhdháil and the wider Irish dancing community.”

Ms McCoy, who died following a long illness, married the late Albert McMurray and had two sons and several grandchildren.

Pat and Mary Rooney immigrated to Perth in 1968 bringing many of Anna McCoy’s skills. Pat adjudicated at many local Irish dance competitions. “The first Perth Feis I went to was run by the late Michael

Gavin. I noticed that the dancers danced in the one spot, We’d got away from that in Ireland for many years and I went to the teachers and showed them new and different ways to do the dances”. At about the same time the Fisher family arrived from Belfast and they had two daughters who were good dancers and I got them involved. “The local Perth

dancing community’s jaws dropped when they saw what the two girls were doing”. The girls also went on to win the first Feis they entered in Perth.

Pat has asked that we include his and Mary’s expression of sympathy to the McCoy family.

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Finally, a plan for the Irish diaspora

G

overnment reports can be tricky things to get right, just ask Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

While the Federal government couldn’t bring itself to explore a more interesting format to advertise its Intergenerational Report - the government’s roadmap for what Australia needs to do over the next 40 years to keep the economy strong - than the form of a lecture to the people from a stage like some kind of know it all, at least their choice of presenter was - at least on the face of it inspired. Dr Karl is a quirky, popular and well respected scientist turned broadcaster with a gift for being able to communicate complex scientific, medical and technology concepts easily and entertainingly. He was the right man to spruik to the masses why this piece of concentrated government thinking should matter to them. But apparently only after the advertising campaign to get the government’s message across was produced and published in different media did Dr Karl realise that there was a serious flaw with the report. He said the Intergenerational Report completely ignores the effects of Climate Change – something which Tony Abbott thinks is “crap” – and could not therefore be properly used to look into the future accurately. Dr Karl has walked away from the campaign - which the government is still running nonetheless - and has pledged to give the money he was offered for this role to disadvantaged schools instead.

In early March the Irish government launched a major report which will define the long term future for Irish communities around the world. For the first time ever an Irish Government actually has a plan for the Irish diaspora. Emigration has been an inescapable factor in Irish life for hundreds of years and despite being such a persistent thing one can’t help but feel that generations of administrations and governments have inadequately and ineptly struggled with the issue.

It is a rare thing that a govern-

By Lloyd Gorman

ment report could be said to be impressive, I should know I have been ploughing through such publications for the last 20 years as a working journalist. But the Global Irish report is just that, it is an outstanding piece of work that takes a comprehensive, well thought out and original look at the relationship between the Irish state and its people living outside its borders.

The report - launched by Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan (right) who was in Perth late last year as part of a tour of Australia - and the minister for foreign affairs Charlie Flanagan - states that the government has an obligation to service the diaspora, because it is defined in the constitution.

“The first and principal reason for engaging with our diaspora is a simple one – because our Constitution requires it,” the report states. “The Constitution in effect declares that the Irish at home and the Irish abroad are one community. With that come the responsibilities and possibilities of community. This first statement of diaspora policy sets out in the clearest way yet how we are giving life and effect to the constitutional imperative.”

The policy document said Ireland has a unique and important relationship with its diaspora that must be nurtured and developed.

It says it will support those who have left Ireland and who need or want help. It promises to connect in an inclusive way with people of all ages who are Irish, of Irish descent or who have a tangible connection to Ireland and who wish to keep up that connection with the country, and each other.

The government has said it will provide services, facilities and support at the local, national and international levels to keep the lines of communication and interaction

34

open with the diaspora and their contribution to national life.

The Global Irish report is full of noble statements and words but it also lays out concrete steps and actions that can and are being taken to make them a reality. It also gives a frank and honest assessment of the situation.

“In 2004, it was believed, or at least hoped, that mass emigration from Ireland was a thing of the past,” the 57 page report states. “That was not the case and, since the economic crisis took hold, over 240,000 Irish people have left the country. Where in 2004, we were looking at ways to connect with, and support, those who had left Ireland in large numbers in previous generations, by 2008 we were once again witnessing new mass emigration from Ireland. The issues of emigration and diaspora are at once legacy issues and live ones.”

The government will look at how it can support Irish emigrants to make the best lives possible in their adopted countries and it seems there will be an extended emphasis on welfare needs and specifically and importantly (as another first) on mental health.

The government will look at its Emigrant Support Programme which provides financial grants and payments to overseas Irish groups and organisations and try to make that support easier and better to access. Over the last 10 years or so more than €126 million has been put into this fund, helping hundreds of organisations in more than 30 countries. Demand for this kind of help will always outstrip what is available and to make sure the available money is used to maximum effectiveness the department of foreign affairs is now running checks to make sure this money is being used efficiently for the purpose it

was intended.

The report considers the needs of all Irish people abroad, including those who are in prisons overseas. The majority of those are in the UK, but the needs of Irish prisoners in Australia and other countries will now be supported.

Support too for cultural initiatives such as promoting and teaching the Irish language are also being stepped up. Groups like Glór na nGael and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have been receiving money through the Emigrant Support Programme for Irish language schemes for some years but the government report states that there is a willingness and openness to proposals to advance the teaching and learning of Irish in diaspora communities. “For example, two Irish language summer schools in Australia were awarded ESP funding in 2014,” the report states.

There is an element of new thinking in the Global Irish report which is also refreshing and shows how some thought has been put into this policy. A ‘whole of government approach’ is promised, to get the various different government departments and agencies working for the benefit of the diaspora.

As well as this, and this is something that makes perfect sense when you think about it, local councils and communities will be mobilised as another important way to connect with the diaspora. This idea was put into operation for The Gathering - a yearlong event in 2013

to try and encourage more people than ever to visit or return to Ireland - but the government is looking to make it a permanent arrangement. A sense of place is enormously important and can be a matter of pride for those who have left, qualities which can and should be tapped into according to the report.

One of my personal favourite sections of the report - and there are many which I have not gone into here - looks at what they call emerging diaspora communities. “Ireland has become a very diverse society in recent years with a significant increase in immigration,” the report states. “Many of these people have made Ireland their permanent home. They have opted to become Irish citizens and are actively contributing to the life of their local communities, while also providing a whole new network of citizens from every country in the world. The positive contribution that these new groups can and do make to Ireland’s ongoing development is welcomed and recognised.”

The report also points out there are a growing number who have spent time living, studying and working in Ireland and then returned home. These groups serve as a valuable link between Ireland and their home countries and offer opportunities to strengthen Ireland’s connections with a wide range of countries.

“New Irish diaspora communities have been formed in countries such as Poland, as Irish citizens who were born in Ireland to non-Irish parents, or who have become Irish citizens as adults, returned to their country of origin. We

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want these young Irish to retain their links with Ireland and have pride in their Irish citizenship. We are open to supporting projects with new diaspora communities in their countries of residence to help retain their Irish identity and to strengthen connections between Ireland and their home countries.” It is if you like a way to spread the love about Ireland and the Irish, and who can argue with that?

There is all this and more to the Global Irish policy and it will probably be the only time ever that I would recommend you to read such a document in its entirety. It gives the impression that no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of helping and harnessing the Irish diaspora. Of course the government will need to back up its words with actions, but if they do this will mark a new departure in the relationship between the Irish abroad, and the Irish at home The new Global Irish hub:

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ISTEACH SA TEACH

4000 is the new number for 457 Visa workers

Last year the state government tried to slap an education tax on the children of 457 Skilled Worker Visa holders attending public schools. This financial attack on foreign workers who came to West Australia sparked a massive community backlash which forced the government to reconsider, but not drop the idea.

The policy will affect all thousands of foreign families, many of them from Ireland. Stephen Dawson, the Irish born member for the Mining and Pastoral seat of WA - which takes in Kalgoorlie, Kimberley, North West Central and Pilbara - for the Labor Party has been at the forefront of the effort to challenge this unpopular policy which singles out a small section of the population.

In March, Dawson made a push to have the legislation (School Education Amendment Regulations 2014) thrown out. He told the Parliament that can relate directly to their experience.

“It is a huge move for people to relocate their family from one side of the world to another. I know it.

My family did it, and we left behind our family, our culture, our life and our language. We came over here for better opportunities. There is no doubt that the people who this affects in his state at this time also did it for the same reason my family left a depressed economy in Ireland.”

He opened the debate by reading two letters from Irish people, including a young boy, into the parliament’s records. “My husband

and I, along with our two children, aged 3 and 7, emigrated to WA in September 2012 on a 457 Visa from Ireland,” he read. “We didn’t move to Australia with the assumption that we would be extremely wealthy, but with the belief we were creating a better life for our children with more opportunities. Both of our children attend Challis Early Childhood Education Centre. Our son is in year two and our daughter is currently in pre-kindergarten.

They have settled into their new school extremely well and have made some very good friends. As the new $4,000 fee is almost double that of private school fees, we will face no other choice but to move them to a new school. This scenario will not only break our hearts but our seven year old son’s, who less than 12 months ago had to go through the same torment. Our son has settled into Challis ECEC better than we could have ever imagined and has received plaudits from his teachers and his peers alike.”

The author of this letter said they felt they were targeted because they do not have a vote. Dawson said he had received countless pieces of correspondence on the issue. He read an email he received from a young Irish boy. “My name is Rory Burke and I attend Challis Community Primary School. I am in year four. My parents are 457 visa holders. Daddy and Mammy work hard to make sure my sister and I need for nothing. Mammy and Daddy tell me I might have to move school because the government want money from them for me to go to school. I do not want to move school. I have a lot a friends I will miss. Chris, Loghan, Matthew, Stanley and Tyasia are my best friends in school.

If you can stop me having to go to a different school I would be very

36

thankful. I do not know much about how things in government work but mammy tells me you make the rules. If you can change the rules so I can stay with my friends I would be very happy. When we moved from Ireland for Daddy’s job I left a school and my friends and nanny and grandad it was not nice but mammy and daddy said it had to be done. I like Australia and the new friends I have in school and the footy I play with Armadale. And when I grow up and play for the West Coast Eagles I will try to get you tickets! Please change the rules so I don’t have to move school again.

From Rory.”

Dawson said the government’s policy was badly thought out, which the government had as good as admitted because it has changed it a number of times since it was introduced. “Yes, the government has softened the policy, it has softened the blow, but simply, a $4000 fee for the great many families who are affected by this is too much. We will see kids like Rory Burke having to leave school. Some will go to other schools, and some may well go home to Ireland. I do not think it is fair.”

Education minister Peter Collier did in fact admit that the policy was botched and had been changed three times. Calculations that the first proposal of $4,000 per child would raise $120 million “were not accurate —I have to be honest—and the policy framework was not ideal.”

The second change was to delay it for 12 months and then charge $4,000 for the first child and $2000 for every child after that. Collier could not defend that proposal either.

“That caused a bit of confusion yet again within the community and uncertainty for holders of 457 visas and their children,” he said.

The third - and current proposal - is to charge each 457 Visa family $4,000 regardless of how many children go to state schools, and introduce what the government calls hardship criteria. One of these is that any Visa holder earning less than $75,000 would be exempt from paying the fee. “We have come a long way, dare I say it, from the initial policy, which was $4000 per child, to a situation whereby it is $4 000 per family, and there are hardship criteria.”

Collier went as far as to repeat a couple of times that the way the policy had been handled was far from ideal and even apologised for that, and even distanced himself from the original charge.

“My visit to Ireland and the United Kingdom in 2011 has been brought up in this debate. Yes, we did go to Ireland and the United Kingdom in 2011 because of the fact that there were significant shortages in the skilled workforce areas and we were facing further shortages in the years ahead. Of course, circumstances have changed

since 2011—that is four years ago now. The financial circumstances of the government and the state have changed. This policy is an unfortunate consequence of those changes, but also reflects the fact that we have had a significant increase in the number of 457 visa holders since that period.

With that said, the government made that decision. Personally, as education minister, and a former Minister for Training and Workforce Development, I was not comfortable with the initial policy framework of $4 000 per student. I think it was perhaps overly harsh and was done with little time for families to adjust to the new impost on them for education.”

Despite any misgivings he had about it, Collier argued that the state’s financial fortunes had changed and insisted that this deal was necessary but fair. The attempt

by Dawson to get rid of the tax was beaten 19 votes to nine.

Meanwhile, Parliament was in session on March 17 (a Tuesday), and the records of the debate for

the day do at least reveal that some parliamentarians were conscious of the date, and the occasion during a lengthy debate about the Land Legislation Amendment Bill, much of which saw major exchanges between the Labor Party’s Chris Tallentire and Rita Saffioti and the National Party’s leader and lands minister Terry Redman.

At one point in the debate Saffioti said she was giving her political opponent a chance to vote against a measure which she said was being used to “over recover” fees to land deals, including transfers, mortgages and title searches.

“When Treasury tries to grab that money through the budget process, the minister can say that this is what happened at 8.20 pm on 17 March and that Treasury cannot do that,” she taunted him.

Tallentire chimed in: “It’s the St Patrick’s Day clause.”

“It’s the St Patrick’s Day clause,” she repeated.

Needless to say Redman declined the offer!

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38

Dermot Byrne

The Irish Quiz Wiz! a.k.a. Dermot from Lesmurdie on ABC radio Nightlife program.

Answers: 1. Derry, 2. Birmingham, 3. 19 4. Cockles and Mussels, 5. Galway, 6. Ballyjamesduff, 7. Athy, 8. By the factory wall, 9. The Strand, 10. A Bolster

1. What was name of the town I loved so well?

2. Where did Peggy Diagnan go off to?

3. How old was Willie McBride when he died?

4. What did Molly Malone sell?

5. In which county are the Fields of Athenry?

6. What town was Paddy Reilly invited to come back to?

7. In what town was Lanigan’s Ball held?

8. Where in the Dirty Old Town did I kiss my girl?

9. Where in London did Michael O’Loughlin direct the traffic?

10. What did all the young ladies who live in Killaloe have stuffed up their petticoats?

He arrives at the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

St Peter says, “Heaven is getting too full, so you have to pass this quiz to get in. First question: “Which two days of the week begin with T?” He replies, “That’s easy. Today and tomorrow.”

Then St Peter sasy, “OK, I’ll give it to you”.

Second question: “How many seconds are in a year?”

He replies, “Twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd...etc .”

Then St Peter says, “OK, OK, I’ll give it to you.

Last question: “What is God’s first name?”

He replies, “Howard.”

St Peter asks, “How on earth did you get Howard?”

The guy says, “It’s right there in his prayer: “Our father, who art in heaven, Howard be thy name.”

(Sorry Dermot!!!!!!)

39

GEORGE CALLAGHAN

THE LAST MINSTREL

By JOHN HAGAN One of Northern Ireland’s leading artists has just published his autobiography – The Last Minstrel.

He discusses with JOHN HAGAN his artistic influences, style, music and his relationship with the land of his birth.

Q. Which artists have influenced your art?

A. Definitely [Northern Ireland artist] John Luke, although I would say he must have known the work of another artist who influenced me, American, Grant Wood.

Perhaps my greatest influence was Desmond Kinney who taught me at Ashfield Boys, and who managed to get me 23 periods of art a week.

I was only a pupil at Ashfield for two years before going out to work as a ‘real’ artist. Another great influence, who taught me more than I learnt at Art College, was Robin Holmes, the designer at Nicholson and Bass. His influence was commercial of course.

Q. Your early career was in design and advertising. How did this impact on your art?

A. Experience in design and advertising puts me in a position of knowing how people think regarding purchasing a piece of art, but I try not to let this influence me too much. To sell a piece of work in Ireland, or Tasmania, it must have distance, water, reflections and sky!

So I will go out of my way to satisfy myself and intentionally create a work with no sea, no reflections and no sky! (well sometimes!).

Q. You have described your work as being ‘sophisticated naive’. What are the essential characteristics of this style?

A. To try and interpret things in a typical way rather than specifically.

For example, I look at something like the Cave Hill, or any specific hill, and I think in terms of just a hill. I see a tree as a tree, not any particular tree. I know ALL my European trees exceptionally well, in leaf, or in winter and nowadays I know gum trees exceptionally well too. I am told I have a great

understanding for composition and man’s involvement with the landscape.

Q. What was the best art advice you ever received?

A. Desmond Kinney told me I would never be a painter - I would be a designer - something which I didn’t understand until much later. I have since been told I am a painter with a brilliant sense of design!

Q. You are an accomplished harp maker, harper, guitarist, folk singer and recording artist with an array of CDs to your name.

How has music shaped your life and art?

A. Completely. I usually use a line from a traditional folk song for my next creation. Especially if there is a descriptive line such as in the following: “where Lagan streams”, “Just as the tide was flowing”, “down by yon flowery garden”, or “At the dawning of the day”. Music, for me, these days has lost a lot of its charm as I suffer terribly from tinnitus. Somehow music has become just selected and organised sound.

Q. While you were born in Belfast, you have lived more than half your life abroad - South Africa, London, Sydney, Hobart, France. What is your current relationship with Northern Ireland?

A. I return to Ireland as often as possible, perhaps three times a year and usually stay three weeks

40

at a time and travel extensively to refamiliarise myself with traditional ideas and customs.

For example, I have just finished a painting of the fair at Ballycastle which had impressed me no end from the description in the old

song. I did this painting out of my head, how I imagined the fair should be, “ would you like to treat your man to dulse and yellow man at the fair at Ballycastle-o” While this painting was a joy to do, in reality, the fair is a dismal affair, selling tack and out of date videos and generally just rubbish. But the idea of it lingers!

I thoroughly enjoy visiting Belfast especially for the food which has developed beyond belief in the last six years. The coffee was good for a while but it is on the decline, the bread is still out of this world but a good wheaten scone, or a date scone, is sometimes hard to find. I noticed the Ulster Fries are disappearing which pisses me off no end although my wife, Stef, won’t let me eat them! As you will gather, food has always

been my passion. An Ulster Sunday lunch with a choice of, five courses consisting of prime roast beef, roast lamb or roast pork can’t be beaten anywhere in the world, and through the week, battered cod, haddock and of course the best chips ever! Never to miss is the ice cream at Archies, on the Newtonards Road near The Arches, and I enjoy seeing the delight on each customers face.

Of course Belfast is a great place to catch up on all the new movies where Stef and I sit exhausted and fall asleep.

We always avoid the silly season and everyone in Belfast knows when THAT is!

Another attraction is my favourite tool shop, MacMasters, in Church Lane, in the centre of Belfast. The original owner was a friend of my Dad. And of course they still have the time and the inclination from the Albert Clock.

A new haunt for us is St. George’s Market. I did a painting of that in the snow - no sunny sky and no reflections!

I enjoy driving around the

countryside looking at topical events and car boot sales and although I have a lot of difficulty making myself understood with my South African/ Australian accent, I can understand every word they say.

Still can’t take the religious signs nailed on to the trees and painted on rocks.

Q. Why did you choose Lherm (France) as your new home?

A. Lherm chose me! It is a romantic medieval village, and a hop, skip and a jump from anywhere in Europe and close to Belfast in terms of time and money! And Stef lives here! Certainly it’s NOT for the food. No one here gives a tuppence about art and I live on a day to day basis with no artistic ego, which leaves me free to pursue philosophy.

Q. It’s been mooted that you intend to retire. Arguably as it’s always better to retire to something rather than from something, what do you intend to retire to?

A. I have retired, from painting and playing the sort of art and music which is expected of me. I now play the Koto, which is a Japanese harp.

As art, for me, is what you can’t do rather than what you can do, I am consequently in search of something that I can’t do! (which is proving rather difficult). Meanwhile, I am enjoying, writing and philosophy.

For information on Callaghan’s autobiography ‘The Last Minstrel’: http://www.lulu.com/shop/george-callaghan/the-last-minstrel-anautobiography-by-george-callaghan/paperback/product-22080510.html

41

Local News of Interest from the Past

ECHOS OF THE PAST RE SE ARC HE D

BY

FRED

News Published Every Two Months

REA

IRISH WHISKEY or SCOTTISH WHISKY

Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), Saturday 19 December 1903, page 31

DEMAND FOR IRISH MAULT

The demand for Irish whiskey in England is on the increase. This is not to be wondered at, inasmuch as 300 years ago no more acceptable present could be sent an English friend than an “Irish mault,” or a “rundell of Irish whiskey”. On October 14th 1622, Boyle, Earl of Cork, one of the Lords Justices of Ireland, wrote to Captain Price, at Durham House, Strand, London, as follows: “The bearer, Mr. Edmund Hunt, hath in chardg to present my honoured Lord, the Lord Keeper, with an Irish harpe, and the good Lady Coventry with a runnlett of milde Irish Uskebach, sent into her Ladyship by my youngest daughter, Peggie, who was so much bound to her Ladyship for her great goodness”. It appears that Lady Margaret Boyle herself, the “Lady Peggie” of her father’s note, had been recommended by her Irish doctor a glass of Irish ‘uskebach’ every morning “to take away the humours” (as she was bilious), and found, it rather effective.

