The Irish Scene Sept/Oct 2023 Edition

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Located in the heart of Joondalup on the corner of Reid Promenade and Central Walk. Paddy’s offers the very best in pub hospitality with all your Irish favourites in one place.

Join us a for a pint with pals or dinner with the whole family. Our menu caters for most, and our beers are for all. Enjoy our daily happy hour from 4pm.

Student Nights on Mondays, Chase the Ace and $20 jugs all day for Tuesday Book a team in for our Quiz Nights on Wednesday, or pick your best song for Karaoke on Thursdays, Live entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

WE’RE HERE TO MAKE YOUR PADDYS EXPERIENCE MEMORABLE

Fremantle Prison tour

SubiacoAnGorta Mórsculpture unveiling

KingsPark

Subiaco An Gorta Mór sculpture unveiling SwanRivercrossing

Can Ireland race ‘back to the future’ for 2023Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup might be the ‘Race That Stopped A Nation’ but in 1993 the country it brought to a standstill was Ireland. This year’s Melbourne Cup will take place at Flemington on November 7 but one of the most significant dates in its history happened exactly thirty years ago when renowned Irish horse trainer Dermot Weld became the first Irish trainer ever to do so. “Vintage Crop’s win in the 1993 Melbourne Cup changed the race forever,” Victoria Racing Club current chairman Neil Wilson said. It certainly was a seminal moment in the history of Irish Australian sport. The underdog triumphed over the guard-dogs of a proud, long and unbroken racing tradition. It was like the America’s Cup all over again, but this time on turf, not surf! The victory broke the mould and opened the way for many other foreign horses, including three more Irish horses, including Media Puzzle, another Weld trained horse, in 2002, ridden by Damien Oliver, Rekindling, trained by Joseph O’Brien and Corey Brown (jockey) and again for O’Brien in 2020 with Twilight Payment with Jye McNeill in the saddle. If an ‘Irish’ horse romps home in this year’s Melbourne Cup there will be large measures of magic and history in the air.

Irish trainer Willie Mullins understands the tingle of that excitement. The Carlow based trainer has previously finished second and third in the Melbourne Cup with Max Dynamite but this year his hopes of glory rest with French horse Vauban. “When we

were buying Vauban the Melbourne Cup was top of our mind...we said this guy could be a Melbourne Cup horse...I was there in 1993 when Dermot won with Vintage Crop, the only two people I could hear shouting were me and the pal who had joined me on a roundthe-world journey. We backed Vintage Crop

and he paid for the whole trip,” Mullins said in August. “That was my first taste of Melbourne and I had such a fantastic time. I learned a huge amount from being there for just a few days. Dermot showed everyone it could be done. He paved the way and we’re still trying to follow. Hopefully we have a nice horse for the race this year, though.”

Mullins has another reason, close to home to his stables in Closutton, Co. Carlow. “Just down

Vintage Crop

1993 Melbourne

Willie Mullins

the road here, a place called Ballydarton this guy called George Watson left here in 1830/40 with a pack of hounds and founded the Melbourne Hunt, who in turn built Flemington. He rode in the Melbourne Cup and he was the starter for the Melbourne Cup and he was on the Committee at Flemington so if we happen to win it’ll be rounding off the circle of life, you know he was the guy who founded the hunt, founded the race and started the race and so

it would be coming back, back to Carlow.”

So both the Curragh and Carlow can proudly claim outstanding pedigree when it comes to the famous Australian fixture. It is fascinating how the anniversary of Vintage Crops groundbreaking win was celebrated in Ireland very recently.

The Melbourne Cup itself was actually in the Curragh – the home and heart of horse racing in Ireland – around August 18 to 22. The 18 carat trophy, worth $600,000, was there as part of this year’s Melbourne Cup tour, which is sponsored by Lexus.

The Irish visit came shortly after the Cup had toured Australia, including events in Perth, Pinjarra and Broome at the start of August.

Perth Racing – who advertise regularly with Irish Scene – hosted the Melbourne Cup tour at Belmont Racecourse, with Damien Oliver and Corey Brown, both of who have ridden winners in the Cup for the Irish trainers Weld and O’Brien. The event came in two parts, held as part of the midweek raceway. For a

gold coin donation punters were able to hold the famous cup (wearing white cotton gloves) and to take a selfie with the gong, something which helped raise $440 for Telethon. There was also a 3 course lunch and Q&A session with the two high profile jockeys, a great day for everyone involved with a love of the sport and its peak race.

About an hour south of Perth, Pinjarra is rightly proud of its link with the Melbourne Cup, in the form of racehorse Rogan Josh, a country galloper that won the Pinjarra Cup and then went on to romp it in for the Melbourne Cup in 1999, despite being listed as a 250/1 chance. He was only the third horse from WA to win the Melbourne Cup, his predecessors being Blue Spec (1905) and Black Knight (1984). Rogan Josh was retired in 2000 and lived out the rest of his life at the Living Legends Retirement Park with other famous horses. Just shy of reaching 30 years he was euthanized due to colic related complications. Broome was also brimming over with excitement and fun when the Cup made its way there as social media posts and videos show.

“I love coming here, the atmosphere is amazing, the people are great,” said dual Cup winning jockey Jim Cassidy who escorted

the Cup. “Its amazing the feeling it gave me when I was handed the cup to say that I won it,” he added. “And when I hand it to people...they can’t believe they are holding this years Melbourne Cup, its so far away from Flemington, the green grass, the sprinklers going, up here in Broome with the red dirt.” The Cup can be seen being held and admired by local school children, punters at a local race meet, including one woman who said: “This makes me feel like I’m the Melbourne Cup winner, its fabulous, its great.”

Kelda Johns, CEO of the Broome Turf Club said it was exciting and “lovely to see people’s faces when they get surprised by the fact it is actually the Melbourne Cup, its really good for the community.”

Cassidy also took the Cup to a local stables where jockey Simone Altieri said it was the dream of every apprentice to ride in the Cup. “I’ve been around for a while now... its pretty awesome to get this close, a bit motivating,” she said.

Cassidy said it was the kind of thing young and veteran jockeys dream about. “To be a part of the Cup, to have it around, to keep those vibes going, get the goose bumps, its very special,” he said. “Whether you’re in Broome...Sydney, Melbourne, Alice Spring, Darwin, the Melbourne Cup brings the same thrill to everybody.”

Keep two things in mind before we proceed any further. The VRC promotes the Melbourne Cup as the “People’s Cup” and that in its various tours the Cup has ‘travelled over 900,000km, visited nearly 600 destinations and raised “hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fundraising initiatives”.

The spirit of the tour – indeed the whole reason it seems to exist – is to stimulate interest in the world class race and give ordinary people and the horse racing community a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the trophy and even have their photograph taken with it, which is exactly what happened here in WA.

The contrast with its Irish trip is stark. When Irish Scene contacted Horse Racing Ireland – which has its HQ close to the Curragh Race Course – for information the agency said the Cup was there for a “private event” with a photo call and interviews, but “no public viewings”. HRI went on to add the Melbourne

Jockeys Damien Oliver and Corey Brown in Perth

Cup would be “on public display” later in the month, at the York races, in the UK! Indeed, it was a harsh no for one man from the Curragh area who rang up to try and get in with his grandkids to take a photo with the trophy!

The Irish horse racing authority may have had very little to do with the visit and did not have any publicity about it on their website or social media and there was little to no coverage of the Cup’s presence in the local

media, remembering this is a community steeped in horse racing! VRC however did publish a feature length story on its website, to celebrate the 30th anniversary. There are interviews, videos and photographs –including of Dermot Weld and Willie Mullins holding the Melbourne Cup on its recent visit – and everything you would expect from a piece of this nature. And of course their part in the Cup’s story should be celebrated and deserves to be told. But to only do that and totally snub the possibility of ordinary folk with an interest in it or anyone else in Ireland for that matter getting a chance to get up close and personal with the Melbourne Cup looks elitist and out of touch with the wider community! If an Irish horse, or one that is trained or ridden by an Irish trainer or jockey, is the first to cross the finishing line at Flemington on November 7 that will be a really big deal for a lot of people in Ireland, as well as Australia.

Britney Taylor

Byford Primary School

WhenAustralia went round for roundwithAmerica–andwon!

The state government will soon be rolling the red carpet down memory lane in honour of a famous episode in Australian –especially West Australian – sporting history.

At 5.21pm on 26 September 1983, off the coast of Rhode Island, Australia II crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup, It was the first time in the race’s 132 year history the prestigious New York Yacht Club’s Cup – the oldest sporting trophy in the world – fell to a foreign competitor. The whole of Australia revelled in the victory but Perth – in particular Fremantle – was the epic centre for rapturous celebrations, crazy happy days the likes of which had not been seen before or since on a similar scale. Prime minister Bob Hawke watched the race at the Royal Perth Yacht Club where the elated leader famously joked on TV about that win that: “any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up to work today is a bum!”.

A “good, old fashioned 1980’s party” on Sunday September 24 to mark its 40th anniversary was announced by arts minister David Templeman in the Fremantle Maritime

BY LLOYD GORMAN

Museum – where the Australia II complete with the winged keel that helped it win – is on display. “When we think about that moment in Australian sporting history 40 years ago, what did it do? It brought the nation together. It gave us a great sense of pride that our small nation could take on the rest, and beat them. If you were around then you will remember where you were and the sense of great pride that you had when Australia II crossed the line. We want all West Australians to come across and experience it too.”

Between Saturday 23 and Tuesday 26 September entry to the WA Maritime Museum will be free while a range of family friendly and largely free events are planned.

“On Sunday 24 September, Victoria Quay will burst at the seams with a 1980s themed free family friendly celebration with iconic 80s rock bands taking to the stage including; Hoodoo Gurus, Baby Animals, Voyager and, Slim Jim and the FATTS Bands,” the museum’s website states. “As the sun sets, experience the story of the ‘unwinnable race’ told by a sound and light drone show capturing the iconic battle between the yachts—Australia II and Liberty”. One not to miss will be a one hour walking tour (on Sunday 12 November and again on January 21) given by Freo historian and author Mike Lefroy, who also happens to be a descendant of CY O’Connor. Mike’s tour will bring to life the local story of the America’s Cup in Fremantle and unpack how Australia won and lost it. Starting from the heart of the Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition, Mike will take you on a journey through the excitement of the 1983 Cup win by Australia II to the energetic changes that the 1987 Cup defence held for Fremantle. Thrust into international prominence, the tired face of old Fremantle town was reinvigorated and re-built, with boat harbours, town centre and tourist resources found in need of an urgent ‘place-lift’.Close to the action at the time Mike will regale you with the unofficial version of some of the exploits, celebrations and impact of this key sporting history in Fremantle.

The Americas CupMike Lefroy

Amazing things turn up in Irish Pubs

There is an Irish connection to the America’s Cup story which may never be fully give up its secrets. In October last year one of the original Australia II crew members, Ken Judge travelled to Ireland on a special mission. He visited Skerries Sailing Club in north Dublin where a framed Boxing Kangaroo (BK) flag, locally believed to have been from the Black Swan, a support boat for the Australia II when it sailed into history, hangs on the wall. It has been there since the 1980s and nobody at the club knows where it came from or how it got there. The flag is well worn and was certainly exposed to the elements before it was encapsulated behind the protection of a glass frame.

Interest in the artefact came out of hibernation a few years ago when Grayden Thompson, from Bunbury, spotted it when he was at a wedding in Skerries in 2019. As it happens Mr Thompson heard a speech in his hometown back in 1983 from the bosun and deckhand of the Black Swan, the late Newton Roberts.

“He was gutted to find that the boxing kangaroo that had been flying from the Black Swan was missing,” Mr Thompson was quoted in an article on abc.net.au last October. “The story that came through Skerries Sailing Club exactly matched the story from my club on the other side of the world. Newton said that he was very, very upset because he thought that one day this flag would become iconic.”

While it is considered to be an important and very rare item the BK flag in Skerries might not be the one that flew on the Black Swan in America. In fact its origins may be much closer to home, here in Perth.

Mr Judge – who was starboard trimmer on Australia II – has a theory that it might have come from the Black Swan alright, but not from the 1983 race. A tag on the BK flag in Skerries reads: ‘Approved original design... America’s Cup Challenges..1983 Ltd.’

WA Business man Alan Bond – who masterminded the Australia II enterprise –

shrewdly licenced it for mass production, but this flag is almost certainly an early and valuable piece. “I think there’d be more possibility in 1987 when we did the defence [in Fremantle] than there was in Newport,” Mr Judge said.

The original Boxing Kangaroo flag flown by Australia II – made from off cuts of sail cloth used for the yacht’s spinnakers – met a similar fate to its mystery counterpart. It was rediscovered hanging in O’Brien’s Bar in Newport, Rhode Island by Australia II winch grinder John Longley and exactly 26 years to the day after the historic win the pub owner Tom Regan presented the original to another crew member Skip Lissiman. In return the Australians presented Mr Regan with a new Boxing Kangaroo flag, signed by the 1983 crew. In 2010 the iconic flag – at the request of the crew – returned home to the West Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle – where the Australia II yacht also lives and is visited each year by thousands of Australians and visitors.

Brian McNally & Ken Judge

The Boxing Kangaroo flag flown in 1987

The Boxing Kangaroo flag

A fab fifty for the Girls in Green

The legions of Irish fans who packed out stadiums in Perth, Sydney and Brisbane in support of the Girls in Green for the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup experienced something fresh, new and exciting in Irish soccer. But it was also the tip of an iceberg that first formed in Ireland and eventually reached Australia some fifty years later in spectacular fashion.

As the Irish women took to the field to face host Australia in the tournament opener in Sydney the Central Bank of Ireland was marking the occasion and everything it represented back in Dublin. The CBI released new silver proof coins for the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Irish women’s football team, and their achievements since.

The Women’s Football Association of Ireland was established in 1973 and is the governing body responsible for organising the Republic of Ireland women’s national football team, the FAI Women’s Cup and the Women’s National League, as well as various county and regional leagues and junior cup competitions. It was

on the 13th May 1973 that the first official women’s international game took place in Wales. Affectionately named “the Girls in Green,” they won 3-2 against the Welsh team, and it was the start of something special.

In 1991, the Women’s Football Association became affiliated with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), which also governs the men’s Irish team. There have been many highs for the women’s national team since then, but qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a play-off victory away to Scotland eclipsed them all.

Back in September 2021 the Irish women faced the Matilda’s in a friendly at Tallaght – the first international game in the country since COVID restrictions were lifted – and the visitors lost 3-2 to the home team. The next time they faced each other in Sydney the Australian’s had the home advantage and adjusted the ledger with walked a 1-0 victory.

The significance of the anniversary for the Irish side was perhaps overshadowed by the all embracing fever of a world cup tournament,

Katie McCabe’s teammates celebrate her superb opening goal in Perth against Canada

but it will be soon be restored and given its due recognition.

They will play their first game since Australia on Saturday September 23 at home in Dublin, a Group B1 clash with Northern Ireland.

“As part of the 50-year anniversary celebrations of the Women’s National Team, the Football Association of Ireland will honour every player to have featured for the Women’s Senior Team since 1973 through to the current day,” the FAI announced on August 16. “It was previously announced that every player who featured for the senior team in an official game will receive a one-off commemorative cap that will feature a unique 50-Year crest. Now, they will also be invited to the Aviva Stadium for this historic occasion. Another special event to mark the 50-year anniversary of the WNT will see a reunion of the first ever team, who beat Wales 3-2 on May 13, 1973, and the first team to play a home game, where Ireland secured a 4-1 win over Northern Ireland on June 30, 1973 in Dublin.

FAI Head of Women and Girls’ Football Eileen Gleeson said: “In order to shape a brighter future for women and girls’ football in Ireland, we must embrace the past and recognise those who laid important foundations for us to build on. So it is fantastic to be able to honour every woman who represented Ireland in an official game at senior level with a special cap that will mean so much to them and their families. We are working hard in the FAI to make sure that 2023 leaves a sustainable legacy for women and girls’ football, at all levels, and we’re sure that the current Women’s National Team will do the country proud at the World Cup. But it’s crucial that everyone feels part of it, especially the amazing women who were the original trailblazers in our game.”

Paul landed on his feet when he came to Perth sixty years ago

When Paul Carroll set foot on dry land in Fremantle exactly sixty years ago on the 5th of October the 21 year old Irishman was excited about the prospects of being able to do something entirely different with his life in this new and exotic land. In fact the sixth generation shoe maker from Dublin fully intended to walk away from the trade entirely but just one day after his arrival good fortune and circumstances intervened to start him down a new but familiar path he could not have predicted would see him become one of the biggest and most respected names – indeed brand – in the Australian footwear sector. Paul Carroll Shoes has a network os stores across Perth and their high quality shoes sell in huge numbers in every other Australian capital – and more recently into America as well. A gentleman to his customers, employees and suppliers alike Paul has enjoyed massive business success and been recognised by his peers for the contribution he has made to the industry. Paul recently returned to his native Dublin to see family and friends – the first time he could get back after COVID – but regards life in Australia as the closest thing to heaven on earth and the blessings he has had in life, particularly his

family, who now help run the business that he built and that bears his name.

It might be a shoe company but there is nothing pedestrian about his story as Irish Scene editor Lloyd Gorman found out when he sat down with him for an interview that turned into a two hour long friendly chat. We will explore his incredible tale in a feature article in the November/December edition of Irish Scene!

