The Irish Scene July/Aug 2024

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ROCKY THE

As Team Ireland heads into the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (26 July to 11 August) Irish hopes for glory and medals in the tough arena of boxing are being shouldered to no small degree by a very focused West Australian. When she was appointed in May 2023 as the High Performance Director for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association Albany woman Patricia Heberle set herself an ambitious goal. “As performance director it's all about being able to implement the Olympic training and competition plan that we have agreed that will qualify as many athletes as possible for Paris. We would love to qualify the biggest team ever to represent Ireland and we believe that is achievable and from qualification it's then about getting our boxers through the rounds, getting them into finals and podium positions,” she said after stepping into the role. “So that’s my goal to make sure the plan is in place. It’s all about preparation and if I can work with the coaches and performance staff to create an environment and opportunities to both improve the athletes but also have them perform when it counts, I will feel as if I’ve played my role and that I’ve made a contribution to those successes.”

A year later and the WA woman has made good on the first part of her target and is now focused on delivering the second part of the

plan for the IABA team. Having set out with a target of eight qualifications for Paris, coming through three punishing qualifying tournaments Patricia now leads a team of ten boxers – male and female – under the Irish flag. It is a remarkable achievement.

The last time Ireland sent ten boxers to the Olympics it was 1960, under very different circumstances. “I’m not trying to diminish the accomplishments of any other athlete now or in the past but back then things were very different as there weren’t continental or world qualification events. It is extremely difficult now to achieve qualification and our team of ten athletes have earned that right through their own hard work in training, determination, mindset, and performances. They have worked and fought hard for everything they have achieved, but they can achieve so much more.”

Some 248 boxers will fight for their countries in Paris. By virtue of the size of its team Ireland is in pole position with the other boxing world powers. Just ahead of Ireland, Uzbekistan has a squad of eleven while Australia has twelve, the biggest team of any nation, and its largest ever squad. That size and strength may not be as intimidating as it might seem. The 12 Australian fighters all qualified for ‘Oceania’ at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands last December and were officially selected by the Australian Olympic Committee in February. Just seven countries – including New Zealand and micronations such as Samoa (which took the 13th boxing ‘Oceania’ spot). Ireland did not have it quite so easy. The IABA team took part in the 2023 European Games in Poland, out of which five boxers made the grade for the Olympics. Another one athlete qualified earlier this year in Busto Arsizio, on the outskirts of Milan, Italy, (29 February – 12 March 2024) and at the second and last boxing qualification

Patricia Heberle addressing Irish Olympians in Dublin

road to Dublin....and Paris

tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 May – 3 June 2024, four more boxers qualified. Qualifying in the Oceania category is a “softer” way to get into the Olympics Patricia said. “Twelve fighters is a wonderful achievement but if Australia had to compete at the European Championships they may have found qualification more challenging, because Europe is very strong, Asia and Pan America too. But good on them because while we know the qualification route is not a level playing field, Australia’s boxers have been outstanding within the Oceania qualification pool.” Ireland is also proving itself in other ways. Six of the ten are female fighters which means Ireland will have a competitor in every female category weight category, making it the only European team to do so. Boxing is Ireland’s strongest Olympic sport. Irish boxers have won a total of 18 Olympic medals, just over half of all the medals Ireland has won in the Games. Two of the four medals – a gold and a bronze – claimed by Team Ireland in the Tokyo ‘COVID’ Olympics were thanks to success in the boxing ring. At the time Patricia was the Chef de Mission for Team Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 rather than 2020 because of COVID (The WA story behind Ireland’s Olympic glory, Irish Scene, Sept/Oct 2021). She has a professional background as an Australia hockey player in WA and has been a consultant in high performance

sport for the last decade. She was living in the UK when in July 2016 she was invited to take on some consultancy work with Swim Ireland. Since then, Patricia has had a strong and deepening association with Irish sports on the international stage and with the Olympic Federation of Ireland. “I came to boxing in May last year to assist them to get through the Paris cycle,” she added. “I first met some of the Boxing team in 2018 when we were preparing for the European Games in Minsk and I had a good relationship with the coaches and athletes. The opportunity came, I was available and I thought it would be a challenge, so I said yes.” The former hockey player says it was one of the best decisions of her life. “It is so different to any other sport I have been involved with,” she said. “It’s an interesting but complex sport that often gets itself into trouble because it’s a combat sport and people are by nature combative. So, from time to time there is a bit of ‘fire-fighting’ and some problems to be solved. Boxing is full of passionate people who all believe that their fighter is the best. That makes it difficult when you have to make difficult selection decisions. What I like about Boxers is the demographic of participants and the fact that it’s not overly expensive to participate at grassroots club level. Many troubled young people have been introduced to boxing to help them get discipline and to sort out their lives. Female boxers now have the chance to compete and this is great as we have some of the best in the world. There

Patricia, left, with the Irish boxing team and their coaches

is a humbleness about many of the athletes I support and when you see them growing as not just boxers, but people, and they achieve their goals, its highly rewarding. So, while the sport mightn’t have been something I probably expected to get involved with, working with the Irish boxing team has been a real highlight of my professional career.”

When Irish Scene caught up with Patricia again, she is freshly returned with her team from the final qualifying round in Bangkok and

preparing to take them through a few weeks fine tuning at the high performance centre in Dublin, before a short stint in Italy for a training camp before Paris itself. Supported by a team of dedicated coaches and performance support staff, she knows their athletes – more than many others in the Games – face the most incredible challenge of their lives. “Some sports only participate in the Olympics for a few days and then they are out but boxing is on from the first day to the last, so it’s a bit of an endurance test from that perspective. As a weightbased sport it is hugely taxing physically and mentally. It is a case of ‘you make weight, box, you win, make weight again, win and repeat, usually across a minimum of 4 bouts. If you lose, there are no second chances, you’re out of competition. It is a cruel aspect of the sport, where the winner takes all”.

The IABA boxers will soon get their chance to prove themselves in the crucible of the world’s greatest sporting event and will have the full backing of Irish people everywhere – and at least one West Australian – willing them on to win.

Ireland’s Olympic boxing tradition started in 1924 Paris Games by

Exactly one hundred years ago on July 15

Tipperary man Paddy ‘Rocky’ Dwyer created sporting history when he recorded Ireland’s first win at the 1924 Olympic Games – also held in Paris that year. Entering its first Olympics as an independent nation Ireland fielded teams in a variety of sports, including for the first time in boxing. The squad was made up of six soldiers and one remarkable civilian (who later gave his life soldiering in the Spanish Civil War) Bob Hillard. Their head coach was Scottish man James ‘Tancy’ Lee, an army instructor and British champion who said his job was “to teach them how to fight without bullets”.

The Irish boxers largely failed to make an impact but their best fighter was ‘Rocky’ Dwyer. He was an instructor and chaplain at Baldonnell with the newly formed Irish army and during an incredible boxing career of 100 fights he won 95, of which 65 were KO. Sgt Dwyer was first drawn against Great Britain’s

Lloyd Gorman

champion and easily outpointed him. The welter weight fighter then beat an opponent from Holland and in the quarter final knocked out the Swiss champion in the second round. In the semi-final against the Argentine champion Hector Mendez the Irish man won the first round but in the next round Mendez head butted him and inflicted a gaping wound on Dwyers brow, for which he was deemed a ‘knock out’ and was “desperately unlucky” not to win bronze. Dwyer was appointed trainer for the Irish boxing team in the 1928 Games in Amsterdam. Boxing would go on to become Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, accounting for half of all medals claimed by Irish athletics.

Paddy ‘Rocky’ Dwyer

It is one thing to come to Australia in search of its famous lifestyle but entirely something else to have built a life here only to give it up to return to Ireland. Louise Moran made that tough call two years ago as the best decision for her family but she did it with the intention of bringing the best of her experiences from Western Australia home.

Louise was twenty when she moved to WA in 2011. Like any other twenty something she thrived in the adventure of living in a new city and country. An accomplished Irish dancer, confident tin whistle player and singer in various choirs Louise was active in the Irish community. She was also known to thread the boards and appear in the limelight. She was part of the New Faces Talent Academy and did showcases in Perth and Melbourne. She also played the role of Lizzie, in a production of ‘Lizzie’s a Darling’ by the Irish Theatre Players in 2020. Perth also became home when she met her partner Mick who put down roots in Yokine where they had children Parker and Oisin (with baby Elle arriving in August 2023 after the move back to Ireland). Like other kids of his own age Oisin is creative and loves building things, has a passion for music and loves spaceships and rockets.

At the age of three Oisin – who is now 10 years old –was diagnosed with autism. “When you look at Oisin you see a really happy and quite confident child, but what you

don’t see are the struggles behind all that and what we had to do to get him to that point,” said mum Louise.

“When we got the diagnosis it was a mixture of feelings, there was a huge sadness that I had because I didn’t want my son to have a label I think I was scared because I didn’t know how to move forward with a child on the spectrum.” Oisin’s behaviour and development was disrupted by the condition. “From the minute he opens his eyes, its I don’t want this, I don’t want that, I can’t, to the point that as a seven year old we’d have to dress him to get him out the door, when he’s that escalated sometimes there’s nothing you can do but sit there and be with him. There’s a certain guilt you have as well, you question yourself as a parent, like am I a good parent?, if I can’t help my child!.”

Even the most ordinary of daily tasks and activities can be challenging.

“We couldn’t got into certain shops, he’d have his hands over his eyes because the lights were too bright, or over his ears because it was too loud. We couldn’t go to the supermarket or for a drive without Oisin experiencing a meltdown. We couldn’t have anyone over to the house. He had a couple of words, mamma and ones but then stopped talking altogether. We hadn’t got a clue how to bring on his speech and without the Autism Association of Western Australia I dread to think where we would be now.”

The devastating diagnosis of Autism at least meant they knew what they were dealing with and

AUTISM HEROES FIGHT TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER FOR EVERYONE

by Lloyd Gorman

Oisin

were eligible for vital support and services, including the early intervention programme offered by Autism Associations WA in Shenton Park. “Oisin is an amazing example of why early intervention services are so important for children on the spectrum,” said Sarah Langforsd, an occupational therapist with Autism Association WA.

“You can look at the amount of progress he has had over the course of his therapy with us, starting back when he was four years old to now when we can see an incredible amount of change in those life skills such as communication, social interaction, looking at his emotional awareness and sensory processing and regulation. I like to look at early intervention as a stepping stone, we are wanting to give him the most independence that we can moving into adult life to live the

blows my mind with how far he’s come.”

A team of professionals – including a key therapist, assistant therapists and a teacher –worked closely with Oisin and his family. Louise can see the difference it has made. “When we look back on how things were for our family before Oisin joined the Early Intervention program, the transition is huge!,” she said.

“Once upon a time if we went to a restaurant and the waiter/waitress approached, Oisin would hide under the table. He now insists on ordering himself. Day-to-day the transition is slow but looking back in the last two years, the change is huge.”

Oisin is now able to express his feelings and communicate his needs. “When his key therapist and therapy assistants ask how he is feeling when he doesn’t know the answer, he is able to say that he is ‘embarrassed’. Oisin doesn’t like the happy birthday song, but with preparation prior to going to birthdays, Oisin now insists on staying longer but will communicate that he needs to remove himself from a situation for some ‘chill time’. And they have given us the tools to deal with these situations. We often talk about what if we hadn’t had early intervention we never would have known how amazing he could be, or the potential he could have!.”

A very traditional Australian past-time proved to be good for Oisin. They found a surfing programme for children with autism, called ‘Ocean Heroes’. “He adores surfing and gets very exited about it,” added Louise. “For some time we didn’t have that thing that he needed but when we found surfing we knew we’d

So while Perth proved in many ways to be a good place for families like theirs, it lacked something essential – family. While most of her family are back home in Laois her husbands family are in Brisbane so they didn’t have his lot around either. “We came back to Ireland for family support,” she explains. “It was definitely one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make and we’ve thought about going back a hundred times since leaving.”

It must have been

Louise and the cast of ‘Lizzie’s A Darling’

Louise Mick and the kids

hard to give up the strong surfing scene for the Irish midlands and difficult to make the move too in the knowledge that there is a massive difference between the support services in both countries. While medical and allied support services in WA are not perfect they are superior in many ways to what is available in Ireland. With something like 500 children are on a three year wait list to be assessed Ireland lags far behind Western Australia.

“The services here are horrendous here, children are waiting up to four years for assessments, completely missing early intervention age and services are non existent,” said Louise. “A lot of children can’t get a school place because of lack of spaces in Autism classes and special schools.”

With eyes wide open Louise, MIck and the clan moved back to Laois in 2022 and once they got settled unleashed their plan of attack to make things the best they could be for Oisin and every other Irish child like him.

In October 2022 they launched Autism Heroes, the first of its kind in the country, modelled on the group of the same name in WA and Ocean’s Heroes, and started making an impact.

“I had a conversation with Joan McKenna Kerr, the CEO of the Autism Association and she was a huge inspiration for me and the start of Autism Heroes. And since the start of Autism Heroes we have provided monthly support groups, a dads group, wellness mornings, intimate swimming lessons, a Gala dinner, we had a float in the St Patricks Day parade

said Louise. “We have so much coming up as well that we haven’t announced yet, aqua Occupational Therapy which will be the first in Ireland as well as Autism Heroes swimming camp, and group psychotherapy for parents of autistic children.”

As well as entering a float in this years St Patrick’s Day parade in Carlow, a section of the route was made a dedicated zone where floats, groups and people in the procession marched in silence or turned off their lights, to create a ‘stress free’ environment for autistic people to enjoy the event.

Louise has also become a strong voice and advocate for the Autism sector and grabs every opportunity to try and raise awareness and improve conditions for them.

She has beaten a track to Dáil Éireann (Irish parliament), lobbied local politicians and had her work recognised in the Dáil and has even

Oisin surfing in Perth

Louise with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Carlow councillor Paul Doogue

Meeting President Michael D Higgins

spoken directly with Taoiseach (PM) Simon Harris, who as a former minister for health has a better grasp than many others of the challenges and issues involved. She is not afraid to call them out when the need arises.

Earlier this year the Houses of the Oireachtas were accredited as the world’s first autism friendly parliament. Self congratulations by politicians welcoming the ‘achievement’ did not send the right message about what

was needed. “Until people from the Autistic community have the services they desperately need, this just seems like a complete waste of finances that could be used to help the people who need it the most,” Louise said on the Autism Heroes Facebook site. “Like shortening waitlists, speech and language, psychology the list goes on. Again, basic needs met seems like a lot more in line.”

There is much to do and it is a daunting task but Louise is determined to keep fighting for the cause to help create change for everyone touched by autism.

“Autism is an invisible disability and I think if there was just more awareness and more understanding from people – from kids and especially adults – it would be a happier space,” she said. “This world isn’t built for kids on the spectrum and we need to help it be everyone’s world and not just what society sees as ‘normal’ – a world for everyone. We are forever grateful for Autism Association of Western Australia and won’t stop until every child in Ireland has the same opportunities.”

The Autism Heroes float for St. Patricks Day

The Autism Heroes Committee

Gala ball

Gala ball

SKY HIGH DRAMA ON WAY TO DUBLIN

by Lloyd Gorman

Less than a week

after a Singaporean passenger plane almost dropped out of the sky – injuring dozens and claiming the life of one man – a flight from Doha to Dublin experienced a similar terrifying ordeal.

Jackie Mangan and her mum, both from Dublin, were some of the many Irish passengers from Perth heading ‘home’ onboard Qatar flight QR017. There was no warning that something was wrong.

