Monumental News Items

The Ireland Canada Monument Newsletter
Nuachlitir Shéadchomhartha na hÉireann agus Ceanada
In Recognition of the Contribution of Irish Canadians to Canada.
http://www.irelandmonumentvancouver.com
Ní bheidh ár leithéidí arís ann! There will never be the likes of us again
Monumental News –August 19th 2011 Issue #50
The Ireland Canada Monument Society is delighted to announce that the concept drawing shown
above was submitted earlier today to the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
by Mr. Donald Duncan.
The Society now looks forward to a positive response from Vancouver Parks Board staff.
We convey our sincere thanks to Mr. Donald Duncan for all his efforts to reach this goal.
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Main Street Vancouver B.C. Canada beside Main Street Station with the proposed site (at the existing
planter) for the Ireland Canada Monument at Thornton Park.
Note: the Guide way which carries thousands of Vancouver’s commuters daily on Skytrain crosses over
Main Street at this location.
Aug 19th 2011. Earlier today, The Ireland Canada Monument Committee forwarded a letter to Minister James
Lunney M.P. a member of the Canada Ireland Interparliamentary Group at the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa to
update Mr. Lunney on the status of the Monument project. Copies of the letter will be issued to those named on
the proposed Monument and the esteemed Patrons of the project within Canada and Ireland in the coming week.
Aug 19th 2011 The Society receives many requests to align with or provide support for political organisations or
movements within Canada and Ireland. The Society must cordially decline all such requests as we move forward
to complete the building of The Ireland Canada Monument.
Our mandate remains the recognition of Irish Canadians and their contribution to Canada and our mission
statement remains and must be adhered to at all times and reads as follows:
The Ireland Canada Monument project is a non- political, non –sectarian, non profit endeavour created for the
singular aim of providing recognition to the significant contribution of Irish Canadians to Canada.
Thank You.
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184 years ago this month on an island in the St Laurence Seaway:
An Entry in the Register of the Catholic Church of Saint-Luc-De-Grosse-Ile Quebec. Canada dated 19th
August 1847 was made and reads:
The 19th of August eighteen hundred and forty seven, I the undersigned priest have buried in the cemetery of
Grosse Ile, the bodies of 27 persons deceased in the hospitals and on the ships at the quarantine; present
Michael Cummings and Timothe Donahue who declared that they could not sign.
An Entry in the Register of the Anglican Church of Saint John the Evangelist, Grosse-Ile Quebec. Canada
dated 23rd Day August 1847 was made and reads:
Buried: Robinson, Graham, Finlay, Brady,
John Robinson, aged twenty two years, per ship Virginia
Catherine Graham, aged four months, Daughter of Robert Graham, per ship Broome from the parish of Cullen
County Louth.
Margaret Finlay aged eighteen years per ship Elizabeth Morrison
Joseph Brady aged forty years per ship Erin’s Queen, from the parish of Tydonnel County of Monaghan, all died
and were buried on the twenty third of August one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
By me
R. Anderson
Present:
Samuel Barrow
Wm Graham
Michael Comyn
The above entries were typical for any day in any month during the years 1845-48. People had come from
country renown for its agricultural production. During those few short years it is estimated that over one million
others died in Ireland, or on the Atlantic Ocean en-route to Canada and the USA or at places like Grosse Ile in
Quebec. The question is not how did these people die for that is obvious? But why?
From the Book ―Grosse Ile‖ kindly donated to the Ireland Canada Monument Society by Marianna O‘Gallagher R.I.P.
Minister Deenihan calls for all sporting organisations to observe a minute of
silent reflection on Saturday, 10th September 2011 in memory of those who
perished and suffered during the Great Famine
Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht today (Tuesday 10th August, 2011) invited sporting
organisations to observe a minute of silent reflection at all sporting and public events taking place on Saturday,
10thSeptember in memory of all those who suffered loss during the Great Famine.
Minister Deenihan said: 'Now, more than ever, we need to remember those who suffered loss during the Irish famine – loss
of life, loss of family, loss of home and loss of country. The legacy of the Great Hunger resonates deeply with Irish people.
This is particularly poignant in light of the plight being suffered in these present times by those in Somalia and throughout
East Africa. To date, the Irish Government has provided some €7.7 million in relief through Irish Aid. This is the largest
contribution to a single emergency from the Government in 2011 and shows that as a people we care deeply about adults
and children who are literally starving to death. Down through the years, Irish people have always been known to have a
strong commitment to humanitarian aid and to respond generously to relief efforts'.
Minister Deenihan continued: 'I would encourage all sporting organisations to observe a minute's silence at events on
10th September, the date of this year's National Famine Commemoration. This year's commemoration will be held in
Clones, Co. Monaghan and President Mary McAleese has accepted an invitation to lead the official representation at the
commemoration ceremony'.
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Dear all,
Please find attached a notification from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, a statutory body established to make
awards to persons who, as children, were abused while resident in industrial schools, reformatories and other institutions
under State regulation in Ireland. They wish to notify all potential applicants that the Board‘s power to accept late
applications under sections 8(2) and 8(3) of the Redress Act 2002 will cease on the 17th of September 2011. Any such late
applications received on or after that date will not be accepted by the Board. This means that the Board will not accept late
applications received after midnight on Friday 16th September 2011.
Please note that all applications must be submitted in writing. The Board is not in a position to accept applications
electronically.
Further information about the Board is available on its website www.rirb.ie, by e-mailing your query to [email protected] or from
the Board‘s office at Block 5, Belfield Office Park, Beech Hill Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4, Ireland. The Board may also be
contacted by telephone on 00 353 1 2680600. In order to defray cost, if you are contacting the Board by phone please indicate
you are calling from abroad and the Board‘s staff will take your contact details and return your call.
I would be very grateful if this can be brought to the attention of Irish people living in Canada. The notification will also be
available on our website, www.embassyofireland.ca.
Many thanks,
Paula Molloy
Embassy of Ireland
Suite 1105, 130 Albert St
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4
Canada
Ph: (613) 233-0413
Fax: (613) 233-5835
Belfield Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4.
Phone 00 353 1 268 0600 Lo Call 0845 4264 web-site www.rirb.ie
NOTICE REGARDING LATE APPLICATIONS submitted under section 8 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act
2002 (as amended)
The Board is a statutory body established by Act of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) to provide fair and reasonable awards to
persons who, as children, were abused while resident in industrial schools, reformatories and other institutions subject to state
regulation or inspection in the Republic of Ireland.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to inform all potential applicants that its power to accept late applications under
sections 8(2) and 8(3) of the Redress Act 2002 will cease on the 17th of September 2011.
Any such late applications received on or after that date will not be accepted by the Board. This means that the Board will not
accept late applications received after midnight on Friday 16th September 2011.
Late applications received before midnight on Friday 16th September 2011 will then be considered by the Board in
accordance with the provisions of sections 8(2) and 8(3) of the Redress Act.
To facilitate applicants the Board will remain open until midnight on Friday the 16th of September.
The Board will continue its work thereafter until all applications (including late applications) have been considered.
Please note that all applications must be submitted in writing. The Board is not in a position to accept applications
electronically.