Corkman sets his sights on Perth City Council election!

Originally from Cork city Dave Lee is putting his hand up to become a councillor on Perth City Council in the upcoming local government elections in October. The owner and operator of a successful hairdressing business, along with his wife Carmel, Dave is also active and engaged in the Irish and local community. He and Carmel – a native of Ballinrostig in East Cork – met at the hairdressers where he worked in Patrick Street in the city – came to Australian in 1995 together – on a one year working visa. They spent the first six months in Sydney and then Perth. They fell in love with the lifestyle in Perth and moved back here in 1997. The couple opened a hair saloon in Joondalup in 2001 and then in Subiaco and East Perth before they opened Theory for Hair at their “forever home”, on the corner of Hay & Thomas Street, West Perth ten years ago. In that time as a local business owner Dave has raised issues around safety and security, parking and trading conditions, lighting and even Christmas decorations with previous councils. About five years ago he was responsible for changing a council by-law. A client who used to – and still does – bring her dog “Skip” into the hairdressers was photographed with the animal by another customer who made a complaint to the council and he was threatened with a fine. “Then the challenge began, as it just wasn’t fair,” Dave said. It turned out the city’s 2011 local dog law was “inconsistent” with the Dog Act of 1976 and the matter was dropped – music to the ears of dog lovers across the city

BY LLOYD GORMAN

He had another ‘win’ more recently for fellow traders who were struggling to make a comeback from Covid conditions. Last year councillor Sandy Anghie put up a motion for one hour free parking in several West Perth streets and he spoke at council in favour of the idea, but suggested three hours might be better. There was a split vote on the issue and Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas asked Dave to come back to the next week. When he returned Dave spoke for the one hour free parking option, which got up and became council policy. With a track record like that imagine what he could do if he was actually ‘on council’!

He already has a lot of ideas for how to create a safer, friendlier and better environment in and around the city, for residents, businesses and visitors alike. “I’m running an independent campaign, it’s not political” he said. “City council is community service and I want to work for the greater good of the city. I ask anyone who knows me to Vote #1 Dave Lee & anyone who doesn’t to get in touch, send an email or connect on social @daveinperth #daveinperth.”

We will report back in the November edition how Dave went. If you or someone you know from Ireland is running in the council elections we’d love to hear from or about them, contact us at irishsceneperth@gmail.com.

Dave Lee & Family

A crash course in courage and emergency care

On the Albany Highway near the Wheatbelt town of Arthur River, Kelly Willer encountered a life changing catastrophe and life saving blessing in rapid succession. Around 7.30pm on 31 March 2023 she was driving through the rural area about 200km south of Perth, when her Mazda CX9 and another car was involved in a head on collision that instantaneously changed, and very nearly claimed her life. Badly injured and trapped inside her vehicle people who arrived at the devastating scene righted her overturned car and phoned emergency services. Just as this was happening Niall Tuohy and his wife Emily Happe who were on their way to Bremer Bay to go on an Ocra whale watching tour happened upon the situation.

Niall – a native of Newtown Road, Waterford – is a Perth Emergency Department (ED) doctor while Emily is an ED nurse, who met while working at at Armadale Hospital’s ED. The couple immediately jumped into action. Emily took over the 000 call from the person who was calling it in and reported Kelly’s vitals while Niall conducted an assessment of her condition, which he determined to be “GCS 5” (a very faint pulse, unconscious and unresponsive to voice and pain stimulus and visible severe head injuries). While they waited for Fire and Rescue and St John Ambulance (SJA) crews to arrive, Niall and Emily were able to keep Kelly breathing by clearing and repositioning her airway. They also monitored

BY LLOYD GORMAN

her for an anticipated cardiac arrest whilst continually undertaking further assessments to inform treatment. Meg Strickland and Kylie Kett, a volunteer SJA crew from Williams were first to get to the scene, followed quickly by SJA Darkan crew, Adrian South and Michael Gos. Not long afterwards they were also joined by SJA paramedics Ronan Blaney (Narrogin) and Andrew Eyre (Collie), both of whom had doctors bags which could be fully accessed by virtue of Niall’s presence at the scene. Another SJA paramedic team returning from a patient transfer to Perth also assisted. Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) volunteer fire and rescue crews from Williams and Wagin cut away the side of Kelly’s car to gain access. Niall and the team were able to intravenously administer Transexemic Acid to reduce the internal bleeding that was causing the low blood pressure and Fentanyl for pain and anti-sickness medication. Helped by SJA paramedics and DFES crews, Niall and Emily were able to extract Kelly from the car. At that time, Kelly’s blood pressure was 55/30mm Hg - critically low and not conducive to the sustainability of life. Niall immediately inserted two intravenous drips as Emily and the rest of the team helped administer two litres of saline, install airway adjuncts and provide oxygen. Their combined expertise and efforts kept Kelly alive until the rescue helicopter arrived, and immediately she was given two units of blood, induced into a coma and intubated roadside. Emily was able to manually ventilate Kelly whilst she was transferred to the

Wreckage of Kelly’s car

helicopter and connected to the ventilator machine in preparation to be airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital. The situation was so dire and precarious that even as the helicopter took off around 10.55pm, Niall and Emily were not confident that Kelly would survive. Anyone who has travelled from Perth to Bremer Bay will know that there are numerous routes that could be taken including Brookton Highway which avoids Albany Highway altogether. Yet somehow Niall and Emily just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Quite a few heroes stepped up to plate that night - motorists, volunteer St John Ambulance officers, DFES Fire and Rescue crews, SJA paramedics, the rescue helicopter critical care paramedic and flight crew, and the marvellous Trauma and Intensive Care Teams at the State Adult Major Trauma centre at Royal Perth Hospital. Kelly has been as determined to recover from her injuries and the trauma as she has to recognise the skill and compassion of the men and women who saved her life. Kelly recently visited the crash scene and is coping well with the guidance of a psychologist. Her next step will be to face the confronting reality of the wreckage. While the accident was

traumatic for Kelly – who has Irish heritage from her paternal grandffather Joe Healy who is a native of Aghabullogue Co Cork -– has found some solace in sharing her story with others. In August, Kelly and RAC crew member Blair Roberston from Rescue 651 were guest speakers for the social and community impact team at RAC in Joondalup. “Kelly...spoke so bravely about her recent experience as a patient in the emergency service helicopter after a serious car accident,” posted Amber Anthony on social media after the event. “She spoke openly about how the crew and medics quite literally saved her life, crew like Blair Roberston...This was one of my fav moments with RAC yet...It was made even more special by it being the 20th anniversary celebration this week! Every hour of every day, WA’s only 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter services helps people across our state.” A special event planned for the annual Fire and Emergency Services Conference over September 8/9 saw Kelly and some of the emergency workers and medics who came to her aid will meet again, this time under happier circumstances. It was a chance for her to show her gratitude in person to the angels and heroes who came to her aid and an opportunity for the minister to recognise

Wreckage of Kelly’s car

Kelly Willer and Blair Roberston (top right) inspired others with their talk on the crash

the men and women dedicated to helping others. “When faced with an incredibly confronting scene, our brave emergency services volunteers leapt into action to help,” Mr Dawson said. “The crews from the Wagin and Williams Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services cut two people from their cars, freeing them so they could be treated by paramedics. Without their swift response, the result could have been very different. On behalf of the Cook Government, I’d like to thank these incredible men and women who give up so much of their own time to support their communities.”

20 YEARS OF CARE IN THE AIR

The RAC Rescue helicopter went into action for the first time on August 11 2003 and has seen non-stop if not ever increasing need for its life saving services. In that time flight crews have flown more than 9,500 missions across almost every corner of WA, including rescuing people during the Kimberley floods in January, performing aeromedical evacuations during bushfires in the South West and undertaking challenging sea rescues in the Great Australian Bight. When you are faced with the worst, you send the best. To date the bright yellow chopper has flown some 2,020,626 km across Western Australia – equal to travelling around the world 50.4 times. It has attended 4,903

road crash rescues and taken part in 994 search and rescues and transported 6,524 patients for medical treatment and conducted 9,575 missions. RAC Rescue is a free service to the community, funded by the state government, sponsored by RAC and managed by DFES.

It is WA’s only emergency rescue helicopter service, operating from two bases in Jandakot and Bunbury, to respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Marking the 20th anniversary Mr Dawson said three next-generation Leonardo AW139 rescue helicopters – which have increased flight range and some of the most advanced aviation rescue technology available – costing about $27m would be added to the fleet before the end of the year. ‘Helicopter Heroes’, a one hour programme about the vital work of RAC Rescue was aired on Channel 9 on August 31.

Kimberley floods

IRISH DAY

Ascot Racecourse

Saturday 28 October

LIVE MUSIC from CRAIC N ON

May the luck of the Irish be with you on Irish Day at Ascot Racecourse! Don’t miss the ever-popular Shanty Town pop-up in full swing, featuring beloved local band Craic n On, Irish-themed food, plus Guinness and Kilkenny on tap. Enjoy a full day of racing with a live screening of the Cox Plate in Victoria. Secure discount earlybird* tickets from ticketek.com.au or purchase at the gate.

CHOOSE YOUR RACEDAY EXPERIENCE

Alan Joyce is reaching the finish line of an incredible 15 year marathon run as Qantas CEO. When November comes around the Dubliner goes away. There will be those cheering him on towards the end while there will be others who will be glad to see the back of him. A millionaire with the profile of a billionaire he has friends and admirers but also plenty of critics and detractors. Sometimes they can both be right it seems. In late August/ early September the outgoing ‘Chieftain’ was happily declaring a record $2.5bn profit for shareholders in his final year at the helm of the airline. But around the same time the man from Tallaght was also staunchly unrepentant about not paying back $2.7bn of taxpayer hand-outs to help the carrier, when grilled by politicians during a public hearing of the select committee on the cost of living, which was described as explosive by one media outlet. The upswing in the company’s bottom line was also healthy for Joyce’s personal bank account, earning him more than $10m in bonuses, including some which were deferred over the last three years

when he agreed to restrictions placed on his income during the pandemic. Mr Joyce and cashed up shareholders will argue he is worth the money but it is a very difficult pill for hard pressed (and sacked) Qantas workers and many members of the public to swallow. And we haven’t even mentioned the latest storm to engulf Joyce and the carrier – dubbed the ‘Lying Kangaroo’ and ‘Con Air’ by some media outlets – for allegedly selling tickets on 8,000 flights it had already cancelled.

Meanwhile, Stephen Rue, also a Dubliner who heads up another corporate Australian giant – the NBN – is holding down his role with no fuss or attention. He was appointed CEO of the government owned broadband enterprise on September 1 2018 on what was reported to be a five year contract, a term which would have lapsed at the start of this month. But there have been no announcements or media coverage of any possible extensions or changes of leadership at the NBN. Quite the contrast then with Qantas.

MEG O’NEILL

CEO WOODSIDE ENERGY

As CEO and Managing Director of Woodside Energy – which has its HQ in Perth but also has 20 offices and locations globally – Meg O’Neill is a high profile and well known figure within the Australian and international resources and energy sectors. But she became a household name in Perth and further afield at the start of August when her private family home in City Beach was targeted by a small group of Climate activists, accompanied by an ABC TV crew. WA Police were prepared and waiting at Ms O’Neill’s house for the tresspassing protestors, who were prompty arrested. “This was not a ‘harmless’ protest,” the Woodside boss said in a statement.

“It was designed to threaten me, my partner and our daughter in our home. Such acts by extremists should be condemned by anyone who respects the law and believes people should be safe to go about their business at home and at work.”

Ms O’Neill was the subject of some very different

THEULTIMATE POWERTOOL.

guest speaker at the National Press Club in Canberra, on Wednesday 19 April. Ms O’Neill’s presentation to a room full of Canberra journos, policy makers and industry heads was about ‘energy security through the energy transition’, and she dwelved into her own family history to make an interesting point about how energy and power sources can – and do – change over time.

“It’s not every day that a gas CEO turns up at the National Press Club, but I’m here because I realise just how fundamental energy supply is to every Australian every day – and I want to be part of an honest conversation about Australia’s energy needs now and into the future,” Ms O’Neill said. “Our industry has not always done a great job of explaining what we do.” Australia she said had bountiful resources to support renewable and non-renewable energy developments, both of which the world will need. The challenge for Australia is to use its vast gas resources face three main goals including providing ‘affordable and reliable energy for Australian’s and to ‘progress global decarbonisation’. “Climate change is real and global action is needed to address it,” she added. Woodside wanted to develop new projects in Australia in hydrocarbons and ‘new energy opportunities’ she said. She gave two interesting examples of what can be achieved. “For those who may not know the story of Woodside, we are named after a small town in Victoria, where we were founded in 1954,” Ms O’Neill said. “Our breakthrough came when we were granted an exploration licence in the 1960s for the North West Shelf, off the coast of northern Western Australia. It was a risky proposition at the time, but it would lead to the birth of the Liquefied Natural Gas industry for Australia, with development through the 1970s and production starting in the 1980s.” Today the LNG sector pays $13.8 billion to state and federal governments each year, money which is used to fund public services such as schools and hospitals. She also offered a reflection that was even closer to home for her. “You might guess from my name that I’m of Irish heritage,” she added. “I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, but my Nanna grew up in a village in County Mayo, in Western Ireland, with no electricity, relying on a peat fire for heating, cooking and light. As a society, we have come a long way since then, in just two generations.”

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

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VINCE HUGHES

CEO CRIME STOPPERS

Making sure criminal enterprise is not rewarded is part and parcel of this chief executives mission statement.

As the CEO of Crime Stoppers Western Australia Dr Vince Hughes is responsible for the not-forprofit organisation which says its “main business is providing anonymity”. It works with the wider community, state government, WA Police and other government and private sector and community bodies to make WA a safer place.

The Irishman was appointed to the position in January 2017 and has been active and effective in that role since. So much so that at the end of 2021 he volunteered to became the Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia and for about the last five years he has also been on the board of directors with Crime Stoppers International, which is based in the Hague, Netherlands.

He has also been a crime analyst on organised crime syndicates for both the WA Police Force and the former National Crime Authority (NCA). Dr Hughes began his law enforcement career in Western Australia with the NCA around 1999/2000 followed by a stint at the Corruption Crime Commission in Perth. He already had a solid background in policing even before he landed in Perth more than 20 years ago. Vince joined An Garda Síochána in December 1980 and left the Irish police force some 18 years later, with the rank of Sergeant.

His corporate and academic credentials are very well established and he is a certified CEO through the CEO Institute and was also recently credentialed as a Fellow of the International Institute of Directors and Managers.

PAUL O’SULLIVAN & MAURICE MCCARTHY

CHAIRMAN OPTUS & MANAGING DIRECTOR

When a new CEO is recruited the task of formally announcing their arrival and welcoming them is often carried out by the next most senior person in the organisation, the chairperson of the board. The current chair of Optus knows a thing or two about being the CEO of the $7 billion a year business. Paul O’Sullivan was CEO of Optus from September 2004 to March 2012 and has previously held management positions within Optus including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Optus Mobile. And he is currently in an acting CEO role with the telco. “Paul is currently taking on the extra duties of the CEO Consumer Australia role whilst a replacement is found,” the company stated. Paul’s career has taken him to Canada, the Middle East, the UK and Australia but it all started back in Dublin when he graduated from Trinity College with a Bachelor of Arts (Mod) Economics from Trinity College.

Dublin was also the launch pad for another senior ranking Optus executive. Maurice McCarthy joined the firm in 2017 and in 2021 he was appointed as Managing Director, Customer Success. That job entails making Optus Australia’s “most loved everyday brand with customer relationships”.

The company website states: “Maurice has spent the last 20 years working in the technology and telecommunications industry...[he] brings a deep passion and strong background in leading enterprises and large enterprise divisions. Having commenced his career in Ireland, he has worked across the Pacific and Europe.”

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MARY HACKETT

CEO GENERAL ELECTRIC OIL & GAS

Mary Hackett has carved something of a meteoric swathe through WA’s resources sector over the last thirty years, and there is no sign of her slowing down. Her most recent executive role being CEO of General Electric Oil & Gas for Australasia and in February she became executive chair for Sapien Cyber – an Australian company offering cutting edge cyber security and threat intelligence solutions which is based at the Joondalup campus of Edith Cowan University. This Irish woman has held many senior positions in various organisations and commercial bodies, including as CEO for ANZ bank’s Papua New Guinea operations. Her qualifications and professional associations include the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Engineers Australia where she is a Fellow.

In 2015 when she was Regional Director of GE Oil & Gas Australia Mary was included in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards. “Throughout her career her passion has been to make a difference whether by promoting gender balance, recognising quiet performers or driving operational excellence in the business,” her citation read. “She recounts her greatest moments as those where her guidance propelled others to reach unexpected potential.”

The foundations for her outlook and values were established very close to home. Between 1982 and 1986 Mary studied Mechanical Engineering at University College Galway, and graduated with an honours degree. She moved to Australia in the 1990’s, working for Woodside, where she led all engineering for the company’s production assets before becoming the Senior Vice President of oil assets.

Speaking about being nominated for the AFR and Westpac awards she said: “The Women of Influence awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women across the country and inspire young women to aim for greatness. My joy is not only the marvellous honour of receiving this award but also to be placed in a peer group of truly remarkable people who are living proof of the massive value add of inclusiveness in the workplace. It was my sister who first inspired me to pursue engineering. Along the way my early mentors, many of whom are male, encouraged me to never play it safe and always pursue what truly ignites and extends me. This is the strong message I continue to give to my team and the women I have mentored throughout my career so far.”

