The Irish Scene - May/June 2024

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BRENDAN’S

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ubiaco’s Anzac Day commemorative service always has a strong and proud Irish representation.

Songwriter Brendan Graham

world. By the longest of odds it turns out Brendan once called Subiaco home and it and surrounding areas hold a very special place in his affections.

In addition to the colour party leading the parade being As it happens Irish Scene was in overwhelmingly made up of contact with the talented Irishman Irish people – including former to find out more and when we told mayor of Subiaco Tony Costa – him about the coincidence, he is and the various Irish community chuffed. “That’s brilliant,” he said. “I Terry groups, such as the Subi based love it when one of my songs goes Burridge Irish Club, Australia Irish Heritage into the life of a community.” He sent a Association (AIHA) and Honorary big thank you to the organisers and singer Irish Consulate Marty Kavanagh – all for choosing his song. laying wreaths at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in Rokeby Road there was an additional sprinkle of Irish magic in the air for this year’s proceedings. Amongst the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand and the poignant sound of the bugle during the ceremony, the song chosen for the service was ‘You Raise Me Up’, sung by Terry Burridge.

Many if not most readers might recognise the popular and powerful anthem number as being Irish, – written by the pen of Tipperary born but now Mayo based songwriter Brendan Graham – that has been embraced around the

Colour Party for Anzac Day Parade in Rokeby Road

STARTING A NEW LIFE IN SUBIACO

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rendan emigrated to Perth in 1968. Before that the then 23 year old had been working in London where he met Mary his wife to be. Mary and her friend Maura Reilly had already booked passage to Australia and made the voyage, to be followed by Brendan the next year. He told Irish Scene magazine that he had no idea at the time how long he would be staying. “I suppose it was a kind of ‘wait and

see’ as to how things would go,” he said. The reunited couple quickly got on with their lives together and got

Our Lady of the Victories Church in Wembley

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an apartment in Currie Street, Jolimont, close to Daglish train station. “We got married in Perth on 12th February 1969 – the date of both of our birthdays at Our Lady of Victories Church in Cambridge Street, Wembley. It was an Irish priest from Kerry who did the honours, a Fr. Brosnan. The wedding reception was quite modest…with a friend and work colleagues of Mary’s called Carol Manners, kindly letting us host it in her and her husband’s newly built house, before they had even moved in. In January 1970 our daughter Donna was born in St. John of God’s Subiaco, with great support from the many Irish nuns, there.”

THE BIRTH OF GAA WA

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rendan’s time in Perth coincided with a milestone development on the local sports scene. He was one of the 64 people present at the inaugural meeting to set up the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in the Irish Club, which at the time was located in Highgate.

He once spoke about this episode to Frank and Gerry when they had their show ‘A Song for Ireland’ on Radio Fremantle.

“One of the things I remember feeling strongly, feeling more strongly in Australia than perhaps when I went to London, was this sense of identity, all the history going

SONGLINES

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Eager to do his best for his young family, Brendan did a mature age matriculation at the University of WA, which he said set him up for a part-time degree course at Monash University, when they moved to Melbourne.

“I worked in Australian Glass Manufacturers (An Australian Consolidated Industries company) in East Perth as a work study engineer, for about two years,” Brendan said. “Following, being awarded the Lansing Bagnall State Award for Production Studies, I transferred to ACI’s Plastic Division in Melbourne and remained there until we returned to Ireland. Our twin daughters Grainne and Niamh, were born in Melbourne.” back over the years and the links between Ireland and Australia so I suppose we tended to band together in the Irish Club in Perth and it was natural a lot of us, who were young fellas with plenty of energy, that our thoughts would turn to sports and Gaelic,” Brendan said. “I never played Gaelic very much but I just loved all sports, athletics and rugby, and I even captained the Monash University intervarsity team). On Sundays we used to meet and play on the foreshore near the Swan River.

Sometimes we mightn’t even get two teams of 15, so it might be two lots of eleven.” He also recalled when the Kerry Gaelic football team came to Western Australia to play against a West Australian team as being “huge”. know anybody else in Ireland doing what he did. So I sent the lyrics to him. He added a melody and it ended up on Johnny McEvoy’s album With.... An Eye To Your Ear.”

t was in Perth that Brendan got his first taste of being a recorded artist and the Brendan didn’t even know the music industry. During song had been recorded until his time in London he he got a battered copy of the had written the lyrics for a album through the post around song about an imaginary Christmas 1969. “There on priest, ‘Father Dickens’. “I the back was my song listed wrote the words out on alongside ‘Here There And a red napkin,” he said in ur ‘With an Eye to Yo the of e Everywhere’ by The Beatles and sid e ers rev another interview with Hot The ‘The 59th Street Bridge Song’ by Paul Simon.

Ear’ record Press Magazine. “Tommy [Leonard Cohen also appeared on the record] Swarbrigg was beginning to write original Unfortunately, an oversight meant there was songs for The Drifters around that time. He was no credit for me on the album, but at least I kind of the Moses of Irish songwriting. I didn’t had the song on it. That was the start.”

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The Graham family returned to Ireland in 1972 but if their time here was relatively short they developed a lifelong connection with the country.

“I was very interested in Ireland and Australian history so, some of my writings both in my first novel – The Whitest Flower - is set in the time of the Great Famine and has an Australian section,” he said. “The song ‘Orphan Girl’ is regularly used at annual Famine Commemoration events in both Sydney and Melbourne and is related to the Earl Grey scheme of 1848-1850, when over 4,000 young Irish girls orphaned by the Famine, were shipped to Australia.”

Brendan’s latest musical offering is his new album ‘Storybook – The Songs of Brendan Graham’, with Cathy Jordan & Fergal Murray, released in January this year. One of the songs on it ‘Sleepsong’ was written as a lullaby for his youngest daughter the night before she travelled to Australia.

“Both of our youngest and Irish-born daughters, Alana and Deirdre, went to Australia for a period,” Brendan told this magazine. “Alana completed a Masters in International law and Human Rights in Sydney and then worked in the CBD with an investment company. Deirdre, as a doctor worked for a few years in the Gold Coast Hospital. That particular song Sleepsong, was beautifully recorded by Kate Ceberano with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (Live album 2006) and what was lovely was, that while Alana was in Sydney she went to a gig in the famous Basement at which Kate sang back Sleepsong to Alana. So, the circle was closed in a most extraordinary way.”

It’ll be all white on the night….from left, Dana, Eimear Quinn and Johnny Logan (twice) won the Eurovision wearing white outfits

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EVERYTHING EUROVISION

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rendan was living in Perth when Ireland had its first win in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970 with ‘All Kinds of Everything’ (written by Derry Lindsay and Jackie Smith), sung by Dana, an 18 year old schoolgirl from Derry, Northern Ireland.