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The British Columbia Regiment
Commanding Officer - LCol Bruce Kadonoff, CD
Pipe Major Jordan Seguin
The British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums were formed in 1992. Formerly, the group existed as the
Irish Fusiliers Pipe Band of the Irish Fusiliers of Canada, based at the Stanley Park Armoury of Vancouver. The Regiment
and Pipe Band were placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle and reduced to nil strength in 1964. In June 2002, the Irish
Fusiliers of Canada and The British Columbia Regiment were formally amalgamated to preserve the Battle Honours and
name of the Irish Fusiliers. With the merger, The BCR Irish Pipes and Drums have become a visible symbol of the Irish
heritage of these two outstanding regiments.
The British Columbia Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums are one of five serving Irish regimental pipe bands in the
world and appear under the direction of Pipe Major, Jordan Seguin, and by the kind permission of Lieutenant-Colonel
Kadanoff, Commanding Officer of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught‘s Own). The band, which is an allvolunteer band made up of civilian women, men and youth of diverse ethnic origins is based out of the Beatty Street Drill
Hall in Vancouver.
The Amalgamation of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) and the Irish Fusiliers
(Vancouver Regiment)
In 2002 National Defence Headquarters decided to remove Regiments from the Supplementary Order of Battle. The Irish
Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) had maintained an active association and executive since 1964 and various ways were
considered to ensure that the history and traditions of that proud Regiment would not be lost. The Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver
Regiment) had a long and beneficial relationship with The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) throughout its time in the
active Militia; one of the most attractive options was an amalgamation with The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) who had
maintained an active and vibrant structure as one of the finest Regiments of the Primary Reserve in British Columbia. An
amalgamation of the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) was approved and put into effect as of 1 June 2002.
While the amalgamated Regiment maintained the general ―look and feel‖ of the old British Columbia Regiment (DCO) with
its 120 years of history and traditions, several significant changes were made in both formal and informal customs and
traditions of the Regiment. The collar badge of the dress uniform was changed from the traditional rifle powder horn to a
silver Irish harp surmounted by a maple leaf. This insignia was derived from the cap badge of the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver
Regiment). Additionally, a fusiliers red stripe was added to the traditional British Columbia Regiment (DCO) rifle green,
black and silver diagonal stripes, as used on the Regimental tie and other textile accoutrements. The same red stripe was
added to the Regimental Camp Flag, along with the new collar badge. With the amalgamation, the Regimental motto was
also changed. The old motto of the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) – ―Faugh-a-ballagh‖ (Clear the Way) - was
adopted. This Irish battle cry is first recorded as a regimental motto in 1798, by the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and is still in use
today by the Royal Irish Regiment.
As a result of the amalgamation of Regiments the list of battle honours was also updated. Four new Battle Honours were
added, in addition to those already carried by The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) – Flers Courcelette, Ancre, 1916,
Cambrai 1918, and Vaalenciennes. Additionally, one Battle Honour – Pursuit to Mons – which is included in the Battle
Honour ―Valenciennes‖ was removed.
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The new Regiment also took on the perpetuation of several additional Battalions from the First World War, including the 29 th
(Vancouver) Battalion CEF, the 30th (BC) Battalion CEF, the 102nd (Northern BC) Battalion CEF, and the 121st (Western
Irish) Battalion CEF. The additionally perpetuated battalions also brought significant honour to the Regiment with the
addition of two Victoria Cross winners – Company Sergeant Major Robert Hanna, who won the Victoria Cross at Hill 70 in
June 1917 with the 29th (Vancouver) Battalion, and Lt Graham Lyall, who won the Victoria Cross at Bourlon Wood and
Cambrai in September 1918 with the 102nd (North British Columbia) Battalion.
The Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The Vancouver Regiment)
As amalgamated with The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own)
A Short History
Soldiering in Southwest British Columbia - The Regiment’s Heritage
There have been soldiers on the southwest coast of what is now British Columbia since time immemorial. The First Nation
residing in the area, the Salish, used citizen soldiers raised from the general male population to form self-defence forces and
raiding parties to gain resources or undertake retaliatory operations against invaders. These marine light infantry of the Salish
rarely raided amongst themselves. However, conflict with the Kwakiutl from the northern part of Vancouver Island and the
adjacent mainland area was long standing. The last major raid in this conflict took place around 1860 when a force made up
of Salish soldiers from the Cowichan, Saanich and Songish areas annihilated a Kwakiutl war party at Maple Bay near
Duncan. The party then travelled north in their enemies‘ canoes and destroyed the Kwakiutl village from which the raiders
had set out.
The European settlement of British Columbia goes back to the early explorers of the Northwest Fur Trading Company, later
taken over by the Hudson‘s Bay Company, who first established trading posts west of the Rocky Mountains. In 1843, at the
height of the Oregon Territory dispute, the Governors of the Hudson‘s Bay Company decided to establish Fort Camosun on
the southwest part of Vancouver Island. Three years later the name of the fort was changed to Fort Victoria.
Tension continued between Britain and the United States in the Pacific Northwest; a dispute over the San Juan Islands in 1849
came close to hostilities. Shortly thereafter the outbreak of the US Civil War increased suspicions on both sides. In early
1861 the Governor of the Colony accepted an offer from a prominent black merchant, Mr. Mifflin Gibbs, to raise a militia
company. In July of that year 50 black soldiers were sworn in and formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Company, known
informally as the Africa Rifles. In 1864 this Volunteer Rifle Corps was reformed with two full rifle companies and continued
to flourish.
With the outbreak of the Fraser Valley Gold Rush in 1858, the crown colony of British Columbia was established on the
mainland. The British dispatched a detachment of approximately 165 Royal Engineers, under the command of Colonel
Richard Clement Moody, to the colony to help develop infrastructure and provide a foundation for the establishment of
defence forces. These men later formed the nucleus of the volunteer soldiers who formed the first local militia unit on the
mainland - in November 1863 The New Westminster Volunteer Rifles were formed with a strength of 73 all ranks.
Enthusiasm for local defence got a boost in 1866 with the Fenian scare. The Fenians were Irish Americans who, after the
American Civil War, were determined to invade and conquer Canada and use the occupation to negotiate the independence of
Ireland from Britain. Several skirmishes took place in the Niagara peninsula, where battles were fought between the Fenians
and the British Regulars reinforced by Canadian Militia.
A force of Fenians arrived in San Francisco soon after the US Civil War ended and tried to hire a boat to sail north to the
British colony on the Pacific. They were unsuccessful. In response to the Fenian threat the Seymour Artillery Company was
formed at New Westminster on 16 July 1866. Many members were former Royal Engineers.
The British Columbia Regiment is Established
On 12 October 1883 the British Columbia Provisional Regiment of Garrison Artillery was formed by amalgamating the
existing British Columbia militia companies into a single unit. The British Columbia Regiment traces its formal history to this
amalgamation of those independent companies.In 1886, the City of Vancouver was incorporated and went into a period of
rapid growth; by 1892 it was a city of some importance. When, in 1894, authority was given to raise Number 5 Company of
the Regiment in Vancouver, Major Thomas O. Townley, who was later to become the Mayor of Vancouver, was placed in
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command. This company later became the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment, which Townley also commanded upon promotion to
Lieutenant-Colonel.