DAVID FRANKS CEO KEOLIS

At the start of this year another Irishman stepped down as the boss of Australia’s largest public transport provider.

“During his time at Keolis Downer, David (Franks) has led the growth of the business, adding new bus operations in Sydney and rail operations Adelaide. He has also developed an ambitious strategy to be Australia’s leading provider of zero-emissions transport and has built a strong team to ensure the ongoing success of the company. David will still be leading the negotiations with the South Australian

Government over the future of the Metropolitan Rail Contract as well as working with Keolis Group pursuing development opportunities in Stockholm and Dublin.”

Mr Franks will be on familiar ground in the Irish capital. He worked for Keolis in the UK before joining Irish Rail in February 2013 as CEO. He was the head honcho at Iarnrod Eireann until early 2018, when he made the moved back to Keolis, in Australia.

SINEAD KAUFMAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE – MINERALS RIO TINTO

Sinead Kaufman trained as a geologist in Ireland but found her calling in the remote Australian landscape. She started with Rio Tinto as a mine operations manager in January 1997 and worked on various underground and open pit mines for the next thirteen years or so. In March 2010 she was promoted to General Manager Operations Iron Ore in Perth where over the next few years she was responsible for various Rio Tinto Ore mines in the Pilbara. Ms Kaufman also founded the Iron Ore mental health working group to help promote mental health and well being of employees in WA and their families. Applying a female touch to the traditionally male and macho dominated sector Kaufman, herself a mum, introduced a change to the miner’s roster to make sure that residential and FIFO workers at Paraburdoo, the small mining town in the Pilbara, were scheduled to have every second weekend free to spend with their families. Brisbane beckoned in 2016 where she was elevated to Managing Director of coal, salt & uranium. In this role she managed the operational elements of the successful divestment of the Hunter Valley and Queensland coal productions in Australia, while at the same time managing Rio’s salt mines in WA and uranium assets at Energy Resources of Australia and in Namibia. Her next step was as MD Copper and Diamonds, which

amongst other things included responsibility for the Argyle diamond mine and the Winu copper project in Western Australia. In March 2021 and still in Brisbane she became Chief Executive of Minerals. Rio’s minerals product group provides the materials essential to a wide range of industries such as agriculture and renewable energy to electric vehicles.

“I’ve always been interested in geology. It definitely wasn’t exactly a common career path in Ireland – my home country – let alone for girls,” Kaufman says on her LinkedIn profile. “Fast forward to now, I have been working for Rio Tinto for close to 25 years, gaining international mining experience across a range of commodities including copper, aluminium, bauxite, diamonds, coal, salt, uranium and iron ore, in both underground and open pit environments. In 2021, I was appointed Chief Executive of the Minerals product group, which comprises operations across three continents. Rio Tinto’s second female product group Chief Executive, and with a strong focus on empowerment, I am committed to advancing a culture of diversity and inclusion in the mining industry.”

MICHAEL WALSHE

CEO

One of the things that a university qualification allows a graduate to do is add letters to the end of their name. Michael Walshe left University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering (Hons) and followed it up with a Masters of Business Administration (Finance) from the Australian Institute of Business. He is also a chartered engineer with both Engineers Australia & the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM). In October 2022 he was able to add three more letters to his name, CEO.

“Michael has over 15 years of international experience in engineering, operations, technology commercialisation, and project development roles across the minerals, chemicals, and renewable energy sectors,” Voltaic Strategic Resources in West Perth announced to the Australian Stock Exchange. “Michael joins Voltaic after a 10 year career at Metso:Outotec where positions included Director and Vice President roles for the Asia Pacific Minerals business...his experience covers team leadership, metallurgy, process design, sales, and structuring project finance packages for junior miners via export credit funding. Michael has advised on several international mineral development projects with particular exposure to Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, PNG and South Korea, and has worked across a wide range of commodities including lithium, rare earths, nickel, copper, zinc and gold.”

With the exception of an operation in Nevada in America all of Voltaic’s projects are based in

Western Australia. Voltaic said they: “are positioned across three distinct geological terranes, each with demonstrable production histories for mineralization styles equivalent to those being explored for by Voltaic. The Gascoyne Battery and Precious Metals Project area traverses both the Gascoyne Province and the Ashburton Basin host rocks of the Capricorn Orogen, and the Meekatharra Gold Project area is located in the Yilgarn Craton.”

Mr Walshe and his VSR colleagues are pumped about the prospect of their latest find at the company’s ‘Paddy’s Well’ project in the far north of WA. On May 17 the company issued an ASX (stock exchange) release that drilling confirmed “significant rare earth systems” at the Paddy’s Well Project.

“The drilling has confirmed the continuity of clayhosted rare earth elements (REE) mineralisation and scale potential of the project with intersections of almost 80m identified from surface, which the Company believes, is the largest clay-hosted REE intersection reported in Australia to date (to the best of its knowledge),” said Voltaic. The Market Herald news site reported the REE system at Paddy’s Well was “eight kilometre wide”. Clay deposits such as these are easier to explore, drill and mine and on the face of it cheaper to process than other minerals and contain some of the critical ingredients needed for things like wind turbines and electric vehicles, which can only see demand grow as the world moves away from fossil fuels.

ANDREW DOVER

CEO SHIRE OF PINGALLY

For about a hundred years or so local governments in Perth and across the state were led by an official called Town Clerk. That title but not the function changed to Chief Executive Officer a few decades ago.

In August 2021 Dubliner Andrew Dover became the CEO of the Shire of Pingelly in the Wheatbelt region, about 160km southeast of Perth. He arrived in Brisbane in 2009 as a young backpacker and fully qualified town planner who couldn’t find any work in Ireland as a result of the GFC. His qualification helped him get a town planning job with Mildura Rural City Council in Victoria from where he came to WA to take up the job of Manager of Development Services at the City of Kalgoorlie. From ‘Kal’ he moved to the Shire of Collie

ROD HOUSTON

CEO

Rod Houston studied Mechanical Engineering at Queens’ University between 1981 and 1984 and immediately followed his graduate degree with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering & Computer Modelling at Queens, where he finished in 1988. Armed with these qualifications the young engineer beat a path straight for Perth where he started as a senior project engineer with the Orbital Engine Company before rising through the ranks to become its CEO from 2005 to 2008. Since then a range of management and executive roles in various innovation based companies and bodies in Perth, including with the CSIRO and Tribe Tech Group. While he was with Tribe Tech (2019-21) he was part of the founding team behind a project to create and build

as Director of Development Services.

“Arriving at the Shire of Pingelly as the CEO was an opportunity to progress from my economic development and regulatory background, to work directly with the forward-thinking council and enthusiastic staff group to identify opportunities and re-frame issues in the community,” Andrew said. “My challenge is to align what the community needs to suit the funding available to regional councils.”

Andrew met his wife Nondo in 2015 at a Balcatta Gospel Hall in Perth. The couple have three children under the age of six “who each have an Irish and Zambian name to honour their heritage” he added.

a company and team in Belfast and Perth to commercialise the world’s first fully automatic autonomous RC Drill Rig and sampling systems. Over two years from 2020 Mr Houston was also the CEO in Residence for CERI (Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Foundation in Nedlands, which works with start up companies to accelerate commercialisation of their businesses. And all the while he has also been the managing director of his own firm OptimEnergy which works with a wide range of small to medium sized innovative business to reach their maximum commercial and technology potential.

PAUL O’FARRELLMANAGING DIRECTOR QUADRANT ADVISORY

Paul O’Farrell is the Managing Director of the banking and risk management advisory firm Quadrant Advisory Pty Ltd, which was set up in 2016 by one of Perth’s biggest law firms, Lavan Legal* which was diversifying into new areas. He is an experienced banking professional and chartered accountant with more than 30 years international banking and risk management experience with PwC, National Australia Bank and Bankwest. He lead a team of more than 30 credit risk professionals during WA’s mining boom and the Global Financial Crisis. His career began with a Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) from the University of Limerick and he is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

* Lavan Legal itself is the product of an industrious Irish immigrant. Michael Gibson Lavan was born in County Galway, in 1875. He was educated at Trinity College and called to the Irish Bar where he practised as a barrister until 19897 when he migrated to Western Australia. He was admitted to the Bar in WA in 1898 and started his own law firm in Barrack Street, Perth. In 1920 he joined forces with another Irish lawyer John Francis Walsh to form Lavan & Walsh and the firm has continued to expand and grow ever since into one of WA’s most reputable and recognisable legal practices.

GERALDINE LANNON

CEO BAPTCARE

Geraldine Lannon was appointed in early September last year as CEO of Baptcare, which was set up in the 1940’s as a faith based not for profit organisation to provide care and “meet unmet needs in the community’. She has strong WA and Irish links. “Geraldine has extensive executive leadership experience across metropolitan and rural Western Australian Public Health and Community Services,” Baptcare said at the time of her appointment. “After starting her career in Nursing, walking alongside and supporting vulnerable people, she has continued to make a strong impact in that sector through attaining multiple clinical, management and governance qualifications including a Master of Business

Administration. Geraldine has managed budgets up to $900M, leading positive changes that have improved outcomes for clients and staff in hospitals and health services. Geraldine has received a Western Australian Health Award and was recognised as a Telstra Women’s Business Awards Finalist. Geraldine grew up within the Irish Catholic tradition in Belfast, and more recently has worshipped in an Anglican community in Western Australia.” In another feather for her corporate cap Ms Lannon was named in April as the new Victorian director of the Aged and Community Care Providers Association, a position she will hold until 2025.

RICHARD ANDREWS

CEO AUSTRALIAN JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE

Ireland was the last posting for diplomat Richard Andrew’s 32 year career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Between September 2016 and February 2020 (so narrowly avoiding the start of the Covid-19 pandemic by a whisker) Mr Andrews was the Australian Ambassador to Ireland, based in Dublin. A month after he finished with the foreign service he joined the world of academia, at the Australian National University. About a year after his departure from Dublin Mr Andrews was appointed as the CEO for the Sydney based Australia Japan Buiness Co-operation Committee. It is a role he is well suited too. A fluent Japanese speaker he was a ‘minister’ (political) for DFAT in Tokyo from late 2008 until mid 2012.

Mr Andrews is a man of many talents it seems. Irish Scene recently learned that during his time in Ireland he took up the Uilleann Pipes, a beautiful if not formidable instrument for anyone to learn and to play, and has persisted with them!

Vale Father Thomas

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Bishop Donald Sproxton, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, and the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Perth as well as many parishioners and faithful friends celebrated the funeral mass of Father Thomas Henry Byrne at the Our Lady of Grace Parish, North Beachon 25 August 2023. Thomas ‘Henry’ Byrne, was born at Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland on 29 November 1931 died 14 August. He was educated at Ballyhale Primary School and St. Kieran’s High School Kilkenny. After he studied for the priestly ministery at St Kieran’s Seminary Kilkenny, he was ordained at St Mary’s Cathedral on 3 June 1956 and six months

Pious boys

Lucas Craig (kilt) and Ewan Gorman (white jacket) were amongst the children to make their Communion at Our Lady of the Mission Catholic Church in Whitfords Catholic Primary School recently.

later he arrived in Perth, on the Otranto. He became an Australian citizen in 1974. Fr Henry served in the parishes of Maylands, Kalgoorlie, Shenon Park, South Perth, Claremont, Beverley, Lynwood and Scarborough before he retired on 17 March 2001. In November of that year he became a helper to Fr Ken Keating at Our Lady of Grace North Beach, where he celebrated his 50th anniversary of priesthood on 11 June 2006. He was a sportsman who enjoyed golf, tennis, AFL football (West Coast Eagles) and duck shooting. Every one who knew Fr Henry had a good story about him. After the funeral service Anne Archer told Irish Scene that after the Irish priest had baptised her son he took out an accordian and started playing (traditional Irish music I think). “He was very good on it, it was really special,” she said.

Many happy returns on a return trip to Ireland

Popular Perth couple Margaret and Seán Henry from Wembley recently celebrated Margaret’s birthday in her native Sylane, Co. Galway during their holiday’s in Ireland. Pictured at back are Margaret’s sister Kathleen and her husband Tom Prendergast.

Weddings, Parties, Everthing Weddings, Parties, Everthing Weddings, Parties, Everthing

Situated just 25 minutes from Perth city, Masonmill is set on ten acres of colourful gardens surrounded by the peaceful Jarrah forest of Carmel. This Perth hills location is an ideal wedding and events venue as well as a relaxing place for breakfast or lunch along with a round of Mini Golf at the weekends.

GAA

Unlike the year before when it lashed out of the heavens and everyone got drowned, the weather was absolutely perfect for the Camogie and Hurling Championships Finals at RA Cooke Reserve in Morley at the start of August. In Camogie Western Swans took on St Gabriels while the Western Swans versed Sarsfield in the hurling. A big crowd turned out to watch the action, enjoy the atmosphere and catch up with friends.

Golf

Tom Downey, left, won bragging rights at the Irish Club Golf outing to Seaview Golf Club in July while PJ Kenny won the trophy at the Irish Club’s outing to Lakelands in August. Cups presented by Club Secretary Allan Rowland.

COMTECH TRAINING

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The company is in existence since 2004 and is owned and run by Carl Holmes who is originally from Dublin.

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Successful completion of this course will enable a student to get the practical knowledge to apply for an Open Cabling Registration (License) to work in the telecommunications industry in Australia. We are setting up 4 groups of 12 students to start between now and December.

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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

Australia’s historic residence in Ireland is the star of the Summer

Michelle Payne, The Hon Bill Shorten MP and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP were but some of the notable visitors to Australia’s historic residence in Ireland this Summer. They along with several Irish Parliamentarians and stakeholders travelled to Killiney, just outside Dublin City to enjoy events and accommodation at Abbey Lea.

@AusEmbIre

Ambassador Gray and his partner Pippa were pleased to welcome Australia’s only Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne to Ireland, and were lucky enough to host her at Abbey Lea for a week in late June. Following commentating commitments at the Royal-Ascot races in England, Michelle made her way to Dublin and the Embassy was pleased to connect her with Ireland’s racing industry including Coolmore Stables and Ireland’s National Stud where Michelle was able to learn about how the Irish care for and prepare their horses for elite competition. The Irish Australia Association was also pleased Michelle attended their Big Summer BBQ at Abbey Lea - welcoming her to their annual event. Shortly after, Abbey Lea hosted the annual Irish Australia Chamber of Commerce Garden Party where Australian company, FrothStop trialled their new FrothStop technology, helping pour perfect Guinness pints at faster speed. Gary, for research purposes, trialled and can confirm – the Guinness was good! It’s fantastic to see the Chamber support Australian entrepreneurs, who later that week were working with Guinness to trial this new technology at Croke Park.

Gary and Pippa also enjoyed a meal out with brothers Simon and David Crean, who had come to Ireland to explore their Irish heritage and find out if they are distant relatives of the great Irish explorer Tom Crean. They enjoyed their time in Dublin before heading to Kerry before then heading to other European cities. Both Gary, Pippa and all the staff at the Australian Embassy were deeply saddened by the sudden death of Simon while in Germany. Simon was a notable Australian politician

Abbey Lea.

and trade unionist who held key positions in the Australian council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Australian government. Simon was chairman of the Europe Australia Business council, a Former Cabinet minister in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard Governments and the leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Throughout his career, Simon’s contributions to the Labor movement, his involvement in key negotiations, and his leadership roles exemplified his dedication to the betterment of Australian society. Simon’s political and union legacy left a lasting impact on the Australian political landscape. Simon will be missed by all who knew him.

July saw Minister for Government Services with responsibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Bill Shorten MP stay at Abbey Lea as he partook in a fact-finding mission with colleagues in Ireland. While here, Minister Shorten was in Dublin, Galway and Clare meeting with Ministers, Senators, disability groups and academics learning about their experiences and challenges with inclusion and diversity practice in Ireland. When the Minister’s official duties were over in Clare, there was just enough time to reach the Cliffs of Moher before sunset with local representative Senator Martin Conway. Minister Shorten also had time before he left to participate in the local Shankill Park Run, with organisers very pleased to welcome Minister Shorten to their weekly event, where Ambassador Gray and Pippa run regularly. They all ran the 5km course with the community, highlighting how great it is that locals with a disability are also welcome to participate. No sooner had Abbey Lea bid farewell to one visitor that another was visiting – this time the Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP. The Speaker was meeting with his fellow Speakers ahead of several important gatherings later in the year and attended meetings with the Irish Parliament’s education programmes. The Speaker and his team visited Abbey Lea before leaving to learn about its unique place in Killiney’s local and Ireland’s national history.

As is often the case, Abbey Lea was the star of many of these visits but it is fair to say that for the Summer of 2023 that star shone particularly bright. Abbey Lea has been the residence of the Australian Ambassador to Ireland since 1965 – more than half its life.

The Hon Gary Gray AO

Australian Ambassador to Ireland

From top (left to right): Gary and Pippa. Gary trying out the new FrothStop technology. Gary with the Hon Bill Shorten at the cliffs of Moher. Gary, Senator Martin Conway and the Hon Bill Shorten on a fact finding mission. The Hon Milton Dick with Gary.

A TrAdiTion 25 YeArs In The MAking, And CounTing!