“We were about an hour and a half into the flight to Dublin when they began serving food, starting with the kids,” Jackie told Irish Scene. “The lady with the trolly had just gone down the aisle and I was standing up to stretch my legs and I was talking to my ma who was in the middle seat, and there was a guy in the window seat. Then the plane dropped and just kept dropping and everything around us went up in the air. My mum shouted to get into my seat which I managed to do. The meal they had just served the young child in front of me went all down my back. I looked down the aisle and saw the cabin crew member who had just passed up in the air and hanging onto it. People were screaming. Everything was up in the air but the overhead lockers didn’t open and the oxygen mask’s didn’t come down. I was terrified but my life didn’t flash in front of me so I thought this was not my time but my mother was hysterical, she was saying lets pray and squeezing the hand of the guy beside her. We were in the clouds and then we could see land. Then everything just stopped. It lasted about 25 seconds. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through, it was scarey for everybody.” A short time later she said the captain announced they had hit turbulence and were going to assess the injuries and damage to the cabin and that they might have to divert, a prospect many of the passengers including Jackie and her mum hoped would not be necessary. The aisles were strewn with food and people’s belongings. Cabin crew – some of who had been hurt in the incident – went around looking after passengers. They moved some people around to make space for injured passengers, including one woman behind Jackie who they laid down across three seats and gave her bottles of oxygen to help her breath. “I think because I was with my ma that I went into work mode, to look after her and make sure she was okay,” said Jackie who is a professional carer. “But there was a lot of people on their own who were visibly distressed. You could see people who had been crying.”

She praised the cabin crew for how well they looked after the passengers, including the lady she had seen in the air. “She managed to find a spare seat and strap herself into that and I was talking to her later and asked if there was anything we could do. She said thanks but they were fine and then told me it was her first week in the job.”

Just as things seemed to settle down there was another scare. “There was another slight drop about an our later, only for a few seconds but everyone was screaming. Luckily I was in my seat this time and we just held hands, mam said her prayers. Everyone was tense afterwards as they waited to see what happened next.”

When they finally touched down in Dublin about 1pm on Sunday 26 May Jackie said she nearly kissed the ground. About 12 passengers and crew were injured and needed treatment in hospital. Groups of gardai, fire crews, ambulances and TV cameras were waiting for them when they landed. Jackie and her mother were able to walk off the plane but a couple of days later her mum’s back was very sore and they went to Beaumont Hospital to have her checked out. They learned there that one of the cabin crew had broken their back. “Her back played up for the whole holiday and she needed anti-inflammatories to get through,” added Jackie. “Apart from that we had a lovely holiday, catching up with her sisters and doing lots of tourist things.”

They were nervous about the return journey but thankfully it passed without any unwanted occurrences. She noticed that on the way back the sign for the seatbelts was left on for the entire flight. “I don’t think I’ll be in a hurry to get on a plane again,” she said.

Luka in Bloom

Irish singer songwriter Luka Bloom’s love affair with Australia is blossoming.

His recent tour of this vast island was akin to a second honeymoon in which he discovered old flames burned bright and new.

Like his previous trips Downunder Luka’s latest lap of the nation finished in the West, but this time things were a bit different as his enthusaism for the place and its people was reinvigourated.

“I’ve spent two years of my life in Australia in increments of six weeks at a time and the really shocking thing for me from the beginning was how much at home I felt here,” Luka told Irish Scene. “I feel more at home in Australia than I do in any other country in the world, apart obviously from Ireland. And I have an absolute fascination with the Irish diaspora as it manifests in Australia, more so that I do in America. I find

by Lloyd Gorman

in America a lot of the Irish American culture is quite loud, quite brash and a little bit fairy tale and leprechauny and I’m not a huge fan of that stuff. But in Australia its different. Irish Australian’s don’t shout and roar, they don’t make a big deal out of themselves but I feel they’re infiltrated Australian culture and Australian language in a very deep way, much deeper than the Irish have in America, that’s my sense of it.”

A regular caller to these shores it is still a place with the power to move him. “Even this year I had a huge kind of emotional wrench when I landed in Hobart to do a couple of gigs in Tasmania. I went down onto the harbour for a walk and I stumbled upon Rowan Gillespie’ ‘Footsteps’ Famine sculptures. I knew about his Famine figures at the IFSC in Dublin but I didn’t know about these ones, I was absolutely devastated reading the names of the kids, convicts at

the age of eight and eleven, at the feet of the statue. That story right there is heart wrenching and its devastating to me how little is known about that story, people have that idea that people in the ships sent ot Australia in the 1830s were actual convicts and that they had done awful things, but in many cases they were children, what a barbaric thing!”.

Everywhere he goes Luka encounters Irish people. A few days before we talked, he was in the Perth CBD and popped into St. George’s Cathedral for a spot of quiet reflection. “It’s a lovely cathedral and I had just walked throug the front door to sit and have a little meditation for myself and there was this silver haird women who I heard talking and detected an Irish accent, a 100% Limerick accent. She divides her time between Singapore and Perth and volunteers at the cathedral. She’s lived out here for nearly 60 years, those kind of people fascinate me.”

The man in Mandurah

Welcome to the Beautiful South

In addition to some of his usual haunts Luka got to perform in many other parts of Australia – including in WA – for the first time. “Normally I just do one gig, Perth or Fremantle, and that’d be it but we really opened it up and I’m glad we did. We had a really lovely night in Mandurah for example. I loved the theatre, I loed the vibe, there was a right few Irish there, it was a lovely gig, I loved it. I said to the guys can we go to a few other places in WA? It seems its a beautiful place, with everybody telling me how amazing it is down South.”

Luka was originally billed as the headline act for the Fairbridge Music Festival in Pinjarra in early April. It was meant to be the iconic festival’s comeback from the pandemic but despite the best efforts of the organisers the 2024 fixture – like many other music festivals across Australia and the world – fell victim to post COVID circumstances. The cancellation left a gaping hole in his schedule.

“I was looking forward to Fairbridge and I

was very very sad to see it go, not just for myself, but particularly for the organiser Jon Cope. Its a horrible situation, the amount of work and grief involved in pulling a festival so soon to its happening, it must have been a nightmare for him.”

An April 12 gig in Albany – his first in the historic city – had sold out but he needed to plug the gap. “I would have had a full week off before doing the Albany gig and I’m not to sure how my promoter would feel about that! But we managed to pull together thse two gigs so it was fine for us but I really feel for the people involved with that festival.”

The substitute gigs were at BREC in Bunbury (April 6) and at The River in Margaret River four days later. At the time Sydney museo and film maker Tony King – who has worked closely with Irish singers Andrew Strong and Camille O’Sullivan – messaged Luka on social media, lamenting he could not be at the gig. “We’ve performed in Margaret River over 20 times and have spread the word about your gig,” King told him. “It’s one of the greatest places on earth.”

The success of this tour and the reception it got have reinvigourated his desire to return. On his last tour (in 2019) Luka hinted it could be his last. “COVID had a huge effect on me, I hadn’t been in Australia since 2019 and I

suddenly became aware of how the world is a very big place. I was very aware of the people in Perth for example, who were’t able to fly home during COVID, people with family membes who were very ill and the like. Five years is the longest gap I’ve ever had between visits to Australia. I’m nearly 70 and on my last tour here I thought a couple of things, one, I’m not getting any younger and two, the audience is probably going to start falling away. But the ridiculous thing is that this might be the best Australian tour I’ve ever had and I feel utterly rejuvenated by it in every way. This has been a kind of

About the Irish Scene

Every time I have met Luka – in Ireland or Australia –over the years I have given him copies of the Irish Scene, and I did the same after the Mandurah gig. It is about a week later when we talk over the phone and he has found time to read through them.

He is very interested in the story about Fergal Guihen, the young male nurse from the Emergency Department at Sligo General Hospital who is cycling from his native Roscommon to Sydney, to raise money for a local hospice. I mention to Luka that his 1992 hit song Acoustic Motorbike would be a great one to dedicate to the adventurous and impressive 25 year old.

renaissance for me after COVID. I’ve been really taken aback by the number of shows that sold out and the gigs themselves. My Perth gig at The Rechabite was the best gig I’ve ever had in Western Australia, since my first one in the Fly By Night in Fremantle in January 1992, which was one of the most amazing gigs I ever did. And I loved Mandurah. I loved the vibe in it. I loved everyting about it, it was a real surprise to me. I’ve never been there before, there is nothing wrong with that gig, but the Rechabite, what a venue, what a gig. So I really want to go back there.”

“I read the magazine the other day, its very good, very comprehensive, it has so many human stories, so many personal stories, I really like that,” he told me. “Your magazine is great and really helpful to a lot of Irish people coming over I’d say. We live in a very individualistic world and its great that Irish people still continue to connect with each other, no matter how far away from home they are. You’re providing a great service, you’re connecting people and Irish people are the original networkers”.

In January 1868 the Hougoumont – the last convict ship sent to Australia – arrived into Fremantle carrying 280 convicts, including 62 Fenians who were political prisoners. One of them – John Boyle O’Reilly – with local support organised and plotted his own escape less than a year later to America. While most of his comrades were granted clemency and freed in 1869 a small group of ‘military’ Fenians were not. O’Reilly was determined to help his fellow patriots who were left behind and worked on a plan to rescue them. It took six years of fund raising and intricate and secretive co-ordination between a network of people in America and Australia but in 1875 six of the last Fenians left in the Swan Colony made a dramatic and daring escape onboard the Catalpa.

Australian ambassador to Ireland Gary Gray, left, gave Fergal a good send off

A Catalpa champion

“The internet is great and all but if anybody wants a lesson in networking tell them to study the Catalpa story, an exercise in very skilled and profound networking, long before the internet was ever imagined. Its the most amazing story, I first came across it when I was out here about 30 yers ago and I remember I was thinking about it on the

flight home how there has to be a movie in this. I think I might have even sent a letter or a postcard to (the Irish actor) Gabriel Byrne saying how it would make such a great movie. Its one of the most remarkable stories I’ve ever heard, particularly in the context of Republican struggle, its amazing stuff.”

Around the same time the story of the daring escape bid first caught his attention another creative Irish man was doing his bit to put it in the spotlight. Luka – like the audiences that saw it – enjoyed actor and playwright Donal O’Kelly’s epic play ‘Catalpa’, that was first produced in 1995,

President Michael D Higgins at the unveiling of Rowan Gillespie’s statutes in Hobart in 2017

won the Fringe First Festival award at Edinburgh and went on to successfully tour Ireland, England, America and Australia.

“Its a brilliantly hilarious one man show in which he tells the story of the Catalpa in a very funny way,” said Luka. “Its a one man show and he plays 40 different characters. He wrote the play from the perspective of a guy who wants to make a movie telling the story of the Catalpa and he goes to Hollywood and he tries to persuade directors and producers to help him make this movie about the story of the Catalpa and then he proceeds to tell the whole story, its incredible.”

Already a convert, Luka is keenly to know more when I mention to him that the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa escape will be in 2026, and there are various groups and people already working to mark the occasion. I know from a previous interview with him that Fremantle is one of his favourite parts of Australia and I suggest to him that it might be a good excuse to come back to Western Australia. “You know what, that’s not a bad idea,” he said. “I mean to be present for a commeoration of the 150th anniversary of that unbelievable achievement by these men would be something really special. We commemorate a lot of stuff but we don’t have a lot of stories where the outcome depending on your philosophy is a happy one – such as Easter Rising 1916 and the War of Indpendence – but I think the Catalpa is in every sense a feel good Irish Republican story, it just is,” he laughed.

the work she does with refugees. I reckon her work rings bells with her in regards to what the Irish went through at that time.”

Our chat about this remarkable episode in the history of Western Australia, Ireland and America struck a chord with him. “You’ve sown the seed I hope of a song but you’ve certainly sown the seed for the Catalpa memorial, that’s very exciting to me.”

Luka says an Irish friend of his who lives in the south west of WA is a newcomer to the story of the 1876 Fenian escape. “Eva is an amazing woman from Co. Cork who has just recently who just recently became aware of the Catalpa story and is completely obsessed with it and I find it fascinating considering

Local Irish museos helped launch the 2026 Catalpa Vision event in the Hougoumont Hotel in Freo

Towards a Vision for Catalpa Commemorations 2026

Sometimes it’s as if the present day Fremantle Fenians group live in the shadow of the famous Irish patriots who once walked these same streets. Unintentional coincidences often happen. So when Darryl (Milo) Milovchevich, Chairperson of Fenians Fremantle and Freedom group called a gathering of prominent community leaders and supporters to discuss a vision for a commemoration of the 150 year anniversary of the Catalpa escape, and set the date for 13 June 2024 he was not consciously aware that it was almost 150 years to the day, (15 June 1874) since Fenian, James Wilson sent his famous “letter from the tomb”. That was the where he begged John Devoy, then exiled to the USA, to make a plan for the Fenians to escape from Fremantle prison. Any wonder there was a buzz of excitement about the meeting of community leaders and long time Fenian supporters who gathered at the Hougoumont Hotel in Fremantle to share their vision about how to engage people from Australia, Ireland and the USA in a celebration of the 150 year anniversary of the mighty Catalpa Escape. The event was generously hosted by Patrick Prendiville,

owner of the Hougoumont Hotel and held in the appropriately named John Boyle O’Reilly conference room. After the meeting, Tommy O’Brien, John Clare and John Reed played some great music in the Calamity’s Rod bar, with views of the beautiful wall mural in Bannister Street commemorating the Catalpa escape. Invited

Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett

guests including the Mayor of Cockburn, Logan Howlett, Deputy Mayor of Fremantle Jenny Archibald and Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin and Deputy Lorna Buchan as well as representatives from Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Ports, Leeuwin Ocean Adventurers, Fremantle Workers and Social Club, Theatre 180, Rockingham Catalpa Adventure Festival, Museums Without Walls, Kidogo Arthouse, Friends of John Boyle O’Reilly Bunbury and other guests. One of the ideas discussed was to name the area from Fremantle to Rockingham the “Catalpa Coast” – and idea promoted by the inaugural “Catalpa Dash” bicycle ride held on Easter Monday this year from Fremantle Prison to the escape site at Rockingham. The commemoration of such a momentous event has potential to attract local, national and international visitors to WA and there is scope to hold several ‘lead up’ entertainment events in various locations for at least a month before Easter 2026.

The State Tourism conferences is scheduled to take place in Fremantle in 2025 and

the State History Conference in Cockburn in the coming year. Both will provide an opportunity to showcase the significance of the Catalpa Escape. Laurie Smith, the coordinator of the Rockingham Catalpa Adventure Festival said they will continue to stage festivals in both 2025 and 2026. Peter Murphy from Bunbury suggested linking with Bunbury Irish Community Festival and Joanna Robinson from Kidogo Arthouse spoke of the opportunity to connect with the Irish/ Aboriginal Hand in Hand Festival. If you want to know more, or are passionate about the Catalpa story, please join with us or consider organising your own event and link with our combined publicity. The memory of this daring escape is well worth remembering and celebrating. We need helpers – in particular people with fund raising skills, project management skills, social media skills and publicity skills or simply a willingness to get involved. If you’re interested, contact info@fenainsfestival.com. au or call Margo O’Byrne on 0405737217

CHRISTMAS INJULY

Fremantle Deputy Mayor Jenny Archibald

Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin (right) with deputy mayor Lorna Buchan

One for all and all for

by Lloyd Gorman

Aslan: from left, Joe Jewell, Lee Tomkins, Alan Downey and Billy McGuinness

Photo: Celeste Buffon

To borrow a line from another Dublin legend; the Aslan boys are back in town, or at least they will be on August 24. It has been more than ten years since Aslan last toured Australia, a self enforced hiatus they can now put behind them with an upcoming tour that will see them rock Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Irish Scene chatted to the Dublin four piece about their trip Down under via computer screen on a significant date, June 13, the first anniversary of the death of their friend and charismatic frontman Christy Dignam. The boys have just finished rehearsals and all four sit down together in front of screen or device of some kind that connects with my iPhone. We have come a long way – geographically and technologically – since I first had the pleasure of interviewing them with an old school cassette tape recorder in 1994 for In Dublin magazine about their new record at the time Goodbye Charlie Moonhead. So much has changed since then but despite everything they remain true to themselves and each other, they are still Aslan.

to give up, we wanted to go another forty years.”