Twenty four years later – and exactly thirty years ago this year on April 30 – it was Brendan’s song ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’, performed

by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, that won Eurovision 1994. [The trio are planning “a little celebration” to mark the anniversary].

For the third time in a row Ireland had won the contest (1992 – ‘Why Me? (composed by two time winner Johnny Logan) and 1993 - ‘In Your Eyes’ written by Jimmy Walsh and sung

by Niamh Kavanagh and had produced the event in Ireland.

On top of his win, and the unprecedented build up to it, Eurovision 1994 was also remarkable for being the world premiere of Riverdance.

Incredibly, just two years later Brendan had another Eurovision winning song with ‘The Voice’, sung by Eimear Quinn. That was another significant victory for Ireland, because it is the last time Ireland won the song competition.

Ireland’s era as a Eurovision superpower – having more wins than any other country – went into decline.

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“I only became aware of, and interested in, the Eurovision after we returned to Ireland (Ballinasloe, Co.Mayo) and I had heard Red Hurley sing,” said Brendan.

“Televisions were still quite new here and I remember walking up the street one night and there was a TV in an electrical shop showing Eurovision. I was drawn to the idea that you could have all these countries with songwriters.

RTE and Eurovision presenters Gerry Ryan, left, Paul Harrington, Charlie McGettigan, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Brendan Graham far right celebrating at the 1994 Eurovision

I thought that if I could come up with a song for Red that it might possibly qualify for the Eurovision in 1976, which we did with the song ‘When’.”

In 1985 Brendan wrote Ireland’s entry for the exhibition of European songs; ‘Wait until the weekend comes’, with Maria Christian – which came sixth. Irish Scene asked him what the unique song contest meant to him as a songwriter. “Well, firstly it is such a privilege to represent one’s country in anything, and naturally because of that you want to do well. So to win and twice was beyond what I could ever imagine but I had great artistes in Paul and Charlie with Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and then Eimear Quinn, with The Voice and a stunning arrangement by Bill Whelan, stole all

hearts in Oslo. Eurovision was important in that, at the time, I was out of a job, so, songwriting then became my ‘work’ and I started to earn a living. Will Ireland win again…who knows – I’m sure we will…we have a treasure trove of songwriters and performers in this land of song.”

Riverdance was born in Dublin as a seven minute interval act for Eurovision

MR EUROVISION MEETS MR AMBASSADOR Long before Australia became a player in the Eurovision competition – making its debut in 2015 – one Australian born performer representing Ireland had earned the well deserved soubriquet ‘Mister Eurovision’.

Johnny Logan was the first person to win the Eurovision twice – What’s Another Year in 1980 (which was a massive hit across Europe and even hit No. 1 in the UK) and ‘Hold Me Now’ in 1987 which went on to be another major hit. He also wrote ‘Why Me?’, which was sung by Linda Martin and won the 1992 Eurovision in Sweden, the start of an incredible winning streak for Ireland that would last three years.

Logan – who celebrates his 70th birthday on 13 May – is still an gigging artist, based in Germany. But he continues to have strong links with Ireland and Australia. Logan was in Dublin in February where he made an unexpected appearance.

was looking like a true rockstar! Séan was born in Melbourne but spent the majority of his life in Ireland building a huge musical career where he won two consecutive Eurovisión RTVE song contests for Ireland. Séan spoke to the team about his love for Australia spending many years there throughout his life and about his upcoming tour dates.”

“This week, The Embassy team met Irish Australian singer songwriter Séan Sherrard professionally known as Johnny Logan,” Ambassador Gary Gray posted on the embassy’s social media in late February. “The team were in Embassy Spring clean up mode so please excuse the more causal attires. Sean

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AN AUSSIE

by Lloyd Gorman

T

here was a hint of Fr. Ted about last year’s Eurovision Song Contest for Alex Canion.

Alex is the bass player and backing vocalist with Perth band Voyager that represented Australia in the 2023 song contest in Liverpool.

“Whenever I see Graham Norton and when I was watching him host the Eurovision I couldn’t get the image of him Irish dancing in a tiny caravan out of my head (as Father Noel Furlong),” he told Irish Scene recently. Funnily enough that scene – featuring a younger version of the Cork born comedian before he became a household name – was inspired by Eurovision spin-off Riverdance.

A few years earlier Alex had another Fr. Ted moment while on holiday in Ireland with his wife Deva, daughter of Paul North, founder and former proprietor of JB O’Reilly’s pub in Cambridge St, West Leederville. “We were going somewhere and we were following Google to get there,” he said. “It took us down all these back ways and I drove past all these people on a country road who were all parked up on the side of this quiet road and I was wondering what’s going on here and who are all these people, and as I looked over my shoulder I saw the house they use as the

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parochial house in Father Ted, so I stopped and of course we got a photo.”

A couple of weeks after last year’s song contest – in which Voyager ranked a very respectable ninth place – Alex returned to Ireland where his Eurovision status would be a source of interest and curiosity.

Alex’s Eurovision adventure also has touches of the surreal, bizarre, fun and joy about it, but it didn’t happen by accident.

“We’ve been campaigning for it since 2015 when the Eurovision opened up to Australia,” Alex admitted. “It was almost a pipe dream, we didn’t really think it could happen but we thought what other metal bands would suit Eurovision and most of our fans – a lot of who are in Europe – kept saying you’ve got to do Eurovision, you’d be perfect for it, and we kinda agreed with them, because our music is typically very poppy, very catchy and there’s a lot of ear worms, we specifically write songs to have a heavy and very rhythmically syncopatic music to be catchy, so we kept campaigning.”

He credited their UK based manager – Lulu Davis – for being on board with their vision and for working hard to help them to achieve

INTO

it. For their part the Voyager boys – Daniel “Danny” Estrin, Simone Dow, Scott Kay, Ashley Doodkorte and Alex – got down to the business of writing and performing suitable songs.

About 2019/20 their song ‘Runaway’ came in 12th in the ‘Eurovision Australia Decides’ qualifiers for the song contest and got their foot on the ladder. For the following year’s selection process they wrote ‘Dreamer’. “We came overall second,” he said. “We won by a landslide in the public vote but we came third on the jury’s, so when they averaged out the score we came second.” Australian Sheldon Riley went on to sing ‘Not the same’, which finished in 15th place.

The ‘Australia Decides’ format was dropped the next year, with Australia’s next entrant to be chosen by an internal process. “We’d been woking on the song ‘Promise’ and refining it when they told us in late December 2022 that they had chosen it. It was amazing, and also a little bit nerve wrecking because myself and Deva had our first child on 5th January 2023, so in my head I was thinking about becoming a father for the first time. Deva ended up bringing our son Naoisha to Liverpool to see

us play at Eurovision, so it was his first concert, which was cool.”