Conversion to Infantry
Since the late 1880s there had been talk of raising an infantry force on the mainland of British Columbia; in July of 1899 the
Regiment was directed to convert to infantry. The CO, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Worsnop, requested that the unit be
designated a rifle regiment. The request was duly approved by Ottawa and the unit was designated the 6th Battalion Rifles.
The official date was set for 1 August 1899 and the reorganization was declared complete on New Year‘s Day, 1900. The 6th
Rifles was organized with 2 companies based in New Westminster and 4 companies in Vancouver, co-located with
Regimental Headquarters.
The South African War
In 1899 war broke out between Britain and the two Boer Republics in South Africa. The Prime Minister, Wilfred Laurier,
decided to send a limited force of 1,000 volunteers for a term of service not to exceed twelve months. Volunteers were
selected from each province and 24 members of the Regiment became part of ‗A‘ Company, 2nd (Special Service) Battalion,
The Royal Canadian Regiment. The battalion was commanded by Lt-Col W.D. Otter, ADC to the Governor-General, Lord
Minto. The Regiment showed great distinction. On 18 February 1900 they participated in a wild and unsuccessful charge on
the Boer positions during the Battle of Paardeberg. Nine days later the battalion attacked again under the cover of darkness
and Boer General Cronje surrendered with 4100 of his men. It was the largest single defeat of the Boers, and ironically fell on
the anniversary of an earlier Boer Victory at Majuba Hill.Other members of the Regiment served with The Lord Strathcona‘s
Horse. One member was killed with the Strathcona‘s and two with the Royal Canadian Regiment. Their names are
immortalized on the brass plaque on the Drill Hall Floor which was donated to the Regiment by the grateful citizens of
Vancouver. Queen Victoria inspected the Canadian Contingent on its way home from the South African War. A fourth
member of the Regiment was killed in 1901 while serving with the South Africa Constabulary, which was formed to suppress
the guerrilla war that dragged on after the formal surrender of the Boers.
The 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles
On 1st May 1900 the Regiment was formally designated Sixth Regiment (Duke of Connaught‘s Own Rifles) and the
Regiment became formally affiliated with the Rifle Brigade.
The Establishment of the 11th Irish Fusiliers of Canada
British Columbia in general, and Vancouver in particular, underwent a rapid increase in population in the first decade of the
20th Century. That increase in population brought with it a general demand for additional Militia units. In 1913 another
infantry regiment was authorized for Vancouver and on 15 August of that year Lieutenant-Colonel George McSpadden raised
the 11th Irish Fusiliers of Canada. As the Drill Hall was simply too crowded for another unit the Irish found their first home at
Britannia High School while they waited for their own purpose-built armoury. The Irish successfully conducted their first
large scale training camp at Vernon in the early summer of 1914, and upon their return served alongside the DCORs during
the Komagata Maru incident, where a ship with 376 Sikh passengers attempting to immigrate to Canada were forced to return
to their homeland against their wishes.
At the outbreak of the First World War the Canadian Minister of Militia decided to mobilize Canada‘s main war effort by
raising numbered battalions rather than employ the existing Militia Regiments intact. According the 11th Irish Fusiliers turned
its efforts toward the recruitment and training of mobilized battalions for the Canadian overseas contingents. The 11th Irish
Fusiliers provided major contingents to the 7th (1st British Columbia) Battalion, the 29th (Vancouver) Battalion, the 47th
Battalion, the 54th Battalion, and the 102nd (North British Columbia) Battalion. All of these battalions fought as infantry units
in the Canadian Corps of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
The 11th Irish Fusiliers of Canada formed the 121st (Western Irish) Battalion in the spring of 1915 under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel McLellan. The 121st mustered 1065 officers and men, and sailed for England on 14 August 1916. Upon
their arrival the 121st (Western Irish) Battalion was absorbed by the 16th Reserve Battalion and its soldiers were sent as
reinforcements to the various British Columbian battalions on active service with the Canadian Corps in France. A large
contingent of the Western Irish Battalion reinforced the 7th Battalion, with the 47th and 102nd also receiving drafts of
Irishmen. Three Lieutenants of the Western Irish: Brown, Lett, and Ryan, would later serve as COs of the post-war Irish
Fusiliers. Of these perhaps the best known is Sherwood Lett – he would command the 4th Infantry Brigade at Dieppe in 1942
and in the opening actions of the Northwest Europe campaign in 1944. Wounded twice during the 2nd World War Brigadier
Lett, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, KC, would later become a diplomat, serving in Japan and Vietnam. He was appointed Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of BC in 1955.
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Between the Wars
The Irish Fusiliers were little affected by the major reorganizations that took as the Militia adjusted to a peace time footing in
the early 1920s. The Regiment‘s name was changed to ―The Irish Fusiliers of Canada‖ and they became the perpetuating
Regiment for the 121st (Western Irish) Battalion from the Great War. Many of the officers and NCOs were veterans of the
Great War and the quality of training was quite good; however a lack of funding and a scarcity of modern equipment were
continuing problems. As the veterans left the Regiment for reasons of age, medical condition or family and career
considerations the strength of the Regiment declined. By 1924 Irish Fusiliers were down to 245 all ranks. Shooting and
sports were major activities in the Militia between the wars and the Irish Fusiliers were well known for the quality of their
marksmanship.
In 1923 the Irish Fusiliers moved to a new facility at the corner of Pender and Howe. In July of that year the Regiment was
chosen to furnish the Honour Guard for the visit of American President Warren Harding during his visit to Vancouver. In the
same year the Regiment was allied to the Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria‘s) in the United Kingdom. In 1928 the Irish
were again called upon to furnish a guard, this time for the visit of the Prince of Wales.
In 1936 the Militia in British Columbia was again subjected to a major reorganization. The world wide depression had a
particularly acute affect on western Canada and manpower and funding was cut back even further; the only rational choice
was to reduce the number of battalions. The Irish Fusiliers were amalgamated with the Vancouver Regiment to form a new
Regiment under the name ―The Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment).‖ This new Regiment maintained many of the traditions
and accoutrements of the Irish Fusiliers of Canada, including its alliance to the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The amalgamation was
particularly well managed by the leaders of both contribution Regiments. The new Regiment settled in at its new quarters at
the Stanley Park Armouries, a converted horse show facility. The Regiment returned to a strength it had not seen since
immediately after the Great War – the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) paraded 237 all ranks for its summer
concentration in 1937. War clouds were looming once again in Europe, budgets were increased and new equipment began to
arrive. The Vancouver militia held a major concentration in Vernon during the summer of 1939; the last time such a
concentration had been held was in the summer of 1914. Upon their return the Regiments of Vancouver were placed on
Active Service on 26 August 1939. War was declared two weeks later. A new era had arrived.
The Second World War
The Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) received their initial mobilization orders in advance of the declaration of war.
Shortly thereafter the Regiment adopted a multiple battalion organization with the 2nd Battalion forming a depot for training
and recruitment while the 1st Battalion took over the initial detachment deployed to Prince Rupert to protect this important
and remote port facility.