Aslan are not the first rock group to lose one of their own and they will not be the last.

“By staying together and carrying on we are not doing anything that other bands in the history of Rock n Roll haven’t done. There’s the likes of Queen (Freddie Mercury (45)) and the Script last year (guitarist Mark Sheehan (46)). You’re a musician, its what you want to do, to play music.”

Exactly a year to the day since Christy died the first question has to be how are they are travelling?

“It was a long time coming,” said drummer Alan Downey, “going back to 2013 when we first found out (that Christy was sick) and its been up and down. What do you do as a band when you’ve been in that situation, you just adapt. When Christy was well enough again around 2014 we stripped the whole thing back to two acoustic guitars, bass and drums and brought in a piano player and then as he got stronger we reintroduced electric guitars and backing tracks and kept going, and the going was up and down, and then we got to 2023 and here we are in 2024. It was one of those things we never spoke about as friends, we didn’t want to go down that road, we didn’t want to know what life was like without Christy and we had a pact, between us that we’d cross that bridge when we got to it and we left if for months. And they myself Joe and Billy just met up and we made a decision that we didn’t want to want

Guitarist Billy McGuinness puts it another way. “If I passed there’s no way that Christy would stop singing, not in a million years. He’d get a replacement for me or Joe say, and keep going. I know Christy was the lead singer but when we all met up again the desire was still there to make new music and keep the Aslan vibe going.”

If getting together for rehearsals was a big first step then another major step loomed, but fortunately not for very long. “We’ve been blessed,” added Billy. “We never really advertised for a singer or put it out there or anything, we just got together ourselves and Lee approached us.”

Lee Tomkins, another Finglas born and bred singer and musician, saw a Facebook post that they were back in rehearsals. “I texted Gary (Alan’s brother) that if the lads need somebody to to sing the songs – it wasn’t to join the band or anything – but just to have a voice there, because I knew all the songs because I grew up going to see them and I knew all the songs inside out, that I could do it, that I was free, no problem during that day, that its no panic at all and then I got a text from Denise (who manages Aslan) asking if I wanted to come up and sing a few songs with the lads and I did.”

Up the Dubs: Christy Dignam (second left) with

Lee filled the void left by Christy’s absence in his own way. “What’s exciting is that Lee is a brilliant songwriter guitarist in his own right”, said Billie. Lead guitar player Joe interjected with a “not as good as me”!, “No not as good as Joe, but people who have seen the gigs say its a bigger sounding Aslan and that’s because you have another dynamic now of another electric guitar.”

Songwriting is a demographic process within the band with everyone pitching in to help craft the lyrics and sound of a song. Its been that way for forty years and is not about to change now.

Lee’s bandmates embrace the fact he brings something new to the table. “We had to make it different, there was no point in trying to go out and get a Christy clone or anything,” added Alan. “This is going to be different and we are not trying to replace Christy by any means at all – there’s only one Christy – and he put his flavour to our music and Lee’s putting his flavour and himself into our music.” Now in his late thirties Lee has been a singer and working museo since he

was a teenager and had carved out his own place in the tough world of show business before he joined Aslan. “The lads have been in the band for 40 years, if I can get their approval I’m happy enough because they are the ones who crated this, with Christy, so if they are happy enough to let me sing their songs then that’s all the appreciation I need.” Another major test of the transition has been the reaction of fans. Aslan are one of Ireland’s best loved homegrown bands, in command of legions of loyal fans. The nationwide outpouring of grief for Christy’s passing last year was proof of that affinity and keeping that bond could have proved tricky with a new frontman. Lee is like a missionary priest, converting people wherever they go. “On the first song you can see the audience looking up, wondering if this is right and what’s this going to sound like, which is understandable because they don’t know what to expect, but by the second song the place is on wheels.” Billy says Lee is “going down a bomb” according to Billy.

If playing their music has been a form of

to you.

therapy to help them to deal with the grief then each gig is also a tribute to Christy. And gigging is their bread and butter. They work hard at their craft and hit the road to spread their sound wide and far. I put it to them they have a punishing tour ahead of them, playing Sydney, Melbourne and Perth over three nights. They are not phased.

When Aslan met Shamrock Rovers FC Photo: Aranann Salinger

“We gig in Ireland on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and its never been a problem,” said Joe. “We’ll be travelling over larger distances, but its what you do. Its a new journey for us.”

Billy said they have done it before and are more than ready to go again. When Christy became sick that put an end to their ability to play in places like America, Dubai and Australia where they have a strong fan base. “We are all in a good frame of mind about travelling and while it is tough going, we are relishing it.”

Apart from Lee they have all done the Australian thing a couple of times so know what to expect. It will be Lee’s first foray Down under and he is excited about the tour and hopes to catch up with some old friends now based in Sydney and Melbourne.

Perth has a lot of good memories for the boys. We talk about the time they came out

to a Shamrock Rover’s game in Hillarys and spent “a great day” in Hillarys with the team and spectators, many of who went to see them play that night. Another day out on the grass may or may not be on the cards but many of their friends from the club and plenty of others will happy to see them again.

“We got on great with the owners of Rosie’s (O’Gradys) and we had one of the best all night sessions you could ever have there. We were doing two nights there and it was after the first night we got the guitars out and we had a session with the staff and it was one of the best nights, and we still talk about it now. We would love to have caught up with Scotty and the others but sure look I’m sure we’ll party with the new owners as well.”

Rosie’s is now Johnny Fox’s and is under the management of a fellow Dub Paul Maloney. Paul is proud of its track record as a place for the best in live music and entertainment and when he took over a few years ago he named the staged area where Aslan will play Lynott’s Lounge, in honour of the legendary Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. So when “the boys are back in town” on Saturday August 24 you know where you should be to!

Christy rocked at Rosie O’Gradys’

Open - 7 days

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Anything Goes with Oliver

“Anything Goes” with VCA Radio 88.5fm every Saturday between 3pm and 5pm with Irish DJ Oliver McNerney.

Originally from Longford Oliver spins golden oldies and the best of Irish and Australian music and requests are welcome by calling 92971088 or text 0481988505.

“VCA radio 88.5fm is where variety comes alive and you never know what you might hear on Anything Goes,” Oliver said.

AIHA FILM CLUB SEASON concludes Wednesday March 7, 7.45pm

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING AN AWARENESS OF AUSTRALIA’S IRISH HERITAGE CONGRATULATIONS to recipients of prestigious community awards 2022 and 2023

Meets fourth Tuesday of the month, with exception of December. At 7.30pm May 24 ‘Phosphorescence’ by Julia Baird, to be presented by Trish Dooey June 28 TBA to be presented by Cecilia Bray Venue Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco Admission Free. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Tea and coffee from the Bar $2 Contact Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

At the 2024 Link conference hosted by Claddagh Association, in the presence of Irish Ambassador Tim Mawe, his wife Patricia, Alanna Clohessy, MLC and other distinguished guests from WA and interstate, AIHA president Heather Deighan introduced the award, created in 1997 to recognise persons who have made an outstanding contribution to Australia’s Irish Heritage. It is named after Saint Brendan of Clonfert, the first European emigrant to North America having sailed the Atlantic solo. The unsuspecting recipients were presented with a uniquely designed Irish Standing Stone award. An Honour Board of recipients is in the Irish Club.

BLOOMSDAY - James Joyce Literary Competition presentations

The recipient for 2022 is Eimear Beattie - Born in the Gaeltacht area of Donegal, Eimear and husband Anthony emigrated to Perth in 2011. She established Irish Families in Perth facebook page in October 2011. It grew from 20 members to 21,000. Eimear has taught Irish language classes to children and has been coordinator of the annual Perth Saint Patrick’s Day Mass. She was profiled in ‘Oral Histories of Irish Immigrants in Western Australia’.

The recipient for 2023 is Caroline McCarthy - From Beaufort, Co Kerry, on moving to Perth in 2011 Caroline became a qualified Irish Dancing Teacher (TCRG). In 2017 she founded Torc Ceili Club. She ran a successful pop-up Gaeltacht ‘Anseo’ in the Irish Club in 2021. She has run the now-annual St Brigid’s Festival in Kidogo Arthouse – a weekend event of all things Irish, and been President of AIDA and chairperson and secretary of Darkness into Light.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses, the AIHA will hold a celebratory event on June 16th , officially known world-wide as Bloomsday, after Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. At the event, the shortlisted entries from our competition will be staged as readings, drama, music and visual presentations by solo or groups The overall winner will be chosen by popular vote on the night and will receive a cash prize.

We thank our adjudicators Frank Murphy and Frances Devlin-Glass

We invite nominations for 2024, Details can be found on https://irishheritage.com.au/awards/the-brendan-award/ THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB July deferred due to members away. At 7.30pm, Irish Club, Townshend Road, Subiaco. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com COMING UP Lunch and Tour of Parliament House on 19 September, restricted to AIHA committee and volunteers. Winter movie matinee and Annual Mary Durack Memorial lecture dates to be confirmed.

Date Thursday June 16 at 7.30pm

THE JOURNAL Quarterly magazine for members. Articles celebrating the Irish Heritage in Australia. Editor Teresa O’Brien. Full report on Brendan Awards in June edition. Correspondence to journal@irishheritage.com.au

Featuring “Your Ugly Too” with a supporting Irish documentary, together with tea/coffee, homemade cakes, Irish wheaten bread and jams. Ice creams $3. At Kensington (South Perth). Donation $15 to cover catering and costs THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB March 26 and April 23, 7.30pm, Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

SAINT PATRICKS FESTIVAL Saturday 16th March, Leederville Parade and Irish Festival, 10am Join our vintage car float in the parade and our presentation of the Brendan Awards 2022 and 2023 at the concert in the early afternoon. This prestigious award recognises individuals or groups with a record of dedicated service and outstanding achievement in one or more aspects of Australia's Irish heritage. Meanwhile we invite nominations for 2024. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday 24 March, 3pm, Irish Club Committee room. There will be special motions for Life Membership nominations. Please consider joining as a committee member, volunteer or an event coordinator. CATALPA COMMEMORATION ROCKINGHAM Annual commemoration of the escape of six Fenian convicts on 17-18 April, 1876. With oration, verse, music drama and song at the Catalpa Memorial, Rockingham Beach, Easter Monday, 1 April, 11am to 12 noon. Free public event. Guest speakers and dignitaries including Mayor Deb Hamblin and city councilors; Federal Minister Madeline King; State Minister Stephen Dawson; Somer Bessire-Briers from US Consulate; actor Michael Sheehy; musician Ormonde Og Waters; and more Coordinated by David McKnight. ANZAC DAY Thursday 25 April, 8am. AIHA at invitation of Subiaco RSL lay wreaths for Irish ANZACS at Fallen Soldiers War Memorial on the corner of Rokeby and Hamersley roads. Morning tea follows. Subject to confirmation MEMBERSHIP 1 January to 31 December, 2024

MEMBERSHIP 1 January to 31 December, 2024

Family membership $65; Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55

Family membership $65; Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55

Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco (to be confirmed) Admission AIHA members $20, Non-members $25, includes light refreshments Prizes Best Edwardian dressed male or female. Plus special Irish raffle Bookings https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU

Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45; Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 Pay Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/

AIHA Website

Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45; Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 Pay Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ Or Bank Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: 066-192 Account No: 1054 6502 AIHA has approved charity and tax deductable status. www.irishheritage.com.au

Or Bank Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: 066-192 Account No: 1054 6502 AIHA has approved charity and tax deductable status. Deductable Gift Recipient Status

Check our website https://irishheritage.com.au/news-blog/ for a selection of exclusive interviews conducted by committee member Gill Kenny and other articles of note. If you click on the interview with Aine Tyrrell you will arrive at our YouTube channel. Aine is really interesting - victim of domestic violence, successful singer, living in a bus and rearing 3 children. She has great perspectives on life and had a real Irish chat with Gill. Easter Monday Annual Catalpa Commemoration was professionally videod this year. The link will be on our website as soon as available.

Irish and Aussies mix it up in Dublin

Filming started recently in Dublin and Wicklow on a new Irish Australian production for streaming service Binge. Mix Tape is a four-part event mini series adapted from the popular novel by Jane Sanderson. Beginning in Sheffield, England in 1989 with Daniel and Alison’s all-encompassing teenage romance, forever etched in their memories through the music of their generation. To the modern-day reality of their adult relationships, now living on opposite sides of the world. Mix Tape is an international co-production between the Foxtel Group, Australian production company Aquarius Films and Ireland’s Subotica. Aoife O’Sullivan from Subotica said: “Mix Tape will take us back in time to that intoxicating feeling of first love. It’s a classic boy-meets-girl love story with a banging soundtrack that will tug at the heartstrings and have audiences reminiscing and asking themselves: What if you had a second chance at first love?” Andrew Byrne, Head of Television at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said, “Screen Ireland is delighted to support Mix Tape, an Irish/Australian co-production written by acclaimed Irish writer Jo Spain. We're proud to continue supporting Irish talent and the production of high-end TV drama; working closely with international commissioners and film agencies to tell original stories like this for audiences at home and around the world.”

Snow fight in WA

Australia’s newest film offering is a West Australia production with a lead character who is Irish. Shot in the outskirts of Kalgoorlie and around Fremantle in 2022 and 2023 ‘Kid Snow’ made its world premier at the Sydney Film Festival on June 11 and was the opening movie for the Revelation Film Festival at Luna Cinemas Leederville on July 3, followed by screenings in Luna on SX (Fremantle) on July 11 and again at Luna Leederville on July 13. Screen Australia describes the film: “Outback Australia. 1971. Kid Snow, 30, a washed-up Irish fighter in a raucous travelling tent-boxing show, is offered a rematch against the man he fought ten years ago. It’s his chance

by Lloyd Gorman

to turn the page on a tragedy that changed his life forever. But when the feisty single mother Sunny crosses Kid’s path, he is forced to contemplate a future beyond life on the road.

The fictitious figure of Kid Snow is played by British actor Billy Howle and fellow UK squire Tom Bateman in the role of his brother Rory. Irish audiences will watch this new flick with a certain amount of scrutiny about how the two Irish characters are portrayed and played on the screen. At the time of going to press it had not yet made its way West but we are keen to see it and we hope that it will be successful and have the right stuff to become a local Aussie classic.

G’day from Gary Gray

AUSTRALIA’S AMBASSADOR IN IRELAND

Stay up to date with what’s happening in the Australian Embassy, Ireland by following:

@ausembire Australian Embassy, Ireland

Ireland in full swing as Summer arrives

@AusEmbIre

Ireland is in full-swing around this time of year. The leaves atop St. Stephen’s Green are the most brilliant green, the weather is warm and foreign languages can be heard on almost every corner as tourists pour into the country in hopes of receiving the infamous Céad Míle Fáilte from locals. These days I’ve been enjoying the use of the Dublin’s rail network out to Killiney where the Australian Residence, Abbey Lea is situated. Abbey Lea is a historic home that has been in Australia’s possession since 1965 but that dates back to the 19th Century. The building once played host to raucous celebrations and parties. I prefer a quiet 0.0 Guinness by the fire myself. My wife, Pippa McIntosh has recently published a book on the history of the building including its unique story during a time of incredible political and cultural upheaval across the island of Ireland. Pippa’s book is now on The Irish Times’ bestseller list after a terrific launch at the Dalkey Book Festival in June. It is a remarkable residence from which to set off each morning on my way to work. Once I arrive in Dublin it is a short walk from Pearse Station past Merrion Square, the National Gallery and Leinster House to the Embassy overlooking the Green. Ireland is a literary, peaceful and beautiful country, and it was no surprise to me when speaking to another European diplomat, she was able to reveal that Ireland was one of the most coveted placements among their diplomatic cohort. She was very proud to have been chosen. I can understand why.

