The FoI musicians, ‘Seinnimís Ceol’, recently played at the Canberra Hospital as part of their Christmas music performances. Musicians are Madeleine Johnson on harp, Moir Holmes on flute, Máire O’Callaghan on concertina and Gerry Heavey on bodhrán
This is just one of the FoI events we participate in during the year. We are always very happy to contribute to the musical entertainment at the hospital during December each year.
Irish Film Festival 2023
Thanks to all our Sponsors
Friends of Ireland
Irish Cultural Christmas
Dear Members and Friends
You are invited to our Irish Cultural Christmas to be held at the Canberra Irish Club
Wednesday 6 December 6.30-10pm.
Come and enjoy a delicious two course meal:
Crispy skin salmon fillet with mashed garlic potato, broccolini & citrus hollandaise or
Dark cherry glazed roast chicken with roast potato, pumpkin and peas and
Christmas plum pudding with brandy custard or
Chocolate mousse with whipped cream and strawberries.
Complimentary drink on arrival.
Provision will be made by the chef for those with special dietary needs, including vegetarian choices, for those who indicate these requirements at the time of booking.
There will be traditional music and dancers and we are pleased to announce Simon Busmann will also entertain us with his music and songs.
There will be a raffle of our wonderful hampers – so please remember to bring some cash!
Do come along, invite your friends and enjoy a wonderful evening.
Tickets $55 per person. (+booking fee $1.68).
Bookings via Trybooking Bookings close 3 December.
The site includes the instructions about table bookings for those who wish to sit together and also the notification of special dietary needs.
If there are any other enquiries please contact janiceflaherty@bigpond.com Cairde na hÉireann (Friends of Ireland) Committee
We would like to acknowledge the support given to us by the Embassy of Ireland.
In addition, FoI are very grateful for the kind donations to our Xmas raffle & hampers from
Clonakilla Winery - http://clonakilla.com.au
and Rowlee Winery - http://rowleewines.com.au
FoI would like to thank Taste Ireland for their generous support by providing us with delicious hampers and other products.
THE TENTH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE OF CELTIC STUDIES
For more information go to 10th Austraian Celtic Studies conference
The Tenth Australian Conference of Celtic Studies will be hosted by Celtic Language Teaching and Research, School of Art, Communication and English, The University of Sydney from Monday 25 September to Wednesday 27 September 2023 in person at The University of Sydney and online.
Online sessions will take place in the early evening Sydney time, to facilitate international participation, and will be projected in the conference room for those attending in person
You are invited to a Friends of Ireland lunchtime gathering to hear a talk by Richard Begbie, author of his highly researched Canberra book, “COTTER”.
Garrett Cotter
Garrett Cotter’s Memorial Stone
Richard has been both writer and farmer in the region that Garrett Cotter pioneered. FoI were privileged to have Richard speak to us several years ago and many have requested an encore with a focus on Cotter’s early first nations contact with local Aboriginal leader who helped him survive.
“Early in 1822 an illiterate nineteen year old peasant worker in County Cork took part in a “Whiteboy”action (so called because they wore white shirts when protesting) in the hope of fairer rent and more land for his struggling family. Initially Cotter was sentenced to hanging but it was changed to transportation to NSW for the duration of his life.”
“The remarkable aspect of Cotter's life was his friendship with an aboriginal leader named Onyong, spelt in various ways. This is an absorbing tale of mateship and mutual respect across the racial barrier. In a prolonged drought Onyong led Cotter to fresh pasture across the Murrumbidgee. Later, after an altercation with one Donald McKay, Cotter was banished "beyond the limits of location" for 4 years. But, as sometimes happened in the stories of the convicts, what seemed like a drastic punishment turned out to be a new opportunity.”
“The novel points to a haunting moment in Australia's story, when white humility and aboriginal knowledge might have combined to produce a kinder stewardship across the ancient land. Few invaders experienced that fleeting possibility as intimately as Garrett Cotter.”