In the first months of the war the Prince Rupert defence force was gradually increased as men were recruited and trained. In
early spring of 1941 the 1st Battalion turned over their duties protecting Prince Rupert to another unit and moved to
Vancouver Island for garrison duties and training. In early 1943 the Battalion received orders to proceed to Jamaica, where it
formed part of the garrison of the British West Indies for the next 16 months. In August 1944 the 1st Battalion was brought
back to Canada and stationed at Camp Dundurn, Saskatchewan in preparation for deployment to England. Upon arrival in
England the Battalion was informed that it would be broken up and that its personnel would be sent forward as infantry
reinforcements to 2nd Canadian Corps, whose units had suffered heavy infantry casualties in the fighting in northwest Europe.
The Diaspora of Irish Fusiliers from Vancouver served well as fighting soldiers in most of the infantry regiments involved in
overseas combat.
The Regiment was authorized to raise a 3rd Battalion at Vernon, BC in 1942, as a part of the west coast defence structure to
guard against potential Japanese attacks or incursions. As the threat of Japanese operations off the west coast of Canada
diminished, many of the units of the home defence forces for the Pacific Area were disestablished. The 3rd Battalion, the Irish
Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) was disbanded in 1943 and the personnel from the Battalion were made available for
employment overseas or other operational duties.
The only element of the Regiment to serve intact in the European Theatre of Operations was the Band of the Irish Fusiliers
(Vancouver Regiment). That superb collection of musicians was adopted by General Crerar as the First Canadian Army
Headquarters Band. General Crerar took a great personal interest in the Band and they served on strength of the Headquarters
until the end of the war.
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The Regiment also contributed to the ―Canloan‖ scheme, where Canadian junior infantry officers surplus to the numbers
needed were loaned to British units to make up for shortfalls. Four officers from the Regiment were posted to the 1st
Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers of the British Army. One of then was Lieutenant Colonel MJ Crehan, who reverted to the
rank of Captain for the opportunity to serve on operational duties. Shortly after arriving at his unit he was promoted to Major;
he was killed in Italy while serving as a company commander. The other three officers survived the war. It was the fate of the
Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) not to be chosen for employment as a fighting unit in the Second World War. However,
many of its officers, NCOs and serving soldiers performed very satisfactory service in other combat units, and in the roles
assigned to the Regiment in Canada and abroad. Members of the Regiment could be proud of its war record.
The Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment) after 1945
In March 1946, the unit was converted to anti-aircraft artillery and henceforth known as the 65th Light Anti-Aircraft
Regiment (Irish Fusiliers), Royal Canadian Artillery. This was a major change and most personnel were very disappointed to
leave their traditional infantry role. To soften the blow, the unit was permitted to retain those articles of dress peculiar to Irish
regiments, as well as its affiliation with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the United Kingdom.
In 1948 the unit, along with other units in British Columbia, was called out to help combat the serious flooding in the Fraser
Valley. The unit was on duty for approximately three weeks and performed admirably.
For a period of twelve years the Regiment served with distinction as an anti-aircraft artillery unit. However, this phase of the
Regiment‘s history ended abruptly. Without warning, word came down that effective 1 September 1958 the Irish Fusiliers
would be reorganized as an Infantry unit under their old name. This order was received with a welcoming cheer by members
of the Regiment. The conversion to Infantry also brought amalgamation with the 120th Independent Field Battery, an
artillery unit located in Prince Rupert, who became D Company of the Regiment. With that amalgamation, the Irish Fusiliers
(Vancouver Regiment) took on perpetuation of the 30th (British Columbia) Battalion CEF and the 102nd (Northern British
Columbia) Battalion CEF from the First World War.
Unfortunately, tragedy would soon hit the Irish. During the early hours of March 18, 1960, the Stanley Park Armoury was
completely destroyed by fire. It was a total loss of treasured trophies, regimental property, records and equipment.
Temporary accommodation was provided at the Jericho Beach Army Base and subsequently in the Shaughnessy Barracks, a
collection of temporary buildings erected during the Second World War. In spite of these difficulties, the Regiment carried on
and, in 1962, won the coveted Wallace Trophy, awarded to the best Militia Regiment in British Columbia. Early in 1964
however, the Canadian Government issued a white paper on Defence. The Irish Fusiliers were reduced to nil strength
effective 31 December 1964, and placed on the Supplementary Order of Battle. The sole saving grace was the technicality
that a regiment placed on the Supplementary Order could, if necessary, be reactivated. In effect, the Regiment had ceased to
exist. This was a sad blow to a unit with such a rich and proud history. The opportunity was afforded to all ranks to transfer
to other Militia units. Many did, including the forty that joined the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught‘s Own).
Amalgamation
The amalgamation of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught‘s Own) and the Irish Fusiliers of Canada (The
Vancouver Regiment) on June 25, 2002 was to the significant benefit of both contributing Regiments. The history and
traditions of one proud regiment, the Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment), were preserved, while the history, honour and
traditions of The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) were significantly enhanced. The Regiment lives on!
Faugh-a-ballagh!
The Ireland Canada Monument Society extend our sincere thanks to Colonel Keith Maxwell
(Retired) formally of the British Columbia Regiment for his assistance in providing this extensive
article on the British Columbia Regiment and also for assisting with the biography of Honorary
Colonel Patrick L Reid, OC, MC, CD
http://irelandmonumentvancouver.com/side-3-the-100-names/the-100-names/patrick-reid/
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http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/cinema-sunday/the-secret-of-kells
*ALL AGES WELCOME! SPECIAL PRICES!*
*NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!*
CINEMA SUNDAY: ANIMATED AFTERNOONS FOR FAMILIES
The Secret of Kells
Ireland/France/Belgium 2009. Directors: Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
Cast: Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Liam Hourican, Paul Tylack, Michael McGrath, Paul Young
Colour, Blu-ray Disc, English, 75 mins.
Sunday, August 21 - 1:00pm
Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
TICKET INFO
Please Note: Special pricing!
Special ticket prices for Youth (under 18): $6; and Adults: $9
Cinema Sunday‘s animation presentation in August is the wonderful Irish/French/Belgian co-production The Secret of
Kells, a lavishly rendered, painstakingly hand-drawn interpretation of Celtic lore. Irish animator and illustrator Tomm
Moore dreamt of making this film since his college days; in 2009 his gorgeous vision was finally realized. Inspired both by
Celtic myth and the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from medieval times that is one of Ireland‘s treasures,
the film tells the story of Brendan, a young boy living in the Dark Ages. Coming under the tutelage of a master illuminator,
he embarks on a dangerous quest to help complete a magical book and bring light back into his world. The Secret of Kells
has been much admired by critics and audiences alike, and has garnered awards and accolades rarely received by
independent films, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Come join us for a film rich in
history and folklore, with a haunting, highly distinctive visual style hailed by Variety as ―refreshingly different‖ and
―absolutely luscious to behold.‖ Colour, Blu-ray Disc, English, 75 mins.
The Secret of Kells tells the story of Brendan, a young boy living in the Dark Ages. Coming under the tutelage of a master
illuminator, he embarks on a dangerous quest to help complete a magical book and bring light back into his world. Much
admired by critics and audiences alike, and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, the film is
"a glorious throwback to the more stylized, painterly work of decades past, the kind of vividly colored, fanciful pictorials
that are usually confined to the small-scale realm of animated shorts" (Los Angeles Times ).