There is an energy and positivity often associated with this time of year, amplified most recently by Ireland’s rather remarkable performance at the European Athletics competition where Golds and Silvers were the only colour on show. Sport has an almost unparalleled ability to unite countries and it was great to see the successful Irish athletes return home to much fanfare. Everyone is looking forward to the Summer Olympics in Paris where hopes for Irish medals will remain high across almost every discipline.

Gary enjoying the weather at a Parkrun in Galway

They were greeted this week by Ireland’s new Taoiseach, Simon Harris who I’ve had the privilege of meeting on a number of occasions during his previous tenures as Minister for Health and Minister for Higher Education. One of the things that has always struck me is the accessibility of Ireland’s political class and the closeness with which they operate for their constituents. Ireland is a small place and whether it’s to express their views on an international event or whether it’s a pothole on their rural road in Kerry, citizens feel able to contact their elected representatives with fair certainty that they will be heard and listened to. From the politician’s perspective, they wouldn’t have it any other way. This is a brilliant way to have politics and it acts as a bulwark to some of the lethargy and apathy that can characterise the relationship between politicians and citizens elsewhere. People in Ireland are very politically engaged, leading to robust and worthwhile interactions wherever I go. This was never more so than during the most recent local and European elections which saw significant engagement across the political spectrum and have set the stage for what could well be the most defining Irish General Election in a generation. In Ireland, as in Europe, everything is up for grabs. At the Embassy here, we have our own preparations in full flow for the arrival later this year of Australia’s Wallabies. Ireland will face Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday 30th November. This will be the fourth and final autumn international to be played by Ireland in 2024. This match will also commemorate Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary. In their most recent encounter, Ireland beat the Wallabies 13-10 during the 2022 autumn series. Overall, Ireland and Australia have played each other on 37 occasions since their first meeting in 1927. The Wallabies have won 22 matches, whilst Ireland have won 14 matches. There has also been one draw between the two sides. Ireland’s rugby prowess has accelerated in recent years and Australia know they’ll have to be at their very best to beat them on home soil in Autumn.

Whether it’s literature, music, theatre, athletics, rugby or any number of our other shared sporting heritages, it is clear sport plays an enormous role in uniting people. With global conflicts and uncertainty at a more concerning time than any other in the last thirty years, it’s vital we remember the things that bring us together when so much attempts to drive us apart. When peace again returns to our world, ANZAC and Irish peacekeepers will serve together to keep that peace.

The Hon Gary Gray AO Australian Ambassador to Ireland

Gary is pictured with his wife, Pippa McIntosh at the retirement David Nucifora from Irish Rugby as he completes 10 years working with within the organisation, finishing as the high performance director.

Gary meeting and greeting with Ireland’s next generation of leaders

Gary and Pippa’s dog, Ted enjoys the Irish Summer

‘Ireland, Douze Points’ Merci beacoup Danny boy!

by Lloyd Gorman

Eururovision 2024 was Ireland’s best one in many years, thanks in no small part to Australia.

Bambi Thug’s eclectic and highly original song Doomsday Blue ranked 6th in the song contest back in early May. It was the country’s best rating since 2000, when Castleblaney native Eamonn Toal also came in sixth with his song ‘Millennium of Love’, also in Sweden as it happens.

Bambi pulled in a healthy 278 points and the Irish act was for some time neck and neck with Switzerland which went on to win the competition. Ireland’s top ten ranking was all the more impressive considering it got full marks from just one country. Australia’s jury was the 11th out of 37 to cast its vote in the Grand Final. Representing Australia as the jury’s spokesperson was Perth museo Danny Estrin, the front man for synth-metal band Voyager who got Australia to 9th place in last year’s Eurovision.

When SBS announced he would be the frontman for the jury Danny was clearly up for the task.

“Being asked to shout the douze points for Australia is yet another pinnacle of my whole Eurovision experience,” he said. “I won’t try to out-sartorialise Lee Lin Chin*, but I’ll be sure to glitz and glam for these iconic 15 seconds. This will truly cement my entire existence into the glorious fabric of Eurovision.” (* Former SBS news reader Lee Lin Chin cut a very fashionista figure in 2015 when she was the jury spokesperson).

True to his word, Danny delivered on his promise to dazzle and on the night he was easily the most entertaining of all the jury spokespeople. Danny was belting out a little number on his keytar when the camera came on him.

“Oops, sorry, are we on? G’day, g’day...Malmo [he said, looking at the back of his instrument] What a show, what a night!.”

The host thanked him for his performance and asked him for the full points of the Australian jury.

“Of course Petra, I promise you its going to be alright,” said the showman who was clearly revelling in the moment. “Australia’s ‘douze points’ go to

Bambi Thug

Danny Estrin stole the show

“Crown the Witch” Ireland!,” sparking a massive reaction in the Irish camp, and pushing them into second place.

A born entertainer, Danny’s presentation was short, fun and jam packed with cool pop culture references. Irish Scene tried to catch up with the Voyager singer to ask him about the famous ‘douze points’ to Ireland. We didn’t manage to speak to him but he did share some insight about that moment on Twitter. “Absolute bucket list moment for me,” Danny said. “It’s been an incredibly difficult few months battling stage IV cancer (and I now understand why people call it a battle) so getting to do this was beyond joyous. Thank

PASSPORT TO

you @eurovision @sbs_australia alia and @ blinktvco for allowing me to do Simpsons/ Spinal Tap gags, black metal screams and @ korguk keytar noodling on live television. Best 20 seconds ever!.” Well said Danny, well done and be well!

In the last edition of Irish Scene Alex Canion, bassist and vocalist with Perth group Voyager, shared his experience of the 2023 Eurovision and strong Irish connections, which include being married to Deva North the daughter of Paul North, the founder and former publican of JB O’Reilly’s pub in West Leederville, and their trip to Ireland after the craziness of the Eurovision event in Liverpool last year.

The suggestion that one of Australia’s most iconic bands representing Ireland in the Eurovision might not be as unlikely or farfetched as it might sound.

In late June Melbourne born group Crowded House were the headline act at Musgrave Park, in Cork, supported by The Waterboys. Thirtythree years ago they played their first Irish gig – a post midnight billing – at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. It was a memorable night. They had a blast and one punter even got up on stage and proposed to his girlfriend during the performance. As part of their encore the group played Van Morrison’s Irish Heartbeat, a personal favourite of theirs.

“It became very popular at our family gatherings,” Neil Finn told the Irish Times in May. “My mother always asked for it, so my brother [Tim] and I used to perform it.”

Finn’s late mother Mary was originally from Kilmallock in Limerick, but when she was just

three years old her family emigrated to New Zealand. Irish heritage and the Catholic faith were a strong part of their mothers and their upbringing, including the Finn kids singing Latin hymns at home.

“When you grow up in New Zealand, you’re very conscious of where your parents or grandparents came from,” he said.

That anchor to their Irish origins recently surfaced in a way the Finn’s were not expecting. At their first U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency show in Las Vegas this year the Irish rockers played a brand new and previously unheard acoustic cover of Crowded House’s 1986 major hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. Bono dedicated the number to Neill Finn – his brother Tim – and their mother. Neil Finn took to social media to thank them for the tribute: “Bono has the best memory ever…I told him in 1980 that my mother Mary was born in Limerick. We’re touched to get a @u2 dedication .. thanks fellas.”

A combination of that heritage and Ireland’s grandparents rule allows the Crowded House frontman to make an interesting claim. Joining him in Crowded House are Finn’s sons, Elroy and Liam. “The only person now in Crowded

House that doesn’t have Irish citizenship is Mitchell Froom (the band’s American born keyboard player). I would think that qualifies us as an Irish band.”

Independently of the Finn’ s connection, bandmate Nick Seymour has his own close ties to Ireland. His parents were of Irish descent but not born in Ireland and he has called it home for something like 27 years and currently lives in the village of Easkey, Sligo, with his Australian wife and their two Irish born children. “I used to stop off [in Ireland] and stay in a B&B when Neil (Finn) and Paul (Hester) would fly back to Melbourne, where we were based between American and European dates,” Seymour told the Irish Mirror in June 2021. “We’d had two weeks off and I’d spend that time in Dublin and I ended up buying a building on Exchequer Street. I saw the sign saying ‘For Sale’ and made enquiries and it was really cheap. And I had a little bit of extra income from a tour that I didn’t want to put into my bank in Melbourne. So I bought this building. And then when Crowded House split up in ‘96, I decided I was going to move to Dublin to do this place up into an apartment. And that’s what I did. And my partner from Melbourne, I convinced her to come and live in it with me. And in ‘98 we officially moved here. I found London incredibly hostile and competitive and judgemental. And Dublin was completely welcoming and warm and very like Melbourne. Dublin was just an amazing city in those days. It was so like Australia, I couldn’t

believe how similar – all of the socialising and the enjoyment of just having a laugh.”

Originally from Melbourne Seymour took the plunge in 2008 and became an Irish citizen. Finn jokes that he had his Irish passport long before Nick did. By his own admission Finn travels in Europe on his Irish passport because it makes travelling across EU borders easier and faster. “We’d arrive in Ireland and I would sail through passport control. We could represent Ireland at Eurovision! If John Lydon can go for it, then why not us?”.

Crowded House are due to play a concert at Kings Park in November.

Johnny Rotten vies for Johnny Logan status

Better known as Johnny Rotten Lydon was the frontman for the Sex Pistols. Last year the ‘God Save the Queen’ singer – who travels on an Irish passport – entered the competition on RTE TV to represent Ireland in the Eurovision. Born to Irish parents (his father was from Galway and his mother was from Cork) who moved to London the iconic British punk identifies as Ireland and recalled watching the Eurovision as a child with his parents. His song “Hawaii”, was a tender song about a favourite holiday with his wife Nora of 45 years who was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago. Former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten,

failed in his bid to represent Ireland. He lost out to the band Wild Youth with their song “We Are One.” Wild Youth won the contest with their song ‘We Are One’ and went on to represent Ireland, finishing 12th in the first Semi-final, failing to get through to the final.

John Lydon in Pink

Going Places

As always, how’s a bout youse and I hope youse are all well! I am on a Qantas flight home after spending 6 weeks in both Mauritius and Europe. This flight is direct from London and it is my first attempt at a 16 hour flight. Mauritius was good especially if you have a young family. (grandchildren in my case with their adventuresome parents.) Europe included London, Southampton, Paris, Basel, Freiburg im Breisgau and Newport in Shropshire. That is where my sister lives and I was performing at her 80th birthday extravaganza. All went well and I met Gladys once again.

Gladys was the lady I wrote about some years ago. She was a close friend of my sister’s when they lived together in Belfast in the seventies.

Nowadays, they both reside in England. You might recall that around 11 years ago when she was in her sixties, she had to apply for a new passport. As they required her to produce a birth certificate she chose, for the first time, to apply for the larger, extended version where it offered the names of your parents. Not long after her application, she received a phone call saying that there was a problem with her application and asking could she attend a meeting in the offices in Belfast to discuss the problem. She agreed of course and was somewhat mystified to learn that she had been adopted shortly after her birth. Her birth mother was from the South of Ireland and was still alive. Not an easy fact to deal with when you are in your sixties. When I met her again this time around, she was full of energy about life. “I now have a whole host of new relations,” she admitted, “And I enjoy travelling to different parts of the world to meet them. Mostly in Canada,” she added. “Of course, many of them have come to visit me in England and some of them are from the other side!” she confessed conspiratory. I suppose only in Ulster is this little fact important! She assured me that with all these new brothers, sisters and cousins her family had increased by over thirty in size and she was having difficulty in memorizing all their names.

As mentioned, I spent 5 days in Germany. Why Germany you might well ask? My best friend (from Ulster naturally) visits there with his German wife is the main reason. Her family comes from a place called Freiburg. A most interesting place as I was to learn.

I travelled by plane from London Gatwick which took me to Basel on the Swiss French border. Seamus (not his real name of course) picked me up and drove some 75 kilometers to Freiburg.

What an antiquated place it is!

Established over 900 years ago with a magnificent cathedral that was completed in the Middle Ages (1330), and has lasted until the present, surviving the bombing raids of November 1944, which destroyed all the houses on the west and

ULSTER RAMBLES

north side of the market. The town itself lies below the Black Forest (where I had visited) and a fabulous little wine region (where I bought a decent Chardonnay).

Seamus lives in the U.S. and has done for over 25 years. He is from Larne in County Antrim, and he was able to bring me up to date on that part of the world. His knowledge is reasonably recent as he visits his sister Connie there, every so often.

“Larne has changed a lot,” he tells me. “As you know it was once a vibrant and busy town. Now with Brexit exploring other ways to transport the goods coming and going via Britain, it has been reduced to simply a passenger voyage. No real transport going via Cairnryan in Scotland to the Larne port. It also

must compete with the voyage Cairnryan to Belfast.”

Of course, I had to google this to confirm his understanding of the situation. Nothing obvious on Google so I must believe his judgement here. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit the province to see for myself.

To conclude I must admit that it may be my last chance to go on extensive travels although my good wife (Dublin 4) is returning next year to meet up with her old friends from nursing days. Perhaps I might join her and visit Ulster once again and see things firsthand and not have to rely on the opinion of others.

As always may your God go with you and best wishes until the next time.

Cork nun who survived Mandurah tragedy lived long life of service to others

by Lloyd Gorman

The last living survivor of a boating tragedy in the Mandurah estuary that claimed the lives of three nuns and a priest – all from Ireland – sixty five years ago, died at St John of God Hospital Subiaco recently. Irish born Presentation Sister Rita (Augustine) Goodchild who survived the terrible ordeal passed way on June 10, aged 94.

Iona Presentation College announced the loss of the “treasured” member of the Presentation Sisters family, who lived at the convent in Mosman Park.

“Hailing from County Cork, Ireland, Sister Rita was a unique, spirited

woman, who possessed a deep faith, and transformed many lives over the years through her role as educator, Sister, and friend,” the College said. “In addition to her role as a teacher, Sister Rita delighted particularly in her ministry with Rocky Bay in Mosman Park which saw her provide love, support, and assistance to people with a range of needs. Sister Rita was the final remaining survivor of the Mandurah boating tragedy; a devastating event on 28 January, 1959 that resulted in the loss of life of Father O’Hara, and three Presentation Sisters – Mother Finbarr Tarrant, Mother Patricia Lynch and

Sister Goodchild in her teaching day

Sister Joachim Delahunty. Sister Rita clung onto the side of the upturned boat in the water overnight and together with Sister Aquinas McMahon, survived, showing immense bravery and faith.”

Sister Goodchild could so easily have perished that night. “I felt that I must let go, but I prayed for strength,” she was reported saying just days later.

It was a devastating blow to the Catholic community, and was also felt deeply across Perth and beyond. As an article in the Canberra Times said: “The tragedy has plunged the normally gay holiday resort of Mandurah into gloom. There are estimated to be some 8,000 holiday-makers in the district.”

The Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was led by Archbishop Redmond Prendiville and saw huge numbers of clerics and religious from across WA come together and to help form one of the biggest congregations ever and mourners inc

“The St John of God sister came over just

Legacy of Hope!