WHEN? Sunday 16th July at 12 noon, LUNCH. The Talk will begin at 2 pm.
Please book your table for lunch - ph 6288 5088.
WHERE? COTTER ROOM, Canberra Irish Club, Parkinson St Weston
RSVP Janice 0488 472 921 janiceflaherty@bigpond.co
Monaro Plains
Friends of Ireland tour of the heritage exhibition at
St Andrews on State Circle
Wednesday May 17th at 10.30 am
Our FoI members, Ann and Don Logan, were instrumental in gaining a heritage
grant so that the history of St Andrews could be preserved and we thank them
for assistance in organizing and inviting us to this exhibition.
This tour will take place on Wed. May 17th at 10.30 am. at St Andrews on
State Circle. There will be plenty of free parking for us on site. Entry is
easy on either side of the church as the boom gates will go up. If not just
press the silver button! The tour takes about 1hour and 15 minutes. There is
a covered ramp and wheelchair access. Entry is free and donations are
welcome. Please feel free to invite family and friends to this event.
Please call Jill 62886729 if you are unable to get transport to this event
and I will see if this can be arranged. We know some members are missing out
on our events due to no longer driving
During this tour we will discover how pioneering church members shaped our
emerging national capital. The tour will be conducted by experienced tour
guides. The Open House, Open Church program enables you to peruse the Living
Stones exhibition in the Georgian manse. The sandstone clad neo-gothic
church and memorial chapel hold secrets that will unfold in one of
Canberra's oldest buildings. There is a wonderful organ and an even more
wonderful organist who will play for us and there are bells to be played
too!
We hope members enjoy this event.
WELCOME TO AN AFTERNOON OF IRISH CRAIC AT CANBERRA IRISH CLUB!
BOOK LAUNCH AND MUSIC -Sunday 23rd April at 12 NOON : Lunch and Book launch followed by SING AUSTRALIA choir. Please come and enjoy!
A NEW HISTORICAL FICTION WORK
BY JOHN COLLARD
RITES OF PASSAGE: SETTLERS & DESCENDANTS 1848-1950
THE HERALD
BEFORE THE BOOK LAUNCH WHY NOT COME ALONG TO THE IRISH CLUB FOR LUNCH IN THE BISTRO?
YOU CAN MAKE A RESERVATION WITH THE CANBERRA IRISH CLUB BY CALLING THE CLUB ON 62885088 AND LEAVE YOUR NAME AND SAY YOU ARE WITH THE FRIENDS OF IRELAND FUNCTION or CLICK ON THIS LINK: Canberra Irish Club VIEW THE MENU ON THIS LINK: CIC Bistro Menu
WE SUGGEST YOU ORDER YOUR FOOD AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE TO AVOID ANY DELAYS.
A BOOK PURCHASE CAN ONLY BE MADE IN CASH AND NOT WITH CREDIT CARD/EFTPOS
THE PROGRAM ORDER WILL BE:
12 noon – 1.15 pm LUNCH
1.15 PM BOOK LAUNCH
2 PM - AN IRISH SINGALONG WITH SING AUSTRALIA CANBERRA CHOIR
FOUR EPISODES WILL BE READ WHICH FOCUS UPON THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF IRISH IMMIGRANTS & SETTLERS FROM DEPARTURE FROM CO. CLARE IN 1850 TO FEDERATION DAY IN VICTORIA 1901.