For more information on The Secret of Kells, please visit: www.cinematheque.bc.ca/cinema-sunday/thesecret-of-kells
For more information on Cinema Sunday, please visit: www.cinematheque.bc.ca/cinema-sunday
Presented by Pacific Cinémathèque’s Education Department, CINEMA SUNDAY is an afternoon film program for children and
their families. We invite you to join us every month to watch outstanding movies and take part in follow-up discussions,
activities and games intended to be fun and stimulate critical and creative thinking. Our goal is to introduce you to some
awesome new films, treasured classics and other favourites — movies that keep you thinking and talking long after you
leave the theatre. We hope you’ll join us and make Cinema Sunday a regular addition to your family outings!
12
Irish Classes now available at the University of Toronto.
Dia daoibh a chairde, (Hello Everyone)
Classes for Beginners and Intermediate learners of the Irish language will commence again this year in St. Michael's
College at the University of Toronto on Monday the 26th and Tuesday 27th of September respectively. Both of these courses
this will be two semester 20 week course with ten classes in the first semester and ten in the second. There may also be one
or two Saturday meetings but this is yet to be decided for certain.
These classes will only go ahead depending on numbers, so it would be great to get a response from participants about
whether they want to sign up or not.
This year I will be following the TEG Course (Teastas Eoprach na Gaeilge) more rigidly, this will allow you all to
participate in an exam of European standard and to also obtain a European certificate in the Irish language upon
completion of the exam.
For those of you who have never heard of TEG, it is a course that was set up and developed by the language centre at the
University of Ireland, Maynooth. This is an examination system for adult learners of Irish that is linked to the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages.
A lot of people have expressed a huge interest in doing this exam, so I decided that I would open the very first official TEG
Examination Centre in Canada. This is very exciting news for us all as Foghlaimeorí Gaeilge and for the Irish Language in
Canada.
You do not have to sit the TEG exam at the end of the course if you do not wish to do so. If you decide that you would prefer
to just learn the language without examination then that is your choice.
It is important to note again that classes will only commence depending on class numbers.
I will let you all know the finer details in due course, price, room, time etc.
You can e-mail me at [email protected] with any questions that you may have about the course.
Beir bua agus beannacht, (All the Best and Blessings)
Joanne
Hundreds of Harpists take Vancouver by storm by Lori Pappajohn
Hurray for the Irish! The largest harp festival in the world was held here in Vancouver the last week in July and what a
great showing from the Irish harp world -- and all the Celtic harp world, for that matter.
We owe so much to the Celts for nurturing such beautiful music and such fabulous harpers whose influence has been felt
down through the centuries to today.
The 11th World Harp Congress and Festival was held in Canada for the first time (it's usually held in Europe) and the
response was massive. Close to 1,000 people attended from countries around the world. The performances were brilliant
beyond words. The world's greatest talents performed right here on Vancouver's stages -- the Orpheum, Vogue, St.
Andrew's Wesley and St. Paul's. There were 14 hours of performances, lectures and demos every day. Now that is a lot of
harping!
The concerts were incredible -- moving us to tears, moving us to joy -- and at times moving us to leap to our feet in
standing ovations. And we heard everything from ancient harps of Persia and Asia to classical concertos, Paraguayan harp,
jazz, blues and even a Jimi Hendrix tune on harp.
Ireland's world famous Máire Ní Chathasaigh gave a fascinating concert showcasing Irish music through the centuries. She
told of the composers, the harpers, their patrons and the lives they lived. Then she played their music.
Legendary storyteller/harper Patrick Ball performed a poignant theatre piece about the blind harper Turlough O'Carolan. He
had us right there -- reliving O'Carolan's turbulent life.
Other outstanding Celtic harpists were Kim Robertson, Marta Cook, Catriona McKay, Sharlene Wallace, Alys Howe and
Seumas Gagne.
Audiences also loved Winter Harp which played to a packed house and standing ovation at the Vogue Theatre.
All in all, the World Harp Congress and Festival was a huge success. We hope to bring back some of these fabulous Celtic
harpists in the future -- and we will keep you posted.
13
Compromised Email Account.
The email account of Brendan Flynn was compromised on 23rd July 2011 and email messages were sent to Mr. Flynn‘s
contacts requesting money. Brendan Flynn wishes to clarify that he did not compose the email and has not been in London
recently and that such emails are a hoax. Mr. Flynn has since retrieved the account and changed his password. He would
like to convey his sincere apologies to everyone who received the email. To those who took the time to phone him and
check that he was ok etc he would especially like to offer his sincere thanks and appreciation.
Annual A.O.H. Pilgrimage to Grosse-Ile and the Irish Memorial
August 27, 2011 For more information e-mail [email protected]
The trip begins in Montreal, by bus, for the three hour journey to Berthier-sur-Mer where
a boat will be boarded to Grosse-Ile. The day includes a guided tour of the island.
There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Irish Cemetery & Irish Memorial and at
the Celtic Cross.
The boats leave Quebec City and Berthier-sur-Mer for Grosse-Ile at 9:30 A.M., returning
at 5:00 P.M. where we will board the bus for the return trip, arriving in Montreal at
approximately 8:00 P.M.
If you would like more information on how to join us by car, or how to book this year's
trip, please contact us the A.O.H. at
[email protected]
The Committee extends our gratitude to Dr. John Kelly at The Ireland Canada
University Foundation for forwarding the latest additions to the Newsletter
Calendar"
Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver Notes
Fuair beirt ó Vancouver duaiseanna le haghaigh scríbhneoireacht as Gaeilge sa chéad Oireachtas Cheanada, a
reáchtáladh i dTamsworth, Ontario ag tús an Iúil. Fuair Mike Kelly an chéad áit sa chatagóir "aistriúcháin", agus
fuair Scott Oser an chéad duais sa chomórtas liteartha sa chatagóir "scríbhneoireacht eolaíochta".
Chuir Scoil Ghaeilge Vancouver Lá Tumoideachais ar siúl ar 16 Iúil i Vancouver. Chaith an grúpa an lá ar fad ag
imirt cluichí as Gaeilge, ag breathnú ar scannáin, agus ag labhairt. Táthar ag súil Lá Tumoideachais eile a reáchtáil sa
bhfómhar a bheidh dírithe ar buntosnaitheoirí.
Go raibh míle maith le Scott Oser, An Mhuinteoir as Scoil Gaeilge.
Two people from Vancouver won prizes for written work in the Irish language in the first Canadian Oireachtas, that
was celebrated in Tamworth, Ontario at the start of July. Mike Kelly won first prize in the "translations into Irish"
category, while Scott Oser took first prize in the literary competition in the category of "scientific writing in Irish".
Scoil Ghaeilge Vancouver held an all-day Immersion Day on July 16th in Vancouver. The group spent the entire day
playing games in Irish, watching films, and speaking Irish. It's hoped to hold another Immersion Day in the fall that
will be aim at raw beginners.
Many Thanks to Scott Oser, Teacher at Irish School Vancouver.
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A new session of Irish Language Classes will begin in September at Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver.
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A Beginners Irish Language course will commence on Tuesday 20th September at 7.00pm
An Advance Irish Language course will commence on Wednesday 21st September at 7.00pm
Classes will be held at 2342 East 27th Avenue Vancouver B.C. (Near Nanaimo Station)
Each course will consist of 10 weekly classes. Total Cost of each course = $130.00.
Registration for classes is recommended.