The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), Saturday 10 December 1898, page 15

IRISH WHISKEY FOR LIPTON’S

The biggest shipment of whiskey that ever left Ireland in one cargo was brought on vans to the Custom House Quay to-day (says the Dublin ‘Evening Telegraph ‘ of October 22), where it was put on board a specially chartered steamer for conveyance to London. The order was placed with Power’s Distillery, Thomas Street, by Sir Thomas Lipton and Co., Limited, who are entering the whiskey trade.

The consignment left the distillery in 150 floats and vans of Messrs. Power and Sons, and the route Jay through Victoria Quay, Wood Quay, Merchants Quay, Parliament Street, Dame Street, Westmorland Street and O’Connell Bridge, to the Custom Horse Quay.

The procession was watched by a number of people at different points

on the route. On the barrels was a large poster with the inscription, “Irish Whiskey for Lipton’s, London”.

The work of loading the whiskey on the steamer was begun immediately, and occupied tho rest of the day.

Tho procession was remarkable for the fine turn out of Messrs. Power’s horses and vehicles and the immense number of whiskey casks, the largest previously seen together in the streets of the city, was the subject of much wonder to the passers-by and crowds of onlookers.

Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette (Qld. : 1868 - 1919), Thursday 14 July 1898, page 3

‘DOCTORED ‘ WHISKEY.

District-Inspector Ball, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Tralee, give some startling evidence before the Royal Licensing Commission presided over by Lord Peel. He ascribed the preference now shown for porter, as compared with whisky (not only in his own district, but in many outlet parts or Ireland,) to the fact that the spirit was adulterated in some way which at present could not be detected. He had often seen men in a state of intoxication bordering on madness, which could not have been produced if the whisky had not been adulterated. Men drunk overnight had not the least idea in the morning what they had done, and expressed the greatest astonishment and regret when told. He produced a receipt for making “whisky” which he obtained under somewhat peculiar circumstances. On the occasion of a large fair, which was attended by all the people from the country-side around who made it the occasion for a holiday, a publicin in the place happened to be in gaol awaiting his trial on a charge of manslaughter. The son, a farmer in the neighbourhood, visited his father in gaol for the express purpose of obtaining the receipt for preparing the whisky ready for the fair. The receipt which fell into the hands of the police,

42

was as follows: “Two gallons of new whisky, one gallon of rum, half a gallon of methylated spirits, four gallons of water, and one drachm sulphate of copper”. He would not say what would be the effect of drinking such a composition, especially the sulphate of copper, which was poison. All he knew was that he would not care to imbibe it himself. Witness also gave an instance in which another publican had been overheard to say, ‘If you mix a little soap and water with flat porter you can work it up and put a head on it.’

Moree Gwydir Examiner and General Advertiser (NSW : 1901 - 1940), Thursday 20 October 1932,

WHISKY OR WHISKEY?

The standard of spelling in the trade used to be ‘whisky’ for the Scotch article, and ‘whiskey’ for the Irish, and some firms still religiously observe the distinction which is recognised by the new English dictionary in these terms: “In modern trade usage Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey are thus distinguished in spelling”. But this distinction is breaking down. A famous Belfast distillery produces and advertises Irish whisky, an equally famous one in Dublin adopts the spelling whiskey. There used to be a like difference in the pronunciation of the original name of the liquor which was usquebaugh, or mere primitively, uisegebeatha, which is Gaelic for water (uisge) of life (beatha). The Scotch pronounced the word usquebah, the Irish usquebay.

In both countries the name was shortened colloquially into usque, and then in a manner whistled into whisky.

Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1889 - 1915), Tuesday 29 May 1906, page 7

WHO INVENTED WHISKEY?

The word whisky is of Irish origin.

Indeed the Irish claim that whisky itself is of Irish origin and moreover, that the Irish taught the Scotch people how to male whiskey. As for the name, it springs From the word uisgue which means

water. The distilled spirit was called by the Irish in ancient times uisguc beatha, or life-giving water.

Distillation is a process said to have been known to the Arabians in remote ages, but the first author to speak of it explicitly - and he speaks of it also as a recent discovery was a chemist who lived in the thirteenth century, Arnoldus do Villa Nova.

Nova deemed distillation to be the universal panacea which all ages had sought for in vain. The cry of “modern degeneration” was raised even in those faroff days, and a pupil of Nova, one Raymond Lully, of Majorca, acclaiming distilled waters as a divine emanation, declared that it was destined to revive the energies of “modern decrepitude”. This aqua vitae, indeed, denoted the consummation of all things in the brain of Lully; it heralded oven the end of the world. It is a legend of St. Patrick that he was the first who instructed the Irish in the art of distillation. Certain modern historians, however, hotly contest this, settling forth the evidence, of authentic sources of information that St. Patrick was an exceedingly strict promoter of temperance. The argument is scarcely strong, for there is obviously nothing really antagonistic in the two ideas.

Besides distilled spirit, whether brandy or whisky, as we know it today, was in early ages used for medical purposes and not as a beverage.

The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser (Vic. : 1863 - 1918), Thursday 3 May 1900

public are beginning to find it out, Dublin whiskey, like Dublin stout, having a wide-world reputation, “Irish whiskey is generally sold in bottle as a self-whiskey’—i.e., the make of one distillery—and when the public buy any of the wellknown brands they know what they are getting; but in Scotch it is mostly blends that are sold, and the public do not know what the different blends are composed of. Taken all round the makes of the Irish distilleries can all be sold as single whiskies, but with the Scotch it is far different, the make of numberless distilleries being only able to be sold for blending purposes. being discussed, and the “Daily Telegraph” has quoted, the wellknown description of a particularly fiery brand which an Irish Member declared went down his throat “like a torchlight procession.” Our contemporary, however, applied the description to Irish whiskies, whereas the late W. H. O’Sullivan, who coined the phrase, used it in connection with certain inferior Scotch products, which were passed off as Irish, and brought descredit on Irish manufacture.

A correspondent, who draws attention to this serious error, adds that never was there a time when better whiskey was turned out in Ireland than at present, and the

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An Irish priest had labored hard with one of his flock to induce him to give up whiskey. “I tell You Michael” said the priest, “whiskey is your worst enemy and you should keep as far away from It as you can.” “Me enemy, is it, Father?” responded Michael, “and it was your Riverances’s self that was tellin’ us in the pulpit only last Sunday to love our enemies!” “So I was, Michael,” replied the priest, “but I didn’t tell you to swallow them.”

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Martin Kavanagh Honorary Consul Of Ireland

Hon Consul’s St Patrick’s Day Reception

Perth Office: 1/100 Terrace Road East Perth WA 6004 Tel: (08) 6557 5802 - Fax: (08) 9218 8433 Email: info@consulateofirelandwa.com.au Website: www.consulateofirelandwa.com.au Office Hours: Mon-Fri 10.30 - 2.00pm by appointment only

Follow the Irish Embassy on Twitter: @irlembaustralia I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made: Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

William Butler Yeats

44

A final sunset on the Sun Princess

by Lloyd Gorman

O

n the 29th of September 2013 Thomas Francis Levinges and his wife boarded a Sun Princess Cruise from Fremantle, destined for Sydney. The last time Thomas was seen alive was on October 7, as the cruise liner was in Prince Frederick Harbour in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Another date reflects the poignancy of what happened to the 73 year old husband, father and grandfather. On March 17 of this year, Barry King, the State Coroner for WA handed down the results of his inquiry into the disappearance and death of Thomas Levinges. “The deceased was born in 1940 in County Longford in Ireland,” the coroner stated.” After finishing his education he went to London to look for work and met his wife to be, who was also Irish. They married in 1962 and had three daughters. In 1972 the deceased and his family immigrated to Australia where the deceased set up a successful business selling automotive paints.”

Working from accounts and testimonials collected by him the Coroner said that the man had loved living in Australia, and the its outdoor lifestyle. He was a keen golfer and played every Saturday. He was extremely fit and healthy, rose early each day and regularly went for walks in bushland.

The Coroner described Thomas as a devoted family man who worked hard to provide for his family. “He was quick witted, intelligent and proud, including being proud of his daughters, who all obtained university degrees, and of his two loving grandchildren. The deceased was a devout Catholic. He was active in the local church and was a member and twice president of the local branch of the Catenian Association, a Catholic body which fundraises for charity.

He sold his business in 2000

but worked part time for the new owners until about 2010 when he fully retired. During his retirement Thomas played golf twice a week and he was able to travel more often with his wife, especially on cruise ships. They had been on several cruises through Asia and their favourite ship was the Sun Princess.

Despite having so much going for him the inquest was told of some problems.

“In the last two or three years before he disappeared the deceased began to lose his short term memory function, leading to difficulty performing day to day tasks such as fixing things or operating electronic equipment,” the inquest heard. “He became less able to play card games that he had played since childhood, and he could no longer concentrate long enough to play 18 holes of golf.

The deceased’s loss of memory function apparently distressed him deeply, possibly because there was a history of dementia in his family which he feared he would also develop. He did not talk about it with his wife or his daughters, and he did not complain of memory loss to his doctor of over 20 years. [He] was looking forward to the voyage and was in good spirits. However for some days after the cruise had commenced, the deceased had trouble remembering how to find their stateroom. Nonetheless the Levinges were enjoying the cruise.

They had made a group of new friends with whom they socialised each evening in the Regency dining room. The deceased was always telling jokes and chatting amiably with whoever he met. During the day the Levinges engaged in several activities together, but would also do things apart, depending on what entertainment was available on the ship.”

The inquiry gave a full account of his last day. The cruise liner was berthed in Prince Frederick Har-

45

bour. Thomas and his wife had breakfast together and later that day they had a long lunch which brought them to 5pm when passengers started assembling on deck to watch the sunset.

After this they went to their state room to prepare for dinner.

“While there they had a disagreement about where to eat dinner.

The deceased wanted to eat at the Regency dining room, but Mrs Levinge did not want to get dressed up to eat there after being wind- blown from being on the deck in the afternoon. As Mrs Levinge was not particularly hungry, she suggested that the deceased go to the Regency on his own and she would meet him later at a show at the theatre.

The deceased left the stateroom in casual attire rather than dressed for dinner. In the hallway nearby he was seen by a stateroom steward, Ricky Delos Santos, to whom he had spoken several times since the cruise began. The deceased greeted Mr Santos who replied, ‘Enjoy your dinner,’ and the deceased thanked him. Mrs Levinge went to the Horizon Court restaurant for a light dinner and later went to the theatre, but the deceased did not show up.

Mrs Levinge went back to the stateroom and thought that the deceased might be there, but he was not. She then went to listen to singing as she normally did after dinner and stayed there until about 9.45 pm.

The deceased was not in the stateroom when she returned, so Mrs Levinge took a temazepam tablet and went to sleep.”

When she woke the next morning Mrs Levinge was still alone. She thought that her husband might have slept on the deck under the stars but as the morning and day went on she began to worry. She asked crew members for help and several announcements calling for him but even after two hours he did not appear. Crew carried out a search of the vessel but still could not find him. Passengers were shown photos of him. One person said they had seen him at 9am that morning in the Horizon restaurant.

CCTV footage from between 6pm the previous night to 11am that morning were reviewed but did not provide any new information or sightings. Shortly after 11am on Oc-

tober 8 the captain notified the Rescue Coordination Centre that there was the possibility of a passenger having gone overboard.

Three aircraft and a Royal Australian Navy ship joined in the search, but they never found him.

On 19 October a ship security officer on the Sun Princess went through CCTV recordings from earlier on 7 October and discovered that seconds before 6.00pm that evening he was recorded climbing over the railing at the stern of the ship and jumping into the sea. His wife had to confirm his identity on the tape.

A Dr Paul Luckin (an anaesthetist who has been working in search and rescue for 30 years) was consulted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on October 8.

“Dr Luckin considered that had the deceased jumped from the ship at 9.00 am that morning, it was likely that he had died at or very soon after the fall from injuries caused when entering the water,” the coroner reported. “Dr Luckin thought that, if the deceased had survived the fall, the survivability until the end of daylight was a maximum of

40% and that survival until daylight on 9 October 2013 was not possible. When later asked by Mr Bishop for a further opinion about the deceased’s chances of survival if he entered the water at 6.00 pm on 7 October 2013, Dr Luckin said that he believed that the probability of survival until daylight was very low, possibly 10%. He did not believe that the deceased could have survived until midday on 8 October.”

Other calculations about his chances of reaching Murrara Island, a small island, or even the Kimberly coast itself were equally pessimistic.

A police check of his Medicare and Centrelink records also showed that the missing man had not had any medical treatment or social payments since September 2013 and established that he had not been in contact with any family members.

On June 10, 2014 Mr Levinge’s daughter Maria contacted the Coroner asking him to carry out an inquest into the loss of her father.

Mr King handed down the results of that inquest on St Patrick’s

y a d n SuCarvery

Day. “In my view the foregoing evidence establishes the death of the deceased beyond all reasonable doubt,” the Coroner stated. “The CCTV recording shows the deceased deliberately and without hesitation climbing over the railing at the stern of the Sun Princess and jumping into the ocean. While it is tempting to speculate as to the reasons for his actions, there can be little doubt that the deceased was aware of the likely consequence. On that basis I infer that he intended to end his life. I find that death occurred by way of suicide. The evidence relating to the cause of death is inconclusive. Dr Luckin considered that the deceased may have died from injury suffered from impact with the water or from drowning.

Drowning may have resulted from injury or from exhaustion, dehydration or hypothermia. I assume, given the relevant location, that other possibilities may include attack by a predatory animal. In these circumstances I find that the cause of death is unknown.”

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by Marie Moloney The sight and sound of horses on the streets of Dublin is a memory that has never left me. The Clydesdale, a breed of draught horse derived from the farm horses of Clydesdale, Scotland were a part of Irish life during my childhood. On working days horse drawn vehicles could be seen on every street in Dublin. Across the city horse troughs filled with water stood on street corners. The sound of horse’s hooves on cobblestones was a constant part of life.

Two brothers named Eustace operated a Horse Drawn Hackney Cab business from their premises in Exchange Street Lower. Guinness used horses inside their business premises and made deliveries throughout the city with horse drawn vehicles. These horses were highly thought of by staff and all had names. Some were used in pairs for pulling heavier loads and had paired names such as ‘Thunder and Lightning’ and ‘Rhyme and Reason’.

The last horse used for Guinness business was in 1960.

For a number of years in his working life with British Rail North Wall Dublin my father was a deliveryman. His mode of transport was a large horse drawn dray cart.

With this he collected products for export from various companies and delivered goods which had been imported. Some local confectionary companies were included in his collection route. This sometimes meant he arrived home with very welcome treats. ”Rosie” as my father called her was a beautiful deep chestnut coloured Clydesdale. She still holds pride of place in the fabric of my

childhood memories of horses. I have always had a love of these beautiful creatures. This began with my experience of a horse belonging to my uncle when I was a very young child but it flowered and grew with my acquaintance with Rosie. The position of deliveryman came with full responsibility for the horse; this inevitably created a strong relationship between horse and driver. At night after the deliveries of the day were done daddy was responsible for brushing, feeding and watering Rosie before leaving for home This he did with loving care, her mane and ankle frills were smoothed and untangled and her body shone like glass. The bond between these two was reflected by both my mother and me; it became customary for us to ask him if he was taking good care of the horse.

During that period my father always came home for lunch, each day he arrived at 1.10pm and in order to get back to clock on again at 2 .00 he left at 1.50pm. Our rule of thumb for this was the clock above Slowey’s Pub directly across the street. Sometimes at about 1.45 I would go with my father down the two flights of stairs from our home on the first floor to talk to Rosie.

There were other times when he lingered after he had finished his lunch, on these occasions there would be smiles and winks between my parents as I stood by the window watching the horse. Suddenly she would raise her front legs up in the air and bring her large hooves down on to the road with a loud clomp. At the same time her head was raised and moving, waving her mane from side to side as she uttered several

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loud neighing sounds.

“Rosie is a really smart horse, she can read the clock,” my father would tell me. At that time because I was no more than four years old I believed this. Many years passed before I realized it was not that Rosie could read the clock, but that she knew instinctively that she had been standing for longer than usual.

That horse also had her own ideas about who was in charge, each day as they prepared to leave my father gave her two lumps of sugar which were savoured and swallowed joyfully and off man and horse would go without incident. I watched all of this from our front room window so sometimes for my benefit, he went straight to the driver’s seat and climbed in without giving the horse her expected treat. The front legs would rear up, the mane would shake and the neighs would sound so sorrowful. He then got down gave her the sugar lumps waved to me and a smooth departure was achieved.

There was an occasion when arriving home visibly upset my father told us about the accident; apparently, as they were doing their rounds, a bus directly in front of them braked abruptly. Taken by surprise, driver and horse did not act quickly enough and Rosie collided with the back of the bus. Amid our cries of concern for Rosie my father assured us that she was not injured and had been taken back to her stable and a dinner of hay. However there were many jokes made about the day daddy drove his horse into the back of a bus.

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The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce is Australia’s premier Irish Australian business organisation.

Business Mentoring applications now open

Bon Voyage Kieran, Kasia & Edward!

Kieran Garvey along with Kasia and son Edward are returning to Ireland. Kieran who has been in Perth for just a few years made a huge impact to theatre in Western Australia. His amazing role as Padraig Pearse in The Patriot Game and then as Martin O’Meara in Under Any Old Gum Tree will last in our memories for ever. He was amazing!

It is a decision many new Irish immigrants have to make, to stay or to return? In the Garvey family’s case I should think it was reasonably easy.

When Edward arrived the ball game changed and now with grandparents in Ireland and in Kasia’s case Poland, home beckoned.

We will miss them and now as they write the next chapter of their lives we wish them well in their future.

We won’t be losing Kieran completely to his O’Meara role as there is talk of Under Any Old Gum Tree and the Galway Fringe Festival. Rex is at the airport already!

Travel safe friends and enjoy life to the full. We will miss you and maybe one day, as in my case, Australia will call you “Home”.

Fred Rea

When I come home, I say I’m coming home to Dublin. When I’m in Dublin, I say I’m going home to New York. I’m sort of a man of two countries.

Colum McCann

Business Mentoring applications now open Rob Clifford, President of the IACC told The Irish Scene, Accelerate your professional development by registering for the “We are modern, vibrant and inclusive membershipAccelerate your professional development by registering for the Pertha intake of the IACC 2015 Business Mentoring program.

Perth intake of the IACCthat 2015is Business Mentoring program. value and based organisation committed to adding • Limited places now available for mentees and mentors bringing opportunities to7thour members”.

• Launch event Thursday Maymentees 2015 in Perth • Limited places now available for and mentors The Chamber comprises a broad range of • Launch eventmembership Thursday 7th May 2015 in Perth Apply now at irishchamber.com.au/mentoring industry sectors and demographics across Australia. Rob Apply nowgroup at irishchamber.com.au/mentoring said, “Our is valued as the most suitable way to engage with Irish Australian professionals and those who do business them”.

Nominate with now for the Irish Australian Business Awards The Chamber is independent and apolitical therefore Raise your company’s through the Irish Australian Business Nominate now for the profile Irish Australian Business Awards are capable of providing a credible and2015. effective voice Awards – nominations open now until 30th June forRaise ouryour members onprofile matters ofthe policy which impact company’s through Irish Australian Businesstheir Nominate your business at irishchamber.com.au/awards Awards – nominations open now until 30th June 2015. commercial activities.

Rob added,your “Alongside successful, now national, Nominate business our at irishchamber.com.au/awards Business Mentoring program, the Chamber has recently created the inaugural Irish Australian Business Awards, given thought leadership via White Papers, expanded ‘Horizons’ (an advanced, peer-group based, facilitated professional development program), hosted networking and information events, hosted visiting Irish Government representatives, facilitated transactions supporting export of Irish products to Australia and supported a number of exciting partnerships with new Irish Australian businesses”.

The Chamber creates a framework for members to access business opportunities locally, nationally and internationally. “We provide a collective voice for the many Irish Australian businesses contributing to the economy and multiple programs to help support their development and recognition”.