Alex and his Voyager band members are all seasoned musicians who have toured Australia and Europe but he admits Eurovision is unlike anything else. Having worked hard to get there they were determined to work hard while they were there, but also to enjoy the experience. “We said screw it, let’s just have fun, what could go wrong, the fact we’d already made that far was such a huge pay off and we want to enjoy every single moment.

Plus, the song ‘Promise’ was one we had all written together as friends, we weren’t playing someone else’s song, so it was extra special.”

The Perth rockers made the most of the whole experience and ranked a very respectable ninth place. Going into the final top then they got an unexpected present from some fellow competitors, their Dublin counterparts Wild Youth whose song ‘We are One’ failed to get through to the final stages. “They were lovely guys,” Alex said about Wild Youth. “We got along like a house on fire with them, they were lovely and they really brought the party vibes, for sure. They didn’t qualify into the grand final but after they found that that we

THE IRISH SCENE | 9

the same sentence, its crazy! I was asked, how, why and what was it like?.”

Deva North and Alex Can ion with baby Naoise North-C anion

did, they gave us these lovely four leaf clover pins, like brooches and said ‘We are giving you the luck of the Irish”, which was so sweet of them. I still have mine.

After the madness of the song competition – which included ‘pre-party shows and events in Spain, the Netherlands and London – Alex and Deva took some time out to decompress. They travelled into northern England and Scotland, from where they flew across to Dublin to spend a couple of weeks in Ireland. “Deva is from Wexford, so she’s got family there and we went to them and were able to introduce them to Naoisha. We got a great welcome, when we arrived they had loads of Australian flags out for us. We spent some time in Kilmore Quay as well, its a lovely spot.”

The good showing by Voyager helped create some interest and awareness back at home about the Eurovision “I don’t think the influence and fandom of it is really felt in Perth. It is now to some extent because we came from Perth and we are the only act from WA – and the only band – to have represented Australia in the last nine years. But when you are over there in the thick of it, in places like Spain, the Netherlands and even London, it is such a huge deal, it was wild. Actually its funny because I also play in a duo – with Ash the drummer from Voyager – called Flost in Paradise and we play loads of gigs at JB O’Reilly’s, Durty Nelly’s, the Galway Hooker and loads of place and our first gig after Eurovision was at JB’s. We were thinking this is so funny.

We’ve gone from playing to a stadium filled with 9,000 people and an audience of 162 million who watched our performance live on TV and then we’re playing to the dinner crowd at JB O’Reilly’s, it was quite funny.”

The popular Cambridge Street watering hole actually has a lot to do with nurturing Alex’s musical abilities and career. Married Alex’s involvement with to Deva now for just over the Eurovision was seven years, they went a topic of curiosity to high school together and even confusion. and started dating “That’s because I’m about 2012. He used in a progressive to call into JB’s to see metal band her when she was and from Perth, working there and Western Australia, naturally enough got how am I and to know many of the Eurovision even in locals there.

Alex & Allan Healy caught up in Dublin after Eurovision 2023

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Alex, Allan & Gavin Healy before heading out to Johnny Foxes for a gig

“So much of a part of my music journey within the Irish Scene is due to my involvement with the Healy’s,” Alex said. “She was working at the pub when we were dating and of course she knew’s the Healy’s. There was this one time when the Healy’s were playing on the stage and I went up to say hi. Anyone that know’s them will know how hospitable and friendly they are and I think Al Healy said to me ‘You’re a museo, come up and have a jam’, and I’m like ‘What?’, so they invited me up on stage and I didn’t know any of the songs they were playing. I jumped on the bass and they encouraged me and I just relied on my musicality in a way I hadn’t ever done before, just jamming and I have to say they are so responsible for me starting my music career in the cover scene as well, by basically just putting their faith in me and showing me I had it in me to do songs like this.

So that led from me jamming on a few songs at a gig with them to me filling in for them and playing gigs with Nigel Healy, Gavin Healy, Al Healy, and then I started filling in for Jonny Reid. Every now and then when I’m playing with the Healy’s some one comes up to me and say’s ‘Hey Jonny, how you going?.”

As it happens Alex got to know Jonny – who hails from Northern Ireland – very well through his former job at the Concept Music shop in Wembley. “I met Jonny when he came here and I was helping him with his guitar pedals and talking to him about guitars and eventually he commissioned me to do the artwork for his singles, so for example, I did the art for his ‘Portaferry’ release and a few other things.”

As much as Alex and his band mates – who were self confessed “mega fans” – enjoyed the whole Eurovision experience he is happy for it to be a one time deal. “We have been asked if we would do it again and I don’t think we would, not because we wouldn’t relish the opportunity, I think its important for us to give other people a turn. And if we were going to do it again how could be top what we’ve already achieved...we got to ninth place, which is just phenomenally great for a band like us to do that. I don’t know how we could better that experience. But I think we are definitely keen to be still involved with Eurovision in some way but it would be unfair for us to take that opportunity off somebody else who is paving the way.”

Their home town of Perth paid tribute to their achievement with an exhibition called ‘Keystar Solos on a Mountaintop’ at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, from 2 March to 9 May! Being the dad of a young toddler who has started walking – and falling – Alex

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says its hard to keep track or find time for anything he personally finds entertaining, including possibly watching the song

contest in early May. But along with the other band members they have filmed a series of ‘Voyager Reacts to…’ clips of them watching and analysing the entries for the 2024 Eurovision on the band’s You Tube channel.

One of the songs they discuss Gogglebox style is the Irish entry, Doomsday Blue by Bambie Thug. They review the song, artist and what they think its chances are, all while having some fun. Its worth watching and you might be surprised by their verdicts!

In April Alex marked 20 years since his first ever gig, in the West Leederville Community Youth Centre across the road from JB’s. “For me, music is its own reward and I think I’ll always be playing and enjoying it. It doesn’t need to be at the level of Eurovision, I love the contrast of playing Eurovision and then playing to twenty people a few weeks later.”

A lovely song for Europe The Voyager boys meet Graham Norton

T C E F R E P THE FAST IN BREAK

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A month before Brendan Graham’s song ‘The Voice’, sung

by Eimear Quinn, won the 1996 Eurovision in Oslo, Norway – Graham’s second successful entry and Ireland’s third win in a row in the contest – comedy fans were treated to the spoof “A Song for Europe” in a new episode of Father Ted aired in April. There are some who say the plot was inspired by the 1994 Irish Eurovision contest – in which Brendan Graham’s other song ‘Rock n Roll Kids’ claimed first place.

