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Pete St. John launched his ‘Out in 16’ suite of songs at an evening of song and craic in Dublin’s City Hall in the presence of an tArdmheara Criona Ni Dhalaigh. This latest Song-Art Programme from Pete was presented in concert with Dublin City Council as part of the Council’s 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration Programme. Pictured with an tArdmheara Criona Ni Dhalaigh, were Brian Furlong ‘The Furrier Furlong’, Pete St. John and Red Hurley. Picture Colm Mahady / Fennells – Copyright 2015 Fennell Photography.
The sound of ‘16 by Fred Rea/Lloyd Gorman
Dublin songwriter Pete St John has penned many songs in his time some of which have gone on to become classic anthems that resonate with Irish people - from a single individual to a stadium filled with green shirts - everywhere in the world. When the old historic buildings in Dublin were being torn down and disappearing because of developers he wrote ‘The Rare Ould Times” a song that Dubs hold dear to their hearts: “The pillar and the Met have gone, the Royal long since pulled down, and the grey unyielding concrete makes a city of my town”. The Ferryman -sometimes also called Strawberry Fields - was written to mark the end of a 320 year tradition of the Liffey Ferry in October 1984 and has endured in the hearts and minds of denizens of the capital city. His ballad about a famine victim being transported to Australia in ‘The Fields of Athenry’…. “Against the famine and the crown I rebelled, they ran me down….” is Ireland’s answer to ‘Waltzing Matilda’ in terms of its popularity at international sporting events. Pete has also used his song writing
prowess to champion good causes such road safety. Another Pete St John song will form the ‘The March To Dublin’ for this years St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin - a privilege for any artist but there is an even greater honour this thought provoking Dub hopes to claim. His latest song ‘Ram-Dee-Da’ is a tribute to the men - and in particular women - who took part in the Easter Rising, a historic event being commemorated 100 years later that led to the formation of modern day - and free - Ireland. He hopes the lyrics to his latest song captures the spirit of the occasion and in turn becomes another national bad Irish Scene publisher Fred Rea got an early and exclusive insight into the new song during a visit back to Ireland in August 2015. “During my trip, Lilly and I were again warmly welcomed to Dublin by Pete St John,” said Fred. “Pete never ceases to amaze me with his enthusiasm and energy and age has not slowed him down. Pete was kind enough to arrange a front seat for me at the O’Donovan Rossa Commemoration in Glasnevin
Visit and hear Pete’s Songs for ‘16
www.outin16.com 4
Cemetery and the opportunity to meet his many fine acquaintances in the Irish music and political scene. Over lunch at his favourite place for entertaining he introduced me to Tara Tansey and her song ‘Ram-Dee-Da’,” Fred added, “The name Tara Tansey lives on in the mythical stories of another time, a time when Ireland, under English rule, witnessed social unrest and the call for national independence was continually ignored,” Pete told me, said Fred. “Tara Tansey was a young woman in Dublin in the year 1916. Political platforms were falling apart for its people, and armed rebellion was in the wind. A small group of rebel Irish men and women committed themselves to the planning and execution of an armed rebellion at
Ram-Dee-Da @ Pete St John
Tara Tansey lived her dream In the Rising of ’16 At Easter time 100 years ago!! When she answered Ireland’s call As a rebel, rise or fall In gunfire at the Dublin GPO!! And the Ram-Dee-Da she wore Was a scarf like none before Honouring the spirit of ‘16 And her fiddle graced the morn With the new Rebublic born And its proclamation set the scene!! Ram-Dee-Da !! Ram-Dee-Da!! Everybody wave your Ram-Dee-Da!! It’s a symbol of the free Uniting You and Me Here’s to Ireland and the freedom Ram-Dee-Da!! So beyond all right or wrong Let us honour them in song The rebel men and women of ’16 Led by Pearse and Connolly Fought and died for liberty We remember when we wave the Ram-Dee-Da!! If you love old Ireland Then shake your neigbour’s hand And everybody wave your Ram-Dee-Da!! It’s a symbol of the free Uniting you and me Here’s to Ireland and the ould Ram-Dee-Da!!
Easter time 1916. Tara became one of them. Always wearing a very special scarf in the colours green, white, and orange, this fiddle playing musician melted easily into the ranks of fenian Tom Clarke’s patriotic group. Her total admiration of the courage and principles of the rebel women, like Hanna Skeffington and Countess Markievicz, drew Tara deeper and deeper into the cause of the 1916 Easter Rising.” She joined James Connolly’s Volunteer Army and learned the basics of soldiering and took part in secret meetings of the rebel group. “Her special scarf and fiddle became the accepted apparel of this new female rebel from the west of Ireland,” Pete told Fred. “At the Pearse brothers’ St. Enda’s School in Rathfarnham, Tara often played her solo version of the Fenian Wearing of the Green song for the student gatherings. When asked about the significance of her special scarf she would simply smile and say Ram-Dee-Da, leaving the listener to wonder about the
secret meaning in its name.” “Pete said the idea of armed aggression would have been far from Tara’s mind in the early years when her family’s fireside evenings were filled with stories of Henry Gratton’s nonviolent plans to repeal the Penal Laws of the 1770s. “Her support in her time of the luckless John Redmond changed following England’s repeated broken promises to Ireland on the question of Independence. The simple rise or fall calling of the Padraig Pearse rebellion won her heart and soul. The rest is history and its attendant mythologies but there is a story that at the moment Padraig Pearse stepped forward to read the new Proclamation outside the Dublin GPO on that fateful Easter Monday morning 1916, the strains of Tara Tansey’s haunting fiddle solo were heard within the building in honour of the new Republic. It was a major moment in Irish history and resulted in giving the Irish people the sovereign, but partitioned, Republic we live in today.”
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A year to remember
A wide ranging and extensive programme of events and activities has been planned for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising across Ireland and the world, including several in Perth and other parts of Australia. Commemorations officially started on January 1st in Dublin Castle. Members of the Irish Defence Forces read a Roll of Honour of the volunteers killed in the Rising. Amongst the VIPs and guests at the event were relatives of those who lost their lives. This roll call will precede a special flag raising ceremony. The three flags which were flown on O’Connell Street in Easter 1916 – the Irish Citizens Army flag which was flown from the Imperial Hotel on O’Connell Street, the Irish Republican flag and the National flag, which were both flown from the GPO - will be raised once again. Irish Scene will bring you stories from Ireland and WA about upcoming events and stories connected to the 1916 Rising.
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...off to Dublin for 1916 Dermot Byrne commemoration and Paschal Clarke
From all over the world, many people from the Irish diaspora will be heading to Ireland for the Easter 1916 centenary commemorations. I want to tell you about two special mates who will be making the journey, Dermot Byrne and Paschal Clarke. Dermot you will know well as our quiz man in the Irish Scene and Paschal Clarke who is bringing with him a very special gift for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh who happens to be Paschal’s niece. Paschal, a fluent Irish speaker told me that the Lord Mayor’s brother Sean was his best friend growing up in Dublin and they even tied first place at a Gaelic speaking at a Feis Átha Cliath. “We were both 18 at the time”. Paschal said that the Lord Mayor’s sister Noleen is his mother and he also had a lifelong friendship with her father. Paschal has been in Australia for the last 48 years and arrived in Australia with his wife Margaret soon after they married. Sadly Margaret passed away three years ago. “She knew you too” Paschal said, “She used to go to listen to the Irish bands around Perth in the early 70’s, including Mulligan’s on Milligan Street”. I joined local Irish band The Quarefellas soon after Mulligan’s but Paschal and Margaret followed the band at various venues. Paschal added “I remember well The Briar Patch with Mick McAuley and Sean Roche they were happy days!” Paschal was a supporter of the
republican movement in Ireland from a very early age. “I was a member of Na Fianna, the youth movement”. This is not Paschal’s first trip home he told me. “Myself and Dermot went last year, and the year before that”. I didn’t mention that the two boys are both in their 84th year and this trip is really special. “I don’t think I will be making many more trips so this one is special, catching up with family and commemorating 1916 are both very close to my heart”. The trip has also be very special for Paschal, as mentioned earlier he is bringing a gift for his niece, the Lord Mayor. Dermot said, “When I was immigrating to Australia a judge, Justice Molony gifted me a beautiful piece of Waterford crystal and I saw a similar piece presented at the French women’s tennis open some years ago”. Unlike the tennis piece Paschal added that his piece was made in Waterford as Waterford crystal is closed in Ireland now. “The French one was made in Germany”. Justice Molony was the last of the Sinn Fein appointed judges and Paschal felt that it was the right thing to do, to return it to Ireland especially to his niece, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, a member of the Sinn Fein political party. “I wanted it to go back to her and I think it’s appropriate”. He had intended taking it back in a back pack but Vince Gallagher of Australian Air Transport will help transport it to Dublin. “It will be a
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That special piece of Waterford Crystal load off my mind if Vince helps out”. I have no doubt that the two lads will not have to swag the piece back to Dublin, Vince will sort out. I was wondering how far back the two lads go? Paschal filled me in, “Dermot and I went to the same school in Dublin, Brunswick Street Christian Brothers. I never met him there and we even worked in England on the same job and didn’t know”. Paschal added that they were both into athletics in their youth, Dermot a cyclist and Paschal a runner. “We both went to the same sports meetings in Galway in a place called Moylough. By the way, back in 2012, in honour of all the athletes, cyclists and organisers involved with Laught Sports over the years it has been decided to commemorate the sports by erecting a plaque at the entrance to the sports field. “We
never met until 1985 when Dermot came to Australia and we both happened to be at the same party in Lesmurdie. Would you believe we lived within a quarter of a mile of each other in Dublin and still never met”? I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when they eventually met. The conversation would have been priceless. Iconic Irish TV and radio presenter Paddy Crosby’s well known show “The School Around the Corner” saw him talking with Irish school kids and is now a very important part of Irish broadcasting history. Paschal said he likes travelling with Dermot as they get on very well together; they have so much in common helps I suppose. “He is a pleasure to be with and never any problem”. They both attended the recent Claddagh senior’s lunch at the Mighty Quinn and following the event, which lasted three hours, took a bus into Perth and went to local Irish pub, An Sibin for a few pints, and remember they are 84 years old, unbelievable! Paschal father was very much part of the Republican Movement in Ireland early in the 1900’s. “My father was in Mountjoy prison in Dublin when Thomas Whelan (Left) (5 October
The Shawl of Galway Grey Twas short the night we parted Too quickly came the day When silent, broken hearted I went from you away The dawn was brightening o’er Glenrue As stole the stars away The last fond look I caught of you And your shawl of Galway Grey
Thomas Whelan and his comrades in Glasnevin
1898 – 14 March 1921) was one of six men executed in Mountjoy Prison on 14 March 1921. Whelan was just 22 years old at the time of his death. Paschal’s father was 16. “Whelan from Clifden in County Galway, sang a song for his mother on the night he was executed, The Shawl of Galway Grey” and used to sing that song and never sang any other song for the rest of his life”. If you ever go to Clifden you will find a memorial to Thomas Whelan. Paschal proudly added, “My father was one of the people who instigated the erection of that memorial in memory of Thomas Whelan”.
There were eye-witnesses at Whelan’s trial who swore he was at Mass in Ringsend, Dublin, when the killing for which he was charged took place. The judge decided that the witnesses, which included a priest, could not be credible simply because they were Catholic and therefore could not possibly be impartial. He is buried at Gasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Paschal Clarke is really looking forward to this trip. “I am counting the days you know and doing the trip with Dermot makes it all that more special”. So readers you will understand why Paschal is determined to make this trip with his good mate Dermot. When he hands over the Waterford piece it will be with an immense sense of pride that he and his family are very much part of the events around 1916 and the commemoration.
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Mick McAuley Tribute Night Mick says thanks.... Mick McAuley and daughter Brenda have asked that we pass on their sincere thanks to all those who supported the night for Mick at the Irish Club. To Mick Murray and the past members of Shamrock Rovers, Mick appreciates your support. To all the musicians who gave their time and to The Irish Club who made the premises available for the event, thank you. Mick and his son-in-law Steve have been doing it tough but they are very positive and we pray and hope that 2016 will be a much better year for them.
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(Part One)
by Peter Conole
Of the five men of Irish birth and ancestry who served as governors of Western Australia until 1901, the year of Federation, one in particular stands out in terms of sheer scope and extent of achievement. He was Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, three times Governor of WA and perhaps the most experienced of all our colonial administrators. Robinson was a founding father of the Federation of Canada and as Governor here he presided over the introduction of responsible government in 1890. As a private man he was a talented musician and composer who did much to expand the scope of cultural life in the Australian colonies. One could be forgiven for imagining the deity had generously endowed this Robinson family gene pool as the history of the line is rather special. It begins with an obscure Dublin man named Bryan Robinson, born in the early 1600s. An idea the Robinsons were of English origin should be rejected, for Bryan (or Brian) is a hugely common Gaelic personal name and Robinson (MacRoibin, son of Robert) is a not uncommon Irish family name. A recent President of Ireland would say as much. Bryan’s son was a Dublin physician, Dr Christopher Robinson (1647-1688). The latter’s son
Bryan the Younger made in his youth the decision to convert to the Church of Ireland. That was an ‘open sesame’ move for talented Irish folk in those times. The lad emerged as Professor Bryan Robinson (1682-1754) of King’s College, Dublin, a disciple of Isaac Newton and a great physician, scientist and writer of the Age of Enlightenment - a veritable European prince of scholars in that era. His son Christopher Robinson (1716-1787) chose the law for advancement. After study in Dublin and London he rose in glory to be a King’s Council, 2nd Judge of the King’s Bench in Ireland and a Member of Parliament for Kilkenny. The latter’s son was yet another Christopher Robinson (17611837), a clergyman who served as the Rector of parishes in Cork and Longford before retiring to Dublin. He fathered the formidable Hercules Robinson (1789-1864), who at the age of eleven entered the Royal Navy as a gentleman volunteer and served at the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. He rose to lieutenant in 1807 and commanded the 18-gun sloop ‘Prometheus’ from 1809. The young officer was a fine seaman
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and fighter: his vessel emerged victorious in ship-on-ship duels with the French, Danes and Americans over the next few years. Hercules won promotion to captain in
June 1814. He later commanded a frigate for four years, but the great wars of the Napoleonic Age were over and long years as a retired officer on half-pay awaited him. Hercules married Francis Elizabeth Wood of Rosmead in Westmeath, raised a family of talented and ambitious children and held public office at county level. He served as High Sheriff and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Westmeath and was made a Rear Admiral (on the retired list) in the 1850s. The Naval Chronicle described him as an “an officer of the Nelson school” and when his book ‘Sea Drift’ (1858) was published Dublin critics hailed it as ‘’a volume of yarns and memories of the greatest interest.” The Admiral’s most prominent son was Lord Hercules Robinson (1824-1897), 1st Baron Rosmead, who made his mark in Irish Famine relief work between 1846 to 1848. He then served as the Governor of eight colonies in turn (Including New South Wales and New Zealand) and capped off his career by sorting out various problems as a High Commissioner and Governor in South Africa during the late 1800s. One of his brothers was another naval officer, Vice Admiral Frederick Robinson (1830-1897). His youngest brother William Robinson, the fourth son of the Admiral and the focus of this series, was born at Rosmead on January 14, 1834. He was educated in Westmeath and at the Royal Naval School in Surrey, but came to realise a military or naval career would not suit him. The young man was tall, slightly built and both quiet and shy by nature. For all that he was good natured and popular, had the common touch and was blessed with a high-powered intellect. His great passion for music proved
to be a key factor in his private life – and often spilled over into the public sphere. In short, from the 1860s onwards his private dabbling in music had public outcomes. Robinson developed into a popular composer of drawing room songs, ballads and hymns, plus orchestral and choral pieces and even opera. The strangest thing is that his impact as a musician was most strongly felt here. As one writer stated in 1973:”no other composer in Western Australian history can claim to have had his work listened to by so many people’’. As an aside it is worth noting that William may have been related to the then famous Robinson musical family of Dublin. Five of them made their marks in Irish cultural life. Composer Joseph Robinson (18151898) founded the Dublin Musical Society and co-founded the Royal Irish Academy of Music. However, most of William Robinson’s musical activity lay in the future. In 1855 he entered civil service as the private secretary of his elder brother, Hercules Robinson, Governor of St Kitts in the West Indies from that year. William went with his sibling to carry out the same functions when Hercules was Governor of Hong Kong in the troubled years from 1859 onwards, during which Britain waged a victorious but messy war against Imperial China. William received his first postings as a vice-regal official in the West Indian islands. He operated as the Administrator of Montserrat from 1862, then of Dominica during a brief spell in 1865-1866. He took
time out between those postings to woo and marry (in April 1862) the glamorous Olivia, daughter of Bishop Thomas Townshend of Meath. Olivia turned out to be a fine, supportive first lady from one far-flung imperial province to another and
the couple raised a family of three sons and two daughters. The young woman’s fortitude and patience were tested to the limit in 1866, likewise William’s, when he was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Falkland Islands. Then as now the islands were disputed territory and both badly under-populated and poorly resourced. For any Governor just to endure was a triumph and William managed it, although he noted in later years that the Falklands were “a remote settlement at the fag end of the World”. An even more challenging posting came William Robinson’s way in July 1870 when he was despatched
Government House at Stanley in the Falkland Islands
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to preside as Governor of Prince Edward Island, close to the east coast of Canada. The place was already at the centre of high level intrigues and debates as to whether it would join with the rest of the Canadian provinces in a united federation. Robinson’s job was to help make it happen and - although this may sound cynical - he was able to use personal charm and certain local financial problems to deliver a result. Back in London Lord Kimberley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, worked closely with William on the project. Premier James Pope of Prince Edward Island passed a Railway Act in March 1871 and building began on a major line through the island. Costs and debts soared while Robinson bided his time and quietly negotiated about unification matters. By late 1872 it was obvious the island could not bear the expense and the new Premier, Robert Haythorne, agreed to start talks with the Canadians in February 1873. Robinson was supportive and helped convince local politicians that only union could save the island’s economy and ensure its security. He was right on both counts. The incoming Premier - again James Pope - agreed and as a result of these assorted transactions Prince Edward Island entered the Canadian confederation on July 1, 1873. Everybody was pleased with William Robinson and he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the same year. He served briefly as Governor of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean during 1874, but by then the Colonial Office in London had ear-marked him to sort out another potential trouble spot. It was WA, of all places, and Robinson certainly discovered that work could be very complicated in our far corner of the world. He was appointed Governor of Western Australia on November 14, 1874. Robinson embarked on the ‘Georgette’, along with his family, and arrived in the colony to take up his duties on January 11, 1875.
Perth’s Original Irish Pub The Fenian Brotherhood was an Irish republican organisation founded in the United States in 1858 by John O’Mahony and Michael Doheny. It was a precursor to Clan na Gael, a sister organisation to the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Members were commonly known as “Fenians”.
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Novotel Perth Langley - 221 Adelaide Terrace T. 9425 1634 • E: h1764-fb2@accor.com • www.novotelperthlangley.com.au 12
Christmas songs at The Quinn!
Mighty Quinn 112 Wanneroo Road, Tuart Hill
9349 9600 Entertainment Guide & Specials Mon: Mighty Monday Curry Specials $19.50 Tues: Chicken Parmigiana Night $18.00 Wed: Quiz Night (Free entry, giveaways & cash prizes) Quiz starts 8pm – 10pm + Steak Night : Porterhouse Steak with chips & salad garnish for only $13.90 Thurs: Pasta Night $18.00 Fri: The Mighty Slider Night $18.50 Friday nights Jonnie Reid 7pm-11pm Sat: Surf & Turf Night $34.00 Porterhouse Steak served with Crumbed Prawns, Chips, Salad & your choice of sauce. Saturday Nights: Lost Backpackers play 2, 16 & 30 January & 13 & 27 February Bryan Dalton plays 9 & 23 January & 6 & 20 February
SUNDAYS AT THE MIGHTY QUINN Roast dinner with potato & vegetables $17.00 Sunday Entertainment: Jonny Reid 3-6pm Bryan Dalton 6-10pm
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Easter Commemoration Digest SPECIAL CENTENARY EDITION 1916-2016
The story of Ireland’s fight for independence - told by those who took part in this pivotal moment in Ireland’s struggle for freedom in 1916. 192pp
Insight into 1916 happenings
www.easterdigest.ie POST & PACKING -
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and one of the last interviews given before she died given by Senator Margaret Pearse. Also specially commissioned for the Centenary Edition are articles on Michael Collins ‘The Michael Collins Cover-Up!’, the story of Margaret Skinnider, the only female combatant wounded in 1916; ‘The Attack on the GPO’, a detailed account of how the IRA took over the GPO, and others. While there may be other publications for the Centenary, this it is fair to say that none will come with the pedigree of the Easter Commemoration Digest. The Easter Commemoration Digest publication will be a great companion, and will give a great insight on the happenings in Ireland in the year of 1916. (see advert above for ordering details).
T
he Easter Commemoration Digest is a publication devoted to celebrating the Easter Rising of 1916 and has been published many times since its first edition in 1959. It is published by Graphic Publications, a publishing company started by Seán McBrinn, who is today the publisher of the 2016 Centenary edition. Back in 1959 the Digest was edited by Seán’s father Patrick McBrinn. The Easter Commemoration Digest was successfully published Taoiseach, Enda Kenny at every year until 1974. In launch with Seán McBrinn that year Patrick McBrinn was asked by Professor Al McAloon of the Rhode Island Irish Society to give a series of lectures to a number of U.S. During his consequent visit to the U.S., he had a serious accident from which he never fully recovered. He died later that year. As 2016 approached Seán McBrinn was encouraged by family and friends to bring out a special edition to celebrate the extraordinary events of 100 years ago, and as a testament to the memory of his father. Thus the present edition of the Easter Commemoration Digest came into being and has now just been published. The current Easter Commemoration Digest runs to 192 pages and contains some 37 articles and dozens of illustrations. Many of these are original and specially commissioned for this Centenary edition; also included are reprints of outstanding note from editions published over the decades. All relate to the 1916 Rising, both the background context, the actual Rising itself, and the events that took place in the years immediately following. Among the articles of particular note in the Digest are one by Seán Harling, who was courier to Éamon de Valera and who had an intimate knowledge of what was happening, Pádraig O’Hanrahan’s account of the Fianna, together with some original poems and watercolours,
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WA’s first choice when it comes to sound migration advice
Western Australia – Demand for Skilled Workers still Strong Despite what the newspapers say, the need for skilled workers is still strong in Western Australia! We might not need so many accountants, engineers or building professionals right now, but we certainly need:
and reliable skilled workers from overseas for temporary and permanent residence visas. We are in contact with many of those businesses.
• Childcare Centre Managers (usually Degree qualified) and Group Leaders (usually Diploma qualified) are in BIG demand! • Construction Trades (especially in the commercial sector) • Electricians, electrotechnology and electrical engineering trades • Hairdressers (Definitely top of my list!!!!!! ) • Hospitality professionals, which still includes cooks and chefs, experienced bar, hotel, cafe and restaurant managers. • Mechanics and automotive electricians (cars, motorbikes and trucks) • Nurses as well as a wide range of other medical professionals • Teachers (especially math, science and special needs teachers) • Telecommunications trades (cablers, cable jointers, telecom techs etc.) • Veterinary Nurses (especially those willing to work in regional areas) Many employers are struggling to find quality candidates for the positions they are advertising. On average, an employer will receive 13 to 14 applications for each job advertised. The majority of applicants are usually unsuitable (no qualifications, no work experience, rubbish CV etc.) and of those invited for an interview, many can’t be bothered to rock up on time or at all! This is why so many Australian businesses are still keen to nominate (sponsor) capable, hardworking
The WA State Government has it’s own “hit list” of priority occupations and if you have an occupation on that list and you can meet certain requirements, the WA State government may offer you State nomination for the 190 or 489 visa. Each visa has a slightly different set of rules; you will not be tied to a particular employer but you will be expected to live and work in WA for at least 2 years from visa grant, but hey … where else would you want to live? Where else can you live at home and snorkel in the sparkling blue Indian Ocean every morning during Christmas and New Year holidays, like we did this year? Where else can you hop in your car and arrive at a fabulous winery in less than 30 minutes, like we did in 2015 … many, many times! Where else do you have unlimited free access to incredible open spaces like Kings Park? WA really takes some beating! If you would like more information about employment and sponsorship opportunities in WA or if you would like to discuss your eligibility to apply for a WA State nominated visa (or any other visa for that matter), please feel free to give me a ring on (08) 9429 8860 or if you prefer, you can complete the online visa assessment form on our website – www.easivisa. com - and I’ll call you!
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2016! Carol-Ann Lynch and the team at Easivisa
Carol-Ann P. Lynch LLB MMIA Principal Registered Migration Agent O: +61 8 9429 8860 E: carol-ann@easivisa.com A: Suite 5, 19 – 21 Outram Street, West Perth, WA 6005 Phone our team of experienced migration professionals for a FREE FIRST CONSULTATION
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2016 ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL WA
St Patrick’s Festival organises and manages a free community family fun day each year on or around St Patrick’s Day (17th March).
Tug of War event proudly sponsored by Danmar Homes will be held in January and the finals to be held on March 13th at the event itself. Golf day will be a great event for people to participate in. Date to be confirmed.
Parade Theme
This year’s theme, ‘Let’s Make History’ draws on ‘past Irish history’ asking the question, ‘who were our ancestors over the past 100 years? We have decided on a multiyear theme and narrative of ‘past, present and future’ for the next three years. As everyone is aware this year marks a massive milestone in Irish history celebrating 100 years since the 1916 rising in Ireland. Fundraising Events Gala Ball being held in the Parmelia Hilton on the 13th of February. White Collar Boxing fundraiser. This will be held on the 4th of March and will be run with Ringside Boxing club here in Perth.
This month’s guest is Michael Doyle, popular manager of The Mighty Quinn tavern. Michael has travelled through every county in Ireland and his family came from County Wicklow. The family went to Chicago first and then Perth. Michael says he is very happy to be here. 1.) What was your first job? Worked for the family business, builders. 2.) Do you have an iPhone or laptop? Both. They come in handy sometimes. 3.) What has been the best year of your life? 1970 was a pretty important year for me. 4.) What is your favourite sport & sporting hero? Sport - Dog Sled Racing / Sporting Hero - Balto the Siberian Husky 5.) What is your favourite song & singer? The Bird / The Watchmen (1963) 6.) What is your earliest childhood memory? Watching The Banana Splits Adventure Hour on Saturday mornings.
with Synnott
Michael Doyle
We Need your Help
This parade and family fun day will not be possible without funding and support from the community. Our leading media sponsor The Sunday Times provides great advertising opportunities for all sponsors of the event. Being a new committee we need your help more than ever. Big thanks to the sponsors already onboard. If you would like to become a sponsor get in touch with
Rachel Rafferty rachel@stpatricksfestivalwa.com
7.) What is the best TV program & why? H.R. Pufnstuff. Because who wouldn’t like a show with a Hillbilly Dragon, Talking Flute & a Witch with a rocket powered broom. 8.) Do you use social media & if so which one? Yes, Facebook is handy to talk to family & friends at home & overseas. 9.) If you could be anyone famous for a day, who would it be? Neil Armstrong (Astronaut) but only on July 21, 1969. The day he walked on the moon. 10.) What are you most afraid of, or who? Peppermint Tea. 11.) Where do you get your news from? The Internet & The Irish Scene. 12.) Who is your favourite actor & film? Actor: Willem Dafoe / Film: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 13.) If there was one place on Earth you could visit, where would it be? Antarctica.