The Chamber Business Mentoring Program Perth intake is now open for registration and limited places are available. Launch date Thursday 7th May 2015. See advert on next page Perth raised for details on registering.

IACC President You can also nominate for Irish Rob Clifford Australian Business Awards. will be For more information on the IACC, speaking at the 7th May event please visit www.irishchamber.com.au or Contact IACC: office@irishchamber.com.au

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Business Mentoring applications now open Accelerate your professional development by registering for the Perth intake of the IACC 2015 Business Mentoring program.

• •

Limited places now available for mentees and mentors Launch event Thursday 7th May 2015 in Perth

Apply now at irishchamber.com.au/mentoring

Nominate now for the Irish Australian Business Awards Raise your company’s profile through the Irish Australian Business Awards – nominations open now until 30th June 2015.

Nominate your business at irishchamber.com.au/awards

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The Celtic Club • Perth •

BAR • RESTAURANT • FUNCTIONS

Doing Business

Function Rooms

The Clubs central location in West Perth with onsite parking and close proximity to Red and Green CAT bus routes makes it easily accessible to everyone.

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Located on the first floor, the main Function Room can comfortably seat 125 delegates theatre style or 120 for a banquet.

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The two function rooms have a comfortable sophistication that lend themselves to a variety of uses such as presentations, training events, Annual General Meetings, Boardroom Meetings. Fully fitted with Wi-Fi, ceiling fitted projectors and screen and speaker system.

DS T The impressive Jarrah lined Presidents Room can seat up to 30 guests theatre style or up to 24 guests for a private luncheon.

A: 48 Ord Street, West Perth, WA 6005 VEN

Location

Our superb restaurant serves an a la carte style lunch Monday to Friday and the bar area, with separate lounge, features a number of speciality beers on tap, and is ideal for relaxing, a light luncheon or coffee.

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The Club welcomes new members so please feel free to call in and have a look at our facilities or ask for a membership application form. We have several types of membership available including Retiree, Ordinary and Corporate. We also work in conjunction with other local business to offer additional external benefits such as discounted gym packages, corporate teambuilding and wine of the month. We also have affiliated membership with other organisations in other cities so you can still enjoy the benefits of membership when on the move.

Bar & Restaurant

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Membership

The Club is a great place to network, meet new people, entertain clients, or just get away from the office to have a brainstorm session.

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The Celtic Club has a proud history spanning over 100 years. Presently the Club has a membership of approximately 700, and appeals to a wide range of individuals, all of whom enjoy the friendly and personable hospitality of a private member’s Club.

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History:

Start enjoying this great Club and become a member today!

Tony and Veronica McKee PO Box 994 Hillarys WA 6923

info@mckeefamilyfunerals.com.au www.mckeefamilyfunerals.com.au

Tel (08) 9401 1900 • Fax: 9401 1911 • Mob: 0413 337 785 52

P: Phone (08) 9322 2299 E: Email: celtic.club@bigpond.com F: Fax (08) 9322 2899 W: www.celticclubperth.com

A man approaches a young good looking Aussie woman in a Dublin shop. he says” I can’t find my wife, can I talk to you for a few minutes?”

The woman says “Sure mate but do you have any idea where your wife is?”

“Not a clue” he says” But whenever I talk to a beautiful woman with looks like yours she appears out of nowhere!”

MULGA MICK; PROSPECTOR, MINER, AUTHOR & POET

A LOST FATHER REDISCOVERED

As published in “Tasmanian Ancestry”, journal of the Tasmanian Family History Society, December 2013, pages 149/151. Written by John O’Reilly, member no. 6355.

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y father, Michael Joseph O’Reilly (penname Mulga Mick) married three times. On his second and third marriage certificates and on his death certificate, his birthplace is shown as “Roscrea”, Co Tipperary, Ireland. However, on his birth certificate it is shown as “The District of Shinrone in the Union of Roscrea in the County of Kings”. His father’s dwelling place is shown as “Mountheaton”. The local Townland maps confirm that: Shinrone is a small town in Co Kings now Offaly just across the border from the larger town of Roscrea in Co Tipperary and Mountheaton is a single townland straddling the boundary of the parishes of Corbally and Dunkerrin.

In Samuel Lewis’s 1837 publication “Topographical Dictionary of Ireland”, Shinrone is describes as “a post-town and parish, in the barony of Clonliss, King’s county, 5 miles (W

by N) from Roscrea, and 63 ¾ from Dublin; containing 2517 inhabitants of whom 1287 are in the town”.

Mick’s birth certificate shows that he was born on 29th August 1879, his father is recorded as John O’Reilly, occupation “R.I.C.” (Royal Irish Constabulary) and his mother as Mary O’Reilly, formerly Crooks (or Hookes?). I have not yet discovered any further information about my paternal grandparents John and Mary. I understand, however, that it was Government policy that members of the R.I.C. were not allowed to serve as police in their native County, as they would be regarded by their fellow citizens as “Authority Figures” representing the hated English oppressors (perfidious Albion).

Following his immigration to Australia, Mick initially worked

Mulga Mick as an itinerant prospector in various mainland States. After moving to Tasmania, it seems that he may have been working on the tin mines at Derby not far from the nearby Doherty property “Annadale” at Ringarooma. At that time the farm was being worked by the late Patrick Doherty’s four unmarried daughters, including the youngest, Josephine, who became my mother.

She and Mick were married at Derby on 12th September 1927, his age being shown as 48 and hers as 36.

I never knew my parents as I was under the impression that I was a double orphan. Josephine died on 24th August 1928, just four weeks after I was born. My father Michael was said to have resumed his roaming after she died and, so I was also told, died soon after.

I was initially looked after by her sister, Rose and her husband Jim. However an unmarried sister, Agnes, who was living in Melbourne returned to Tasmania when I was about 18 months old and claimed

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John O’Reilly

me to fulfill what she said was my mother’s death-bed wish that she should rear me. When I was old enough to ask about my parents, I was told by my Aunts that I was a double orphan as my mother had died when I was born and my father, after having “shot through and deserted me”, had died when I was very young. They always spoke ill of Mick, telling me that he was a drunken wastrel who had deserted me as a baby I have recently discovered that in 1932, when I would have been about four, my father married again.

His third wife was a widow, Louisa Neilson (nee Coventry), who had two adult daughters. They lived for a while in New Norfolk, near Hobart, before moving to Speyton, near Devonport. He became a prolific writer of letters to newspapers.

Some are recorded in TROVE. He is also said to have stood for Parliament. He died in 1958 in his eightieth year (when I was already some thirty years old).

Some years later I visited the younger of his stepdaughters, Ola (c1911 - 1990) and learnt a considerable amount about him. I still exchange Christmas cards with some of her children.

It seems that he had tried to keep in touch with my aunt Rose but, apparently, his efforts were rejected. I have in my possession a letter which he sent to her while he was in the Army in 1941. He gave “Intelligence Section, Brighton Camp, Hobart” as his address. In it, he offered to send her an allotment from his pay for my benefit. It would appear that he presumed that I was still living with her at that time. The offer was ignored.

I have also discovered that in 1936, he worked as a “first-aid man” on the construction of the all-weather road from Hobart to the “Pinnacle” of Mount Wellington. He wrote poetry under the pen name “Mulga Mick” and that year he had a book of his poems published. Its title was “The Pinnacle Road and Other Verses” and it is now out of print. One of them, “The Adams River Rush” appeared in an anthology of Australian verse called “Australian Bush Ballads” edited by Douglas Stewart and Nancy Keeling, (Angus & Robertson, 1955). The publishers’ note on the dust jacket reads: “Australian Bush Ballads” presents a wide-ranging selection of ‘robust, humorous and heroic’ verse by those larger-than-life figures from Australian literary history – Adam Lindsay Gordon, ‘Banjo Paterson’, & Will Ogilvie. In addition, there is verse by ‘Breaker’ Morant, Joseph ‘Tom Collins’ Furphy, C. J. Dennis, ‘Dryblower’ Murphy, ‘Mulga Mick’ O’Reilly and many many more.” [emphasis mine] While serving in the Army in 1942, he wrote his autobiography “Bowyangs and Boomerangs – Reminiscences of 40 Years’ Prospecting in Tasmania”. In it he claims that his parents brought him to Australia when he was only a few months old and that he had little schooling and did not learn to write until he was 25. When reading this book one needs to keep in mind that it contains several errors of fact about his life, particularly his early years (he was, after all, a prospector and, like fishermen, they are reputed to have a tendency to “gild the lily” somewhat). My aunts all claimed that his book was mostly fantasy.

As mentioned, he had been born in Ireland in 1879. It seems that he originally married there and had three children, two boys and a girl, and about 1910 he lost his wife and the two boys in the flu epidemic of that time and, on emigrating to Australia, gave up his then three-yearold daughter, Polly, to be reared by his sister. Polly (Mrs. A. R. Ward)

married a surveyor in England and visited Tasmania in 1958 in search of her father. The story “Father, Daughter Meet at Devonport after 48 Years” was movingly told in the Devonport Advocate of 9th April that year. If that were correct, it would appear that he left Ireland about 1910 as a 31 year old. During a visit to Tasmania in 1988, I met some people who had known Mick and I was told that after Polly visited him she came over to Victoria to try to find me. Apparently she found my Aunt Agnes in Melbourne who told that her that I had joined the Army and been killed.

However, he certainly worked as a miner and prospector in different States, as mentioned in “Bowyangs and Boomerangs”. In the last chapter, he describes mining activities during the osmiridium rush at Adamsfield (in the wilderness of South West Tasmania) in the 1920s and 1930s. In the former “Illustrated Tasmanian Mail” of 13th January 1932 there was a full page photographic spread of mining operations at Adamsfield in which he is named in the captions of three of the six photos.

Mineral Resources Tasmania published a report (1992/20) “Notes on the history of mining and exploration at Adamsfield” by C. A. Bacon which reproduced that 1932 page in full (on p.24) and on p. 8 quoted his poem “Jack Brennan’s Osie Lode” in full. During a visit to Adamsfield in 1995, I met some former residents who remembered him (as children) and spoke highly of him.

In “Bowyangs and Boomerangs”, he also claims to have enlisted in the First World War at Fremantle, WA, in October 1914 (he would then have been aged 35), and to have been discharged as medically unfit (due to varicose veins) some three months later on 10th January 1915, but to date I have not been able to confirm whether that is so. However, Australian Army records confirm that he did in fact enlist during the Second World War at Hobart, on 16 May 1941, giving his age at enlistment as 49y, 7m and his date of birth as 29 August 1891. (As he was

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actually born in 1879, he had taken 12 years off his age which was then 61y, 8m). Those records also show that he was, indeed, in an Intelligence Unit, but was their cook. After some two-year’s service, he was discharged as medically unfit on 18 March 1943.

Mick passed away on 5th October 1958, a mere six months after the reunion with his daughter, Polly. The Devonport Advocate of 6th October contained a eulogy which included some of the incorrect claims in his book. It opened with the comment: “Mulga Mick”, prospector, author, and balladist, died in the Mersey General Hospital, Latrobe, yesterday. He was in his 80th year.

His death removes one of the last remaining links with the most colorful period in Australia’s history.

There was also a report of his graveside funeral service at the Latrobe cemetery which mentioned that both the Devonport and Latrobe RSL Sub-branches were represented and that the “Last Post” was sounded at the RSL Service.

Although I hope that I have not been embittered by these (deliberate?) deceptions about my father, they have certainly affected my outlook and attitude to life. However, I now deeply regret that I never had the opportunity of meeting him nor my half-sister, Polly. I certainly don’t hold any feelings of ill will towards him. After all, how could a single father have coped with bringing up a young baby in the Tasmanian bush and mining camps in the 1920s and 1930s?

In Flanders’ field the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below

By Lloyd Gorman

Ricky Gervais’s bitter-sweet sitcom about life in an old folks home had a distinctly Irish theme to it on February 20, on ABC. In this episode of Derek Lizzy a resident of the nursing home played by Irishwoman Kay Noone dies. She was not a main character but did feature regularly and was recognisable always by her accent. The programme reminisces about her as a young woman in Dublin, accompanied by black and white photographs of Dublin in the 1950s.

Her husband touchingly says: “I see a beautiful young girl from Dublin who wanted to spend the rest of her life with me.” This episode contains another emotional plot for the main character played by Gervais, in that his long lost father turns up and comes back into his life. Derek’s father is played by the talented Irish actor and man of many roles Tony Rohr.

The Siege of Pinchgut (Feb 27, GEM) was made in 1960 and was something of a terrorist movie long before the genre, or threat of terrorism, is what it is today. A group of hardened thugs on the run from the police have a huge bomb which could destroy Sydney Harbour if exploded. The film has a small cast who are taken hostage on the island - most of whom seem to be Irish actors, including Aldo Ray, Heather Sears, Neil McCallum and the Irish Australian actor Gerry Duggan who was born in Dublin in 1910 and lived until 1992. Pinchgut is Fort Denison which sits within view of the Sydney Opera House, but earned its name after Dublin man Francis Morgan who was deported to the colony as a prisoner for murder, was hung and left to rot on the island as a deterrent for another murder he committed in Sydney.

On March 6 RTE finally released an app and website facility that allows viewers around the world to

tune in and watch their favourite shows, the news and other programmes. The wife has been on it regularly catching up with the shenanigans of Fair City and is a happier woman for it.

The climax of Hellboy, The Golden Army (7Mate March 8), the sequel to the original hit film takes part in Antrim, Northern Ireland, as the home of giants and mythical creatures.

Having missed the entire run of 50 ways to kill your ma with Baz Ashmawy I was lucky enough to catch his Baz’s Extreme Worlds (March 10 SBS2). In this episode he joins the crew of the Maarten Luther fishing trawler out of Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford for four days. A dangerous and demanding job, it would seem to have its own appeal and addiction as Baz discovers. In another segment of the show he is in Oklahoma with prisoners who are allowed out to ride rodeo. He tells one of the convicts that its easier to make money working in the Supermac’s in Tralee. Good Irish humour throughout Another touch of Irish humour in 7Mates Rude Tube on March 11. In this week’s countdown of ‘web celebs’ we are introduced to Mattress Mick, or Michael Flynn from Coolock, Dublin, the self proclaimed craziest bed salesman in Ireland. You can easily find him on YouTube if you are so inclined.

A fair number of Irish people seem to end up on the Red Chair at the end of Graham Norton’s show and on March 13 Gemma, from Northern Ireland was allowed to walk away (rather than being tipped over) after recounting an embarrassing anecdote about how naive she was on her first trip to New York.

The Devil’s Own, with Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt, was aired on March 15. The opening scene of this

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story about a young IRA man on the run in America and who for some reason is taken in by Irish American New York cop Harrison is set partly in Belfast in 1972, but Dub’s might spot that the street and riot scenes are actually shot in Inchicore, Dublin.

On the same night Saving Private Ryan was also shown, another movie with the famously brutal opening scene set on the beaches of Normandy, which was actually filmed on Curracloe beach, Co. Wexford.

March 17 was appropriately a big night for Irish programming on the box. Neil Delamere’s hilarious look at the life and times of St. Patrick There’s Something About Patrick - premièred on SBS3. Over on SBS3 Baz was experiencing the extreme world of cage fighting with Northern Ireland fighter Chris Sting. But the favourite of the night had to be the return of Vikings, Season 3 on SBS, with a double bill. This Irish made period action series is vicious and fantastic and its return is very welcome.

Paddy’s Day has just passed the day before when Sons of Liberty (SBS1) – which has a couple of good young Irish actors in it – is shown on March 18. From this episode the viewer learns (if they didn’t already know it) that March 17 is celebrated in parts of America for another, entirely different reason. On this date in 1776 the British evacuated Boston after an 11 month long siege of the city by the American’s. It was George Washington’s first victory in the War of Independence and a major turning point in the colony’s history. Today the evacuation and St. Patrick’s Day are celebrated together.

Another escape of sorts - this time Escape to the Country (7Two March 22) - was in Co. Down, Northern Ireland as a woman from there but living in the UK with her husband looks

to return to her native county to be close to family. They looked at houses in Killyleagh, Rathe Frialand and Strangford.

In the documentary Fog of War on ABC2 on March 23 the viewer is introduced to Robert S McNamara, one of JFK’s top and most respected advisors during the Cuban missile crisis and to later presidents during the Vietnam War. McNamara had a profound impact on shaping government policy in war and peace time and interestingly during this documentary reveals that he always thought of himself as an Irishman, being the descendent of one who emigrated to America in the 1850’s.

Dublin singer Damien Dempsey and comedian Jason Byrne from part of a team on the ABC music quiz show Spicks and Specks (March 28) and the two Irish lads got a rough but good natured ribbing from their Aussie counterparts, but gave as good as they got.

Meanwhile in their three part travel series across the Great Dividing Range to Western Victoria and the Torres Straight, Australian identities John Doyle and Tim Flannery come across a homestead that has a truly unique piece of decoration.

The home - which was set up originally by emigrants fleeing the Great

Famine in the 1840’s - has a museum grade Irish elk’s skull and antlers on display on the wall of the sitting room, an item which was pulled from a bog and brought to Australia with the original Irish branch of the family.

Baz’s Extreme Worlds is back on March 31 on SBS2. This time he is embedded with Irish soldiers of the 101 Battalion who are in Chad, Africa on a Peacekeeping mission. If nothing else this episode gives the average civilian watcher a good idea of the valuable and dangerous work these men and women undertake on our behalf and the good of others.

There have been quite a few films made about Ned Kelly. The 2003 production (Sky One April 10) with the late Australian actor Heath Ledger in the main role must rank as one of the best. Ledger filled the boots of Kelly perfectly in a movie that is an interesting exploration of identity.

Kelly, as Ledger says as the character, was born in Australia and never went to Ireland but considered himself Irish. A really great movie, worth a watch any day of the week.

On April 11 (SBSOne) Mel Gibson’s We were soldiers was back on. Its a good action flick that I’ve seen before but it was only this time that I noticed the units base camp

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and nickname was ‘Garryowen’. It turns out that this regiment - which is the modern day Calvary version of General Custer’s unit famously wiped out Indians - takes its name from the Irish air of the same name which became the divisions official tune in 1981. The song has a long and interesting history and military association which could easily justify an article in its own right.

Dick Bogarde played the role of an undercover IRA man in London during WWII in The Gentle Gunman.

This 1952 made black and white film looks at how they question the value of the war they are fighting and the risks they take just questioning it. I only managed to catch the final 20 minutes but I was gripped and would have really relished the chance to watch it from the start. Much of the filming looked as though it was done in Ireland and quite a few Irish actors were used in its making.

Irish TV production companies continue to make good inroads into the field of children’s television.

Bubble Bath Bay a new Australian cartoon for small children is made in no small part thanks to the input of Spiddal, Co. Galway based firm Telegael.

www.facebook.com/perthcomhaltas

SEAN DOHERTY recognised for outstanding service

Sean Doherty has been awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Service from Comhaltas Perth at the association’s annual camp at Bickley on 25 April 2015.

Sean and his wife Margaret arrived in Perth from Ireland in 1969 and they were soon teaching Irish music from their home. Sean taught the fiddle, whistle and accordion whilst Margaret taught bodhrán.

In 1980 Sean and Margaret, together with Russell Johnson, Trish and Cecil Cahill, Ormonde Waters, Ray and Mary Deeley and Kathleen and Tommy Kearns formed Comhaltas Perth. From the beginning there was a strong focus on classes for children and early lessons were held in various halls around Perth.

Sean became Chairperson of Comhaltas Perth in 1985 and at that time classes were held at Murdoch University. Sean contacted the Irish Club in Subiaco and from 1985 onwards classes and concerts were held at the Irish Club.

In its early days Comhaltas Perth was mainly focussed on teaching children and young people. Over the years adults have joined their children to come together to learn and play the fiddle, the tin whistle, banjo, flute and accordion.

Set dancing classes, singing and

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language classes were added over the years and Comhaltas Perth became a lively social association for the promotion of Irish culture.

Comhaltas Perth organised music camps at Bickley which were held three or four times each year.

Up to 80 youngsters came to these camps to learn and play Irish music.

As these youngsters who had learned under the guidance of Sean and Margaret and Russell Johnson grew up, they too began to teach for the association.

Sean held the position of Chairperson of Comhaltas Perth for approximately 18 years. He actively promoted Irish music and the association. He has run competitions for juniors and seniors for many years and an annual concert to raise funds for children’s cancer research is held every year, organised by the association.