Ted (Dermot Morgan) and Dougal (Ardal O’Hanlon) try to outdo arch rival cleric Father Dick Byrne by writing a ‘new’ song for the Song for Europe competition. The end result is the melodic ‘My Lovely Horse’, accompanied by some brilliant performances and scenes.

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European Foods

In reality the catchy tune was a collaboration of Fr Ted creator Graham Linehan and Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, who also provided the hit TV comedy show with its signature theme music. Fans of good music and great comedy alike would do well to find it online (Youtube for example) and saddle up for a hilarious 24 minutes ride!

Eight help make up the numbers

by Lloyd Gorman

E

ight of Western Australia’s newest cops are fresh from Ireland – and more are on the way. In April the latest crop of ‘transitional officers’ – former members of police forces in Ireland, the UK and New Zealand – graduated from the police academy in Joondalup.

The first group of 30 or so experienced officers passed out from the shortened training course just before Christmas and included three ex-Guards (Joondalup Police Academy gets an Irish Trinity, Irish Scene, Nov/Dec 2023).

Turns out there was also an ex-member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in that first bunch too.

Since then, there have been two more groups of about sixty newly minted but seasoned officers – three of who walked away from An Garda Síochána and another from PSNI. The state government launched its ‘Let’s Join

Forces’ recruitment campaign – targeting serving police in Ireland, UK and New Zealand – in October 2022 (Garda fit The Bill as ready to go cops!, Irish Scene, Nov/Dec 2022) and in response about 1,400 officers applied to join WAPOL. About 50 of that number were guards. In the last twelve months or so the PSNI has lost a similar number to WA but also other Australian police forces. This particular recruitment drive will see the reinvented police men and women spread out over the course of the next four to five years, with some 150 new officers expected to be produced every year.

More recently in April Commissioner Col Blanch said the UK and Ireland mission had “succeeded significantly” towards its recruitment targets, but admitted there was still a big shortfall.

Graduation day for these newly reminted police officers and family members

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First day at Police Academy Joondalu p for new recruits

Of an estimated international 1,700 applicants he said 600 ticked all the right boxes.

“They have met all the criteria, they’ll willingly come, they’re going through the visa process,” he added. “Some may drop out along the way, that always happens, just through family circumstances or other reasons. Generally we are intending on having that entire cohort come through and go through the academy.”

WA Police are well short of the strength promised by the state government. The McGowan now Cook government had pledged it would boost the number of officers on the front line by 950 by the middle of 2024.

But with just a couple of months to go that deadline they are shy by about 450 to 500 members. The number of officers walking away from the job has eroded any progress

made to attract new recruits. In 2022, for example, 97 people retired but that rate of natural attrition was eclipsed by the 570 who resigned to work in other fields.

“Post-COVID where we lost the most number of officers, when the border opened up across Australia, and across the world in fact, policing saw a significant reduction in policing numbers,” Mr Blanch said.

“We have invested significant resources into the police academy and our marketing to recruit police, we’ve had significant numbers … sign up to joining WA Police. We are still some 450 to 500 [recruits] short of that 950 target. We offer part-time, we offer certain shifts, it is working very well, but it is limited it is a competitive environment we can’t compete with.”

Recruitment campaign “Poster Boy”

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olice officers have enough to be thinking about in the course of their duties without throwing politics into the mix. Their professionalism and training are no doubt uppermost in their minds as they go about protecting the community and they are more than happy to leave the politics to the politicians.

The issue of Youth Crime in the Kimberely was raised in state parliament on March 13, by

Merome Beard, a Liberal MLA for the North West Central constituency. She asked minister for police Paul Papalia about reports that Broome police had responded to “a staggering 2 742 incidents since the beginning of 2024, as Broome and the Kimberley region continues to grapple with a youth crime crisis”. She asked him if he thought it was acceptable that people in Broome had a one in three chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and THE IRISH SCENE | 15

From Northern Ireland to WA’s Northernmost region; Superintendent Steve Thompson at the Kimberley Police Station Photograph reproduced here with the kind permission of ABC Kimberley: Mya Kordic

what he was doing to protect their safety and security. Mr Papalia argued those stats were a badly researched story in a local paper. And he hit back at the question as “yet another attack on the Western Australia Police Force by the Liberal Party of Western Australia”.

Broome police do an extraordinary job Mr Papalia told the chamber. “Superintendent Steve Thompson, who was formerly of the goldfields–Esperance region but is now in the Kimberley, is an incredible officer,” Mr Papalia said. “He is the poster boy for our campaign to attract experienced overseas offices. He is an Irishman who came in the last wave of recruits. He and his wife loved Kalgoorlie, member for Kalgoorlie— interesting, but they did! They are the type of people who embed themselves in their community.

He recently assumed the role that Craig Parkin, sadly, had to leave due to ill health. Superintendent Thompson assumed the role of district superintendent for the Kimberley and he has embedded himself in that community already.”

The minister appears to be keeping a close eye on the career of Mr Thompson, who was a member of the Police Service for Northern Ireland for 13 years before he and his family came to Perth in 2001. This is the third time Mr Papalia has singled out the former PSNI man for a glowing reference in parliament in the last two years. Promotion from the senior rank of Superintendent is Commander, then Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner and finally Commissioner of Police.

Spt. Thompson has been spearheading a crackdown on ‘sly grogging’ in the Kimberley. Sly grogging is the name for the illegal smuggling and sale of alcohol – often at highly inflated prices – into communities where it is banned or restricted as a result of high levels of alcohol related violence and harm. The Superintendent said tackling alcoholfuelled crime was a priority for his officers. “What we do see in a large amount of the family violence offences [is] alcohol as a contributing factor, so this operation ties in with that,” he said.

A haul of sly grog: Pic WAPOL

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Cop campaign cost $150,000….and counting?

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olice minister Paul Papalia took a team of WA cops (all former coppers but not gardai) to the UK and Ireland as part of the campaign and they spent a couple of days in Dublin in early March 2023.

Mr Papalia claims the UK Ireland trip was a major success for the force’s recruitment needs.

Information sessions were held in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Dublin from 25 February to 8 March, and were attended by 782 people.

Cops on tour...some of the WA police officers at Per th airport at the start of their recruitme nt drive in Ireland and the UK

The vast majority of those inquiring and applying were from the England, Scotland and Wales. Only a small number from Ireland took the bait. The head hunting junket was paid for out of the public purse.

Thanks to a report about overseas travel for government ministers and delegations tabled in the WA Parliament we know the expense involved.

It cost $20,393 to send Mr Papalia to the UK and Ireland from the 24th of Feb 2023 to 7th March and interestingly even more ($21,892) for the spin doctor who accompanied him.