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ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL QUIZ NIGHT AT THE IRISH CLUB OF WA
James Bell Foundation Fundraiser at The Cure Irish Pub, Perth 19
ELIAS - A PROLOGUE by Lawrence Clarke During late nineteenth century Ulster, those living in poverty, or near to that state, apart from the odd exception, were little more than a few steps removed from being primitive. At least that was the opinion expressed occasionally by the head of one struggling family, even as the province was entering a golden phase in its development. The Stewart family of Cavehill lived their lives around a time when Ireland’s beleaguered population had all but recovered from the devastation caused by a food and disease crisis so great, it almost halved the inhabitants and all but changed the course of Irish history. Shipbuilding, linen and rope manufacturing, along with many other industries, were forging ahead, making certain sections of the province’s populace the richest in Ireland. For those lower on the scale, it meant more jobs, better education facilities and a medical system designed to cope with the needs of the ordinary people after the struggles of the 1830’s through to the end of the 1860’s. The side effects from the potato crop failures of 1830, 1831,1835,1836 and 1837 were overwhelming enough but nowhere near as devastating as the appearance of Phytophthora infestans, a tenacious, inexorable, microscopic fungus which struck with lethal force during the Summer of 1846. By 1885, when the blight had been all but conquered, poverty and disease in the slums still persisted as serious problems. Weather in Ulster varies from year to year because of cold Artic fronts clashing with warmer, temperate air moving north off the Atlantic. These fronts meet around the area of the Midlands, or further north or south when variations occur in the strength, location and temperature of the Gulf Stream Drift. The conditions
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also affect Ireland, especially Ulster. In a Northern Irish Summer, there may be long, dry spells and sunshine during some years and in other years, rain, rain and more rain. The other seasons are also inconstant in what nature inflicts upon the small population. For instance, The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold aptly describes the ferocious, late Autumn winds which cross the summit of Ben Madigan and descend on north-east Belfast, bringing with them a bone-cold, drenching rain. As it has from time immemorial, the ancient hill chain, either side of The Napoleon’s Nose, is said to create mini weather systems and foist them on the area below. November puts the proof to that claim. By 1885, most of the Cavehill deer forest had been cut down and of the many there had once been, only a few cottages remained, dotted around the lower slopes. The health reformer, Andrew Malcom, had stated, earlier in the century (1852, to be precise), that the people of Belfast needed parks and open-air recreation areas for the sake of their well being. For a century or more, especially at Easter and during Spring and Summer Sundays, many of the population used the slopes of the Cavehill to recreate - the north-east end of Queens Island had also been used as an open air park, complete with a crystal palace which burned down, suspiciously, in 1864. Harland and Wolff then took over all of Queens Island in the late 1870’s and another park was gone. Although The Belfast Botanical Gardens wasn’t made free to the public until 1895, a decade earlier people were already using it. Gradually, the crowds flocking to the Cavehill thinned until, by the middle of the 80’s, it was mainly local people who walked the slopes and forest below McArts Fort (known
locally as Napoleon’s Nose). In the late nineteenth century, the Shaftesbury Cavehill lands contained great variations of nature; heather moorland and what remained of the forested areas dominated the lower slopes while rocky outcrops looked down from above. The forest trees were mostly deciduous, consisting mainly of birch, ash, beech and pine. Bushes included blackberry, various ferns, hazel and hawthorn trees. Wild flowers comprising bluebells, anemones, various herb species and primroses grew in the forest and in some areas populated the open land to the edge of human habitation. The fertile land supported local wildlife such as foxes, squirrels and rabbits, with the odd sightings of badgers and wild rodents. On the wing, raptors, Owls and Hawks, lived by hunting the many species of birds around and in the afforested areas. Further along the escarpment, heather dominated the upper and lower slopes of the hill. Plans had been made and the rising land immediately above Ballysillan was being marked out and surveyed for the future installation of roads and building lots. At their elevation, the occupants of the cottages had a reasonably unobstructed view of Belfast Lough named Loch Lao by early, local Celts, a name meaning ‘sea inlet of the calf’. The River Lagan (also Abhainn an Lagáin, ‘river of the low-lying district’) which flows into the lough, was also partly visible from the slopes at that time but, in coming years, the view would be confined to the higher slopes of Ben Madigan. The nearest north-running trafficable byway was that which ran towards the high ground from the Antrim Road and, in keeping with the locale, it was named the Cavehill Road, laid in the years surrounding 1873. It stopped at the new Ballysillan Road junction and a cart track continued the climb, passing beyond a viaduct styled bridge up to where the cottages were situated. The Ballysillan went west all the way to intersect with a byway leading north towards the village of Crumlin. In 1885, Train lines ran east to west on high ground, above the last of the cottages, originating from a limestone quarry, turned south and followed the cart track back under the viaduct and, following the Cavehill Road, went all the way to the increasingly busy dock area. The Chichester family, the Earls and Marquises of Donegal, had been intimately connected with the growth and development of Belfast for over 250 years. The fourth Earl died childless in 1757, and the title passed to his nephew. The fifth Earl was created the peer Baron Fisherwick in 1790, and was also granted the additional title of Marquis of Donegal in 1791. His influence over Belfast was positive and he carefully controlled the town. Leases were granted which obliged tenants to build houses of a particular quality and style. He also made small plots of land available to poor people on the outskirts of the city. He funded the Poor
House, paid for the White Linen Hall and helped to fund the Lagan Canal. The fifth Earl died in 1799. George Augustus, the second Marquis of Donegal, was born in London in 1769 and died in 1844. Constantly in financial difficulties despite an annual income of £30,000, he was released from debtors’ prison by Sir Edward May, a moneylender who also ran a gaming house. May then offered his daughter Anna in marriage, an offer that Donegal could hardly refuse. The couple came to Belfast in 1802, again to escape his creditors, and brought the May family with them. They lived in a large house in the town’s Donegal Place. In 1807, the family moved to the second Belfast Castle at Ormeau. Donegal’s debts were now enormous, about £250,000. However, he continued his father’s policy of public benevolence, providing land for, among others, the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and the Gasworks. In 1818, Donegal arranged for his eldest son George Hamilton to marry a daughter of the Earl of Shaftesbury, one of the richest men in England. A week before the ceremony, Shaftesbury learned that Donegal had never been properly married and that George Hamilton was therefore illegitimate. (Anna May had been underage at the time of her marriage and should have had the permission of the courts in 1795.) The marriage to Shaftesbury’s daughter was abandoned. Three years later, a parliamentary change to the marriage law legitimised George Hamilton, who married Harriet, daughter of the Earl of Glengall in 1822, and succeeded to the title as third Marquis of Donegal in 1844. However, the burden of inherited debt plagued the third Marquis. Practically the whole of the town of Belfast was gradually sold off and the only lands left to Donegal were Ormeau and the deer park on the slopes of the Cave Hill. The third Marquis decided to build a new home. WH Lynn of the firm Lanyon and Lynn was commissioned to design the building in fashionable Scottish Baronial style, and Belfast Castle was completed in 1870 at Cave Hill. The third Marquis also succeeded where his father had failed in allying the Donegal family to the Shaftesbury lineage. His daughter Harriet married Lord Ashley, eldest son of the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury, in 1862 and restored the family fortunes. Harriet inherited the estate but not the title, and Belfast Castle became part of the Shaftesbury estates when the third Marquis died in 1883. Lawrence Clarke Principal at LITedit dip. English and English Lit. www.belfast68.com lawrenceclarke@y7mail.com http://www.skillpages.com/lawrenceclarke Phone 92474371 Mobile 0437863577 21
Black for the last time MARY
Exactly forty years after she first toured Europe with General Humbert, a small folk band in 1975, and 11 albums later, Dublin singer Mary Black is preparing for her final overseas tour. “The Last Call’ Australian tour begins in Perth with a performance at the Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley on March 6, 2016. She will be touring her latest album ‘Down the Crooked Road’ and from Perth she’ll be going on a gruelling itinerary to perform at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on 10 March, Port Fairy Folk Music Festival on 12 & 13 March, QPAC in Brisbane on 15 March, The Capri Theatre in Adelaide on March 16, The Forum in Melbourne on 17 March and The Blue Mountains Folk Festival on 19 & 20 March. The last time the ‘No Frontiers’ singer toured Australia was 2011. On that Australian tour, which saw fans wait six years since the previous trip, the supernova of song as she has been called performed a concert at the Quarry Amphitheatre in City Beach, Cambridge. On that occasion she had only just been released from hospital shortly before the concert and got on stage with a broken wrist. The fact her daughter Róisín O played with her at that event as a support act may have been of great comfort to her in that difficult time. Black described her feelings about the tour in a message posted on her website last year: “Music has been so good to me I’ve loved touring the world for the last 30 years ... I have made so many friends and have countless fond memories from different corners of the globe. So to my fans everywhere I’d like to
thank you and let you know that I hope to get back again to all my favourite places in 2016, for one final tour – ‘The Last Call.’ Le gach dea-ghuí (with every good wish/ prayer).” If this is the last time that Perth is to witness a performance by Mary, then it at least may not be the last time a Black entertains local audiences. Her son Danny (O’Reilly) is a singer with Dublin rock group The Coronas. Formed in about 2007 they made their first Australian tour in February 2014, playing a sold out gig in Perth, as well as in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney over four days. Much more recently (December 5, 2015) they returned Down Under, including a performance at the Metropolis in Fremantle. There may be a memoir type quality to Mary Black’s ‘Down the Crooked Road’ album. It shares the
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name of her 2014 autobiography which offers some funny and honest insights into a life and musical career that includes being a member of Clannad and has seen her work as a solo artist with some of the greatest names in the business, including Van Morrison, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Imelda May. Black, like her sister Frances who also went on to carve out a successful place for herself in the music world, comes from a family steeped in traditional Irish music, with her father being a fiddle player from Rathlin Island. The Dublin family spend most of their time in Kerry, where of course they
are constantly exposed to the influence of Ireland’s indigenous music. Like any great artist, Black has taken all these and other influences and infuses them into her work. Unless you happen to be lucky enough to catch a concert of hers in Dublin or somewhere else in Ireland this could be your last chance to experience her brand of singing live if you live here. You have been warned.
2016 NATIONAL TOUR DATES:
Tue 8 March - Astor Theatre, Perth WA Thu 10 March - Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW Sat 12 & Sun 13 March - Port Fairy Folk Festival VIC Tue 15 March - QPAC, Brisbane QLD Wed 16 March - The Capri Theatre, Adelaide SA Thu 17 March - The Forum, Melbourne VIC Sat 19 & Sun 20 March - Blue Mountains Festival NSW
THE
LAST CALL AUSTRALIA
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There is no way in which we can retrospectively erase the Treaty of Vienna or the Great Irish Famine. It is a peculiar feature of human actions that, once performed, they can never be recuperated. What is true of the past will always be true of it. Terry Eagleton
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Ireland Western Australian Forum Promoting business, professional and cultural links between Ireland and Western Australia The Ireland Western Australian Forum (IWAF) hosted a very successful lunchtime networking event on the 20th November 2015 at the Parmelia Hilton Perth. The theme of the event was ‘The New Perth Stadium – The Construction Story’.
Marty Kavanagh - Honorary Consul of Ireland, was MC for proceedings with guest speakers Bill McEvoy (Brookfield Multiplex) and Paul Buckie (Civmec).Bill McEvoy has recently been promoted as Brookfield Multiplex’s Engineering and Infrastructure Project Director at the New Perth Stadium. Bill spoke about the stadiums progress to date and some of the new technologies which are in use at the Stadium. Paul Buckie is Civmec’s Project Manager at the new Perth stadium, Paul spoke about Civmec’s procedures which are put into practice during the manufacture, transport and erection of all the structural steel at the New Perth Stadium. Both Speeches were very informative and well received while a full house enjoyed a two course lunch. Attendee’s had an opportunity to network and chat with the speakers after the event. IWAF’s upcoming events will firstly be a sundowner held on Thursday 11th February followed by an official event held on St Patrick’s day. Both events will be posted on the IWAF website once details have been confirmed : www.irelandwaforum.org
Lunchtime Networking Event at the Parmelia Hilton.
Nick McNamara
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 24
Under the Influence
saronbeauty@hotmail.com Like Us on Facebook Opening hours: 9-5.30 on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9- 7.30 on a Thursday and 9-4 on a Saturday.
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ounded by a group of Benedictine monks in 1851 it takes its name after the Italian birthplace of their Order but the suburb of Subiaco also has deep Irish roots and modern day connections to that heritage. The Irish story of Subiaco will be told as part of a walking tour of the area, planned for Sunday, March 13, 2016. “The Irish community played an important role in the development of Subiaco,” a flyer for the free Subi on Sunday event states. “Learn about the lesser known Irish connections associated with the city’s street names, Market Square, the monastery at New Subiaco and more.” Subi on Sunday is a council backed scheme now in its 14th year of connecting locals and visitors to the place with its rich past. The tour which should last about 90 minutes starts (and finishes) at the fountain, Subiaco Square Road, at 1.30pm. If recent tradition holds, this date will also be the day when the Irish community in Perth and its well-wishers and friends - comes together on the Sunday before March 17th, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. So there could be
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an element of competition to attract tour goers. I have taken one of these tours in the past - a tour of Subiaco Oval - and found it to be a really worthwhile, enjoyable and educational event. As well as being a stone’s throw from the Irish Club on Townshend Road, Subiaco Oval itself has some interesting Irish connections as do a lot of places in Subiaco, including St. John of God’s hospital, St. Joseph’s Church, the Subiaco Hotel and UWA, to name a few. Modern day Subiaco also has a healthy population of Irish people amongst its denizens and business operators as does the council’s workforce. Speaking of the council it has a recently departed CEO who honeymooned in Ireland many years ago, a mayor who has travelled there twice and even a sitting councillor who claims to be a descendant of Daniel O’Connell, the Great Liberator, himself. You could do a lot worse than put on a pair of comfortable shoes and a hat to explore the Irish affinity and influence of Subiaco.
Letter from Peter Murphy
Letter from Michael Cluskey
Dear Fred, I am contacting you to say thank you on behalf of my family, especially my mother Peggy. We live in Drogheda, in Co Louth. And every couple of months we receive a copy of Western Australia’s Irish Scene. This is sent over due to the kind generosity of Mr Billy Synott. You have featured a number of my late fathers poems, Paddy Cluskey, the latest being “Candle in the Window”. My dad was a great believer in Ireland, Whilst spending seventeen years in England and ten years in San Francisco, he always intended to return to his homeland, which he indeed fulfilled. It was the second anniversary of his death two weeks ago. He celebrated promoting Ireland and its culture wherever he went through his poems. Through your kindness, his words have now travelled almost around the world. Can I say Fred that living on the East coast of Ireland, and being almost a suburb of Dublin, I fear that my father’s old vision of the Emerald Isle is slowly dying with each passing of its ageing citizens. The breakdown of law and order, the changing lifestyle of the younger generation, not appreciating the true culture which has been passed down to them. I fear that anybody of a certain age retuning home, either visiting or intending to move back will surely be disappointed with the materialistic attitude of the new economic youth of today. Apart from the Six o’clock Angelus, very little remains of our memories of the old ways. It’s now down to you and people like you to that keep up the tradition of the Irish Spirit, with your excellent and professional publication. One of the sorriest things in my life is that I have never visited Australia, from what I see and read, I get the feeling that you are all one big family that look out for each other, indeed carrying on the old true traditions of Ireland. Once again to you and your team, to Mr Tony Synnott and to all my friends in Australia, a great big THANK YOU!! May I wish you all a very A very Merry and Peaceful Christmas. Nollaig Shona Duit. Regards, Michael Cluskey. Tony Synnott recently passed on to me a photo of Paddy Cluskey’s grave in Drogheda. I also have a regret that I never met Paddy in person. Rest easy Paddy your words will live on, especially in our Irish Scene! Fred Rea
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Dear Editor, Recently I came across a book titled ‘Boyle’: The Origins – The Buildings – The Times. It was published in Roscommon in 1988 (ISBN 0 9512001 19) on behalf of the Moylurg Writers . It’s a fascinating read; especially for those wanting to know more about Boyle, it’s history, culture and traditions. The book is also peppered with yarns, quotes and anecdotes, and even contains a chapter on old medicinal remedies that still flourish today. Anyway, rather than place the book in my library only to gather dust, or drop it off at my local Red Cross; is there anyone (out there) from ‘Boyle’ who may have a home for it? Contact Peter Murphy on 043 997 6507
Letter from Michael OHara
Dear Fred, Hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to let you know that I received my copy of The Irish Scene, which was very kindly delivered by Moira Molone. It was such a lovely surprise to receive it so soon. I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful article you wrote about the book and for the lovely review by Mr. Clarke. It will be fantastic for my family and friends in Perth to see the article in your magazine and I hope that your readers will enjoy it too. If you are ever in Co Clare please email and let me know. I would love to meet up with you for a chat. Thank you again for all your support. Kindest Regards, Michael O’Hara
FAMINE Commemoration York WA 2016 York, Western Australia and the Marwick family are proud to host the Annual Famine Commemoration 2016. The remembrance of those who died or had to leave Ireland for these shores is an important element in fostering an appreciation of the impact that the famine had and how this continues in Australia and Ireland. No county in Ireland was left unscathed by the famine; research undertaken has uncovered first-hand accounts of the suffering and tragedy which unfolded during those years. We will be privileged to have visitors from Ireland at the commemoration. The official ceremony of
WESTERN AUSTRALIA There will also be an official installation of the Mary Ann Taylor Travel Box to the York Museum following the
commemoration
SUNDAY 8th MAY YORK WA 2016 11.30AM St Patrick’s Catholic Church SOUTH STREET, YORK
INCLUDES THE BLESSING OF THE MARY ANN TAYLOR TRAVEL BOX SAT 7 MAY 7PM: IRISH SESSION ST PATRICK’S CHURCH HALL For Tourist Information and Accommodation visit: York Tourist Bureau • York Town Hall Phone: 9641 1301 • yorktb@wn.com.au
commemoration at St Patrick’s Church with Parish Priest, Fr Stephen Cooney, will be a fitting and poignant reminder of the devastation and loss experienced by millions of people in the years 1845 – 1849 and beyond. The event will also remember the women sent to Australia from the Workhouse as a result of the Famine. They will be represented by Mary Ann Taylor who arrived in the Swan River Colony in 1853 from Co Galway along with many other Irish girls. Many never to see their homes again. Enquiries: Fred Rea 0418 943 832
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The current International Rose of Tralee is Meath Rose Elysha Brennan
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The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 57 years in 2016. 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. The festival also includes street entertainment, carnival, live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair, fireworks and 2014 Rose Maria Walsh crowns 2015 Rose Elysha Brennan Rose Parades. The Perth Centre has been involved in the International Rose of Tralee Competition since 1986 and has been privileged to have two Perth Roses crowned the International Rose of Tralee; Nyomi Horgan in 1995 and Lisa Manning in 2001. This competition gives young West Australian women an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate their cultural connection and the fact they are proud of their Irish heritage. The Rose of Tralee is televised live in Ireland through RTE, and also streamed live worldwide on the internet. Some of the qualities the judges look for are personality, charisma, sophistication confidence, great communication skills and presentation. Entrants also need to be themselves, be relaxed and enjoy the experience.
For more information about entries or sponsorship please contact us at perthroseoftralee@gmail.com or call Sarah on 0424426240
Many people look forward to the new year for a new start to old habits like.....
Lunch at Mooney’s! is city “We built th olls...” R on Mooney’s
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Did you know… The Irish proclamation had been printed secretly prior to the Rising on a Summit Wharfedale Stop Cylinder Press. Because of its secret printing, problems arose which affected the layout and design. In particular, because of a shortage of type, the document was printed in two halves, printing first the top then the bottom on the same pieces of paper. The typesetters (Compositors) were Willie O’Brien, Michael Molloy and Christopher Brady. They lacked a sufficient supply of type in the same size and font, and as a result the some parts of the document use “E” from a different font, which are smaller and do not quite match.
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Poet & Patriot l
By Ella Young
saw and spoke to Padraig Pearse for the first time in the little railway station at Maam Cross. He had ridden in there from his cottage. It was a day of driving mist; everything was a grey blur. The rain streamed and shone on his waterproof cape and the spokes of his bicycle. He looked like a big schoolboy — a shy, silent, heavily built boy, though he was man-grown, and had for years done more than a man’s work for Ireland. We had time for the scantiest, most commonplace greetings, for there was a train to catch, and the thought left in my mind was — ‘How little he shows his greatness.’ That is my first memory of him — Pearse, with the wind and rain in his face, behind him the small fields and houses of Connaught and the lovely waters of the West. There was more time for talk when I saw him again at his school in Ookley Road whither Padraig Colm had brought Maud Gonne and myself. Pearse met us in the hall, so freshly painted then, and with the colours scarcely dry on the fresco of Cuchlain taking arms; round it in Gaelic, the proud inscription that might serve for the whole heroic age — “Though I should live but a year and a day, shall live so that my name may go sounding through the ages!”.
Heroes and Saints
Pearse showed us room after room — in one, a fine effect had been got by putting the names of great Irishmen in Gaelic lettering round the walls so as to form a frieze. I asked why Emmet’s name was not there. “Wait,” said Pearse, and I found that Emmet had a room to himself — a delicately sculptured portrait of him dominating it. In one room there hung Beatrice Elvery’s picture of the Christ Child standing between two apple trees; in another, a picture of a sorrowful queen with many figures crowding behind her. Pearse said: “I think of this figure as Ireland,” and he went on to explain that in his work he wished to combine what he considered to be the two root ideals of the Celt — the magnificence and the chivalry of the heroic age and the beauty and spirituality of the age of the saints— the sword of Cuchulain and the apple trees of Avalon. He spoke with quiet passion, splendid images flashing every
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now and then through his speech, and I had a glimpse of Ireland as Padraig Pearse the maker, Padraig Pearse the fire-bringer saw it. Ireland shining with every colour of beauty, pulsing with the high heroic will — old as the oldest of the gods; new born each moment, perpetually young. Afterwards when I heard him speaking to big audiences I knew that he had power to flash this image into the minds of hundreds; that he had the power to fan and kindle the sacred flame of the spirit — that he was, in fact, the greatest of creative artists, one who worked in the minds and hearts of men rather than in clay or marble.
The High, Noble Champion of the Gael.
I have a vivid impression of Pearse at St. Enda’s, Rathfarnham, with a crew of eagereyed pupils — MacDonagh there, too, in a kilt of flamboyant green, not fresher or gayer than his spirit. Pearse was in a silent mood. He showed me the grounds, and we walked without a word to the farthest boundary wall and back by the little stream. Suddenly, at a bend of it, Pearse cried. “Ah, I hoped the kingfishers would be here; such a colour of blue they have!” As he spoke the weight of great and terrible things fell from him — there was a boy’s delight in his face. I saw him for the last time in the Hardwicke Street Theatre on the first night of one of the finest plays, pleased with the success of it, and the gladness of his friends who crowded round him honouring him in their hearts as only great people can be honoured — Padraig Pearse, the tree of munificence, the high, noble champion of the Gael. But the memory that is most vivid in my mind is a memory of Pearse as I never saw him. When the Republic had been proclaimed, he stood for a moment on the steps of the post office, and as he stood a poor, raggedly-clad woman came up to him. She knelt down and kissed his hand — it might have been the Shan Bhean Bhocht* herself.
*The Sean-Bhean bhocht, Irish for the “Poor old woman” (often spelt phonetically in this song as “Shan Van Vocht”), is a traditional Irish song from the period of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, and dating in particular to the lead up to a French expedition to Bantry Bay, that ultimately failed to get ashore in 1796. This beautiful article appeared Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), Thursday 15 June 1922.
Ella Young (1867 – 1956)
writings grew increasingly mystical, and she found particular affinity in the California Redwoods. On her death in 1956, she left the bulk of her estate to the Save-the-Redwoods League.
The Rose of Silence
By Ella Young In a green stillness hidden from sun and moon Under the sea, A blossom swings by the High-Queen’s doon.* On a silver tree; And every poet has dreamed since time begun Of that hidden place, But only those who have said farewell to the sun May come to the doon by the silver tree Or find in hollow or height, Under the still green tideless sea The Rose of Silence and Night. *fortress
Ella Young was an Irish poet, political
activist, and mystic. Born in County Antrim, she grew up in Dublin and attended the Royal University. Her interest in Theosophy led her to become an early member of the Hermetic Society, and her acquaintance with “Æ” (George William Russell) led to her becoming one of his select group of protegés, known as the “singing birds.” Her nationalist sentiments also led her to a friendship with Patrick Pearse, and she had a supporting role in the Easter Rising; as a member of Cumann na mBan, she smuggled rifles and other supplies in support of Republican forces. Young’s first volume of verse, titled simply Poems, was published in 1906. She became friends with Yeats’s erstwhile flame Maud Gonne, and Gonne illustrated Young’s first book of stories, Celtic Wonder Tales (1910). Although she continued to write poetry, it was for her redactions of traditional Irish legends that she became best known; among her later books were The Wonder Smith, The Tangle-Coated Horse, and The Unicorn with Silver Shoes. Later in life, Young emigrated to the United States, where for ten years she was a Lecturer in Celtic Mythology at the University of California, Berkeley. After this position ended, she spent some years at a Theosophical colony known as Halcyon, near San Luis Obispo, where her eclectic circle of friends included Ansel Adams, who made a rare portrait of her. Her later
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are coming.... In our last Irish Scene, Phil Beck wrote of the quality of the young musicians he experienced at the 2015 Fleadh Ceol. Well folks here is your chance to see five quality young Irish perform in Perth. When five young Irish musicians hibernate for two weeks to explore their music by the ever changing sky and the rhythmic movements and sounds of Irelands west coast Atlantic sea you get Moxie, a group who are inspiring audiences with their new palette of 21st century Irish music. The band includes Cillian Doheny (tenor banjo/steel string guitar), Jos Kelly (button accordion/ keyboard), Darren Roche (button accordion), Ted Kelly (tenor banjo) and Paddy Hazelton (percussion). Their music has a solid traditional backbone. Jazz, rock, bluegrass and world music rhythms and harmonies are creatively structured around this base treating the listener to layers of rich and intricate sounds as the band deliver a punchy programme of both their own compositions and old tunes with a new emerald vibe.
Moxie will appear on Friday 25th March Fly by Night Fremantle. Bookings: flybynight.org Visit their website and hear for yourself: moxiemuso.com
Moxie also have a new album and here are some comments: “A high energy cocktail that defies easy categorization…accordion trad meets banjo bluegrass with a contemporary rhythm section that takes many a jubilant left turn. This is highly charged 21st Century Irish music.” Carl Corcoran, RTÉ “Every track is a triumph” Irish Music Magazine “Harmonious, energetic and tenacious, there’s no idea where Moxie will take you!” Lynette Fay, BBC
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dating we decided to tie the knot. Shortly after this, we migrated to Perth, Western Australia, where I have taught at Newman College, Mazenod College and Mater Dei College. I have also worked at Catholic Education Offices in Perth and Cairns, Queensland.
