Around The Irish Scene

A golden moment

Left: Congratulations to Paddy Malones venue manager and all round nice guy Jason Cox and his "beautiful fiance" Sammy McDermott after he recently got down on one knee and popped the question!

Gold town and good times

Above: Galway couple Ian and Tamar Jordon enjoyed a peaceful weekend trip to the historic (and picturesque) town of York, WA’s first inland town, and a major pit stop for prospectors making their way to Kalgoorlie and the goldfields.

Golden anniversary

Above: Liz and Aidan McDonald (centre) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Scarborough recently. The couple were married in Dublin on the 31st July 1971 and had a lovely night to mark the occasion, with daughter Eilish (top right) and close friends.

More top brass than gold

Left: Robert (Bob) O’Connor is originally from Limerick but has proudly called Perth home more than 50 years. A former member of the American Air Force and detective with WA Police Bob is an active member of the North Beach Sub-Branch of the Returned and Service League of Western Australia and enjoys the comradeship it offers him, and all its members. As well as comradery and support for its members the sub-branch – founded in 1945 – has plenty to keep its members busy and engaged if they want. Some of the activities if offers include walking, kayaking and cycling groups on Wednesdays and Fridays at Hillarys Marina, followed by coffee. They often go on day tours to sites of military and social importance around Perth as well as ‘tours of duty’ such as a recent visit to Darwin, which has a rich military history. The North Beach RSL also work in the community, support schools with Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events and provide welfare and help members through home and hospital visits and many other ways. Sub-Branch President John Rolfe said “serving or ex serving services personnel are always welcome to make enquiries or attend our meetings”. The North Beach RSL meet at the North Beach Bowling Club, 7 Kitchener St, North Beach on the second Monday of each month, except January, with meeting commencing at 16:00, followed by a meal. For more info go to https://northbeach-rsl.asn.au/

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Another gold win!

Left: Young Fionnan Fenlon takes after his sports mad Irish dad Emmett. Fionnan and family (mum Genevieve and sister Marie) here at the end of season trophy ceremony and fun day for the players of the Whitfords Junior Football Club, based in Padbury. But as well as storming the footy field, a little bird tells Irish Scene that Fionnan also won the Athletics West U7 cross country state championship. Good man Fionnan, no doubt we’ll be hearing more of your sporting ability in the future. Well done!

many happy returns

Left: Happy 90th to Dermot Byrne! Dermot is pictured here with wife Betty and Fred Rea.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 43

Jonny be good!

Left: When the sad news filtered through of the death of Nanci Griffith, it was felt very keenly in Ireland where her music was hugely popular. One Irishman in Perth had particular reason to reflect on her passing. Jonny Reid saw her perform live and then just 12 months later he had the honour of playing support for the country music legend at a concert in Belfast about six and a half years ago, not long before the Portaferry native set sail for Western Australia. “It was very sad news, Nanci was the first artist I ever opened up for,” Jonny said. Only a year earlier he watched her play as a fan at another concert. “She was an amazing writer and singer who also offered some amazing encouragement and advice to me, just keep writing and keep singing. One of the true great female songwriters is gone.” The encouragement of a world class singer-songwriter would have meant much to the young and upcoming musician trying to carve out a place for himself in the highly competitive world of country music. He certainly persisted with his dream and worked to make it happen. On July 23 he released his debut single ‘Another Life’ which has stormed the Australian charts, reaching number 3 in the Country singles chart. With two singles and an album number 19 in Australian iTunes singles chart, more recently his follow up number ‘Katie’ made its world debut on August 27. His debut album ‘Another Life’ was released on September 3 with a full scale launch event set for Lynott’s Lounge in Johnny Fox’s on September 25. “There’s songs about travel and experiences from Ireland to Australia,” he said about the new album. “Songs about falling in love, wicked ex’s and world war romance based on a true story. There’s even a song about killing a barman.” Jonny started playing music around the age of 15 and over the next fifteen years or so could be found playing around the pubs and clubs of his home town in Co. Down and was doing okay for himself. A mate of his who had been backpacking around Australia told him all about his travels and adventures and recommended it to him to try out. “I fancied the holiday, seeing it for a year and signing a few songs.” He came to Perth and within two weeks had already established himself on the local gigging circuit of pubs like Durty Nellys, the Mighty Quinn and Woodvale Tavern. For about ten years now he has been working full time as a musician. He is appreciative of the support he has got from the Irish community, but also from English, Scottish and Australian establishments as well. Now there is even a whisper that Jonny is about to break the festival scene, extending his reach into a wider audience. Look out for his music on Spotify, iTunes or similar formats or on his website www.jonnyreidmusic.com. ☘

�� �� �� HISTORIANS IN IRELAND HAVE DISCOVERED WHAT THEY BELIEVE TO BE THE HEADSTONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST EVER LIVING MAN. HE WAS 193 AND HIS NAME WAS ‘MILES FROM DUBLIN’.