Instrumental to the search and rescue effort for the missing nuns and priest was another Catholic priest Reverend Father Franz Edward Hope and Constable Charles Buckley. Just ten days earlier Fr Hope had been involved in another mercy mission, to save a small boy who had become trapped 25 ft down a borehole in Mandurah. He organised a group of volunteers who worked tirelessly for 23 hours

to hear the story,” Presentation Sister Nora Moynihan said.

“The fact that she wasn’t drowned that night, and the others were, that changed her perspective in life, it grounded it,” she said.

“She always thought, well I was saved for something, now I must live that life as well as I can.

“Her life was really spent on caring for people.”

Sister Mary Mackin told the paper Sr Rita was a “proud Irish-Australian” who loved St. Patrick’s Day and Anzac Day, and visited Ireland throughout her life. The POST reported that she spoke with her nephews in Ireland the day before she died. Sister Nora said the Mandurah tragedy remaining on her mind in her last days.“She always spoke about the Mandurah tragedy and she said to me, on the day before she died, ‘Well, you know, I was so close to going before’, meaning in Mandurah, and ‘now whatever (medicine) they’re giving me, I’m feeling really well, and I might last another two years’. That was the person she was.”

to get him out safely, a good news story that made headlines around the world. Fr Hope could not have known that a very short time later he would come face to face with another crisis involving his fellow religious. Constable Buckley, the local police officer who helped in the search and rescue bid, felt compelled to set up a volunteer sea rescue group as a result of the tragedy.

Photos from The Record newspaper of the mass and funeral

The Mandurah State Emergency Service says it is “unique” in that it was founded by a priest, Fr. Hope, as a result of those two incidents. It was also the first – and longest running –marine rescue group in Western Australia. Sister McMahon and Sister Goodchild were interviewed at Iona Presentation College by the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) for a special video to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Mandurah Marine Rescue Group in 2021.

“These courageous women were the only survivors of a boating tragedy where the loss of the lives of four other souls occurred,” DFES videographer Paul Durkin said at the time. “This tragedy compelled Constable Charles Buckley, the local police officer of the Peel Region at the time, to form a volunteer sea rescue group. From this, there are now 39 Marine Rescue Groups spanning from Wyndham in the North to Esperance in the South of Western Australia.”

“At ages 89 & 91 years, it was a privilege to interview the two Sisters and present them with their Honorary Memberships to the Mandurah Marine Rescue Group.”

Sister Rita and Sister McMahon in 2021 when they were made honorary members of the Mandurah Marine Rescue Group

Up the coast somewhat, Marine Rescue Whitfords is the latest rescue group to benefit from that legacy. On June 17 the state government announced the construction of a new $6.48 million base for the rescue group. The two storey building will have state of the art facilities and equipment and will mean for the first time, three marine rescue vessels will be permanently moored at the marina on ready-access jetties for fast deployment, significantly improving safety for recreational boaters, fishers and other water users in Perth's north. Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club and Joondalup City RSL will also have brand new facilities built close-by.

Monumental Mates

Cathedrals and churches are often popular stops on tourist trails around the world and so it is on Rottnest Island. Perched on top of a small hill the Holy Trinity Catholic Church welcomes worshippers and wanderers alike, those seeking reflection or a refuge. Just inside the porch at the northern entrance on the left hand side is a simple electric keyboard – with helpful music books – that ring a small carillon in the belfry overhead. It is especially popular with children.

Just to the left hand-side of the porch as you enter it is a small wooden gate that leads to a very special part of the church. It is the graveyard for Monsignor Sean O’Shea, the colourful chaplain from Co. Clare who built the church decades ago. “Mons”, as he was affectionately known, even managed to talk the commander of a visiting US Navy ship into using one of his helicopter’s to hoist the bells into their lofty location. Mons was a great character who used to enjoy showing families how to play the keyboard and generate a tune.

Mons passed in December 2012 and was buried – with special permission – beside the church he built from the ground up. Close to his grave – which he dug himself (a tradition amongst Cathusians, the order to which he belonged) – stands another headstone, that marked the grave of Fr. Joseph O’Hara who died in the Mandurah tragedy.

Marine Rescue Whitfords

The late Mons O’Shea with the headstone for his friend Fr. O’Hara Photo: Fred Rea

The monsignor and Fr. O’Hara – a Belfast native – were close friends as young men, both went through All Hallows College – a seminary in Dublin set up to train priests to follow the migrating Irish – and were ordained in 1955, and then sent to Perth. Mons knew the group were heading out together that day, and he also knew when they had been gone too long.

“Word came in the middle of the night that the rescue attempt was bungled somewhat,” the monsignor told The Record in February 2009.

Then aged 34 at the time and the assistant parish priest at East Fremantle, he jumped

on his scooter and drove down to Mandurah even though he was “apprehensive to go down and face it”. He learned of the death of Fr. O’Hara and Mother Patricia Lynch upon his arrival to Mandurah.

Many years later Mons – who lived on Rottnest for 50 years before he died – got a call from the parish priest in Claremont a Monsignor O’Loughlin that the headstone of Fr O’Hara had been removed from his grave as part of monumental works at Karrakatta. Mons did not hesitate to take the reminder of his dear friend and had it installed at the church in Rottnest, where it still stands today, an enduring memorial to friendship.

Drowning tragedy of a priest and three nuns

Adetailed account of that fateful day in the Peel inlet of January 28th 1959 was compiled by the City of Mandurah Museum, and is reproduced here with the permission of the museum and city.

Father O’Hara and the Sisters had been holidaying at the Presentation Convent at Mandurah.

A picnic had been arranged at South Yunderup. The sun was shining and they were in full regalia, big sleeves, heavy garments, shoes, the lot. Half the group had driven by car to the picnic spot by Ann Coughlan, the teenage daughter of the proprietor of the Brighton Hotel, the remainder had travelled by river.

A few days previously Father O’Hara (29) had purchased a 10ft 6in (3.5m) fibre-glass dinghy. After the picnic, those who travelled by road, took their turn in the boat for the journey home. What began as a beautiful Mandurah summer’s day in 1959 ended in the loss of four lives.

They left Yunderup at about 4:30pm but soon the water started getting a little rougher and splashing the side of the boat. As they went along the wind and waves increased. They had a lolly tin and started to bail out some

of the water as it was coming in. At about 5:30pm there was suddenly a vicious squall, the boat reared up and before they knew it they were struggling in the water.

Mother Patricia Lynch (50) almost instantly had a heart attack as the boat upturned, she drifted away and drowned. Sister Joachim Delahunty (26) was also floating in the water dead. The other three nuns and the priest clung to the side of the upturned boat. Even though they could not swim and they were hampered by the heavy garments they wore, they remained calm and prayed as it slowly got dark. As the moon rose their hopes of being rescued rose.

Soon they heard a boat and saw a searchlight sweeping the water. They called out but no one heard them. At about midnight the water got very rough and they were all submerged again.

Father O’Hara got weaker and weaker and Mother Finbarr Tarrant (37) was sick from swallowing water. They were the next to disappear. Sister Augustine and Sister Aquinas managed to cling weakly onto the upturned boat throughout the night.

The two Sisters continued praying through the long night. Sister Augustine was getting

weaker and turning purple from the cold. Sister Aquinas held onto Sister Augustine with one hand and held onto the boat with the other hand. Their faces, ears and eyes were burning from the petrol and the salt water.

At 5:00am it got light again. Each hour of hanging on was terrible. Finally at 10:00am the rescuers found them, approximately 17 hours after being capsized in the choppy, dark, cold water.

When the group had not returned by 7:30pm Father Franz Edward Hope, the Mandurah parish priest alerted the police and a search party was organised. The party searched over land and water until 3:00am. The search was then continued at 5:00am the next morning.

That evening and night, Ann Coughlan and Dudley Tuckey searched the shoreline on horseback to see if Father O’Hara had put ashore. Constable Charles Buckley, Father Hope and Dion Layton left by car to visit Coodanup, Furnissdale and Yunderup in case they had put ashore on the north side of the inlet. Fisherman John Layton went in a boat and his brother George Layton with Constable John Kiely went in another boat. At 5:00am the next morning 29th January 1959 John Layton and Dudley Tuckey and four other boats went out again.

Two Yunderup fishermen Alfred and Joseph Okamoto, who didn’t know that a search was on, found the body of a nun about two miles (4.4 km) off Coodanup at 7:00am when they were inspecting their nets. They took the body to the police and returned to help with the search.

The other rescuers went to the Coodanup area and at about 10:00am John Layton and Dudley Tuckey sighted the upturned dinghy. As they approached they saw the two nuns clinging to the upturned boat.

The two rescued sisters were treated at Mandurah by Dr W. Chapman and were later taken to St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, suffering extreme exhaustion and shock.

Father O’Hara’s body was discovered under the boat tangled in a rope attached to the outboard motor, another was also found under the boat and the remaining body was found floating about 25 yards (23m) away. In summary, Father O’Hara was not an

experienced boatman and would not have realised the danger of overloading such a small dinghy. He was unfamiliar with the estuary and its waterways. There were no life jackets on board and none of the people on board could swim Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragedy like this one to make people aware of needs required in a community and to bring about change. Shortly after this accident a rescue service was formed and a water patrol officer appointed to Mandurah.

Stained Glass Memorial Window

A magnificent triangular stained-glass window created for the Church of Our Lady’s Assumption in Creery St in 1994 is both a memorial and a tribute to those involved in the search and for the young priest and three nuns who drowned. The window tells the story of that fateful day.

The empty boat in the foreground is pointing to the central figure of Jesus walking on the water with his hand outstretched in welcome. The lantern is symbolic of Nano Nagle (the founder of the Presentation Order of nuns) and those who searched through the night. The pelican is symbolic of the wetlands of Mandurah and the Celtic cross represents the birthplace of the Priest and the Irish Nuns, as well as the Southern Cross representing their adopted country.

Oasis in the outback

by Tom Grace

Tom Grace, left, with properitors Des Walsh and Stevie

O’Dowd Inset: Fan Club

On my way back from Perth from a trip up north I stopped off in Karratha for a rest and was very glad I did because it was there I came across Dessie O’Dowd’s Irish pub. The Karratha locale was opened recently by two great Irishmen Dessie Walsh and Stevie O’Dowd, hence the name. The idea for the pub came about one night when the lads were talking about home and what they missed from Ireland. I met them and got talking with them and was given a guided tour of the premises. It resembles a little Irish pub, the kind you’d find in any village in Ireland. So if you’re feeling homesick or just want to savour the Irish style hospitality then Dessie O’Dowd’s is well worth a visit. They have a great selection of Irish and Australian beers and I have to say the pint of Guinness I had there is one of the best I’ve had since leaving Ireland 40 years ago.

The friendly staff and the choice of cuisine prepared by head chef Kevin was amazing. (If you mention that you support Aston Villa FC you might even get an extra helping of spuds).

They say its the first Irish pub in Karratha, and north of Carnarvon, so if you are in that neck of the woods make sure to call in and see Dessie and Stevie and their team for an enjoyable visit.

Note from Editor: So impressed with the venue Tom –always a mighty man with a pen or a plectrum – that when he got back to Perth he wrote a poem based on the name of the pub and sent it to Dessie and Stevie, who liked it so much they said they’d like to put it up on the wall, and invited him back up to sign it.

Still silly for Sally!

by Lloyd Gorman

Tom’s musings about this ‘oasis in the desert’ reminded me of the iconic Irish TV ad for Harp Lager from 1980; ‘An Irishman dreams of Home’. It portrayed a man – in bright sunlight and sweltering conditions on some far flung construction site – writing a letter (remember them?) home about the things he missed including the rain and rolling green pastures. The parched emigrant then reminisces about the craic of the local pub – with pints of Harp flowing – and most of all the lovely Sally O’Brien “and the way she might look at ya”. This iconic piece

of alcohol advertising can be easily found on Google and it is almost ridiculous how much it matched my memories of it some 44 years down the road. No surprise then that Vicki Michelle, 74, the English actress who played Sally is even now frequently approached by random strangers who just want to meet the famous but fictitious figure in the flesh!

WE ARE BACK IN THE REHEARSAL SPACE AGAIN PREPARING FOR OUR APRIL PRODUCTION “THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT” UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES OF AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR BRENDAN ELLIS.

WE ARE BACK IN THE REHEARSAL SPACE AGAIN PREPARING FOR OUR APRIL PRODUCTION “THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT” UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES OF AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR BRENDAN ELLIS.

A massive thank you to all who came to see our wonderful one act season 2024

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is a hilarious, poignant, thought-provoking work by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. Boasting a large, zany cast of characters, the play asks one of the most plaguing questions in the Christian ideology: What happened to Judas Iscariot? The facts (we think!) we know are these: Judas was the disciple of Jesus who betrayed his friend and teacher

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is a hilarious, poignant, thought-provoking work by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. Boasting a large, zany cast of characters, the play asks one of the most plaguing questions in the Christian ideology: What happened to Judas Iscariot? The facts (we think!) we know are these: Judas was the disciple of Jesus who betrayed his friend and teacher

to the authorities. He is seen as the man responsible for Jesus’s death; afterwards, Judas fell into despair and hung himself from an olive tree; since then, he has been suffering for his deeds deep in Hell and will continue to do so for all eternity. Is that really fair? Was Judas the duplicitous master of his own fate, a much-suffering pawn used for Jesus’s ends, or just a man who made a mistake? Set in a courtroom in Purgatory, The Last Days puts Judas’ case to a hilarious, riotous, piercing trial, the results of which are sure to make the inhabitants of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory — and the audience — reconsider what each thought they knew about forgiveness, faith, and the human inside one of history’s most infamous

to the authorities. He is seen as the man responsible for Jesus’s death; afterwards, Judas fell into despair and hung himself from an olive tree; since then, he has been suffering for his deeds deep in Hell and will continue to do so for all eternity. Is that really fair? Was Judas the duplicitous master of his own fate, a much-suffering pawn used for Jesus’s ends, or just a man who made a mistake? Set in a courtroom in Purgatory, The Last Days puts Judas’ case to a hilarious, riotous, piercing trial, the results of which are sure to make the inhabitants of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory — and the audience — reconsider what each thought they knew about forgiveness, faith, and the human inside one of history’s most infamous

SHOW TIMES ARE 7.30PM.SUNDAY MATINEE 24TH AT 2.00PM THEN 28TH, 29TH & 30TH AT 7.30PM.

SHOW TIMES ARE 7.30PM.SUNDAY MATINEE 24TH AT 2.00PM THEN 28TH, 29TH & 30TH AT 7.30PM.

THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL OUR MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OUR AGM ON THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY AT THE IRISH CLUB OF WA. FOR THOSE WHO MISSED IT, HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF OUR YEAR 2021. Also, membership for 2022 now available; www.trybooking.com/BWUGC

THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL OUR MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OUR AGM ON THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY AT THE IRISH CLUB OF WA. FOR THOSE WHO MISSED IT, HERE’S OUR REVIEW OF OUR YEAR 2021. Also, membership for 2022 now available; www.trybooking.com/BWUGC

Ihave attached a poem to this article that I wrote it back in February 1993 while in Tamworth after a conversation I had with an old digger. He told me about a humble Irishman only known to him and his digger mates as Paddy.

With pen in hand, I started to write about this Irishman who journeyed across the world, to toil the Australian soil to find his crock of gold and fight in a war. I felt I was blessed to have been in the right place at the right time to receive this account of an amazing Irish pioneer. No doubt Paddy will have been one of many who travelled to Australia at that time, a journey that took months, and having thoughts of never returning home again.

I was determined to document Paddy’s story and share it with the Irish community.

It is now 31 years and 5 months since I first paddy’s story and it reminded me of my own journey across the world, on July 4th1974, 50 years ago.