Eamon’s First Novel...
Recently I received a book from my good golfing friend, Sean McDonough. He informed me that a fellow member of his high school wrote the book ‘The Shardy Shamrock’ and asked that he pass it on to me. It was an opportunity to meet Eamon Murray (above) and the following is an interview I did with him about his book. Eamon Murray is a first-time author of the recently-published novel which has been published in Ireland. Fred: Eamon, would like to tell us about your life’s journey up to now? Eamon: Thanks, Fred, I was born in 1953 and brought up in the Andersonstown area of West Belfast. For my secondary education I attended St Mary’s CBS, first in Divis Street and later on the Glen Road. At Queens University I studied History and Social Studies and then completed a post-grad qualification in Education. After this I taught for five years at St Peters Secondary School (Whiterock Road area) which is now Corpus Christy College, I believe. I met Patricia, a Dubliner, on holiday in France and after four years of
Fred: And your book, your first novel, “The Shardy Shamrock”, what is it about? Eamon: It is set initially in Cromwellian Ireland but the plot doesn’t strictly follow chronological time. Many of the characters are ‘supernatural’, so, in the beginning of the novel the leprechauns have provided the Irish rebels with a talismanic Silver Shamrock, bestowed with a victory charm, that will help the rebels in their struggle against the Cromwellian imperial forces. However, and unfortunately for the rebels, the imperial forces get their hands on it, dismembering it into four parts (the Shardy Shamrock) – the stem and three leaves. The leader of the imperial forces in Ireland, Oliver Crummywell, secretes each of the parts in far-flung regions of the empire (Ireland, Australia, America and Scotland). It is the mission of an intrepid 8-person group of rebels (led by Coup Halloran) to retrieve each of the four parts, so that the Silver Shamrock can be re-fashioned and used to lead the rebels to victory over the tyrannical Crummywell and his henchmen.
Fred: And does your novel have primarily an Irish setting? Eamon: Yes, primarily it has, but there is a strong international dimension present also. The imperial forces are exploiting the entire globe, so the struggle against its machinations occurs in some major theatres – Ireland, Australia, America and Scotland. I got the idea for the international dimension from the epic episode of the rescue from Fremantle of the ‘military Fenians’ by the IrishAmerican ship, the Calalpa. Also, I have worked in Ireland, America, Australia and Scotland, so this
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personal experience also came into play.
Fred: And if you were to sum up the major themes of your novel, Eamon, what would they be? Eamon: It’s about the battle between good and evil…it’s also about the struggle between the little guy and the bully…the interplay between ecological disaster caused by greed, and the need for sustainability…Crucially, the struggle for freedom and independence from tyranny is also central to the novel, which is particularly pertinent in this year of Centenary Celebration of the 1916 Easter Rising…An acknowledgement of the strength of the human and supernatural spirit is also featured very strongly, with alliances forged between humans and beings ‘from beyond’, for example the leprechauns and banshees in Ireland, the bunyips in Australia, the Big Foot in America, and the giant water serpents of Scotland, of which Nessie is the most famous example…The novel contains history but is full of fantasy and humour also… hopefully, readers will enjoy the experience. Fred: Thanks, Eamon and good luck with the sales. And just inform us where readers can acquire a copy. Eamon: It’s been my pleasure, Fred. ‘The Shardy Shamrock’ is available for purchase through Amazon or any bookshop will be able to order copies. Electronic versions are also available through Kindle. Hardback, paperback and electronic versions can be acquired directly from the publishers in London (Austin Macauley) by way of the following link, which includes a sample of the first two chapters to whet the appetite: http://austinmacauley.com/book/ shardy-shamrock Eamon: A very Happy New Year to you Fred, and to all of the Irish Scene readers. Fred: And the same to you Eamon, and your new novel.
Dermot Byrne
The Irish Quiz Wiz! a.k.a. Dermot from Lesmurdie on ABC radio Nightlife program.
1. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 in Roman numerals? 2 Can you describe the two flags flown over the G.P.O.in 1916? 3 Who was the only one of the seven who signed the Proclamation in 1916 not born in Ireland? 4 Who was American President in 1916? 5 What was the name of the woman who was the leader of the group who took possession of St. Stephens Green in 1916 and in 1918 became a member of the British Parliament? 6 What was the name of Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell Street in 1916? 7 Which Irish pub in Perth celebrates its first birthday this year? 8 What was name of the battle fought between James the second and William of Orange in 1691? 9 Which animal is featured on the 2016 Chinese calendar? 10 How many columns are in front of the GPO in Dublin?
Answers: 1.MMXVI, 2.One was green with a gold harp in the center and the other was a tricolor of green, white, and Orange, 3.James Connelly, 4.Woodrow Wilson, 5 Countess Markievicz (Constance Gore Booth), 6.Sackville Street, 7.AnSibin, 8. Battle of the Boyne, 9.Monkey, 10.Six
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By Lloyd Gorman
ISTEACH SA TEACH Several WA MPs packed their suitcase for Ireland in 2015
The WA parliament despatched two delegations to Ireland in 2014/15 it emerged towards the end of the year in WA politics. The Joint Standing Committee on the Commissioner for Children and Young People travelled to Ireland, as well as England and Scotland, to meet ombudsmen in this sector and find out how they deal with the sensitive and difficult issue of reporting abuse cases. “We were trying to find a way in which the children’s commissioner could play a greater role when a child discloses abuse— not particularly a role in disclosing, but more of an educative role throughout the state,” Robyn McSweeney, Liberal member for the South West said in the chambers on November 18 during a debate about the committee’s 2014/15 annual report. “Having worked in this area for 20 or 25 years, I know that there is no friendly way to take a child through such a process. There are easier ways, but it is not a particularly friendly outcome once a child discloses abuse. I always say that it is a no-win situation for anyone; it is just a difficult road ahead,” added McSweeney, who is deputy chair of the committee. The other members are Lisa Baker (Labor) for Maylands, Eleni Evangel (Liberal) for the seat of Perth and Sally Talbot (Labor) who is another member for the South West region. Dublin born member of the
Legislative Council Stephen Dawson had something to say on the subject. “I know that committee members met with Dr Niall Muldoon, Ireland’s new Ombudsman for Children. He was appointed this year by President Michael D. Higgins and took over after Emily Logan had held the job for 12 years. From all reports, he is doing a good job. I will be interested to chat to committee members about their experiences overseas, because I think it is important to see what works in other jurisdictions and learn from those and ensure that we bring those things back and shape our system to make it the best that it possibly can be.” The annual report shows that the committee kicked off its week long overseas fact finding mission with a one day hearing on April 8, 2015, in Ireland. Ombudsman Dr. Muldoon - who was appointed to the position in February - and his policy and human rights officer Mánus deBarra kicked off the forum and were followed by a Michele Clerke, a social work and child care specialist and Paul Harrison, director of policy and strategy with the Irish Child and Family Agency. The committee also spoke
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with the former Irish health minister Dr James Reilly who was moved into the position of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the July 2014 cabinet reshuffle. The second overseas (Irish) jaunt for some of our local MPs was in September, was the Global Irish Parliamentarians Forum. Labor’s Stephen Dawson and Kate Doust were part of the delegation that went from Australia and they have spoken about the experience in the parliament and been reported in Isteach sa Teach. The third WA politico to go - Brendan O’Connor from Federal Labor was the fourth and final Aussie delegate - was Alanna Clohesy gave a good account of her trip. “I was honoured and privileged to be invited by the Irish government to participate in the first ever Global Irish Parliamentarians’ Forum,” Clohesy said. “The forum brought together 44 parliamentarians from Australia, Scotland, England, the United States, Canada and France. The forum was an initiative of the Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Mr Jimmy Deenihan. The framework that informed the forum was based on the Irish government’s recent new policy document on Ireland’s Diaspora. Early in the forum we were briefed at a breakfast by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Charlie
Flanagan, TD, on the rapid recovery of the Irish economy, and some of the austerity measures that were put in place to ensure the rapid recovery of the Irish economy and that its minister was concerned to ensure that growth of the Irish economy was shared across the country. Ireland currently leads the Eurozone in economic growth. In the first three months of this year, the economy saw a 6.5 per cent growth, which I think members will agree is fairly outstanding. I was honoured to participate in a special session convened in the Dáil chamber, the House of Assembly at Leinster House. Very few foreign parliamentarians have been seated or spoken in the Dáil, but exceptions include President Obama and Prime Ministers Keating and Hawke. It was the highlight of the forum for me and, indeed, a great honour. “The session was chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Dáil, Michael Kitt, TD, and was addressed by the Tánaiste, Joan Burton and Minister Deenihan. The forum discussed issues relating to the Irish Diaspora and prospects for interparliamentary collaboration. The forum was also briefed on the work of the International Fund for Ireland through a visit to a project funded by the international fund at Stephenstown Pond, Dundalk (and thank them for the briefing). I also want to say a particular thank you to Siobhan and the women at the cafe at Stephenstown Pond, who were very welcoming. We enjoyed their hospitality greatly. My program for the trip was very comprehensive and I cannot do it justice in this short time, so I would like to inform the house of a couple of things I undertook while there. Trade and business support issues were considered when I participated in a lunch - with
Australian companies based in Ireland - hosted by Dr Ruth Adler, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland. They were (all) very generous with their time, ideas and information. Ireland has a particularly innovative trade organisation (Enterprise Ireland). Members may remember that I have talked about that organisation in this place before. It provides support and advice to Irish businesses starting and operating in overseas markets. I greatly welcomed the ideas generated from that kind of model of support to businesses to encourage trade and growth. I think the business representatives had some fantastic ideas about ways in which Australian businesses overseas can be supported. “I met with a range of representatives of people with disability, disability service providers, research and policy development experts and government advisers on the topics of disability access standards, local level participation in decision-making, accommodation for people with disability, accessible public transport and service provision in rural areas. Disability employment targets in the civil service and models for ministerial responsibility and accountability in delivering those targets was a topic I was particularly interested in as well as the importance and centrality of universal design to facilitate independence and inclusion of people with disability. Ireland has advanced national standards on universal design in the areas of service inclusion and customer engagement in tourism services. I was lucky enough to receive information about guidance for those standards. I also had extensive discussions with representatives from the government’s transport sector around accessible public transport issues, particularly the wheelchair-accessible taxi schemes.
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“Policy and legislative frameworks and service delivery approaches in domestic violence were also a focus of my meetings. Ireland has stand-alone legislation on domestic violence, which was innovative at the time and is being updated and amended and is being undertaken in the context of Ireland’s move to the ratification of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention. I had discussions with service providers, parliamentary committee staff and legislators. Issues arising from the Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality inquiry into domestic and sexual violence were also discussed. By chance, this also included a detailed briefing on legislation development processes of the Houses of the Oireachtas, which was unexpected but incredibly valuable. I also had discussions around an area on which there is sparse policy and service delivery focus, in the areas of dating abuse and respectful relationship training. That is just a very simple glimpse at the incredible journey I had sharing information and learning from an amazing array of people.” Clohesy said there were too many individuals to name but thanked the Irish foreign affairs minister’s staff, the Australian ambassador and embassy staff, the Galway City Partnership, International Fund for Ireland; the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality; Ability West; COPE Galway; the National Transport Authority; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the National Disability Authority; and any of the various others that I am sure I have missed out on thanking. I sincerely thank them for the information, time and inspiration they have provided me with.”
A day that lasted forever by Lloyd Gorman
T
went with a friend in his car to their he death of a parent is one of those regular spot to go out fishing, but he milestones moments that most decided against because the weather and children must eventually face but conditions were too rough and they were sometimes this loss is thrust on young driving away from the area when a nun and unprepared families. Now aged 86 came running in their direction, calling for Perth man Brian Floyd had just turned help. Without hesitation Frederick got out 18 when his father Frederick perished in of the car and ran to the scene, stripped a tragedy that made front page news in down to his underwear and dived into the the West Australian and national press sea to try and swim out to the nun who and was deeply felt in the community at was caught by a undertow and swept the time. Brian shared his memories and into deeper water near Trigg Island. thoughts of that fateful July 20 in 1947 Newspaper reports of the incident at the when his father went to the aid of a young time give conflicting accounts of what Irish nun who was in grave danger. Frederick Charles Flood happened next. In one version the father “The night before was the first time I ever had a drink with my father,” said Brian. “He opened of two failed to fight his way through a mountainous a bottle of wine he had under the sink, mum didn’t really line of breakers and died in the approve of drinking but he said she wasn’t looking and seething surf close to shore while he poured me a little glass, we had a wine each on in the other he managed to just the Friday night. The next morning we had breakfast reach the nun before his strength together, my dad, brother, mum and me. I went to the failed him and they both drowned. local barbers to have a haircut. My brother and dad Either way, his courage and bravery went off to go fishing. I remember it was blowing like is unquestionable. Another man stink and pouring with rain. The next thing I knew Charles Snow went to rescue the police were at the house when I came back from Frederick but instead pulled his the barber shop, they came around and said Dad was body from the water. “I just saw him gone. The police asked me if I would notify my father’s and went in,” Snow told the Sunday Charles Albert Snow mother and father, my grandparents, of the tragedy Times. “I wish I could have been who lived a few streets away (in Mount Lawley). I got sooner.” That Sunday Times report gave a sense of the on my motorbike - dad was very happy with my bike, he used to ride bikes in the motorbike club - I was in melancholy of the moment. “Meanwhile, the rapidly shock. They shouldn’t have asked me to go. I was 18 at gathering crowd saw pathetic scenes as nuns huddled in driving rain under a thickening sky, gazed skywards. the time, my initial reaction was shock.” Frederick and his 12 year old son Don were both Nearby, the body of Floyd, under a tarpaulin, was keen fishermen and the family had a little getaway at continually tormented by the sea, had to be shifted Trigg, right on the beach. It was a special spot, one they repeatedly further upshore as the surf foamed closer. shared with a number of religious orders, including the It was as thought that the sea was still in relentless sisters from St John of God in Subiaco. “When we had pursuit of its victim. Tragedy had occurred as quickly the beach shack we’d go down there at weekends and as the change in the weather which probably caused it.” On August 6 of that year, the Advocate in Melbourne, for the six weeks of Christmas holidays we’d live there instead of our house in Mt Lawley. We played cowboys Victoria, reported details of the other victim of this and Indians in the sand dunes and we got to know the tragedy. “Sister Mary Chrysostom, of the Sisters of St. John of God who was drowned …was a native of Co. sisters, who had a place there too, beside us.” On this particular morning the father and son team Kerry, Ireland and came to Australia in 1938. Only 26
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years of age she was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Patrick Kissane, both of whom are still living. Sister Chrysostom was bathing in a reef-enclosed basis known as the “Sisters Pool”, near a rest home which the nuns have maintained for 36 years. The pool is considered to be safe, says the W.A. “Record”, except at high tide, when the effects of the heavy rollers on the reefs can be felt. When the sisters entered the water at about 10.30am the sun was shining. Shortly, however, a storm blew up, and a cross wind created a strong undertow, which swept one of the party, Sister Mary Chrysostom, out to sea… the body of Sr. Chrysostom was washed ashore about 12.50pm. An especially tragic feature of the double fatality was that it was witnessed by Mr Floyd’s young son. While the tragic death of Sr Chrysostom has plunged the Community of St. John’s into profound gloom, the nuns are even more perturbed by the death of Mr. Floyd. The heroic gentleman who was not a Catholic, leaves a widow and two sons, Brian and Don. The Mother Superior of the Community said that they would do everything in their power to soften the severe and sad blow that had come to Mr Floyd’s family.” Indeed there was a heavy price to pay for his heroic mercy dash, Brian remembers. “Financially we had a struggle, our family went to the wall once dad went and there wasn’t much in the way of government assistance for people in our situation.” Floyd’s widow was 41 when he died and lived to be 97, never marrying or meeting someone else after that. “She never got over it,” said Brian who said he could never forget the experience. What was not known, or certainly reported at the time, was that Floyd had previously risked his life to save others. “My father and his brother Dick had a boat, about 16 or 17 feet, that they used to fish in,” added Brian. “My father had successfully rescued lots of people before from the boat, but this was the first time he had dived into the water.” Two young lives were cut short that day, but so too was the Floyd’s family to become acquainted with Frederick. He was with the famous 10th Light Horse Battalion in World War II and when they returned to Australia the regiment was based in Queensland. Having survived the war, Floyd was dead within two years of its ending. The bodies of the nun and her would-be rescuer were both removed to Perth hospital, and they were buried later on the same day. The Coroner of the day (R. P Rodriquez) recommended in September 1947 that Frederick Floyd should be given a posthumous award
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of the Royal Humane Society and that Arthur Snow, who had tried to save him, should also be recognised. The Coroner wrote: “We have read of brave and heroic acts in the last world war, and the first war, and in my opinion efforts of Floyd in attempting to save the life of Sister Chrysostom, and subsequently Snow in attempting to save the life of Floyd, should go down in the records of the brave.” There would be other marks of respect to the Irish nun and the Australian man. The West Australian reported (on March 17 1948) that a memorial to them at the site would be erected in the form of a low concrete tower supporting a lifesaving reel and line. “This was revealed at last night’s meeting of the Perth Road Board (Perth City Council). The cost of erecting the memorial will be shared equally by the (council) and the hospital. The names of the dead persons will be inscribed on brass plates on the tower. The box line to be used has been presented by the Surf Live saving Association of Australian (WA, State Centre) and is at pre-set in the boards offices.” In early November 1948 the press reported that the memorial was unveiled by Brian at a well-attended ceremony, which even had buses laid on to ferry people from the city to the site. At some point a decision was also made to honour the victims by naming streets after them. Today Floyd and Chrysostom Streets can be found close to Karrinyup Road (which another source informed Irish Scene used to be called Killarney Road before its name was changed). Despite the massive personal cost and life changing events Brian does not harbour resentment against the sea. “I love the sea, I’m fascinated by it,” he said. When he retired as an airline pilot Brian sailed a yacht from Hong Kong to Fremantle and loved the experience, particularly seeing pods of dolphins accompanying his vessel and “showing off” by doing tricks and looking at him as to get his attention. My father and my brother were mad about fishing and my brother is in Mandurah and still goes fishing. I have a son who is mad on fishing, but I’m not. I’m mad on sailing.” A song for Fred… Brian has asked Fred Rea and his daughter Fiona to write a song about his father. He heard both of them perform some of their own songs at the Jackadder Folk Club some months ago and felt that his brave father deserved his story put to verse and song. Fred has promised that the song will be written.
The Australian-Irish Heritage
SAINT BRIGID’S DAY CELEBRATION, Sun, Jan 31, 2016
AUSTRALIA DAY ECUMENICAL SERVICE
Tues Jan 26th 2016 Our annual service of thanksgiving for this land Australia will be held in Holy Family Catholic Church, 45 Thelma Street, Como on Tuesday, 26th January at 10.00am. Fr Ossie Lewis will be joined by ministers of mainstream churches in a service of readings, hymns and a keynote address. A procession of representative items of the Irish contribution to Australia will open and close the service. Complimentary refreshments will follow. Holy Family Catholic Church, 45 Thelma St, Como (cnr Canning Hwy) Australia Day, Tues, Jan. 26th 10am Admission Free, incl morning tea Enq: Denis Bratton - Ph 9345 3530.
WRITING COMPETITIONS FOR 2016 The Joe O’Sullivan Writers’
Prize honouring the memory of the Organisation’s late founder, worth $1,000, limit of 2,000 to 4,000 words - prose, fact or fiction. Open to residents of WA only. Topic... “Remembrance & Reconciliation”. 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 Money: $500 Topic:“Reflection” Entrance Fee $10 for all competitions. Deadline 30 June, 2016. Enq: Denis Bratton 9345 3530
To honour St Brigid, (451 – 525 AD) Ireland’s female patron saint the AIHA presents
The Story of Mary Ann Taylor – From Galway Workhouse to WA
William (Bill) Marwick OAM, (below) great grandson will give an illustrated talk on Mary Ann who was a famine orphan living in Mountbellew workhouse in County Galway. She arrived in Fremantle in 1853 on the Palestine sailing ship just three years after the first convict ship had arrived at the colony. Mary’s story stands out because of the extent of her biographical details that are available and her story was chosen as the first to receive a replica orphan travel box made by the Irish prison service. This box will be presented to the York Museum on 15th May and will be on display during Bill’s talk. Last year Bill was a guest speaker at a workhouse conference in Portumna, where he spoke on Mary. He believes he has the only known photo in the world of an Irish Workhouse girl in her best workhouse uniform. His talk revealed that Irish historians and academics were unaware Irish orphan
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girls were sent out to Western Australia, after 1850. Irish Club, 61 Townshend Rd, Subiaco Sunday, January 31st at 3.00 pm Bookings: Cecilia Bray 9367 6026 $10 includes Irish afternoon tea.
AIHA FILM CLUB SEASON
Wed. Feb 3,10,17,24, March 2 Now in our sixth year the outdoor Irish Film Festival continues to prove very popular with members and friends. Private garden cinema, 7.45pm nightly. Ample parking available. Big fifteen-foot cinema screen. This year’s programme of Irish Cinema will be released in January. Plus each night a supporting Irish short film or documentary, together with tea/coffee and cakes. Ice creams $2 Venue: 8 Fourth Avenue, Kensington (South Perth, off Canning Hwy) Entry: Donation $10 to cover catering and costs, pay at the gate. Enq: Denis Bratton - Ph 9345 3530, Full details of each week’s programme will be released during the film season
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 Membership Due in 1st January. Family membership $65, Concession $55, Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20
ON SITE SERVICE TO ALL MAKES
QUALITY MECHANICAL REPAIRS
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.
Licence No MRB 3939
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Martin Kavanagh Honorary Consul Of Ireland
I am very much looking forward to the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016. Many events are being planned and I’m glad to report that a social media campaign will soon spring into action and booking facilities will also be available soon. In the meantime please keep an eye on the Honorary Consulate website for the latest list of events being planned. Please let me know if you are planning an event. The events being planned so far are as follows. Please notes dates may be subject to change. Date
Event
Organisers Venue
1 March Song for Ireland:
Radio Fremantle & Frank Murphy Outside Broadcast
To be confirmed
27/28 March A Sense of Ireland.
An night of Irish culture, including excepts from Sean O’Riada’s Mise Eire
Australian Irish Heritage Association
30 March to 14 April The Plough Irish Theatre Players & the Stars 1,2 & 3 April John Boyle O’Reilly John Boyle O’Reilly Association Weekend
The Irish Club
10 April 2016 - 5pm
Ecumenical Service & Solemn Commemoration
St Georges Cathedral Perth
24 April 2016
Inter Provincial GAA Games
GAA Bateman Park Canning Vale
27 April to 3 May
The Patriot Games
Abandon Theatre Studio
7-8 May York WA
Famine Commemoration Sun St Patrick’s Parish and York Museum and Irish Session on Sat Bill Marwick & Fred Rea Includes Mary Ann Taylor Travel Box Blessing
16 to 17 July ‘ Visions Past and Present’ Academic Conference 12 June 2016 @5pm W B Yeats Exhibition
Bunbury
Underground Northbridge St Patrick’s Catholic Church, York and York Museum
Australian Irish Heritage Association
To be confirmed
St Georges Cathedral
St Georges Cathedral
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
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ROBBED OF EVERY BLESSING
John Hagan talks to author John Tully about his life, current novel and love of Tasmania. Your recent fictional novel, ‘Robbed of Every Blessing’, features Tipperary man, Maurice O’Dwyer, who was transported to Van Diemen’s Land for apparent subversive political activities. Describe something of the book’s narrative Robbed of Every Blessing tells the story of a fictional Tipperary farmer called Maurice O’Dwyer, who is transported around 1820 to Van Diemen’s Land for conspiracy against the Crown. The book tells of O’Dwyer’s arrest by the Redcoats at his parents’ house; his trial before hanging judge “Puffendorf”; the endless misery of the voyage in chains to Van Diemen’s Land; and his assignment as a farm labourer north of Hobart with his simpleton brother Padraig. The idea came from Christy Moore singing the ballad “I Wish I Was Back Home In Derry”, which tells of Irish prisoners exiled to a place “where the gun makes the law and the climate is raw”—Van Diemen’s Land. My intimate knowledge of the Tasmanian bush meant I could build on those words. O’Dwyer’s exile was the time of the Black War. He sympathises with the Aborigines and this brings him under renewed suspicion—especially from an obsessive Redcoat officer called Captain Jeremiah Reynolds. He is lucky, though, to work under a humane Welshman named Rhys Evans. With such friends, exile seems bearable. Things take a turn for the worse when Rhys leaves to take up a farm near Sydney. His replacement is a depraved miscreant. Provoked beyond endurance by the man, O’Dwyer retaliates and finds himself in double exile, with no hope of escape from the island. Hunted as a bushranger by the Redcoats, and his brother murdered in the forest, he is adopted by the local Lairmairrener people, who have not forgotten his kindness to an injured Aboriginal child. Facing overwhelming force—and Captain Reynolds’ relentless personal hatred—things are bleak for O’Dwyer and a black woman named Kiuntah who has become his lover. I’ve narrated the story from multiple points of view in order to avoid the “goodies” and “baddies” trap. There is even a good word for O’Dwyer’s Ascendancy landlord but my sympathies lie with the victims of the
oppressive imperial system, whether these be Irish peasants, the Lairmairrener people, or the English poor pressed into military service or into the “dark satanic mills” of the Industrial Revolution. The book can be purchased online from Hybrid Publishers at http://www.hybridpublishers.com.au/ product/robbed-of-every-blessing/ It is also available viaAmazon, Fishpond, Booktopia and other online sellers, along with Tasmanian book stores.
What prompted you to become a socialist and trade unionist? I’ve always been on the side of the underdog, influenced as a child by my merchant seafarer grandfather. My father was also an active trade unionist in his younger days and one of my very earliest memories is of listening to him talking about the union at the dinner table. Being born into a working-class family, I realised that we live in a grossly unequal world. My grandfather had a small library that included books by Jack London and these made a big impression on me.
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How have your Irish background and socialist politics influenced your fiction and non-fiction writing? I’m a “mongrel”, with English and Irish forebears, and some Scottish relatives. I was born on Tyneside but my grandfather was quietly proud that his people came from near Derry and he told me of the suffering of the Irish people over the centuries. So I’ve always identified with that. I have always been astounded, too, that so small and ill-treated a nation has produced so many giants of literature. Today, I feel a strong empathy with the Kurds and any other persecuted people too. Being a very political person has shaped both my fiction and non-fiction writing. My first books were historical studies of Cambodia. I was interested in Indochina because of Australia’s role in the Vietnam War, but I was also disturbed as a socialist by the horrors of the Pol Pot regime and searched for answers why people who started off wanting liberation ended by enslaving an entire nation.