Sean was awarded the Brendan Award by the Australian-Irish

Heritage Association for outstanding contribution to Australia’s Irish heritage. This award was presented to Sean in 1997 by Irish President, Mary Robinson.

Sean has been the backbone of Comhaltas Perth and has played an outstanding role in promoting and developing Irish music in Perth.

His own children have taught Irish music at the Irish Club – Brendan the banjo, Fiona the fiddle – and his passion for passing on his love of Irish music to young people has been outstanding.

Many of the young people who have learned from Sean have gone on to travel to Ireland to participate in Summer schools and Seisiun throughout Ireland. They have returned with renewed passion for their music and continue to pass their skills and knowledge to younger members of the association.

Are to be logged!

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Dining Guide

Sponsor: McLoughlin’s Butchers with Danielle O’Leary

The Conservatory Rooftop Bar/Restaurant

Keeps getting better and better!

Early on a Friday evening, after a solid two hours of retail therapy, my sister and I climbed the many stairs to The Conservatory Rooftop bar. Luckily, even with all that shopping, the climb was definitely worth it. Nestled high above Murray Street, The Conservatory is an actual rooftop bar unlike many others that claim to be in the CBD. The atmosphere was fantastic – groups of friends of all ages catching up at the end of the working week, or people getting ready for a big night out. The Conservatory offers a variety of spaces – either the outdoor terrace with sweeping views, elegant dining room or the fun split-level Prince area that surrounds the bar. Whatever type of catch-up you could want, The Conservatory would not disappoint.

The Conservatory offers an incredible selection of food that caters for all tastes and group sizes. We had significant trouble in choosing what to order (I know, life is tough). The Conservatory offers an extensive tapas menu along with an a la carte. It took a glass of wine to work out what we wanted: we decided on both. We treated the tapas as an entrée and then shared a main meal.

The Tapas menu is creative, extensive and runs all day. We ordered the Chorizo and Potato Croquettes with Mayonnaise along with Portuguese style Chicken Tenders with Chilli Jam. The two dishes complimented each other perfectly – and the chilli jam was ridiculously good. We did also want the Dukkah Crusted Lamb Cutlets with Sumac Yoghurt and the Seared Scallops with warm Tomato Napoli but chose a main meal instead. The tapas serving sizes are generous and offer the perfect option for a group catch up. For our main, we ordered the Fillet Mignon. Usually, this is not my favourite type of steak (I’m more a rib eye fan) but it was perfectly cooked to a delicious medium and complimented well with sweet potato rosti, mushrooms and kale. We ordered a side of the buttered vegetables, which instantly transported us back to a proper Irish dinner. Somehow, after all of that food, we shared a dessert – it was the special of the day, Apple Crumble served with ice cream and strawberries. We regretted sharing it halfway through as it was so delicious, and perfectly warm.

The Conservatory has found its feet. I have not been for a while, but when I walked in, it instantly felt like

a bar that is now dominant on the Perth scene. The staff effortlessly create a wonderful ambience. We were looked after by the fantastic Paula – her professional, friendly and delightful manner made the dining experience feel both relaxing and lovely. We will definitely be back, especially on a Wednesday night for half price tapas and half price cocktails…

A great venue for your next party!

The Conservatory is open Wednesday/Thursday: 12-1am Friday/Saturday: 12-3am.

Monday, Tuesday and Sunday are also available for events and Private Bookings.

Tel: (08) 9481 1960 356 Murray Street, Perth bookings@theconservatory.net.au www.theconservatory.net.au

McLoughlin Butchers Malaga Proud Supporters of the Irish Scene Drop in and see our range of Irish prepared meats mcloughlinbutchers.com.au Like us on facebook

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The Australian-Irish Heritage

BLOOMSDAY Association WRITERS’ PRIZES

deadline Tuesday 30th June 2015 The Joe O’Sullivan Writers’ Prize honouring the memory of the organisation’s late founder.

PRIZE: $1,000, limit of 2,000 to 4,000 words - prose, fact or fiction.

Open to residents of WA only Topic: “Heritage”.

Joyce Parkes Women’s Writers’ Prize honours Joyce Parkes who is a well-known poet living in WA. She is the patron of the prize, which aims at promoting and encouraging women writers in Australia. Limit of 1,000 to 2,000 words – Prose, fact or fiction.

Prize: $500 - Topic: “Conflict” Entrance Fee $10 for all competitions.

Enquiries to Denis Bratton 9345 3530

4TH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB -

Irish Club – Last Tuesday of month Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Rd Subiaco.

Book for April: “Jasper Jones” by Craig Silvey, presented by Trish Hilton.

All welcome. Light refreshments, excluding drinks. Coffee from Bar $3.80 Contact Maureen on 9279 5959

HISTORY TALK

Thursday 28th May 2015, 7.30pm at Parliament House The Association is proud to announce that the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Member for Mining & Pastoral Region, will be our Guest Speaker. Stephen will tell his story of how a teenage migrant from Ireland arrived in Western Australia and rose to become a much respected member of the WA Parliament. Bookings essential – Denis Bratton: 9345 3530

16TH JUNE at the IRISH CLUB – 7.30 PM

Once again we will open the pages of Joyce’s Ulysses to explore the convoluted mind of the book’s main character, Leopold Bloom. Long time organiser of this prestigious event, Tony Bray is putting together the cast, with Colm O’Doherty and Sean Byrne on script and direction. The usual brilliant night is guaranteed.

STOP PRESS: Our long time member and Irish Correspondent to the Journal Danny Cusack is in Perth on a family visit. He hosted our History Group on Tuesday 21st April at the Irish Club

AIHA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

President – Denis Bratton Vice President - Sally-Ann O’Neill Secretary – Tony Bray Treasurer/ Membership – Patricia Bratton Committee – Patrick Gaffney, Frank Murphy, Eleanor Nolan, Carmel Ryan, Brendan Woods MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 1ST JANUARY 2015 Family Membership $65 Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55 Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45 Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 Members enjoy discounted rates to dinners and functions, exclusive events, quarterly Journal, voting rights, and opportunities to participate in activities which promote an awareness of Australia’s Irish Heritage.

AUSTRALIAN-IRISH HERITAGE ASSOCIATION Non Political-Non Sectarian-Emphatically Australian PO Box 1583 Subiaco 6904.

Tel: 08 9345 3530.

Email: aiha@irishheritage.net Web Page: www.irishheritage.net The Australian-Irish Heritage Association was founded in 1993 as an inclusive organisation which encourages and promotes an awareness of Australia’s Irish Heritage and Culture. To this end, the AIHA creates opportunities for all to learn about, participate in and enjoy this distinctive heritage.

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land of

&

Ireland

honey

LIVING CONDITIONS AT ANZAC COVE

It was far from the land of milk and honey for Anzac soldiers during World War 1. The area occupied by the New Zealanders and Australians at Anzac was tiny – less than six square kilometres. At its furthest point, the distance between the front line and the beach was just over 900 metres. Conditions were harsh. The area possessed no natural water source, so there were constant shortages. Water, food, ammunition, and other supplies arrived at Anzac on ships and were landed on the beach with great difficulty.

“Whenever possible, whether in the line or out of it, a man paired off with a mate and established a ‘bivvy’. This was a structure of a very primitive sort. With pick and shovel a cut was made in a slope that gave protection from the bullets of the snipers, and if possible from the bursts of shrapnel. A couple of salvaged oil sheets pinned across with salvaged bayonets made a roof that would keep out the dew at night and the sun glare by day. Furnishings consisted of commandeered sandbags or old overcoats for softening the hardness of the baked floor, a cut down petrol tin for a ‘bath’ and whole one for storing water. As soon as the work was finished the flies and the lice – the permanent residents – took up their abode, while the casual boarders such as centipedes and soldiers strayed

in from time to time as opportunity offered…” Ormond Burton, The Silent Division, 1935 “Poor food contributed to a general deterioration in the mens’ health.

Troops lived on a staple diet of tinned bully beef, army biscuits and jam; fresh fruit and vegetables were non-existent. Sanitation was also a problem. With up to 25,000 men packed into such a cramped space, latrines filled up fast and there was limited space for new ones. Body lice became endemic, and diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and enteric fever (typhoid) flourished in the unsanitary conditions.

“You couldn’t eat your biscuit dry.

It was like chewing rock. You’d break your teeth in the biscuits if you got stuck into them. You had to soak it.

For pudding we used to have biscuit soaking in water and the jam all mixed up together. They issued you with a small tin of jam, perhaps four to a tin”. Russell Weir, Wellington Battalion, in Jane Tolerton, An Awfully Big Adventure: New Zealand World War One veterans tell their stories, 2013 The stench of the dead made living conditions even worse. Unburied corpses littered no man’s land, while others lay in shallow graves close to the dugouts of the living. In the searing heat of summer, the rotting corpses, food and body waste were the perfect breeding ground for flies and the diseases they spread.

Swarms of flies tormented the

men, turning simple tasks such as preparing and eating food into horrible ordeals.

Psychological pressures magnified the physical hardships. Service in the front line was always dangerous.

Opposing trenches were extremely close – barely four metres apart in some places. At this range, enemy hand grenades, or ‘bombs’, caused a steady stream of casualties. Danger also lurked behind the front line. No place within the tiny perimeter was safe from enemy fire, and Ottoman shells and snipers took a toll of troops in support areas.

There was little variety in food rations, with bully beef and hard tack biscuits as the staple of most meals.

These staples were supplemented with bacon, onion, jam, and cheese.

Dysentery and paratyphoid broke out in an environment where water and sanitation were rudimentary at best. Swarms of flies carried infection from refuse, latrines, and rotting corpses to food being eaten in unwashed mess tins. Disease was just as much a threat to the troops as the enemy.

Products include: McLoughlin’s Irish Pork Sausages Black and White Pudding Irish Bacon and Gammon Joints Potato Bread and Soda Bread Barry’s Tea and Club Orange Odlums Brown and White Bread Mix Chef Brown and Red sauce

9309 9992

Woodvale Boulevard Shopping Centre Whitfords Ave, Woodvale 60

Opening hours: Mon - Wed 8:00am to 6:00pm Thursday 8:00am to 7:30pm Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm

Executive

President: Eileen Ashley TCRG Vice President: Teresa McGorry TCRG Secetary: Samantha McAleer TCRG Treasurer: Deirdre McGorry TCRG AIDA Inc Delegate: Hilary McKenna TCRG School Contacts SCOIL RINCE NI BHAIRD Lynwood Tony Ward TCRG 0427 273 596 SCOIL RINCE NI CEIDE/UPTON Subiaco/Woodvale/Kalamunda Samantha McAleer TCRG 9405 6255/0414 188 784 EIREANN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Como, Jandakot & Rockingham Siobhan Cummins TCRG 0422 075 300 KAVANAGH STUDIO OF IRISH DANCE Osborne Park & Melville kavanaghirishdance.com.au

Teresa McGorry TCRG 0412 155 318 Deirdre McGorry TCRG 0400 077892 / 92551375 O’BRIEN ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING Butler, Kinross, Subiaco Rose O’Brien ADCRG 94016334 / 0423382706 O’HARE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Wembley Downs & Osborne Park Jenny O’Hare TCRG 0422 239 440 SAOIRSE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Caramar Sinead Hoare TCRG 0414 647 849 THREE CROWNS SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Warwick & Kingsway Eleanor Rooney TCRG 0449 961 669 TRINITY STUDIO OF IRISH DANCING Morley Eileen Ashley TCRG 0413 511 595 WA ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING Malaga Glenalee Bromilow ADCRG 9276 3737/0410 584 051 Sue Hayes TMRF 9377 5600 Hilary McKenna TCRG 0404 730 532

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc. WESTERN AUSTRALIA

For the first time the 2015 World Irish Dancing Championships were held in Canada from Sunday 29th March to Sunday 5th April. The dancers competed in 3 different halls in the very modern Palais des Congress de Montreal.

It was a very exciting but cold week for the dancers with temperatures dropping as low as minus 12 degrees Celsius. The major highlight for the Aussie dancers was cheering on fellow Australian Connor Simpson from Canberra as he won his first World Championships. He is one of only 8 Australians to have won a solo title at the World Irish Dancing Championships Six dancers from the Perth school, Ceide/ Upton travelled to Montreal to compete this year. Congratulations to 10 year old Caoimhe McGuigan, who placed 30th and 17 year old, Dara McAleer who placed 27th.

This month Australia will hold it’s own International Oireachtas in Queensland on the Gold Coast. The Championship will be held at the Royal Pines Resort and run over 3 days from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May. The 2015 Australian International Oireachtas has attracted dancers from over 70 schools around Australia as well as many International dancers from countries like New Zealand, America and the UK. Good luck to all the Perth dancers for the very exciting month ahead.

CAOIMHE MCGUIGAN

Want to Learn Irish Dancing?

If you ever wanted to know anything about Irish dancing, Perth is definitely in the right place. Irish Dance schools here have put together a huge resource on everything to do with Irish dancing. So whether you are a beginner or you want to know more about improving your dancing, Perth schools have everything you need to know right here.

See all the contacts on the left of this page!

DARA MC ALEER

Shadow Minister for Mental Health; Disability Services & Child Protection PO Box 2440, SOUTH HEDLAND WA 6722 stephen.dawsonmp@mp.wa.gov.au (08) 9172 2648 • 1800 199 344 (toll free)

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SUPPORT IN THE WA G

IRISH COMMUMITY

A great day to be Irish St. Patrick's Day ain't what it used to be... its gotten a whole lot better.

There are quite a few Irish in Perth who have been here long enough to remember the days when Fremantle was the centre of community celebration on March 17 up until several years ago.

But since that parade fell over a lot of people, particularly those with children, who came to WA were left in a vacuum of organised options for sharing the occasion with their friends and countrymen and women.

The return of a parade and festival for Paddy's Day to Perth has had the same effect as a downpour that quickly transforms a barren desert landscape into a vibrant habitat full of colour and life.

To see the thousands and thousands of mainly Irish people – but not exclusively – take part in the parade and line the streets or join the festival afterwards it is funny to think that none of this existed just a few years earlier.

In fact, the third year of the parade and festival was arguably the best and most well organised yet – which was helped to by the fact that the sun and heat was on the kinder end of the scale.

Leederville became like a magnet for droves of Irish who were drawn to the area and the attractions for the day.

A lot of work went into making the free all day event happen and it gave a lot of enjoyment to a lot of people and the organisers and volunteers who put others first deserve our gratitude.

Thousands more choose to spend the occasion in part or full in Irish pubs and clubs and home parties and barbecues.

The main St. Patrick's Day celebration and procession at St Mary's Cathedral was well attended and offered another opportunity for communal sharing of faith and friendship.

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7.30 pm.

In the immediate future our focus is on our upcoming production “Big Maggie” which gets underway at the Irish Club Theatre on 20 May 2015. Set in 1960s Ireland “Big Maggie” tells the story of a recently widowed woman who seeks to assert control over her family and her own life. This John B. Keane play has captivated audiences around the world. With experienced directors Brian Dennison and Mary Murphy at the helm, and a stellar cast in tow, this Irish Theatre Players’ production is set to wow our audiences. Following our recent ITA award for our front of house the Irish Theatre Players are planning to impress off stage with an old shop, traditional pub and country fair to entertain our audience. Funds raised from the raffles at our last productions are being used to paint and redecorate the bar area of the Irish Club Theatre in the style of an old Irish pub. The Irish Theatre Players are very excited to be launching this new area at “Big Maggie” and look forward to sharing this enhanced front of house space with our audience and members of the Irish Club.

“Big Maggie” will be performed at the Irish Club Theatre in Subiaco at 8.00pm on 20, 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30 May 2015 with a matinee taking place at 3.00pm on Sunday 24 May 2015. The Irish Theatre Players in association with The Claddagh Association will host a special seniors’ matinee at 2.00pm on Saturday 30 May. This marks a first-time venture with Claddagh and we are thrilled to be getting involved with the senior

A word from Fiona Murphy President of Perth’s Irish Theatre Players

Writing this editorial is bittersweet for me: sweet because The Irish Theatre Players has evolved into a tour de force; and tinged with sadness because this is the last Irish Scene editorial that I will write as President of the Irish Theatre Players. Unfortunately, I will not get to see many of my plans for our group come to fruition. A wonderful opportunity has arisen for my family in Dubai and we relocate there at the end of April.

I must therefore regrettably resign as President. The show will of course go on and the Irish Theatre Players will continue to thrive as our Head of Costume and committee member Claire Wynne takes the reigns as President. Claire has a wealth of managerial and artistic expertise and is supported by our highly accomplished Vice President Stanley O’ Neill and a very strong committee. I am confident that Claire and the committee will continue to steer the Irish Theatre Players towards bigger and better things.

It is a very exciting time for the Irish Theatre Players with a number of innovative projects in the pipeline. We launched our new logo at The St. Patricks Day Festival in Leederville. The logo is a modern adaptation of the letters “I” “T” “P” and incorporates, in the abstract, images of a stage curtain and spotlight. The response to our contemporary look has been fantastic. In November the Irish Theatre Players will, for the first time ever, collaborate with Playlovers and co-present a musical at Hackett Hall. “A Man of No Importance” directed by Andrew Baker is a musical set in Dublin in the early 1960s. Auditions will take place at Hackett Hall on 12 July 2015. The Irish Theatre Players will also present its own production at the Irish Club Theatre in November and are delighted to welcome back Noel O’Neill one year on from his sell out production of “The Big Casino”. Noel will direct his award winning play “Last Bus To Contrition”.

In August the Irish Theatre Players will host its Festival of One Act Plays at the Irish Club Theatre. It is with great pleasure that we greet fresh talent to the scene with three female directors making their directorial debuts for the Irish Theatre Players. Caroline McDonnell from Mayo will direct “W.A.G.”, Katie Galvin from Kerry will direct “Over The Top” and Lisa Reilly from Dublin will direct “Voices In the Rubble”.

Auditions for the One Act Festival will take place at the Irish Club Theatre on 2 and 4 June 2015 at

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community in Perth. For further ticket information for “Big Maggie” go to www.irishtheatreplayers.com. au; email itp@irishtheatreplayers.com.au; or phone 0406085620.

So with that I must sign off. I became involved with the Irish Theatre Players as an amateur actress three years ago and my involvement since then on stage and later in my capacity as President has been an integral part of my life in Perth. Along my Irish Theatre Players journey I have met some wonderful people and made fantastic friends. I will miss you all dearly but I hope that we stay in touch as we move onto the next chapter. It is with a certain sadness that I bid you all farewell but I look forward to hearing wonderful things about Perth’s Irish Theatre Players from afar.

AUDITION NOTICE Fe s t i va l o f O n e Ac t P l ay s

"W.A.G" directed by Caroline McDonnell "OVER THE TOP" directed by Katie Galvin "VOICES IN THE RUBBLE" directed by Lisa Reilly Audition Time Tuesday, 2 June 2015 @ 7:30 pm Thursday, 4 June 2015 @ 7:30pm Venue The Irish Club of WA, 61 Townshend Road Subiaco

For information on future productions visit...

www.irishtheatreplayers.com.au or email to itp@irishtheatreplayers.com.au or by phone on 0406 085 620.

Performance Dates Early - mid August

Editor: On behalf of the Irish Scene and Irish theatre lovers in Western Australia, thank you Fiona for your contribution to our Irish community these past few years. It was a pleasure working with you and we wish you and your family all the best as you enter a new phase of your lives.

Cast Numerous roles for males and females of all ages Contact Email: itp@irishtheatreplayers.com.au Telephone: 0406085620

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Irish Families in Perth

Western Australia

Update

IFIP enjoyed a fantastic time at this years St. Patrick’s Day parade, the kids were very excited and a tad nervous of St. Patrick himself as he walked behind our float with a real snake around his neck!

The kids had a wonderful time in the Sunday Times kids zone with bouncy castle, face painters, bubble soccer, art n craft tent, skill games, kids disco dancing, petting zoo, and a number of toddler areas. Many members of IFIP popped in for an hour to check out the parade and oval and ended up staying all day! A true testament to a well organised family orientated fun packed day for adults and children alike. Our Facebook page was filled with positive comments from everyone’s experience.

Well done to all the winners of the IFIP tshirts.

For anyone who isn’t on the page and especially for new immigrants, Irish Families in Perth Inc is a not for profit, voluntary organisation that aims to provide Irish emigrants with advise on how best to assimilate into Western Australian culture and lifestyle. We have over 8,500 members. We communicate with our subscribers through social media (Facebook) on topics such as housing, jobs, visa enquiries and social events. It is a vibrant, active forum that provides a wealth of knowledge to young families and single individuals emigrating to Western Australia.