Another ministerial advisor racked up a bill of $10,125 for about the same period of time while another cost the taxpayer $3,198. The bill for high profile figure John Langoulant – WA’s trade commissioner in London – was $6,276.

her missioner Kylie Whiteley and Second from left, Deputy Com team in a non-descript room

That’s $61,884 so far for the politicians and their entourage.

The police officers who travelled with them each cost about $11,200 (five of them) with another coming in at nearly $14,000 and deputy commissioner Kylie Whiteley at just over $20,000. Flights and accommodation for these seven people was $90,274.

In total the Uk and Ireland recruitment campaign cost WA taxpayers $152,158!

Another cost in relation to the trip emerged recently. On Tuesday 9th April the West Australian published a news story under the headline Long Haul Fight. Sgt Andrew Dueman, himself a former British cop tempted to sign up with WAPOL in 2007, was one of those officers sent on the overseas mission to poach officers from Ireland and the UK. Sgt Dueman – represented by the police union – argued he was entitled to pay for the hours spent in the air, because the long haul flight took over his rostered 40 hours a week. The group took the Perth to London Qantas direct flight, a 17 hour flight each way. While he was a passenger on the plane he said he was “on duty” and “working” under the terms of the police industrial agreement. The police commissioner disputes the claim and the matter is currently at the WA Industrial Relations Commission.

THE IRISH SCENE | 17

Another force to be reckoned with!

T

he WA Police (WAPOL) are not the only Australian police force out to steal gardai.

South Australian Police (SAPOL) are also on the case and they sent a team to Dublin to take part in a ‘Down Under Live’ jobs fair in Temple Bar, in the heart of Dublin. SAPOL wants to recruit 200 new officers from the same gene pool as WAPOL, Ireland, the UK and New Zealand.

as a new lifestyle and opportunities. In return they were a good fit and had a lot to offer. Like their WA counterparts, SAPOL is targeting gardai with between three to five years policing experience who will undergo a shortened ‘transitional’ training course to prepare them for their new chapter in law enforcement.

“We have had an overwhelming response to our campaign so far from the gardaí and the UK as well”, South Australian Police Chief Inspector Scott Collins told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme,

“We believe that the training the gardai receive and the way they go about their policing would really complement our workforce and community too,” he said. “There are some differences but we do believe there are some really transferable skills. The Republic of Ireland certainly has a lot to offer us in terms of gardai.”

Guards the chief inspector had spoken with told him they were seeking a change as well

The senior officer was asked about one key difference Irish recruits would face in South

18 | THE IRISH SCENE

Australia, where most officers are armed, unlike An Garda Síochána which has a long tradition of its members being unarmed.

Chief Inspector Collins – who was an officer in Thames Valley Police before joining South

Australia Police – said in his 18 years as a police officer he had yet to remove his gun from its holster in the line of duty. “It is really rare circumstances that that occurs,” he told RTE.

WA’s ex-pat Commish

J

ust two of the 29 Commissioners in the history of WAPOL were members of ‘overseas’ police forces before they entered the local police service.

Barry Mathews – who was commissioner from June 1999 to June 2004 – was in the New Zealand Police from 1965, rising to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police until he joined WAPOL in 1999. The main purpose of his appointment as an outsider to the force was to root out corruption in WA, a difficult task which saw him bang heads with some high ranking politicians who called on him to resign.

The only other ex-pat serving policeman to hold the top job was one John Doyle. Doyle was born in Co. Wexford in 1887 and at the age of 20 he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1907. After six years in the RIC he came to Western Australia where he joined the police force a short time later, in 1914. He rose through the ranks until he became Acting Commissioner in January 1945 and then Commissioner in January 1946. He served in the role until April 1951. “He proved to be a tough, demanding but fairminded Commissioner and was later awarded an OBE,” police.wa.gov said in a profile about him. “One of the most spectacular public events of his career was a Royal Commission of 1949 which investigated

Doyle’s management of the Force; the Commissioner was vindicated.”

John Doyle

An article in the West Australian from 28th December 1950 reported the commissioner was expected to inform the minister for police of his intention to retire on April 15.

The paper did its own bit of detective work it seems when it noted Mr Doyle’s name appeared on the passenger list for the passenger ship SS Strathmore that was due to sail for London from Fremantle on April 23.

“It is known that he is keenly looking forward to revisiting Ireland, the country of his birth,” the article stated.

An RIC officer circa 1900

The newspaper called him “one of the most firm disciplinarians the West Australian police force has ever known” and that he had a high opinion of the officers under his command. “Mr. Doyle has in recent years expressed the opinion that the West Australian Police Force is the best force in Australia. He has also told close friends that the Criminal Investigation Branch and its associated specialised officers have little, if anything, to learn from Scotland Yard in crime detection methods.” Doyle died in 1987, at the age of 100.

THE IRISH SCENE | 19

Perth misses the Mark

M

elbourne is to get a Consulate General – a diplomatic development that might otherwise have gone to Perth! The Irish government announced the new overseas mission in Australia on March 5, pretty much the same time the last edition (March/April) of Irish Scene was hitting the streets. That issue contained an article, the latest in a string of related stories, about the debate and lobbying in Dáil Éireann for a new consulate general – a permanent full time office staffed by a senior diplomat – in this part of the world.

Even a visit by former premier Mark McGowan with then Taoiseach – now foreign affairs minister – Michael Martin in Dublin in July 2022 did not sway his decision making!

Former foreign affairs and chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence Charlie Flanagan has for the last couple of years been a strong advocate for the need for a consulate in Perth (Flanagan keeps up political pressure for Perth/Irish Scene/ March&April 2024). Sinn Fein’s spokesman on foreign affairs had also been calling for the establishment of a consulate in Australia for a few months. On February 1st he laid his cards on the table and declared to the Irish parliament that Melbourne was the best location for it (Melbourne’s man on a mission/ Irish Scene/March&April 2024).

They might be in a coalition government but the current minister for foreign affairs Micheál Martin wasn’t swayed by the lobbying efforts of his Fine Gael colleague Mr Flanagan and instead seemed to take a page out of Sinn Fein’s alternative budget for 2024, which allocates €600,000 for the consulate to be established. The government has set aside the money for the new office Mr Martin said.

The new consulate was discussed during a question and answer session on March 7 in the Dai. Mr Carty praised its coming and said it was “something I have been advocating for some time”. Mr Martin – who welcomed former WA Premier Mark McGowan to Ireland in July 2022 – “warmly welcomed” the decision (his own decision) to open a Melbourne consulate.