The appearance of The Irish Scene magazine coincided with the visit of the then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese to Australia in September 1998. And in October it will be exactly six years since President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina launched their official state visit to Australia and New Zealand from Perth. It was a memorable event for the local Irish community, which warmly welcomed the VIP visitors. So on the special occasion of our 25th anniversary it is with a sense of great pride we bring you a message from President Higgins himself (see pages 4 and 5). Our heartfelt appreciation to the Irish embassy in Canberra and Áras an Uachtaráin for helping to make this happen.

We also thank Irish Scene’s former proprietors, Fred and Lilly Rea who passed the baton to us just over four years ago. Fred trained as a compositor (typesetter) in his native Cork city before emigrating to Western Australia more than fifty years ago. Everything else needed to make the magazine happen like wordsmithing and proofing was provided by close friends Joe Crozier, from Portadown, Co. Armagh and Jack Cullen, both now passed and survived by their wives Lottie and Betty. We hope we can carry on their legacy and do it justice.

Irish Scene has been free of charge to readers from day one. That has been possible thanks to the ongoing support of the pubs, firms, business people, groups and organisations who advertise with us. Our success is sustained by their generosity and commercial confidence in the community. Likewise, there are many cultural, sporting and other groups who work closely with us

We could also not do it all on our own own. Our various contributors provide fascinating commentary and interesting columns while our graphic designers – who toil in the background and do not normally get their names in print (Gavin Benson, Abi Clare and our former colleague Caris Grant) also deserve recognition.

And to our readers who have journeyed with us over the years, and who it is all for, we are proud to be able to celebrate and share this milestone with you, and hopefully more in the future.

Thank You – LloYd & IMeldA gorMAn And fAMiLY!

A career inspiring young chefs yields high honour

By Caroline Smith

F or local chef and educator Patrick (Pat) O’Brien, receiving an Order of Australia medal is a welcome recognition of his many years of service to the hospitality industry, although he contends that helping young people shine in this field – particularly as competitors in the Culinary Olympics – has been a reward in itself. Pat has coached emerging chefs in the competition for more than twenty years, taking them to compete across the world as part of Australia’s junior and senior teams, and said he has been pleased to see their success both here and in their later careers. “Somebody once asked me why I do it, and it reminds me of an advert I saw once for Mastercard, where an older man was driving a car, and the slogan talked about some things being priceless, well this experience has been like that,” he said.

In terms of the OAM, Pat was named on the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List in June, being presented with his medal by the GovernorGeneral. He will receive the insignia of the Order of Australia at a second ceremony at Government House in September/October. His coaching role was only one of many for this recognition: equally significant has been Pat’s work as Director Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts at North Metropolitan TAFE, where he has led a specialised academy for chefs and other culinary workers since 2006. From here he has been able to nourish emerging talent and observe developments in the industry, drawing on knowledge which has also seen him receive the titles of Worldchefs International judge, Master Craftsman with the Catering Institute of Australia, and National Board Member of the Australian Culinary Federation (for whom he is also state director for WA).

But all of this is a far cry from Pat’s early years in Dublin, where he met his wife Rose and began his training and then working life as a chef. Reflecting on the former, he said that it was sport – specifically volleyball – which facilitated a chance meeting between the two young people from different parts of the city. “I’m a Finglas boy, and Rose is from Dun Laoghaire: she’s from across the tracks as they say,” he said.

“The one thing I always say to people is, until you’ve actually seen young people walk up at the Culinary Olympics and get a gold medal and be able to sit there and say,‘I made that happen’, it’s priceless.”

“I met Rose believe it or not, at the Community Games competitions in volleyball, in Dublin. I played for a team called the Cabra Vikings even though I was a Finglas man, we were the All-Ireland champions, and Rose played for a team called Dunleary, and they were the Irish champions. “Both teams got together and went out to Dalkey and were training out there, a team called the Culla Rockets - so we were both on the same team. Funny enough, there was an old guy at the games who happened to be there, and he turned to a friend of mine and he said, Pat’s over there, and that girl over there, he’s going to marry her. And I’d only just met her.” Pat’s professional life in Dublin began with him receiving a Masters degree at Saint Mary’s College of Domestic Science before going on to work as sous chef and chef for national transport corporation CIE (Coras Iompair Eireann), and various restaurants and hotels around the city. But seeking greater opportunities, he and Rose began to consider a move overseas. “It just got to the stage where I was looking at life in Ireland at the time, and a lot of friends had actually moved out to Australia. I got home one night, and I was working seven days a week to make a living with three kids,” Pat said. “So I had a conversation with Rose and we said, let’s give it a go, let’s go to Australia. We applied in early 1989 and I was told it’ll take a couple of years to get your visa. I put the application in and had the visa in less than three months because I was a chef.”

Indeed, the new setting seemed to offer Pat greater opportunities within the hospitality industry, and he soon took on dual roles as sous chef at the Sheraton Hotel and industry monitor for the Department of Training. The latter provided him with an expanding network of contacts and the chance to meet many apprentices moving through the ranks, which in turn inspired him to take a greater interest in the training aspect of hospitality. After five years working with Hospitality Group Training, and then a further five running his own business consulting to the industry, Pat was made aware of plans for a new culinary academy in Joondalup, established through the advocacy of the then local member of parliament Tony O’Gorman. After it was opened, a friend told him that they were looking for an executive director of the academy, and that he would be perfect for the role. “It was actually a friend of mine Martin Carlin who said ‘I’ve seen your job

in the paper’,” Pat said. “I asked him ‘How can my job be in the paper when I work for myself?’”. In the nearly twenty years since he took the position, Pat has guided many trainees through the academy and into their professional lives, witnessing numerous success stories along the way – some rising to become head chefs across various Australian venues, while others have moved further afield – from London to Dubai and beyond – working at some of the world’s top restaurants. He has remained in touch with former students and Culinary Olympics competitors, just as he has retained a strong bond with the Irish community in Perth, partly through his supporting role at Rose’s dancing school, the O’Brien Academy of Irish Dance. In some cases, he has been able to unite both of these circles, by helping new migrants enter the hospitality industry in Perth.

“I still get people ringing me up and saying ‘I’ve got so and so coming out and he works in the industry’ and if I can help, I help,” Pat said. “I’ve had a few young people come here and they’ve built massive businesses in hospitality, and the one thing I’ll say to them is, don’t forget how you got to where you’re going.”

the show itself. “It is pretty full on and there is no real escape from it,” he said. “We all live together, we all travel to the set together and we’re in the green room reading in between filming or when you go home your practising cooking and even on the weekends you wouldn’t film but you’d spend the whole weekend just cooking, learning and reading recipes and trying to prepare as best you can for challenges, so it is an immersive, full on environment but I quite liked it and everyone there had the same passion and energy for food and cooking.”

Irish cook right at home in Masterchef Australia

G

alway man Phil Conway was for a while earlier this year one of the most high profile chefs in Australia. One of eighteen contestants on Masterchef Australia his relationship with food started at home in Loughrea.

“I was quite a fussy eater as a kid and my mother used to have to always cook a separate dinner for me to the rest of the family,” Phil told RTE Radio 1 presenter Kathryn Thomas recently. “She got sick of that when I was around 14 or 15 and told me if I wanted my own dinner I’d have to cook it for myself, so I said ‘fine, I would cook for myself’. So I took it upon myself, I always knew I wanted to learn more about food and cooking and what was out there and coming to Melbourne its just such a huge food culture here, its such a massive part of our lives.” After finishing secondary school he came to Sydney as a backpacker expecting to stay for a couple of years and then return home to Ireland, but 13 years later he is still here and with his recent success is unlikely to be returning home for anything other than a holiday.

Phil was working in the fitness sector when COVID hit and his gym – like almost everything else – was forced to shut down for long periods of time. “I spent most of my time cooking and watching old episodes of Masterchef and thought this is where I need to take the next step in life.” With a little nudge from his wife he applied for an audition and got through all the stages to become a finalist and then straight into

One of his personal favourite highlights was the episode where the mystery box was a huge structure as big as a building. “It was a giant mystery box, with a huge orange tree, sacks of peanuts, a barrel of wine, and giant Toblerones. I took the oranges and the Toberlone and I made a little Terry Chocolate Orange ice cream desert, which got top dish of the day that day. Myself and Jock had quite a nice moment talking about Terry’s Chocolate Oranges we had from back home that the two other judges didn’t quite get because they’re from Australia and he’s Scottish, so we had quite a nice connection over that.”

News that Masterchef judge Jock Zonfrillo had died suddenly filtered the same morning the new season of Masterchef was due to go to air. “It was very tough….that was a very hard period and when the show did start, watching it was quite tough,” added Phil. “But I can look back with such fond memories, he was a great leader and mentor and taught me and the other contestants so much over the time we had together and just lucky to have those memories I guess.”

Phil did quite well in the cooking competition and was the 12th chef to be eliminated. stint on one of the world’s most loved cooking shows has opened doors forhim- including cooking in three star Michelin restaurants in Melbourne – and given him the belief and vision to open his own wine bar and restaurant in his adopted city at some point in the future.

There’s no place like Ireland for these Australian Dirty Birds!

BY LLOYD GORMAN

Dirty Birds is a new Australian stage play with an old Irish soul.

The tragicomedy is the mutual product of a shared understanding and life experience that only siblings can know.

Written by Perth born sisters and actors

Mandy and Hayley McElhinney for each other during the Covid pandemic, their play is the extraordinary culmination of twenty years of dreaming and introspection. It is deeply rooted in their Irish heritage and devles into the on stage character’s innate longing and struggle to know themselves. Blurring the lines between truth and fiction, journey through the past, present, real and absurd, as two big-hearted ‘losers’ carve out a place for themselves in a new world.

Their late father

Andrew was born in Athone but left Donegal where he grew up at the age of 19 and arrived in Fremantle as a permanent fixture. He never returned to Ireland but its influence followed him and accompanied the sisters in their childhood, and even now as adults.

“A lot of what we explore is how that Irishness is kept alive in our lives,” Mandy and Hayley told Irish Scene in an online interview recently. As youngsters they knew Ireland to be ‘a green lush and romantic’ place. They remember their dad as “a real storyteller” with a strong sense of humour – and showmanship, qualities they also learnt from him. He never lost his accent and they remember him wearing Aran jumpers and “walking around like he was on a farm in Ireland”. Amongst other things they inherited his red hair and pale skin, which set them slightly apart. “When

we would step out into the sun as kids our skin would fry, so even though we belong to this beautiful country you also wonder where you belong. We feel very connected to Ireland and grew up knowing about it.” But they came to know and understand a darker side to his Irish heritage and identity. “Ireland was full of pain, trauma and loneliness for him, which he never showed until the end of his life. “ They also inherited “a sense of malignent shame” compounded by the “oppressiveness” the Catholic Church once exerted in Ireland. I put it to them that the basis of the play – sisters Mary and Martha who leave their humble home and seek solace and answers on a frutiless quest – sounds like something Irish playright Samuel Beckett might have written. Both established and recongised actors in their own right they confess they have studied all the Irish writers and are familiar with their work. But Dirty Birds is something new in its own right, and personal for the sisters. “It’s the first time we have written something together and the first time we are acting together and to do it for the first time on stage in Perth where we grew up is really something very special.”

It is set to make its debut on the main stage of the Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth from November 18 to December 10. The McElhinney girls plan to follow this onstage peformance with another more intimate ritual in 2024, when they bring their father’s ashes back to Ireland! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

INTERVIEW WITH THE IRFU HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR: DAVID NUCIFORA.

by Jonathan Bowen

On my trip to Sydney for the World Rugby 7s tournament earlier this year I had the chance to catch up and chat with the IRFU High Performance Director: David Nucifora. Many people in Irish rugby have credited David Nucifora for turning around the fortunes of Irish Rugby in recent years. David has been the architect in the restructure of the Irish provincial rugby system and how the success of Leinster has directly impacted the fortunes of the national team.

David thank you for making the time to talk with me today. David you must be happy with the success of the Irish sevens rugby teams, the heat \ in Sydney has not been favourable to the teams, but the overall program is proving to be very successful.

Yes, the program itself is going well. We are competing at the right end of the tournament which is where we want to be. The boys obviously did really well with a bronze medal and being on the dais with Fiji and New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup 7s tournament last year in South Africa. I mean who would have thought you would be mentioning Ireland’s name in the same sphere as those top rugby seven’s countries but that is what we can do. It has been a good program for developing new and upcoming players. We have had multiple players now come through the seven’s program that now play in the XV’s side. It has become a very important part of the overall Irish Rugby program.

Was the Irish rugby sevens program developed out of the Kinsale seven’s tournament?

Well Ireland really didn’t have a seven’s program. We built it from scratch through the Rugby Europe competition. Now that both teams have been on the circuit for a number of years, we are starting to get the results that see us competing at the right end of the

tournament. The seven’s program offers the opportunity to grow the women’s side of the game. Our target is to try and convince women who play Camogie and Gaelic football to come across and try rugby and show them that there is a professional sport that offers them a pathway to the Olympic Games. We are going to work hard in Irish Rugby to provide women an alternative sport and this current crop of women’s rugby players are the flag barriers of that program. We will hopefully finish in the top four of the World Rugby Seven’s seedings this year and qualify for Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

You must be proud of the development of women’s rugby in Ireland? With the recent success of the Inter Pro series and with the Combined Provinces XV team completing in the new Celtic Challenge Tournaments and the new professional contracts being offered to players. Things are starting to come together for the women’s game.

We are continuing to build the depth in women’s rugby in Ireland. It hasn’t had the proper pathways established. Our aim is to create the same structure and pathways for the women’s game that had been established for the men’s game. Creating the performance pathways that will lead to the women’s game becoming stronger alongside that, lifting the standard of coaching is obviously part of the long-term planning for the program as well.

What are your expectations for the Combined Provinces XV side playing the new Celtic Challenge?

It is just another steppingstone on the pathway program. It is very early days for the competition, it is just another way for us to develop the women’s game and get the team together to increase the amount of high-level competition they the team are exposed to.

You must be proud of the development work being done on the women’s seven’s program. The team has the depth to not select players such as Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe and Heather Kennedy and still experience success?

The women’s team are currently sitting in fourth place on the World Rugby Series standings, that would be good enough to see us qualify to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris so that is our aim. There is a lot of water to still go under the bridge before we can call it a success, but we are on the right pathway I feel.

You seem to have learnt a lot from the 2019 Rugby World Cup Campaign? Irish Rugby fans expectations were so high for that competition with the team ranked No 1 in the world. So, the disappointed of losing to New Zealand in the Quarter Final was a hard pill to swallow. Since that campaign, you instigated an extended tour of New Zealand that incorporated two matches against the New Zealand Māori and then there was the Ireland

Emerging Tour of South Africa. So, was the plan to increase the depth of the Irish Men’s Rugby team so it wasn’t so reliant on two or three players?

It is about depth and competition. Performance Programming is all about creating competition for positions and allows us to create the leavers we need to remain competitive. The Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa was one of those opportunities. The key to the program is providing the players we see as having a high potential and providing them the opportunities to develop to the next level if they are not getting enough game time with their provincial side. At the end of the day the whole thing is about creating depth within the provinces and the national level and Andy Farrell has been very good at putting that together. We are going to need access to forty top class rugby players to win the world cup.

David thank you so much for your time.

“Do they play football in Ulster?”

The game had just ended. The excitement was almost over. The euphoria was still out there, and my good wife (yes from Dublin 4) was still jumping up and down at the result. No, it was not the Ireland game which she certainly enjoyed but Australia vs France to gain a place in the semi-finals against the old enemy, England. That game and the final will be done and dusted by the time you are reading this, and I can’t presume to predict what will unfold but the Matildas have certainly changed the stage as far as women’s football (sorry soccer) is viewed in this country. Some of my friends who claim to be some kind of experts (that is they watched their local team every Saturday some thirty years ago) claim that the ladies play a game that is hardly worth watching and is of a low standard. Five years ago, I might have agreed. Not now. The recent games have all been exciting, often cagey and very technical.

“Do they play football in Ulster?” (read N. Ireland), she asked me out of the blue. After the few beers I had during the game, I managed to get some brain cells in working order but then discovered, embarrassingly, I did not know the answer. I was sure when I left the province during the seventies that there were no ladies teams never mind games. Certainly, I knew all the men’s teams. Glenavon, Glentoran, Cliftonville, Linfield, Ards, Crusaders and Bangor to name a few. How was I going to answer her legitimate question? Fortunate we men are nowadays, when we can look up such questions instantly to please our over-eager, ever-curious wives. Here is what I found.

Association football in N. Ireland, widely known as football or sometimes as soccer (to

avoid confusion with Gaelic football), is one of the most popular sports in the Province. The governing body in Northern Ireland is the Irish Football Association (IFA) (not to be confused with the Football Association of Ireland [FAI] in the Republic of Ireland). Gaelic football, rugby union and association football are the most popular sports in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) is the IFA’s women’s football arm. It runs a Women’s Cup, Women’s League, and the N. I. women’s football team. I won’t go into the male side of things here as it involves all kinds of issues that are best forgotten. Apparently, the inaugural meeting of the N. Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) was held in the Post Office Youth Club, College Square North, Belfast on 26th Nov. 1976. So not long after I had left. The league gradually grew in length and strength until its modern structure: Seven divisions and an eighth development league. Towns from all over the province are represented and at the time of writing, (15 August) they have reached the final week. I quote from some of the results posted on their web site.