Irish Families in Perth (IFIP) contribute to a cohesive Irish community by working in conjunction with the many wonderful groups in Perth that support Irish culture and heritage.

Our playgroup down south goes from strength to strength and thank you to Lisa Gleenon for her continuing efforts. Our northern playgroup hopes to kick off for term two on a Monday morning in Karrinyup, updated details will be posted on our page.

IFIP have applied for and ESP (Emigrant Support Program) grant again and this helps host such activities such as playgroups and activity days, of which there are a few in the pipeline. We hope to host a cinema day, a bowling day, a trip to the swan valley for the cuddley animal farm, plus for adults a wine tour. In July we plan to have a day in the hills for the Christmas in July get together. We liaise with other Irish groups who host golf days and promote Irish Culture such as

Irish Dancing schools, Irish Theatre Players plays etc.

We are promoting ’Irish night at the trots’ which will be another fun filled evening on the 22nd May at Gloucester Park for St. Patrick’s Festival WA and the Claddagh Association: details are

IRISH NIGHT AT THE TROTS

Friday May 22 from 4.30pm at Gloucester Park hosts the inaugural Irish Race Night. The Irish Race Night will be run in the same tradition of the famous Italian Night and Chinese New Year. Be on-course to catch: • 10 Big Races on the Track • Irish Food Stalls • Trackside Irish Dancing/Entertainment • ‘Sulky Sprints’ up the Home Straight • Barrier 1 Wearing the Special Shamrock Silks for Every Race Tables are available in the Beau Rivage Restaurant and private boxes and function rooms are also available for group bookings. For more information contact Gloucester Park on 9323 3555.

A thank you to our sponsors who help us continue to do what do: Sheamus Walsh of Endeavour finance services.

Irish Taxation Service - Liz O Hagan Visa Agent, Currency Fair - Wrightway Training Paramount Vehicle Services Lenihan O’Neill Solicitors Sandra Mcanea and Bridget Donnelly real estate Special thanks to Fred and Lloyd of the Irish Scene for their continuing support.

For more information please contact Eimear, Debbie or Sheamus at irishinperth@hotmail.com

Irish Old Time Music plus original songs

David MacConnell Musical Entertainer

Phone: Mob: Email: Web:

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9409 9572 0413 259 547 wdmacc@bigpond.net.au www.maccdouble.com

ULSTER

Rambles with David MacConnell

One of the great traditions of Ulster and indeed Ireland is that you have to have a party piece or at least something that might be called entertainment. If you hold a party and have a contingency of Irish folk, well rest assured the craic will be mighty.

I have tried to explain this word to some of my Australian “mates”. (I still can’t use that word!) The last time I met him he inquired “Who’s the craic?” “You haven’t quite got it yet mate” (I actually said “friend”) I do hope you are making sense of all this. If you are then try this.

“Ireland is an island to the west of Britain, but Northern Ireland is just off the mainland – not the Irish mainland, the British mainland.

Look! If you wanted a region where traditions are easier to understand, you should have gone to Australia where they don’t have any: traditions that is.”

(Ooie…. hold on there. Some of us LIVE in Australia!)

The capital of Ireland is Dublin. It has a population of approximately one million people all of whom will be shopping in Newry this afternoon. They travel to Newry because it is in the North, which is not part of Ireland.

Under the Irish constitution, the North used to be independent… but a successful 30-year campaign of violence for Irish unity which has ensured that it is now definitely in the UK. Had the campaign lasted longer, the North might now be in France!

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. It was the place where the Titanic was built. Yes that was the unsinkable ship that sunk before she had completed her maiden voyage.

Belfast has a population of around half a million, half of whom have houses in Donegal. Donegal is in the north but not in the North.

It is in the South. No, not the south, the South. Those who cannot follow this might like to go off to the Giant’s Causeway instead.

You cannot miss it – it is near a car park.

If you would like to visit all of Ulster well then you may well have major two states is complicated because problems because Ulster is in the Ireland is the only country in the North and the South! world with two M1 motorways.

There are two parliaments in The one in the North goes west to Ireland. The Dublin parliament Dungannon where nobody wants is called the Dáil, an Irish word to go AND to avoid the South. The meaning a place where banks one in the South goes north to receive taxpayers’ money. That is if avoid everything and especially the anyone has any money to pay the price of drink…….. Enough of all taxes. The currency is called Euros that….. and talking about drink, …. and may work in some phone boxes I recently googled the craic near Cavan. The one in Belfast in Belfast and was surprised to is called Stormont, an Anglofind 25 or so new pubs. Probably Saxon word meaning placebo, or old pubs with new names. Some deliberately ineffective drug. The of them could not even think of a currency is called Sterling after new name as illustrated by the pub someone who migrated to Australia above, situated on the Dublin Rd. and found a range. This currency No not the road to Dublin! will not work in any phone box due Now I have tried to compose in part to there being no phones in a party piece for the IRISH SCENE the kiosks!

MAGAZINE and have come up with Their respective jurisdictions the following.... are defined by the border, and imaginary line on HAVE YOU EVER TRAVELLED BACK TO IRELAND the map to show Have you ever travelled back to Ireland farmers how to On the great Saint Patrick’s Day make money by I wonder what luck you might find there constantly walking And what the people you meet might say their cows to and fro across it Would you find that famous magic rainbow and to show fuel Would you always understand the ould brogue launderers where Would you still find that Shamrock or clover to dump chemical Or would you sing “The Old Bog Road” waste.

Would you find some elves or a leprechaun Protestants are Would you try to kiss that bleak Blarney Stone generally in favour Would you march with those Ulster Orangemen of the border which Or hear a piper play all on his own generates millions Would you traipsey on down to Limerick of Pounds/Euros Would you proudly wear the orange white and green in smuggling for Would you ask a priest for an Irish Blessing Catholics, who are Or simply write for Perth’s Irish Scene. generally opposed to it.

Travel between the David MacConnell

Looking to Hire a Car in Ireland?

www.dan-dooley.ie 67

WAGS Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc. IRISH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Four Courts Commemorative Lunch On Tuesday 30 June 2015 the Irish Special Interest Group of the WA Genealogical Society will hold a special Irish pub lunch, marking the explosion at the Four Courts on 30 June 1922 during the Battle of Dublin. Speakers will tell us about the events of that day and what records were (and were not) lost. If you would like to join us please contact the convenor, Jenni Ibrahim at: Email irish@wags.org.au or Tel 9382 4678.

Irish Special Interest Group Meetings Our 19 April meeting featured the in-house

talents of Mike O’Brien, Lynne Roberts and Mike Kiely (above).

Lynne spoke about her early genealogy ventures. She demonstrated what she had learned about her McConville ancestors by ordering birth, death and marriage certificates in Australia, and looking at ships’ passenger lists. Now for the more difficult part of finding out more about their forebears in Ireland! But she’s definitely hooked now.

Through Mike O’Brien’s presentation we learned what happened during the 1880s and 1890s with massive rent hikes and consequent evictions. Many people were able to regain their land through laws passed in the early 1900s which enabled them to get loans to buy back the land their families had been evicted from. Members of Mike’s O’Brien’s family are today farming the land in Cork they had been able to get back.

Mike Kiely spoke about the newly emerging field of DNA genealogy and his recent forays.

He believes that there’s a lot of marketing hype which delivers less than it promises.

It does not guarantee you can make contact with distant cousins - if none of them take the DNA test too. However, though he made no progress with his challenging Kiely line, he was able to make contact with some distant Barrie cousins in north west Cork. Not directly from the DNA results, but because having done some DNA tests, he was able to join some of

the associated “surname projects” and make contact with others researching Barries in the same area of Cork.

Visitors are most welcome at Irish Special Interest Group meetings. Come and discover more about Irish family history and about the many benefits of joining the WA Genealogical Society.

Our group publishes a great quarterly newsletter featuring all the latest news in the world of Irish genealogy. New resources, books, websites, records and databases. We use funds raised by the group to purchase new resources for the WA Genealogical Society library.

Irish born Perth resident and Irish Scene contributor, Sally Desmond will give a presentation titled Irish Allsorts at the 19 July meeting. Sally is going to help us to correctly pronounce Irish personal and place names. This is bound to be useful in our research and those lucky enough to travel to Ireland. She’ll also give us an introduction to Irish customs so we can better understand the culture and society our Irish ancestors came from.

The last meeting for the year will on 18 October, a research and project day. All meetings are held at 2pm at the WA Genealogical Society, 48 May Street, Bayswater. More information on the WAGS webpage> Events. Visitors and new members welcome.

Slainte!

Jenni Ibrahim, Convenor, Irish Special Interest Group

Email irish@wags.org.au Irish SIG webpage http://membership.wags.org.au/special-interest-groupsmainmenu-47/irish-sig WAGS website http://membership.wags.org.au Online Forum http://membership.wags.org.au/forum/irish-sig (open to anyone, free registration)

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This month’s Guest...

Tom Quinn

with Synnott Tom is flying at his job, becoming the best salesman in Perth plus being a very busy man with the Claddagh Association. I have known Tom Quinn for over fifty years, “A good Irish man”.

Unaccompanied baggage

What was your first job?

Gathering spuds as a boy.

Do you have an iPhone or laptop?

One of each for my job.

What has been the best year of your life?

I am living it now.

What is your favourite sport and sporting hero?

Boxing, Cassius Clay What is your favourite song and singer?

Johnny Cash – Sunday Morning Coming Down.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

The first day I went to school.

What is the best TV program and why?

Golf – I love to watch ladies play, they make it look so easy.

Do you use social media and if so, which one?

Just the internet.

If you could be anyone famous for a day, who would it be?

Martin Luther King – a great man with no fear.

What or who are you most afraid of?

I would say the tax man.

Where do you get your news from (e.g. TV, internet, papers)?

Internet and listening.

Who is your favourite actor and what is your favourite film?

John Wayne – The Quiet Man If there was one place on earth you could visit, where would it be?

Fidel Castro’s country, Cuba

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“You that would judge me, do not judge alone this book or that, come to this hallowed place where my friends’ portraits hang and look thereon; Ireland’s history in their lineaments trace; think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends”.

William Butler Yeats

contact.

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www.exportair.com.au 69

Around the Irish scene... Compiled by Fred Rea

Congratulations to Michael and Monika Malone on their recent marriage.

No flies on this bloke... Dominic Hyde was in a good mood on his recent stag night.

A young 77 year-old Gerry Boyle gave the boys a few lessons at the recent Shamrock Rovers Golf Day!

Lionel Cranfield of Zenith Music in Claremont has a green piano for sale and is open to offers!

Tell him Fred sent you!

On a recent trip to South Africa, Gerard O’Leary shared our Irish Scene with a local. Ger is on the left!

Colm O’Hagan was in a pensive mood at the St Patrick’s Day Festival Tug-O-War!

I was in Dwellingup recently and had to take a photo of this one! “Howse the craic Paddy”... “Bugger off Skippy!

Do you think this woman is a Sean Roche fan!

Mary Mack is!!

Don’t forget your shovel PJ if you want to build a fence!

Mick Murray, Dublin could have done with you in the recent match “they lost” against Cork

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Old Na Piarsaigh / plumbing mates, Martin (Fada) Sheehan and Richie McDonald are the best of buddies. Richie was visiting Perth and played a few gigs with Sean Roche and yours truly. A fine mandolin player.

Flavia McDonagh

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on 21st April 2015.

To Sean, Una, Paul and Jo, Diarmuid and Simone and son-in-law Sean and grand-children, Ciara, Caoimhe, Lachlan, Conor, Aedan, Chloe, Sean Og and Aoife our deepest condolences.

with Marguerite O’Dwyer The Cure Tavern Irish bar & restaurant

IRISH BEEF STEW

Hearty and wholesome, my slow-cooked beef stew is the ultimate taste of Ireland.

Ingredients (Serves 6) 1½kg stewing beef, cut into cubes 175g streaky bacon 3 tbsp. olive oil 12 shallots, peeled 18 button mushrooms, left whole 3 carrots cut into quarters or 12 baby carrots, scrubbed and left whole Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp. chopped thyme 2 tbsp. chopped parsley 10 cloves of garlic, crushed and grated 425ml red wine 425ml beef stock For the roux 50g butter 50g flour Mash, to serve 1. Brown the beef and bacon in the olive oil in a heavy saucepan.

2. Transfer the meat to a casserole dish.

3. Toss the onions, mushrooms and carrots into the heavy saucepan, one ingredient at a time, seasoning

each time.

4. Place these into the casserole dish, along with the meat, herbs and garlic.

5. Cover with red wine and stock and simmer for one and a half hours or until the meat and vegetables are cooked.

6. To make the roux, in a separate pan melt the butter, add the flour and cook for two minutes.

7. When the stew is cooked, remove the meat and vegetables.

8. Bring the remaining liquid to the boil and add one tbsp. of roux.

9. Whisk the mixture until the roux is broken up and the juices have thickened, allowing to boil.

10. Replace the meat and vegetables, and taste for seasoning.

11. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with champ

GOOD OLD RHUBARB AND CUSTARD

Ingredients (Serves 6) For the rhubarb 800g rhubarb, washed and cut into 8cm pieces 4 tablespoons caster sugar Zest and juice of 2 oranges 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar For the custard 500 ml organic semi-skimmed milk 568 ml single cream 5 tablespoons caster sugar 1 vanilla pod, scored lengthways and seeds scraped out 8 free-range egg yolks 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC 2. Place the rhubarb pieces in an ovenproof dish or tray and sprinkle over the sugar, orange zest and Speaking of food and recipes, here ia my good mate Trevor Russell with a couple of beauties.

Not sure if they are the same fish! I would take Trevor’s word on this one. From his facebook page. Well done mate, and when are we going to hear a few John Prine classics again Trev?

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juice, grated ginger and balsamic vinegar. Cover with foil and cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rhubarb has softened.

3. Have a taste and add more sugar if it is too tart for you. Pop the foil back on top to keep the rhubarb warm while you make the custard.

4. To make the custard, mix the milk, cream, 3 tablespoons of caster sugar and the vanilla pod and seeds together in a saucepan.

5. Bring just to the boil, then remove from the heat and leave for a couple of minutes to cool slightly and allow the vanilla flavour to infuse. Discard the vanilla pod.

6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the 2 remaining tablespoons of caster sugar until pale.

7. Ladle a little of the hot milk mixture onto the eggs and whisk immediately. Continue to add the milk, a ladleful at a time, whisking each well before adding the next.

8. Pour this mixture back into the warm saucepan and cook very gently for a few minutes, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The eggs should cook just enough to thicken the custard, but not enough for it to scramble. If you start to see flecks or lumps of egg in your custard, don’t panic – just take it straight off the heat and pour into a cold saucepan to cool it down then strain through a sieve into a clean jug.

9. Serve the rhubarb at the table with a good drizzle of your warm delicious custard.

Marguerite O’ Dwyer The Cure Bar & Restaurant

Ireland Western Australian Forum Promoting business, professional and cultural links between Ireland and Western Australia

Joe Peigi my Mam agus Maire my sister with Joe on Bertra Beach at the foot of Cruachan Aigle Croagh Patrick

Joseph William McNallyTenor/Poet/Historian/Dad

THE LAST OF THE COVIES

By Rory McNally

My dad, Joe McNally, turns 90 this year and still he sings and writes and laughs – he even ‘drives’.

Dad worked in the Bus Office in Westport over 60 years ago and it soon became the hub for local craic and ‘rowlin’ for the people of Westport - the Covies!

He was the well-known Tenor of the West, who sang all over Ireland (and even the USA) from the 50s onwards at weddings, concerts and

other social events. A successful greyhound trainer, he was the only trainer to land the Sligo Cup double.

He was also an excellent goat herder and bred wonderful Nubians with a strong weakness for the neighbours flowers! He devoted many years to the Irish Water Safety Association and is responsible for

St Patrick’s Day Breakfast: IWAF’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast was a great success again this year. A large number of people attended the event and everyone was treated to a full Irish Breakfast and some refreshments.

We at IWAF would like to thank Hon. William (Bill) Richard Marmion MLA BE, MBA and Kieran Kinsella CEO (Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority) for their attendance. Their Speeches were excellent and all who attended commented favourably on them.

Next meeting: Our next business networking event will be held in the Irish Club, Subiaco on the 18th June.

To book the event or for further information please go to: http://irelandwaforum.org/

The Forum is keen to lift our overall footprint and activities to a new level.

If you are keen to be involved or wish to recommend speakers please do not hesitate to contact Marty Kavanagh on 92188422 or email: marty@kavlaw.com.au

teaching half of the young Covies to swim.

A keen historian, he was the author of ‘The Tear and the Smile’ and ‘Memories of Covieland’ - a nostalgic trip down memory lane, penning the history and characters of Westport, house by house! Both books were an instant hit, being snapped up locally and by emigrants from the USA, Canada and Australia.

A couple of Covies were even buried with the books! Dad has outlived most of his friends and is a reliquary filled with rich memories of a time that was-when simple things were good enough and waiting to receive was the norm--don’t get him started on Bertie!

Dad has now produced a CD of music and poems. He sings an eclectic mix of old favourites

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from The Harp That Once to Panis Angelicus. The songs are interspersed with a beautiful selection of poems from Pearse, Yeats and JB O’Reilly, to name a few. Dad even pens three poems of his own. Some of the poems would ‘bring a tear to a glass eye!’

All of the proceeds from the CD go to the Irish Cancer Society and a limited number of CDs are available.

Please contact Rory on 0429031841 for further details.

COLIN MERREY

life, times and music of the legend that is Eric Clapton. Unlike Eric’s autobiography, many of the periods in his life he “glossed over” a bit.

Here we have the fascinating story of a man who was abandoned by his birth mother and raised by his grandparents. But already I have told you too much, I feel. Read this one and get a new insight into this musical enigma.

---------------------------------------------THE DEBS OF BLETCHLEY PARK – MICHAEL SMITH BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS but a few branches.

Guildford Book Exchange on the Allen and Unwin Hardback $39.99 Hello, and welcome to the Autumn front in old Guildford This superb book is a collection 2015 edition of our wonderful Please remember too to let the of short stories and Magazine. I trust you are all fully various stores know who pointed anecdotes set in the time recovered from your St Pat’s Day you in their direction. The feedback of the Second World War and Easter holidays and ensconced is great for them and it shows me in Bletchley Park, the back at work, school, retirement, that you are actually taking the time British Government’s etc. I have done a lot more reading to read what I have prepared for English mansion where over the last few weeks and the your enjoyment with each issue. the Germans’ Enigma results of this can be seen by my Then my work will not have been code machine and the scribblings below! in vain! secrets of its codes were broken So without further ado, I’ll As there are so many good books by the mathematics wizard, Alan continue by reminding you of my about these days, I have found it Turing. (If you haven’t seen the favourite booksellers - don’t forget extremely hard to select just one wonderful Benedict Cumberbatch that if you should have problems movie on the subject “The Imitation finding a good new- or second hand as a “Book of the Month” – I have therefore decided to discontinue my Game” I urge you to do so). Here bookseller, you can try any/all of featured book selection henceforth. you will meet the young ladies the following – who were seconded to Bletchley For new books, you can’t go wrong I will bring it back from time to time when I find a book that is so Park and who worked under with the following dealers far ahead of all the others for that very mysterious and clandestine Corona Books shop at Warwick issue that featured book status is circumstances to help the British Shopping Centre – ask for Mark essential. war effort and break the codes – he is extremely helpful with any You will appreciate that I don’t developed by the Germans and their book queries and orders you may relate any of the books’ contents in allies. need assistance with. these review notes as I feel that it Fascinating stuff indeed – I loved Stefen’s Books in Shafto Lane in would spoil your own voyages of it. And all largely based on personal Perth City. Stefen is very helpful discovery into the stories as they reminiscences of the “Debs” and a good supporter of the Irish unfold. themselves.

Scene I will begin with a biography – as ---------------------------------------------Dymocks at Whitford City – ask you must know by now, I really do THE GLORIOUS HERESIES for Tracey (and other locations enjoy reading celebrities’ life stories – LISA MCINERNEY throughout the State and – this is one of my favourite Guitar Hachette Paperback $29.99 Metropolitan Area) Heroes.