Later, I changed focus and wrote my book The Devil’s Milk: A Social History of Rubber, which is an examination of the effects on human beings of the production of the commodity in the world’s factories and plantations. This includes the Congo, which was the scene of one of colonialism’s greatest crimes—against which Roger Casement fought so doggedly. I next published a book about a bitter strike by rubber and telegraph workers in 1889 in the East End of London, along with a long journal article about female rubber workers in Sydney and their role in the fight for equal pay. My new historical work, Crooked Deals and Broken Treaties, details the “ethnic cleansing” of American Indians from the Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio. It’s non-fiction, but its themes are very similar to those in my novel Robbed of Every Blessing. My first published novel, Death Is the Cool Night, is set partly in Nazi Germany and partly in post-war Tasmania. The hero is a socialist intellectual whose Jewish lover perished in the Holocaust. His boyhood friend, in contrast, was drawn to Hitler. Many years later, they meet in Hobart and the hero learns that his old friend is not quite what he thought him to be. My second novel, Dark Clouds on the Mountain, is also set in Tasmania. It’s a crime novel—but that is a much under-rated genre. I’m not in Henning Mankell’s league but he and writers like him were my models. My book’s hero is a half-Italian, half-Australian detective whose investigations lead him beyond the usual cops and robbers scenarios to deeper questions of history. In a way, Robbed of Every Blessing is also a crime novel, but again, it deals with much deeper themes than the village vicarage murder type “who-dunnits”. My grandfather died many years ago, but if there’s a heaven I’m sure he will be looking down and saying “good lad”!
special experience: it’s not just a commodity; it’s the distillation of your human essence. The cynic Dr Johnson might have said that only fools write for anything other than money but that’s a very mercenary view. In the end you do it because it’s something you love.
What do you do to relax? Nothing beats relaxing with family and/or old friends and I also have the world’s most beautiful Golden Retriever, who takes me for walks when I might be lazy. Then there’s reading—at the moment I’m re-reading the Anglo-Irish writer Olivia Manning’s Balkan Trilogy for the first time in 34 years. I’ve always been a keen bushwalker and Tasmania is the place for that. I also enjoy cycling and recently cycled 650 kilometres from Krimml in the Austrian Alps to Vienna. On the same European trip, I discovered via ferrata* in the Alps and since returning I’ve learned rock climbing and abseiling. (*Via ferrata a system of fixed rope climbing that enables amateurs like me to climb in places normally reserved for skilled mountaineers. You still need good balance, fitness, and a head for heights: in some places you climb with a 2000 foot sheer drop below. I’ve been trying, by the way, to interest the Tasmanian Government and Opposition in building a few via ferratas in the state’s mountains. While I do have a personal interest in this, it would attract tourists, provide jobs, and generate revenue.)
irish pub western australia
Following a childhood spent in hydro-electric towns in Tasmania’s central highlands, you now have a holiday home there. What do you find attractive about Tasmania? It’s a cliché, but no less true for that, that “home is where the heart is”. I’ve never felt completely at home on this side of Bass Strait. When I finally retire to Tasmania, I’ll be like the old man in a song by the English socialist folksinger Roy Bailey who’s escaped to the moors where he was born after a lifetime spent in industrial cities. My oldest friends live in Tasmania and my parents and brother are buried there—and is there a stronger bond than that? While the dark shadows of the past still lie over the island, it’s also a place of aching natural beauty. You are a successful author and a lecturer at Victoria University, Melbourne. Which gives you most satisfaction, teaching or writing? I’ve largely retired from teaching now and only have a few thesis supervisions. Teaching was never just my “day job”. In some cases, I was able to make a real difference to students’ lives and that’s very gratifying. But then seeing and handling your new book is a very
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LIVE THURSDAY – MUSIC SUNDAY. 42
Local News of Interest from the Past
ECHOS OF THE PAST RE SE ARC HE D
The W.A. Record (Perth, WA : 1888 - 1922), Saturday 16 March 1918, page 14
PADRAIG PEARSE
The Catholic “Who’s Who” “for 1914 has the following notice of him: — Pearse Patrick Henry, B.A:— called to the Bar at King’s Inns, Dublin; formerly editor of “An Claidheamh Soluis” founder and headmaster of St. Enda’s, Rathfarnham (a Boarding School for Catholic Boys on bilingual lines); founder arid director of St. Ita’s Rathmines (a school of similar lines for Catholic girls); author of studies and stories, of West of Ireland life in Irish; editor of two of the Ossianic romances, and of an anthology of Irish verse (“old” and “middle” periods). Compiler of “An Sgoil” (a teaching manual); founder and editor of - “An Macaomh, a review in Irish and English: St. Enda’s. College,” Rathfarnham, County Dublin. Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), Thursday 4 December 1924, page 27
PADRAIG PEARSE
What manner of man Pearse was, what he did:, and what lie tried to do, will be told in the Irish National Association Hall, 614 George Street, on Monday night next, the 8th inst. The reverend lecturer never saw the green fields of Ireland (he is a native of Australia), but he is an ardent admirer of Padraig Pearse and in thorough sympathy with his ideals. Every supporter of the Republic will be welcome. The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), Thursday 1 March 1934, page 25
Irish National Association
PADRAIG PEARSE BRANCH.
A special general meeting of the Irish National Association of Australasia (Padraig Pearse branch, Sydney) will be held in Room 113, Bathurststreet, Sydney, at 8p.m. on Monday next, 6th inst. All friends of Ireland are cordially invited to attend.
BY
FRED
News Published Every Two Months
REA
Reports in Australian Newspapers on Padraig Pearse The W.A. Record (Perth, WA: 1888 - 1922), Saturday 17 December 1921, page 6
AFTER THE BATTLE
(The Last Poem of Padraig H. Pearse, written in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, 1916) Mother Erin, I have loved thee With a love that knows no fear, I have drawn a sword to free thee. At the flowering of the year; But a hand was raised to smite thee, As I stooped to kiss thy brow, And the arm that would have freed thee, By my side lies helpless now. Advocate (Melbourne, Vic.: 1868 - 1954), Thursday 25 April 1929, page 7
THE FOOL
O wise men riddle me this: what if the dream come true? What if the dream come true? and if millions unborn shall dwell In the house that I shaped in my heart, the noble house of my thought? Lord, I have staked my soul, I have staked the lives of my kin On the truth of Thy dreadful word. Do not remember my failures. But remember this my faith Padraig Pearse Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936), Thursday 12 January 1933, page 4
IRISH FREE STATE ELECTIONS
Women nominees to contest Irish free State seats include Mrs. Michael Collins, Mrs. O’Driscoll, and Mrs. Reynolds, Cosgravian exmembers: Mrs. Redmond, widow of William Redmond; Miss Pearse, whose brother Padraig was executed in 1916; and Helena Concannon (authoress). The last named is the Fianna Fail candidate contesting the National University. James Larkin has nominated for North Dublin as Independent Labor.
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I have lived, and loved, and laboured, With a patriot’s heart and will, That the dawning years might find thee Fearless and unfettered still I was vanquished, and my comrades In a glorious fight have bled; And the dauntless hearts that loved thee , Rest among the silent dead. But ‘twere nobler thus to perish, Thus to wipe away the tears, With the distant voice of freedom Echoing in their dying ears, Than to live as fawning minions Of the sneering conquering race, With the clinking chains of bondage Feeling of our deep disgrace When the quenchless fires of ’ freedom, Flickering through the gloom of years, Shall have flashed upon the hill-tops Conquerors of blood and tears, When a future eye shall find Thee, Dauntless still and undefiled. Men of Erin! Oh! remember, ‘Twas for Erin’s cause they died. They are gone, and I must follow, To the Golden Field above. When the almighty God of justice Shall reward a patriot’s love Sweet it were to live and love thee, Sweeter far for thee, to die, With the flower-clad hills around me, Echoing back my last GOOD-BYE.
The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Tuesday 12 April 1966, page 6
EASTER RISING Ireland recalls
An Irish patriot’s independence declaration, read here 50 years ago amid the crackle of gunfire, echoed again through loudspeakers yes terday as three million Irishmen remembered their nation’s bloody fight for freedom. The words of Padraig Pearse, leader of 70 rebels who hauled their tricolour flag above Dublin’s post office on Easter Monday, 1916, to start the uprising against British rule, were heard by thousands at an anniversary ceremony in famed O’Connell Street. The President, Mr Eamonn DeValera, 83-year-old veteran of the Easter Rising, stood with 900 frail survivors of the 1,500-strong army of insurgents to listen to Pearse’s emotional call to patriots, “We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible...” Flowers, flags and coloured bunting added to’ the capital’s air of pageantry while 5,000 Irish troops and civilian organisations marched past the battle - scarred walls of O’Connell Street’s post office, the rebel head quarters in the 1916 uprising. The W.A. Record (Perth, WA: 1888 - 1922), Saturday 15 December 1917, page 16
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
These men were true patriots. They offered the life God gave them on “the altar of pure: and noble ideal. They died not that Ireland might be rich and mighty. They died that their sacrifice might keep her free and pure, and God fearing. Hirelings may seek to cast a slur on their deeds and their memory. Every true man will honour them for ever. May their heroic souls rest in peace. That spirit wave that, came to save the peerless Celtic soul From earthly stain of greed and gain, had caught them in its roll, Had swept them high to do or die to sound the trumpet’s call For true men though few ‘men,’ to follow one and all.
CON COLBERT. One of the youngest and bravest, who fronted the shooting squad in the barrack-yard, and died for Ireland. THOMAS ASHE, Whose cruel treatment in Lewes Prison closed prematurely a bright and splendid career. Twenty thousand marched in his funeral. PADRAIG PEARSE, Who was an inspiration to the men who fought and died to preserve the soul of Ireland during Easter Week. In all history, no brighter or braver hero it is safe to say, can be found. The Sydney Morning Herald April 1936
IRISH MEMORIAL. THE RISING IN 1916.
The annual ceremony in memory of those who fell In the Irish uprising in Ireland in 1916 was held yesterday at Waverley by members of the Hands Off Ireland Organisation, when a laurel wreath was placed on the memorial by Mrs. Maire O’Cearbhaill, who, with her husband, took part in the rising of 20 years ago. Mr. F. Groome, president of the organisation, spoke on the lives of the dead Irish leaders, and Mr. C. Farley, the secretary, said that, in conformity with the proclamation of 1916, “they declared the right of the people of Ireland to the ownershlp of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible.” The “Last Post” was sounded, while the flag of Ireland was dropped to halfmast. Mrs. O’Cearbhaill carried on her arm an old tattered uniform of dark green, as worn by the Cumannna-m-Ban (League of Women) during the Easter-week rebellion. The Inscription on the wreath read: “Remembering Ireland’s Dead. No Peace Till Freedom” (a quotation by Sean MacDormott, one of the executed Irish leaders of 1916). At the conclusion one member gave an address in Gaelic. A large number of school children took part in the ceremony.
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GRACE
Sean & Frank O’Meara (1985) As we gather in the chapel here in old Kilmainham Jail I think about these past few weeks, oh will they say we’ve failed From our schooldays they have told us we must yearn for liberty Yet all I want in this dark place is to have you here with me. Oh Grace just hold me in your arms ad let this moment linger They’ll take me out at dawn & I will die With all my love I place this wedding ring upon your finger There won’t be time to share our love for we must say goodbye. Now I know it’s hard for you my love to ever understand The love I bear for these brave men, my love for this dear land But when the Padraig called me to his side down in the GPO I had to leave my own sick bed, to him I had to go Now as dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking too, On this May morn as I walk out my thoughts well be of you And I’ll write some words upon the wall so everyone will know I love so much that I could see his blood upon the rose. Tom Clarke was a source of inspiration in the Post Office. There was Joseph Plunket, pale and weak having come directly from the hospital where he had just undergone an operation.Joseph was shot seated, as he was too ill to stand for the firing squad. He struggled to be with his comrades on that eventful morning. Margaret Skinnider said he looked like death and he met his death a few days later, not a natural one but a murderous one by firing squad. Jo was married to Grace Gifford at midnight just a few hours before his execution in the little church beside Richmond Barracks. She was Thomas MacDonagh’s sister-in-law. The song tells the sad story of their wedding and has to be one of the saddest songs of all time. Joseph Mary Plunkett had tuberculosis and was hospitalised for that prior to Easter, the phrase, “the blood upon the rose” comes from one of Joseph’s poems -- he was a Catholic mystic and poet. Grace Gifford was protestant and her parents did not much approve of the relationship.
’ G da FROM MELBOURNE.
Mike Bowen, Hank Marvin and Michael Bowen
y
Have you ever met your (guitar) heroes? Let’s start with a Happy New Year and I hope it brings lots of happiness and success to all. Did Santa bring you what you asked for? Or was the only present you received that awful present that no one ever wanted (soap on a rope). I suppose you like many others had to organise for your local council’s garbage truck to call twice to collect the Christmas wrappings from all the children’s presents. Please remember if there are any unwanted presents think of those who Santa forgot, as it’s never too late to give a present to those in need. All that’s left now to finish off the festive season is to sit down to make the traditional New Year’s resolutions and then break them a week or so later. Making that
promise gives the pledger a warm and fuzzy feeling that this time we might actually stick to it, but alas it never seems to happen. Now is also the time when you wish you had started on that weight reduction plan that you planned on, to look your best for the summer break. You will realise that when you go to put your speedos or bikini on just how much it has shrunk. I do have that right, don’t I? The good life is too good to give up for vanity in the colder weather, after all no one ever takes notice of us in our winter scruffies that is until the first real hot sunny day arrives, then panic hits. ‘Oh Holy Mother of God’ what happened to that to die for waistline of mine? Well I suppose there are only two answers to that problem. First is to hold your breath and suck in your
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belly and hope that you look like you have held the Status Quo from last year, however there is a slight problem with that as it may cause you to flocculate and call attention to yourself. Not very helpful to your ego in a crowded room and thank God that we don’t fart in colour. The other solution of course is, to sign up to become a gym junky which you would probably attend reluctantly and in sufferance as it is not as satisfying as dining with good friends. Remember if you join the gym Junkies, you will have to bear with the odour of sweaty bodies that is much worse than the awful smell of stale alcohol and there is no guarantee that you will live out your gym subscription anyway. I think I will stick with letting nature take its course, as it’s worked for me up to now. As you probably guessed I’m not much different to you, I also lie to myself. On an entirely different subject let me ask, have you ever met any of your idols? And, if so did they live up to your expectations? As a young lad, growing up in Cork surrounded with music I was in awe of three great music legends, all guitar players who played Fender guitars, they were the three stars that made that Guitar brand a world-wide success. Buddy Holly, Hank B Marvin and our own home grown guitar hero, Rory Gallagher. Sadly I never had the pleasure of seeing or
meeting Buddy. Growing up in Cork it was impossible not to have heard of Rory. I was blessed to have met him many times and had seen him play in The Fontana Showband, The Impact Showband and then as front man for Taste the band that opened up the world to him. I well remember the night I walked into the Cork City Hall and saw him with Taste, he had all the hallmarks of a superstar. Underneath all the stardom Rory was a simple nice lad without airs or graces, a real down to earth guy. Sadly Rory passed away on the 14th of June 1995 and joined Buddy Holly on that stage shared by all great and great musicians among the stars. Hank B Marvin is a true legend and idol. I was hooked on Hanks talent the moment I heard him play that first note. He was the lead guitarist who fronted The Shadows for fifty years plus and had a string of Number One hits with them. The band also have had a bucket load of hits with Cliff Richards. An accomplished writer and producer Hank is in a field of his own. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting him and I have to admit I was like a nervous bride at the altar. I can now assure you that that was a waste of nervous tension. Hank would have to be one of the nicest and most accommodating high profile stars I have ever had the pleasure to meet. For one who has had such a phenomenal successful career and been in the limelight for decades, he is modest, humble and oozes gentleness. At 74 he still has that boyish look that never seemed to have left him. Buddy and Rory will have to wait for another while before Hank B joins the ultimate band in the sky. Heaven knows that we need Hank and his talent here on earth. Meeting Hank was the best Christmas present that I ever had and it completed my bucket list. Until I talk to again be good to those who love you and Slainte from Melbourne. Mike Bowen
Last surviving child of executed 1916 leader turns 102
Photo Source: Courtesy of the Mallin family
The son of the 1916 Easter Rising commandant Michael Mallin has celebrated his 102nd birthday. Fr Joseph Mallin, the only surviving child of an executed 1916 leader, marked the event with friends in Hong Kong on Sunday. The Jesuit priest, who was two years old when his father died, has lived in China since 1948, when he left Ireland for missionary work. His niece Una ÓCallanáin said that he is still in good physical shape, though his mobility is “not so great”. She said Fr Mallin regularly writes home to relatives in old Irish script, keeping them abreast of current affairs in the region. He was last in Ireland to celebrate his 90th birthday, but has Mallin in his late twenties when long considered Hong Kong home he left the British army and and is held in high esteem there, began his trade as a silk weaver Photo by: Lorcan Collins. ÓCallanáin said. He’s a very quiet person but he’s very alert. He could tell you everything that’s going in China as well as Ireland. Fr Mallin, the fourth of five children in the family, was taken to visit his father in Kilmainham the night before he was executed in May 1916. Michael Mallin was the Irish Citizen Army’s chief of staff and commanded a garrison on St Stephen’s Green during Easter Week. A socialist who had previously served in the British army, he was 41 when he was shot for his role in the rebellion. In a letter sent to his family shortly before he was shot, according to historians, Michael encouraged his baby son to become a priest. “Joseph, my little man, be a priest if you can,” he is said to have written.
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The Celtic Club • Perth •
BAR • RESTAURANT • FUNCTIONS
Function Rooms
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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.
HAY ST
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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.
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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.
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.
ST 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
Bar & Restaurant
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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.
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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Membership
Doing Business
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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 47
P: Phone (08) 9322 2299 E: Email: celtic.club@bigpond.com F: Fax (08) 9322 2899 W: www.celticclubperth.com
Money does not make you happy but it quiets the nerves (playwright Sean O Casey)
Rain is also very difficult to film, particularly in Ireland because it’s quite fine, so fine that the Irish don’t even acknowledge that it exists. (British Movie Director Alan Parker)
d
te Bela
Letter to Santa SAM 2015
Dear Santa, The name’s JACK. FR JACK ! Haha, I trun tha’ in, only jokin’! I’ve been to see the new ‘FECKTRE’ Jimmy Bond movie, FECKTRE, an’ I couldn’t help bu’ notice a familiar face. So annyway, here I am. Berrer lat’ Sports Bewks for Crimbo... dan never I say, so I’m trying de new Bewkface (Ed: It’s Facebook ye eejit !). No stamp, ye ger it straigh’ away an’ I still have time to give you me Crimbo list ! How good is tha’ ? In annyway, how’s de body ? Mind you, I was a bi’ worried abou’ you dis year. De ladz were goin’ to go around to ‘soften yer cough’, like, especially after the Rugby debacle, bu’ I told dem to hold off as you wud come good in de end. Wha’ a recovery, eh ? De Boys Breaking Balls Have a laugh in Green are goin’ to the Fleadh in France next year, we won the International Rules an’ Conor only needed 13 seconds to cap off the year Until Victory ! Der’s bewks to beat de band dis year. Always Me shelf will be creakin’ – Jim McGuinness’s ‘Until Victory Always’ leads de pack and got ‘Sports Bewk of the Year’. Packie, Brian, Henry and Dalo are all in de mix. A sporting smorgasbord. Plenty of pause, touch, engage to keep us awake. Wha’ about the dvd’s – LIAM15 an’ DALO - The SAM15. Someone mentioned rain. Wha’ Autobiography rain ? De GAAGO worked out well dis year, keep tha’ in mind for a last minute idea. The fillums of de year are wha’ geh me dis year. Robbie’s still de brightest star in the Galaxy. Scellig Michael will rival Knock as a Dub-Sub place of pilgrimage, Confidential I goh to meet Daft Vadar on set. De Dubs starred in ‘Straight outta Croker’ (watch dis space every September !), Keano played both parts in ‘Legend’ an’ Colin Farrell is earmarked to play
Henry Shefflin Autobiography
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Keano in a new movie (subtitled ‘Studz’ for the moment). Dis one will be entered at Cannes next year as a foreign fillum. Der will be English subtitles wit’ dis, RTE an’ SBS are LIAM 2015 sharin’ de gig ! He’s helped Robbie wit’ breast feedin’, MON an’ de ladz geh to France, trains guidedogs an’ dus de punditry in his spare time. Is der nuttin’ he can’t do? Next he’ll be canvassin’ for Pope! Yer worsest nightmare! The White Heat While on de subject, I have some good news for any of me Rebel acquaintances suffering a recent medical phenomenon. The medical condition (akin to an apoplectic fi’) was brough’ on by being quizzed on de merits of a Dubs and Kerry football final. Dey have called the condition ‘Montenotte Migraine’ an’ help is at hand. It’s Fleadh 2016 in de form of a large suppository, presently on trial via general anaesthetic. It’s not a cure mind, it just gives dem somethin’ else to complain GAA Christmas abou’! De Dubs and de Cats lead all before dem again dis year. Fair play, they’ve offered der second teams to de weaker counties next year. Only one Wha’ rain.... ‘Expression of Interest’ has been received at HQ, from a ‘Maor Uisce’, c/o a postal address in Ballydehob ! To be fair, de best Team of de Year (no offence to me Lilywhite friends – well done wit’ de double!) is de Rebelettes, de Cork Ladies Football team. 10 titles in 11 years. Der, I’ve said it, suck it up ladz ! Just to prove the GAA is movin’ wit’ Daft Vadar and friend.... de times, after HawkEye we now have de “Revised Beaufort Scale for GAA matches’ in de pipeline. It goes from 1 to 12. ‘Schemozzle’ only makes it to number 6 ! Have a dekko, “A game for the purists”: The match passes
Christmas 2015 without a bad tackle. Spectators are calm. Pigeons graze on several areas of pitch. Kerry and Galway both score more than 20 points but Kerry win by seven, having never looked in danger. Commentators describe it as “one for the purists”. Many TV viewers fall asleep. “Typical Ulster ‘Straight outta Fare”: Many Croker’. late tackles and off-the-ball incidents occur. Leinster referee suffers visible effects of stress as game wears on. The phrase “manmarking” is taken literally by all defenders, forcing Martin Carney to describe at least one on-pitch event as “most unsavoury”. There LEGEND are no pigeons anywhere but during the last 20 minutes sheep roam freely in the half of the pitch where Donegal are not defending a two-point lead. 6. “Schemozzle“: Ten or more players become involved in simultaneous shouldering or Colin Farrell plays chest-bumping. There is some Keano use of arms and at least one player is wrestled to the ground but there are no punches. Sticks fly (hurling). Dublin’s Philly McMahon involved somewhere (football). In Keane for Pope... stands, flecks of spittle give way to spray. Pigeons take flight. 12. “We don’t want to see this on a GAA pitch”: Bishops issue joint encyclical Yer worstest nightmare... condemning the violence. Joe Brolly rendered momentarily speechless. Conor McGregor says he wouldn’t want his son playing Gaelic football. Commentators agree that “we don’t want to see this sort of thing on a GAA pitch”. RTÉ announces record viewing figures. In annyway, it’s nice to know in an ever changing world,
St Paul of Thomond
sometings never change ! Wha’ else have we to look forward to? I’ll keep takin’ de tablets where United are concerned. Tell me it’s a nightmare an’ it’ll Stop laughin’, dis is serious... you’re go away?? I’m sufferin’ coaching the Pumas.... in silence wit’ me Trinity heroes. Well done to Norn Iron, they’re joinin’ us also at de Fleadh next year. The craic will be 90! The boxers done good dis year an’ de Katie ‘n Conor Shows bounce along nicely. Rory is still swingin’ now tha’ the financials are sorted ! Pity abou’ de rugby. I knew we were in trouble when Graham Henry started mentoring de Pumas. Stop laughin’, dis is serious! At least we got a The United Trinity 1.... new saint from de debacle (St Paul of Thomond). It’s a road trip to Rome (via Paris) next year. Transits and Hiaces de length an’ breath of Ireland are getting’ der ten year (annual) services and Bosco mug.... springs are bein’ checked for haulin’ duty free again. It’s Italia 90 all over again! We love Wee Georgie bein’ underdogs! Der, tha’s much berrer. You’re havin’ black ‘n white puddin’ from McLoughlins wit’ yer Guinness dis year. Dat will put a linin’ on yer tummy! Before ye go, anny chance of a Late Late Christmas jumper or a Bosco mug …. No words an’ ye better brang one o’ needed... those Ned Sheeran teddies for de Mot. Can’t be too careful!
Sláinte. Your friend in sport David Isaacson, De Dynamic Dub
Little Jimmyw
PS. Je suis David. #coybig. #coybib. MUFC4EVA. We remember wee Georgie, gentle giant Jonah and little Jimmy. Thanks for the wonderful memories. Nuff said.
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With Fred Rea
Brendan Doherty... rock and roll and blues. “I went on to play rock music with bands around Perth”. While this was happening Brendan took an interest in Trad Irish music. “A friend of my dad was looking for a guitar to swap for an old tenor banjo. I swapped the guitar for the banjo and I started playing trad Irish music on the banjo”. Brendan still had the pipes and this helped him transition to the tin whistle as well. This was an opportunity to get involved with Comhaltas by teaching, playing at Ceile’s, Festivals, pub gigs and other Irish sessions around Perth. “I have anchored a number of these sessions in the last few years to try and focus on the tune side of Irish music”. Apart from the trad Irish music, Brendan likes to play on the guitar, South American Brazilian and is very keen on flamenco but still has a soft spot for the blues. “This is what I like to play at home and find it very relaxing and who knows, maybe the future will see me play this in public”. I asked Brendan about the state of Irish music in Perth at present and where it at? “Irish music peaked
G
o to any Irish session in Perth and chances are you will see Brendan Doherty. Born into a house of traditional music with father Sean and late mother Margaret very much part of the Irish trad music scene in Perth it is easy to understand why Brendan and his siblings have a keen interest in music. Brendan remembers back to when he was as young as 3 when his father introduced him to Irish music playing. “The first instrument I learned to play was the highland pipes and that was when I was 8 years old and that was with the Perth Irish pipe band”. Pipe major, June Corcoran was the main teacher of the band. Brendan and his other brothers and sister played in the band. “I continued to play with the band until I was in my mid-teens and I went on to play the pipes with the Army reserve band when I was attending university”. Brendan also had a guitar he played from when he was 12. “That guitar was my sister Fiona’s as she was learning at school”. He taught himself the guitar and starting playing Chuck Berry, U2, Angels, ACDC, top 40
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Brendan Doherty (left) playing at a session in the Irish Club
when we had the big influx of Irish people during the mining boom. It brought with it some very fine trad musicians. Many stayed for a time and went to the east, while others decided to head back to Ireland”. Brendan also said that there is a lack of traditional Irish music sessions in Perth. “There was a few sessions in Fremantle but they folded”. He added that there are very good and enjoyable sessions going on but these are dominated by singers with a few tunes on the side. “We had sessions at Durty Nellies and the Carlisle some years ago and they were an excellent standard. The Comhaltas session at the Irish Club has struggled but now that it has returned to Monday’s I see an improvement”. Brendan said the local trad musos have had the odd Session in people’s homes on a Sunday afternoon which were very successful. “It’s reasonably healthy at present and has come off a little over the last couple of years”. So, if there is a venue out there with a quiet bar ‘out the back’ as they say, it might be an opportunity to have a rollicking Irish traditional session. Brendan tells me that he has done a reconnaissance tour of Vic Park where he lives and he says there are so many venues suitable but trying to convince the management is hard work. “You try and convince them what you are trying to do and it falls on deaf ears”. In the meantime Brendan plays in sessions whenever the opportunity arises, his sister Fiona is a fine traditional fiddle player in Ireland, brother Kieran is in a trad band in Esperance and father Sean continues to teach the Irish traditional music to students. The Irish Perth community are all the healthier for having the Doherty family amongst us. They are a fine family, dedicated to keeping the Irish music tradition alive and well on both sides of the world.
