The Celtic Connection

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‘Yes sir I can boogie’ The 1977 classic disco hit ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ by Spanish duo Baccara is the new unofficial Scottish national anthem The song has caught the imagination of the Tartan Army, with jubilant fans starting a campaign to get the song back to Number One in the charts.... This follows last week’s victory by Scotland over Serbia that qualifies them for the Euros for the first time in 22 years. Following the match, footage of the team jumping up and down in celebration, while singing along to Yes, Sir, went viral. As a result, it has now re-entered the iTunes top 40, almost half a century after its release. It was originally adopted by fans as a tribute to defender Andrew Considine. The Aberdeen cult hero who was called up to the Scotland team for the first time earlier this year at the age of 33 famously starred in a spoof video of the song on his stag do. The video truly has to be seen to be believed. Considine was unrecognisable as he dressed in drag to strut his stuff to the tune alongside friends with the professionally-produced video played on his wedding day in 2015. But this isn’t the first time Scottish football fans have repurposed a classic song. Duncan McKay, a contributor to the BBC Scotland’s A View From the Terrace, says, ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ follows a long tradition of Scottish football fans co-opting songs as their own. Among the Tartan Army’s previous efforts are ‘Doe A Deer’, to Kilmarnock’s adoption of Marie Osmond’s ‘Paper Roses’, to ‘Simply the Best’ blaring out prior to Rangers running on the pitch at Ibrox. The thought of thousands of Scotsmen dancing and off-key singing along to it in the Trafalgar Square fountain is already clear in my mind, says Duncan. The real risk is that the combination of football fans and internet culture will result in the song having the arse kicked out of it, and by June it’s lost its appeal. Now, with Scotland heading to next year's finals including a match against England at Wembley the Tartan Army is hoping they will soon be boogie-woogieing in the stadium again rather than in their living rooms at home. https://youtu.be/XF8-37V9qQE

We offer heartfelt condolences to Dr. Patrick Fay and his family on the passing of his beloved wife Heather. This is her obituary: DR. HEATHER FAY MD. Mb, Bch. 1948-2020 Heather peacefully passed away in her home in Vancouver, British Columbia on November 4, 2020 after having struggled with an aggressive form of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) for the past two years. ...Continue reading

Hi Everyone, excited to share this very special virtual cultural event. Check out Hearts Beat on Nov 3rd as part of this years Heart of the City Festival. Heart...s Beat is a musical exploration of the shared traditions of drums, dance, and song between First Nations and Irish cultures. Join virtually to watch live stream and pre-recorded performances with: lexwst’í:lem drum group; Ceol Abu Irish musicians; traditional dancing with Larissa Healey and the De Dannan Irish dancers. Listen to storytellers Joseph Dandurand, and Billy Mag Fhloinn, who will join live online from Ireland. Pre-register for the event via Eventbrite here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hearts-beat-2020-tickets-124599

A terrible week for the women of Ireland.

Still time to register for this great event happening tomorrow night! Anakana Schofield is a Vancouver-based, Irish author whose third novel, Bina, has been sho...rtlisted for the 2020 Goldsmiths Award. Join us to hear Anakana reading from Bina, and hear her thoughts on a range of topics in conversation with the Consulate. Details below! See more

Our sincere condolences to the family of Seamus Donaghy. A huge loss to his loved ones and the entire Irish community in Edmonton. Seamus was a legend. May he Rest In Peace.

Did you know that Ireland is the original home of Halloween? The Irish Consulate Vancouver shared the following message today. If you have youngsters in your home or family be sure to download the wonderful colouring, activity and information sheets for young children, from the Government of Ireland.... Dear friends, a chairde, I hope you are all doing well and keeping your spirits up as we approach winter....Continue reading

NEW BEGINNINGS: A NEW WEBSITE The Celtic Connection is very pleased to announce the launch of our new redesigned website at: www.celtic-connection.com. Please share our news with your friends and contacts.

TONY O’DUFFY BRENNAN April 28, 1935 October 11, 2020 It is with great sorrow we tell you that Tony O’Duffy Brennan picked up his trumpet for the last time and left us on October 11. He passed away quietly at the Broadway Pentacostal Home from Alzheimer’s Disease after several weeks in palliative care. He was pre-deceased by his son, Paul, in 1984 and by his beloved wife, Betty, in 2003. He is survived by his son, Anthony.... Tony was born in Dublin on April 28, 1935 and he learned to play the trumpet with the famous Artane Boys’ Band. While on tour he met his future wife, Betty, eventually moving to Jersey where they managed a hotel/bar complex. The O’Duffys moved to Vancouver in 1968. Tony was the much-loved barman at the Horse and Carriage, a successful contractor, an enthusiastic soccer player and organizer of the world’s best parties. Everybody looked forward to being at the O’Duffys where people from nine to 90 were drawn in by Tony’s incredible enthusiasm. He and Betty were the glue that kept most of the Irish community together; their impromptu duets and acts will always be remembered. A funeral will be by invitation only but there will be a celebration when conditions permit. We would like to thank Margaret Larkin, Heather Fay and Harry Cussen for their incredible support. All of us will miss the warm, outgoing man Tony was but are sure there is a great singsong being organized up above! Slainte, Tony. Offer condolences to the family at: https://kearneyfs.com/obituaries/tony-oduffy---brennan [A full obituary listing of names for the Irish Community in Vancouver is available on our website in the 'Memorial To Our Friends' section at: www.celtic-connection.com]

