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www.celtic-connection.com
JUNE 2005
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A Big Thank You From Jack Charlton
Dear Editor:
What started out as a quiet family holiday to Vancouver with my wife Pat, to visit with long time friends Betty and Harry Christie turned into 16 hectic days of parties, fun and visits with friends made on previous trips to British Columbia.
Included on our itinerary was a one-week cruise to Alaska where we sailed up the Inside Passage to visit coastal communities in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan and a three-hour visit to the Hubbard Glacier.
During our voyage we met with many Irish and British passengers and it was great to discuss areas of mutual interest - football and what's happening in Ireland and England.
Because Harry was celebrating his 71st birthday, Pat and I were invited to accompany the Christies to the Scottish Cultural Centre where the Moray Nairn and Banff Association, a Scottish cultural association, had arranged a party for my Scottish friend.
As the party progressed, it become apparent that the party was to help me celebrate my 70th which was on May 8. The gathering included many lads from Ireland, notable among them was a group of players who represent the Irish Harps Club of Vancouver and it was a special thrill to be able to chat with the bhoys about my days as the manager of the Republic Football Team.
In addition it was great to meet up with my long time friend Chief Engineer Michael Coughlin and some of his crew who maintain the cruise liners which ply the Alaskan waters for the Princess Cruise Line.
While I was the last to know about the party, it was an especially great evening and my thanks to my Scottish friends for including me in Harry's birthday party proceedings. My time with my newfound Irish friends was all too short, however a short time with the Lads from the Emerald Isle is always enjoyable.
Best Wishes, Jack Charlton
Seeking Support for Ireland Monument Project
Dear Editor:
Many people had their photograph taken by myself with President Mary McAleese at the May 26 reception held at the Four Seasons Hotel. These photographs are digital and can also be e-mailed upon request. There is no cost to your readers, however I am asking for support for the Ireland Monument project which I have undertaken.
The plan is to erect a monument in memory of the Irish people who have contributed to the province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver and to commemorate the visit by President McAleese to Vancouver in 3005.
The design of the monument will be in keeping with the desires of all those who wish to contribute and will be built at John Hendry Park at Trout Lake in Vancouver where many Irish people have assembled and played Gaelic sports over the past decades. The monument will be adjacent to simple ash trees, the symbol of Ireland and all nationalities can assemble there to meet and perhaps build bridges for their futures.
For more information or to order a photograph, e-mail brendanflynn_l @ hotmail.com and include "I will support the Ireland Monument project" if you so wish.
Yours truly, Brendan Flynn (604) 763-2941 brendanflynn_l (cbhotmail.com
THE CELTIC CONNECTION
ISSUE NUMBER137
#741 -916W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1 K7 Tel: (604)434-3747 • Fax: (604)434-3749 Website: www.celtic-connection.com Maura McCay-Publisher* E-Mail: maura@telus.net Catholine Butler-Advertising • E-Mail: cbutler@telus.net Colleen Carpenter - Copy Editor • Christine Burke - Ad Production Miguel De Freitas - Accounting Distribution: Sisa Kumar • Paddy Connolly • Kevin Boggan • Mike Paul • Kathy Griffin in Surrey • James Carbin in Mission • Bill Duncan in Maple Ridge • Pat Warren in Delta • Bill Carracher in White Rock • Finian Rowland, Catherine Mitchell and Jane Sepede in Seattle • Oliver Grealish in Edmonton.
Published 10 times per year. Unsolicited submissions welcome but will not be returned. Please retain a copy for your files. Contents copyright 2005 The Celtic Connection. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publisher but rather a reflection of voices within the community. All correspondence must include a name, address and telephone number.
Canada Post Canadian Publications Agreement 40009398 This paper is dedicated to truth, the dignity of every person underGod and the call to help one another to live out that dignity.
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Historic Presidental Visit Will be Treasured by Many
Dear Readers:
This past month will be remembered by many Irish people with great fondness as they proudly welcomed the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
In Vancouver, there was a tremendous buzz and energy level as the local Irish community gathered to meet the President at the Four Seasons Hotel on May 26. The ballroom was packed with over 400 guests decked out to dazzle as they gathered at a lavish reception to shake hands with the President.
Many people told me afterwards that they were moved to tears with her speech and I must say I was among those touched by her words. She truly emanates a strength and a sense of warmth and grace. Her words, while seemingly spoken off the cuff, seemed to speak directly to the heart of so many present that evening.