Unlike Paddy’s story, my story is vastly different. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who arrived here, with not much more than a week’s rent in my pocket. Luck, fate, and determination were my constant companions on many occasions. Education in my youth was limited due to many years of hospitalisation,

with no schooling in hospitals in those days. The four and a half years schooling I had was enormously difficult, due to suffering with dyslexia, there was no special catering for dyslexic students. On finishing school as the age of twelve and a half, the future was far from promising. Through some troubled times and some obstacles that life sometimes throws at us, migration seemed a better pathway for me. The reason I chose Australia was so different to Paddy’s choice, that is if he had one. I chose Melbourne Australia because Ronnie Delany won the gold medal at the 1500m Olympics final in Melbourne in December 1956. My thoughts were if Ronnie found gold there, then it might be lucky for me also. With the decision made in a matter of minutes, I was on a plane three hours later, on route via New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and finally Australia. To say my arriving in Australia was an eye opener is an understatement. I was in shock, no one told me that July 5th was the middle of winter. My welcome gift at Tullamarine Airport saw the biggest downpour or rain I had ever seen in my life. I had no knowledge of the weather being the opposite to the weather in Ireland in July as I expected to have glorious sunshine at that time of the year.

Melbourne more than made up for the downpour that greeted me and opened a whole new world of opportunities. Employers were not judgmental regarding my background or my educational standard. Boy, was I lucky for a lad who could hardly read or write. If I was willing to work, there was always a welcome job. Roll on over 50 years and where am I now? Thanks to my Irish grounding and Australia’s opportunities, life to date has been amazing. Like Paddy, I have also found my pot of gold in so many ways. I have been writing now for more than 40

years for magazines, newspapers here, in Australia, in Ireland and the USA. I have interviewed many high-profile individuals over the years and had them published. I have had two novels and three poetry books published along with several of the songs and music I wrote recorded by some prominent international artists. I have had many successes in business, ranging from the motor, transport, music and finance industry. I’ve had the pleasure of returning to Ireland to watch my favourite rugby teams Munster and Ireland play many times over the years and I am always ready to fly on the next kangaroo for the next match.

In December 2006, I was asked by Paddy McCarthy, the publisher of the Irish Examiner U.S.A. based in New York, to meet and interview Ronnie Delaney who was in Melbourne as a guest for the 50th anniversary of the Olympics. Because of Ronnie’s success at the Olympics, I picked Melbourne to be my new home. God only knows what my decision might have been in 1974, if Ronnie had got the silver instead of the gold medal in that 1,500m race. On the way from my office to the Australia Hotel, 270 Collins Street, where he was staying, my knees were knocking and I had goose bumps with the thought of how I would handle

Caption please.......

the interview. Is this what people call karma I thought? The firm handshake and cordial greeting soon settled the nerves. We spent a few hours swapping stories and I told him my reason for picking Melbourne to be my new home. He smiled and said he was flattered and wished me luck. I was happy to achieve the story I was after; In my wildest dreams I could never have imagined that many years later I would be interviewing the man who influenced my decision back in 1974. On parting, I gave him a copy of one of my books, while he invited me and some of my friends to the release of his book that was being held the next day at the Celtic Club. Along with some of my close friends, I was gobsmacked with what happened at the start of the event as he arrived on the rostrum, he asked the audience to excuse him as he had an important task to undertake before the official release of his book, ‘Staying the Distance’. He walked from the rostrum through the crowded room and handed me the first signed copy of his book and shook my hand. With a surprise like this, of course, some tears flowed what else could I do?

I suppose like Paddy we both found gold in different ways in this our adopted, amazing country Australia. Until the next time, be good to those who love you and Slainte from Melbourne. Mike Bowen

Galways great but not that kind of great!

Tales of fishermen coming face to face with great white sharks off the coast of Western Australia are a fairly regular occurrence and every time one happen’s footage of the encounter, taken on board by some one with their phone often feed local TV news channels which are always hungry for shark stories. The human fascination with these fearsome creatures seems to be universal and whenever and wherever people and sharks come into contact with each other it usually gets some media attention. Sadly, sometimes it is because somebody is ‘taken’ but when it is a narrow escape or unusual experience it makes for a great yarn that can be told time and again. Thankfully there have been some good examples in recent years. Back in October 2008 pro-surfer Fergal Smith from Co. Mayo was surfing two miles off the coast of Perth when he closer to one than he knew. A photograph of him surfing a large wave later revealed revealed a 500lb white pointer shadowing him in the water. Television cameras and spectators watched in horror as Australian pro-surfer Mick Fanning –whose dad hails from Donegal – fought off an attack by a great white in South Africa in 2015 by punching it. Irish man Martin Kane had a very close shave in June 2012 when he was padding with a group of friends about 150 metres off shore when a three and a half metre shark suddenly shot itself like a torpedo at his surf ski, biting off a large section.

Martin, who featured in a story about the incident in Irish Scene at the time, was rescued by a fellow paddler and walked away a little shaken maybe but unscathed.

For all this, attacks are rare. Even more unusual are sightings in Irish waters. In early July news website Galway Beo reported a remarkable story, that a ‘Deadly ‘Great White Shark spotted’ off Galway coast. The site purportedly obtained a short video and quotes from a local fisherman with a great story to tell.

"Me and my friend were out fishing and one guy had a fish on when they spotted a fin coming their direction,” the website reported. He said that there is no doubt that it was a Great White Shark with about three meters in length. “The shark was very curious, circling around the boat for a couple minutes until it disappeared."It wasn’t far from the coast and my friend

has spotted a few fins in the last few days around the Galway area, mostly in between Spiddal and the Aran Islands. So this is a warning to all the swimmers.”

Despite the claim it lasted for a couple of minutes there was just a ten second clip of a large shark swimming close to a boat.

The Irish Sun was quick to pick up the story and gave it the full tabloid treatment with an Irish twist with the front page story ‘Jaws circling off Galway’ and ‘We’re going to need a bigger currach’ and the hilarious line of fishermen carrying a currach saying;

‘He’d make you Spiddal your pants!’. The fact it was the first time a great white was reported to be ‘stalking our waters’ made it all the more sensational and gripping. But it proved to be a hoax, revealed by dedicated shark watchers who were able to match the short video clip with one from Port Macdonnell in 2022.

Battle of the gentle giants

As it happened, a science expedition was already due to carry out a scientific expedition in September to determine if great whites are indeed present off the Irish coastline. Time will tell if they find what they are looking for. Interestingly, the same waters where it was falsely claimed the great white was spotted are home to a species of shark that is as different to the great white as it is possible to be. The Atlantic waters of the west coast of Ireland and around the Aran Islands and down to the Blasket islands are the habitat of basking shark.

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Capable of growing up to 10 metres Basking shark are the biggest fish in the Atlantic and the second largest fish in the world. They have enormous mouths, big enough to fit a human, but there is no risk of a person becoming a snack. Cruising along the surface of the sea they open their huge gobs to filter huge amounts of water for plankton. Like their more dangerous counterparts they are curious creatures. They will often swim up close to boats but never bump or nudge them. They are a perfect tourist

attraction. While they are gentle giants, are harmless to humans the reverse has not always been true. Like whales, they were in the past hunted by the islanders for the oil in their liver, which makes up about a third of their body weight, and which can produce as much as 30 or 40 barrels of oil, a once essential material needed for survival on the resource poor islands. Like whaling, that need no longer exists and they are a protected species. For all their majesty the basking shark does not enjoy the same kind of public relations their West Australian cousins get. Basking shark are the second

biggest living fish in the sea, dwarfed only by the whale shark which can grow to 12 metres. These graceful goliaths also live on a diet of plankton. They are also season visitors to Ningaloo Reef, 300km of fringing reefs along the coast of WA, where they attract boatloads of tourists and more adventurous swimmers to observe these marine animals in their natural environment.

The whale shark has featured extensively in recent tourism campaigns promoting Western Australia at home and abroad. Meanwhile, basking shark remain one of Ireland’s best kept secrets.

A whale shark features prominently in the state government’s $15m global tourism campaign called ‘Walking on a Dream’

Book Reviews

Books reviewed by John Hagan

A BEAUTIFUL PINT

by IAN RYAN / BLOOMSBURY $19.99

The subheading to this little gem declares it is ‘One man’s search for the perfect pint of Guinness’, but it’s much more than that as Ryan explores the whole gamut of all things Guinness. He traces its rich history, the family who founded and ran the business, product marketing and culture, what makes a perfect pint, the criteria for pouring a great glass of Guinness and where in the world to find the best ‘pints of plain’. Here is a product which is now brewed in over fifty countries resulting in north of 10 million glasses of the amber liquid being consumed every single day. The brewing juggernaut began in 1725 in Kildare, fostered by the young Arthur Guinness who mis-spent his teenage years working in his stepmother’s pub before establishing his first brewery at Leixlip (outside Dublin). It was four years later that he moved the operation to its present iconic home of St James’s Gate (Dublin), where in 1778 Guinness stout was first concocted. By 1880 St James’s Gate was the world’s largest brewery and thanks to clever, and sustained, advertising Guinness has maintained its place as a ‘top-of-themind’ tipple ever since. It was legendary crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers (then a humble copywriter) who, in 1930, conceived the celebrated ‘Guinness is Good for You’ slogan which was the forerunner of decades of inspired advertising. Who can forget the fabled toucan marketing symbol, the ‘surfer’ ad from 1998 and the ‘Tom Crean’ campaign from 2002. Guinness is currently aggressively pushing its new zero alcohol product in the UK spearheaded by another innovative, catchy ad. Ryan leads us through what contributes to a bad pint (dirty beer lines, big head, wrong glass) before sketching the attributes of the perfect sup (domed head, clean glass, practiced pour). While they are no longer officially linked, The Guinness Book of World Records is surely another reason why Guinness endures as one of the world’s most recognized brands. An important part of the Guinness identity remains its strong connection to Ireland where it is seen as the country’s national drink and one of the Ireland’s national symbols. The elemental marketing shibboleth, ‘It’s the sizzle and the steak’, is taken in to account by Ryan when revealing his top pubs for a pint of ‘the black’. The ‘sizzle’ includes atmosphere, clientele, seating and staff, as the author leads us across hostelries in the United States, Britain,

Scotland, Ireland, and Spain in search of the best pint. And yes, Australia is included with Melbourne’s The Drunken Poet receiving the Ryan stamp of approval. Slainte.

ON BLOODY SUNDAY

by BY JULIEANN CAMPBELL / MONORAY $ 29.99

It was on 30 January 1972 when teenage boxing champion, Jackie Duddy, was shot dead in Derry/ Londonderry by troops from Britain’s 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment. The killings of 13 unarmed inhabitants (and the woundings of another 18) which became known as ‘Bloody Sunday’ had commenced. The seminal photograph of the whole atrocity shows Duddy’s limp body being supported by a number of local men while neighbourhood priest, Father Daly, walks hesitantly ahead waving a white handkerchief. Duddy was Julieann Campbell’s uncle, so this book is a deeply personal undertaking which the author has executed with forensic care, meticulous attention and journalistic impartiality. A large part of the book consists of 110 first-hand personal accounts of the atrocity, including those of relatives, witnesses, civil rights activists, some of which have been aired for the first time. These multiple voices, speaking directly about what they saw, felt, heard and did, puts the reader in the middle of the tragic chaos which unfolded. Alongside the voices of those most affected are extracts from the Royal Ulster Constabulary and British Army statements, relevant memos, intelligence reports and minutes of official meetings between the RUC and British military. Not only does Campbell capture the horror of the day, she carefully sets the Derry/Londonderry killings in context, outlining the discrimination and long-established gerrymandering practices by the Unionist dominated council which were rife across the city. Now, just over 50 years on from that fateful day, Campbell reprises the long campaign for justice which in 2010 culminated in the findings of the 12 year-long Saville Inquiry which found that the British Paratroops had opened fire on peaceful marchers, none of whom were armed. While the Saville findings led to an abject apology by British PM, David Cameron, not one of the soldiers who opened

fire has ever seen the inside of cell. I must admit, that so unsettling is the book’s content, I could only read it in small portions, then have a break to calm down and recover, before I was able to resume. At over 400 pages, this is a deeply incisive, heartbreaking, vivid and powerful historical retelling of a massacre in addition to being a moving tribute to those executed on that January day while merely trying to claim their basic human rights

THE CALL

by GAVIN STRAWHAN / ALLEN & UNWIN $32.99

While this may be his first novel, Gavin Strawhan already has runs on the board when it comes to writing. He was responsible for scripting ‘Testify’ and ‘Black Hands’ for Warner Brothers NZ and has been, for a time, head writer on ‘Shortland Street’, a New Zealand prime time soap opera which ran for 31 years following its inception in 1992. In addition, he created and wrote two seasons of ‘Filthy Rich’, which won the accolade as ‘best drama’ at the Seoul International Drama Awards. ‘The Call’ features Detective Seargent Honey Chambers who has returned to her home town of Waitutu, situated in the back blocks of New Zealand, to recover from a brutal personal attack suffered in the line of duty, and also to care for her aging mother who has dementia. During her time in Auckland, Honey had been cultivating an informant, Kloe Kovich, to elicit information on the movements of the Reapers, a formidable NZ bikie gang. But Honey got sloppy, the gang found out and attempted to kill her, resulting in the disappearance of her prized stool pigeon. To magnify Honey’s Waitutu problems, long buried local secrets soon start emerging, particularly about the suicide of Honey’s younger sister, Scarlett. When two of the Reaper gang members turn up in Waitutu to watch Honey, she is plunged in to further danger when Kloe suddenly appears in the town. Desperate to protect her informant and bring the Reaper gang to justice, Honey devises a risky strategy placing her own life in peril.

Strawhan’s tale bounces around an array of characters including Kloe, her gang-loyal sister Renata, Honey’s love interest Marshall and Honey’s childhood friend and protagonist Gemma. The author has produced a complex, well-paced, psychologically realistic thriller exploring bikie gang culture, betrayal and redemption, success and failure, forgiveness and despair. It’s easy to see just why his manuscript was chosen from 80 other submissions as winner of the 2023 Allen & Unwin Fiction Prize. But be warned, the narrative is specifically NZ based and contains a number of terms (‘tangi’, ‘ka pai’, ‘pohutukawa’) which may be confusing (incomprehensible) to Australian readers. Nevertheless, Strawhan has produced an engrossing yarn with a sting in the tail which left me stunned.

Fenian Hunter – Novel Review

REVIEWED BY FRED REA

‘Fenian Hunter’ by Peter Murphy stands out as a unique historical novel, immersing readers in the intricate world of 19th-century colonial Australia and the Irish nationalist movements. The narrative breathes life into the struggles of convicts, First Nations People, and Fenians, painting a vivid picture of this tumultuous era.

The heart of the story lies in Detective Sergeant Thomas Holmes, a dedicated Fenian Hunter on a mission to eradicate Irish nationalist activities in Western Australia. Holmes is a captivating character, burdened by his past actions and the political turmoil of his era. His unyielding pursuit of Fenian conspirators is a thrilling and thoughtprovoking journey, as he grapples with personal and moral dilemmas.

One of the novel’s standout features is its detailed portrayal of colonial Australia. Murphy captures the harsh realities of convict life, the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape, and the delicate relationships between settlers and First Nations People. Holmes’ evolving respect for their way of life adds a touching layer to the story, highlighting the impact of European colonisation.

The plot is a thrilling ride, following Holmes as he navigates a labyrinth of intrigue involving Fenian saboteurs, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas. Murphy’s painstaking research shines through in the vibrant depictions of historical events, such as the Irish Uprising in 1866, and the transportation of Irish rebels to Australia. This historical precision not only enriches the narrative but also makes it a captivating and educational read.