For further information Phone 604 873-3167
Contact Scott Oser at [email protected];
Contact Connor O‘Reilly at [email protected]
Contact Brendan Flynn at [email protected]
14
Places in Canada and Ireland
Bray Head, Bray, County Wicklow on the East Coast of Ireland.
City of Vancouver and Stanley Park on the west coast of Canada
Thanks to Mr. Tariq Al Briek for allowing the use of the aerial photograph of Vancouver. Mr. Al-Briek is a former resident
of Vancouver who now lives in his native Saudi Arabia.
15
BILINGUAL MESSAGE, ENGLISH BELOW
An Fiche Bliain atá Romhainn:
Taighde agus Teagasc na Gaeilge i Meiriceá Thuaidh http://www.ilob.uottawa.ca/20bliain
Comhdháil idirnáisiúnta a thionólfar ag an Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), University of Ottawa, Ceanada, 2728 Deireadh Fómhair, 2011.
Le hardú stádas na Gaeilge san Aontas Eorpach i 2007, na mílte cainteoirí líofa ina gcónaí i ngach cearn den domhan, agus borradh
mór ar úsáid na Gaeilge ar an Idirlíon le blianta anuas, is teanga idirnáisiúnta í an Ghaeilge anois gan dabht.
I mí na Nollag 2010 d‘fhoilsigh Rialtas na hÉireann Straitéis 20 Bliain Don Ghaeilge, agus sa cháipéis sin, cuireadh béim ar leith ar
mhúineadh na Gaeilge in institiúidí tríú leibhéil thar lear, chun an Ghaeilge a chur ar aon chéim leis na teangacha Eorpacha eile a
mhúintear sna hinstitiúidí sin. Tá dul chun cinn mór déanta i Meiriceá Thuaidh go háirithe, áit ina bhfuil níos mó ná 40 milliún duine
de bhunadh Éireannach ina gcónaí, agus dea-thoil mhór i leith na Gaeilge agus chultúr na hÉireann i measc an tslua chéanna.
Is í príomhaidhm na comhdhála seo ná fís fhadtéarmach a fhorbairt don Ghaeilge i Meiriceá
Thuaidh, fís a réitíonn le agus a thacaíonn leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain a d‘fhaomh rialtas na Poblachta anuraidh.
Beidh ceithre sheisiún ann, le linn dhá lá na comhdhála:
* Dátheangachas
* Teicneolaíocht agus Oideolaíocht
* Taighde agus Scríbhneoireacht na Gaeilge i Meiriceá Thuaidh
* Comhoibriú: Institiúidí Tríú Leibhéal agus Comhphobal na Gaeilge
Spreagchainteoirí
Sylvie Lamoreaux, Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, University of Ottawa
Joe Lee, Glucksman Ireland House, New York University
Brian Ó Conchubhair, Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, University of Notre Dame
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Seanadóir, Seanad na hÉireann, iar-Eagarthóir Gaelscéal
Glaoch ar pháipéir agus phóstaer faoi iamh.
================
ENGLISH
Research and Teaching of the Irish Language in North America the Next 20 years Call for Papers.
Deadline for abstracts: July 31, 2011
An international conference to be held at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), University of Ottawa, Canada,
October 27 & 28, 2011.
With the granting of official status to Irish in the European Union in 2007, thousands of fluent speakers living in every corner of the
globe, and a tremendous increase in the use of Irish online in recent years, Irish has become a truly international language.
In December 2010, the Irish government published the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, and in that document there was an
emphasis placed on the teaching of Irish in institutions of higher learning overseas, to put Irish on equal footing with the other
European languages that are taught in those institutions. Great progress has been made especially in North America, where there are
more than 40 million people of Irish extraction, and general goodwill towards the Irish language and Irish culture more generally.
The primary aim of this conference is to explore a long-term vision for the Irish language in North America, one that aligns with and
supports the 20-Year Strategy approved by the Irish government last year.
There will be four sessions during the two day conference:
Bilingualism
Technology and Pedagogy
Research and Writing in Irish in North America
Cooperation: Institutions of higher learning and the Irish-speaking community
Keynote Speakers:
Sylvie Lamoreaux, Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, University of Ottawa
Joe Lee, Glucksman Ireland House, New York University
Brian Ó Conchubhair, Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, University of Notre Dame
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Seanadóir, Seanad na hÉireann, iar-Eagarthóir Gaelscéal
Aralt Mac Giolla Chainnigh, Capt, PhD, PPCLI
Associate Professor of Physics/Professeur adjoint de physique
Department of Physics/ Département de physique
Royal Military College of Canada / Collège Militaire Royal du Canada
PO Box 17000 Stn Forces / CP 17000 Succ Forces
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4
Sawyer Building Room 5319 / Edifice Sawyer salle 5319
Telephone / Téléphone 613.541.6000 ext 6042
Facsimile / Télécopier 613.541.6040
<[email protected]>
National Defence / Défense nationale
Government of Canada / Gouvernment du Canada
freagraí as Gaeilge le do thoil, oiread agus is féidir
16
An Fiche Bliain atá Romhainn: Taighde agus Teagasc na Gaeilge i Meiriceá
Thuaidh Call for Papers
An international conference to be held at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), University of Ottawa,
Canada, 27-28 October, 2011.
With the granting of official status to Irish in the European Union in 2007, thousands of fluent speakers living in every
corner of the globe, and a tremendous increase in the use of Irish online in recent years, Irish has become a truly
international language.
In December 2010, the Irish government published the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, and in that document there
was an emphasis placed on the teaching of Irish in institutions of higher learning overseas, to put Irish on equal footing with
the other European languages that are taught in those institutions. Great progress has been made especially in North
America, where there are more than 40 million people of Irish extraction, and general goodwill towards the Irish language
and Irish culture more generally.
The primary aim of this conference is to explore a long-term vision for the Irish language in North America, one that aligns
with and supports the 20-Year Strategy approved by the Irish government last year.
There will be four sessions during the two day conference, with one keynote speaker in each session:
● Bilingualism (Sylvie Lamoreaux)
● Technology and Pedagogy (Joe Lee)
● Research and Writing in Irish in North America (Brian Ó Conchubhair)
● Institutions of higher learning and the Irish-speaking community (Trevor Ó Clochartaigh)
We welcome abstracts for short papers (15 minutes) related to the topics mentioned above.
Send abstracts of 300-500 words to Kevin Scannell <[email protected]>, along with your name, and the institution or
organization with which you are affiliated, before 31 July 2011.
We plan on publishing proceedings of the conference as well; if you are interested in publishing a written version of your
paper in the proceedings, we will ask that it be submitted in advance of the conference, by 30 September 2011.
Irish will be the main language of the conference, but speakers will be permitted to present in English if need be.