VALE
Meta Elkin
Though we cannot see you with outward eyes, We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face, Smiling back at us from within everything To which we bring our best refinement. Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones. John O’Donogue
To John, the girls and the family we extended our deepest sympathy on the passing of my dear friend Meta. We met all those years ago in the Government Print and our friendship endured. I shall miss your smiling face. Sleep now a chara. Fred Rea
Frank Murphy presents
COLIN MERREY
107.9fm Fremantle Radio
You can find Colin Merrey’s Book Reviews on our Website.
www.irishscene.com.au
Saturday 7am to 9am
IRISH MUSIC • INTERVIEWS • LOCAL & IRISH NEWS 51
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Irish Families in Perth
Western Australia
e Updat
Irish Families in Perth
“Irish Families in Perth” is a voluntary, non-profit organisation with almost 10,500 members. We provide Irish emigrants with advice on how to best assimilate into the Western Australian culture and lifestyle. We communicate with our subscribers through a social media where topics such as housing, jobs, visa enquiries and social events are covered. 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 & heritage. IFIP aims to:- Co-ordinate Irish family events around Perth Including a weekly playgroup • Support Irish families along with The Claddagh Association • Develop Irish culture & heritage: Gaelic Games, Irish Music, Irish Language & Irish Folklore • Help Irish families with any problems that might arise by providing a link to Australian & Irish support services You can find our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishfamiliesinperth/ We also have a new website. Many thanks to Paul McLoughlin for kindly making this possible for us www.irishfamiliesinperth.com.au
Irish Grannies in Perth –
This new sub group are alive and kicking and are looking for more grandparents to join them, Meet ups are organised for January. Please see Anne Power for more details or check our Facebook page. Irish Mammy’s Perth and Irish Mams NOR have 3 meet ups weekly so come and join these fabulous groups. We will also be hosting various children’s events in January/February so please see IFIP for more details. Guímid gach rath agus séan oraibh uilig don Athbhlian.
Irish Mammy’s in Perth
Irish Mammy’s In Perth was set up just over a year ago. This is a fantastic support group for mums AND mums-to-be. Being so far from home can be very hard for some but the support in the group from everyone is overwhelming so makes it a lot easier. I myself have made lifelong friends in the group and a lot say the same! We have a playgroup running every Wednesday & Friday in WA Playgroup head quarters centre in North Perth. There is also park meet ups every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. We alternate parks to suit North & South. We treat the kids every few weeks and take them somewhere different for example Swan Valley Cuddly Farm, Trampoline Park, Painting & singing class and play centres. We organise regular nights out for all the mums, we have just had our Christmas Boat Party and there will be another night out in January then a full day wine tour in March to look forward too. The children’s Christmas party was held on 13th December in Lollipops Bayswater and was great. Maria Byrne
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Local Perth sisters celebrating Christmas in Osborne Park. It is a day of prayer, Mass followed by Christmas lunch entertained by Fred Rea. It is a wonderful day enjoyed by all. We should be so thankful that the sisters have given so much and ask for little in return.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember we are but travellers here.â&#x20AC;? (1866) St Mary MacKillop
Congratulations to Sister Roberta Dillon who celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in November. Sr Roberta pictured with brother Tom celebrated the event at Santa Maria Chapel with family and many friends. Sr Roberta has now moved to Bunbury to be closer to her family.
NEED A HOME LOAN?
Call Nik Silsby on 0402 284 594 Lic No 387131
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nsilsby@loanscafe.com
By Lloyd Gorman
Graham Norton never really trades off his Irishness on his eponymous talk show but it can be good for some Irish content and guests. The October 23 show on TEN was a prime example. Guests included Colin Farrell and Chris O’Dowd and Rod Stewart whose newest song has a distinctly Irish feel to it with the use of violins and banjos. One of the guests in the red chair at the end of the show was a John from the West of Ireland who told a story about a disastrous baby sitter they had when he was much younger - O’Dowd himself. On the following night on 7Mate the third instalment in the Back to the Future franchise saw Michael J Fox’s character go back in time to meet his cowboy times ancestors who hailed from Ireland. The Ex-PM on ABC with Shaun Micallef is a good stab at a political satire and comedy and its timing with real life events in Canberra couldn’t have been timed better. It first aired on October 14 but in the following weeks offering (28 October) we hear Sonny - the former PM’s chief of staff - say that the last time he had time off from the job was to take his mother’s
ashes back to Ireland. ABC’s hard-hitting new programme Lateline on November 4 saw Tony James interview the irrepressible media personality and all round character, Stephen Fry. The bulk of their interview was dominated by questions about an interview Fry had done with Gay Byrne (of Late Late Show fame) back in February of this year. During that question and answer session - called The Meaning of Life with Gay Bryne - Gaybo asked Fry about the existence of God. Fry, being a staunch atheist asked how there could be a god in the face of the “utterly evil, capricious and monstrous” things he allowed to happen to children and others. The ‘Meaning of Life’ interview sparked a massive reaction from the religious community and one that was hostile enough to be still following him on the other side of the world10 months later. (As this edition of TNTS goes to print there are reports in Ireland of Byrne suffering a heart attack in the days just before New Years Eve. RTE said its former presenter, now 81, was recovering well in hospital.) A new Irish face popped up on West TV on November 7 in the
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most unlikely of places. Russian TV news (RT news) makes up some of the programming of the local Perth TV station. The anchor man for the English language Russian news service was a fresh faced Eunan O’Neill with a distinctive Irish accent. O’Neill was born in Newry, Co. Down in 1982 and graduated from the University of Ulster in Communication, Advertising and Marketing and has been a face on RT News since 2005. A former member of the amateur Irish Kick boxing squad for five years he can obviously handle himself in a tough environment and would no doubt have some interesting insights into the shenanigans of Vladimir Putin. Peaky Blinders was shown on SBS on Tuesday nights during November and December. A cast of top actors were lead by main man Tommy (Cillian Murphy) and would be tough Northern Ireland law man
Chester Campell (Sam Neill). The Irish and Australian actors balance each other beautifully and the entire plot brings in elements of the IRA, The Red Hand of Ulster and other Irish connections. Well worth a watch if you get a chance and season three is currently being produced so keep an eye out) Another Australian actor who did less of a job at capturing an Irish character was Nicole Kidman in Far and Away (1992), which was screened on November 12, on Channel 11. Kidman is not terrible and is a sight better (maybe) than Cruise whose ‘Tell me you like my hat’ brogue leaves a bit to be desired. But there are other good performances from other actors - including some Irish faces - and was shot in part on location in Dublin. Friday the 13th (of November) saw Irish Comic Ed Byrne front the comedy show Live at the Apollo.
This show had a strong Australian interest, with the first act being Adam Hills (of Spicks and Specks fame) and another Aussie born funnyman, Steve Hughes. Hughes, who looks like and is a former heavy metal band member turned stand up and TV presenter, went to the UK in 2002 when his career was really taking off and has been there since. As part of his routine he talked about the smoking ban in Ireland and how the news in 2004 that pub goers (which was most of the population he said) would have received the news they couldn’t basically have a fag anymore at home, i.e. the pub. On November 14 Graham Norton’s talk show again had a strong Irish
influence. German Irish actor Michael Fassbender recounted a story about how his one and only gig with a heavy metal band was in Dingle, but they were asked to turn it down and instead they played an “acoustic” session. Fassbenders mother is from Larne, Co. Antrim, and when he was two his parents move to Killarney, Co. Kerry where his father worked as a chef. Another very well known actress and guest on that episode of the GN show was Julie Walters. She is playing the role of Irish American woman (Mrs Kehoe) in a film adaptation of a Colm Tobin novel, Brooklyn. She has good Irish credentials on and off the screen. Walters is again the product of an Irish mother from Co Mayo and an English builder. She was on “Who do you think you are?” in August 2014 and the programme traced her maternal ancestors who played an active part in the struggle for more rights for Irish tenant farmers, in the Irish Land War, a struggle that started in 1879. A couple of years earlier she had played the part of former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlan very convincingly, despite initial misgivings about the physical differences involved between her and Mowlan. On this episode of GN she also spoke about Educating Rita (1983) another great movie which was largely shot in and around Dublin city. Braveheart (1995) another movie shot largely in Ireland and a story with some Irish interest was screened again on November 16 on One. Funny enough , during an ad break for this historic movie which features some Irish strongholds there was a commercial for ‘Tales of Irish Castles’, a six part series on DVD from the ABC. The ABC normally sells DVDs of shows it has screened but I hadn’t come across this one, so perhaps it had slipped through the net somehow. Basically Tales is presented by Irish actor
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Simon Delaney (The Good Wife/ The Fall/Roy) and visits quite a number of fortified locations across Ireland. Apparently more castles were built in Ireland than in all the other parts of the British Isles combined. Delany is a pretty good actor and wit and I’m confident would do a great job of making eons of history interesting and accessible to the watcher. A raft of Irish made children’s programmes came floating by as I watched early morning TV with my youngest buck on November 19, on ABC4Kids. Tilly and Friends, Joe and Jack and Baby Jake came on while two days later it was Puffin Rock (narrated by Chris O’Dowd) and Peter Rabbit. Tom Hanks has played a lot
of characters in his long screen career, including some Irish - even unintentional Irish ones. Captain Phillips, the story of modern day piracy off the coast of Africa, on November 22 on Channel 7, sees Hank as the skipper of the vessel who is snatched by the pirates. They call Hanks “Irish” for reasons he did explain once on the (again) Graham Norton show. Speaking of which a week later Hanks was on GN talking about his latest film, Bridge of Spies. In a short clip they showed, Hanks - aka James Donovan - is talking to another spy about what makes them Americans. ‘I’m Irish on my father and mothers side and you are German, what makes us American is the rule book, the Constitution,” Hanks says. Live
at the Apollo this night too had a sketch from Dublin stand up Andrew Maxwell, who manages to do a good job of slagging off the Irish, and the English. On December 3, Channel 9, Great Great Getaways was in Ireland as part of a tour including the UK. Along the way they visited Blarney Castle, KIllarney, Bunratty (just outside Limerick), the Cliffs of Moher and then in Dublin Trinity College, the Guinness museum and observation tower and popped into the historic Shelbourne Hotel. Talking of Guinness, on December 5 (Channel 7) Ultimate Factories was itself in Dublin talking a behind the scenes look at the manufacturing and marketing processes being brewed up at the 48 acre St. James’ Gate site, close to Houston Station.
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The programme also got out on the road to a couple of country pubs, following the Guinness rep as he checked the lines and orders. More laughs on December 4 with Michael McIntyres Roadshow in Belfast. This repeat saw comics Kerry Godliman, Neil Delamare, Jeff Green (UK comedian living in Melbourne) and headline act and local boy Patrick Kielty. Another Northern Ireland raised comedian Jim Eoin was on GO on December 29 with his one man show, Jimeoin on Ice. Humour of a different kind on 9Gem, December 20, with a repeat of the 1954 film Tonight’s the Night. The story of an Irish village as it comes to terms with the new (English) owner (David Niven) of an Anglo-Irish estate and all the shenanigans that ensue. A real taste of Ireland could be found on SBS on December 28, with Tracks and Trails talking walking tour around parts of Kerry, led by RTE newsman (and son of the
IRISH IRISH MUSIC MUSIC
Kingdom county) Pascal Sheehy. The Fall (Season 2) started back on SBS on November 24 with a double bill. This extremely well written and made crime series of course features Gillian Anderson, the American actress who found fame as Skully in the X-Files. Anderson is simply excellent as are most of the cast and settings (real streets and locations around Belfast) and provided a solid month of good viewing. She will feature again in a new series of six X files being made and expected out in 2016.) Another top pick to look out for in the new year is the return of Vikings. Produced in Ireland this is will be season 4 in what I would regard as one of the most entertaining and gripping historical based action series and the one (Irish) programme I am most looking forward to seeing on Australian TV.
A VERY DISTURBING REVELATION!
SESSION
Thought for the day? Where were you born?
EVERY TUESDAY
7PM -11PM
Statistics just released from Ireland reveal that: Dublin men between 60 and 75 years of age, will, on average, have sex two to three times per week, (and a small number have it a lot more) whereas Cork men, in exactly the same age group, will have sex only once or twice per year if they are lucky. This has come as very upsetting news to both me and most of my Jackeen friends... as none of us had any idea that we were Culshees.
PIE & PINT DEAL JUST $15
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Woodbridge Hotel
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Dining Guide
Sponsor: McLoughlin’s Butchers
with Danielle O’Leary
FENIAN’S FOOD.... MORE CHARACTER AND DISTINCTIVE FLAVOUR THAN EVER BEFORE! I reviewed Fenian’s at the Novotel the same time last year. Last time, I thought it has improved dramatically – it was more bright, more fresh and more fun that it has been in previous years. This year, it has become even better – the food menu has improved significantly, offering more character and distinctive flavour than ever before. Effortlessly fusing modern Australian dining with the best of the Irish cuisine, Fenian’s offers a new take on what is expected in Australian Irish pubs. Moving away from the gimmicky and the cliché, Fenian’s presents a refined and reasonable menu pleasing quick office lunchers and late night diners alike. My cousin Colin – a Dubliner turned Melbournian – and I visited Fenian’s for lunch and almost rolled out the door. We feasted on the most popular dishes over lunch and could easily see how far Fenian’s has come. First we had the Angus Beef slider with swiss cheese, bacon rashers, cos lettuce, tomato and onion jam and
Crocodile slider (yes, crocodile) with butter crunch lettuce, tomato, cheese and quandong chutney. The sliders were a perfect size with the highest quality ingredients. The crocodile was a pleasant surprise – it was cooked to smoky perfection. Next we shared the Beef and Guinness pie served with the best mash potatoes I have had in Perth (big call, I know!). The pie had so much flavour and we struggled to finish it between the two of us. My favourite dish was the Half Chicken Roasted on the bone served with roast vegetables with onion gravy. The flavour in the roast chicken is something that is not done easily in Australia, despite the popularity of a roast. By the way, both the pie and chicken are only $15. If a Guinness pie or a roast chicken aren’t your thing, try the pasta, curry of the day also at $15. There aren’t many places in Australia that offer a delicious, filling $15 in the heart of the city. The manager Derek adds a charm and sophistication to Fenian’s – I do believe he is the
Danielle O’Leary with Fenian’s manager, Derek Walsh
key to success for the revival of this pub. I remember the last time I wrote about Fenian’s, I mentioned the indisputable history so many Perth Irish families have with this pub – be it a dinner after your first Holy Communion (myself included), a drink before a Rose of Tralee ball or a Sunday session full of traditional music. Make Fenian’s a place on your to-go list in the city once again, and you will not be disappointed. Danielle O’Leary Fenians is on the ground floor of the Novotel Perth Langley, 221 Adelaide Terrace. Bookings: T. 9425 1634 E: h1764-fb2@accor.com www.novotelperthlangley.com.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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www.facebook.com/perthcomhaltas
Page Sponsor: Reid’s Bootmakers,
PLEASE NOTE: Seisiun/Classes NOW Monday in Irish Club
WEEKLY IRISH TRAD MUSIC SESSION EVERY MONDAY AT THE IRISH CLUB Comhaltas Perth meets on Monday nights. Come and learn a tune 8pm in the committee room or join in the session (starts off slow). You don’t have to be a member of Comhaltas to join in. There is also set dancing most Mondays about 8.30 pm. It’s great fun, beginners welcome. 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco
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land of
&
Ireland
honey
THE WOMEN OF
“The Terrible Beauty”
As we move towards the centenary of “The Rising” I thought we might get to know a little more of these interesting women, three of whom were connected with W.B Yeats who gave to the Irish that phrase “A terrible beauty is born” in one of his most famous poems about the rising. That phrase is written indelibly in the psyche of the Irish. Let us first look at Lady Gregory - the woman who reinvented herself. She was born Augusta Persse in 1852, the youngest girl of a large family. Brought up in a strictly Protestant Household with a great deal of bible reading, rigid
rules and strong views on who the “right people” were, Augusta was considered the “plain Jane” of the family and there were grave doubts as to whether she would ever make a suitable marriage. However, fate intervened. In 1879 she accompanied her mother and sick brother to Nice and there met their neighbour from Galway Sir William Gregory, owner of Coole Park. Sir William, a widower, had been Governor of Ceylon and a Member of Parliament for Galway and was the originator of the infamous Gregory Clause which had done irreparable damage to the Irish Small Holder. He lived mainly in London but when he came to Coole he gave Augusta the run of his substantial library at Coole. In 1880 he proposed to her and she (seeing all the advantages of an interesting, cultural lifestyle instead of a male dominated farming one) said yes... practically Yes Please I should imagine. He was thirty five years
older than her. Despite the age difference, or maybe because of it, Augusta gave birth to her only son Robert in 1881. She promptly left him at home and took off travelling with Sir William, as a good wife should, no doubt. In Egypt she met Wilfred Scawen Blunt, a flamboyant poet who always wore Arab Robes, Augusta had an affair, discreet (as all good affairs are} and completely without Sir Williams knowledge. The affair ended (as all affairs do). In 1892 Sir William died, when Robert was eleven, and Augusta did a Queen Victoria and retired to Coole and started to reinvent herself as A Nationalist. Possibly from guilt she set about defending Sir William’s reputation with the local populace - greatly loved by all according to Augusta. The evil of The Gregory Clause is part of the dark history of Coole but it could not be denied that Sir William was good to his own tenants in the famine, but the infamous Clause undermined and decimated the very class, that with the help of W. B. Yeats she was now trying to glorify. Out of this partnership with W.B
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Yeats The Celtic Twilight was born. Her friendship with Yeats started a few years after Sir William died He was staying at Tlyra Castle with Edward Marten. She invited him to lunch and decided she had to have him – her own “in residence” poet. She invited him to stay and it’s doubtful if he ever left again. He came every summer and she accorded him the honour and comfort which he knew he was his entitlement!! Our W. B loved nice houses and hostesses who accorded him due deference and Augusta did all of
with Marguerite O’Dwyer The Cure Tavern Irish bar & restaurant
Clonakilty Black Pudding & Goats Cheese Parcels with a red onion Marmalade
Ingredients (Serves 4) 1 sheet of puff pastry 8 (1cm) of clonakilty black pudding 4 (1 cm) of goats cheese 1 egg 4 handfuls of mixed leaf salad Olive oil For the red onion marmalade 4 medium red onions 200ml balsamic vinegar 1 cinnamon sticks 100g Demerara brown sugar 1. Slice the red onions into thin strips. Place them in a medium size saucepan. Add in the balsamic vinegar, sugar and cinnamon stick and mix well. 2. Place over a medium heat & bring to a simmer for 3 - 4 minutes. Taste and if it’s sharp, add a bit more sugar. Run a spoon against the base of the pot and if the liquid is slightly thick and slowly comes back together, it’s ready. Leave aside to cool. 3. Preheat the oven to 180oC 4. Place a piece of black pudding about two inches
that. No noise, no draughts, and access to a wonderful cellar of fine wines. Augusta had taken on The Ancient Gaels with a vengeance, travelling to The Aran Island and visiting old men and women collecting stories and customs (some of which they invented to please her). She invited to Coole the leading figures of the day Douglas Hyde, Jack Yeats, Bernard Shaw, John Maesfield, John Millington Synge, and Sean O’Casey. Augusta liked men, couldn’t stand their wives - they made her take to the woods she said. in from the corner of the pastry. Place a piece of goat’s cheese on top of it followed by another piece of black pudding. Cut a square from the pastry once you know approximately the size needed so each corner can reach the centre at the top of the stack. 5. Remove the stack & roll the pastry gently, otherwise the pastry will be very thick. 6. Place a spoonful of red onion marmalade in the centre of the pastry square. Place the pudding & goat’s cheese stack on top of the marmalade. Bring each corner of the pastry, up to the centre and press on it so it’s enclosed. Follow these steps for each parcel. 7. Beat the egg with a fork and brush the parcel lightly. 8. Place on a greased baking tray & cook for 25 minutes 9. Serve on a bed of mixed leaf salad & drizzle with olive oil.
Cheats Banoffee Pie
Ingredients (Serves 12) 250g digestive biscuits, crushed 100g butter, melted 397g can Carnation Condensed Milk 4 small bananas Half a lemon 300ml carton whipping cream, whipped Grated chocolate, to decorate You will also need... 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin 1. Place the can of Condensed Milk in a medium pot & cover with water. Place over a medium heat. Bring it to the boil, reduce the heat & simmer for 3 hours. Remove from the water and leave to cool. 2. Tip the biscuit crumbs into a bowl. Add the butter and mix together. Spoon the crumbs into the tin. Press into the base and up the sides of the tin. Chill for 10 minutes 3. Open the tin of Condensed Milk (It will be a thick caramel). Empty into a bowl & stir lightly. Spread the caramel over the biscuit base with a spoon. 4. Slice the bananas and scatter over the top. Squeeze the juice of the half lemon over the bananas (This will stop the bananas from discolouring). Spoon the cream over the bananas and finish with grated chocolate. Chill until ready to serve. Marguerite O’ Dwyer The Cure Tavern Irish bar & restaurant
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EXECUTIVE
President: Hilary McKenna ADCRG Vice Presidents: Teresa McGorry TCRG & Eileen Ashley TCRG Secretary: Samantha McAleer TCRG & Alison Johnson TCRG Treasurer/Booking Secretary: Deirdre McGorry TCRG Venue Secretary: Sinead Hoare TCRG AIDA Inc Delegate: Hilary McKenna TCRG Registar: Caroline O’Connor TCRG Grade Exam Co-ordinator: Rose O’Brien ADCRG
SCHOOL CONTACTS
SCOIL RINCE NI BHAIRD Lynwood Tony Ward TCRG 0427 273 596 SCOIL RINCE NI CEIDE/UPTON Subiaco & Woodvale Samantha McAleer TCRG 9405 6255/0414 188 784 Lara Upton - Kalamunda 0409 474 557 EIREANN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Como/Jandakot/Rockingham Siobhan Cummins TCRG 0422 075 300 KAVANAGH STUDIO OF IRISH DANCE Osborne Park kavanaghirishdance.com.au Teresa McGorry TCRG 0412 155 318 Deirdre McGorry TCRG Caroline McCarthy TCRG O’BRIEN ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING Butler, Kinross, Subiaco Rose O’Brien ADCRG 9401 6334/0423 382 706 O’HARE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING WembleyDowns/OsbornePark 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 Kingsway & Landsdale threecrownsirishdancing.com 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 5600/0412 040 719 Hilary McKenna ADCRG 0404 730 532
Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN STATE CHAMPIONS 2015 IRISH DANCING CALENDAR 2016 IMPORTANT DATES While most of the Irish dancers of Perth are now on their summer break a small group are training through the heat for the World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow this Easter. The 2016 dancing calendar is a busy one. Because Easter is so early this year the first Feis is the earliest it has ever been.
FEBRUARY
27th & 28th - AIDA WA Feis – Morley Recreation Centre
MARCH
13th - St Parick’s Day Parade, Concert & Celebrations Leederville 17th - St Patrick’s Day 20th to 27th - World Irish Dancing Championships, Glasgow, Scotland
APRIL
9th & 10th - AIDA WA Feis – Venue TBA
MAY
14th & 15th - AIDA WA Feis - Morley Recreation Centre
JUNE
10th to 12th - Australian International Oireachtas, Gold Coast, QLD 25th & 26th - AIDA WA Feis - Morley Recreation Centre
AUGUST
13th & 14th - Western Australian State Solo Championships - John Curtin Performing Arts Theatre, Fremantle 27th - Solo Intermediate & Open Premierships - Morley Recreation Centre 28th - Western Australian State Ceili Championships - Morley Recreation Centre
SEPTEMBER 27th to OCTOBER 2nd Australian Irish Dancing Championships, Hobart, Tasmania
NOVEMBER
6th - AIDA WA Beginner/Primary Feis - Morley Recreation Centre
If you are interested in learning Irish dancing or having your children taught now is the time to start looking for a school. We are lucky to have ten schools in Perth. Most classes resume as school goes back between the end of January and the beginning of February 2016. Please see the teachers list for your closest classes.
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
by Lloyd Gorman
The Wembley Hotel - an Irish born institution JB O’Reilly’s on Cambridge Street is one of Perth’s most wellknown and popular Irish pubs. But sitting at the far end of Cambridge Street to JB’s is another local watering hall that was an Irish pub of sorts in earlier times. The Wembley Hotel at 344 and 350 Cambridge Street has a long and interesting history and was the brainchild of an Irish man who was not afraid to take a risk or of a bit of hard work. The following article, a column from a Perth newspaper published in July 1979, had the headline ‘Host with the Most’ and captured the origins and story of the Wembley and a glimpse into the character of the man who built it. “As a lusty infant itself, one of Pub News’ genuine pleasures in this first edition is to wish Happy Birthday to Perth’s oldest publican, Mr Michael Cranley. Mr Cranley, who will be 90 on July 28th, holds the licence of the Wembley Hotel - known when it was built as “Cranley’s White Elephant” because know-alls said he would never make a go of it. That was 47 years ago. The Wembley is still going strong, and so is its founder. Mr Cranley was born in Munster, County Tipperary, one of eleven children of a dairy farmer and horse breaker. He sailed for Perth at the age of 16 to join one of his sisters, married to Michael Mulcahy who kept the Central Hotel. The licensing hours were elastic, to say the least - opening at 5.30am to catch the metropolitan
markets trade, closing at 11.45pm after catering for the passengers who disembarked from- the daily Kalgoorlie train. Michael Cranley worked each day from 5.30am throughout the afternoon, giving a hand in the evening if he was needed. “I got 2 pounds (four dollars) a week, plus keep,” he recalls in the soft brogue which has never left him. “Still, the food was good and the money went a long way when beer was 6d (five cents) an imperial pint.” In his late teens, Mr Cranley left to work on a 4,400 hectare farm near Northam, driving one of the 12 four-horse ploughing teams. He was soon back in Perth, keeping the Bedford Hotel with his brother Tim, a noted horseman, until asthma forced Mr Cranley into the dry North West to work on the De Grey station. Returning to the metropolitan area when his asthma faded, he worked at the National Hotel at Fremantle before going into partnership with the late Tom Dean to take over The Esplanade Hotel, opposite the Fremantle fish market. “We had trouble scraping together the $1, 700 for the lease and furniture, but we never looked back,” he says. “When Tom and I both got married, I sold my half-share to him and moved to the Australia Hotel, also in Fremantle.” In 1932 Michael Cranley took his big gamble. After considering and rejecting the Canning Bridge
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Michael Cranley Hotel because the river was too close for a couple with four young children, he and his Kalgoorlieborn wife Kathleen decided to build a completely new hotel in Wembley. “People thought we were mad,” says Mrs Cranley. “The Depression was on and money was tight. What’s more, we were in the bush – the houses and the tramlines ended near St. John of God Hospital, nearly a kilometre away.’’ (According to the Wembley’s own website it was also the first two-storey building in the area at the time - Ed) Cranley’s White Elephant, complete with 20 bedrooms, sill new-fangled garages, beamed ceilings and cut-glass door panels cost $17,000 - with another $750 for the furnishings, many of them still in mint condition today. It cost more, 30 years later to add the hotel’s present toilet block. During the World War the hotel became a mecca for RAAF men awaiting overseas service at the Salvado Road camp grimly known as The Last Post. Their favourite haven was the Cranley’s private garden which consequently became the pleasant beer-garden which is now a feature of the Wembley Hotel. “Beer for them and the local customers was so short we could only open for two hours a day,” recalls Mr Cranley. “And the queues for bottled beer, when it arrived, stretched for 50 metres round the corner.” “But we enjoyed it, as we have enjoyed, all our hotel career. It’s hard work, but worth it for the people you meet.” Part of the Wembley’s recent
tradition is Michael’s Pacemaker the subject of jokes some of which are unrepeatable. In fact, he has had five heart pacemakers implanted in the past 12 years, some of which he has appreciated more than others. The last but one earned black marks because he had a couple of colds during its two-year term of office - “I never had that with any of the others.” Having followed his family tradition by producing 11 children, Mr Cranley now takes things a little more easily – but has no intention of bowing out yet. A touch of Irish summed up his attitude when, after his last pacemaker implant in November, a well-meaning bar customer said heartily: “Well Michael, I hope I’m here for your hundredth birthday.” Mr Cranley fixed him with a careful gaze. “I hope so too.” He said. “You should stand a good chance, you look pretty healthy to me.” Cranley is said to have built the
hotel in 1932 and it stayed in family ownership until the late 1980’s according to a website about local landmarks. It is hard to know what the future will bring for the Wembley. The lease for the hotel business expired in 2014 and it could now be living on borrowed time. The hotel’s 1,504 sqm of bushland turned “prominent central location in the heart of one of Perth’s most desirable vibrant inner suburban precincts” is up for sale on the property market. It is being sold as part of a superblock of 11,150 sqm, made up of the neighbouring shopping centre known as Cambridge Forum. Shops in the Forum will have six months notice to get out if the land is sold with plans to build something else there. CBRE say the entire site generates a substantial holding income of more than $1.6 million per annum. Depending which way the local property sector swings this could be small change to what the “landmark
property” site could be expected to return to the owners. One thing is for sure, Cambridge Street itself is undergoing a transformation. Where the Wembley was the first two storey structure on the road the standard norm now for all new apartment blocks and commercial centres being built now - and there have been a few with more coming starts at about six or seven storeys. It is a big change for this long street which still has sections of the original one level building. The day may be coming when the days of the original and traditional buildings in the area are considered a quaint thing of the past and vanish may be closer than we know. Until then, I propose a toast to Michael Cranley and the establishment he built from the ground up that still stands today. Slainte! In the next edition of Irish Scene will feature the incredible story of the Subiaco hotel and its deep rooted Irish heritage.