Character development is another strong point of the novel. Holmes is surrounded by diverse characters, including the mysterious Fenian leader Dermot Plunkett and a determined Irishwoman seeking revenge for her father’s murder. Their interactions and evolving relationships add emotional depth and complexity to the story, making it more than a historical account.

However, the novel’s rich historical detail can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. The frequent shifts between different characters’ perspectives and numerous historical references require close attention. But these elements also create a rich and rewarding tapestry for readers who enjoy a well-researched and intricately plotted story.

In summary, “Fenian Hunter” is a compelling and immersive novel that skilfully blends fictional and historical facts with gripping drama. It offers a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, justice, and the human spirit during a tumultuous time in history. Fans of historical fiction and those interested in Irish/Australian history and First Nations People’s culture, will find this novel particularly satisfying.

Paula from Tasmania

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

A Feast of Ireland

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

With the Tasmanian and WA tour dates are now over, it was time to reflect on ‘A Taste of Ireland 2024’. This year’s rendering of Irish song and dance is a very Celtic combination of top class dancers, musicians and two excellent soloists that give us a tour through Irish history in both dance and song. The songs are fresh interpretations of classic Irish songs such as’ Danny Boy’ and ‘Tell Me Ma’ and are rollicking indeed.

The story of Ireland from ancient mythology though a history of tumult is an experience in sight and sound not to be missed.

Model Muse

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

I spoke to Natasha when she visited Tasmania last year and she noted that the Bayeaux tapestry was made by women. Yet women are rarely acknowledged for their creative input in history. The novel depicts the character

of Astrid, ambitious but also compassionate as she cared for her great love Hawke’s father.

Natasha Lester has written a novel spanning three generations of amazing women. Women that were more than muses. The novel is also a story of mystery with the disappearance of the main character Astrid in November 1973. Trying to solve Astrid’s mysterious disappearance is the major theme of the novel and is perhaps a metaphor for the disappearance of women in the many ways, from histories great moments. With her mother Mizza also a fashion designer Astrid has the genes to follow but takes the back seat to her partner Hawk Jones. While the third generation Astrid’s daughter Blythe has ignored fashion, she has the same creative sense as her mother and grandmother.

Natasha puts women in the spotlight for their creative abilities so often overlooked.

Natasha’s inspiration is often found in interesting information such as the genesis of the story in the invitation of fashion designers to Versailles.

The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester is out now published by Hachette.

Rural, Residences and Roosters

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

When I talk to Nicole Hurley-Moore I know I will have to compete with her rooster crowing in the background of Nicole’s rural Victorian home.

Homes have always held a special significance to Nicole. She tells me that the idea for this story was her interest in houses and mulling on what type of families would have lived there. When she started writing Nicole did what most authors are told to do write about what you know.

Nicole has been a writer since her twenties and before that her career still revolved around books. She worked as a library technician at libraries in Melbourne and Richmond.

When Nicole started writing it was a combination of medieval history and paranormal fiction until she happened upon a post by Allen and Unwin calling for rural stories and so Nicole began to

Nicole’s latest novel follows the story of Jasmine Clarke and her young son when they arrive in a place familiar to her readers, Kangaroo Ridge. Recovering from a broken relationship Jasmine is not looking for another romance but fate has other ideas.

Jasmine meets Felix Carrington, (also familiar to her readers) a photographer who is involved in holding weddings at his family farm. Both Felix as a photographer with an interest in the landmarks of the area such as Peppercorn House, and Jasmine as a carer at the local aged care residence are endeared to resident Winnifred Knightly, a lady who has a was once lived in Peppercorn House. Her memories include the tragic childhood disappearance of her sister. Even though Winnifred still sorrows for the past she finds joy in attempting to bring her two favourite young people, Felix, and Jasmine together. What of Nicole’s own house? Well, she tells me, the one improvement might be her own writing desk!

Peppercorn House by Nicole Hurley- Moore is out now published by Allen and Unwin.

Park on January 19, organised by the Claddagh Association and supported

A group traditional and fiddle county’s tributes woman promising also heavily GAA club right. Elaine the vigil of the kookaburra to the

traditional music at vigil tonight #AshlingMurphy in Perth,”.

Similar were staged across including the Amphitheatre at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane and all based Irish Australian Queensland. by Anna

British Travel

Lay

Embracing Community: Irish Mams NOR

Irish Families in Perth is a voluntary non profit organisation with over 22,000 members on our Facebook group.

We provide Irish emigrants with advice on how to best assimilate into the Western Australian culture and lifestyle. We communicate with our members through social media where topics such as long lost relatives, housing, jobs and social events are covered. It is a vibrant active forum that provides a wealth of knowledge to young families and singles emigrating to Western Australia.

IFIP contributes to a cohesive Irish Community by working together with many of the wonderful

groups in Perth that support Irish culture and heritage.

IFIP aims to

· Sponsor eight weekly Irish playgroups.

· Develop Irish culture & heritage.

· Help Irish people with any problems that might arise and provide a link to Australian and Irish support services.

You can find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishfamiliesinperth/

VALE Ray Deely

Gerald Raphael Deely, affectionately known as Ray, was born 87 years ago in Castlebin, New Inn, Co Galway. One of ten children, Ray spent his early years helping on the family farm. His love for music began during these years and continued throughout his life, with Ray using his smartphone to access his favourite tunes up until his passing.

At fifteen, Ray left Ireland for England in search of work. He often recounted stories from this time, including a positive experience obtaining a bicycle loan because of his Irish heritage, contrasted by a challenging encounter when applying for his National Insurance number. Ray’s journey as a diesel fitter/mechanic took him across England before emigrating with his wife, Mary, to Australia in 1972.

In Western Australia, Ray worked in the tin mine at Greenbushes where Mary started her Irish dancing school before relocating to Perth. Ray’s mechanical skills were highly valued, and he was known for his resourcefulness, often fixing things for friends like Rita Fallon.

Mary died in 2008 and Ray took her back to be buried in Rathnew, Co Wicklow which will be Ray’s final resting place too.

After his wife Mary passed, Ray returned to Ireland for some time but ultimately decided to stay in Australia, and in later years living with Rita Fallon until moving into Amaroo Care Facility in 2022.

We would like to thank the staff at Amaroo Buckley Carin Centre especially their care and support to his friends in the last few days they spent with Ray. Bernadette (who gave Ray’s funeral mass eulogy) said it was so lovely to hear their own stories about Ray’s singing and poetry recitals and the joy he gave them.

Ray’s friendship with Rita was filled with laughter and care. With Rita, the bond and the joy they brought to each other’s lives were deeply cherished. Despite his notorious difficulty with directions, he had many Irish adventures, including a memorable 10-hour trip from Galway to Wexford, not willing to listen to the navigator.

Ray was known for his love of traditional Irish music and his involvement in the Perth branch of Comhaltas, which he co-founded with his dear friend Sean Doherty. His silver flute was his prized possession, and he was remembered fondly by many in the music community. Ray’s love for his Irish culture and his deep faith, particularly his devotion to the rosary, were central to his life.

Ray’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends. His humour and stories will be missed, as illustrated by anecdotes from his younger years, such as a weekend spent celebrating a greyhound win or a humorous encounter with the police after falling asleep under a car.

Rob Zielinski: “Ray Deely introduced me to the tunes of the great traditional musicians of his home in particular Paddy Fahey, Martin Byrne’s and Paddy Carty as well as Joe Burke the Roland’s, and many others. It was always more than music though. He played with and taught many tunes to the younger Perth players. In recent years I’ve found myself craving the old sound and thinking how we are not replacing the older generation. Rest well Ray, you’ll be sorely missed”.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ray’s brother Alby, the Deely families in Ireland, Rita Fallon and her family, and the Comhaltas community in Perth. Ray was a beloved friend, a devoted family member, and a passionate advocate for his Irish heritage. May he rest in peace with his beloved Mary, surrounded by eternal music. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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Claddagh Seniors Update

Our Claddagh Seniors have had an eventful few months filled with enjoyable activities and wonderful camaraderie.

April: our seniors embarked on a scenic coach trip to Moore River for a delightful picnic. The day was filled with laughter and fun as everyone enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

May: the group gathered for a delicious lunch at The Herdsman Lake Tavern, followed by an exciting session of “Luck o’ the Irish Bingo.” It was a fantastic time for everyone to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Stay connected with us! Please update your email address to ensure you receive our regular updates and invitations to future events.

Moore River

The Herdsman

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND NEW MEMBERSHIP INVITATION

As the new financial year begins, we kindly remind our current members that it’s time to renew your membership. We also welcome new members with open arms and immense gratitude. Membership Details: Fee: $10 per financial year. Tax Deductible: Yes How to Join or Renew:

1. Offline: Complete a membership form and pay via cash or bank transfer. Contact our Coordinator at admin@claddagh.org.au or call (08) 9249 9213 to arrange an office visit or to have a form emailed to you.

2. Online: Visit our website www.claddagh.org.au or scan the QR code below to sign up. Opt for automatic renewal for hassle-free membership.

Your Membership Makes a Difference: Membership fees are vital for Claddagh’s mission to support Irish people in Western Australia during difficult times. This year, Claddagh has provided assistance with:

• Escaping Domestic Violence • Homelessness • Visa Issues • Repatriation • Illness • Employment Support • Visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals, homes, or nursing facilities

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community.

Claddagh Seniors Update

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Gathering: Concert for Claddagh an unforgettable event! A huge shoutout to the incredible Ciaran O’Sullivan, Tommy O’Brien, and friends for their outstanding performances and for organising such a fantastic night of folk music in support of Claddagh. We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for their raffle prizes. Heartfelt thanks to Imelda and Lloyd Gorman (The Irish Scene) for their invaluable support with the raffle and prize organization, and to our wonderful community for showing up and supporting the musicians and us. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated. Your contributions are crucial for Claddagh to continue helping those in need during difficult times. We are thrilled to announce that $3190 was raised for Claddagh during the event. Thanks again to Ciaran and Tommy for organizing, and a final mention of thanks to the wonderful Gerry Gannon, Journalist, Facilitator, and Broadcaster Extraordinaire, who masterfully MC’d the evening. We are truly blessed to have such incredible support from the community. Thank you all for being a part of this magical, musicfilled evening! Go raibh míle maith agat.

THE CLADDAGH ASSOCIATION -

THERE WHEN YOU NEED US

The mission of the Claddagh Association is to provide help and support to members of the Irish community who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

To support these needs of both individuals and families Claddagh must fundraise throughout the year.

If you would like to support Claddagh’s work in 2024 you can donate at our website: claddagh.org.au or sign up to volunteer –your time can make the world of difference. https://claddagh.org.au/support-our-work/make-a-donation/-, alternatively for $10 you can become a member. Increasing our membership allows us to access additional funding and support through other avenues. See our Website for full details. Don’t forget, if you or someone you know needs Claddagh’s support, please contact the Claddagh office via admin@ claddagh.org.au/08 9249 9213. If your need is urgent, you can call Claddagh’s Crisis Line on 0403 972 265.

Unit 1, 8 Dewar Street, Morley, 6062. Enquiries: 08 9249 9213 admin@claddagh.org.au

Crisis Support: 0403 972 265

TECH SAVVY SENIORS

R E E V I S A C L I N I C S

t o b o o k a n a p p o i n t m e n t .

Grief is no longer my enemy

Denis Glennon, the father of Ciara Glennon and the author of Pasture’s of Healing, was a special guest and speaker at the Link conference held on May 23rd 2024. In a powerful and poignant presentation Mr Glennon, originally from Westport, shared his deeply personal and spiritual journey with the conference participants, who are often asked to help Irish people across Australia consumed by crisis. This is an edited version of that speech, reproduced here with his kind permission.

“The Claddagh design has significance for my family. The Claddagh brooch Ciara was wearing when she was murdered has never been found. I included the Claddagh image in my book, on the page I sign, or write a private message for readers who request one. I begin with a quote by fellow Irishman, John O’Donohue, from his book Anam Cara: “The way you look at things is the most powerful force in shaping your life.”

Three weeks after Ciara disappeared..I received a phone call from the police advising me a body had been found. I experienced a feeling of the floor falling away, as if I

had been standing on a trapdoor, suddenly opened. The knot in my stomach had already conceived what I did not want to hear or know. Soon afterwards, I was told my daughter had been murdered in the most horrific of circumstances. The intense ghostly feeling I experienced, confirmed something inside me had been fractured. Death is part of the normal process of living, but not when it is your child. We do not expect to bury our children. Pastures of Healing is a lens into the abyss that opened in my life—a void filled with sadness, loneliness, heartbrokenness, and a desolate sense of absence. I know how Ciara died. I read the autopsy report as soon as it was finalised. It contained the gruesome images of the fatal injuries to her neck and body. The same images were disclosed at the lengthy trial but were unseen by the public. They were too confronting. For over two decades I continued to live with these images. They are indelible. Images that are seen can never be unseen. I also learned how bravely Ciara fought to save herself, to no avail. I did not understand why this happened to my family, why God allows such evil, or why the man responsible, could do what he did to my daughter. I could not place the traditional handful of clay onto her coffin; it was simply too hard. Shortly after her funeral, I visited Ciara’s grave and promised her I would find the person who murdered her or die trying. Ciara’s murder touched every part of me.

Denis Glennon with his book

Photo: Billie Fairclough

The ache was indescribable, defined only by its overwhelming pain. Nothing spared me from the crushing waves of grief.

Grief is a world of darkness and isolation, shaped by our unwanted loss. It is a stony, barren landscape of unanswerable questions, capable of draining the life out of the strongest of us. Each of us has a tipping point, grief will find it, but will not tell us how long it will stay. Grief never sleeps.

Una and I allowed each other to grieve in our own ways, spaces, and paces, doing our best to honour each other’s grieving and striving not to be critical. It is a very lonely path to have to traverse. For men, grief can be isolating. We often keep our struggles private, rarely discussing them even with close friends. We conceal our thoughts and feelings, opting for solitude and silence. We uphold the values of the patriarchy that shaped us. I am not saying men should act differently; we are who we are. Shortly after Ciara’s funeral, I met a close business colleague. We knew each other well. He stopped, unable to speak. We shook hands, and just before letting go, he gently squeezed my hand, his eyes welling with tears. He quickly walked away. That silent gesture of empathy and kindness needed no words—a special moment I will always remember.”

Denis explained why he wrote his book.

“Following the publication [in 2010] of her book ‘Ciara’s Gift: Grief Edged with Gold,’ Una gave around sixty talks across Western Australia and beyond. I accompanied her to most of these talks, often one of the few men in audiences exceeding one hundred.”

He was sometimes approached by women and men desperate for answers about the loss of a loved one under tragic circumstances and the profound impact of grief. “I felt illequipped to help them. Where do people like these, like me, find help, answers

to our questions? From friends? Support groups? A priest? A pastor? Prayer? Books? I turned to reading for answers. At that time, With one exception there were no books written by men who had lost a child. Everything I found was published by women, hundreds of them. Today, there are about two dozen books on grief, written by men, from a lived experience. There are thousands of books, articles, research papers, etc., written by women. Books by fathers who have buried a child are still just as rare. You can count them on one hand. Pastures of Healing emerged from the questions asked after Una’s presentations and the scarcity of material on grief written by men, with men in mind. I read what I could find on the impacts of grief, but I found little of help in the books then available. My choices were to remain fractured, or look within myself to find the person who murdered Ciara, and to find pathways to rebuild myself for my family, and eventually learn to hand over the unanswerable spiritual questions to God.”