This week saw more clubs being confirmed as Champions. As we continue to draw season 2023 to a close, here’s our review of the last week of play.

ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Lisburn Rangers are the winners of the 2023 Championship following a comprehensive win over Comber Rec coupled with a slip up by second placed Ballyclare Comrades meaning that the title is theirs. In securing the title Rangers have achieved the remarkable feat of having won five consecutive league titles and few can deny their worthiness as Champions

Women’s Premiership – well done to all at Lisburn Rangers.

ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE

There were no shocks in Division One with the top three sides SOP. Camlough and Larne Olympic all securing wins over Coleraine, Kilmore Rec and Armagh respectively. SOP were crowned champions of this division last week. Of course I had to look up what SOP stood for. I should have guessed. St. Oliver Plunkett F.C. 1969. A club from West Belfast with male teams along with the successful ladies.

ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO

The chase to be crowned Division Two champions remains alive with Greenisland and Ballyclare Reserves both winning to leave the table exceptionally tight. It remains however in the hands of league leaders Ballymoney

United who now need three points from their final two league games to secure the title. Four more divisions are mentioned, and I can only say that it is good that the Province is small enough to enable travel between the various villages and towns to play these games.

DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

Our first ever development league also concluded this week with Valley Rangers winning the inaugural title. Congratulations to everyone at Valley Rangers, and once again well done to all of the teams on completing their season. I couldn’t find any female teams from

Ulster Rambles

Donegal, Cavan, or Monaghan in this league, though I am certain they play for the leagues in Ireland. I did play this code in my youth, but I learned rugby football at High School, and I did not play football again (OK soccer) until I came to Australia.

Getting back to my question … does Northern Ireland have a women’s soccer team? The answer is yes. Although most national football teams represent a sovereign state, FIFA statues permit N.I. as a member of the United Kingdom’s Home Nations to maintain its own national side that competes in all major tournaments, except with the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. The team were the lowest UEFA-ranked team to qualify for the European Championship Finals in England in 2022. They were twenty seventh.

“Can Northern Ireland players play for the Republic?” the good wife inquired.

“Yes,” I confidently told her. “All players born in Northern Ireland are free to play for the Republic of Ireland football team.” I confirmed this later of course but it is best to seem like you know the answer. I waited one day before I finished this article as the family were all hyped up to see The Matilda’s’ attempt at getting to the final. The time is not right for them yet as I am sure you all know the result, but the effort was up there with the best and to end up in the top four is a really great achievement. I need to get this article in before the 3rd place is decided. Football (for me) or soccer as we now know it looks like a great sport for the girls even in a small country like N. Ireland for some or as I like to call it …. Ulster.

Perhaps in the future we may have one team representing Ireland. I would imagine it would rate higher than twenty seventh in Europe. As always may your God go with you and perhaps your team.

David MacConnell.

West sends its best North

Former Perth Glory defender Tanya Oxtoby was appointed as the new manager of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team the Irish Football Association announced recently. Oxtoby, who is originally from Wickham – some 1,572km north of Perth and 13km north of Roeburne in the Pilbara – signed a four year contract with the IFA on August 19. Expect to see more about Oxtoby – who makes the move from Chelsea – in upcoming editions of Irish Scene!

a success which confirms that there is indeed a clear pathway through our leagues into the

Papal people

An Irish priest based in Perth will soon be on his way to Rome. Professor Fr Eamonn Conway from Notre Dame University in Fremantle has been invited by Pope Francis to take part in the ‘Synod on Communions, Participation and Mission’ at the Vatican in October.

The synodal assemblies will see about 400 Catholics from around the world gather to prayerfully consider how the Church can thrive in the contemporary world. Professor Fr Conway is Notre Dame’s inaugural Chair of Integral Human Development and a priest of the archdiocese of Tuam in West Ireland. The theologian will attend the synod as an expert and facilitator. He said it was a privilege to be among the 400 Catholics invited to participate in what he said was the most significant synod in almost 70 years.

“My role is to assist in analyzing and synthesizing the many diverse perspectives

and contribute to the discernment process of in regard to what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Catholic Church at this time,” Professor Fr Conway said.

In a first for the Church, the Pope has opened the gathering up to lay people who will have voting rights. This rule change means Fr Conway will be joined in the expedition to Italy by an academic colleague from Notre Dame.

BY LLOYD GORMAN

Professor Kohler-Ryan, who is head of Notre Dame’s School of Philosophy and Theology, said the synod was a significant moment in the Church’s history and she was humbled to have been invited as a lay person to represent Australian Catholics.

“Synods bring together people from all walks of life within the Church - in the past this has not always been as evident,” Professor Kohler-Ryan said. “Now, this synod will meet to discuss how we can be more missionfocused, more participatory and more in communion with each other. Not only Bishops will have voting rights – this is something new and something that we will need to grow into together. But it is the natural development of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council that Catholics have a common baptism and so a common calling.”

Fr Conway knows his way around the halls and chambers of power and influence in Vatican City Maynooth and even the capital city of Ireland.

Since 2011, Fr Conway has been Chair of the Peter Hünermann Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Theology in Europe and in 2012 Pope Benedict appointed him as an expert advisor to the XIII World Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelisation. In 2014 the clever cleric was appointed to the expert panel of the Holy See’s Agency for promoting quality assurance in pontifical universities and ecclesiastical faculties for a five-year period, and in 2015 he was appointed to the Theology Committee of the Irish Bishops’ Conference. He has also written and edited several books and has served on a number of Irish government advisory bodies, including the Information Society Commission, for which he chaired the Working Group on Ethics & Values in a Digital Age. He also served on the Advisory Panel of the Irish National Economic and Social Development Learning Office.

Fr Conway was based at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick when in 2017 he was appointed to the Sisters of St John of God Visiting Scholar to the University of Notre Dame. As part of that role he delivers public lectures at Notre Dame, St John of God Subiaco Hospital and St John of God Murdoch Hospital.

Professor Eamonn Conway presents Synodal Pathway to Pope Francis

BUILDING BRIDGES with BELFAST and Beyond

Notre Dame and St Mary’s University College

Belfast recently agreed to work closer together to “foster collaboration and scholarly exchange”.

In early August the two Catholic education institutions announced they were moving into a “new phase of cooperation” with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Areas of collaboration will include academic faculty and student exchange programmes and immersions, joint research projects, teacher education and professional development, advancement of Catholic education and the spiritual formation of students and staff. Speaking about the MoU, Vice Chancellor of The

This new bilateral partnership is unique in that it is purposively grounded in the rich heritage of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition which informs and inspires our respective institutions in Ireland and Australia. At St Mary’s we look forward to a new phase of collaboration.”

University of Notre Dame Australia, Prof Francis Campbell, said: “Our ambition is to serve society through educating and forming our students so they can in turn serve the societies in which they live. Two of our key strategic pillars, Integral Human Development and Universality, are designed to encourage our students and staff to flourish, using our connections, networks, and relationships to provide every possible opportunity the world has to offer them. With this MOU in place, our students and colleagues will play an active part in the realisation of this vision.”

Prof Peter Finn KSG, Principal of St Mary’s University College Belfast, stated, “The mission of St Mary’s is to make a distinctive contribution of service and excellence, in the Catholic tradition, to higher education in Northern Ireland. To further our mission, we work with a wide range of partners and seek to build fruitful and enduring relationships.

As it happens Prof Finn was one of the education leaders who met with WA’s education minister Toni Buti when he visited Dublin and Belfast in early March of this year. Notre Dame’s connection with St Mary’s is not the Fremantle based uni’s first or only link with the North. Its VC, Prof Campbell is himself a son of the North, having been born into a farrming family just outside Newry, Co. Down. Campbell was educated at St. Colman’s College, Newry and after that he attended St Joseph’s Seminary in Belfast, attached to Queen’s University Belfast. His impressive academic career also included a stint at Trinity College Dublin. Mr Campbell took a break from academia in 1997 when he joined the British foreign and diplomatic service which saw him work at the United Nations Security Council in New York, the European Union, take up roles in London and on diplomatic postings overseas. From 1999-2003, he served on the staff of the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, first as a Policy Adviser in the No.10 Policy Unit, and then as

Francis Campbell

a Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. He also served on secondment with Amnesty International as the Senior Director of Policy. Amongt several other roles he was also the UK’s ambassador to the Holy See from 2005-2011. This is not the first time Mr Campbell has appeared in this magazine. In the November/ December 2022 edition we learned of the role he played in the pivotal moment when the late Queen Elizabeth II addressed a gala ball in her honour at Dublin Castle [Once the home of British rule in Ireland], beginning with the words “A Uachtarain, agus a chairde” (President and friends).

Those few simple words spoken in Irish by the reinging Monarch at the top of her speech sent out a powerful message to every person, politican and community with an interest in the Northern Ireland Peace Process and relations between Ireland and Britain, and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. President Mary McAleese, who had invited the Queen to visit Ireland, and who was sitting beside her at the time and was gobsmacked by the gesture, even though it was her idea to begin with. After the Queen had accepted Ms McAleese’s invitation to visit Ireland in 2011 the Irish president had the idea that the monarch might say something ‘As Gaeilge’ to help: “set to rest so much historic angst and resentment around the dire treatment of the language by the British when they were in power in Dublin Castle”.

British officials were nervous about the proposal in the high stakes world of British Irish relations, fearing that it could go wrong and embarrass the Queen or be taken as an insult on the Irish side. After some high levels discussions about the idea President McAleese agreed to drop it.

One day some time later an “old friend” of Mrs McAleese – herself a native of Ardoyne, North Belfast – called in on her at home. That friend

was Francis Campbell who was just about to start in the role of British High Commissioner of Islamabad. He told her a high ranking British official who was a friend of his wanted the words written in Irish, for the record. She told him that subject was closed but he convinced her to write them down – in Irish and phonetically – on the back of a scrappy envelope he took out of his pocket. “That was the last I heard of that until I was sitting there on the night and she [Queen Elizabeth] got up. I still can’t believe how they played me, because my own staff was in on it and they were all waiting for the moment she would speak Irish and I would have a heart attack”, Mrs McAleese said in an interview with RTE presenter Ray Darcy. She also revealed that Campbell still has her original handwritten saluation with him in

It was sad to hear of the passing of Fr Stephen Fintan Cooney who passed peacefully to his eternal reward on Sunday, July 9th, 2023. Fr Cooney was the parish priest of York Western Australia in his later parish duties. A native of Tielahood, Co Cavan, Ireland, Fr Stephen was one of the founding members of the Norbertine Community in Western Australia, the last member of the Founding Fathers. He served as Parish Priest of York, Cunderdin, Quairading, Beverley, Brookton and Pingelly. He managed the Norbertine property at ‘Kerrydowns’ for many years. His story was in the Irish Scene some years ago and worth a read again. Fr Stephen’s quiet gentleness endeared him to many; his ministry was very often behind the scenes, effective, nevertheless. His faithfulness to his ministry as priest and religious was exemplary. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we remembered one of the Bride Ship Irish girls in 2016, Mary Ann Taylor, it was Fr Cooney who did the blessing and was very helpful it making sure all went smoothly. When Fred Rea visited Fr Cooney in the Glendalough Retirement home some months ago he seemed very content in his surroundings. Though restricted, none the less he was very positive and pleased in his life’s work and journey. He was a very special man and will be missed by his many friends throughout the wheatbelt and in Ireland. Slan abhaile a chara

Prof Peter Finn, left, and VC Prof Prancis Campbell

Vale Fr Stephen Cooney

Fr Cooney blessing the Mary Ann Taylor Travel Box in York

THE MIDWEST IRISH

La’ maith from the Midwest Irish Club.

As we stop and pause for a moment, its hard to believe we are closer to the end of the year than the start, where has this time gone.

The Midwest Irish Club again hosted one of our favourite travelling duos, Leather & Lace, on a Saturday night ticketed event in June. You may have heard of Leather & Lace, a husband-and-wife duo who normally entertain the people in the Mandurah area (6 months of the year anyway).

For the other 6 months of the year, they travel the great state of Western Australia towing their houseboat on a tri axle trailer with their truck which not only transports them, but all their musical equipment. Whilst on the road or travelling WA, you may come across Leather (Mark) & Lace (Tracey), or is it the other way around, I can never remember ,asthey are often playing gigs at some regional pubs and clubs. The Midwest Irish Club never misses an opportunity to book them as they head up North and then back down again later in the year.

As for our normal operating hours, the club made the decision to change our opening hours on Friday evening from 5pm

to 6pm. This allows for our dedicated volunteers who manage and operate the bar enough time to finish work on a Friday and then come down to volunteer and support the club.

The Midwest Irish club relies heavily on the support of its members and volunteers for the successful running of the club. Unlike some other clubs, there are no paid personnel at the Midwest Irish Club, and we would like to thank our dedicated committee and general members who are appropriately qualified and volunteer in the positions of Approved Bar Managers and Bar Staff.

The Midwest Irish Club pride ourselves on the support we not only provide to our members, but to the local Geraldton music scene. As stated above and in previous editions of the Irish Scene, we do support bands from Perth like Leather & Lace, The Deadly Woodbines and The Broken Pokers who come up and play on a Saturday night ticketed event, but throughout the year, our Friday Night and Sunday Afternoon live music schedule is filled with local Geraldton & Midwest musicians. Some may think we are bias, but the local musical talent in this region is outstanding. Our relaxed and laidback venue cater for all musicians, and we often host an originals night which gives up and coming musicians an opportunity to play in front of a family friendly crowd and gets them use to the big stage. To promote Irish culture, which is what we are all about, our local musicians have now learnt an Irish repertoire for when they play at the club, how good is that.

In other news, founding member, Finbar (Frank) Kelly, wanted to mark the occasion of the Women’s Irish Soccer Team qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This was discussed by the committee who approved the purchase of a framed Irish Women’s

CLUB INCORPORATED

Team Jersey. When it arrives, this will be installed on the club’s interior wall to highlight this special achievement. Moving forward, the club are proud to announce it will be hosting Robert Zielinski & Manuela Centanni on Saturday 9 September 2023 for a ticketed event. Robert a fiddle player and Manuela, a flute player and singer will be playing traditional music from Ireland and beyond. They are also known for their unique tone and unison playing, harmonies and arrangements. We look forward to this event and further details can be found on our Facebook page.

Finally, the clubs AGM will be held on the 24 September 2023 which will see several committee members stepping down, allowing the opportunity for other members to step up and assist the club moving forward. We wish to thank those members for their time and service on the committee. One of those members stepping down is myself, but I have agreed to continue providing this write up on behalf of the

Midwest Irish Club to the Irish Scene. I would like to thank Lloyd for his support to the Midwest Irish Club and allowing us to be included in the magazine. I look forward to continuing working with him into the future.

Continue to keep up to date with our upcoming events and live music programme by visiting our Facebook page and remember, if you are passing through Geraldton, don’t be a stranger. Until next time.

Regards

Simon Miller Committee Member

Iam often asked, how do you find your story’s and I always reply I don’t, they find me. They come from all sorts of ways. Just an example of how this one found me. There I was sitting in my music room humming and strumming my guitar when the phone rings. The voice says, why didn’t you tell me the Mayor of Frankston is Irish and he was born in Cork. This call wasn’t from another Irishman, it was from a client of mine who came to Cork for my birthday (Premature wake, as I called it then) back in 2016. Well, you better go and see this guy because I’d like to know if he is as interesting as the Mayor of Cork who we all met during your wake, Ha Ha. That’s just how it happens, sometimes. With that news, I make two quick calls to The Irish Scene magazine here in Australia and the Irish Examiner in the USA and another to Frankston council to request a meeting with the mayor. Melissa Ritter, the Council and Events officer, took my call and asked me to supply my credentials and some background information for why and for who I would be doing the interview for. Next morning, I dropped off some archive Interviews I covered over many years. Melissa came back to me in super-fast time the next morning to confirm my meeting with the mayor. What else could I expect to make this meeting with a fellow Cork man a little bit more like meeting in our home city? O yea, rain, rain and more rain and that’s what I got as I ran from the carpark to the Council offices.

Looking like a shaggy dog, I am greeted with a firm handshake, a broad smile and the familiar Irish brogue. I shake off my wet coat and settle down to, let’s not call this an interview but rather a very comfortable conversation. I am in no hurry to throw

a lot of questions at the mayor as I had researched most of what I was going to ask him anyway.

Nathan grew up in Ballinderry Park in Mayfield, only a hop and a skip from where, one time Manchester united captain Roy Keane, also grew up. He said, his mam Martina, dad Gerard and his brother Jordan still live in Mayfield. Nathan spoke growingly of Mayfield and of the Community school he attended, calling it an inspiring education. He singled out Laura Fox, saying he considered her the greatest asset the school has ever had. She believed in his ability to succeed and that stayed with him to this very day.

At age 19, Nathan left Mayfield for Australia and much like a lot of the young Irish who come to Australia and hope to stay, he moved around a while before settling down in Melbourne, after he met up with another Mayfield lad Garry Wood, who helped him to settle into the city.