On behalf of the organizing committee:
● Pawl Birt, University of Ottawa
● Brian Ó Broin, William Patterson University
● Aralt Mac Giolla Chainnigh, Royal Military College of Canada
● Aoife Ní Churraoin, Concordia University
● Brian Ó Conchubhair, University of Notre Dame
● Sailí Ní Dhroighneáin, Saint Mary‘s University, Halifax
● Joanne Fahy, University of Toronto
● Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Glór na nGael
● Anna Ní Ghallachair, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Má Nuad
● John Gleeson, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
● Kevin Scannell, Saint Louis University
● Síle Scott (Chairperson), University of Ottawa
● Pádraig Ó Siadhail, Saint Mary‘s University, Halifax
● Julian de Spáinn, Conradh na Gaeilge
● Hilary Mhic Suibhne, New York University
Deadline for abstracts: 31 July 2011; Written versions: 30 September 2011; Conference Dates: 27-28 October 2011
17
The Celtic Connection Newspaper Notes
The Celtic Connection's Eighth Annual Golf Tournament
We invite all our readers and supporters to come out and mark this occasion at our 8th
annual Celtic Connection golf tournament to be held on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the
Mylora Golf Course at 9911 Sidaway Road, Richmond.
There is also the option to sponsor a hole at the tournament. This offers a great
marketing opportunity, and it shows your support for the tournament and The Celtic
Connection. Sponsorship of a hole is $300, half hole is $150 or prize donations will also help
to make this year's tournament another great success.
The cost of registration is $75 per player and includes green fees and delicious evening
steak or chicken barbeque. Some great prizes and a whole lot of fun. The format is Texas
scramble and foursomes are welcome. Entertainment by Roolya Boolya. Play rain or shine.
Don't Delay, cut-off date for entries is August 5th.
Not a golfer you say? Then why not join the après-links activity for a barbeque and our
exciting auction. Either way, you are assured of good company, beautiful surroundings and
a great atmosphere. Meal only - $25 per person.
Don't delay, call today to sponsor or register, we accept payment by VISA, MasterCard or
cheque. You can mail your cheque to: The Celtic Connection, #452 - 4111 Hastings
Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6T7. For more information call (604) 434-3747, or e-mail
[email protected]
18
Rideau Canal Report due September 2011.
The Ireland Canada Monument Society now understands from correspondence received from Parks
Canada in late July that the historians from the Parks Canada Historical Research Branch will be
responsible for preparing the supplementary report regarding the Rideau Canal due in September 2011.
The Ireland Canada Monument Society now looks forward to the report providing recognition of the
estimated 1000 Irish labourers and their co-workers in the building of the Rideau Canal.
We hope you will become a friend of the Ireland Canada Monument onFacebook
Note our Facebook site has changed due to Facebook upgrades.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ireland-Canada-Monument/103460626418488
Thank You.
Patrick brothers and their influence of the game of Ice Hockey
The siblings from Nelson, B.C., put a fresh stamp on the icy game, one that would crown them as the "first fathers of
hockey"
In a previous issue of the Newsletter, we reported on the impact of the Patrick Brothers and their contribution to Ice
Hockey particularly in British Columbia and their the building of the Denman Arena in Vancouver B.C.
The brothers were instrumental in bringing Vancouver its first and only victory of the coveted Stanley Cup in 1915.
Since then the brothers have influenced the following aspects of Canada’s game:
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The inclusion of the blue lines on the ice surface.
The allowance of the forward pass.
The allowance of players to kick the puck except to score a goal by doing so.
Allowing the goaltender to leave his feet off the ice surface.
The awarding and recording of assists.
The delayed penalty
The farm system for players and team development.
The penalty shot.
The tactics of changing forward lines on the fly.
The counting of shots on goal.
The awarding of franchises outside of Canada.
Vancouver Irish Business Executive Notes
http://www.vibevancouver.com/
19
Irish Heritage Society of Canada Notes
“Athenry Developments”
Athenry Developments was borne from the vision of long-time Langley residents Tony and Gwen
McCamley to bring an Irish cultural centre to the Greater Vancouver area.
The McCamley's have been working towards the goal of constructing a cultural centre in their own
community for many years – a place where local residents can experience traditional Irish dance, music
and theatre. As a part of the Athenry concept, this long awaited cultural centre will not only benefit the
Irish community, but also serve as a hub for various arts and cultural groups in the Lower Mainland.
The cultural centre will offer numerous services to the residents of Langley. Various activity and dance
classes, meeting rooms, exhibitions and seniors‘ activities are all a part of what will make the cultural
centre so rewarding to the community.
Within walking distance to events such as small concerts, fitness classes, plays and other productions, the
cultural centre located adjacent to Athenry Gate will be the perfect way to connect with your friends and
form new relationships in your own neighbourhood.
Athenry Developments was created for the purpose of bringing the McCamley‘s‘ vision to reality, not as a
business venture. As such, the cultural centre will be funded from the sale of the Athenry Gate
condominium units.
As a part of the Athenry concept, the historic Willoughby Hall will also receive $500,000 in much needed
renovations through a generous donation from Athenry Developments.
Firmly rooted in the community in which it will build, Athenry Developments takes great pride in
ensuring that Athenry Gate adds significant value to the citizens of Langley for generations to come.
With the cultural centre at the heart of this unique development, Athenry Gate will be the ideal place to
visit with friends, socialize with neighbours, and enjoy the lifestyle that you have always wanted in the
community that you will help to create!
Contact: [email protected]
Please click on webpage for updated news and details of Athenry Gate. A community of European-inspired condos
now on sale in the heart of Langley BC. At the site of the future Irish Cultural Center.
http://www.athenrygate.com/
20
Irish Sporting and Social Club of Vancouver Notes
ISSC Calendar for 2011
Date: Saturday August 20th 2011.
Time: 5.30 PM
Place: Rupert Park Vancouver. B.C.
An Exhibition Hurling Game will be held at the above venue.
All are invited.
The team will be travelling to San Francisco for the North
American County Board Championships to be held pnSeptember
3rd and 4th in San Francisco.
September 3rd & 4th: North American County Board Championship, San Francisco.
See http://www.isscvancouver.com for more details.
Mark Your Calendars:
The Pat Chessel Band on Thursday Nights 8.30pm
at Mahony & Sons Burrard Landing, 1055 Canada Place & Saturdays at Mahony and Sons
UBC at 9.30pm.
See http://www.mahonyandsons.com/ for further details.
21
Chronology of Contributions by
the Irish Diaspora to Canada.
The Calendar will be updated continuously.
We welcome suggestions from Monument supporters.
1800 The Birth of Ice Hockey in Canada in 1800 at Long Pond
Nova Scotia by Irish Hurlers.
1826-31 An Estimated 6000 Irish help build the Rideau Canal,
with an estimated 1000 deaths between Kingston and Ottawa
1845-48 The Great Hunger in Ireland. Over one million die in
Ireland. Thousands leave for Canada, landing at Grosse Ile
Quebec, where over 7,500 die of starvation related diseases.
1860 D‘Arcy McGee vision of Canada speech to Parliament.
1865 Formation of Conservative Party of Canada
1867 July 1st Confederation of Canada
1870 Henry Valentine Edwards purchases Mount Pleasant lands.
1884 The Gaelic Athletic Association is formed in Tipperary
Ireland.
1886 The City of Vancouver is incorporated
1887 First CPR train from Eastern Canada arrives in Vancouver
1888 The Mount Pleasant Area of Vancouver is named.Henry Valentine Edmonds
1910 Celtic Cross erected on Grosse Ile. Quebec.
1910 Origins of St. Patrick‘s Parish Vancouver
1911 Vancouver‘s Denman Ice Arena and Victoria‘s Patrick
Arena open via the Patrick Brothers.