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A Message from President,
Claire Wynne Well, 2015 was indeed a vibrant and productive year for the Irish Theatre Players, and we’re already very excited about what 2016 has in store! In December we hosted our Annual General Meeting and were delighted at the fantastic turnout. The tremendous support from both “veteran” ITP diehards, and new fresh, enthusiastic faces was very rewarding and encouraging to see. Check out the photo below to see the motley crew that turned out on the day! At this meeting we made attendees aware of our new Membership Offer, where for just $10 per year, you can purchase a Year’s Membership to the ITP and receive a 10% discount on your future ticket purchases, as well as joining our database to receive notifications of Special Offers and updates on auditons, ticket releases & upcoming shows. If you’d like further information on how to be become a member of the ITP, just check out our website or drop us an email to itp@irishtheatreplayers.com.au. We had a fantastic afternoon at the Irish Club, with the boring bit lasting just over an hour, and then the fun bit – Christmas drinks accompanied by a fantastic digital display of highlights from the ITP’s recent plays and a compilation of old photographs and stills from plays from over the last 30+ years – went on all evening. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank John Spurling for his contribution to this particular event, and of course in general, and to the entire Committee for their dedication and support throughout 2015. I have thoroughly enjoyed being President of this fantastic committee and their energy, focus and vision makes it an honour and a delight to continue to work alongside them throughout the exciting times ahead.
So, what has 2016 got in store for the Irish Theatre Players? Right at the start of January the ITP and The Irish Club of WA were the proud hosts of the 2016 Independent Theatre Awards Nominations Night. This was quite an honour for our theatre to host this event, and to welcome the cream of the Theatre crop in WA to our humble little theatre. We were delighted to showcase our newly refurbished theatre space, which, thanks to the kind assistance of our awesome team of volunteers, was spruced up just in time for the event. In a very successful year for the ITP we’ve been able to upgrade our lighting set-up, purchase new furniture for our reception space and freshen up the entire theatre with a lick of paint. We thank all our members, patrons and sponsors for contributing to the success of the ITP in recent years. Your support has allowed us to reinvest in our theatre to ensure we bring you a more and more enjoyable experience each and every production. We are currently in full swing with rehearsals for our production of Sean O’Casey’s “The Plough & The Stars” which starts Wednesday 30th March here at The Irish Club of WA. As part of the state wide commemorations of the 100 year Anniversary of the 1916 Rising, we are excited to bring this infamous Irish play to the Perth stage, under the direction of renowned WA director Hellie
ITP AGM at The Irish Club
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Turner. Hellie’s professionalism and attention to detail ensures that this 3 week production will be one of ITP’s best and most memorable yet. Make sure to check out our facebook page and website for information on tickets and availability. As 2015 saw the passing of one of Ireland’s greatest Playwrights, Brian Friel, we thought it only appropriate that we celebrate his life and art by bringing you his one of his more obscure plays “The Communication Cord” in June of 2016. This farcical, fast paced, absurdist piece is full of typical Irish gossip, romance and comedic twists. The Communication Cord is certainly a departure from ITP’s usual style, but let’s just say we’re excited about the challenge that lies ahead! Then, in another first for the Irish Theatre Players, we’re delighted to bring you a Roddy Doyle favourite “War”, which we will stage in November 2016. Doyle’s comical and painfully accurate depiction of everyday suburban Dublin life is guaranteed to make even the most hardened expat that little bit homesick. This play, which features the usual “bar flies” propping up the counter at their trusty local during the weekly table quiz, is typical of Doyle’s ingeniously simple, benign yet hilarious insights in to the typical Dublin ‘burbs of the 90s. The Irish Theatre Players would also like to take this opportunity to pledge our support to the Irish Club of WA and its dedicated President Sean Daly, at this admittedly difficult time in the clubs history. We encourage our members and patrons to visit the club and help to keep this nucleus of the Irish Community in Perth alive for future generations to come. On behalf of the entire ITP committee, I thank you all for your patronage throughout 2015 and we look forward to keeping you entertained throughout 2016 and beyond. The happiest & healthiest of years to you all.
A S S O C I AT I O N B U N B U RY W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
John Boyle O’Reilly Association is gearing up for our annual event with 3 days of music, poetry, tours and craic to be held in the City of Bunbury during the first weekend of April 2016. Our event will also celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Easter Rising. Should you come from Perth and are planning on attending our event, we suggest that you make inquiries now in regards to booking and accommodation availability, as we’re expecting the weekend event to be well attended. JBOA recommends the Rose Hotel in Bunbury: famous for its hospitality, food, accommodation and a good pint of Guinness served by Irish staff. More announcements will be made closer to the date including artists appearing, venues and tours. For more information contact Tom Dillon on 0417986298 or bdillon1@bigpond.com or else find us on www. facebook.com/jboreilly or www.jboreilly.org.au 66
Seán Roche IRISH ENTERTAINER
Taking bookings for March/April 2016 All enquiries: seanroche61@yahoo.co.uk
The Mother by Padraig Pearse
I do not grudge them: Lord, I do not grudge My two strong sons that I have seen go out To break their strength and die, they and a few, In bloody protest for a glorious thing, They shall be spoken of among their people, The generations shall remember them, And call them blessed; But I will speak their names to my own heart In the long nights; The little names that were familiar once Round my dead hearth. Lord, thou art hard on mothers: We suffer in their coming and their going; And tho’ I grudge them not, I weary, weary Of the long sorrow--And yet I have my joy: My sons were faithful, and they fought.
Luka Bloom & Tommy Tiernan for Perth
Luka’s new CD to be released in Oz With a poet’s heart and a rockstar’s soul, Luka Bloom is regarded as one of Ireland’s best-respected contemporary folk artists, having produced 20 albums since the 1970s, Bloom continues to push the
boundaries of what his music can do. An internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, and recording artist; Luka Bloom has enjoyed over two decades of success worldwide. Since the release of one of the all-time Irish classics “Riverside” in 1990, people from all corners of the globe have embraced the true beauty of this remarkable musician. Luka returns in 2016 for his 12th Australian tour, to the country he loves as much as his homeland. With this new tour is a new album FRUGALISTO “Australia is the country where the new record will be first released, and I am thrilled about that. The song Frugalisto was inspired by an amazing group of young men and women who live near me in the West of Ireland. They are people with 2 particular passions in life. They are surfers, but more importantly, they are actively devoted to sustainable lives, working with the earth, without destroying her. Many of the songs on this record are inspired by the people where I live. And one of the songs is called Australia. It is a simple love song to a country that means so much to me; a place I have missed this past 3 years. I can’t wait to sing my new songs in Australia. And am thrilled that the first tour in my calendar for 2016, is Australia, especially Perth” said Luka. Like many who write songs, Luka’s orchestra of choice is the guitar. What makes his career a little different is his constant search for a new voice within the guitar. The guitar is the landscape on which the song is created, and he is forever probing that landscape for new inspiration. No effects, no gadgets. Time, effort and a whole lot of love bring forth new voicings within the instrument, and bit by bit, the songs come to life. And eventually they fly, bringing Luka with them to be heard in Byron Bay, San Francisco, Hamburg, or even Doolin. Luka Bloom has the power to bring audiences to a hush as his poetic lyrics bounce over melodies in a beautiful, captivating way. The same artist can rouse the spirit of the audience to the ceiling when he changes the tempo. . Luka’s live performances are summed in his own words “Every gig is precious. Whether the Spa in Lisdoonvarna, Carre in Amsterdam, or the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, the privilege is the same, as is the commitment to the gig.” PERTH FLY BY NIGHT MUSICIAN’S CLUB TUESDAY 22 MARCH Book at Box Office 9430 5208 www.flybynight.org TICKETS ON SALE NOW
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Following his guest appearance at the ‘Just For Laughs Sydney All Star Gala’ we are thrilled to hear that Tommy Tiernan will bring his brand new show ‘Out Of The Whirlwind to Australia’ in April 2016. “Tommy Tiernan tore it apart and stole the show with some intense and painfully funny storytelling.” The Irish Times Now entering his 20th year as a stand up comedian, having won every award going and still as passionate as ever about the adventure of storytelling and comedy, Irelands number one comedian is also starting to take some very exciting risks. There’s no manners on him, profound, dark, and silly too, his performance mesmerises in a way that is joyful, uplifting, inspirational and most importantly always breathtakingly funny. “There is a spirituality to Tiernan that makes him stand out. The church’s loss is comedy’s gain… Imperious.” The Standard
There is something zeitgeisty about Tommy. He taps in to the wider consciousness and manages to express what some people feel deeply but might not have an opportunity to express themselves while always retaining his great charm and roguishness that allows him to say things others just couldn’t get away with. Tommy is appearing at: PERTH RIVERSIDE THEATRE MONDAY 25 APRIL Book at Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au
ULSTER
Rambles with David MacConnell
Ah yes. Another year has arrived; 2016. It rings a bell for me and for five minutes I sit and ponder if it is just a figment of my imagination. Hip hip hooray. I have got it. Take one hundred years off and what have we got? Of course 1916 and that was what jogged my memory; a big year in Irish history and indeed European history. 2016 is arguably the biggest year in the decade of centenaries 1912-1922 in Ulster and “The South”. As well as the Easter Rising and The Battle of the Somme, we also have the centenary of the most significant naval battle of World War One, the Battle of Jutland, which falls on 31 May 2016. So what is the province doing to commemorate this famous year? Quite a lot actually and if one may say so, the program is quite daring, forward and excogitative. The Northern Ireland home of influential socialist and Easter Rising leader James Connolly is to be turned into a museum and interpretive centre. Plans have been set in motion to convert the house, off the Falls Road in West Belfast, into an attraction which is hoped to include recreating what it would have looked like when Connolly lived there as well as digital archives and other exhibits. I imagine that for this idea to get through various councils etc. may take some time but it seems that a statue of James will be constructed in time. Well, that should be something
else! What more you might well ask? Not Radio Caroline but the last surviving ship of the First World War – HMS Caroline – is entering the final stages of a multi-million pound restoration and redevelopment to turn the century-old vessel in Belfast, into a premiere heritage attraction. Well why not. Titantic was getting all the attention so why not cash in with another one! The light cruiser, built in 1914, is the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, and the last survivor of Britain’s Grand Fleet. Ahead of its reopening on 1 June 2016, work is now being carried out to turn HMS Caroline into a world-class museum, community centre and a meeting and conference venue. HMS Caroline, the Belfast-based last surviving naval ship from the battle, will be formally reopened on that date. So to whet your appetite for the coming year, these events are a sample of my ramblings for 2016. • A major commemoration of the role of the Irish sailor in the great war to be held in the city. Could be interesting or not! OK, probably not for everyone. • Exhibitions to be held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and Belfast City Council, among others. You will be pleased to know that I can’t find the others, so relax but you may well have to return home to visit these exhibitions as there is nothing
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more boring than a description of one! • Republican groups will unveil a new statue of James Connolly on the Falls Road, and a “Belfast Rising Trail” with over 20 wall plaques at locations associated with Connolly, Bulmer Hobson, Winifred Carney and other Rising leaders in the city. Now we are getting to something
here. Who knows how many leaders will pop up for this one; over 20 I presume. • A cross-community music and theatre event organised by the Londonderry Bands Forum. At present, I am not sure what this will consist of but sure I’ll write about it anyway! • An online database of East Belfast soldiers who served during the war from the East Belfast and the Great War research project. Not sure what they are researching. I thought it was all very well documented. • BBC Northern Ireland will also create multi-media seasons on the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. That should make a great picture of “War and Peace”. So it seems that there will be an opportunity for everyone to participate in what will be a series of events remembering 1916 and certainly, I will have plenty to write
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about. We can all celebrate together and sure aren’t we all good at that. After all, we have been practicing for nearly four hundred years. So here’s to The New Year ….2016.
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May the road rise up just to meet you May the sun be always at your back May the path that’s always there to greet you Be smooth always along your track So here’s to you... Here’s mud in your eye Bottoms up... Cheers... and Cherio Slainte... chin chin... A votre sante... These toasts every traveller should know. © wdmacc 2015
Backpackers • Tourists • Windsurfers •Surfboards If you would like your baggage, suitcase, backpacks, windsurfers sent back to your home 25 country/city while you YEARS E XPERIENC tour australia E
Happy New Year to youse all. David MacConnell.
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We have been in the Perth International Airport for over 20 years and offer a money back guarantee service. Please be aware the airlines will not accept any check-in baggage that weighs more than 32kgs in one item nor can you carry more than 7kgs on the aircraft. Rosie O’Grady’s in Fremantle has changed hands and will be no more. To the Brockwell family, thank you for creating so many wonderful memories for so many people. It was the place to be for so many years on a Sunday with the brilliant Rogues and Celtic Dancers. Share some of your memories with us, send an email to fred@irishscene.com.an
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Judge Geoffrey Browne, following complaints of excessive barking by neighbours, ordered the dog be surrendered to Roscommon County’s dog warden as an “unwanted dog”. However, the Brazs say their dog does not bark constantly as claimed. According to the ISPCA, the local authorities “have the power”.
Kilkenny is ‘funniest county’ survey
nd
Irela m o fr
From Roscommon
The Strokestown owner of a dog at the centre of a recent Facebook campaign has told the Roscommon Herald she has appealed the decision to have the animal surrendered to the dog warden. Sharon Gomes Braz, the dog’s owner, posted a picture of her family pet, Mia, on Facebook last Wednesday and wrote that “as of today a Judge in the Strokestown court ordered I surrender my harmless dog to be put asleep. She’s a loving family dog who my two kids totally adore”. The post has received 18,938 likes and been shared 47,241 times. Sharon has also started a petition online, which received more than 3,000 signatories in less than an hour. At Strokestown District Court,
Kilkenny is Ireland’s ‘funniest’ county, downloading more comedy clips than any other county in Ireland, according to mobile phone company 3. This funny result was found as the company revealed its findings from ‘Ireland’s Talking Habits’ – an extensive study by ‘3’ of its customers’ phone usage, habits and trends. Bringing telly favourites to mobiles, 3’s comedy offering includes downloadable clips of popular comedies such as Fr Ted, Little Britain and The Office. Coming in a close second to Kilkenny was fun-loving Roscommon with 93% as many comedy downloads. In joint third, comedy down-loaders enjoying a bit of a giggle, were Offaly, Waterford and Donegal with 66% as many side splitting downloads. The study also found that 79% of mobile comedy fans are male. Almost 30% of comedy-loving lads were in the 18-24 year old category, where the majority of laughter-loving ladies were in the 25-34 year old category. Rachel Channing, head of PR and communications at 3 said: “Irish people are best known for having a wicked sense of humour. 3’s revelations of comedy-loving counties are no surprise, as Kilkenny is the original home of the Cat Laughs comedy festival. Surprisingly the Dubs aren’t as gas as they think with a mere one third as many downloads as top of the laughs Kilkenny.” Coming in last for laughs were Cavan, Longford and Leitrim, with 27%, 20% and 20% as many downloads than Kilkenny 3 customers.
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From Laois
A young woman from Laois is to work at a restaurant owned by famous Hell’s Kitchen presenter Gordon Ramsay after winning the prestigious Eurotoques 2015 Young Chef of the Year title. Ruth Lappin scooped the dream prize last week, having beaten off the challenge of four other finalists. The top title has previously been held by such renowned chefs as Neven Maguire, Gearóid Lynch and Mark Moriarty. The 22-year-old from Durrow is currently a chef de partie at famous Michelin-starred restaurant Patrick Guilbaud of Dublin. She was named Euro-toques winner on 29 November, after three months of interviews and culinary skills tests judged by a panel of experts. Ruth was presented with the award at a gala banquet in the Shelbourne Hotel by special guest judge and three-time Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth MBE, who is chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London.
Glasses and Bottles?
New bye-laws are being introduced aimed specifically at curbing people carrying glasses and bottles on the streets of Carrick-onShannon, which could potentially be used as weapons in assaults. However the bye-laws proposal met with some concern from Carrick-onShannon area councillors with Cllr Sinead Guckian questioning why only Carrick-on-Shannon was being targeted for new bye-laws. “This is aimed at those people who are carrying (bottles or glasses) of alcohol up the Main Street (of Carrick-on-Shannon), where these glasses and bottles are being broken and could also potentially be used in assaults,” he said. Local business people are also looking to fund a CCTV system for the town.
From Kerry Meet Mike the Donkey, the Internet star who can thank his lucky stars that he’s on solid ground today. That’s because a brave band of volunteers came to his rescue on the fast flowing River Laune near Killorglin on a Sunday in December. The alarm was raised shortly after lunchtime during the height of Storm Desmond on Sunday when Suzanne Gibbons of Animal Haven Animal Rescue picked up her phone. “I got a call to say a donkey was in danger and no one would help save him. I must have phoned around 20 people and they all said it was too dangerous. I have a fear of water but I didn’t give a damn today.” Just when it seemed that no one was prepared to help, Mike Fleming of Killorglin Rowing Club and Declan Murphy bravely answered the call as they took to the dangerous waters to help save the distressed animal. On Ya Lads!“
From County Longford
Edgeworthstown Farmer says he knows who stole his diesel. Padraig Flood, who had thousands
of euro-worth of diesel stolen from his farms in recent weeks, says the perpetrators are from the local area. Padraig Flood, who had thousands of euro-worth of diesel stolen from his farms in recent weeks, says the perpetrators are from the local area. Not a day goes by that somebody somewhere doesn’t become a victim of rural crime, and yet while blame for such actions is firmly laid at the door of crime gangs from cities and towns across the region, locally some of those impacted believe that the thieves live a lot closer to home than we would like to believe.Padraig says he knows who did it and as far as he is concerned, “they don’t live a million miles away”. The first of the thefts occurred during the first week in October - on the Friday night. “They emptied three tractors and a load shovel at the farm in Rathowen,” he confirmed, before adding that six nights later he was robbed again, this time at the farm in Bracklin. I happened to be away in England for a few days and when I came back, I discovered there was 800 litres of oil gone from a tank at the farmyard in Bracklin, Padraig continued. He says he reported both incidents to the Gardaí in Granard and Rathowen whom he added, came out and took fingerprints and did what they had to do. “But to be honest with you, I’m pretty sure that I know who did this.”
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Is this the Fin for Finn?
M
ore than 40,000 iiNet customers suffered an internet blackout over the Christmas holidays and many of were angry as they headed into the New Year unsure what the problem was or when it would be fixed. It could be the kind of problem that any telco could be vulnerable too, but none of the other big providers on this occasion had a downed service. The fault could be entirely unconnected to the $1.56 billion takeover of iiNet in July by TPG but personally speaking I harbour some doubts about the company since the acquisition. By way of a short refresher, iiNet was set up in 1993 by Co. Clare born Michael Malone and his university mate Michael O’Reilly because they wanted to get access to new world of the internet but found the only ways to get onto the Web were hugely expensive and out of the reach of ordinary people. So the two enterprising young blokes basically crowd funded their own Internet Service Provider and they were in business. It was a prime example of the innovation and risk taking that Australian Prime Minister PM Malcolm Turnbull is hoping a new and bigger generation of go getters will attempt. Famously iiNet started out in the garage of the Malone’s family home in Padbury and is now housed in a large office building in central Subiaco. At a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast event a couple of years ago Malone gave a very enjoyable and entertaining account of the
origins and operations of iiNet. This included a question about the name and what it meant. Malone denied it stood for ‘Irish Internet” but confessed it didn’t have a specific meaning or relevance, it just happened. One of the first things Malone did when he put the fledgling technology company on the Australian Stock Exchange was to gobble up the two major existing Perth ISPs and a string of smaller operations. Over the years iiNet has bought out a large number of its competitors, so mergers and acquisitions are part and parcel of the company, a large part of how it has grown to become the 2nd biggest player in the market. But the July takeover - which was completed in September - was completely different. This time iiNet was the one on the menu. Things changed dramatically for the company when after more than 20 years in the top job Malone famously stepped down as CEO on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day 2014. Things would never be quite the same again as a meal ticket on the TPG table. Even Michael Malone himself found the whole thing left a “bittersweet” taste in his mouth. Most of the changes would be at the internal and corporate level
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and would not be something that the average consumer or customer would be aware off. But that could be about to change. The old iiNet and Malone were almost fanatical about customer satisfaction, with staff receiving special training and incentives for being helpful and customers regularly asked for feedback about the service they received. Communication - not just in terms of high speed broadband or telephone services - was highly important. You could say the staff were encouraged to be warm and fuzzy. TPG has a very different business and operating model and cute and cuddly it ain’t. When my wife and I signed up as Fetch customers with iiNet a few years ago we had the hardware and systems set up by a young bloke who drove an iiNet smart car and dressed like the character Fin from the TV commercials (more of him later) and whose name was Michael. He was you could say a blend of the real life computer geek was was the brains of the company and the popular character on TV who sold the products. For a long time we were very happy with the service we got and response we received if a problem arose. Our system at home went down recently and the problem was such that we couldn’t fix it by talking to someone over the phone so it was agreed a technician would call out. This time our techie was a tradie in a Ute who could only partially fix the problem. Its probably not fair to draw too much of a comparison but it is perhaps an example of attitude towards customers, and everyone else perhaps apart from shareholders.
Certainly there is very little appetite within iiNet now for communication with the wider world. The company has not issued a single media release on its website since July 15 2015, around the same time takeover talks got serious. That is about six months of media silence for a company that was previously churning out press releases on a twice daily, daily and certainly weekly basis. This would seem to be a very deliberate policy and even questions about it to the iiNet press office went unanswered. Once a friendly and chatty organisation, iiNet now makes a Trappist monastery sound boisterous. The owner of TPG is an Asian Australian business man who shuns publicity, so much so that until recently the top financial Australian newspaper, the Financial Review,
How times have changes!
Recently I received an email from a friend in Ireland complaining how more and more people are using social media (FACEBOOK ETC) to send greeting and keep in touch with friends. So I gave up social media for a few days in the New Year and was trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles. Every day, I walked down the street and told passersby what I’ve eaten, how I feel, what I did the night before, and what I will do tomorrow. Then I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and me gardening. I even told some the silly jokes people keep sharing with me on Facebook. I also listen to their conversations and tell them I love them. And it works. I already have three people following me—two police officers and a psychiatrist. Now, pick up the phone and tell them you love them!!!!
only had one photograph of him, which didn’t even show his face. David Teoh is one of these super rich entrepreneurs who jealously protect their personal and even business interests. The new management have made other changes which may yet result in the most public changes to the company yet. It has now brought its multimillion dollar advertising account that was for years with an advertising company in Perth, inhouse. As well as a cost cutting measure it will also have a major impact on the company’s ‘creative’ image. Finn, the company’s popular and likeable character played by Irish born actor David Smith, may be destined for the chopping block. The actor - who had links with theatre in the Irish Club in Subiaco - has had a good run of it. Australian consumers were introduced to Finn in 2007 in the company’s Manifesto adverting campaign. He has been the face and voice (on radio ads) of iiNet ever since. Finns Irish family even visited him and were soon using his internet, mobile devices etc for one campaign. Nine years is a very long stretch, particularly in TV world, but it was a sign of his popularity and the effectiveness of the characters Irish charm and wit. During a briefing session at an open day in Subiaco a few years ago with top managers the question was
asked how long Finn would continue to the iiNet’s poster child. Some tens - if not hundreds - of millions has been spent plastering Finn and the latest must have gadget or service from iiNet across our TV screens, bill boards and a raft of other media. The response then was ‘as long as the public like and want him’ but in the light of new developments you’d have to wonder if that could all change sooner rather than later. With the creative adverting budget moving in-house it could be a question of seeing out existing contracts and campaigns before the new regime’s thinking becomes visible. Finn has survived a previous changing of the guards in terms of who handled iiNet’s advertising account, but this is in a different league. Even the famed ‘luck of the Irish’ may not be enough to protect him. It has been reported elsewhere that Smith stopped enjoying the profile of being Finn some time ago and he may well be happy to give it away which would be his call and fair enough. But it would be a shame to see such a high profile and largely liked Irish character disappear from our screens, particularly if he is to be replaced with some nondescript media campaign that concentrates on price rather than personality. If Finn goes, iiNet will have lost the last vestiges of its Irish identity and just become another big corporation.