To confirm Ms Fox’s belief in Nathans ability, he became the general manager of a multimilliondollar business at the age of 24 achieved by long days and total dedication to succeed. Before the mayorship, his job was to help membership-based organisations who were struggling, to perform financially. He would then make the necessary changes to help them back to profitability. He ran for election in 2020, in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic and found it very difficult to campaign. He worked hard and stayed focused in a time when the odds of success looked grim, for a first timer. To prove Ms Foxes’ belief in Nathans ability to go on to better things in life, the election results showed that Nathan Conroy had received the highest number of votes in the city, just like a phoenix rising. He was in shock as he thought he would do well but winning by a mile was amazing. He was sworn in on

November 16th, 2022, and 15 minutes later he was elected deputy mayor. Then recently Nathan became the Mayor of Frankston. He says he loves living in this beautiful city, only minutes from the beach and an abundance of fine restaurants, café and bars. This is also the town where Johnny Logan, Irelands triple Eurovision winner was born. Nathan is well settled in Frankston now, with his wife Steffie, a local Frankston girl whose family lives close to them. He said it reminds him of the closeness of his own family in Mayfield. Recently they became parents with the arrival of their son, whom they named Callan. Remember that old Irish saying (as snug as a bug in a rug), that sums up Nathan life now. He told me that they were traveling to Cork in late July to spend time with family. then the whole Conroy clan were off to Tenerife where their son and family would be celebrating Callan’s first birthday. Nathan likes to return home to Cork at least every two years to see his family and visit old friends. He says Cork is thriving and he’s excited watching it grow and develop into the future.

On his return, to Frankston after a well-deserved break, it’s down to hard work on the mayoral side of his life and there won’t be any time to bask in the sun. They have both state and federal elections during his tenure. “This haven’t happened in a long time, so the council has developed and consulted the community on our advocacy priorities, our big projects, worth

$100m- [€62m] and my job is to persuade candidates to commit the funds. We have a huge organisation with just shy of 1,000 staff and I hope as mayor I have a positive impact throughout the city.”

Away from his busy mayoral schedule Nathan is doing a two-year MBA online course at Swinburne University. He is a member of Fine Gael party in in Ireland and the Liberal party in Australia. He states that although he is affiliated with a party, it doesn’t mean that he agrees with all their policies and but believes by getting involved you can change those policies. Nathans core values are, creating opportunities, facilitating business and education for all. “I want everyone to be able to get ahead, regardless of where they came from. I want people to be able to dream bigger and then achieve those dreams that they thought were once unreachable. I believe in a small lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives and allows people and business to not only survive but thrive. “

Nathan is passionate about education and believes that one area that needs to increase both in Ireland and Australia, is our investment in children. “If we are going to lift people out od disadvantage, or allow everyone to get ahead, education is the way and that needs to start as soon as possible.”

It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with this wonderful young fellow Irishman, a man that has great ambitions for all his constituents. Nathan has a warm gentle politeness, coupled with oodles of charisma. Like his schoolteacher Ms Fox, I believe that Nathan has that X factor to achieve unlimited success. He said in parting that it would be great if Frankston and Cork could become sister cities, I totally agree. I will be in Cork in late September / early Oct and expect to meet with the Lord Mayor while there and may have a whisper in his ear!

Until next time be good to then who love you and slainte from Melbourne

Mike Bowen

Comhaltas Membership and Lessons

Perth Comhaltas welcome and encourage aspiring musicians of all ages and levels to get in touch. Members of our committee will be able to assist in the many areas of Irish music, song, dance and language, whether that be learning the bodhran, to gain an understanding of sheet music and common tunes played at the Irish sessions, the basics of Irish language and set dancing, and more.

Membership Benefits

• Discounted Tuesday Night lessons (at the Victoria Park RSL);

• Discounts for Perth Comhaltas Camps.;

• Discounts for Perth Comhaltas Events (Céilí Dances, Dinners); and

• Access to Comhaltas instruments and gear.

Tuesday Sessions

Membership Costs

• Pensioner: $20

• Child: $20

• Family: $65

• Adult single: $40

• Adult (couple): $55

This is our main gathering with a beginner’s lesson starting at 7:30pm, and a free open session from 8:30pm. We meet most Tuesday nights with the exception of public holidays. Lessons are for Music and Irish Language which take place at the Vic Park RSL, 1 Fred Bell Parade, East Victoria Park. Fees for Lessons: Members: $10 / Non-Members: $15 (there is no charge to attend from 8:30pm and join in the open session).

Sunday Sessions

On the 3rd Sunday of the month, we have an afternoon session in the Victoria Park Centre for the Arts, 12 Kent St, East Vic Park. This is suitable for beginners and for those who cannot make the Tuesday night lesson. The Sunday session takes place between 2pm and 4pm.

Contact Information - Perth Comhaltas, Sean Doherty Branch

Website: https://perthcomhaltas.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perthcomhaltas

Email: perthcomhaltas@gmail.com

2023 ORAL HISTORIES PROJECT LAUNCHES AT PERTH

CITY LIBRARY

We were honoured to welcome the Hon. Tim Mawe – Ambassador of Ireland to Australia – to officiate at the launch of the 2023 Oral Histories. Gracing the event were also the Hon. Alanna Clohesy MLC, the Hon. Kate Doust MLC, our Honorary Consul Marty Kavanagh, our story tellers and interviewers and many members of the vibrant Irish community here in Western Australia. This remarkable project, which began in 2022, is a continuation of our Claddagh Oral History Project initially conceived during the early stages of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The launch took place at the Perth City Library on Monday 10 July, where we celebrated not only the project’s completion but also the diverse and inspiring stories of the Irish diaspora in Australia. These oral histories offer a captivating and profound perspective on Irish migration to Australia. They pay homage to the indomitable spirit of the Irish migrants who embarked on a journey in pursuit of a better life and ultimately found a new home in Australia. The Collection, comprising audio files of interviews held with Irish immigrants to WA and a published book of excerpts entitled From Home to Home – Volume II, will be enshrined within the State Library of WA. It will be an integral part of their Migration Voices Archive, a noteworthy component of the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Program. This will ensure that these stories are easily accessible to everyone. Our unwavering commitment to the Irish community in Western Australia shines brightly through this project. We celebrate our heritage, preserve our history, and forge connections between generations. We can’t wait to share these incredible stories with you! Stay tuned to our social media over the coming months, where we will publish the link to the Collection. You can also see here in the Irish Scene where we’ll publish the excerpts too! A digital copy of the book of excerpts will also be available for reading via our website.

QUIZ NIGHT A TRIUMPH!

We bid farewell to the financial year with a night of fun and knowledge at our Quiz Night, which also marked the launch of Conor Brennan’s eagerly awaited second book - ‘The Wolves of the Irish Sea - Volume II’. With nearly 120 enthusiastic participants at The Irish Club, we raised over $9000, a remarkable achievement that will further our vital work in the community. A huge thanks in particular to Trevor and Michelle McGrath from KräftigLED who made a substantial incredibly generous donation on the night which significantly increased the fundraising. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors, who showered us with prizes for raffles, silent auctions, and, of course, our victorious quizzers. We hope to see you soon!

#GIRLSINGREEN SHINE AT HISTORIC WORLD CUP

In a tournament filled with thrilling moments, our Irish Women’s Soccer Team made history at their first-ever World Cup! The journey was a testament to their dedication, passion, and unwavering determination.

Notably, we extend our congratulations to the Spanish team for their victorious run and to the Australian team, who reached the semi-finals for the first time and secured a commendable fourth place finish.

Our #GirlsInGreen, though not the champions, captured our hearts and made Ireland proud. Their remarkable journey as well as that soggy night and that amazing goal in Perth will be etched in our memories forever.

FREE VISA CLINICS

The Claddagh Association hosts FREE Visa Clinics every two months. Patricia Halley (MARA 1383611) from Visa4You, a registered and experienced Migration Agent is available for face to face and telephone appointments. If you need advice about visas or citizenship, please make an appointment with our office for the next clinic by contacting us at the office on08 9249 9213 or email us at admin@claddagh.org.au.

Appointments are available to anyone in the Irish community offer an excellent opportunity to receive guidance from a seasoned professional. In the future, we aim to make these sessions even more interactive, considering group face-to-face sessions or webinars for those who work remotely or during evenings/ weekends.

CLADDAGH SENIORS ENJOY SOME GREAT DAYS OUT!

CLADDAGH SENIORS ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT THE MIGHTY QUINN

The Claddagh Seniors’ traditional ‘Christmas in July’ celebration at The Mighty Quinn on July 19 was a resounding success. Delicious food, music, songs by the Broken Pokers, wonderful raffle prizes, and the delightful company of our lovely seniors ensured a fantastic day for all. A heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to our generous friends who donated to the Free Raffle including the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Hon Alanna Clohesy, Hetty’s Scullery, Jurien Bay Beach Café, Mariea

MOVIE DAY A TREAT!

On Tuesday 27 June our Seniors enjoyed an outing to see an exclusive screening of ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ at Event Cinemas in Innaloo. Delicious refreshments were served in the cinema and everyone enjoyed the movie. Ice-creams went down a real treat whilst relaxing on the luxurious cinema recliners. Thank you to our Seniors Committee for organising such a fun movie screening. We have some exciting seniors’ events lined up for September and October. If you have visitors from Ireland, parents, or grandparents, why not send them along for a delightful day out? Follow us on social media or contact the office for more details.

LUNCHING IN GUILDFORD!

A fantastic day was had by everyone at The Stirling Arms in Guildford on Monday 14 August. Delicious food, a lovely venue and great company, ensured another successful seniors event.

Thank you Joe Carroll for entertaining us with some lovely songs. We rounded out the day with fun Irish bingo, with prizes galore being won throughout the afternoon.

Crabbe, Anne McKeaghney and Tom Tallon.

JB FOREVER GALA BALL –

SATURDAY 11 NOV 2023

Join us for unforgettable night on 11 November 2023, where we’ll pay tribute to Jeremy Burke and raise funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund and the Claddagh Association.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund came into existence in 2013, born of the tragic loss of Kevin Bell at the tender age of 26 in New York. This trust, for those unfamiliar with it, was established by the Bell family to ensure that any Irish person who dies abroad in sudden and/or tragic circumstances is repatriated back to their beloved Ireland.

To date, this noble endeavor has brought over 1,500 Irish people home, thanks to the tireless efforts of these extraordinary individuals. The Trust operates across 32 countries worldwide. All funds raised during this Ball will be equally distributed between The Claddagh Association and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund.

Secure your tickets now and support this incredibly worthy cause. For more information and tickets, please visit – JB Forever 27 Gala Ball in aid of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and The Claddagh Association WA | Tickets | Powered by Givergy or see our Facebook page for ticket and donation options.

UNLOCK THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH SENIORS DIGITAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS!

Exciting news for our senior community members! Get ready to embark on a journey into the digital age with our upcoming Seniors Digital Training Workshops. These workshops are tailor-made for seniors, creating a fun and supportive learning environment where you can gain practical skills in using today’s technology. Stay tuned for updates on the workshop date. Get in early and book your spot and embark on this digital adventure with us. If you have parents visiting from overseas book them in and get them to join in the digital revolution! A huge thank you to the Irish Government Emigrant Support Program Grant for making the Seniors Digital Training Project possible. It’s time to embrace the future!

VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE! (ON HAND)

The world is a better place today, thanks to the dedication of volunteers. Volunteering has the power to transform lives, both for volunteers and those they help. It fosters social, economic, and cultural inclusion while improving our health and well-being. Whether you can spare an hour or commit to an ongoing program, we can’t wait to have you involved! We provide full training and support. Please reach out to our office to inquire about our interesting and valuable volunteer opportunities coming up over the next couple of months.

A heartfelt thank you to our current Claddagh volunteers for everything you do in our community. Your support is deeply appreciated, and the people who benefit from your work are truly grateful.

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 2023 you can donate at our website: claddagh.org.au or contact the office or come to one of our events mentioned above.

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.

13/15 Bonner Drive, Malaga WA 6090.

Enquiries: 08 9249 9213

admin@claddagh.org.au

To All The Wild Geese

every day still managed to be filled. I spent nights staying up far too late, each time with a different constellation of my family around our well-worn kitchen table, laughing, bickering, and loving one another in the odd and comfortable ways family do.

I had thought this time at home would offer me some closure. A sort of peace in facing the seemingly imminent permanence of my life abroad. And yet, once we build our home far away, I think a part of us can never quite be still again. Even in our moments of greatest contentment, there will always be one foot itching for the Emerald Isle. It is a long recorded affliction, and still, despite knowing I am not the first to feel it, I have yet to manage curing the cumha that’s settledness on me. Maybe we are not supposed to.

So, Dear Expat, I write this letter specifically for you. Because there is no clean closure I have to give you when your heart exists in two different places at once. When it beats to the rhythm of two different ways of living. There is no silver lining, only that I suggest you let it break your heart. And in the process, it will crack you wide open. And you will live, with this open, gaping heart. And it will amaze you with its ability to stretch so wide, wider than you ever thought possible, to encapsulate everything you love so dearly. Even the tears, even the homesickness, even the way the thought of that infamous advert for Barrys Tea in South East Asia can make you crumble on a particularly bad day. Even when people dont understand your accent or the Reeling in the Years video you were in absolute stitches over. Even when you’re straining to hear your granny ask how the weather is on a choppy WhattsApp call while your ten cousins roar with laughter over pulling crackers in the

background on Christmas morning. All of it, every bit of it, welcome it all. You have lived enough and loved enough to have found something worth breaking your heart open for. The past versions of ourselves and all

A Taste of Home

BATTERED IRISH PORK SAUSAGE...................$3.60

CURRY CHEESE CHIPS ...................................$6.50

CHEESE, BACON + GARLIC CHIPS ..................$9.00

CHICKEN BALLS (6)........................................$8.50

TACO CHIPS.................................................$12.00

CHILLI BEEF, CHEESE + CHIPS + TACO SAUCE 3 IN 1 ..........................................................$12.00

CHICKEN BALLS, CHIPS + CURRY

GARLIC MUSHROOM ......................................$9.00

HOMEMADE IRISH COLESLAW SMALL...............................................$5.00

LARGE ...............................................$9.00

Irish Special Deals

HANGOVER SPECIAL (1 BATTERED SAUSAGE, TACO CHIP AND SOFT DRINK).......................$18.00

4 IN 1 (3 IN 1, 6 BATTERED ONION RINGS AND SOFT DRINK ).......................................$18.00

THE SUPPER (1 BATTERED SAUSAGE, 12 BATTERED ONION RINGS, CURRY SAUCE AND SOFT DRINK)........................................$18.00

HUNGRY HOOR ( 2 BATTERED SAUSAGES, CURRY CHEESE CHIP AND SOFT DRINK) .......$17.00

THE LOT BOX ( 2 BATTERED SAUSAGES, CHICKEN BALLS, ONION RINGS, MEDIUM SERVE OF CHIP, CURRY SAUCE AND DIPPING SAUCE) ............$30.00

TheSpiritof TheSpiritof theNationthe

by Mike Bowen

Open your eyes

Look closely at me

Don’t be afraid

Of what you might see

I am the spirit of the Nation

Who fought with Brian Boru

I am the blood of the Nation

That runs through each of you

I am the salmon in the Shannon

I am the shamrock in the fields

I am the tweed on your back

And my name is Sarah Mack

My name is Paddy Reilly

And my name is Chris de Burgh

My name is Shane MacGowan

And I’m sometimes called a Pogue

I am the Spirit of the Nation

And I run through all your veins

I am you and you are me

I am Dublin, I am Belfast, and I am the Irish Sea

I am the peacemaker and the healer

Let me wrap you in my shawl

And let me tell you each and everyone I love you one and all

My present to the people of Ireland

Mike Bowen, Gurranabraher, Cork/Melbourne Australia

Rehearsals are well under way for the Australian premiere of “By The Bog Of Cats” by Marina Carr, presented by The Irish Theatre Players.

Marina Carr is a prolific playwright who was brought up in County Offaly and now lives in County Kerry. Her plays include MARBLE, THE MAI, PORTIA COUGHLAN, ON RAFFTERY’S HILL and BY THE BOG OF CATS.

The story is loosely based on Euripides’ tragedy MEDEA. Set on the grim and isolated landscape of the Bog of Cats, it is the tale of Hester Swane, a Traveller, and her attempts to come to terms with a lifetime of abandonment as her world is torn in two. It’s the story of a woman who is provoked beyond the limits of human endurance.

BY THE BOG OF CATS is a furious, uncompromising tale of greed and betrayal, of murder and profound self-sacrifice.

Do not miss this stunning Irish Theatre Players production directed by Lucy Eyre.

Adult themes.

Opens on 14th September in the Townsend Theatre at the Irish Club in Subiaco and continues on the 15th, 16th 17th (matinee performance) 21st, 22nd and 23rd of September. Evening performances begin at 7.30pm, matinee on the 17th begins at 2.00pm. Tickets are $25 and $20 concession.

By The Bog Of Cats

SEPT 14, 15, 16, 17 (MATINEE) 21, 22, 23

Tickets are $25 and $20 concession

THE LAGHTGANNON AXE

Written by: Bill Daly, Local Archaeologist, Oughterard Cultural and Heritage Group.