Lisa is from Galway and In the realm of Second Hand booksellers (who are very useful in ---------------------------------------------- runs a blog called “The MOTHERLESS CHILD arse end of Ireland”. That getting hold of hard to get or back – PAUL SCOTT should give you a bit of an catalogue books – you know, the Hachette P/back $35.00 insight into this darkly comic novel ones that may be out of print from This is a warts and all of murder etc set in an around the time to time) I generally go to story of arguably one Irish Republic and partly in Cork Pulp Fiction – who have stores at (Yes, Fred – we can’t get away Whitford City and at Floreat Forum of the greatest blues from that great City can we?) and Shopping Centre – the proprietor is guitarists to come out is the story of a young girl who John who is a good supporter of our of 1960s Britain – the superb Eric Clapton and it was released to accidentally kills a man and, after magazine. coincide with Eric’s 70th birthday in 40 years in exile, returns to Cork, Warwick Second hand Books at March this year. the scene of her exploits and Warwick Shopping Centre dastardly deed. This is a twisty Elizabeth’s Bookshop chain, which Citing many other biographers and many previously unreported turny hilarious crime novel that I has shops in Fremantle, Perth City interviews, Paul Scott chronicles the am sure you’ll all enjoy immensely.

(Hay Street), and Subiaco to name

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Buy it and give it a go – this is her first novel and she has been called by the Irish Times “the most talented writer at work in Ireland today” – although her mother apparently remains unimpressed by this!

---------------------------------------------SINGING FROM THE FLOOR – JP BEAN Faber Paperback My good friend, Lionel Cranfield of Zenith Music fame, put me onto this gem of a book during our lunch together back in March this year. It is the story of the history and beginnings of the Folk Club phenomenon that took Britain by storm musically from the 1950’s to the present day. We begin in London with Ewan McColl and AL (Bert) Lloyd and by way of interviews the likes of Peggy Seeger, Martin Carthy, the late Louis Killen, Maddy Prior, et al we learn all about the trials and tribulations of getting the British folk song to be formally accepted by the populace and also (eventually) the establishment as it were.

We hear for instance of Bob Dylan being introduced to the London clubs by Martin Carthy – but I won’t spoil things for you. There are many more such tales that largely surprised me about the history – as some of you are aware I ran a club with my good friend Graham Fletcher in Northampton (initially at the Black Lion and finally – for me – the Green Man pubs) and we also sang in and around the Midlands etc and performed as the Idiom Folk Group. We performed at a folk club in Scunthorpe (in Lincolnshire) to a less than enthusiastic response – we hated the night and called them “stone faces”! How surprised was I to read a note from Peggy Seeger to the effect that she and Ewan McColl hated playing in Lincolnshire because of the lack of response from the audiences there! Well – there you go – so it wasn’t just us after all!

I got my copy of this wonderful tome from Wordery via Ebay on the Internet but I understand that Lionel bought his from the New Edition bookshop in Fremantle. If

you would like a copy – try Wordery or give Lionel a call to check his local source. It’s well worth a read if you have an interest in the history of British folk music etc.

--------------------------------------------THREE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU – JILL MANSELL Headline Paperback $28.95 Jill Mansell is a prolific author – she has written numerous books including the great “Rumour Has It” which was made into a movie a while back – loved that book and loved the movie, too.

This time the heroine, Hallie, is waiting for a lung transplant and as the story begins, she sets out on a journey – yes, she is going to get some new lungs – but whose?

And that is the crux of this tale – I enjoyed it and know you will too – can’t tell you any more – it’d spoil things for you. Enjoy.

---------------------------------------------A TIME TO REMEMBER – ANNA JACOBS Hachette P/back $29.99 Anna Jacobs, who was born in Lancashire but now lives here in Mandurah, is, with this novel, celebrating her 70th book release!

Phew! I have read several of them in the past and so was really looking forward to this one.

I wasn’t disappointed. This is the story of Judith Crossley and it is set in Lancashire in the years following the end of the Second World War. Judith is awaiting the return of her husband from the War with some trepidation – he is a bully and a drunkard. So what could she do?

She decides to leave him and goes to settle elsewhere in the village. Now read on……

Great story and wonderfully written – although it is aimed squarely at the ladies amongst our readers, it ranks with the writings of the late Maeve Binchy in its appeal to readers of all ages and genders. Loved it.

---------------------------------------------THE GIRL WITH A CLOCK FOR A HEART – PETER SWANSON Allen and Unwin Paperback $29.99 Although Peter Swanson is an

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established author, this is his debut novel – and a real cracker it is too! Great story – what if the girls of your dreams was to fake her suicide in order to disappear? Then twenty years later, you see what is obviously the same girl sitting in a bar? How? Why? Where did she come from?

Why did she do it? All questions that are answered after a very tortuous emotionally charged trip.

This is a psychological thriller par excellence.

Loved it and I know you’re going to love it too. Quite a bit different – well worth the read – can’t wait for more from Peter Swanson.

---------------------------------------------OBSESSION IN DEATH – J.D. ROBB Hachette Paperback $29.99 This is the latest in the “In Death” series from Nora Roberts’ crime fighting alter ego JD Robb featuring Lt Eve Dallas and her Irish billionaire husband, Roarke. Set about 50 years into the future as usual, this time a body is found in a hotel room with a message to Eve – “For Lieutenant Eve Dallas with great admiration and understanding”.

Who is the perpetrator and why has Eve been singled out in this manner?

This is another fast-paced pageturner and has many twists and turns before the end of things – after many plot twists and turns.

Phew!! Loved it – enjoy!

---------------------------------------------DIE AGAIN – TESS GERRITSEN Random House Paperback $29.99 This is the latest from the pen of one of America’s finest criminal writers and is the latest in the Rizzoli and Isles series (which incidentally have been made into a hugely successful TV series screened here {I believe} on Channel 10).

This time, a killer who appears to have surfaced in Africa five years before our story is set has chosen Boston as his killing ground. Wow! This is certainly an edge of the seat thriller – I honestly could not put it down – loved it. I always find Tess’ books very satisfying – they are so well written and planned out as to

keep you guessing until the very last work by the name of Hamish Clyde – thanks Hamish – again and again minute. Loved it altogether.

– Peter Corris is a splendid author.

And this is a great addition to his FISHBOWL – MATTHEW GLASS Allen and Unwin Paperback $29.99 growing catalogue of novels.

This time, Hardy is hired by an In these days of the plethora entrepreneur to investigate the of social media websites, I was violent death of his son. Seem delighted to find this lovely little simple enough? Not when you mix book that details the rise and rise in rogue cops who deal in drugs and again of a Facebook styled entity stolen weapons and a rogue bikie “Fishbowl” and the trials and gang. Need I say more??? I know tribulations experienced by its you’ll enjoy this one – great story creators during its development.

– hard to work out exactly who the Fascinating tale and one that I villain(s) of the piece were. Loved it. really enjoyed – it is refreshing ---------------------------------------------to read how these types of entity 14TH DEADLY SIN are born and the impact that they have on the WWW population and – JAMES PATTERSON environment. with MAXINE PAETRO I must admit that the ending was Random House P/back quite unexpected – but in the light $32.99 of the unfolding story inevitable, I Here we have the latest suppose. This is well worth your in the Women’s Murder giving it a read – I loved it.

Club series of novels co authored ---------------------------------------------- by the prolific Patterson and his oft THE DEFENCE – STEVE times collaborator, Maxine Paetro.

CAVANAUGH The premise of the series is 4 ladies Hachette P/back $29.99 (a cop, a journalist, an assistant For a first novel, this is DA and a medical examiner) get certainly a cracker – the together to solve a whole series of lead character is Eddie different types of serial murders.

Flynn who used to be a con artist If you haven’t read any of this – before becoming a lawyer. He series before, this is a good place soon realised there wasn’t much to start. This time, Lt Boxer is difference between these two called upon to investigate a series career choices, He is forced to take of robberies and related crimes on a seemingly hopeless defence that either involve a gang of case of a member of the Russian rogue policemen or a gang who is Mafia – who has strapped a bomb impersonating police officers in to Eddie’s back – and is holding his order to carry out the raids. Mix in daughter hostage – he’ll kill her if a few random deaths and you have a Eddie fails in his defence. Loved it great page-turner of a story. I read altogether – can’t wait for the next it virtually at one sitting – and I was one(s) to appear. This is the first quite surprised at the ending – took from the pen of Belfast born author, me a while to figure it out.

Steve Cavanaugh – I sincerely hope If you like this type of cop tale, then it won’t be the last! Do yourselves a you’ll love this one. Go on – spoil favour – go out and buy this beauty yourselves! of a book – I know you’ll be sorry if ---------------------------------------------you don’t.

CRASH AND BURN ---------------------------------------------- – LISA GARDNER GUN CONTROL Hachette P/back $29.99 – PETER CORRIS This is the story of Allen and Unwin Nicky Frank. Nicky is in Paperback $29.99 hospital recovering after This is the 40th book in crashing her car – and the Cliff Hardy series to she is looking for her “daughter”, emerge from the pen of Vero, who is only a little girl. But Australia’s Peter Corris. I was first her husband, who is by her bedside introduced to Peter as an author when she wakes up, says there is no by a young man (also a devotee of Vero – confusion reigns. crime fiction) with whom I used to Nicky goes on a whirlwind journey

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through her distant and recent past to find Vero – with some REALLY surprising results. Great story and a great premise. I enjoy Lisa’s books – they are all page-turners and with a similar degree of confusion in them. If you enjoyed the book and movie “Before I Go To Sleep” then you’ll love this one. Great reading.

---------------------------------------------NOTHING SACRED – DAVID THORNE Allen & Unwin P/back $29.99 Although a new writer to me, Daniel has produced one other novel in the Daniel Connell series and a whole swag of TV scripts, etc over the past few years.

This story is set in Essex and tells of Daniel Connell, who is a lawyer who is visited by Victoria, an old flame of his, who pleads for his help. She insists she is innocent of the charges she is faced with – but is she? The story ranges from the heart of Essex to the mountains of Afghanistan and back again as it weaves its tortuous way through a terrifying world where the monsters are indeed real!

Lots of delicious plot twists and turns as we reach a surprising conclusion – indeed nothing is sacred in this brutal tale of crime and terror in the marshes of Essex.

This is just my type of tale and author – I’ll certainly look out for the first in the series and indeed all future stories to emerge from his pen. More power to your elbow, David!

Well that’s it for books this issue. Remember, if I haven’t heard of an author before or if it is a new author, I hope you will take my recommendations into consideration when selecting your reading matter for your Winter reading and indeed for the future and give them a good go. I wish you all very happy reading, and see you all in the next issue.

I hope you enjoy my recommendations as much as I have enjoyed reading them on both your and my own behalf.

See you next time!

compositions, bridging the past and present with the distinctive grace and style for which Celtic Woman has become known.

Celebrating an incredibly musical journey, Celtic Woman’s 10th Anniversary World Tour offers a one-ofa-kind concert experience that will enchant long-time fans and newcomers alike. Celtic Woman 10 Years – Join the Celebration!

UPCOMING

By COLIN MERREY

CELTIC WOMAN

On 25th September this year, we will be welcoming back to our shores the wonderful Irish singing sensation “Celtic Woman” for their 10th Anniversary World Tour If you were not already aware, it was a decade ago that Celtic Woman first introduced millions of new fans to the group’s fresh fusion of Irish musical tradition, contemporary song craft and state-of-the-art stage production.

The 10th Anniversary World Tour showcases four gifted Irish women – three world-class vocalists and a brilliant Celtic violinist – whose talent and charisma bring centuries of musical and cultural tradition to vibrant life. Under the direction of Emmy®-nominated music producer David Downes, the anniversary performances will honour Celtic Woman’s musical history while looking to the future.

The shows will feature a selection of fan favourites, encompassing Irish classics, contemporary standards and classical favourites alongside memorable original

The Perth date: Fri 25 September, Perth Arena

This is not their first visit to Australia and I was delighted to get the opportunity to see them in their last visit here in January 2014. It was a brilliant show and I certainly won’t be missing this one in September. I’ll no doubt see some/all of you there!

WIN 2 TICKETS TO SHOW

If you would like to be at the Show in September, the Irish Scene has been given two tickets to the show as a competition prize for Mothers’ Day this year. If you would like a chance to win them visit the Irish Scene Facebook page and follow the links. I wish you the best of luck – perhaps I’ll see you there.

Otherwise you can get tickets from www.ticket.com.au.

I am also eagerly awaiting the new CD of originals from local band ‘Sparrow’ and also the latest book to come from our brilliant local author, Lawrence Clarke.

BRIAN KENNEDY

Brian Kennedy will be returning to Australia in May/June for a national Australian Tour, and to perform at the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington. His work with Van Morrison has been well documented and his career spans many years and many musical collaborations with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker, to name but a few. He will be at the new Fly By Night Club at the Victoria Hall in Fremantle on 10th June this year.

PAT SHORTT

The irrepressible Pat Shortt is heading to Australia on a debut nationwide tour with his new show “SELFIE”. He tells the tales of a singing undertaker Mossey Burke, along with a host of new characters, as he recounts his favourite funeral - a funeral that was nearly the death of him and changed his life forever!

His unique, comedic but somewhat universal look at everyday Irish life has cemented his place in the public hearts and his work on stage and screen over the last decade have proved him to be an enduring, versatile and award winning talent. This is Pat’s first visit to Australia and no doubt we will see some of his most beloved characters come to life for the crowds that will gather down under at the Astor Theatre on Sunday 16th August 2015.

If any other events come to my notice after the magazine has issued you can check on the Irish Scene’s Facebook page or website.

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NotFadeAway

By COLIN MERREY

I am again saddened to have to tell you about some more notables who are no longer with us. This is the column that I least enjoy writing – because it means that some of my favourite people have passed and are no longer with us.

We lost the wonderful actor Leonard Simon Nimoy on February 27, 2015. He was an American actor, film director, photographer, author, poet, singer and songwriter best known for his role in “Star Trek” as Mr. Spock.

He began his career in his early twenties, teaching acting classes in Hollywood and making minor film and television appearances through the 1950s. In 1965, he made his first appearance in the rejected Star Trek pilot “The Cage”, and went on to play the character of Spock until 1969, followed by eight feature films and guest slots in the various spin-off series.

In February 2014, Nimoy revealed publicly that he had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition he attributed to a smoking habit he had given up about 30 years earlier.

Nimoy died of complications of COPD on February 27, 2015, at the age of 83, in his Bel Air home.

He was survived by his wife; two children; six grandchildren; a greatgrandchild; and his elder brother, Melvin.

Sadly, we also lost one of my favourite performers, James “Jim” McCann, on 5th March 2015 when he succumbed to throat cancer.

He was, as most of you will be aware, an Irish entertainer and folk musician.

Although a solo artist for most of his career, McCann was a member of the folk group the Dubliners from 1974 until 1979.

As a young man, McCann attended

University College Dublin as a student of medicine, but became interested in folk music during a summer holiday in Birmingham in 1964. He began to perform in folk clubs in the area, and, upon his return to Dublin, he joined a group called the Ludlow Trio in 1965. In the following year, the Ludlow Trio had a hit with their recording of Dominic Behan’s “The Sea Around Us”, which reached number one in the Irish charts.

In April 1974 Luke Kelly asked McCann to join The Dubliners temporarily, to replace Ciarán Bourke during a period of illness.

However, he became a permanent member soon afterwards, when Ronnie Drew left the group to pursue a solo career. McCann remained with The Dubliners until the end of 1979, during which he toured incessantly, also recording several albums with the group.

He did rejoin The Dubliners in 2002 for their 40th anniversary tour and later at Vicar Street in 2012 for their 50th. His death was announced by his family on 5 March 2015.

Stuart Wagstaff AM (13 February 1925 – 10 March 2015) was an English-born Australian entertainer who was active in all genres of the industry including television, theatre and stage management.

He was born in Great Durnford, Wiltshire, England, and grew up on a farm with his parents and two older sisters.

He first came to Australia in 1958 to appear in the J. C. Williamson production “Not in the Book” and subsequently went on to star in many Australian stage and TV productions – particularly the Perth Channel Seven Telethon in which he appeared every year from its inception to his retirement from the TV Industry through ill health.

On 26 January 1998 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the community, particularly through

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the Channel 7 Perth Telethon Trust by raising funds for charities that support childrens’ medical research. He will be sorely missed.

Incidentally, Stuart was a long time friend of Terese Robinson who had known both him and his family when they all lived in Wiltshire in close proximity to each other.

Sir Terence David John “Terry” Pratchett, OBE (28 April 1948 – 12 March 2015) was an English author of fantasy novels, especially comical works. He is best known for his Discworld series of about 40 volumes. Pratchett’s first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971, and since his first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, he wrote two books a year on average. His 2011 Discworld novel Snuff was at the time of its release the third-fastest-selling hardback adultaudience novel since records began in the UK, selling 55,000 copies in the first three days.

In December 2007, Pratchett announced that he was suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and filmed a television programme chronicling his experiences with the disease for the BBC. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, aged 66.

Joseph Benson (Joe B.) Mauldin, Jr. (July 8, 1940 – February 7, 2015) was an American double-bassist, songwriter and audio engineer, best known for his work with the brilliant (in my humble opinion) rock and roll group Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Later he became a recording engineer at Gold Star Studios, the Los Angeles studio that became the hit factory for Phil Spector, Brian Wilson and other major 1960s rock performers. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, where he first met Buddy Holly prior to becoming the Crickets’ bass player.

He was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in Lubbock and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee as

an original Cricket. In 2012, Mauldin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Crickets by a special committee, aimed at correcting the mistake of not including the Crickets with Buddy Holly when he was first inducted in 1986.

He died of cancer in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 74.

John Malcolm Fraser AC, CH, GCL (21 May 1930 – 20 March 2015) was an Australian politician who was the Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Liberal Party from 1975 to 1983. He enjoyed a long and distinguished political career but will be best remembered for what has become known as the “Whitlam Dismissal” where Governor Sir John Kerr sacked the incumbent prime minister, Gough Whitlam – this was in the mid 1970s. I won’t go into that here – you have probably all been made aware of this event via the various forms of the Australian media over the intervening period.

To me, he will remain a great example of a humanitarian who was instrumental in campaigning to abolish apartheid in South Africa, the withholding of recognition of the internal settlement Zimbabwe Rhodesia government by the UK’s Margaret Thatcher led government and he also surprised his critics over immigration policy; according to 1977 Cabinet documents, the Fraser Government adopted a formal policy for “a humanitarian commitment to admit refugees for resettlement”. Fraser’s aim was to expand immigration from Asian countries and allow more refugees to enter Australia. He was a firm supporter of multiculturalism and established a government-funded multilingual radio and television network, the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), building on their first radio stations which had been established under the Whitlam Government.

John Renbourn, who died aged 70 on 26th March 2015, was an innovative acoustic guitarist whose pioneering finger style not only

provided great impetus to the 1960s folk scene but also influenced rock guitarists such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. His informal 1966 album Bert & John, with Bert Jansch, was a landmark in the development of the British folk movement and remains a highly influential work in the field of folk music accompaniment.

He will probably be best remembered, though, as one of the founding members of Pentangle, the groundbreaking folkjazz fusion group which enjoyed “supergroup” status in the 1960s and 1970s.

Living in a houseboat while attending Kingston Art College, his voyage of musical discovery was further enhanced by hearing the blues greats Leadbelly, Josh White and Big Bill Broonzy; meanwhile, his own music began to take shape after he met the British guitarists Wizz Jones and Davey Graham, who were blending different musical traditions into a new form.

Throughout his life, Renbourn never stopped making music. He was found dead from a suspected heart attack at his home in Hawick after failing to appear at a gig in Glasgow.

Married twice, John Renbourn is survived by four children.

Greek singer Demis Roussos, whose often high-pitched pop serenades won him household recognition in the 1970s and 1980s across Europe and beyond and who sold more than 60 million records, has died in Athens at the age of 68, a hospital confirmed. The hospital said the singer died following a lengthy hospitalisation, but did not give an exact cause of death.

He was known for his, to say the least, colourful dress sense – he was once dubbed the Kaftan King — and for his rotund, bearded appearance, he enjoyed the respect of his colleagues and a steady global following.

He first came to prominence in the late 1960s with the band Aphrodite’s Child, formed together with Vangelis Papathanassiou — the Greek composer best known by his

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first name whose score for the film Chariots of Fire won him an Oscar in 1982.

His career launched, he moved out of Greece to continue as a solo artist, recording hits such as Forever and Ever, My Friend The Wind, Velvet Mornings, Someday Somewhere, and Lovely Lady Of Arcadia.