1915 The Vancouver Millionaires win Stanley Cup
1916 Easter Rising Dublin
1917 April 17 Battle of Vimy Ridge General Arthur Currie.
1920 Insulin discovered in Canada
1922 Founding of the Irish Free State
1936 Vancouver City Hall opens Mayor Gerry McGeer.
1938 Vancouver‘s Lions Gate Bridge built by Guinness Family
opens
1949 Taoiseach John Costello declares Ireland a Republic in
Ottawa.
1960 Vancouver‘s Union Gospel Mission opens
1970 Iris Peake of the Violet Moore Irish Dancers becomes First
western Irish Canadian Irish Dancers at World
Championships
1964. Irish Dance Teachers of North America formed
1965 First Maple Leaf flies on Parliament Hill. Prime Minister
Lester Pearson and Patrick Reid.
1967 Colonel George Vanier who served in WW1 and 2 dies.
1967 Yukon Territory Legal system rewritten– Padraigh
O‘Donoghue.
1980 Hon. Pat Carney PC ( for Privy Councillor) was Minister
Senator MP 1980—2008.
1981 The Canada Arm is first used in space. Dr. Larkin Kerwin.
1993 The Ireland Canada University Foundation established by
Craig Dobbin of Newfoundland and Dr. Patrick Hillery, former
President of Ireland.
1995: Craig Dobbin is awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws
from the National University of Ireland
1986 Expo 86 The World‘s Fair is held in Vancouver B.C.Ambassador Patrick Reid.
1989 & 94 Pat Ryan wins Curling World Championship
1993 The Ireland Canada University Foundation established by
Craig Dobbin of Newfoundland and Dr. Patrick Hillery,
former President of Ireland.
1995 Craig Dobbin is awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws
from the National University of Ireland1999 Canadian
Helicopters Corporation incorporated-Craig Dobbin
2002 Team Canada wins Olympic Gold Medal managed by Pat
Quinn
2005 Ireland‘s President Mary McAleese historic visit to
Vancouver.
2005 The Ireland Canada Monument project begins
2006 Irish Association of Toronto founded
2006 Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan accepts the International
Olympic Flag in Turin for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
2008 The Irish Government establishes a program for the
teaching of the Irish language in Canadian universities
administered by the Ireland Canada University Foundation.
2008 Pat Ryan wins Curling World Championship
2009 The School of Canadian Irish Studies at Concordia
Montreal founded.
2010 Marianna O‘Gallagher R.I.P.
2010 Winter Olympic Games Vancouver. CEO John Furlong.
2010 Vancouver Harps win North American Junior Hurling
Championship.
2010 Vancouver Parks Board provides preliminary approval for a
site for the Ireland Canada Monument at Thornton Park.
2011 July - Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada to
review contribution of Irish workers and others in building
the Rideau Canal. Decision to follow in September 2011.
The Ireland Monument – Canada - Organization Committee – Vancouver, B.C.
Brendan Flynn, Vancouver B.C. Canada / Eddie Reynolds, Vienna Austria / Al McCabe, Port Coquitlam B.C
Mary Lou McKeone Hudson, Massachusetts, USA / Mairead Ní Dhuinn, Abbeyleix, County Laois, Ireland
Lynn McCabe Port Coquitlam B.C. / Natalie Buchanan, Surrey B.C. Canada / Maureen Grace Millar Langley B.C.
Conor O’Reilly, Vancouver B.C. Canada / Carolyn Francis Lair, Vancouver B.C. Canada.
22
Patrons of the Ireland Monument
Honorary Patrons
The Ireland Canada University Foundation Dublin
Terra Design Inc. Vancouver. BC
Anon. Vancouver B.C.
Patrons Ireland
Ordnance Survey Ireland, Dublin
Mr. Christy Cooney President GAA Dublin
Emma Kate Tobia Soprano, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Gerry O‘Connor, Fiddle, County Louth
Asia Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Dublin
Setanta Hurls, Belfast, County Antrim
Ireland India Council Dublin
Air India 182 Victims Families Assoc. Canada.
Ireland Belfast Tours, Belfast County Antrim
An Siopa Leabhair,, Baile Átha Cliath
An Lár TV, Glasnevin, Baile Átha Cliath
Asap Couriers, Belfast
O‘Keefe‘s Hurleys, Kells, Kilkenny
Patrons Canada
Details of The Latest recording from Loreena McKinnett
http://quinlanroad.com/explorethemusic/thewindthatshakesthebarl
ey.asp
Dr. Garth Vaughan M.D., C.M., F.R.C.S.C.
Mr. David Preston Smith
Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Ira Cleary
Cleary Insurance Agencies Vancouver
The Family of Judge Dermod Owen Flood Q.C.
Mr. John O‘Flynn. Canadian County Board GAA
Scoil Gaeilge Vancouver. BC
Cumann na Gaeltachta Ontario, Canada
Kingston Irish Folk Club Kingston, On
Kingston Irish Famine Commemoration, Kingston, On
The Irish Heritage Society of Canada, Langley BC
The Irish Sporting and Social Club of Vancouver
Celtic Fest Vancouver Society, Vancouver BC
Brennan and Sabir, Celtic Sounds Vancouver, BC
The Irish Association of Toronto. Toronto. ON.
Stewart School of Irish Dance, Vancouver. B.C.
Pat Chessell Band, Surrey B.C.
Mayor Gerry Furney, Port McNeill, B.C.
Penk O‘Donnell School of Irish Dance B.C.
Air India 182 Victims Families Assoc. Canada
Blackthorn Band, Vancouver, B.C.
The Irish Heather, Gastro Pub, Vancouver B.C.
The Coughlan Family, Vancouver B.C.
JC Enterprises LTD, Vancouver B.C.
TransCold Distribution Ltd, Vancouver, B.C.
Kearney Funeral Services Vancouver. B.C.
Críonna Consulting Vancouver. B.C.
Clare Construction Services Ltd. Vancouver, B.C.
Celtic Women‘s Circle, London Ontario
Sionnaine Irish Dance School, Abbotsford, B.C.
St. John‘s Avalon Harps GAA Club, Nfl and Lab.
Toronto Hurling Club, Toronto Ontario,
Montreal Shamrocks GAA, Montreal, Qu.
The Irish Association of Nova Scotia. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Les Patriotes de Quebec, GAA. Quebec, Qu.
Ottawa Gaels GAA, Ottawa, Ontario.
Shawn Silver Irish Dancing, St. John‘s Newfoundland.
Lori Pappajohn, Vancouver B.C.
Winterharp, Vancouver, B.C.
Roolya Boolya, Vancouver B.C.
Patrons USA
Philo Celtic Society New York USA
TransCold Distribution (USA) Inc.
Naomh Padraig‘s Hurling Club, SF, Calif.
A Wee bit of Ireland, Norman, Oklahoma
American Committee for the Commemoration of Victims of
The Irish Hunger , 1845-51, NY, NY.
The Committee for the Beatification of the Irish Hunger
Martyrs, 1845-51, NY, NY.
Patrons Worldwide
Mannin Seyr, Isle of Mann
Siobhan Owen, Singer / Harpist, Adelaide Australia.
Asociacion Argentino Irlandesa ―Guillermo Brown‖
Celtic Countries Magazine.
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