EPISODE 1 - LEAVING KILSHANNY
Characters:
NARRATOR (JOHN COLLARD)
ANTHONY McGRATH (BRIAN NOLAN)
PATRICK McGRATH (COLIN KEITH)
FR. GEOGAHAN (REV DAVID CAMPBELL)
EPISODE 2 - FLANAGHAN’S REST, A PUB ON THE ROUTE FROM PORT MELBOURNE TO SANDHURST GOLDFIELDS 1862
Characters:
NARRATOR (JOHN COLLARD)
MAURA McGRATH (MARY ANNE WHITING)
SHELAGH McGRATH (CAYLIN THOMPSON)
PATRICK McGRATH (COLIN KEITH)
MICHAEL FLANAGAN (CONNNOR BRADLEY
KATE McGRATH (LYNDAL CROSS)
JOHN O’SHANNESSY (DAVID CROSS)
EPISODE 3 - THE SCHOOLING DEBATE IN 1870’S
Characters:
NARRATOR ( JOHN COLLARD)
POSTMASTER BENNETT (DON AGAR)
CARL HEFFERNAN (NOEL SWINDEN)
EPISODE 4 - FEDERATION DAY PICNIC JANUARY 1901
Characters:
NARRATOR (JOHN COLLARD)
PATRICK McGRATH (COLIN KEITH)
SHELAGH FLANAGHAN (CAYLIN THOMPSON)
THERE WILL BE TIME FOR Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR AFTERWARDS
A BOOK PURCHASE CAN ONLY BE MADE IN CASH AND NOT WITH CREDIT CARD/EFTPOS
2pm SING AUSTRALIA!
IF YOU’RE IRISH COME INTO THE PARLOUR
I’LL TAKE YOU HOME AGAIN KATHLEEN
IRISH LULLABY
TAKE ME HOME
WHEN YOU & I WERE YOUNG MAGGIE
WHISKEY ON A SUNDAY
FIELDS OF ATHENRY
SEASONS OF THE HEART
SONG OF IRELAND
WE ARE AUSTRALIAN.
THE AFTERNOON WILL THEN CONTINUE WITH GENERAL CAROUSING!
FRIENDS OF IRELAND SOCIETY
INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL
CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR AN INTERFAITH ECUMENICAL SERVICE
TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY THE 18TH MARCH AT 12 NOON 2023
AT THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE
15 BLACKALL STREET BARTON ACT 2600
OUR GUEST SPEAKER WILL BE
EMERITUS PROFESSOR JOHN WARHURST OA
School of Politics & International Relations
Research School of Social Sciences
ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences
John Warhurst AO is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the Australian National University in Canberra where he was Professor of Political Science from 1993–2008. Before that he was Professor of Politics at the University of New England in Armidale, NSW, from 1985–1993. He has been a weekly columnist for The Canberra Times since 1998. He also writes occasionally for The Footy Almanac and is a member of both the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants. He has been chair of the Australian Republican Movement (2002–2005), campaigning for an Australian Head of State for Australia, and Deputy Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia (2007–2012), the church's peak body for social services. In 2009 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for services to political science and to the community. Born and educated in Adelaide, he is a graduate of Flinders University.
Cash donations for charity will be collected during the service. These will be shared between Corrymeela in Ireland and Brigidine Sisters-Afghan Families Australia
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOI PRESIDENT
Friends of Ireland Friends of Ireland (FoI) Canberra (Cairde na hÉireann) holds an annual ecumenical and interfaith service in honour of Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s Patron Saints, at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton ACT. We invite representatives of different denominations to participate in the service; Mervyn Roulston travels from Wollongong to play bagpipes; we have a welcome to country from Shane Mortimer, Ngambri elder; music during the ceremony is provided on harp and piano by Madeleine Johnson; we invite a keynote speaker to address the attendees and a donation is collected to support the Corrymeela community in Northern Ireland and the charity of choice of the keynote speaker.
We also have prayers of intercession from representatives of Irish community organisations. In true Irish fashion, we provide a homemade Irish-themed afternoon tea and traditional Irish music after the service, where attendees are invited to join us for an opportunity to chat, enjoy the ceol (music) and camaraderie and have a bite to eat. In 2023, Emeritus Professor John Warhurst was our keynote speaker and we had readings from representatives of the Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican, Uniting and Muslim communities. It was a beautiful day of inclusion, celebration, and community at the ACC&C. The Embassy of Ireland in Canberra is very supportive of all our Irish cultural events, and FoI greatly appreciate this ongoing support.