He enjoyed good food, which created problems with his weight that at one point reached 145 kilograms. He managed to reduce that by a third in nine months and went on to co-write a book about losing weight.

Jackie Trent (born Yvonne Burgess, 6 September 1940 – 21 March 2015) was an English singersongwriter, and actress.

Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in the north Midlands of England and was the daughter of a coal-miner.

She is perhaps best known for her first major British hit single “Where Are You Now”, featured in the popular TV series It’s Dark Outside, which was co-written with her husband Tony Hatch and who at that time were involved in a successful professional collaboration with Petula Clark. Later, the Trent/Hatch duet “The Two Of Us” topped the Australian charts and created a demand for concert and cabaret performances earning the duo the nickname of “Mr & Mrs Music”. They relocated to Australia in the 1980s and were asked to write the theme song for a new television soap opera Neighbours.

The soap opera was going to be called Ramsay Street, before the couple penned the song. Trent told the West Australian, “We wrote the song as Neighbours because we said Ramsay Street was too close to Coronation Street, which was the major soap in Britain.” The theme was written and recorded in a day and Trent said “We called in Barry Crocker at about 10pm to put his voice on it and it was on the producer’s desk by 10am the following morning and they loved it, so the series was then called “Neighbours.”

Jackie Trent died in hospital on 21 March 2015, aged 74, in Minorca, Spain, after a long illness.

Cynthia Lennon (née Powell; 10 September 1939 – 1 April 2015) was the first wife of English music legend John Lennon (remember the Beatles??), and mother of Julian Lennon. She grew up in the middle-class section of Hoylake, on the Wirral Peninsula in North West England. At the age of 12, she was accepted into the Junior Art School, and was later enrolled in the Liverpool College of Art where she met John Lennon and they fell in love, eventually marrying in 1962.

In 1968, John left her for Yoko Ono; the couple’s divorce was legally granted on 8 November 1968 after which she had two more marriages that also ended in divorce. She changed her name back to “Lennon” by deed poll and met Jim Christie, her partner for 17 years.

She published a book of memoirs, “A Twist of Lennon”, in 1978, and later was married to Noel Charles, a nightclub owner, from 2002 until his death in 2013. In 2005, she published a more intimate biography of Lennon titled simply “John”. Over the years she staged several auctions of memorabilia associated with her life with John Lennon. In 2006, she and her son Julian Lennon attended the Las

Vegas premiere of the Cirque du Soleil production of Love whose theme is the music of the Beatles.

Until her death in 2015, she lived in Majorca, Spain.

On 10th April this year, we lost cricketing great and icon Richie Benaud, who distinguished himself first as a leg-spinning all-rounder, then as a daring Australian Test captain and later as the ‘voice of cricket’ in the commentary box, at the age of 84.

His skills, drive and determination took him to the top both on and off the cricket field, and made him one of Australia’s most recognised people. Most people and especially his friends knew him simply as Richie.

He played 63 Tests for Australia and was the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets.

He never lost a series as Australian captain.

After hanging up his Aussie Baggy Green cap, he spent more than forty years as the king of cricket commentators and was a man viewed around the world as one of the best callers, watchers and analysts of the game. He was arguably one of its best ambassadors as well.

He died in his sleep after a battle with skin cancer. In a recent

“THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT OF YEARS”

boot. I loved his audience banter and interaction and with them – particularly his dig at (UK Folk Impresario) Jo Lustig – which rather went over the heads of some of the audience members – for the unaware, Jo was the manager for a time of such luminaries as Ralph McTell, Steeleye Span, etc and was not liked much by most of those who came into contact with him! – hence Eric’s dig. In fact, Ray Downes, Richard Collins and I had quite a chuckle as we shared various reminiscences of Mr Lustig from our times on the English folk scene. As all good evenings must, the show came to an end all too soon – but another of my favourite songs “The Gift of Years” was his encore – a song that tells the tale of a digger who returns to the gravesite of a fallen comrade – most appropriate in this centenary year of the birth of the ANZAC legend at Gallipoli.

A great time was had by all – come again soon guys.

ERIC BOGLE AT THE FLY-BY-NIGHT CLUB

27TH FEBRUARY 2015 - by Colin Merrey I was delighted to be invited by local promoter, Richard Collins, to attend one of the last concerts to be staged at the Fly By Night Club in Fremantle – particularly as it was to be a performance by Scots/ Australian musical legend Eric Bogle. He was ably supported musically by long time friend/biographer and musical offsider, John Munro on guitar and mandolin and Pete Titchener on bass guitar.

Eric always puts on a really great show and this time was no exception. He performed songs from the whole of his career and particularly from his latest CD releases.

Standouts for me were “No Mans’ Land” (aka “Green Fields of France”), “Now I’m Easy”, and the immortal “Shelter” – arguably (for me at least) the best song he has written to date (yes, even in the light of Eric’s “Superannuation Fund Song” “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”). Eric is (pardon the cliché) the consummate performer and a wonderful entertainer to

interview, Richie (if I may deign to call him that) revealed that during his entire cricket career, he didn’t wear a hat whilst playing – and this he has regretted all of his life as this was a major contributing factor to the skin cancer that took him from us.

On 14th April we lost American soul singer Percy Sledge who was best known for the 1966 hit When a Man Loves a Woman at the age of 73. He had been battling liver cancer for more than a year and passed away at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He was born in Alabama in 1941 when racial segregation prevailed in the South. Sledge started his working life in the cotton fields before taking a job as a hospital orderly in the early 1960s. With his rich soulful voice, Sledge soon found himself in a recording studio in the small Alabama town of Sheffield where he recorded When a Man Loves a Woman. It was inspired by a woman who left Sledge for another man and it became an immediate worldwide hit for soul music powerhouse Atlantic Records, spending weeks atop the pop music charts. He died surrounded by his wife Rosa and their children May your gods go with you.

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BANDING TOGETHER

The

Story - By Colin Merrey

Cian Bailey

W

hen I started my first job (way back in 1961 – yes I am THAT OLD!) as was the custom in those days, we started out discussing our lives, likes, dislikes, etc with all of our peers amongst the staff members. When I said I was into music and played guitar, my colleague, Ross, said, “Oh you’ll get on well with Roger Beckett – he gets back from holidays next week and he plays guitar too”.

SO when Roger got back from holidays we had many long discussions about our shared love of music and I ended up going over to his parents’ house in Braunston, which is a village just outside my home town of Northampton in England, for tea and a musical session with our guitars. Shortly after that, I was introduced to Roger’s friends Trevor Warner (who played drums), Dave Gerrard (guitarist extraordinaire) and Roger Connop (who was learning to play bass guitar). And so a band was formed – as yet unnamed. We used to rehearse in a small chapel in Braunston and played mainly for our own amusement – so when

we got a gig at my youth club in Northampton, we had to have a name. Many were suggested – from the Cosmonauts to the Plus Four (pun re golfing intended, Fred) until we finally settled on the Thunderbolts.

Our bass player decided he had had enough and Dave Gerrard moved on too leaving Roger, Trevor and myself (then handling most of the vocals) with no bass player. Enter John Hirons who lived in Rugby. He was a more than competent bass player and fitted in with us very well – at last we had a viable band. We started getting a few more gigs now we had a stable lineup and were going from strength to strength – playing mostly church halls, schools and pubs in and around Northampton and Rugby.

Our repertoire consisted mainly of covers but we had a few original songs that were written chiefly by Roger Beckett with a bit of help from yours truly. We also did a Rock Mass at a local church and played for the opening of the new Daventry swimming pool – where the

80

attached photo (left to right: Trevor, Colin, John and Roger B) was taken.

We were all very into the music of Cliff Richard and the Shadows and the rock and pop music of the late 1950s and early 1960s and were doing very well – until I decided to call it quits for various personal reasons and the group as it stood dissolved in late 1964. As they say, all good things come to an end – but we remained firm friends.

And then, 40 years on, Roger, Trevor and I reunited in 2004 at Roger’s lady’s house where we had a great party and a GREAT musical reminiscence – it was like we’d never stopped playing. John Hirons has never resurfaced and to this day we don’t know what happened to him or where he is living – but that’s life. We have continued our reunions during my and my wife’s visits to UK in the intervening years and had a 50th anniversary here in Perth when Roger and Trevor and their partners came to stay with us for a few days.

Later this year, we will be having what will probably be the final reunion of the Thunderbolts in North Wales when my wife and I visit them all again for a combined belated 70th birthday bash (as we are all about the same age). Time waits for no man they say and we have had a lot of good times together over the decades. I’ll tell you all about that in a later issue of the Irish Scene.

They were grand days and we had a wonderful time together – both musically and as friends – rock on guys –

THUNDERBOLTS ARE GO!!!

Saint Peter is checking in new arrivals in heaven....

“What did you do on Earth?”

“I was a surgeon. I helped the lame to walk.” SP: “Well, go right on in through the Pearly Gates” “What did you do on Earth?”

“I was a surgeon. I helped the blind to see.” SP: “Fine... go right on in through the Pearly Gates!”

“What did you do on Earth?”

“I was a musician. I helped make sad people happy.” SP: “You can load in through the kitchen.”

Hozier

Irish Singer/Songwriter

By Mike Bowen

It’s Sat March 28th March 2015 the Corner Hotel in Richmond, time 10.15 pm.

“Ladies and Gentlemen put your hands together Ireland’s newest export to the world HOZIER”.

The lights dim and the crowds go wild as the screams reach defining point.

On walks the man who is one of the hottest names in the music world today. He shows all the signs of a matured well-seasoned performer and he is, for Hozier is no overnight success, he had spells with Nova Collective, The Trinity Orchestra and Anuna. He has played at most of the major music festivals including Glastonbury, he has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and The David Letterman Shows in the USA. Tonight no one cares, the only thing that matters is, he is the

hottest name on the planet and he is here in Melbourne tonight, playing for us it this intimate venue.

Hozier opens with ‘Angel of Small Death’ and instantly captures the audience and holds them spellbound until the last song of the night ‘Work Song’. As expected his mega hit ‘Take me to Church’ (The demo was done in his Wicklow attic) almost set the place on fire it was so hot, while brilliantly delivered. Hozier is no different to the other major stars, who understand that you have to have great musicians around you and he has picked great musicians to complement him.

I won’t make you feel sad because you missed this amazing artist but I have to tell you, do not miss him when he returns to tour here in Australia later this year.

Hozier is a class act with a unique voice and distinctive style.

He is a very clever lyricist in a style that is very grass roots, while constantly challenging.

He is assured of a long future in music as he has no competitors’ in his chosen field and if there are, then they are a far way behind this class act.

Hozier whose full name is, Andrew Hozier– Byrne and born on St Patrick’s Day 1990. Born in Wicklow and spent his younger days in Greystones then moved to Newcastle and went to school in ‘St Gerard’s in Bray. While at St Gerard’s he met his now Manager, Caroline Downey who had a daughter Storm attending at the same school.

Caroline was a great help in encouraging and guiding Hozier to where he is at now.

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St Gerard’s is where he first strut the boards playing the blues, he says he has always had a great love and fascination of the blues, he particularly loved Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Texas and Delta Blues. Andrew says the story of the name Hozier is a long one, so for now the explanation is that it was his nick name in secondary school. He says he started playing guitar at about 15 just fiddling around and figured it out. Well he certainly figured it out now and developed an amazing and unique style. I will put my computer down now and pick up my guitar and see if I can figure it out if I am as good as Hozier??? And pigs might fly.

Hozier was asked by an American interviewer if his music is diaristic, or more literary? “There are a few Irish writers who have a very strong influence on me, especially on the “Take Me to Church” EP. James Joyce’s The Portrait of an Artist As a Young Man. It’s very much about a man’s struggle to find his own identity in an oppressive culture of church, in an age influenced heavily by the Catholic Church and a nationalism that he just wants to be free of.

Visit www.hozier.com and find out more about Hozier, you won’t be disappointed.

Until we speak again,

Slainte from Melbourne

Folk Fun at Fairbridge Festival

cluded, from the early hours of the morning til late each night. Acts such as Joe Filisko and Eric Noden from the US, and The Jessica Steward Few from Canada, travel great distances to play at this event, while Australian acts such as John Flanagan (VIC), The String Contingent Reviewed by Claire Wynne (NSW) and The Bearded Gypsy Band (SA) make the trip across the For those who don’t already Nullabor to ply the trade to the loyal know, Fairbridge Festival is a folk crowds that flock to Fairbridge year music festival that’s taken place in after year.

Fairbridge, near Pinjarra - about The Irish folk and traditional 90kms south of Perth - since 1993. genres were strongly represented It’s a family friendly, weekend-long this year, as always, with acts like festival that showcases home- flautist Nuala Kennedy, Vocal Group grown and international acts in the Co-Cheol, and ourNuala very own local Folk, Acoustic, A capella & World band Sparrow packing out venues Kennedy Music genres in a selection of with enthusiastic folk fans and conquirky venues - chapels, tents, bars verts during their various slots over the entire weekend.

Nuala Kennedy and her band played three appearances in total, with the highlight being her SaturdayKennedy, afternoon gig the Chapel venNuala Irish singer andin flute player with hauntingly beautiful vocals, adventurous instrumentation, ue. Packed to capacity and and beyond, an imaginative mix of influences will be appearing at the old converted redbrick church Fairbridge. provided the perfect se“Kennedy doesn’t so much imbibe or inhale as swallow, whole unadulterated, and reneandsetting formelodic Nuala’s rhythmic influences from beyond her kith and kin. A flawless performance delicious mix of influences abound, without ever sacrificing musical identity.” of haunting flute tunes, ~ The Irish Times 2010 poignant original songs and dining halls - in the effervescent a few lively reels thrown Fairbridge Village. in for good measure. The The three days and two nights at crowd was hushed and Fairbridge are always an absolute 15 fixated on every word feast for the senses, with the co- of Nuala’s delightful stolourful craft markets, the infinitely ries that preceded most tempting food outlets, the aroma of her songs - mostly tales from her of fair-trade coffee wafting through home town of Dundalk and of time the air and the young buskers that she‘s spent recording in Canada. grace every turn on the winding The packed schedule of Fairbridge gravel paths through the village. meant that every few minutes the With over 500 applications to per- crowd would change with some of form every year, the jam-packed the audience reluctantly shuffling schedule offers something for ev- off to catch another earmarked eryone, kids and young adults in- performer elsewhere in the village,

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but their seats were swiftly nabbed by eager fans queuing outside for a chance to see what the fuss was about - and it would’ve been well worth the wait.

Although usually graced with the presence of the Autumn sun-

shine at Fairbridge, festival-goers this year had to dodge intermittent and sometimes heavy rain showers by ducking in to the nearest tent or venue whenever the heavens opened. At a festival like Fairbridge this can be a blessing in disguise - causing you to discover a new act or style of music, such as “nujazz“, “hybrid Euro techno-pop“, or some “mashed up gypsy folk” that you might not otherwise have chosen to go to!

Our friends in Perth based Folk band Sparrow lifted the roof off the Dining Hall on Saturday afternoon and got the crowd up and dancing with their high-energy covers of familiar Irish songs and ballads, as well as some beautifully written original songs mixed in. Fiona, Jane,

Charlie & Jon did the home fans proud with some great toe-tappers, rousing anthems before finishing with Fiona’s rowdy version of Rattling Bog. Victoria based vocal quartet, Co-Cheol performed a number of times in different venues over the three days, showcasing their incredible voices and stunning harmonies and magical Celtic songs.

Accompanied on accordion, ukulele, harp and flute, they provided a tranquil opportunity to wind-down from a hectic weekend of music at the Clubhouse venue on Sunday afternoon.

Fairbridge also offers workshops and demonstrations of everything from Flamenco Dancing to Animal Yoga, and Charleston to Hoola Hooping. Hilary McKenna hosted a popular Ceili at the Festival bringing enthusiasm, passion and a

great deal of fun to the Hoopla Dance Stage.

The Ceili band, made up of a number of Perth’s most talented traditional musicians, including members of Sparrow and Comhaltas, added depth and authenticity to the workshop, while Hilary walked participants through Walls of Limerick, The Waves of Tory and the grand finale, The Bonfire Dance. Hilary’s knowledge and confidence created a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere that concluded with rapturous applause and very tired feet!

Other highlights of the weekend included The String Contingent described as “The upper echelon of instrumental exploration, arrangement, composition and performance” who were joined by our own Charlie McCarthy for some impressive and captivating displays of sheer string-related talent on the Mandja stage on Sunday afternoon. The Bearded Gypsy Band are an eclectic young band from South Australia who kept the teens and young adults captivated on the Youthopia stage on Friday and Saturday with their mix of Folk, Rock &

Jazz tunes. Saturday night it seemed the place to be was the Hoopla from 8pm, with WA Pogues tribute band, The Rogues, keeping the energy pumping with the familiar favourites from the Pogues’ hey day and a convincing sunglasses-clad version of Shane McGowan taking centre stage.

All in all, Fairbridge Festival really does have something for everyone. The schedule is so vast and varied that that there’s never a dull moment from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave. Even with this year’s wetter weather, the campgrounds were comfortable, facilities were plentiful and the venues even more warm and welcoming than ever. Never a disappointment, I highly recommend putting Fairbridge Festival at the top of the “To Do” list for 2016.

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Irish Seniors'

Three old guys are out walking. First one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” Second one says, “No, it’s Thursday!” Third one says, “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.”

•

IRISH IRISH MUSIC MUSIC

SESSION

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later the doctor spoke to Morris and said, “You’re really doing great, aren’t you?” Morris replied, “Just doing what you said, Doc: ‘Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.’” The doctor said, “I didn’t say that. I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur. Be careful.’”

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Ministerial visit to Presentation Sisters On Monday 9th March, Minister Tom Hayes, Irish Minister of State with Special responsibility for Food, Forestry and Horticulture visited the Presentation Sisters at the convent in Mosman Park.

It was a very special ocassion for many reasons but especially as the Minister’s aunt Sr Albeus had spent her life in Australia with the Presentation Sisters. Sadly, Sr Albeus had passed away at Margaret Hubery House on 10th February, 2015.

Her self-giving service to the Church spanned seventy eight years, teaching in Collie, Goomalling, Rivervale and at Iona Presentation College, Mosman Park.

The Minister gave a wonderful talk on his aunt, Sr Albeus and related many stories about her contact with his family in Ireland over many decades. When the minister concluded his talk, he was presented with a painting of Sr Albeus which hung in her room and also Sr Albeus’s Rosary beads. Earlier in this publication we told the story of the playing of The Rosary at Gallipoli and how it stopped the war for five minutes. When the minister took the Rosary beads in his hand there was a long pause before he replied to receiving the wonder memento. I could see it was a very emotional experience for him and he told us that that he always carried his mother’s Rosary beads wherever he travelled.

The minster took a tour of Iona College adjoining the convent followed by a wonderful lunch.

Following the convent we visted Fr John Fahey’s parish church in Cottesloe and also Sr Albeus and Fr Fahey’s graves in Karrakatta Cemetery. Fr Fahey was an uncle to Sr Albeus. Thank you Sr Nora for extending an invitation to me to share a memory that I will keep forever.

Fred Rea

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PERTH CENTRE

Good Luck to all the entrants of the 2015 Rose of Tralee

JB O’Reilly Weekend in Bunbury

The John Boyle O’Reilly Association Bunbury weekend of celebration commenced on Saturday 25 April with Noel O’Neill’s play “Under Any Old Gum Tree” at the Water’s Edge Restaurant with music following the play by “Sparrow”. Kieran Garvey was again superb as O’Meara.

It was a full house and at the conclusion of the play Fiona Rea performed her new song “Under Any Old Gum Tree” dedicated and written for Martin O’Meara. The weekend also included a guided free tour of the John Boyle O’Reilly trail on Buffalo Road, Australind on Sunday 26 April, followed by a commemoration at the John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial site.

Missing for the first time this year was the late Ormonde Waters but he was ably remembered by his grandson Luke.

The guided tour was very well attended and all were impressed with Peter Murphy as a guide. No ordinary man our Peter and his efforts to get the whole weekend organised and publicised was a tribute to his dedication to the cause!

Well done comrade, as Tony Costa would say!

Congratulations to the organising committee, Tom Dillon, Michael Manea and Peter Murphy.

Sharon Kennedy of the ABC Bunbury was an excellent and great choice as MC for the Saturday event. It was another wonderful tribute to two Irishmen who made a wonderful contribution in their own ways to Western Australia.

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Above: Peter Murphy guided tour and below “Welcome to Country” ceremony!

Ceol Bunbury agus JB Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Weekend in Bunbury!