If you or someone you know is struggling to make ends meet at the moment due to #COVID19, as a member of the Irish community, you can access the emergency food ...program through the Irish Benevolent Society. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EmergFoodProgram But did you know that anyone living in the Lower Mainland can access the support provided by @UWLM - with 130 #LocalLove Food Hubs across the Lower Mainland. For a list of food hubs, visit https://uwlm.ca/action/. See more

Lovely uplifting story....

CONGRATULATION to Irish-born Mayor of Burnaby, B.C. Mike Hurley who is among the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants for 2020. Mike is a former Burnaby firefighter and served as past-president of the Vancouver Irish Sporting & Social Club in 2002. He was elected Mayor of Burnaby in 2018. https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants

In May, the Navajo Nation's Attorney General, Doreen McPaul, issued a heartfelt 'thank you' to the Irish people and people of Irish descent who donated funds to Native American tribes affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In a video message, McPaul explained she was especially proud of this response because of my own Irish heritage. Altogether almost $6 million has been donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund through the tribes GoFundMe page.

Recently founder and editor of the Celtic Connection newspaper, Maura de Freitas, connected with the new Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, Eamonn McKee, to hear about his plans for his time in Canada, his thoughts on the Irish Community, the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and much more. It’s all here in the latest update from Irish In Vancouver & BC:

175 years ago today on September 13, 1845, potato blight was first reported in Ireland marking the start of the Great Famine. Within 5 years, Ireland's population had fallen by over one-third. By 1850, 3 million people had disappeared, half through death and half through emigration.

Irish innovation and creativity never ceases

Everyone is invited to participate in Féile na Gaeilge Ceanada, a pan-Canadian event on October 5-8 to hear and interact with Irish language speakers and scholars across the country. Click the link below to learn more.....

Wonderful cross-Canada Zoom gathering of Irish seniors this morning to mark International Day of Older People. It was great to see so many participants from the Vancouver area and would love to see more such events to connect with Irish seniors in our community. Special thanks to Laura Finlay with the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa and Jennifer Bourke with the Irish Consulate in Vancouver for organizing.

LAST CHANCE - to order your Irish in BC mask. Deadline tonight at midnight. Don't miss out

There’s still time to register! VANCOUVER! Are you job-hunting? Join us for a FREE webinar Thursday with tips for resumes, interview skills and other Vancouver resources. This webinar is targeted at assisting Irish community members with job searches and linking them with the Irish community in BC. Register here for free: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vancouver-career-resources-tick

ON THIS DAY....19 years ago, the world was shocked to witness the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York City. In the devastating aftermath, The Celtic Connection published interviews with two people who spoke about their response following that event. In our new website soon to be launched, Catholine Butler of The Celtic Connection shares those conversations in her article about the history of the paper. ...Continue reading

Reflections.....from the cover of The Celtic Connection 6 years ago. ALSO: Watch this page for updates on our NEW WEBSITE which will be launched this month!! A poem from our friend Roger Buston:... A Cedar In The Gloaming Evening draws around the tree, A coverlet of lilac light tinged with sunset, While beneath the boughs, It has, already, aspects of night, (And is, in some measure, night always), Small insects, and birds too, hover near, They seek shelter, rest and quiet, For these trees breathe quiet. Immortal things that sleep the day long, In that measured night, Awaken with songs already on their lips, Can you hear them sing? To all nature a hymn, To mortals a whisper, A hint of a night, That tastes of twilight long into dark, That makes melodious the moonlight, And rings in the soul even until the dawn, So that those who remain awake, Throughout that symphony of immortals, Are loath to lie down, Though spent, At full light. Should we not seek repose beneath the boughs With them, And share their dreams? By Roger Buston For Rita, In Loving Memory, Written July the Twenty-second Nineteen-ninety-eight 6 Year