As we progress through life, some days are more ingrained in the databases of our brain more than others. The late afternoon of Monday 5th December 2022 was one of those days for me. As I walked home from the Courthouse, along the Magheramore Road, I could see John Cronnelly standing outside his house in the distance. In the deep of winter it was unusual enough to meet anybody on the roads at this time of year. As I got closer to John, I had this feeling that he might actually be waiting to talk to me. And sure enough he was. After we exchanged greetings, he thrust something heavy into my hand and asked; ‘is this any good to you’. As I looked down at my hand, I felt the hairs rising on the back of my neck as John had just given me a huge prehistoric axe. John told me that his late father, Jack Cronnelly, had come across it over 50 years ago at his home place in the townland of Laghtgannon a short distance below the Golf Club.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I knew exactly what I was looking at. It was an ancient axe most likely made from a material called shale and these were in use from the Mesolithic (8000 -4000 BC), into the Neolithic (40002500 BC) and up to the Early Bronze Age to approximately 1500 BC. After this, copper/ bronze axes would replace the ones made from stone. The next day, I asked Alex from Myoptix to take some professional images of the axe for me, and I sent these to Professor Graeme Warren in UCD and Dr. Bernard Gilhooly at the National Museum. I weighed the axe at the Post Office and it was 945 grammes with an overall length of 23 centimetres. It was the biggest shale axe I had ever come across.

Graeme Warren came back to me and said – ‘What a beautiful artefact! It could very easily be Mesolithic rather than Neolithic’.

Bernard Gilhooly from the NMI remarked – ‘its size is exceptional.

less rolling activity, such as a river or lake (the Drimneen River is close to Laghtgannon, where the axe came from, and enters Lough Corrib near Aughnanure Castle) it does not look like there was much work done to the body or butt. The majority of the manufacturing was at the blade end, and consists of predominately grinding, with possibly only a small amount of knapping’ Shale cobble axes played a significant role in Irish prehistory, particularly during the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. These axes were important tools that served multiple purposes, including woodworking and construction. Shale cobble axes were typically crafted from a dense and durable sedimentary rock known as shale. Shale is characterized by its finely layered composition, making it suitable for fashioning into axe heads. The axes had a distinctive shape with a roughly oval or elongated form.

Crafting shale cobble axes involved a combination of methods. Initial shaping was achieved by pecking and grinding the shale using harder stones, such as quartz or chert, to remove excess material and create a rough form. Further refining was done by grinding, polishing, and honing the blade edge to enhance its cutting efficiency. Shale cobble axes served various purposes in our prehistory. They were primarily utilized as versatile tools for woodworking, allowing Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age communities to fell trees,

The Laghtgannon Axe

Jack Cronnelly

shape timber, and construct wooden structures.

Shale axes also had symbolic and ritualistic importance within Irish prehistoric societies. They have been found in ceremonial contexts, such as burials, indicating their associations with beliefs, ceremonies, or rituals surrounding life and death. These axes might have held social or religious significance, symbolizing power, status, or a connection to the spiritual realm. Jack Cronnelly, who passed away in 2007, was a very well known figure in Oughterard who predominantly did his fishing from the pier and occasionally up in the mountain lakes. On Sunday February 14th 2010 a memorial seat on the pier at Oughterard was blessed by Fr. Jimmy Walsh and dedicated to the memory of Jack. An intelligent and curious man, close to landscape and nature, Jack found this axe over 50 years ago, and not quite sure what it was, put it into the

safety of his shed until somebody came along to shine some light on it. This is a wonderful artefact from our prehistoric past and the Oughterard Culture & Heritage Group is very much indebted to Jack and John Cronnelly for bringing it to our attention. The axe looks very Mesolithic which would give it a date of 7000 -8000 years old. However, we cannot say that conclusively as it cannot be dated now out of the soil context. The youngest it can be is about 4000 years old. The story has just begun.

Jack’s Bench at Oughterard Pier

John with Eva, Emily and Holly

Book Reviews

Books reviewed by John Hagan

IMMACULATE ANNA MCGAHAN / ALLEN & UNWIN $32.99

In association with publishers Allen & Unwin, the prestigious Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award (worth $20,000) is presented each year to the Australian author of the best unpublished manuscript who is under the age of 35. This year the prize is won by Anna McGahan for ‘Immaculate’. It seems that literary prowess runs in the McGahan family with Anna’s uncle, Andrew McGahan, the recipient of the award in 1991, for his book, ‘Praise’. Perhaps previously unknown as an author, Anna may be familiar to Australian screen audiences from her TV appearances in ‘The Doctor Blake Mysteries’ and ‘Underbelly’. While ‘Immaculate’ is not autobiographical, it draws heavily on Anna’s own life – her marriage (and subsequent divorce) to a Pentecostalist minister and her present single parenting of two young daughters. McGahan’s novel features Frances, a young woman separated from her pastor husband, Lucas, whose daughter, Neve, has been diagnosed with life threatening cancer. All Frances wants is a cure, but that would take a miracle - and Frances doesn’t believe in miracles any more. While working in the church’s homeless mission, Frances is sought out by teenager, Mary, who claims to have had an immaculate conception, an assertion which leaves Frances deeply challenged. But Mary may not be who she seems, and soon Frances is plunged into a series of inexplicable events leading to a possible miracle. But the miracle may not be the one Frances is expecting. This is a lively, inventive, confrontational and tender novel with the rapidly unfolding action told through a sequence of short, descriptive ‘chapters’ largely recounted through the voice of Frances. This perspective is interspersed, and amplified, by a series of text messages, Bible readings, police interviews, medical records, emails and shopping lists. As befits her Irish Roman Catholic heritage and

her Pentecostal church involvement, McGahan has penned a profound novel exploring faith and spirituality, questioning their impact on both the individual and the community. ‘Immaculate’ is undeniably a novel worthy of its celebrated accolade.

CENTRAL PARK WEST

BY JAMES COMEY / BLOOMSBURY $ 32.99

It’s rare for a first time author to have his/her name (a) above the book title, (b) in the same size script as the title, and (c) have their name in gold lettering. So who is this new novelist and why has the publisher accorded him such an elevated status? While relatively unheralded in Australia, James Comey is famous, or should that be notorious, in the United States. In another life Comey served as the US attorney for the Southern District of New York before becoming director of the FBI. It was from this role that he was famously sacked in 2017 by President Donald Trump over his (perceived) maladroit handling of the Hillary Clinton email debacle and Trump’s (alleged) collusion with Russia. Well, Comey certainly has the background and knowledge to deliver a high stakes thriller. His tale starts promisingly enough with the killing of a former disgraced New York governor (dubbed ‘the Harvey Weinstein of politics’), apparently by his estranged wife. Meanwhile, across the city, a notorious mafia mobster facing a lifetime prison charge offers to squeal about the real circumstances surrounding the governor’s slaying and finger his assassin. Linking both these events together is federal prosecutor Nora Carleton, who is plunged into a mass of city corruption, not to mention the interdepartmental friction she faces between the FBI, the Department of Justice and the New York Police Department. While Comey is happy to regale the reader with descriptions of the minutiae of downtown Hoboken, surprisingly, given the author’s background, juicy details of the workings of the FBI are thin on the ground. In fact, this is a thriller almost without thrills. Also, to the novel’s

detriment, the central characters are flat and flaccid while Comey’s prose is weighed down by an over abundance of clichés and ‘Americanisms’. While the book may sell well in the United States, where name recognition alone could rocket it to the top of the best-seller lists, it is unlikely to register such activity in Australia. Arguably, helping to support four years of Donald Trump is not the worst thing Comey has ever done.

TRUMP’S AUSTRALIA BRUCE WOLPE / ALLEN & UNWIN $34.99

When he first arrived on the political scene, Trump seemed to me a bit of a thaveless buffoon, somewhat similar to his UK counterpart, Alexander de Pfeffel (Boris) Johnson. My impression was that both might make a moderate living as stand up comedians. But with the passage of time, and increasing follies, I began to realize just how dangerous, deceptive and deviant both had become. Trump began to exhibit proclivities for isolationism, protectionism and unpredictability. It was America first and the rest of the world, including Australia, nowhere. Setting the scene early in the 2016 electoral campaign, John Sununu, Republican Governor of New Hampshire, remarked that Trump, ‘ may be rich, but he’s not very bright’. As president, Trump consistently displayed his preference for authoritarian leaders (Putin, Xi, Kim etc), to the detriment of democratic allies such as Turnbull, and later Morrison. In this lively, well researched book, Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, illuminates Trump’s impact on Australia and how, as first term president, he impeded our international relations, diminished our economy and emboldened local political and religious extremists. But this is all in the past: more importantly, how will a second Trump coming impact Australia? Wolpe identifies foreign policy and trade as the most likely flashpoints as Trump erects his favourite force fields of isolation and protectionism in the South Pacific. Wolpe discusses the possibility (and outcome) of withdrawal of American forces from South Korea and the feasible abandonment of Taiwan in favour of a US trade deal with China. AUKUS too may be in the firing line of a President more likely to take foreign policy advice from Greg Norman than the Pentagon mandarins. In Wolpe’s view, future relations between Albanese and Trump could be strained with Trump negatively swayed

by Albo’s union background, his upbringing in public housing by a single mum, and his perceived socialist outlook. Besides, he doesn’t even play golf! While America’s democracy may not survive a second Trump presidency, Wolpe highlights how Australia might draw on its strengths to protect its democracy, economy and society from Trumphism. This book is both a timely warning and a potential national survival guide.

FEAST

EMILY

O’GRADY / ALLEN & UNWIN $32.99

Brisbane novelist, Emily O’Grady shot to fame in 2018 when she won the prestigious Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award for her debut novel, ‘The Yellow House’. In doing so O’Grady joined a select coterie of Australia’s finest writers including Kate Grenville, Gillian Meares, Mandy Sayer and Tim Winton. Her second book ‘Feast’ focuses on the lives of three women, exposing their dark secrets, during an eventful weekend in rural Scotland. The reclusive Alison, a former actress, scheduled to make her comeback in a film to be shot in Belfast, lives with her partner, Patrick, a professional musician past his prime, in a decaying manor house which she inherited from her mother. The eccentric couple leads a somewhat dysfunctional, abrasive, indolent, but happy, existence until the arrival from Sydney, of Patrick’s teenage daughter, Neve, who has chosen to spend time her doting father, and a stepmother she barely knows. Billeted in a tiny spare room in the great house, Neve is sullen, introspective and astute, recognising that Alison is pregnant but is refusing to tell Patrick the ‘good news’. Shannon, Patrick’s wife (they are still not divorced) and Neve’s mother, arrives from Sydney for the weekend to help celebrate her daughter’s 18th birthday. Patrick plans a party – the title’s titular feast – which exacerbates the covert tensions between Alison, Neve and Shannon. A sinister undercurrent pulses throughout the novel with the gothic manor in which Alison and Patrick live exuding a claustrophobic, intimidating presence which weighs mightily on the principal characters. O’Grady is an intense writer full of innovation and craft, and in ‘Feast’ she has composed a compelling tale which captures the complex tensions between life and death while exploring the provocative relationships of power and the desire. This is a remarkable follow up to ‘The Yellow House’.

Paula from Tasmania

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

Diamonds are Forever

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

When I phoned the legendary Peter Byrne in Ireland, he told me his brother has just arrived from Canada. It’s a family reunion for Peter – who is originally from Dublin but now calls Australia home. But it’s also a reunion of sorts for Ireland and the Irish populace’s love for Neil Diamond, the man, and his music. When Peter first performed his production of the tribute show, ‘Hot August Night’ in 1997, as a 25th anniversary to one of the greatest live albums of all time, with a 40- piece orchestra backing him, he received a standing ovation from the 4,000 plus audience at the Sydney Convention Centre. The ‘Hot August Night’ tribute show has been performed every August since that first night, in the UK, on cruise ships all over the world, and Australian venues such as State Theatre, Sydney, Crown Casino Melbourne and Perth Adelaide Festival and Taronga Zoo Twilight series from 2011 to 2013. Now the consummate performer was back home in Ireland to recreate the concert experience. He has been staging Neil Diamond concept concerts for thirty years. Peter, who started out singing in the pubs of Dublin, is not a conventional tribute artist, in fact he doesn’t like being called a tribute artist. Not for him, is the dressing up or copying of the artist in appearance and attire, instead you get the voice, a voice so like Diamond’s, if you listen with your eyes closed you would swear it is the man himself. Peter possesses a natural voice like the musician’s, and he has worked on his voice to maintain the similarities. Peter’s dad was a lover of music in general and the home was always filled with music. It was his dad that introduced his son to the music of Neil Diamond.

When Peter was gigging in Australia a chance comment by an audience member saying he sounded like Diamond was the catalyst that turned his career in Diamond’s direction. When Neil Diamond toured Dublin, Ireland in 1996 he was amazed at how the audience knew ‘all’ his song words so when he produced his next album the inscription on it read ‘thanks to all my fans around the world and to the people of Dublin Ireland who knew all the words to my songs’. From his first big break with The Fureys forty five year ago Peter has never turned back from his musical career and has been acknowledged by Neil Diamond himself. “Thanks for the great tribute”. Peter’s show headlined at the National Concert Hall in Dublin with the RTE Concert Orchestra on August 11th and 12th, the INEC in Killarney with Orchestra of Ireland on August 18 and The Royal Theatre Castlebar, again with Orchestra of Ireland, on the 19th. After the Irish tour the show is coming Down under, where – accompanied by the Queensland Pop Orchestra – it is due to kick off at the Twin Towns Services Club, NSW, on September 23rd, followed by performances in Toowoomba and Sydney. See www.peterbyrne.com

Irish Scene editor Lloyd Gorman had an uncle-in-law Sean Walshe who was well known around Dublin as a Neil Diamond impersonator. Like Peter Byrne, Sean – who sadly died some years ago – was a talented performer who brought the joy of the songs of Neil Diamond to huge numbers of people at countless pubs and venues across the city. And for big family events, such as weddings, Sean was always guaranteed to get up on stage and blast out some of Diamond’s biggest hits, including “Sweet Caroline” for his wife –my auntie – Caroline.

IRISH FAMILIES IN PERTH

Irish Families in Perth is a voluntary non profit organisation with over 20,000 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/

Irish Families in Perth would like to sincerely thank all of our wonderful sponsors whose money goes directly to help and support the Irish Mams Padbury Playgroup

Walshe Clancy O Neill

Vibe Legal

Mason Transport Dublin- Worldwide Freight

Forwarding

We would like to wish Lloyd, Imelda, Fred & Lily ( who have retired) a happy Irish Scene anniversary.

Irish Mams NOR by Sorcha Mc Andrew

Irish Mams NOR has been successfully running from Padbury Playgroup for over 10 years. It is 100% Run by volunteers who are passionate about connecting Irish Families with young children together in a safe and fun environment. Over the year the playgroup has gone from strength to strength increasing its numbers from 20 to over 70 families that connect weekly. It is fun and engaging experiencing for children from 0-10years with plentiful resources to engage all ages in play and nurture friendships. For mams it is a “home from home” and supportive safety net for those with young children looking to connect with their kin in raising their families. from pizza days to wine tours we also make sure that our Mams meet up regularly out of playgroup to enhance friendship and give new mams a well deserved break. Padbury Playgroup where we are based from is now the Largest Playgroup in WA with the assistance of some very determined and selfless Irish Mams heading the Membership side of the committee at Padbury Playgroup. Groups run Mon 9-11, Wed 9-11 and 11-1, Thurs 3-5pm, Fri 11-1pm. For vacancies please join the FBP Irish Mams NOR

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

Meets fourth Tuesday of the month, with exception of December (Christmas Gathering). At 7.30pm

Sept 26 ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney

Oct 24 ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens Venue Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco Admission Free. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Tea and coffee from the Bar $2

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

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

Contact Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

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

The Silver Branch, Sunday October 29

Contact Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

BLOOMSDAY - James Joyce Literary Competition presentations

An uplifting and emotional celebration of people and place, which captures the delicacy of the natural world; the heart and soul of a peasant farmer-poet, Patrick McCormack; and the ancient rural spirit of Ireland which stands behind him. The Story is centred around Patrick and the land, The Burren, County Clare in western Ireland. A wild place where Mesolithic tombs, famine villages and present day small rocky fields are like jewels telling of our long human story on these hills. Patrick longs to farm in the quite pace his ascendants did. But his life gains a different momentum when he’s called to Battle in the Supreme courts to decide on the fate of this iconic wilderness. Five years in the making this beautiful documentary has been reviewed as ‘magical’, ‘breathtakingly lovely’, ‘endearing, poetic, sublime’. Followed by an Irish afternoon tea and an open microphone discussion.

Date Sunday October 29, 3.00pm to 5.00pm

Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco

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

Admission AIHA members $15, Non-members $20, donation to cover costs including Irish afternoon tea

Of Interest

Date Thursday June 16 at 7.30pm

Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco (to be confirmed)

Admission AIHA members $20, Non-members $25, includes light refreshments

Vale Colm O’Doherty, (1924-2023), AIHA founding member and literary contributor, Yeats aficionado and editor of Joyce’s annual Bloomsday. Tribute published in September Journal. The Journal is our quarterly book publication edited by Teresa O’Brien. Correspondence may be emailed to journal@irishheritage.com.au

Prizes Best Edwardian dressed male or female. Plus special Irish raffle Bookings https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU

AIHA Website

IT website and Facebook - if you know of someone who can assist with Wordpress for an hour a month we would love to hear from you.

Radio Fremantle 107.9fm, Celtic Rambles, Sat 8-10am. Hosts Heather Deighan, President AIHA & Eoin Kenna

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Due 1 January, 2023

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.

Family membership $65

We thank Gill and Patricia Bratton for this new member feature.

Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55

Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45

PO Box 1583 Subiaco 6904. Tel: 08 9345 3530. Secretary: 08 9367 6026

Email: secretary@irishheritage.com.au or admin@irishheritage.com.au

Web Page: https://irishheritage.com.au/. Look us up on Facebook

Members of AIHA receive 4 editions of the Journal each year. Latest edition for March 2022, Vol 31, No 1 is available. We now have a library of 30 years of Journal and are compiling an index of every article title, author and subject detail to be made available on our website from May this year. We anticipate almost 2,000 titles in the index.

Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20

Contributors can email editor Julie Breathnach-Banwait on journal@irishheritage.com.au

Non-members can purchase copies at $10

The JOURNAL Coming Up

Annual Mary Durack

lecture to be delivered by Patsy Millet, daughter of Dame Mary Durack, AC DBE Australian author and historian, (1913 - 1994) Date is subject to confirmation by Irish Club in July or August

Why the number 265 counted for so much!

Zach Tuohy is one of only 53 footballers to play at least 100 matches for two V/AFL clubs. He has just earned life membership at Geelong after playing his 150th match for the Cats to go with 120 at Carlton. Tuohy also became one of only 50 footballers to kick a goal after the siren to win a match for his club when he produced a nerveless conversion against Melbourne in 2018. Tuohy and Jeff Farmer, the West Australian who starred for Melbourne and Fremantle, are the only two players on both lists. But there is another club in which the tough and skilled Tuohy can claim sole membership after recently overtaking a compatriot who became one of the biggest names and best stories in the game’s recent history. Tuohy, 33, has now played more AFL matches than any other Irish player after passing the 264-game record set by Dubliner

Jim Stynes at the end of last century. Stynes, who was part of the initial ‘Irish experiment’ of Gaelic footballers (Synes played for Ballyboden St Enda’s club) in the early 1980s which also brought his countryman Sean Wight to Melbourne, had a remarkable career that included 244 consecutive matches – a 12-year period of durability and excellence unmatched in the sport – and a highly public fight with cancer that eventually claimed his life in 2012 at the age of 45. Stynes’s football feats were extraordinary enough, including the 1991 Brownlow Medal as the season’s best player, but he had even greater impact as a prominent social campaigner and Melbourne president who helped the club avoid what appeared to be inevitable collapse. No wonder Tuohy was reticent about breaking the record. “It’s a strange one,” Tuohy said. “I’m obviously proud I’ve been able to play as long as I have. “But he’s everyone’s hero. “You almost feel guilty playing more games than him. “It’s probably mostly because I don’t feel I belong in Jim’s category as a player and obviously in terms of legacy.” But there is no question that Tuohy has carved out a substantial career of his own and next year, if he plays on into his 35th year, could break South Koreanborn Peter Bell’s 286-game record for the most games by an overseas-born player.

by John Townsend Sports Reporter

Tuohy started his own Australian adventure in 2009 after moving from Portlaoise where he was a promising Gaelic footballer but intrigued by the prospect of a professional career in another country. The Stynes legacy did not resonate with Tuohy when he left Ireland as a teenager but he acknowledged its growing significance as the years have gone on. “I knew of Jim Stynes, obviously, but I don’t think I appreciated the significant impact he had on the game or his legacy post-career,” Tuohy said at his press conference before his 265th match in early July. “I only got to appreciate that when I came out to Australia. “The good thing is, with more and more Irish guys and girls coming out, his legacy is getting much more publicity back home. “I must admit, I was blown away to see how significant a character he was.” Tuohy has proved a highly-reliable defender and midfielder at Geelong where his long-kicking, explosive closing speed and sure ball-handling were key elements in the club’s 2022 premiership. He was joined by fellow Irishman Mark O’Connor in that win with the pair now standing alongside Sydney’s 2005 star Tadhg Kennelly as the only Irish players to win a grand final in Australia. Tuohy and O’Connor draped themselves with Irish flags as they celebrated that victory to indicate how much their heritage meant to them!

Most AFL games by Irish players (at r22 2023)

1. 270 Zach Tuohy* (Carlton-Geelong)

2. 264 Jim Stynes (Melbourne)

3. 197 Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney)

4. 169 Pearce Hanley (Brisbane-Gold Coast)

5. 150 Sean Wight (Melbourne)

6. 108 Mark O’Connor* (Geelong)

7. 88 Setanta O hAilpan (Carlton-GWS)

8. 79 Conor McKenna (Essendon)

9. 73 Marty Clarke (Collingwood)

10. 72 Conor Nash* (Hawthorn) *current players

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.

What a busy couple of months our WA dancers have had lately. In July, 22 WA dancers from various schools travelled to Sydney to compete in the Australian International Oireachtas. Dancers competed against others from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Hong Kong. Congratulations to all the WA dancers, with many fantastic results and podium places! The 2023 State Solo Championships were held on 5th & 6th August at Newman College. All of the WA dancers that competed in this Championship danced beautifully and the hard work and dedication that had been put in leading up to the competition was evident on stage. All of the dancers shone on stage and we congratulate everyone and wish those competing in the National Championships in Sydney at the end of September the very best of luck.

Our 2023 State Champions:

Sub Minor Mixed 5yrs and Under: Erin Dowie, WA Academy

Sub Minor Mixed 6yrs: Maya Walsh, WA Academy

Sub Minor 7yrs Girls: Brooky Hamilton, Trinity Studio

Sub Minor 8yrs Girls: Sephora Donelan, The Academy MA & WA

Minor 9yrs Girls: Emmeline Summers, WA Academy

Minor 10yrs Girls: Maeve Carroll, WA Academy

Minor 10yrs Boys: Tiernan Beattie, The Academy MA & WA

Junior 11yrs Girls: Charlotte Langford, The Academy MA & WA

Cassie Lin, The Academy MA & WA

Junior Girls 12yrs: Sahara Donelan, The Academy MA & WA

Intermediate Girls 13yrs: Georgia Western, Trinity Studio

Intermediate Girls 14yrs: Tara Fox, O’Hare School

Intermediate Girls 15yrs: Zoe Cahoon, Kavanagh Studio

Senior Girls 16yrs: Isabella Campeotto, WA Academy

Junior Ladies 17yrs: Hayley Brooker, Kavanagh Studio

Junior Ladies 18yrs: Sinead Daly, The Academy MA & WA

Junior Men 18yrs: Vaughan Cooper, WA Academy

Ladies 19yrs: Medbh Flanagan, The Academy MA & WA

Senior Ladies 20 & 21yrs: Caoimhe McAleer, The Academy MA & WA

Isobel Ashley, Trinity Studio

Koral Smith, The Academy MA & WA

Senior Ladies 22 and over: Dara McAleer, The Academy MA & WA

Celtic Academy Dancers Celtic Academy Dancers

Celtic Academy Dancers

Celtic Academy Dancers

Well done to each of these dancers on this fantastic achievement, and congratulations to their teachers for their success.

Kavanagh Studio DancersO’Brien Academy Dancers Trinity Studio Dancers

Studio Dancers Trinity Studio Dancers Trinity Studio State Champions WA Academy DancersWA Academy Dancers

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC

What a great time for women’s football, with the Women’s World Cup being held in Australia/New Zealand and the Matildas reaching the semi-finals. Not to mention Ireland playing in Perth – what more could the Irish ask for!

Well, all of us at Carramar Shamrock Rovers were thrilled when our girls were asked to be the flag bearers at the Ireland v Canada game. The girls got to carry the Irish tricolour – very fitting with our strong Irish connections. A memorable experience for Molly McCready, Amie-Leigh Blackwell, Neve McMurdo, Brooke Roberts, Evie Martin and Emily Hughes, pictured below with club secretary Mari Parkinson.

DO YOU NEED PROPERTY MAINTENANCE?

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC

In July the club was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate in the State Library exhibition Game Changers: Trailblazing Stories from WA Women in Soccer. It was a big night for Under 8s player Freyr Lowden (pictured) and the U13 girls, who are in the poster behind her.

The exhibition ran until the end of August, and was a celebration of women’s football in WA and the pioneers who have helped shape it. How exciting that some of our emerging young female stars at the club are represented amongst the greats.

The club would like to again thank the State Library of WA for this amazing opportunity.

We currently have girls teams playing in under 12, under 13, under 14, and under 16. Our under 17s girls team had to move up to the women’s league as they were considered too strong for the rest of the under 17s competition. We also have girls playing at mini roos level. Things are bright for the girls in green and white!

Thanks to all the coaches looking after our girls squads.

Special mention to Brian McCready who is taking his team (pictured below), already winners of the Australind cup earlier this year, to an under 18s Malaysian Cup competition in December. Follow us on Facebook for lots more information, news and photos!

A massive thank you to our major sponsors for the current season:

• Gay Collins, Pipeline Technics

• Declan McDermott, Integrity Property solutions

• Dave Madman Muir, Madman Motors

• Chris Williams, Muscleworx group, and

• Frankie Atkinson, Muntz partners.

We would also like to welcome the CFMEU who have just come on board as sponsors of our junior football. 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 always remembering the hardworking volunteers and committee members.

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

CARRAMAR SHAMROCK ROVERS @CARRAMAR_SHAMROCK_ROVERS

GAAWA

Football

A thrilling season has sadly come to an end with the championship finals being played. The winners this year were Southern Districts ladies who won the Mna Cup and St. Finbars men who won the Consul Cup.

Southern districts ladies defeated Morley Gaels in the final making it both a league and championship win for the team.

St.Finbars overcame Southern districts men 3-12 to 1-16 to claim the Consul Cup in a great final. Well done to all the teams involved this year. We look forward to the 2024 season.

Our fairest and best players this year were Lisa Reynolds of Morley Gaels and Killian Doyle of Western Shamrocks.

A special mention to Mr. Sean O’Casey for all of his years of tireless hard work for the GAA and also his managing of the Tom Bateman sports reserve. Thank you to Morgan O’Shea the president and also the Executive committee and both sub-committees for both codes for all their work too.

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

Camogie/Hurling

Another exciting season has come to an end for the 2023 Camogie & Hurling League and Championships. A double from Western Swans Ladies on winning the Camogie League and Championship against St. Gabriel’s. Sarsfields also won both the league and the championship. They battled it out in the league final against Perth Shamrocks and then again in the championship final against Western Swans to win the Dermot Kenny Cup.

This season saw some wonderful displays of both Camogie and Hurling and with a huge influx of players from Ireland the game looks very promising for the future in WA. Some stand out players from the year were:

Samantha Cooney – Western Swans – Player of the year and Player of the match (Championship final)

Calum Lyons – Player of the match (Championship final)

Cormac Dunphy – Hurler of the year

SamanthaCooney

WesternSwans

Sarsfields

CalumLyons

CormacDunphy

GAAWA

Junior Academy

2023 a historic year for underage gaeilic games in Western Australia and across the continent. As far back as 2019 Western Australia and Victoria had been discussing the concept of an Australasian Feile to build on the massive strides taking place in underage development in both States. Following on from the WA’s very successful trip to Feile in Ireland in 2019, holding a Feile down under was seen as a natural progression. Both the Junior Academy and Na Fianna Catalpa Youths put out an expression of interest for our kids to take part and a lot of interest was received. At an Australasian Council level, a presentation was submitted by WA and Victoria which was positively received by the rest of council. After several meetings to discuss logistics, it was decided to hold the innaugral Australasian Feile would be held over the weekend of March 11th and 12th 2023, at St Mary’s Park in Adelaide, South Australia. Age grades were as follows; U10 mixed, U12 boys & girls, U14 boys & girls and U17 boys. We were very fortunate that 2 new sponsors, Ecocivils and PCH Civil came on board with the Junior Academy this year and we thank them most sincerely for their support. After discussions between the Junior Academy and Na Fianna Catalpa, it was decided that 61 kids would travel to Adelade from both Clubs representing Western Australia at U10 mixed, U12 & U14 girls and two teams at U14 boys level. In order to help offset the costs of the trip a golf day fundraiser was held in Maylands Golf Club on February 11th.

Over 100 golfers took part. We also had over 30 hole sponsors on the day and we thank everybody for their support. A huge thankyou is also expressed to Peter McKenna for all is work in putting the golf day together. And so on to Adelaide. Group games were to be played all day Saturday with the

finals to be played on the Sunday before the 2023 South Australia GAA senior finals. At U10 mixed level, our players had a great day and we unearthed a few stars for the future. The reward of pizzas for dinner did not go down too badly either!

Our U12 gorls proved very strong in their group and after some great football brought the title back across the Nullaboor to WA.

U14 girls came up against a very strong South Australian team who just got past them in the final. U14 boys black team won a number of their games and were unlucky not to make thier final.

U14 boys gold team played very well on the Saturday beifore a suprise defeat to Victoria put the Vics in the final against WA. After a ding dong battle with great footballing skills on show, Western Australila came away with the cup after riveting final game. Ww would like to take this oppurtunity to thank our sponsors Ecocivils and PCH Civil, all the parents who travelled with us to Adelaide and most especially the coaches and players who took part in Feile.

It was a brilliant weekend for underage develpment and disucssions have already taken place with Western Australia putting its hand up to host the next Australasian Feile to be held in Perth in 2025. The Feile teams were also delighted to be part of the 2023 GAAWA Senior Football Finals day playing exhibition games before botth the Women’s and Men’s Finals. The 2023 Junior Academy season is just about to start and training sessions will be held at Dianella Open from 9am on Sunday August 27th. Registration costs $120 which includes an O’Neills kit, $40 without a kit. Sessons will last for 12 weeks excluding school holidays. For further information please contact our registrar on junioracademywa@gmail.com or secretary on ggjunioracademy@gmail.com

GAAWA CLUB DETAILS

FOOTBALL CLUBS

GREENWOOD

Mens & Ladies Senior Football greenwoodgfc@hotmail.com

MORLEY GAELS

Mens & Ladies Senior Football morleygaelsgfc@hotmail.com

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS

Mens & Ladies Senior Football southerndistrictsgaa@gmail.com

ST. FINBARR’S

Mens & Ladies Senior Football stfinbarrsgfc@outlook.com

WESTERN SHAMROCKS

Mens & Ladies Senior Football westernshamrocks@hotmail.com

HURLING CLUBS

ST. GABRIEL’S

Mens & Ladies Senior

Hurling & Camogie stgabrielsperth@gmail.com

WESTERN SWANS

Mens & Ladies Senior Hurling & Camogie westernswansgaa@gmail.com

PERTH SHAMROCKS

Mens Senior Hurling perthshamrocks@gmail.com

SARSFIELDS

Mens Senior Hurling sarshurlingperth@gmail.com

GAA GROUNDS

Tom Bateman Reserve Corner Bannister & Nicholson Rds (entrance off Wilfred Rd)

Canning Vale

“Oh dear what can the matter be three YOUNG ladies.... at

Happy 80th

Michael Manning celebrated in Dublin with his family and friends

If you have a special event you would like on this page please sent to irishsceneperth@gmail.com

Mike Anthony Sheehy and brother John visiting their beautiful mother Marita in Clare Ireland. Lovely reunion.

the Irish Club

Frank Glackin and Mary Carroll family and friends enjoying the Dublin win over Kerry in the All Ireland football final. Dubs Abu!

The usual suspects enjoying the session at Fibber McGee’s in Leederville

Grandad Mick O’Connor with Caroline and John McCarthy’s son FIONN on a recent visit home to Kerry

Tony Quigley and Gerry Lyng at ITP One Act Season. Gerry has just retired as manager of the Barrack Street Bell Tower. Gerry also scored the raffle prize!

At the Maria Forde Concert at Fremantle Workers Club: Corkonians, Noel Neff, Brenda Neff, Ann Cooney, Maria Forde, Frank Murphy, Fred Rea and Tommy O’Brien

Irish visitors Tony & Carmel McCabe at Durty Nelly’s session.

Phil Regan enjoying a drop with Frank Kelly (Finbar) at Midwest Irish Club in Geraldton. Uisce Beatha flows freely!

Brendan Kenny, Tony Sheehan, Bob O’Shea and Tom Quinn enjoying WA hurling and reminiscing finals in Morley

Wonderful Lincoln Park reunion recently. Phil, Splinter and Sean were in great voice. Last one they said, not sure about that!!!

G’Day Pop!.... Maeve Claire O’Brien enjoying the company of Grandad, Patsy

The Carroll family enjoying the success of the girls at the WA State Dancing Championships in Perth 2023

Carroll’s ABU!

Well known Irish community members all smiles before the big Ireland v Canada match in East Perth. Great night for the Irish in Western Australia.

Well known playwright Noel O’Neill and well known actor Rex Grey at the ITP One Act Season in the Irish Club.

Happy 107th birthday

Paddy

Larkin. Well Paddy that’s what your Facebook page records your age as!

REST IN PEACE PHIL

Christmas in July... Santa (DAN) at Durty Nelly’s with Lilly Rea... Santa handed out lollipops!

Friend to many in Perth, Phil Leonard originally from Mountcharles, County Donegal passed away recently. Our deepest condolences to Anne and Catherine. Phil passed from this life on Monday 19 June at SCGH after a long battle with illness. Sadly missed by his loving sisters and brothers. Go

Gathering of Shamrock Rovers old players and friends at the Craigie Tavern paying tribute to past player Andy Roche (bottom left) who has since passed away. Go raibh a anam ar dheis Dé.

Mullaloo Tavern Irish mob meet up with visiting Irish supporters before the big match Ireland v Canada. Ireland Abu!

Jim Egan (left) had a small role in the Claremont Murders TV movie on 7plus.

raibh a anam ar dheis Dé.

Left: Michael Malone with mum Moira on Croagh Patrick in Ireland on a rather windy, wet day. It was worth it we are sure.