“In addition to being an important commercial centre, [Melbourne] is home to a large and thriving Irish community,” Mr Martin, a former Taoiseach (PM) said. “A presence on the ground will assist the Government to deepen our engagement here, build political relationships, 20 | THE IRISH SCENE

support Irish business and engage with Irish citizens and the vibrant Irish diaspora.

This decision underlines the importance the Government attaches to strengthening our relationship with Australia as a whole, building on the important work of the embassy in Canberra, the consulate general in Sydney and the offices of the state agencies.”

Mr Martin did not make any reference in his reply to the role of Ireland’s Honorary Consulate in Perth, Cork born lawyer Marty Kavanagh on this occasion! The minister has previously mentioned and thanked Mr Kavanagh for this work in previous responses on the topic.

Honorary consulates like Mr Kavanagh are private individuals who do an enormous amount of work and representation on behalf of the government and diaspora community and they do it basically for free! Perth has had an honorary consulate for decades now (the late Michael Nolan preceded Marty in the role over several decades), and is the only city in Australia to have one. Considering the exceptional value for money they represent, it could be argued that every Australian capital with a strong Irish community should have that local diplomatic presence on the ground, and easy to reach. At the moment the points of contact are the honorary consulate in Perth, embassy in Canberra and a consulate general in Sydney. It is not clear when the consulate will come on line in Melbourne but Mr Martin has indicated: “it will take a normal timeframe” but could happen “relatively quickly”.

“Melbourne will become the largest city in

Australia before too long,” the Cork born politician said. “It has a strong historic IrishAustralian community as well a new younger Irish community of whom thousands were born in Ireland. Australia has always been close to Ireland with a strong partnership. There are also significant economic ties between Ireland and Australia and great familial, historic and cultural ties so this is good news. Melbourne is a great sporting city and there is a resonance there with Irish people in terms of Melbourne and history.”

Mr Martin told the Dáil he has visited Australia “on a number of occasions”, but it is unclear if he has ventured West on any of those occasions. He is correct in that Melbourne is on track to outgrow Sydney as Australia’s largest capital city, so there is something to what he says. He may well be correct too that that the Victorian metropolis is home to a “young Irish community of whom thousands were born in Ireland”, but Melbourne is not unique or even the front runner in that regard.

At approximately 20,000 Sydney has the greatest concentration of Irish born residents

and citizens. With about 18,000 Perth is next, followed by Melbourne with roughly 15,000! The 2021 census recorded nearly 81,000 people born in Ireland across these and other cities and their states and territories.

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Read my lips; it’s not an embassy!

I

he West Australian government has been given some serious consideration to its reach and influence beyond its own borders.

The Cook government opened a new $150,000 centre in Canberra to help represent and promote WA’s various and “unique” interests in the corridors of power in the Australian capital.

“It’s not an embassy, it’s a hub,” Mr Cook told journalists at the opening in late March.

The WA Canberra Hub is somewhere that local groups and bodies from the West can gather themselves for official and business trips in Canberra. Visiting delegations and representatives from the WA Local Government Association, Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) and Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), as well as WA government officials and people from advocacy and not for profit organisations can have their business needs serviced, like printing documents and holding meetings.

The nonembassy offers the benefits of an airport business lounge. “Just today I’ve been walking around the halls of parliament, dragging my suitcase behind me, so this is a place where people can come and base themselves,” Mr Cook added. “We want to make sure that we take every opportunity to promote the state and its unique perspective here in Canberra.”

The premier said it cost “a modest” $150,000 to set it up and another $100,000 in rent annually, and the cost of a full time receptionist to staff the offices.

In 2006 when the Liberal government of the day proposed the establishment of an office in Canberra along similar lines, Labor – then in opposition – had no problem dubbing it “the Western Australian embassy”.

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A TIDY LITTLE TALE!

I

n the last edition we saw how the Global Greening project – which started in Sydney – has been a big hit for Tourism Ireland (Shine on you crazy ‘emeralds’) in the promotion and marketing of Ireland. But if the Irish tourist body took the Aussie innovation and made it a global phenomenon then it is also responsible for turning an Irish invention into a true blue Australian fixture. Just like its bigger and better known sibling the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards has a St. Patrick’s Day connection, but even more than that it also deep WA roots and by some coincidence the title holder has a bit of Irish character.

“The idea for the first Australian Tidy Towns competition was touted by the Western Australian Tourist Development Authority (WATDA) in 1968 to promote tidy and presentable towns the Tidy Towns Award program received instant success with 59 entries in its first year and the first awards in 1969,” a recent article on the website www. wa.gov.au stated.

“Tidy Towns in WA emanated from an Irish project, ‘Tidy Towns & National Roadside Gardens Competition’ after R.H. Hiller, the Director of the WATDA was contacted by an agent from the Irish Tourist Board, based in Sydney. The agent stated they ‘had problems much the same as your own in bringing about the development of transport, accommodation, amenities, and of tourist attractions, on the scale required by the traveller of today’ and offered to share information on their

own initiative and its well received success.”

The first Tidy Towns (Irish: Bailte Slachtmhara) competition was held ten years earlier, in 1958, and was organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development in order to honour the tidiest and most attractive cities, towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland.

It was originally part of ‘Tostal’, a nationwide festival celebrating all things Irish but quickly developed its own identity and became one of Ireland’s best known and popular community programmes. Right from the start, the primary focus of TidyTowns was to encourage communities to improve their local environment and make their area a better place to live, work and visit. The competition aspect was an important element in developing friendly rivalry that would help boost standards across the board.

The fledgling Tidy Towns scheme exceeded all expectations in its early years. Success on the domestic home front was one thing but taking that model and exporting it to a completely different part of the world required exceptional vision. So for an Irish Tourist Board official in Sydney to proselytise the idea to a counterpart in Perth required a leap of faith by both sides. As it happens the Tidy Towns’ program was enthusiastically embraced in the West.

“Backed by the Premier, Sir David Brand’s press statements, the first year of the Tidy Towns’ program was a great success,” the website added. “Fifty-nine towns entered, and due to the high level of interest shown, two judging committees were formed

24 | THE IRISH SCENE

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comprising representatives from Main Roads, the County Shires’ Association, Perth City Council, the Local Government Association and the Nurserymen’s Association of WA.”

Australia Beautiful Council in Frasers in Kings Park in late November last year Governor Chris Dawson announced the 2023 winners.