His book reveals how he almost succumbed to the crushing weight of grief, his search for the truth of Ciara’s death and other insights. “Healing the emotional impacts of grief can span years,” he said. “For me, progress came from constructing a personal mantra and practicing a simple form of meditation, which are described in the book. These practices enhanced awareness, reduced unwanted ruminations, improved well-being, deepened self-insight, and clarified thoughts. They taught me to confront my grief, rather than continually avoiding it. Embracing grief is essential to coexist with it. Addressing the spiritual impacts of grief can be deeply unsettling for believers, regardless of how we name our God or Higher Being. They present big challenges as we try to find meaning in the inexplicable. All my conversations with God were ‘one way.’ I doubted if He was even

present and if He was, at best, it was a vague, vexing presence. The spiritual connections that tether us to our souls test us to articulate, because they touch the core of our being. In the end, we have no choice but to surrender these enigmatic spiritual impacts to God, accepting they transcend mortal intellectual understanding. But how to do this? It is hard to hear Him when you are angry with Him. From some distant past, perhaps my childhood catechism classes, one night, I remembered the words: ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’ I had not recalled these words for over forty-five years. Discovered in a miniature moment, a clarity of thought revealed itself. It was illogical, contradictory, remarkable; a gracious moment when I recognised it. God was not absent when Ciara was killed, and he was not absent when I was arguing with him. He was present. My angry soul, my one-way stream of questions to Him, crowded out his gentle whisper to me. “I am a parent, too. My son was crucified.” There is a great deficit in our language to describe the connection between grief and this forcefield of divine presence. I accepted His invitation, gentle knock on His door, hand everything over to Him, beseeching that the suffering be lifted from me. It was. This surrender instilled a sense of being cared for and deep gratitude, providing a form of solace that only spiritual release can offer.

When life pummelled me with wild waves of sorrow, I found the strength to kick against the bottom, swim upwards, break the surface, and

breathe again. I have navigated the turbulent seas of grief. I am now in a tranquil harbour where I have anchored my soul. It is a place of contentment and peace. Undoubtedly, sadness and loneliness will continue to surface. Grieving never ends but it need not end life. Grief is no longer my enemy. Ciara is no more physically present, but her spirit endures in my thoughts, memories, and the love we shared. These underscore the fragility of life and help me cherish every moment. I think of Ciara each day and speak of her frequently. The book is dedicated to Ciara; Una and our daughter Denise, the two resilient women who stood steadfastly by me. Our four grandchildren, who bring joy and new life. The people of Western Australia. Their support was unwavering, including from Perth’s Irish diaspora. Irish-born, scholar, theologian, and one of the most influential writers of his day. C S Lewis, wrote: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end.” I agree. When we embrace that our loss and grief are integral to the changed person we have become, we can walk alongside them with grace, dignity, contentment, and newfound gratitude. One of my favourite authors is the late, Morris West. In his book, The Shoes of the Fisherman, in three sentences, he captured everything I wanted to embrace. It took me 180 pages. He wrote: “One has to accept pain as a condition of existence. One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing. One needs a will stubborn in conflict, but apt always to the total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying.”

AA lasting legacy

third-year law student with a passion for supporting society’s most vulnerable was awarded the 2024 Ciara Glennon Memorial Law Scholarship – valued at $10,000 – at the University of Western Australia in late May.

Lucy Greenfield, 23, grew up in the South West town of Busselton, where she attended St Mary

MacKillop College before moving to Perth to study at UWA. Now living in Scarborough, Lucy is undertaking a postgraduate Juris Doctor degree after completing a Bachelor of Psychology in 2021. “While studying psychology I developed a passion for helping people with mental health issues and to navigate difficult situations,” Lucy said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my psychology degree

and feel that it has shaped the person I am today as well as in a legal context. “I was able to complete my mental health first aid certification, learn how to approach situations with high-risk individuals and conduct presentations to my peers about drug and alcohol safety.” While Lucy initially relied on Centrelink and Youth Allowance subsidies to support her studies, the rising cost of living led to her needing to work two jobs to enable her to continue to live in Perth.

“Being awarded this scholarship will allow me to reduce my working hours and help me continue working towards achieving my dream,” she said. Lucy is a support worker for people with autism and bipolar disorder, where she provides emotional support in overwhelming social situations, helps with communication barriers and encourages practice of emotional regulation techniques and interpersonal skills. “As a volunteer community legal triage officer, I was the first face that many individuals saw as they started their interaction with the justice system, to solve legal issues relating to migration law and family and domestic violence,” she said. “I chose to work in the humanitarian stream to advocate for individuals who experience disadvantage accessing justice.”

The Ciara Glennon Memorial Scholarship was

established in 1998 with the support of the Glennon family. It is sponsored by Ashurst (formerly Blake Dawson), the law firm where Ciara – who had studied at UWA –worked. It is awarded annually to a student from UWA’s Law School who needs financial help to continue studying, makes a recognisable contribution to the community, demonstrates an active interest in an area outside the practice of law and shows a balanced approach to life and concern for others.

Una and Denis Glennon with Lucy Greenfield

Their daughter Ciara when she graduated from UWA

We are an informal group of Perth-based bagpipe players who enjoy playing Irish and Celtic music.

We’ve compiled a repertoire of traditional and contemporary music, inspired by session tunes and drawing inspiration from and with adaptations from uilleann piping. Whilst the uilleann pipes are often recognised as the more distinctive Irish bagpipes, the familiar mouth-blown bagpipes have also been played in Ireland for centuries.

Our musicians are enthusiastic and experienced performers, and are typically associated with several pipe bands in the metropolitan area. We are available to perform for private functions and occasions where reflective, rousing or lively pipe music is called for. We also welcome new pipers to our group, especially those wishing to expand their own repertoire and perform to a wider audience.

Please contact Mike Lawlor on 0418 932 554 or email lawlorm@bigpond.net.au for all enquiries.

Photo taken at Leederville Oval for St Patrick’s Day 2024

SUCCESSFUL GOLF DAY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

A tremendous event raising much needed funds for the Charlotte Foundation and The Claddagh Association on 16th March at Maylands Golf Club. . Peter McKenna and his organising committee wish to express their thanks to the many sponsors and all those who played golf with Allan Rowland deserving special thanks. Over $12,000 was raised. The Claddagh Cup was won by Anthony Gannon and Lee Mooney. The Charlotte Cup was won by Paul Hickey and Jason Larkin. Well done all round!

Tony Synnott, “Our Suspect Founding Father” As Colin Smiley calls him, marked his 90th Birthday at The Mighty Quinn on Saturday 6th July. Tony was joined by many friends, to share a drink, sing a few songs and a share a piece of cake. Still going strong, Tony put the very popular Minute with Synnott pages together for the Irish Scene for many years. Thank you Tony and Happy Birthday. Lá Breithe Shona Duit.

Keep in your thoughts and prayers Dermot Byrne. Dermot is a legend of our Irish Scene. For many years he was responsible for our quiz page. ABC listeners would also remember Dermot from Lesmurdie on the Tony Delroy program. Our prayers and are with you Dermot and with your family. Go raibh mile maith agat for all you did for The Irish Scene.

Mia and Des Ruane enjoying the fair and craic at the 2024 Rose of Tralee Selection Ball in the Langley. Des of John Hughes was a sponsor of one of the Roses..

Tom and Diane Murphy welcomed their long awaited baby girl Maeve to the world on March 7, 2024. Family and friends joined them to celebrate her arrival through a Naming Ceremony in the most beautiful of locations, Kidogo in Fremantle. Photo shows a very happy family group at the celebration. It’s Ireland next for the Christening. Congratulations and Safe Journey home.

The Usual Suspects singers club meet monthly in The Mighty Quinn Tavern in Tuart Hill . They have supported Charlotte Fitzpatrick with a raffle for many years. Charlotte will turn 15 years old this year and lives in the northern suburbs of Perth. She was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2012. A rare neurologicalsyndrome, effecting her ability to perform motor functions. For Charlotte, Rett Syndrome means she can’t talk, run, use her hands purposefully, has a sluggish and sometimes painful digestion, seizures and irregular sleeping patterns. The Fitzpatrick family thank The Usual Suspects for their ongoing support of Charlotte.

HAPPY BIG BIRTHDAY CHRIS...

Sheena and James, Hillary, Brendan (Barney) and Chris McKenna celebrating Chris’s big 40th birthday in Maylands. Great night, great food, great craic. Happy birthday Chris.

P: (08) 9309 9992 E: meatconnoisseur@bigpond.com facebook.com/MeatConnoisseur

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.

As Irish dancing in Perth comes into competition season, we are looking forward to a busy and exciting few months ahead. We recently held our annual Sweets of May feis, where it was fantastic to see a wonderful display of both solo and ceili dancing from all age groups.

As well celebrating our recent achievements locally, we have had some talented dancers travel to interstate for competitions. 11 Western Australian dancers travelled to Melbourne in June to compete in the McAleer Championships. Congratulations to the following dancers:

Isla Walsh (WA Academy):

2nd Under 6 Championship

2nd Under 6 Premiership

Erin Dowie (WA Academy): 1st Under 7 Championship

2nd Under 8 Premiership

Maya Walsh (WA Academy): 6th Under 8 Championship

8th Under 8 Premiership

Lola McClelland (WA Academy): 10th Under 8 Championship

7th Under 8 Premiership

Emily Wall (WA Academy): 11th Under Championship

5th Under 8 Premiership

Matilda McClelland (WA Academy): 5th Under 10 Championship

6th Under 10 Premiership

Ailis Murphy (WA Academy): 6th Under 10 Championship

5th Under 10 Premiership

Emmeline Summers(WA Academy): 3rd Under 11 Championship

1st Under 11 Premiership

Eloise Krokosz (O’Hare): 6th Place Under 12 Championship

1st Place Under 12 Premiership

Tess Dickson (WA Academy): 5th Under 14 Championship

Lily Dickson (WA Academy): 10th Under 17 Championship

AIDA WA are looking forward to our next local competitions, Mrs McGowan Memorial Feis, and the inaugural Winter Shield Championship and wish all of our dancers travelling to the Gold Coast to the Australian International Oireachtas in July the very best of luck.

Dancing

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC

Celebrating 40 years 1984-2024

What a great day and night we had celebrating our 40th anniversary. It was marvellous to see so many past players, committee members and supporters there. We were also delighted to have three of our Founder Members there – Mick Manning, Connie Sullivan and Mick Murray.

The day got started with us hosting East Perth, in three really competitive matches. Our under 18s lost 0-2; Reserves won 3-1; and the First team lost 2 nil. Although not all of the results went our way, there was no way it was going to spoil our anniversary celebrations. We go proceedings going at 6:00 pm, with president Marty Burke welcoming all old and new members, and thanking all present for their contribution to the past and the future of the Club. Our first guest speaker was Tracey Roberts MP, who has been a great supporter of the club since the merger in 2020. Tracey was instrumental in getting us a $5,000 volunteer grant this year, which is much appreciated. The Mayor of Wanneroo, Linda Aitken JP, was also present, and we were

delighted to see her there. Sabine Winton MLA sent her apologies –Sabine is also a great supporter of Carramar Shamrock Rovers and one of our Club sponsors.

We had 3 of our former Amateur Premier League winning coaches there. Mick Murray won a couple plus the League and Cup double in 1997. Nic Silsby and of course Paul McCue who won the Amateur Premier League to get us promoted to State League division 1. Last but not least Gerry and

CARRAMAR

Adam who won the treble in the first year of the merged club, 2020.

Mick Murray and Mick Manning kept us all amused with stories of the early years, and that set the trend for the night. Then it was over to the musos for the rest of the night – huge thanks to Frank Glackin, Carl Flynn, Joe Flaherty, Mary Carroll, and all the singers who got up on the night. The celebration certainly did not disappoint and all is bright for the green and white going forward.

As always, thanks to our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without you:

• Declan McDermott, Integrity Property Solutions

• CFMEU, and

• Frankie Atkinson, Muntz partners.

Again, special thanks to Nicky Edwards for his ongoing work in getting sponsors on board. Thanks also to our loyal banner sponsors and various teamwear sponsors, several of whom have been with us for a number of years now. And last but not least, thanks to all of our new 500 Club sponsors.

Follow us on Facebook for lots more information, news and photos! If you are interested in getting involved with your local club in any capacity –coach, volunteer, committee member – please contact us at CSRFC2020@gmail.com

Hurling & Camogie

Some dates to watch for in July are:

July 13th Championship Semi Finals – Camogie & Hurling

July 20th Championship Final (aired online also) Camogie & Hurling

Are you new to Perth and looking to join a Hurling or Camogie team? Our league started on May 11th but we would love to see some new faces joining or even just spectating! Training is most Tuesdays and Thursdays at RA Cooke Reserve with game days Saturday’s. We have four incredible clubs to choose from whether it is just for social reasons or to play we welcome everyone from all levels.

Get in touch or keep an eye on our social media page @GAAWA for all club details. @perthshamrockshurlingclub (Hurling) @sarsfields_hurling_perth (Hurling)

@stgabrielsperth (Camogie & Hurling)

@westernswansgaaclub (Camogie & Hurling)

Football – Ladies & Mens

FSC Update

Fr Kelly Pre-Season Cup results:

Southern Districts Ladies defeated Morley Gaels by the narrowest of margins to take out the Pre Season Cup and get one back on their great rival who had beaten them in the pre-season 7 a side final.

St Finbarrs took out the mens Fr Kelly Cup defeating Greenwood GFC in a tight matchup. All teams are looking stronger with new recruits and this season promises to be a great showcase of football as we build towards to Australasian State Games in Melbourne in October

Catch all the games each Saturday at Tome Bateman Sports Complex in Thornlie

If football is more your game we have some great teams to get involved with both North and South of the river. With their games also commencing in May please feel free to message them across their socials or via email. Greenwood GFC - greenwoodgfc@hotmail.com

Morley Gaelsmorleygaelsgfc@hotmail. com

Na Fianna Catalpa GAA –nafiannacatalpagaa@gmail. com

Southern Districtssoutherndistrictsgaa@gmail. com

St. Finbars GFCstfinbarrsgfc@outlook.com

The Junior Academyggjunioracademy@gmail. com

Coaching:

If you would like to take part in coaching in any code we would love to have you. Simply get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram (GAAWA) or email us on progaawa@gmail.com

Hurling/ Camogie & Football Clubs:

If you would like to get involved in a playing, coaching or at an administrative capacity each club has a presence on Facebook, to get in contact there are several options:

• Message the GAA in WA Facebook page

• Message the GAA in WA Instagram page

• Visit www.gaawa.com.au for club contact details

• Email progaawa@gmail. com or secretarygaawa@hotmail. com

FOOTBALL CLUBS GREENWOOD

MORLEY

Mens

SOUTHERN

WESTERN

HURLING CLUBS

ST.

WESTERN

PERTH

Mens

WAGAA Football Fixtures:

@GAAINWA

Feile Peil na Nog 2024

Continuing the great work being done at underage level, Australasia GAA sent an U15 boys team to compete at the 2024 Feile Peil na Nog on the weekend of June 29th, at the Connaught GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan, Co Mayo. It was the second time a team from Australia travelled to Feile, with Western Australia sending a team to compete in 2019. The 2024 team consisted of players from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. A massive amount of effort went into getting the team to Ireland, hugely supported by our valued sponsors. To acknowledge their contribution, a sponsors night was held at Mounts Bay Sailing Club on June 15th where the players were presented with their leisure gear. The team was also delighted to present Shane Croiwley from Crowley Plant Hire with a Australiasia Jersey as the main Jersey Sponsor. Thank you Shane and all our sponsors!

Tom Murphy - Secretary

Gaelic Games Junior Academy of WA Junior Academy of WA (@ gaelicgamesjunioracademyofwa) • Instagram photos and videos

Junior GAA Games WA | Facebook & http://www.gaawa. com.au/

Feile Peil na Nog 2024