HOT OFF THE PRESS - exciting news for all Irish in BC We wanted to share some exciting news about a new initiative that will support all of our community in BC in a variety of ways. The Irish COVID-19 Support Group has designed an Irish in BC face mask that will encourage people to not only wear a mask but wear a reusable one, as well as support those more vulnerable Irish community members. ... The masks are $15 each and the profits will go to the Irish Benevolent Society of BC, who are currently running an emergency food program for Irish community members in need. For more info check out https://irishinbc.ca/irishinbcmasks/ The deadline for ordering is Sunday, September 13 so please circulate this to all your members ASAP. The link will also be widely posted on social media so you can distribute the info that way. If you want more information, contact [email protected]. Thanks in advance for your support of this initiative. https://irishinbc.ca/irishinbcmasks/

Be sure to CHECK OUT our new website at: www.celtic-connection.comBe sure to CHECK OUT our new website at: www.celtic-connection.com

Slán abhaile Mary: A fond farewell to our dear friend Mary Hatch as she prepares to head back to her beloved Dublin next week. We were honoured to participate in a small gathering to wish her adieu in the wonderful new event space at the Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver. Special thanks to Eilis Courtney and the Irish Women's Network of B.C. for organizing and to Frank Flood and Jennifer Bourke with the Consulate for hosting.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Lee Cooke at Trout Lake Park at 3:15 PM today. This will also be live streamed from the in memory of Lee Cooke group as well at 4pm Vancouver time, midnight in Ireland, and saved for sharing later.

Deepest condolences on the loss of Lee Cooke who passed away last Sunday following a tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Lee is a former member of the ISSC and a GoFundMe has been set up to help repatriated his remains home to Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Please click here to contribute: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-get-lee-home

Sad news from Toronto. Frankie Benson was a major radio personality in the Irish community for over 40 years. He born in Belfast on July 4, 1942, he died on May 12 at Torontos Etobicoke General Hospital due to coronavirus complications. On a personal note, Frankie was a family friend who often played at our Irish pub in Ottawa, Ontario. The pub was called The Molly McGuires and Frankie played in a band of the same name. https://www.irishtimes.com//frankie-benson-obituary-most-f

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature will present a reading of A Ghost in the Throat, a new book from multi-award winning writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa. Attendees are invited to register online and either choose to 'Pay What You Can' or register for a free ticket. All income will go towards supporting Cúirt to deliver this event and events in future. Date: August 31, 2020, 7:00 pm (Irish Standard Time)... Register here:

Our deepest condolences are extended to our friend Marina Guinness on the loss of her beloved father. He was welcomed here in Vancouver by the Irish Community in 2010.

Irish Consulate in Vancouver preparing to open new offices this September....

A FOND farewell to Jim Kelly, Ireland's Ambassador to Canada, as he departs Ottawa for a new posting in New York City. Throughout his 4-year term Jim was highly regarded by Irish communities across Canada. Here at The Celtic Connection we remain deeply grateful for all his support, particularly since the first event he attended upon arrival in Canada was a dedication ceremony we organized at the Martindale Pioneer Cemetery located in Low, Quebec.

Dear Friends: Just a quick update we havent gone away! Were working on our new website and expect to launch early next month. It will offer an insight into almost 30 years in publishing [1991-2020] serving our Celtic communities across Western Canada, the U.S. Pacific Northwest....and beyond. Stay tuned for more information.

JOHN HUME 1937-2020 John Hume, the visionary politician who won a Nobel Peace Prize for fashioning the agreement that ended violence in Northern Ireland, has died at 83. As leader of the moderate Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Hume was seen as the principal architect of Northern Irelands 1998 peace agreement. He shared the prize later that year with the Protestant leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble, for their efforts to end the sectarian viol...ence that plagued the region for three decades and left more than 3,500 people dead. While both Hume and Trimble credited the people of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic for approving a referendum that led to power sharing, it was Humes diplomacy that offered the impetus to the peace process that led to the 1998 Good Friday accord. http://www.irishnews.com//former-sdlp-leader-john-hume-di/

Jack Charlton, a World Cup winner with England and a former Republic of Ireland manager, has died aged 85. Charlton spent his whole playing career at Leeds United, with whom he won several major honours, including the First Division title in 1969, the FA Cup in 1972 and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. He is best remembered as a manager for his work with the Republic of Ireland where he guided Ireland to Euro 88 and the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.... He was appointed Ireland manager in 1986 and will always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever hold the role. Charlton left the job in 1996 and was later presented with the Freedom of the City of Dublin and awarded honorary Irish citizenship. https://www.theguardian.com//jack-charlton-england-world-c

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the Irish Benevolent Society has launched a Food Voucher Program. It has been designed to help those in the Irish community in British Columbia who may be struggling to provide themselves with basic food essentials. The initiative was initially funded through the Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver. Donations to support this initiative or to help provide further assistance to the Irish community in Vancouver are welcomed.