Hard to know if it is sheer coincidence, or a nod to its Irish roots, but WA’s first Tidy Towns competition winners were Pingelly – a announced on 17 March 1969 at a town and shire lunch attended by Premier Brand in the Wheatbelt at the Palace Hotel. They were region – about Pingelly CEO Andrew Dover Corrigin, Merredin, Medina/Calista, 158km outside of with the shire’s community and Bunbury which was also crowned officer Ellen Cook Perth – was a finalist the overall state winner. The model in four categories proved so successful in Western Australia (including Heritage & that it spread to every other state and territory Culture, Young Legends, and evolved into a national competition. State Community Wellbeing) and was ultimately winners will take part in the National Tidy named the overall state winner on the back Towns Awards, due to be held in Gascoyne of a series of collaborative projects with local Junction, WA, over the first weekend in May. residents that had a visible impact throughout The deadline for entries in the 2024 Irish Tidy the community. Environment Minister, Reece Towns competition falls on May 8, with the Whitby’s congratulated the local people winners to be announced towards the end of and groups and Shire of Pingelly on their this year. collaborative efforts.

Mr Dover, centre, with Pingelly community members picking up their awards

PINGELLY CLEANED UP AT AWARDS

There has been a Tidy Towns WA competition ever since that first event and as it happens the current state winner has an Irish connection.

At an award’s ceremony held by the Keep 26 | THE IRISH SCENE

It was a great result for the community and shire, which has been headed up by CEO Andrew Dover, a Dubliner, since 2021. It was a very good week for Mr Dover and his council for another reason. Just two days before the Tidy Towns victory he was named as the ‘Change Leader of the Year’ at the 2023 Local Government Professionals WA Annual State Conference. His gong capped off a swag of other awards for the pint sized bailiwick. “I knew that I’d been nominated and was a finalist but winning was a definite surprise, it was fantastic,” he told the local newspaper for his region.

“It’s quite moving for me personally, it reflects many years of hard work and dedication, it justifies the decisions and sacrifices I’ve had to make — being recognised by your peers really adds to it.”

Not bad for a young guy who came to Australia as a backpacker – with a qualification in town planning from Ireland – more than a decade ago and has made his mark on the local government sector in regional areas such as Collie in WA and Mildura in NSW. Regular Irish Scene readers might remember reading about Andrew in the Chieftains of Corporate Australia feature in the Sept/Oct 2023 edition.

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It’s a long, long, way from Clare (and Cork) to here

D

ecent. Kind. Always doing the right thing.

Theatre. Radio. AIHA. Community. Cultural leadership par excellence.

Gerry celebrated and promoted Irish culture in the broader community.

These words only go some way to doing justice to the impossible task of explaining the contribution of Frank and Gerry to the Irish community in Western Australia.

Frank and Gerry have been wonderful cultural ambassadors for Ireland. Celebrating Irish culture within the Irish community is to be expected.

Frank and Gerry went beyond that. Through their radio programme Celtic Rambles, their numerous plays and the sell out shows at the Octagon Theatre, Frank and

Such selfless application of their talent should be no surprise. After all, Frank is from Cork, the cultural and intellectual capital of Ireland. And the Banner County is no stranger to exceptionalism. Cultural excellence is in their blood. It is in the water of Clare and Cork.

How lucky we have been that they have shared their talents and their love of all things Irish with us.

As well as a great artistic partnership, Gerry and Frank have also been a fine personal partnership and an example to us all. Like most artistic partnerships it’s not always plain sailing.

Many times time on hold waiting to go on air for Celtic Rambles I could hear in the background Frank’s dedication to the highest production values and

165/580 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004 By appointment only Tel: (08) 6557 5802 Fax: (08) 9218 8433 Email: info@consulateofirelandwa.com.au 165/580 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004 By appointment only Mon-Fri 10.30 - 2.00pm Website: www.consulateofirelandwa.com.au Tel: (08) 6557 5802 Fax: (08) 9218 8433 Email: info@consulateofirelandwa.com.au Website: www.consulateofirelandwa.com.au

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Thank you for giving us your cloths of heaven.

Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half light, standards. So too I remember Gerry’s calm presence and talent, a rock in the mayhem that inevitably is the world of live theatre, radio and entertainment. Ultimately, all that matters is that the show goes on and the audience is entertained. In these objects Gerry and Frank excelled.

Bearing from Cork and Clare, Gerry and Frank had all the smarts that you’d expect of two country lads. In the run up to President Higgins and Sabina Higgins attendance at the Octagon Show in 2017, the President’s entourage was determined that the show would run on time. However, once the show was on it was Frank and Gerry who were in control. The show ran over time because Frank and Gerry had unearthed some old footage of the actor Sabina Higgins performing in her stage days.

The President’s entourage were a touch miffed. However President Higgins and Sabina Higgins were delighted, touched and very appreciative.

As they enter into the next exciting phase of their lives we all wish them the very best in everything they do. On behalf of the Irish Community in Western Australia may I thank Gerry and Frank for their wonderful contribution to our community and say how sad we all are to lose such wonderful cultural ambassadors and decent people.

Richard and I wish you both the very best in everything you do.

As you fly away we hope you will remember your long time in WA with fondness.

I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Huge congrats to the Managan family who celebrated 40 years of being in Australia on Apr 1

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Australian Embassy, Ireland

Henry Hugh Stoker, an Irish man who captained one of Australia’s first submarines.

The Irish attitude to Gallipoli is probably summed up by a line in an Irish song; “Twas better to die ‘neath and Irish sky than at Suvla or Sedd-el-Bahr”.

It was probably better not to die at all, but to live a long, happy, peaceful, productive life in Ireland.

@AusEmbIre

Over 21 000 British soldiers died at Gallipoli: French deaths numbered over 10 000, of which many were African. Indians died too, 1300 of them.

The defenders at Gallipoli suffered heavily, nearly 90 000 Turkish people died.

The Irish at Gallipoli fought and died alongside the ANZACs at Lone Pine.

They fought alongside the ANZACS at Chunuk Bair.

They fought alongside the ANZACs at Hill 60 and at Quinn’s Post.

Gallipoli cost as many Irish lives as it did New Zealanders.

Gallipoli saw nearly 3000 Irish and 3000 New Zealanders and over 8700 Australians die.

Australians and New Zealanders do not need to be told the story of the landing at ANZAC Cove.

Henry Hugh Stoker We are taught the story at school, on this very day, across Australia and New Zealand, our newspapers, TV, radio, and social media will tell the story again and again of the landing at ANZAC Cove. The story will be told in commemorative tones.

On ANZAC morning, as the Irish - The 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers - 700 men struggled against the morning currents near the village of Sedd-el-Bahr, alongside them were the 2100 men of the 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers and the Hampshire Regiment.

The ANZAC Forces were citizen soldiers, The Dubliners, Munsters and Hampshires were regulars; trained professional: army.

38 | THE IRISH SCENE

G’DAY FROM GARY GRAY In Australia and in New Zealand, Gallipoli is commemorated in communities, villages, mine sites, fishing towns, wherever we gather, at football games and at netball, in our cities and in our Capitals - Canberra and Wellington; we commemorate Gallipoli wherever in the world we have an Australian or New Zealand Embassy.