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Sean Roche with his legion of fans at Carnegies ...

How many times can you see Sean?

Must be a record!

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SHAMROCK

Rovers

Well the 2015 season is up and running, and our State teams got off to a flying start against Dianella. All teams recorded wins. The under 18s after being down 2-0 at half time came back to win 4-2. Our Reserves started slowly; after being a goal down they got the lead out in the second half to win 5-1. The First team having dominated the game for long periods had a nervous last 10 minutes but managed to hold on for a 3-2 win. Our junior under 9s had their first run-out, losing 4-2 to Dianella under the stewardship of Alec and Nick of Total Football Academy. Our Amateurs’ first team won 2-1 beating Floreat Athena away, and Reserves drew 2-2. Our Social got beaten away to Sorrento 5-2, but Coach Phil Moore reckons the score flattered the home team.

The St Patrick’s Day parade was a great success for the club with a brilliant turnout from our players, while the children filled the float with all the mammies and daddies marching behind. Special thanks to Nathan Colgan of Colgan Industries for the use of the float.

Nathan was also making people aware of the White Patch day for children’s cancer. The committee would like to thank Irish Families in Perth for organising the parade. We’d also like to thank Ciaran Launders who organised our sausage sizzle stand. This was a great success. Also to his hard working team on the day – Linda Launders, Tom and Maura Hoey, Sinead Hoey, Dermot Smyth, Wayne Brookes last but not least Gina, Gerry (a dad from the under 18s) and Macker’s Ma Janette. Special thanks to Paul McLoughlin for pointing us in the right direction.

Our Golf Classic was held on Sunday April 12th.

Despite the poor weather we had a good turnout.

86 golfers took part, with various changes of attire through the changing weather. They all looked a happy bunch as they tucked into their lunch. Winners of the Irish Scene Cup were Mark Dempsey and Eamon Fitzpatrick, with an impressive 61 off the stick. Second place went to Marty Kavanagh and David Chua. We were also lucky to have an old Shamrock Rovers legend for Ireland, 77 year-old Gerry Boyle, join us and play the full 18 holes. Well done Gerry. A great day was had by all. Special thanks to all our sponsors on the day for their continued support. Thanks too to Martin Sheehan, Gerry Townley, Peter McKenna and all the organising committee for making it a great day.

We’d like to thank our sponsors for coming on board for 2015 – Bluescope Distribution, CFMEU, Northside Meats, Killarney Autos and Tom Hoey. We would also like to express our appreciation to Fred Rea and City of Swan for their continued support of the club.

C’mon the Hoops.

Marty Burke

Michael Manning President Shamrock Rovers

Hon Irish Consul Marty Kavanagh with Rovers Golf Day winners Mark Dempsey and Eamon Fitzpatrick.

www.shamrockrovers.com.au 89

Gaelic Football & Hurling Association of WA Inc. games. The Western Swans hurling and camogie team were the formidable forces on the pitch that day as both teams over came two extremely strong, determined teams, St Gabriels Camogie Team and Sarsfield Hurling team. The winning teams were presented with trophies by the family of Tim Hickey.

It was a privilege to have the family of Tim Hickey be apart of the day. Tim Hickey was a great hurling man, he was dedicated to Hurling in WA and provided playing fields for hurling teams across Perth.

This tournament could not have proceeded without the help of those working behind the scenes.

A thank you needs to be given to all those who gave up their Saturday to set up and the serve the BBQ, as well as those who set up and cleaned up the equipment required for the day. A thank you is also extended to Kentz for being the major sponsor of the hurling and camogie league, without the help of Kentz and each team sponsors, the league and one day tournaments would not be able to come to fruition, your help is greatly appreciated.

The 7s tournament provided spectators a taste of what this season is going to offer, competitive, fast paced, highly charged, exciting games. With the commencement of the league just around the corner it’s time to come out and support your teams and spectate the hurling skill that Perth has to offer.

Tim Hickey 7s Hurling Tournament The Tim Hickey 7s Hurling Tournament took place on the 11th of April at the RA Reserve in Morley. The tournament displayed the talents of seven teams across Perth, three of the seven were also represented through camogie. The day was kicked off with fast paced, exciting games produced by Western Swans Camogie team one and Western Swans Camogie team two as well as Southern Districts Hurling team and Sarsfield Hurling team. The teams not only had to deal with the competition on the pitch but also competed with unpredictable weather conditions, as they were welcomed with the four seasons in one day, similar to Irish weather.

The semi-final represented each club, Sarsfield Hurling and Western Swan Hurling teams as well as St Gabriels Camogie and Western Swans Camogie team proved to be the cream of the crop on the day. The finals hosted two very competitive highly charged

Written By Joanne Cunningham Public Relations Officer for Hurling and Camogie WA.

Western Swans Hurling & Camogie club

Western Swans GAA club are returning to action for the fifth consecutive year. However, 2015 will be a historic year for the club with the addition of a mens’ Hurling team playing in the Swans Black and Amber for the very first time.

As a progressive club, we are constantly recruiting any new or established hurling and camogie players to come join our ranks. In addition, volunteers who wish to become involved in any capacity are greatly welcomed and appreciated. We pride ourselves in providing for all levels of skills and abilities.

Away from the pitch, we host a multitude of social events comprising of regular BBQs, bonding events and

a variety of fundraising functions.

One of our main attributes as a club is having an extensive network of contacts to help members secure employment. Also, advice in regards to accommodation and visa queries.

We wish to thank all the club members past and present and our much valued sponsors for their support into the growth and development of Western Swans.

So if you want to hurl, get fit and have the craic come to Western Swans..... Na hEalaí Abu Sponsor: Durty Nelly’s Irish pub Contacts: Hurling: Brian 0416305905 Camogie: Sinead 0456148764 F/book: “Western Swans Hurling & Camogie club” Website: www.westernswansgaa.com.au Email: Westernswanscamogieclub@yahoo.com.au Linda Pardy, PRO

Football: BGC Grounds, Tom Bateman Reserve Cnr Bannister & Nicholson Rds, Canning Vale Hurling: RA Cook Reserve, Coode St. Morley

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Gaelic Games Junior Academy Update

By Debbie Cashman Full steam ahead for season four for the Gaelic Games Junior Academy of WA! Recently we took part in the brilliant St. Patrick’s Day festival with our own float, and a marching float, and a stall in the Medibank stadium oval plus coaching sessions, football and hurling workshops and display games.

Fun activities for adults and children alike. Congratulations to all involved for another hugely successful day!

Then we rolled into our registration day, where we had more children sign up on day one than any of our previous registration days. We broke for Easter and now we are moving venue from Tapping primary school oval to Kingsway Sporting Complex, as our young hurlers are needing a bit more space for their flying sliotars!

We are assembling our Calendar of Events at the moment but our first family fun day is the 3rd May where we will have a fun based day and BBQ and we are getting a local priest to do a blessing of our new venue and much more. We are also going to have a ‘Club Hurling Day Out’ where we plan to take the older children from age six up, to witness a seniors hurling or camogie game so they get the opportunity to witness the game in full strength. We will nicely ask the senior players to be on their best behaviour!

More plans include our Cúl Camps for July school holidays. It will be very exciting and again another ‘First’ milestone for Junior GAA in Australia. Since it hasn’t been done before here we do plan to loosely model it on the Cúl Camps in Ireland but with our own WA twist on things. The GAA are assisting with sending a coaching co-ordinator from Ireland to help run the program, and will also run a coach the coaches program and help coaching with local senior clubs in Perth. Our school holiday program will run for two weeks Monday- Friday 9am-3pm. Cost will be $100 for the first week and that will include training kit and backpack, the second week will cost $80. We aim to cater for 100 children and we expect it to sell out as it will be a fantastic experience for the children plus it’s a whole lot cheaper than day care! All training equipment will be provided and it is

open to members and non members of the Junior Academy.

This year we welcome new experienced coaches onboard and look forward to their demonstration of skills and knowledge in action. Thank you to our coaches who are returning for another season. Of course thanks to our sponsors for putting their hand up again: Sandra Mcanea from Real Mark real estate, and Patricia from Visa 4 You and we welcome out new ones, Sheamus Walsh from Endeavour Finances, Rose Café and Killarney Autos (who will give $25 from every service back to the Junior Academy when mentioned!) much appreciated guys, all our big dreams for the academy often come with a big price tag, thanks a million.

Regular training happens every Sunday until the end of September from 12-1.30pm for the under sixes age and 12-2 pm for the older children. This includes fitness, reflex, agility and flexibility training, dressed up as a fun activity(shhh don’t tell the kids they’re learning) and of course all the GAA skills they need to develop into great little players.

For more information please email ggjunioracademy@ gmail.com or call our secretary 0406 229 450 or our President Martin Brady 0405 937 233 Until next time Slán agus beannacht leat.

www.thebreakwater.com.au

58 Southside Drive, Hillarys Boat Harbour Ph: 08 9448 5000 Fax: 08 9448 6000

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With Claire Wynne 1) Who are you and where are you from?

I’m David McGleave, and I sing and play guitar with The Clan. I was born in Falkirk, Scotland, the eldest of 5 children. My brother, Johnny, plays lead guitar in the band. Our 3 sisters and their families still live in Scotland. Everyone in our family is musical! Our Dad, Peter McGleave played both Piano and Accordion.

Our Mum, Maria Dougan, was a singer – a proper singer. She could sing anything; Hymns, Pop, Folk songs – anything. As a child, her “Ave Maria” at Glasgow weddings was legendary. Both Mum and Dad’s grandparents had left Ireland for Scotland and brought with them that uniquely Irish tradition the “party piece” - so there really was no escaping music in our family!

2) What instruments do you play?

I started learning the guitar at around 11 years old, mostly self- taught by ear – I can’t read music. I also play keyboards. I was playing bass guitar in my first band, in my first pub when I was 15. We thought we were going to be the next big thing. We had a “mad bikie” manager and a handful of original songs - how could we fail?! But Mum and Dad had other plans. They moved the lot of us from Scotland to Wicklow town in Ireland where our father started up a Bookbinding company. At nearly 17 I was feckin’ spewin. I thought my music career was over! What a gobshite I was...

Scotland had a decent music scene, but the Irish scene in the late ‘70’s early ‘80’s was absolutely pumping! Even a small town like Wicklow would have music in the pubs most nights and I quickly joined a band, playing bass and singing 4/5 nights a week round the county with the occasional

jaunts to Dublin, Wexford , Waterford and beyond. We played Parochial halls, Hotels, Pubs, Street parties - anywhere they’d have us.

I was earning great money, having good craic and erm... trying to hold down a day job!

I also got very lucky. I met and married Bernie Murphy, a Wicklow girl. We have 3 sons, Mark, Jamie and Alex. We moved to Oz 17 years ago. While I really love and miss family and friends dearly, I still believe it’s the best move I ever made and I should have done it years before.

My wise brother, Johnny, moved to Australia way before me so it was definitely on the cards that we’d play together when I got to Perth. We started The Clan in 1999 with Guss Kunnen on bass, Martin Wheeler on drums and Johnny Parkinson on fiddle.

The Clan were very soon playing 4/5 nights a week. We were known for our wide ranging repertoire and energetic performances.

We seemed to go through fiddle players like Spinal Tap drummers, for some reason but our current Fiddle player, Val Cutler, has been with us for 8 years. Yay! 3) Where can we see you gigging?

You can catch us on Fridays in Fenians Pub, Adelaide Terrace (Novotel Hotel Bar) from 9pm and in Rosie O’Grady’ss, Fremantle on Sundays from 4pm. A great place to find out where we are playing is Liveirishmusicinperth on facebook.

You might also want to check our website www.theclan.net.au or even LIKE us on facebook.

4) What can we expect from a CLAN gig?

Eh, sore feet and a grin from ear to ear?! Nah, seriously, The Clan just need one person to get up and dance and we’re sorted. This band thrives on and feeds off their

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audience. We have a vast repertoire with all kinds of songs and tunes that create a party. We’ve been doing this for a long time...We know what we’re doing .

I also write and record my own original music - davidmcgleave. com. Songs available for free downloading are also on soundcloud and reverbnation. It’s mad, all that promo stuff. Ha! How times have changed! You could also just do it the ould way and come speak to me at a gig.

5) Favourite Irish musicians/ inspiration? Favourite Gig story?

All the usual suspects: Van Morrison, Christy Moore, Rory Gallagher, Shane McGowan, Thin Lizzy etc ...but probably the biggest influence on me would be the older guys, those brilliant musos that I played with in Wicklow town when I was that young gobshite - they taught me how to do this!

For more information on Bryan, as well as other Irish Music gigs around town, check out the “Live Irish Music in Perth” page on Facebook.

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St Gabriel’s Hurling & CamogieClub

St. Gabriel’s Hurling and Camogie GAA WA Club are currently rolling into our 4th year in existence. With the club’s continuing growth we would like to welcome all current and past players back for 2015 and welcome all new players to our great club.

St Gabriel’s GAA Club caters for players of all levels of ability, including those who have never played the sport before. Joining the club is a fantastic way to get fit, meet new people and be involved in lots of fun social activities…..

“New Members Welcome” With training already to kick off at our Wembley Downs training grounds and Hurling: Ronan 0439 979 237 the first outing the Tim Hickey 7’s behind the team, concentration now turns to Camogie: Danielle 0405 418 809 the league which commences for both teams on the 9th May… BEST OF LUCK to Facebook: all for 2015… GAB’s Abu……

St. Gabriels Hurling WA The Camogie team held their annual bonding day at the end of March. The girls St. Gabriels CamogieClub donned their cowboy hats and feathers for some fun and frolics in the Swan www.stgabrielsgaaclub.com Valley. Congratulations to “Bro” who took the best dressed title on the day!

Our Major Sponsors: St. Gabriel’s GAA Club could like to extend a warm welcome to our new sponsors, An Sibin Irish Bar, Northbridge and Duffy & McGowan. They join the club’s current sponsors Monford, PERI Australia Pty Limited & PTR Financial Asset for 2015. We are looking forward to a great year ahead!

Hurling Sponsors Monford Group: Declan 0450421859 www.Monfordgroup.com.au PTR Asset Finance: Simon 0423032014 www.ptrasset.com.au MONFORD PERI Australia Pty Limited: John 0418885604 www.periaus.com.au Camogie Sponsors Duffy & McGowan Formwork, Concrete & Steel Fixing: Peter 0497 370 542 or Jimmy 0412 903 947 An Sibin Irish Bar, Northbridge: Shane 0404 784 102 Up Coming Events: St Gabriel’s Annual Hurling Draw at the An Sibin Irish Bar, Saturday 16 May. St Gabriel’s Camogie Club night at the Dogs, Cannington 20 June Player Contact List: Camogie: Danielle McInerney 0405 418 809 Hurling: Ronan Kilroy 0439 979 237 FaceBook: S.t. Gabriels Hurling WA / StGabriels CamogieClub Website: stgabrielsgaaclub.com

MONFORD Construction & Mining Contractors - Earth Moving Contractors Monford Group is a group of three companies, Monford Plant Hire, Monford Labour Hire and Monford Constructions, performing works Australia wide.

Monford Group Pty Ltd has extensive experience and capabilities that include the construction of major mining, industrial and civil infrastructure projects, throughout Australia.

As a group Monford has completed projects involving concrete construction, civil construction, mining infrastructure, tilt-up construction, earthworks, equipment and labour hire. One of the keys to their success is their professional approach to the construction of any project.

Monford has developed and implemented an Integrated Management System with the safety and well-being of their employees,

partners and customers in mind.

Monford Group has proven that its resources and management systems ensure their projects are completed on time and within budget.

Monford Group has worked on some of Australia’s largest projects, namely; Pluto LNG Karratha, Sino Iron Cape Preston, FMG Solomon, Devils Creek Karratha, Perth City Rail Link Alliance Perth, Rapid Growth Project Port Hedland and the Nurrumbidgee to Googong Pipeline, NSW. Monford’s Clients include John Holland, Abi Group, Decmil, Georgiou, Kentz, AGC, Murphy Pipe and Civil and Construction Industries Australia.

McIntosh & Son is proud to be a major supplier of Case Construction Machinery to the Monford Group.

For more information please check out Monford’s website www. monfordgroup.com

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COLLIER PARK – SUNDAY 22 MARCH ST PATRICK’S DAY TROPHY

Winner: Mark Keogh 43 pts 2nd: Joan Ross 42 pts 3rd: Brendan Flanagan 39 points (on a countback from 2 other players out of luck) Low gross: Jack Ebbs 28 pts Congratulations to Mark Keogh on picking up the St Patrick’s Day Trophy for 2015.

Nearest the pin: 2 Ciaran McMahon, 4 Paul Jenkins, 12 Kevin McGloin, 14 Stuart Stevenson, 17 Bill Ross Ladies LD: Joan Ross, Men LD: Jon Stanmore, LPutt Anthony Gannon

HILLVIEW GOLF COURSE SUNDAY 19 APRIL - CAPTAIN’S TROPHY

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I would like to preface any further comments by acknowledging on behalf of the committee how great it is to see the ladies making a return to the Club and we look forward to maintaining and building on the numbers of lady players within the ranks.

Winner: Geoff McFadden 39 pts, 2nd: Joan Ross, 39 points. (Runner up last month also - good golf!), 3rd: Martin Sheehan 37pts.

LG: Andy McDonald 37 pts Congratulations to our esteemed Treasurer, Geoff McFadden, on picking up the Captain’s Cup for 2015.

Other players who featured in the prizes on the day: Nearest the pin: 3 Allan Rowland, 8 Dominic Hyde, 15 Gerry Kelly, 16 Andy McDonald. Ladies LD: Louise Brophy, Men’s LD: Stuart Stevenson. LPutt: Pat Hickey We have been playing match play over the past 4 rounds and are down to our finalists – Joan Ross and Shane Cody – with the final being played in June (because Shane is getting married back in Ireland in May and wasn’t sure if he could get a leave pass to play golf while on his honeymoon. Of course Shane was fined by club members for his lack of commitment to his golf!)

Keep up the good golf one and all.

Regards, Mike O’Callaghan Secretary Irish Golf Club of Western Australia

Pie & Pint Night Every Thursday All welcome to join in.

Live music from 7pm.

Dates for your Diary: MAY 1 2 8 15 16 23 31

Friday Seniors Lunch from 12.30pm - Bookings 9381 5213 Northern Soul at 8pm and Eagles v GWS 5.40pm Rose of Tralee Table Quiz IRISH THEATRE Motown Magic at 8pm May 20, 21, 22, 28,29,30 Eagles v Gold Coast 5.40pm Irish Theatre Players Frem v North Melbourne 5.40pm Production of Eagles v Geelong 2.40pm “BIG MAGGIE” Matinee on the 24th

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6 10–13 13 16 19 25

Friday Seniors Lunch from 12.30pm - Bookings 9381 5213 Frem v Richmond 6.10pm Northern Soul 8pm Noel O’Neill play Ist Friday of the Month. $15 per person Eagle v Essendon 2.35pm Bar open from 12.30pm.

AIHA Bloomsday production Lunch at 1pm.

Motown Magic 8pm Bookings 9381 5213 Frem v Collingwood 6.10pm

JUNE

SENIOR’S LUNCH

• Line dancing class every Monday evening at 6pm • Irish Music every Friday evening with Comhaltas • Irish Language Classes Mondays at 7pm

Book your function at the Irish Club Contact the club on 9381 5213.

We have 3 function rooms and can cater for up to 200 people.

Full bar and catering options are available.

500 mtrs from Domain Stadium

QUIZ NIGHTS • PARTIES • FUNDRAISERS • STAGE SHOWS AND ANYTHING!

61 Townshend Road, Subiaco WA 6008

Tel: +61 8 9381 5213

irish1@irishclubofwa.com.au

www.irishclubofwa.com.au

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OPENING HOURS & ACTIVITIES MONDAY: Bar: 4pm - 10.30pm Irish Language Classes TUESDAY: Bar: 4pm - 10.30pm WEDNESDAY: Bar: 4pm - 10.30pm THURSDAY: Bar: 4pm - Midnight Pint and Pie Night Music from 7pm FRIDAY: Bar: 4pm - Midnight Kitchen 5.30-8.30pm Comhaltas Music Lessons Set Dancing 8.00pm followed by the Seisiun SATURDAY: Bar open 4pm - Late SUNDAY: Bar: 4pm - 10pm The Irish Club is a members only club, and we welcome new members. Application forms can be downloaded from the website irishclubofwa.com.au