Join the award-winning author of Room for an exclusive discussion on her hotly anticipated new novel, The Pull of the Stars, set in Ireland amid the Spanish Flu of 1918. Presented online free by Hot Docs streaming on Tuesday, July 21 at 12 Noon at PST. One of Canada's most celebrated writers, Emma Donoghue set the literary world on fire with her bestselling, Man Booker Prize -nominated Room, a funny and poignant story of survival that was later turned into an Oscar-nomina...ted film. She returns with her most urgentand timelywork to date, a riveting novel set in a Dublin maternity ward during the Spanish Flu of 1918. Donoghue joins Brian Goldman, host of CBC Radio's White Coat, Black Art, to discuss the unforgettable story of Nurse Julia Power and the carers who change her life in the face of a baffling pandemic. In this Hot Docs at Home exclusive, explore a soon-to-be classic story of hope and survival and the role that great writing plays in revealing the light in the darkness. https://boxoffice.hotdocs.ca/websales/pages/info.aspx

Re: IMPORTANT STATUS UPDATE: The Celtic Connection Print Edition Dear friends: I hope youre keeping well in these very strange and unsettling days of COVID-19 and social upheaval. I think we can say without exaggeration that weve never seen anything like this in our lifetime....Continue reading

....and Happy Fathers Day!

PLEASE NOTE The pan-Canadian Bloomsday virtual event will be held tomorrow June 16, 2020 at 4 PM PST. See below for more information and the link to connect:

Please share if you know anyone in our community who might need some help.

The Embassy of Ireland Ottawa has a new YouTube channel. Check out Bloomsday at 4 PM PST on Tuesday, June 16. The Embassy, together with friends in @IrlinVancouver, Bloomsday Ottawa, @BloomsdayMTL, Toronto Bloomsday, and special guest readers in Newfoundland and Vancouver are excited to announce the first coast to coast virtual Bloomsday celebration in Canada. Visit IRELAND IN CANADA on YouTube at:

Looking forward to this event!! Hoping to hear Molly Blooms Soliloquy....organized by the Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa (by the way it will be 4 PM PST Tuesday, June 16, BLOOMSDAY!) If you arent familiar with Bloomsday, or Ulysses itself, this 5 minute video should tell you all you need to know! Who knows, you might even be inspired to start the book Dont forget- the Embassys Bloomsday event is at 7pm EST on Tuesday 16th! (More details soon....)

Weekly updates provided by Irish in Vancouver & BC:

As some of you may know, members of the various Irish community groups in BC have come together since the beginning of Covid-19 to form the 'Irish COVID-19 Supp...ort Group'. They have been working on some exciting initiatives which will provide support for the BC Irish community. One of the initiatives is a weekly newsletter. (week 1 attached) We encourage you to sign up to and share the newsletter http://irishinbc.ca/newsletter-signup/ Be sure to follow the Irish in Vancouver & BC FB page Irish In Vancouver & BC If you would like to have something featured in the newsletter please forward the information and any graphics you would like to include to [email protected] #wearecommunity Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association

The BC Irish COVID-19 Support Group has published a newsletter with information on what's going on in the Irish community in BC this week. We encourage you to sign up to and share the newsletter http://irishinbc.ca/newsletter-signup/. Be sure to follow the Irish in Vancouver & BC FB page 'Irish In Vancouver & BC'.

Thousands of Irish stranded in Australia due to COVID-19 Some of the biggest stars of Irish music joined forces to raise much-needed funds for Irish citizens stranded in Australia. Damien Dempsey, Declan ORourke, Mary Black, Luka Bloom and Paul Brady are just some of the superstars of Irish music who took part in 'Wish You Were Here', an online fundraising music event held last weekend.... There are almost 18,000 Irish temporary visa holders in Australia. Many of them have lost their jobs since the coronavirus shutdown in March and they are ineligible for Australian government assistance. https://www.irishecho.com.au/news

Very sad news this morning from the Irish Embassy in Ottawa about the sudden death yesterday of their colleague Michael Hurley in Beijing. Michael came from a public service family, and public service was in his nature. It was a commitment which shone through his work all through the course of a long and distinguished career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which included overseas assignments at Missions in Madrid, Brussels, The Hague, Ottawa and most recently in Beijing. He is remembered as both friend and valued colleague at the Embassy in Ottawa from 2014-2019. Michael was also a great friend to many in the Irish community across Canada before his transfer to Beijing last summer. May he Rest in Peace.

The newly formed Irish Covid-19 Support Group recently secured funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Irish Consulate in Vancouver, to hire a part-time, temporary Communications Officer as part of a strategy to further support and promote virtual engagement of the Irish community in BC especially during these more challenging times. Moving forward they will be providing more information about Irish Organisations, Irish Interest Groups, Irish Bu...sinesses & Irish Run Events. In order to stay connected with the events within the community sign up to their weekly newsletter by clicking here: http://irishinbc.ca/newsletter-signup/ We would appreciate if you could share this page around the community and encourage others to sign up to the newsletter Stay tuned!