Our committee was very fortunate to have been invited to the St Patrick’s Day function at the Embassy of Ireland, along with many members of the Canberra Irish community, and others. This event is a wonderful opportunity to have an Irish celebration and to catch up with friends, old and new. We were greeted at the Embassy by His Excellency Tim Mawe, his wife Patricia McCarthy, Deputy Head of Mission Daniel Lowe, 2nd Secretary Cellena Connolly-Moynihan and Embassy staff. The Ambassador welcomed us all. There was a welcome to country, a rendition of Ireland’s national anthem and the Australian anthem.
This year, Patrick Solomon sang, in his rich baritone. There were traditional Irish musicians to entertain us, traditional Irish dancers from local Irish dance schools. Often, visiting Irish government ministers talk to us about issues of Irish interest - this year minister Simon Coveney spoke at the event. Also, there was mention of Mack Hansen, a rugby player from the Canberra region who is playing great rugby for Ireland (his Mum’s from Ireland).
We’re very proud of our Irish heritage! Food and drinks were freely available, and it was an opportunity to feel at home, surrounded by Irish and other friends.
Maire O’Callaghan
President, FoI
A light Irish -themed afternoon tea will be served after the service and traditional Irish music will be enjoyed in the garden.
FRIENDS OF IRELAND INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR SAINT BRIGID’S DAY 2023 - when we celebrate the strengths and achievements of women
Ireland’s own 5th-century Abbess: Brigid of Kildare and a patron saint of Ireland
Saint Brigid of Kildare, was a 5th century Abbess and the patroness of many things, including poetry, learning, healing, protection, blacksmithing, livestock and dairy production.
Our keynote speaker will be Professor Ann McGrath
Professor Ann McGrath OA AM FASSA FAHA
Distinguished Professor at the ANU School of History and Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellow and W.K. Hancock Professor of History. Ann is Director of the Research Centre for Deep History in the School of History
Entertainment will include traditional Irish music and dancing and a fun trivia quiz
We will be gathering at the Russell Room, Federal Golf Club, Gowrie Drive, Red Hill ACT 2603 on February 23rd 2023 at 6 pm.
This event is free for financial members of Friends of Ireland
Registration to attend and meal orders can be made by clicking on this link Friends of Ireland Tickets
We thank the Embassy of Ireland for their support and acknowledge government of Ireland funding.
THE SNOWY HARP ON THE FORESHORE OF LAKE JINDABYNE – A MONUMENT TO THE IRISH MEN AND WOMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES WHILE WORKING ON THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS SCHEME
The Snowy Harp is a monument located on Lake Jindabyne Foreshore, Banjo Paterson Crescent, Jindabyne, NSW, dedicated to the Irish men and women who lost their lives while working on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme from 1949 to 1972.
When the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority was established in 1949, there was a serious national shortage of skilled personnel as a legacy of World War II. The Snowy began an intensive recruitment campaign overseas. Many of those recruited came from Ireland.
In 1999, the 50th anniversary of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a group of local Irish residents organised a reunion. This reunion raised over $6,000 in funds. John McLoughlin, Harry Cummins, Mick Bates and Arthur Costello decided to use the funds to construct a memorial to the Irish workers who lost their lives while working on the Scheme. The group decided on the Harp, as it is the national emblem of Ireland. From there, they went about organising the construction of the Harp and it now has pride of place on the edge of Lake Jindabyne. The Harp was dedicated by His Excellency Richard O’Brien, Irish Ambassador to Australia, on 27th October 2001.
The years took their toll on the harp. Harry Cummins, with support from the Irish Embassy, the Canberra Irish Club, Friends of Ireland and other supporters of the Irish community in Canberra, has arranged much needed restoration of the monument.
The restored harp is temporarily situated at the Canberra Irish Club for viewing, prior to moving it back to Jindabyne and rededication at a date to be advised.