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In the shadow of St. Patrick’s Day 1988 some 300 guests and dignitaries gathered at a normally quiet and perhaps little known spot on the western end of Buffalo Road, Australind in the south west of WA. They gathered to remember and honour a young (24) Irish man who was transported to Australia as a political prisoner and who had made a remarkable and daring escape from captivity some 119 years earlier. The main guest of honour who was asked to unveil a plaque on a four tonne granite base for John Boyle O’Reilly was Brian Burke. Burke was at that moment Australian ambassador elect to the Holy See and Ireland. Just two weeks earlier he had resigned as premier of WA (and a member for Balga) a high profile role he had held for exactly five years. There was a lot of public and media attention on Burke, who was just 41, at that time but he, like the others who turned out, were there for another reason. “This was indeed a proud day for the Irish,” historian Ormonde Waters, who passed away this year. “It was for me an intensely emotional experience to hear Brian Bourke, our former state premier, pay just tribute to this great Fenian patriot, poet and champion of minorities. Great credit is due to Mr Liam Barry and the South West Irish Club for having achieved a goal, of which I and others have dreamed, for many years in the erection of a suitable memorial to O’Reilly in Western Australia.” Ormonde - who was a world class authority in the Fenian connections with Western Australia - noted in an article at the time that the achievement was all the more remarkable because the SW Irish Club - which had Liam Barry as its president at the time - had just been set up four years earlier. That first commemoration helped propel the name of John Boyle O’Reilly into the public landscape and every year since
VALE
Liam Barry South and the South West
1947 - 2015
people of all persuasions have continued to gather in that same spot around the same time of year to pay their respects to John Boyle O’Reilly. But it also introduced the name Liam Barry - a good name for a Cork man - to the local Liam, 23, was almost exactly the same age as O’Reilly when he - under entirely different circumstances and some friends boarded a ship destined for Australia in 1970. When asked by his brother Donal one of eleven siblings - why he was going to Australia Liam responded “Adventure, of course Donal.” Leaving an economically depressed Ireland the new arrivals found an abundance of work in the North West of WA during the mining boom and Liam soon secured work on the line camps with Mr Newman Mining. An unfortunate accident in 1971 saw him flown back to Perth for treatment. Fortunately it was during this time that he met Lyn the woman who would become his loving wife in an Irish Pub called Mulligans (on Milligan Street, now
long gone). They initially settled in Morley where Liam put his Fly-in Fly-out days behind him by working for Telecom. They married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Bunbury, Lyn’s home town, in March 1973 and went on to have children Tania in 1974 and Shayne in the following year. When Shayne was just six months old they made the decision to move back to his native county in Ireland, Cork. The young family settled in Middleton, a small farming town just outside Cork and home to the Irish whiskey distillery, Jameson. It is probably where Liam’s particular fondness of the famous whiskey developed. Liam worked for Castlelyons Co-Op for 18 months however the appeal of Australia was always at the forefront so Liam and Lyn decided to return to WA. It didn’t take long for Liam to secure work as a ‘fitter and turner’ at Alcoa’s Pinjarra Refinery. True to his nature and profound work ethic he worked vast amounts of overtime to provide for his family. The love of children meant the family continued to grow as they welcomed Michelle and Scott into the world in 1979 and 1981. Because of regular trips to Bunbury to visit Lyn’s mother they became attracted to the Australind area and in the early 1980’s they bought a block and built a house that would become the family’s permanent home. Liam’s natural abilities and qualities saw him become a respected union convenor and he worked hard to help and represent the interests of his co-workers - who called him Bill. As well as proving to be a tough negotiator he was also a bit of a larrikin and on one occasion he erected a refugee camp outside a workshop at Alcoa which drew a consensus of laughter in the workplace. His union background, interest in politics and support for the Australian Labor Party saw Liam put up his hand for preselection for a seat. He was
“The wealth of mankind is the wisdom they leave”. John Boyle O’Reilly
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fully endorsed by the local branch but was disappointedly defeated at state level due to factional politics. As well as being known as a good union man and an enthusiast for Irish-Australian history particularly the Fenians - Liam earned something of a public profile for an entirely different reason. Never one to be far from the action and wanting to provide assistance to those in need, Liam enrolled in various peace keeping missions to some of the poorest and war torn areas on earth including East Timor and Palestine. Liam’s well publicised trip to Palestine in 2002 for the purpose of volunteer research work at Nablus University, hit headlines around the globe when he was detained for being out after curfew. After having his precious camera bag confiscated, his quick thinking came into play as he threw his spare camera under the seat of the police van. The events that followed were captured perfectly on his Canon Powershot, including photos of himself and others shackled in chains. After 28 years at Alcoa, Liam retired in 2006, leaving him free to concentrate on other passions and interests. His interest in peace and human rights issues - which were qualities he admired in his study of John Boyle O’Reilly -
(he was a member of the United Nations Association, Red Cross and Greenpeace) led him to pass his university exams and enrol in a Masters in Human Rights at Curtin University, which he completed in 2006. Liam took his love and passion for his Irish heritage to the grave. He was president of the South West Irish Club for many years and was deeply involved with organising Rose of Tralee balls and St. Patrick’s Day parades. He loved travelling to Ireland (and Canada) to visit his Irish family where he was always assured of a welcome. But it was the story of JB O’Reilly in particular fascinated him and he added to the world’s wealth of knowledge by writing several books about the historical figure who had a major impact and influence in America as a journalist, writer and campaigner where he escaped too - and helped organise the freedom dash of his six other Fenian friends he left behind several years later. The annual commemoration on Buffalo Road could well be his crowning glory of his legacy to the world. Supporters and well-wishers of the event were rocked to the core by news in November of Liam’s death, aged 68, particularly coming as it did on the heels of the loss of kindred spirits Ormonde Waters
and Ernie Manea all in the same year. What they sowed, we will reap and the O’Reilly commemoration seems assured of a future as a mark of respect to O’Reilly, but also to those that paid their own tribute to him. Liam’s lifetime achievements and efforts were recognised in 2012 when he was awarded the Irish Australian Heritage Association’s Brendan Award. John Boyle O’Reilly spent less than a year in WA but that period of time left an indelible impression on him. Liam Barry certainly made his mark on the same places and in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. Brian Burke was contacted for a comment about Liam by the South Western Times for a comment about Liam’s passing. Burke who apparently was in Ireland when they reached him - summed Liam up with these words: “Liam was probably one of the most determined, principled, decent people that I have come to know without question and was a proud and intelligently understanding Irishman who never stepped back from his heritage.” And so say all of us! The Irish Scene has lost a great friend! To Lyn and family we extend our deepest sympathy. Slan abhaile a chara.
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
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Around the Irish scene Compiled by Fred Rea
Happy birthday to Mick McAuley and his grandaughter Erin. Mick looks in great form!
Speaking of Mick McAuley, Tony Duffin won the box of toilet paper at Mick’s Benefit Night. And Bob Kucera was there to make sure he got it home safely.... In case someone swiped it!
Two New Aussies! Irish Club Netball Team The Shamrocks 1953-1955 Photo taken in Langley Park. Back Row: Margaret Fahy (nee O’Reilly) Dec’d, Monica (Price) Eileen Quinn (nee Breen) Dec’d. Front Row: Nora Murphy (nee Cunningham) dec’d, Maureen Glynn (nee Donovan), Nonie (Hastie?). Thanks Sonya Tanham for the photo.
This is just to remind Paul McLoughlin what a fine head of hair looks like. I never had the privilege! Enoying the Session at Durty Nelly’s, Sinead, Jean, Dee, Bob, Lilly and Rosalind. Sinead even took to the stage and sang a song.
Congratulations to Oliver McNerney (above) and Eoin Fanning who recently received their Oz citizenship. Ger O’Leary was there to congratulate Eoin.
I don’t believe it...
Spotted at the Celtic Club Melbourne Cup Day, John Devine. The disguise won’t work John! While browsing through an Irish Club newsletter recently I came across this photo of George and Bernadette Chestnutt. They are regulars at the monthly Irish Club Seniors’ Lunch.
If you are up Pinnaroo Cemetery way, say hello to our dear departed friend Ernie Hannigan. Memorial just inside the main gate near the lake.
Send your photos to
fred@irishscene.com.au
for inclusion in our gossip page
Liverpool legend, Steve Gerrard had the pleasure of meeting Andy Kavanagh in Dublin recently. Steve was heard to say that he was honoured to be in his company.
Enjoying a New Years Day lunch at the Mighty Quinn, Betty & Jack Cullen, Lilly Rea and Sean O’Rourke
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Congratulations to Martin Howley who raised $40,000 for a local charity. It was a hard slog but Martin was determined.
No Head for Heights
Nelson’s Pillar, a 36.9m column topped by a 4m statue of Nelson, was a fixture in O’Connell Street Dublin during my young life growing up there. The pillar was first built in 1808 to honour Admiral Lord Nelson. On the 8th March 1966 at around 1.30am a bomb destroyed the top half of Nelson’s Pillar and the statue of Nelson landed on the street. No one was injured. The remainder quickly became known as the stump. At that time, as a young mother of three living on the borders of Essex and London, I was a part time student in a drama course at Leyton Polytech. The play we were studying was “Happy as Larry” by Donagh McDonagh who was the son of Thomas McDonagh a signatory of the Proclamation in 1916. The bombing of Nelson’s Pillar took place just a few days before the play was due to open. The news of Nelson’s demise from his great height in Dublin was greeted with horror by the cast. A line in this play, spoken by Larry himself, was “I am as stiff as Nelson above on his pillar“. When we opened the following weekend Nelson was no longer on his pillar. The event caused great commotion in Dublin. As always there were many people in the vicinity at the time. Stories abounded about what happened and how crowds of people were running in all directions. “Up Went Nelson in Old Dublin”, a song written by The Lucky Four, went straight to the top of the Irish charts. However, to an inordinate number of people the biggest loss was a meeting point. Nelson’s Pillar stood a few feet from the General Post Office in O’Connell Street which is a central area from which many places of interest can be reached. At any time of day or night a constant flow of people would pass through there to their destination. “The Pillar”as it was affectionately known as, was “The Meeting Place”. To many of us living in Dublin at that time, a common catch phrase was “See you at the Pillar”. From there
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many popular venues of entertainment were easily accessible. Clery’s Dance Hall, the National Ballroom and many cinemas were within easy reach. People from Irish country towns who came to Dublin to do some shopping, also visitors to Ireland staying in various surrounding hotels, met there. A gathering of people could always be seen standing among the flower sellers who stood around the base of the pillar selling their wares. Tourists climbed the interior to enjoy the view of the city from the top. Many years later in 1988 the Anna Livia Monument was installed on the site previously occupied by Nelson. A personification of the river Liffey, it was, in typical Dublin fashion, renamed by locals as “The Floozie in the Jacuzzi”. It was removed from its site on O’Connell Street in 2001 to make room for the The Spire of Dublin or The Monument of Light which was installed in 2003 and has been renamed by some as “The Stiletto in the Ghetto”. The original head of Nelson’s Pillar is on display in the reading room of Dublin City Library and Archive. I wonder do people now say “Meet you at the Ghetto”, somehow it does not have the same resonance. Although Nelson was an intruder in O’Connell Street Dublin the term “Meet you at the Pillar” had flair. Marie Moloney
The Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 11 February 1898 HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT. CONSTABLE AND FARMER. An exciting incident occurred recently on the top of Lord Nelson’s pillar, Dublin. The monument is 120ft. in height, and the space within the railings at the top is about six yards square, the centre being occupied by a stone capstan on which the statue stands. Richard Jones, a Carlow farmer, was the first visitor when the caretaker opened the turnstiles, and to the top he climbed, using on his way, threatening language to the custodian, who was lighting him up the winding and dark stone steps. Arrived at the summit Jones took off his hat, pitched it into the street below, and sent his stick after it. Gesticulating wildly, he climbed out on the flagstaff from which floats the Union Jack on the anniversary days of Nelson’s victories. The caretaker summoned a policeman and both climbed rapidly aloft. The visitor was called upon to descend, but declined, and a hand-to-hand combat ensued, when he threatened to throw both his pursuers over the railings. The caretaker had carried the key of the entrance gate up with him, but, seeing the need of reinforcements, he threw it to the street below, where it smashed oh the flag’s. A locksmith had to be requisitioned, and meantime the fight continuing in mid-air. The constable had the better of it, but he was unable to secure his man until reinforcements arrived.
Slán Abhaile.... In November, Joe McDermott, 24, from Omagh and Gerry Bradley, 27, from Coleraine lost their lives as a result of a building accident on an East Perth building site. The following is a heartfelt eulogy from one of his friends. This was read out at a Mass in St Joseph’s Subiaco and at the Irish Club tribute night for the boys. (see photos on right) The tribute night was organised by Tony Maher and friends and raised in excess of $25,000 for the Claddagh Association and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Tony Maher has asked that we express sincere thanks to all those who kindly donated their time, prizes and donations. Too many to mention! Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat!
Eulogy for Joseph McDermott RIP 7.00pm Friday 4 December 2015 St Joseph’s Church Subiaco Joe McDermot was a credit to his Mother Donna, Father Tommy and sister Laura. The McDermott’s are a well-known and respected family; their home was always filled with love and laughter. Joe, otherwise known as Hoss was a proud Irish man and a huge Liverpool supporter. Joe would light up the room with his presence and his big smile. He brought so many people together; he had such a kind soul, and was always warm and welcoming. There was never a dull moment when Hoss was around, he told the best stories the best jokes and was a great singer. Hoss was a gentle giant with a heart of gold, loved by all, forgotten by none. A Tribute from Joe’s Housemates (who have accompanied Joe on his final journey) We all knew Hoss (Joe’s nickname) back in Ireland, Nathy and Joe were best friends, both going to the Sacred Heart College and working together at the Silver Birch Hotel. They shared many nights out together which were filled with laughter and great memories. The bond they had was built on a friendship so strong that many people could only wish
for. We had the privilege of having Hoss as a housemate for only a month, a short space of time, but he has left us with memories that wiII last a lifetime, from moving everyone’s butter off their shelves to sneaking into the shower after Nathy had called it. Three years we have been housemates and never has the TV remote control been lost more times than when Joe arrived. We all make this hard journey to Australia to make a good life for ourselves and in doing so we have some craic along the way, we make new friends from all over the world here in Australia and support each other. As everyone gathers here today we also remember the people who have also made this journey who have lost their lives especially their family and friends in Ireland. A special thanks to the Claddagh Association and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, there are no words to describe how helpful and supportive they have been, we would have been lost without them, it’s as simple as that. We are very proud to be Irish and there are others that bond together in times of need like us. To everyone who has called, telephoned, sent messages, cards and flowers these gestures have given us the strength and support to get us through this hard time. Your kindness will never be forgotten. May you rest in Peace Hoss. 78
Tribute Night @ Irish Club
Happy 60th Birthday to renowned playwright Noel O’Neill pictured far left with sister Vera and brother in law Brian. Noel celebrated the momentous osccasion at, where else, but the Crown. “You must come down and try the the Johnny Cash chicken wings” he said. I did and it burned, burned, burned! Congratulations again mate!
Gerry Salinger’s farewell drinks at the Beldon Tavern
Visiting Irish Poet Tony Curtis with members of the AIHA Committee at his poetry day at the Irish Club.
Shamrock Rovers Awards Night
The wedding of the Century... Congratulations to James and Teresa
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From Tasmania with Paula Xiberras
A Good Gamble by Paula Xiberras
The last time we spoke the young Irishman Gary Gamble was experiencing the 41 degree heat of a Perth Christmas while enjoying a reunion with his sister, who works in a Perth mining office and his brother. Both of Gary’s siblings, with sponsorship are now fully fledged Aussie citizens. Gary is still based in Ireland where he has a growing career as a singer, actor, radio (Highland Radio) and television presenter (Keltic Country). Although Gary own musical career is as a country artist, it is yet another career as a tribute artist that has gained him international recognition, because the artist Gary makes his tribute to is well known Irish entertainer Daniel O’ Donnell! Gary first began his Daniel tribute when he auditioned for a TV talent show that deemed contestants impersonate a singer (he chose Daniel). He was so masterful in his impersonation that he was asked to form a tribute band. Gary does look
uncannily like a younger Daniel O’Donnell and, in coincidentally, at that time lived in the same part of Ireland as Daniel, Donegal, although he’s quick to add that his part of Donegal is very different to Daniels. Daniel possesses a west Donegal accent, which is softer and even sounds a little Scottish. Gary is much more Northern Irish but for his tribute has managed to get Daniel’s soft and slow accent down pat. And the accent is not the only thing he’s got down pat, pardon the pun, he also pats down a wig which is a replica of Daniel’s ‘do’. The wig was purchased online from New York and Gary sent various views of Daniel’s hair to get the wig perfectly realised. Gary studies the suits Daniel wears in performance and has them replicated too. He is so convincing that people who come to see him often confuse or blend his and Daniel’s name so he might be called ‘Daniel Gamble’, or ‘Garry O’ Donnell’! As they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery which Daniel and his wife Majella agree, having said that Gary is ‘more Daniel than Daniel himself’. Because Daniel himself is a very prized commodity in Ireland and internationally, he is not always available for the myriad of occasions and charity events that request his services. Sometimes Gary will be invited to fill a gig that Daniel was unable to do. Gary considers this delegation a great privilege and is privileged to visit people in hospitals dressed as Daniel! Gary has also does work for charities such as The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Donegal Hospice and cancer charities. Gary hopes to visit Australia sometime in the future, as a performer, which will be a treat for the many Daniel O’Donnell fans out there. Keep in touch with what is happening at Gary’s site http:// www.garygamblemusic.com/.
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Majestic Margo
by Paula Xiberras The name O’Donnell derives from the word ‘Domhnall’ which means ‘ruler of the world’ and indeed Irish singer Margo O’Donnell has ruled the world in her reign as Ireland’s premier country and Irish singer for 52 years. I was fortunate to speak to Ms O’Donnell about her career and her new book which recounts humble beginnings and joy in the simple but fundamental things of life. To this day Ms O’Donnell maintains that same humility and holds high in respect her fans who she prefers to call friends. Nowadays Margo is semi-retired and living life in ‘the slow lane’ she tells me. She doesn’t tour anymore but still does concerts in Ireland and will always sing and record. Margo looks back fondly at days on the road taking her music around the world including Tasmania. Margo O’Donnell remembers her visit to Tasmania in 1994 as ‘a bit of a whirlwind’ section of her Australian tour and recalls the beauty of Tasmania, a beauty at the time she wasn’t able to appreciate fully due to rushed rehearsals and to her falling ill while on tour, later she would discover she had a rare blood disease called dyscrasia. Margo grew up in Ireland when the only phone to access was the one at the local post office and to do so
you had to book it in advance! This may seem unduly inconvenient but there was a certain charm about this childhood as well. When Margo was born she was slightly sick and so her parents wished to baptise her in the hospital, with no Godparents around a young girl who had been admitted to hospital for her appendix to be removed and that had befriended Margo’s mum Julia who was asked to be Margo’s Godmother and her Godfather was a gentleman visiting his wife in the hospital. Still today, Margo keeps in touch with that gentleman’s daughters who call her ‘sister’. Margo’s own dad was her hero,’ a great and special guy, wonderful,’ a man who, for her ‘he hung the stars’ this wonderful man she also describes as being ‘on loan’ and explains how the family lost him too soon. Her dad also had what her mum called ‘the cure of evil’. He was the seventh son of the seventh son, this relationship granting the person the ability to facilitate cures. She recounts the story in her book of how her dad cured a woman of a facial problem and how he also cured Margo herself of a growth on her finger. When her father passed away he asked Margo to take care of the family, she being the second oldest and with her elder brother being not well at the time. It was a big call for the young girl but one she took on gladly. Taking care of the family meant that Margo had to put aside her plans to study nursing and for marriage and family to make a career out of her natural talent for music. The first band Margo joined was The Keynotes, an Irish showband. This year Margo celebrates 52 years in music, she admits she has walked some dark roads to find the light at the end of the tunnel but that her strong spiritual beliefs have seen her through those Difficult times. Long may this lovely lady’s reign continue! Margo’s autobiography is out now and published by O’Brien Press (Ireland).
Word Mason Marren, Sligo Storyteller
by Paula Xiberras Some time ago I had a phone chat with Irish radio presenter Tommy Marren. The name Marren has one derivation in the name of the founder Saint Marinus, the founder of San Marino. Saint Marinus was a stonemason from Croatia. Tommy, radio presenter, playwright and actor is a mason of sorts by trade too, but instead of stone he builds in words, all the more remarkably so, as he tells me he is not a big reader! Tommy is something of a renaissance man from County Sligo, a place renowned for the fact it has one of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s most successful football and hurling clubs and also celebrated for being the home of one of Ireland’s, and the world’s greatest poets, WB Yeats. Tommy bridges the stretch between sport and the literary world. He has made careers as a sports/news broadcaster and as a successful playwright, with his plays striking a chord for expat Irish in Britain and the US, as well as those at home. Tommy left school in 1979 and had a dream to be involved in sport broadcasting. He sent off a demo tape to Midwest Irish radio and was picked for a part time job there and after a while worked himself to station manager. He now hosts a daily current affairs program on the station and believes that although one of his first loves was sport it has its limitations for a reporter, whereas current affairs encompasses almost everything. This skill with radio communication would see Tommy excel at another type of communication, that of expressing the human condition through drama. Tommy had written various sketches and pantomimes with fellow radio host john Dugan, the natural progression of this was writing larger and more challenging pieces. Tommy’s first major play ‘The Banshee of Crokey Hill’ was
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written some years back, originally conceived as a charity fund raiser. The play went well beyond its expectations and performed to sold out venues both in Ireland and overseas. ‘The Banshee of Crokey Hill’ tells the story of family secrets and superstitions and how these impact on people’s lives, and like the Banshee (female ghost), return to haunt. The play has elements of comedy, and tragedy but also invokes some forgotten elements of Ireland’s past such as the skill of brush dancing. After this production Tommy went on to co-write with Terry Riley, (a writer who had visited Tasmania and sees it’s many similarities to Ireland), a play based on Terry’s book ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’. The musical play chronicles the life of Ireland’s Monsignor James Horan whose foresight, in an Ireland beset with emigration, was instrumental in helping retain and attract people to the rural west, particularly to Knock Shrine, which had seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Terry had contacted Tommy on the 100th anniversary of Monsignor Horan’s birthday suggesting something should be done to commemorate the great man. The play, with its cast of 130, has been unable to tour outside of Ireland as yet but with the possibility of a revamped script and a cast scale down that may be something to look out for in the future. Tommy concedes that a man with Monsignor Horan’s foresight may not be seen again, simply because now there is too much red tape to cut through to achieve anything. More recently Tommy has
written and acted in his third play, ‘The Real McCoy’. Although it features familiar themes of Irish life in the 60s when superstition and secrets were part of life, it also makes use of great comic timing to deliver a more fully comedic play and one with a happy ending. This play has travelled to the UK and the USA and has performed in Dublin’s large Olympia Theatre, such an invitation speaks much for the play’s success. Tommy is happy the popular play has provided ‘bums on seats’, and would much rather have ‘a happy audience’ and set of players, than ‘a critically acclaimed play’. He is happy too, that the play is attracting a younger audience, who can witness a comedy that doesn’t use derogatory language but ‘wholesome dialogue’ to achieve the same laughs. Some of the inspiration for the various Irish witticisms in the play was sourced by Tommy from ‘Ireland’s Own’, a magazine that has been in publication for over 100 years. The magazine includes two pages of Irish wit and phrases and that is where Tommy authenticated some of the colloquialisms for the people of the time, many of which he recalled from his own childhood. One performance night when Tommy was observing the audience from the peep-hole backstage he observed a lady closing her eyes and listening intently. After the play she came up to Tommy congratulating and informing him she was an Australian actor who had been in Neighbours and was possibly interested in producing the play, so far afield has the play gained interest. Tommy’s latest production ‘Paddy’ with songwriter Gerry Carney is a musical drama starring renowned Irish singer Tommy Fleming in the title role of Patrick Murphy who emigrates from Mayo, Ireland in the 1960’s to pursue fame in London. You can read more about ‘Paddy’ here http://www.paddytheshow.ie/ You can obtain Tommy’s previous plays in DVD format from http://www. crokeyplays.com/buy_now.html.
Joan Weldon, Daniel O’Donnell and Joan’s partner Bob
Daniel O’Donnell Lends a helping hand! Sometimes misfortune can result in situations happening that bring lots of happiness into someone’s life. Let me explain. I had the misfortune of wrecking the underbody of my car on a fishing trip to the south west of Western Australia. I hit a rock! This resulted in me staying in Donnybrook for a few nights while parts were procured from Perth. My good friend Peter Murphy and Sally were kind enough to give me a bed the first night and I imposed myself on John and Geraldine Wilson the second night. While at the Wilson’s over a wee drop, the conversation of Daniel O’Donnell arose. There were different opinions of course but when Geraldine mentioned a friend was a cancer sufferer and that friend, Joan Weldon, was a Daniel O’Donnell tragic… “She loves Daniel and even went to Ireland to see him, including a trip to Donegal for a cuppa with the great man”. Let Joan tell the story from here… Joan writes…. I had never met or spoken to Fred Rea, but he did not hesitate to give me a gift I will always treasure, and I hope you will take time out to read this ‘feel good’ story of mine.... Last April 2015 I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, subsequently undergoing lots of testings and eight long sessions of chemo. Three weeks ago I had a mastectomy and when the biopsy results came back, the cancer had travelled to eight of the ten lymph nodes removed. When I have recovered from surgery I will undergo a long regime of radiation. I am now living with the knowledge that the cancer could have travelled further and my prognosis is not good. Needless to say, it has been a very trying time for myself and partner Bob and, at times, have had bouts of fright over my situation. But then, along comes Fred! For you to fully appreciate my immense gratitude to Fred, I will explain that I am a Daniel O’Donnell ‘tragic’. I have loved Daniel for many years, going to all his concerts, his CD’s are always in the car, DVD’s always sitting under the telly ready for action and when home
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alone ‘me n Daniel’ will clean windows, ovens, cupboards etc. I took my tapes of Daniel to my chemo sessions and in no time at all, I was closing my eyes and winging out of my chemo chair, out of the hospital and off to Galway, Donegal etc. making what I had to endure so much more pleasant. Fred was visiting a very good friend of mine in Donnybrook recently and they were naturally discussing all things Irish, when Daniel’s name came up and my friend ventured to tell him of my devotion to him and my ‘plight’. Fred took down my phone number with a promise to ‘see what he could do’. Fred duly relayed my story to Tom Gilmore, Daniel’s newsletter editor, in Ireland who assured him that Daniel would be told all about me. Upon hearing this, Daniel telephoned me from Tenerife, but would you believe it...I wasn’t home! (Too busy playing cards with Auntie Mary, an 86 year old card sharp) Daniel would not be deterred, he duly relayed the situation back to his contact, who contacted Fred, who contacted my friend, who contacted her friend, who contacted her mother (Bob’s sister) who realised where we would be and gave her the new contact phone number. The new number was then relayed through all these people back to Daniel, who was not home at that moment, but Majella, Daniel’s wife, kindly took down the new number. I received my phone call from Daniel O’Donnell at 9.30pm that same night. He was wonderful, so caring and kind and we had a lovely conversation. He remembered the time I wore a T-shirt with a photo of him and myself and I explained that was the time we had centred our trip to Ireland around his concert in Galway.