In this issue we have coverage of that event, along with a number of other appearances she made during the course of her North American itinerary. We also have a selection of photographs covering both her visits to Vancouver and Seattle.
The Celtic Connection was also privileged to interview President McAleese during her visit to Vancouver. For that interview, and
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MAURA
McCAY
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our coverage of the President's visit, including our report from Seattle, turn to pages 15, 16, 17, 18, 26, 28, and 29.
The local sporting community was also thrilled this month by a visit by British soccer legend Jack Charlton. He was hosted by the Moray Nairn and Banff Association at the Scottish Cultural Centre on May 16.
Charlton has also been revered by Irish fans since helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the World Cup in 1990 and 1994 and the European Championships in 1988. The Ireland Team and its fans became known as "Jackie's Army" with an almost fanatical following.
Those heady days of the 1990 World Cup will never be forgotten by many when every man, woman and child wanted to head for Italy to cheer for Ireland. Ole, Ole, Ole. For coverage of Jack Charlton's Vancouver visit, turn to pages 25 and 30.
Now, as we turn toward the month
ahead, the British expatriate community prepares to say a fond farewell to James Rawlinson, the British Consul General who has faithfully protected and promoted British interests in Western Canada since his arrival here in October 2002.
Rawlinson has made numerous appearances at local events, including St. David's Day celebrations presented by the Welsh Society and the annual BC Highland Games presented by the United Scottish Cultural Society.
I also spotted his presence on the reviewing stand of the St. Patrick's Day parade during the CelticFest festivities this past March. It was great to see him out and about to so many local events.
Sending very best wishes to James Rawlinson on his next posting and many thanks for his service to Western Canada during his posting in Vancouver. We wish him well.
We hope our readers enjoy this issue with the diversity of the Celtic community offered in these pages. After 14 years publishing The Celtic Connection, it continues to be a privilege for Catholine and myself to serve the communities of Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
With best wishes,
aura
IN MEMORIAMS
IN MEMORY OF Elizabeth Mary "Betty" O'Flynn (nee O'Keffee) on the tenth anniversary of her death in Vancouver on July 1, 1995. Her mother Nora, her husband Thomas, her children John, Mary, Thomas, James and her grandchildren Matthias, Kristiann, Michael, Patrick, Elizabeth and Thomas remember this anniversary with love.
"Nothing is Difficult to the Brave and Faithful" (O'Kefifee Arms motto) •
IN MEMORY OF Joan O'Keeffe (nee Lane) of Graigue, Duagh, County Kerry who passed away tragically on April 23, 2005 at the age of 45. Joan was a native of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale and had taught in the Abbeyfeale Vocational School where she was regarded as an exemplary educator. A loving wife to her husband John and mother to her sons John Paul and Thomas.
Thank you Joan for being a loving sister-in-law, aunt and grand aunt to the O'Flynn and Fitzgibbon families.
Memories are a gift to treasure, Ours of you will last forever.
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES to the Daly family on the loss of Francis (Fran) Kevin Daly who died suddenly in Coquitlam on May 6. He is survived by his wife Gladys and children Jessica, Travis and Wayne. Fran was born and raised in Dublin and he and his sisters Babs, Philomena and Theresa all emigrated to Canada. His brother John and his wife Marion, along with another sister Bridie and his nephew Zachary, all travelled from Ireland to attend Fran's funeral held on May 16 at St. Bernadette's Parish in Surrey.
IN MEMORY of Tom McCay who died on June 20, 1995 in S trab an e, County Tyrone , Northern Ireland. Never forgotten -your memory lives on in your children in Canada, Patrick and Maura. Rest in peace.
JOHN JOSEPH CYR - Born on May 22 at2:58 AM, he arrived unexpectedly a month early and weighed four pounds 11 ounces at birth. Proud parents Chris and Nuala Cyr are members of the Irish Sporting and Social Club in Vancouver. Congratulations Chris and Nuala.
PRAYER FOR FATHER'S DAY
Almighty God, You have given us the wonderful gift of a father after Your example. Down through the ages fathers have cared for their children and most of them have given themselves unstintingly for their families.
I thank You for my father; even though he may not agree completely with my outlook and way of life, I know that he is genuinely concerned about me. Keep him well in body and soul and if he has already come to You grant him eternal happiness.
Dear Lord, inspire all fathers to come to some of the virtues toward their children that You have toward us. May all fathers watch over their children, show kindness in their failings, illumine their ignorance, and encourage them in their just concerns, thus leading them to a true Christian adulthood.