Page 16
www.celtic-connection.com
FEBRUARY 2009
Great Talent Gathered in One Room at Irish Seniors Christmas Luncheon
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER - On December 18, the first luncheon for Irish-born seniors was held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel on East Hastings Street in Vancouver.
The Celtic Society of ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Canada (CSC) benevolent fund was successful in their grant application to the Irish Emigrant Programme sponsored by the Government of Ireland to provide support for Irish seniors in the community.
What a grand and glorious luncheon and afternoon it was. Organizers for the event were concerned on the day with the snow and less than favourable driving conditions but in the end a great number of seniors attended, representing almost every county in Ireland.
There was an infectious buzz in the room with guests meeting and socializing, many had not seen one another for months or years and were busy catching-up on the news.
Father Brendan Boland of County Mayo said the grace in Irish and later sang a Christmas song in Irish.
Entertainers before the delicious luncheon buffet were, Mark Downey and Evelyn Yngveson, who sang some of the favourite old traditional songs sprinkled with some Yuletide favourites.
"We need to thank Ireland for not forgetting about the people who
emigrated, such as myself here for the past 55 years..."
In true Irish fashion, after the luncheon, many of the seniors took turns at the microphone entertaining the assembly with songs from their county. Really, more hours were needed in the afternoon to accommodate all the talent in the room.
The silence and respect accorded each entertainer was noticeable as the audience listened with rapt attention to each performance.
Singers who participated were: George McDonnell; Tony Duffy; Bridie Eviston; Ray Dempsey;
663
—
6632 - 90th Avenue S.E. • Calgary, Alberta T2C Tel: (403) 236-0988 • Fax: (403) 236-0993 procoatc@tel us. net
TALENTED entertainer Mark Downey and Evelyn Yngveson, sang some of the favourite old Irish traditional songs sprinkled with some Yuletide favourites.
ORGANIZERS of the Irish luncheon who sit on the board of directors of The Celtic Society of Canada benevolent fund: (L-R) Catherine Brennan-Schwarz, Sharon Brown, Marie Morris, and Maura McCay.
Jimmy Spieron, and Ivan Douglas. Tom Byrne (the Bard of Alaska) recited the poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by poet Robert Service. Many remarked on the length of the poem and Tom's wonderful memory.
Through the Irish Emigrant Programme, the Government of Ireland has provided a wonderful opportunity for Irish seniors abroad to come together in a social setting. Many would not have the opportunity to meet otherwise.
It was a magical afternoon and still being talked about by all those in attendance. Other functions are planned throughout the year for the Irish seniors.
I think Mary Ann Meegan of County Louth summed the day up, when she said, "we need to thank Ireland for not forgetting about the people who emigrated, such as myself- here for the past 55 years."
Special thanks to Marie Morris; Sharon Brown; Catherine Brennan-Schwarz and Maura McCay of The Celtic Society of Canada (CSC) benevolent fund for arranging what was the first of other planned outings for the Irish seniors.
r 1 §.
jp JS jjj||g|
TOM BYRNE recited the famous Robert Service poem The Cremation of Sam McGee much to the delight of the other guests.
FATHER Brendan Boland from County Mayo recited grace before the meal in Irish.
THERE WAS a great atmosphere in the room as people circulated and talked to old friends and socialized.
Learn to Speak Irish at Scoil Gaeilge
Fdilte Romhatl All are welcome! VANCOUVER - Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver has been running in Vancouver since September 2007 and has contributed to The Ireland Monument - Canada project. The Monument Committee thanks all students for their contribution to date. Visit: www.irelandmonumen tvancouver. com.
Beginning in January, Sile Ni Cheidigh, from Spiddal in County Galway (The Gaeltacht) will be the Irish Teacher at Scoil Gaeilge.
For those interested in learning Irish or improving their knowledge of the language, classes will be held every Tuesday at 2342 East 27th Avenue, Vancouver (near Nanaimo Station).
For further details contact Sile at (778) 229-7736, or e-mail: nicheidigh22 @hotmail. com.
SCOIL GAEILGE - Vancouver. The teacher (An Muinteoir) Sile Ni Cheidigh from Spiddal, County Galway and two students (na scolairi) Damian McElgun (Belfast) and Brian Kaneen (Douglas-Isle of Man).