It was awesome, it was beautiful, and I had a beaming smile on my face which is still there whenever I think of it. I could not believe that, firstly Daniel was so determined to contact me, and that all these people were working furiously behind the scenes to make it happen and I was sitting calmly losing at cards! I have since spoken to Fred, my friend is now the happy recipient of a bunch of roses and box of chocolates, and thank you calls have been sent to Bob’s relations. Ah! Life can be good with a little help from thoughtful people. Thank you so much Fred. Isn’t that some story and whatever you may say or think about Daniel O’Donnell in my estimation he has gone to the top of the tree. Joan tells me she is still boasting about her Daniel experience, especially to a couple of young Irish nurses at the Radiation Centre in Bunbury, and they were suitably impressed. By the way, my car was repaired and if you are ever in Donnybrook and need help with car repairs, call in and see Leith and Natalie Crowley (with a good Irish name like Crowley what would you expect) at Clifford Auto Repairs, they are wonderful and as obliging as Daniel. Joan added, “I would be very grateful if you could convey to Tom Gilmore how much I am grateful to him for his part in this story also. He is also an absolute Hero!!!” He will get the Irish Scene Joan and he will be chuffed! It’s all about ‘Random Acts of Kindness’! Fred Rea
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Irish Seniors'
u Thank yo Marie
CLADDAGH CHRISTMAS LUNCH FOR SENIORS
On the 14th December Claddagh held their Annual Seniors’ Christmas Lunch at The Mighty Quinn. It was a fantastic day filled with food, company, craic, games, music and all things good. We had a record number of 107 attendees on the day, along with a strong force of Claddagh committee members and volunteers. We would like to extend a thank you to Fred Rea for providing the music and entertainment on the day, Bill and the staff at The Mighty Quinn, Mrs Brolly’s Confectionery for the lovely hamper, Hair by Bernie for the voucher, European Foods for the chocolates, Santa for making an appearance and lastly to the Claddagh Seniors Committee for all their efforts in creating a brilliant day. On the day, Bill Atkinson was made an Honorary Member of Claddagh for his continued support to both Claddagh and the Irish Seniors. Thank you for your commitment Bill. Overall the feedback was amazing and we even had 25 new Friends of Claddagh sign up on the day. Thank you to all those who came to enjoy themselves. We will keep you posted on the next event. Laura Treacy
Marie Hicks from Collie made the journey to Perth especially to present a personal cheque to the Claddagh Association. The cheque was accepted on behalf of Claddagh by Irish Club President. Sean Daly.
Irish Club Seniors’ Christmas Lunch
This was also a great day. Thanks to a benefactor, all the seniors were presented with a gift and lots of lollies. The Seniors’ presented Irish Club President Sean Daly with a bunch of flowers for his wife. Lots a music and great fun. The lunch prepared by Sharon of Hetty’s Skullery was magnificant. Well done all round. Fred Rea
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Christmas Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lunch at Mighty Quinn
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Traitors or Heroes? By Diane Oldman
Hougoumont
In March 1868, a mentally disturbed Irish-born Australian shot and wounded Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, at a picnic on Sydney harbour. The would-be assassin, Henry James O’Farrell was falsely claimed to be a Fenian, and his shots resounded around Australia as a torrent of violent and irrational anti-Irish hatred spread through a colony already tense and nervous about reports of terrorism in England. O’Farrell was convicted and sentenced to death. Prince Alfred himself tried unsuccessfully to intercede and save his would-be killer’s life. Two months earlier, 62 Fenian convicts had arrived in Western Australia on the ‘Hougoumont’, the last convict ship to Australia, which arrived in Fremantle on 9 Jan 1868. Then in 1876 an incident concerning the Fenian convicts led to a piece of Rockingham’s history every bit as exciting as the outlaw Ned Kelly’s story; I am referring, of course to the ‘Catalpa’ escape. For those of us who do not have Irish ancestry, the ‘troubles’ that pitted Irishman and Englishman against each other have at best passed us by or at worst left us with a one dimensional view. Nonetheless, those who view the Fenians as traitors need to know that some had also been heroes fighting for the British Army. Seventeen of the ‘Hougoumont’ Fenians had been court martialled in Ireland in 1867/68. I was seeking Crimean War Veterans and, in the absence of WO97 discharge to pension documents, found one of them on the medal rolls for that campaign. The remaining soldierscum-Fenians were either too young to have served in the Crimean War (e.g. John Boyle O’Reilly) or were in regiments not engaged in
the conflict. Most of the 17 were charged with mutinous conduct or not informing about a mutiny. Ten of them were imprisoned in Ireland and England in the same prison recording consecutive prison numbers, and the ‘Catalpa’ incident shows that six out of the 17 escaped on the American whaler. The 17 Fenians court martialled: Robert Cranston,
Catalpa
Thomas Darragh, Thomas Delaney, John Donaghoe, John Foley, William Foley, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett, Martin Hogan, Patrick Keating, James Keilly, Patrick Killeen, John Lynch, James McCoy, John Boyle O’Reilly, John Shine, James Wilson. The ten men in prison together: Delaney, Donaghoe, William Foley, Hassett, Hogan, Keating, Lynch, McCoy, Shine and Wilson. The six men who escaped on the ‘Catalpa’: Cranston, Darragh, Harrington, Hassett, Hogan and Wilson. Crimean Medal (three Clasps) (WO100-24) & Turkish Medal awarded Patrick Keating 5th Dragoon Guards. He took part in the successful ‘Charge of the Heavy Brigade’ under General Scarlett at Balaclava and received clasps for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sevastopol. Keating was sentenced to life for mutinous conduct at his Dublin trial in 1866. After his time in Fremantle prison, he got his Ticket of Leave in July 1873. Less than a year later he died of an aneurism.
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Punjab Medal 1848-9 & Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-8 (WO100-38) awarded to Michael Harrington 61st Regiment of Foot who fought in both these conflicts. He received clasps for Chilianwala and Goojerat in the last campaign against the Sikhs. Harrington was born in Goleen, Cork in 1826 and joined the Fenian brotherhood in 1864. He received a life sentence for mutinous conduct and desertion. He was one of the six Fenians in Fremantle Prison who made their escape on the ’Catalpa’. Harrington settled in New York and died there of pneumonia in February 1886 aged 60. Second China War Medal (2nd Opium War) with clasps for the capture of the Taku Forts and Pekin in 1860, awarded to Thomas Darragh 1st Battalion of the 2nd Regiment of Foot and John Shine 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal Rifles. Both men were convicted of mutinous conduct at courts martial in 1866. Darragh made his escape on the ‘Catalpa’ and settled in Philadelphia. John Shine was granted his conditional pardon in 1878. He worked around Champion Bay, Perth, Swan, Wellington, York and Beverley as a labourer, general servant, shepherd and reaper. He left WA for Victoria in 1882. Sources: The Fenians in Australia, Keith Amos, 1988 and Philip Fennell, Rootsweb, July 2007. Hougoumont image courtesy Wikipedia Commons. Catalpa image courtesy Wikipedia Commons. Australian Convict Transportation Registers – Other Fleets & Ships, 1791-1868 (ancestry. com). Irish Newspaper Articles (available online through the State Library of Western Australia). UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949 (ancestry.com). Prison Commission Registers for Chatham Prison, Prisoners 9032 to 9041, National Archives Kew, (courtesy Bevan Carter). Convicts in Western Australia 1850-1887, Rica Erickson & Gillian O’Mara.
Meet Claddagh Coordinator
Laura Treacy
T
he aim of the Claddagh Association is to assist where possible the entire Irish community in Western Australia in times of crisis, ensuring both the young and older Irish community have access to appropriate and valued support services. They provide a safety net to assist people in crisis situations where all other avenues have been exhausted. The Claddagh Association was set up in 1997 as a not for profit group. It was established by a concerned group of Irish people. They rely heavily on the support of the Irish community in Western Australia to help continue their work. This year, the Claddagh Association received a grant from the Irish Government Emigrant Support Program (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland) for administrative costs to help run the Association. This Government support means that 100% of the donations go directly to help those in need of support. As a direct result of this support from Ireland the association is now in a position to employ a coordinator and run an office for administrative work. Laura Treacy is the new face at Claddagh and holds the position of coordinator. Laura hails from Carlow but moved to Kilkenny with her parents in her teens. “It depends on
who I am talking to when asked where I come from but most times I say Kilkenny!” Laura has been in Australia for the last three and a half years and has worked in various jobs. “I’ve worked in marketing, recruitment, sales, different office jobs and of course the infamous regional work!” Laura had heard about the work of the Claddagh in Perth and was always very interested. “It was really by chance I am now in my position at Claddagh as when I applied online I had no idea the job was for Claddagh”. The position really appealed to Laura with her keen sense of community and helping others in need. It has been just a few months and Laura is finding out very quickly what the role entails. “No two days are the same at our office here in Yokine” Laura said. She was put in at the deep end from her first day as it has been a tragic time here in Western Australia with the loss of many young lives. “I work very closely with the committee and it has been a quick learning curve”. Laura said that the last month of addressing the tragedies has meant that only now she is able to fully address her role and start putting procedures into places. “We were immersed with the cases and tragedies and only now do I feel I am getting a handle of the role I was asked to perform”. Laura looks after the office and this allows committee and volunteers work on the cases as they arise. The Claddagh has some big fundraising events coming up in 2016 including a Night at the Trots in Gloucester Park April 29th and a Golf Day on the 17th of January. “We
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will also be be involved in the St Patrick’s Day Parade Day in Leederville in March” Laura added. Now Laura has taken on updating the website and running the Claddagh Facebook page and with her previous marketing experience she feels there is a lot more to be done to create awareness for the association. “One of the first thinks I have done is to create a newsletter to keep the community informed on the happenings of the Claddagh” Laura added. One of her main goals is to increase the membership this year and she can already see the results in the last couple of weeks whether it’s online or people dropping into the office. “When people hear of the wonderful work of Claddagh they are willing to come on board and support wherever possible”. She said that it is an honour to be involved and it’s a fantastic job and opportunity getting to meeting so many caring people. The committee are all volunteers and Laura has given them the chance to do the social support work so desperately needed at times by covering the day to day running of the office. It’s going to be a white Christmas for Laura (we hope) as she heads off to Ireland to visit family. Have a safe journey and do come back all refreshed. We do hope that 2016 is not going to be a very busy ‘case time’ for the Claddagh. I am sure Laura, Joan and the committee will agree when I ask that people look after each other in the coming year and let’s pray that it is tragedy free. Let us also wish that no other Irish family has to go through receiving sad news about a family member in Australia. You can contact the Claddagh Association on 9345 1713 for general enquiries and 0403 927 265 for the Support line. Email: support@ claddagh.org.au – For assistance or visit www.claddagh.org.au If you would like to become a member of Claddagh you can go on to their website www.claddagh.org. au and fill in the form or else contact their office for a membership form.
WAGS Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc.
kindly agreed to give us the benefit of her knowledge of nineteenth century dress.
IRISH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS
Mary Ann Taylor Travel Box Project
Meetings for 2016 will be held on these Sundays: 17 January, 17 April, 17 July and 16 October all starting at 2pm at the WA Genealogical Society, 48 May Street, Bayswater. The 17 January meeting will include further discussion of the Mary Ann Taylor travel box project and a workshop on finding the birthplace of your Irish ancestors. Come and contribute or learn. More information on the WAGS webpage under Events. Visitors and new members always welcome. Best wishes for the New Year. Jenni Ibrahim Convenor, Irish Special Interest Group WA Genealogical Society Phone 9271 4311 (WAGS office is closed from 13 Dec – 10 Jan) Email irish@wags.org.au
T
he wonderful Fred Rea of the Irish Scene invited members of the WA Genealogical Society and friends to take part in the Mary Ann Taylor travel box project first raised in the previous issue of the Irish Scene.
Irish SIG webpage see http://membership.wags.org.au Online Forum http://membership.wags.org.au/forum/irish-sig (free registration, open to anyone)
To recap: Mary Ann was born in Galway in 1835 and died in York, Western Australia in 1926. Prisoners in Ireland have been constructing travel boxes like the ones our nineteenth century ancestors took with them on board ship on their journey from Ireland to Australia. Members of the Irish Special Interest Group are to take a lead in locating or making personal items issued to Mary Ann Taylor and stowed in her travel box:
1 shawl 1 calico dress 1 wrapper 2 chemise 1 flannel petticoat 1 calico petticoat 2 pair of stockings 2 pocket handkerchiefs
THE ITINERANT SINGING GIRL
By Jane FrancescaWilde (OscarWilde’s Mother) Fatherless and motherless, no brothers have I, And all my little sisters in the cold grave lie; Wasted with hunger I saw them falling dead -Lonely and bitter are the tears I shed.
1 neck handkerchief 1 pair of shoes 1 bonnet trimmed 2 caps 1 cloth bag 1 clothes bag 2 lbs soap Thread and needles
If you are interested in being a part of this interesting community history project, please get in touch! The more, the merrier. WAGS membership is not necessary. You might like to help research what the items looked like or maybe you could locate suitable fabric or sew one of these items. We have already discovered nineteenth century clothing patterns available online! We need to complete the items in time for inclusion in the presentation of Mary Ann’s travel box to the York Museum on 8 May, as part of the Irish Famine Memorial event. Jo Pearson, a costume expert from the Royal Western Australian Historical Society has
Friendless and loverless, I wander to and fro, Singing while my faint heart is breaking fast with woe, Smiling in my sorrow, and singing for my bread -Lonely and bitter are the tears I shed. Harp clang and merry song by stranger’s door and board, None ask wherefore tremble my pale lips at each word; None care why the color from my wan cheek has fled -Lonely and bitter are the tears I shed. Smiling and singing still, tho’ hunger, want, and woe, Freeze the young life-current in my veins as I go; Begging for my living, yet wishing I were dead -Lonely and bitter are the tears I shed. 88
SHAMROCK Happy New Year to all Shamrock Rover Perth members, sponsors and supporters. Thank you for your involvement in 2015 and we hope that you will all join the club again in 2016. The club committee has been very busy ever since the conclusion of season 2015. Club presentations were made at the Pan Pacific Hotel in November and December was used to acquire the State League coaching staff for 2016. During this time the club’s 31st Annual General Meeting was well attended and new additions have been made to the club’s committee. New additions are very important to a club as they always bring fresh ideas and new energy. I look forward to making the club stronger this year. We are extremely pleased to have first team coach John O’Reilly commit for another year. John is a very organised, passionate and successful coach who knows exactly what it takes to win the State League. We (as
Rovers
always), plan to try and win it (again) in season 2016. We feel acquiring Rob Richards as reserve team coach, gives us a great chance in achieving this goal. Rob is an experienced coach, who we know will further develop our playing group and be of invaluable support to John. All State League pre-season training will commence early January with the Night Series competition starting for the club on Saturday the 6th of February. All new players are very welcome and are urged to attend the pre-season schedule. All Sunday amateur and social players will have a little longer rest after Christmas and will be asked to resume training at the beginning of February. All training and match details for both Saturday and Sunday players can be found on the club Facebook page. Lastly, could I ask all members and supporters to please lock in Sunday the 7th of February and attend our Annual Golf Day. This
day is a major fundraiser for the club. If you have the ability to sponsor a hole please let the club know and we will promote your business. On behalf of the club I wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season. Mick Manning Club President.
Rovers
Golf Day Maylands Golf Club
Sunday 7 February 2016 Sponsors & Enquiries: Marty Burke 0410 081 386
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Michael Manning President Shamrock Rovers
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Gaelic Football & Hurling Association of Australasia Western Australia Following the Annual General Meeting of the Gaelic Football & Hurling Association of Western Austrlia, the following were elected:
Executive Committee:
‘President: Gerry McGough gmc1798@gmail.com Vice- President: John Lehane johnog62@hotmail.com Secretary: Mary Roseingrave secretarygaawa@hotmail.com Treasurer: Orla Fullerton orla_fullerton@hotmail.com
President of Sub-Committee: Alan Burke burkealanj@hotmail.com Referees Co-Ordinator: adomaguire@yahoo.co.uk
Committee:
Sean O’Casey, Fred McCormack, Mick Lynch, Sean Byrne, Mick O’Connor, Trish Lehane, Damien McCague, Sean Healy, Marty Green, Robbie O’Callaghan, Ray Vasher and Finbarr Diamond
Two positions remain unfilled, Public Relations Officer and Registrar. These are very important positions as we go forward to a new year. It is only with the support of the members of the association we can continue to organise and promote gaelic games in Western Australia. If you feel you can be of assistance please call President Gerry on 0410233532.
Pre Season 7’s Tournament:
It is at the planning stage but we are hoping to have this finalised by the end of January. Singapore GAA are planning to send a ladies and mens Football team and hopfully a hurling team. Alan Burke will be the organiser and clubs will be advised when final arrangements are completed.
1916-2016 Easter Commemoration Interprovincial Tournament
To commemorate the 1916 Rebellion Centenary, a Interprovincial Tournament is planned for 24th of April 2016. Teams will represent each of the four provinces. Coincidentaly, the Irish Rebellion actually happed on the same date 100 years ago. The day will also involve the Junior Academy. Entertainment is also planned. A special event is planned as the GAAWA’s contribution to the commemoration. It will
Gerry McGough, President
take place in Tom Bateman Park in Canningvale. If we get enough interest a bus can be organised to shuttle people from the nearest train station to and from the ground.
It is my wish to work closer with the other Irish sporting clubs and association during my year as president. There is so much we can do together and lifting our profile is very important as we head into another year of gaelc sports.
With the loss of so many players returing to Ireland or moving to other states, I feel it is important that we start to inroduce more local born Australians to our sport. This is both ladies and mens. Under 18’s will be organised by Micheal O’Connor and if you know of any young potential footballers, please contact me and I will point you in the right direction.
I am available at all time should you wish to discuss any issues that arise. Special thanks to Eimear McGlinchey and Ciaran Gallagher for their work in promoting the Gaelic Sports through the schools. Also thanks to Barney McKenna and last years committe for their work in promoting and organising our association. To all clubs and supporters of our native game I wish you a happy and prosperous new year for 2016. Gerry McGough, President
State Games 2016 - Brisbane 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 Teahan As we are in the off season we are busily getting ready for the 2016 kick off which is approaching quickly! We will be back in action after St. Patrick’s Day, but first we must get down to business of the background elves who run the show. So with that in mind here’s notice of our annual general meeting (AGM) which takes place in Fibber Mc Gees, Leederville upstairs at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th Jan 2016. We have a lot of changes happening with the committee this year and we are cordially inviting new members to join the committee. We are looking at fulfilling main roles in any committee such as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, general committee members and also our sub committee, the fundraising committee. Coaches are always in demand, we have many resources for coaches of limited experience and you are welcome to fall in with main coaches to get a feel for the task. Needless to say those with experience are always welcome to lend a
hand! Please apply for your working with children card, if you wish to help out, as this is a requirement for the role, forms are available at all post offices and contact us for details for filling out, cost will be covered by GGJA (it’s $10). If you feel that you could contribute in any way to the running of the committee, then please come along, enquiries regarding committee roles can go to ggjunioracademy@gmail.com or sec. 0406 229450. We have a website (finally!) so details will also go up there, and on our face book page. Without the volunteers there would be no Junior Academy, and we would like to thank all those who have contributed in any way over the last four years, for energy and commitment made the academy what it is, and it’s great that we can still offer children in Perth a chance to take part in sports that are part of their heritage and culture that comes with the privilege of being a child of Erin! Debbie Cashman
The inaugural High School Gaelic Football Competition in Western Australia was held in Girrawheen on Thurs day 12th November. In a highly entertaining game John XXIII drew with Girrawheen SHS on a scoreline of 5-6 to 5-6. It is interesting to note that neither team had Irish born players but were still surprisingly skilled. From the beginning of the game it was clear the contrasting style of the two teams. John XXIII possibly were a more balanced city slickers type using much of the short passing game while Girrawheen were much more of a country parish team with strong players in key positions. Indeed it is interesting to note that four Aboriginal families made up nine of the starting fifteen for Girrawheen. It was a special day in particular for the Lyndons in particular with 12 year old Edward scoring
the first point of the game, Reggie receiving the Most Valuable Player award for his midfield dominance and their older brother Claude captaining the side.
INAUGURAL GAELIC FOOTBALL HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONGIRRAWHEEN SHS v JOHN XXIII
Sean O’Casey with the students at presentation
www.thebreakwater.com.au
58 Southside Drive, Hillarys Boat Harbour Ph: 08 9448 5000 Fax: 08 9448 6000
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Girrawheen got off to a great start against the wind and were 1-1 to 0-0 up after 5 minutes. However inspired by excellent play by Zac Barrett, Pierse Mc Kenzie and Roshan Gilbert John XXIII came back and were a point up at half time. The game was always a tight affair with never more than four points between the teams. With the searing 34 degree heat both teams gave it their best but in the end a draw was a fair result. Some players on view are exciting prospects for the future of GAA WA. Rhys MacFarlane is on the Perth Glory books as well as many of the Aborginal boys being naturally gifted footy players. They are eager athletic and enthusiastic so hopefully more high school teams will become involved in next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition which will be held at John XXIII SHS on May 12th 2016. Great credit must go to Achill man, Ciaran Gallagher for being instrumental in arranging the competition, Adrain Maguire of Longford for providing the mobile goalposts, Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Casey for presenting the medals, Alan Burke, Gerry McGough and St Finbarrs GAA for kindly donating balls and jerseys, Eimear Beattie for managing Girrawheen and refereeing the game and Andrew Mc Govern and Wayne Young for organising the BBQ . For any other schools who would like to partiipate in next Mays GAA High School tournament in either the boys or girls competition please contact Ciaran Gallagher - ciaran@gallaghermigration.com.au. Girrawheen SHS: Rhys McFaralne, Jacob McPhee, Claude Lyndon, Travis Ruffin, Justin Arbuckle, Dylan Spartman, Mason Farmer, Cameron Riley, Eric Riley, Kyle Ugle, Jamison Ugle, Philip Talbot, Reginald Lyndon, Edward Lyndon, Chris Ryder, Jacob Berney, Christian Dickenson, David Jones,
Aivielle Vital, Clinton Dann, Martin Isaacs, Joshiua McPhee, Joseph Kitto, Kelvin Taylor, John Kickett. Manager: Eimear McGlinchey Beattie John XXIII: Ciaran MacQuillan, Cooper Carvalho, Chris Fairweather, Ian Gopfert, Darcy Donovan, Jacob Walsh, Zac Barratt, Zac Fryer, Cullen Johnston, Ollie Harrington, Roshan Gilbert, Nathan Stergiou, Clancy Atkins, Pierce MacKenzie, Anthony Stout, Austin Blenkinsop, Nick Lynn, Lewis Wiggett. Manager : Ciaran Gallagher
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St Gabriel’s Hurling & CamogieClub permanent return journey to Ireland and also Interstate. We would like to wish them the best of luck and thanks for their contribution to the club. …..Thanks to all involved for 2015……GAB’s Abu…… St. Gabriel’s Hurling & Camogie GAA WA Club are currently rolling into our fifth year in existence. With the club’s continuing growth we would like to welcome back all current and past players for 2015 and welcome all new players to our great club for 2016. 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….. The club would like to thank the committee, all players, team management and sponsors for their contribution to the club for the 2015 season. The club now turns its attention to 2016 and we look forward to a new year ahead. The hurlers will be starting their prep for the annual Melbourne 7’s next Feb, with training starting in January. December and the new year will be a busy time for club members, with a number getting married, engaged and unfortunately a number are making the
“Recent Events” In November the club held the annual end of year party at The Empire Bar. With a number of awards presented on the night, the club would like to congratulate the winners. In Camogie - Nicola Healy received the most improved, Bronagh Flemming and Niamh O’Brien received Player’s Player and Marie Tynan received the Manager’s Player of the Year. In hurling - Eoin Coyne received the Player’s Player and Eoin Monaghan received the Manager’s Player of the Year. Club person of the year was awarded to Ronan Kilroy & John Loughnane. Upcoming Events Melbourne 7’s in Feb….. All current and new players welcome to travel. A great club weekend guaranteed…. St Gabriel’s GAA Club AGM will take place in January, details will be published on the club’s Facebook pages….
Hurling Sponsors Monford Group: Declan 0450 421 859 Monfordgroup.com.au PTR Asset Finance: Simon 0423 032 014 ptrasset.com.au PERI Australia Pty Limited John 0418 885 604 periaus.com.au Camogie Sponsors Duffy & McGowan Formwork Peter 0497 370 542 or Jimmy 0412 903 947 An Sibin Irish Bar, Northbridge Shane 0404 784 102 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
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Western Australia Golf Club, Yokine Sunday 22 November There was a big turnout of over 60 players for the Tim Hickey Cup, with the hurlers invited by the Club to play the day at Yokine. One of many highlights on the day was a hole in one on the 11th hole by Stuart Stevenson. That is the 2nd ace scored by a member in 2015 - PJ Kenny achieved the same feat back in October at Carramar. (Gee, the writer will be happy if he hits a green on a par 3 one of these days, let alone score an ace!) 1st S Stevenson with 42 points 2nd A McDonald on 40 points 3rd A Gannon on 40 points L/Gross PJ Kenny Guest: Aran Sanders Runner-up: Justin Scanlan NTP: Justin Scanlan, Jack Ebbs, PJ Kenny, Stuart Stevenson (hole in one!!), Chris McKenna LDrive: Mens – Brodie Devine LPutt: Damian Burke Congratulations to Stuart Stevenson for not only winning the round but also scoring that hole in one on the 11th hole. See photo above of Stuart being presented with the Tim Hickey Cup by Pat Hickey. Pat Hickey thanked the Irish Golf Club of Western Australia for holding a golf day with the hurlers in honour of her late husband Tim, who was well respected for his contribution in the golf, hurling and broader Irish community activities in Perth.
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Maylands Sunday 13 December Winner Graham Wilson – 46 points 2nd Stuart Stevenson – 44 points 3rd Dominic Hyde – 44 points LGross Jack Ebbs LDrive: Ladies Chris McKenna Mens Stuart Stevenson LPutt 18th: Billy Ross 2 balls: Dominic Hyde, Brendan Flanagan, Brendan Wymbs Eagle: Stuart Stevenson NTP: Brendan Flanagan (2), Peter McKenna, Graham Wilson (2) Again, another fine round of good golf by all the above players. See photo of President Peter McKenna presenting the Fleadh Trophy to Graham Wilson Please visit our website to view all the winners for 2015 www.irishgolf. com.au Farewell We say farewell to a quality young man and golfer, Stuart Stevenson, who is returning to sunny Donegal early in 2016 with his wife. Stuart, it has been a pleasure to have a member such as yourself and we wish you well for the future. With your departure, it opens up an opportunity for someone else to pick up a prize or two along the way – you had a pretty good haul of trophies/prizes in 2015! And remember………you are always welcome back here in Perth and at the Club. Well that is the final report of results for 2015. It is also my final report as I step down as Secretary – it has been a pleasure to serve the Club for the past three or so years and I wish the new Secretary, Committee members and Club well for the future. Mike O’Callaghan, Secretary Irish Golf Club of Western Australia
Celebrate
Australia Day
• IRISH BUSH DANCE • AUSSIE SINGALONG • • SAUSAGE SIZZLE • • Commencing 3pm - 7pm • Wear Oz Gear • Join UB THE CthLe bar! t
Forms a
61 Townshend Road, Subiaco WA 6008
Tel: 9381 5213
irish1@irishclubofwa.com.au www.irishclubofwa.com.au The Irish Club is a members only club, and we welcome new members. Application forms can be downloaded from the website.
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