ANZACs Jeff Kildea records that Stoker was a philandererI do not know….

And so, ANZAC Day is about Ireland too, it’s about Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, India, Africa, Canada, and Turkey.

That he was a very good submariner is clear - he commanded the AE2 from Portsmouth on 2 March 1914 arriving in Sydney on 24 May. With its sister ship AE1, the AE2 patrolled the Pacific, AE1 was lost without trace. Stoker returned to Sydney determined to get his submarine into the European War.

The Official History of Australia at war 1914-18 by Charles Bean documents how gallant and courageous the ANZACs were - but the Turkish army stopped the landing force and held them for eight months, before the invaders withdrew, by Christmas 1915.

Henry Hugh Stoker AE2 left Sydney in December 1914 for Melbourne where it linked up with the ANZAC transport fleet and via Albany in Western Australia, was directed to Suez, then to the Mediterranean.

The Turkish too were gallant and courageous.

In the early hours of April 25th, 1915, as the invading ANZACs came ashore at the Gallipoli Peninsula, AE2 commanded by Stoker sailed underwater through the Turkish minefields – Kildea tells us that the crew were unnerved by the sounds of mine wires scraping the hull. AE2 made it through the marine mines. AE2 managed to torpedo a Turkish destroyer before sailing through the Dardanelles.

We remember them.

Jeff Kildea - An Irish Australian academic, wrote in 2007 in his definitive work; “ANZACs and Ireland” that approximately 6600 Irish served in the Australian forces during World War 1. Nearly 1000 of them died, they number in Australia’s ANZAC death toll, they are on our memorials. Many Australians served in Irish regiments too - their service, sacrifice and their blood spilled together, they number in the Irish death toll.

An Irish and Australian story……

The Submarine.

The Australians threw everything at Gallipoli, including bringing their first Submarine, the AE2 to the landing.

The AE2’s purpose was to disrupt Turkish efforts to supply defenders on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Submarine warfare was in its infancy, the Australian Navy was an infant navy, yet the AE2 managed to breach the Turkish line; it sank a Turkish ship then it too was sunk.

The captain of the AE2 was Lieutenant Commander Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker - a cousin of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, an Irishman.

Born to a prominent medical family in Dublin in 1885, Stoker was a sub lieutenant in 1904 when he volunteered for submarine service in the Royal Navy in Great Britain.

In 1913 Stoker volunteered to join the new submarine service of the new Royal Australian Navy.

Stoker’s submarine remained at large for four days before being hit by the Turkish big guns and then it was scuttled by Stoker who was subsequently captured by the Turks. After the War and on his return to England, Stoker was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, he retired from the Royal Australian Navy in 1920.

Stoker was recalled to duty for the planning of D-Day after the war he returned to the Theatre.

Stoker then became a successful actor, starring in many films.

At the age of 77 in 1962 Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre Stoker became the Irish Champion croquet player.

Stoker liked Australia.

Stoker died in England in 1966 at the age of exactly 81, he died on 2 February, his birthday.

The sun, Sydney, the girls, all appealed to Stoker.

The great Australian historian of Irish Australia

Australian Ambassador to Ireland

The Hon Gary Gray AO

THE IRISH SCENE | 39

Catalpa Monday 1 April

40 | THE IRISH SCENE

Rockingham

THE IRISH SCENE | 41

42 | THE IRISH SCENE

Time for history to rest on its laurels!

T

he incredible story of the Catalpa and a bid to honour the Irishman who masterminded the daring jailbreak was raised in Seanad Éireann (Irish Senate) recently.

“On 17 April 1876, a whaling ship, the Catalpa, spirited away six Fenian prisoners from a desolate prison on the other side of the world, in Fremantle, Western Australia,” Senator Vincent Martin told the upper chamber on Wednesday, March 20. “The jail-breakers arrived in New York city on 19 August 1876. There were wild celebrations there and back home in Ireland. Professor Joe Lee called it one of the greatest prison escapes of world history. It was the Fenian John Devoy from County Kildare, who was in exile in New York and who had the great help of John Boyle O’Reilly of Dowth, County Meath, who secured the approval of Clan na Gael in America to plan and undertake this audacious jailbreak. Incredibly, they pulled it off with no loss of life. For many, Clan na Gael effectively became Ireland’s government in exile and John Devoy its leader. He was not afraid to depart from republican orthodoxy, as can be seen from his adoption of the new departure with Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Davitt in 1878. The new departure was, of course, a model for the peace process in the North over a century later. Every Republican leader from James Connolly to Joseph Plunk made a pilgrimage to Devoy in New York, and there is now a wonderful statue of him in the centre of Naas*.

“In 1924, when Devoy was 82 years old and in deteriorating health, Clan na Gael asked two Irishwomen from Castleblayney, Alice Carragher Comiskey and Lily Carragher, to look after Devoy and allow him to live with them in their apartment in Manhattan. In that apartment, Devoy wrote his memoirs, Recollections of an Irish Rebel, and did so in a chair bought for him. That chair has been in the continuous possession of the collateral descendants of Alice Comiskey since. Before she died, she gave it to her grand-nephew, Irish lawyer Frank MacGabhann. Frank and his family have kindly agreed and are willing to donate it to Ireland. The State, through Kildare

44 | THE IRISH SCENE

by Lloyd Gorman

John Devoy circa 1870

Devoy in Ireland in 1924

County Council, has expressed a desire that the chair rightfully go to Devoy’s birthplace in County Kildare. Mr. Frank MacGabhann hopes Kildare children will be able to sit in the same chair that this heroic Kildare person sat in and from which he wrote his memoir. It would be appropriate to have

a national, as well as a County Kildare, celebration to commemorate the historic Catalpa prison rescue, to be held in 2026.

Right now, our concern is to get the chair home safely to Ireland.

Official preparations for the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa jail escape are beginning in Australia. Ideally, the two countries could do something together. One hundred years ago this year, in 1924, after many years in exile, the then elderly John Devoy returned to his beloved Kildare to visit friends and his childhood sweetheart, Mrs. Kilmurry. She and the people received him with open arms. It was very well received by W.T. Cosgrave’s Free State Government. It would be wonderful to get this chair safely to Ireland whos asking for an update on its current status and whereabouts, and whether we are on course to have the chair back in its rightful place in Naas. John Devoy was very proud man from the Johnstown-Kill area of Kildare.”

Peter Burke, minister of state at the Department of Defence replied on behalf of the minister for tourism Catherine Martin. Devoy he said was born in Kill, Co. Kildare in 1842 and was an important historical figure and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood who was arrested and put into penal servitude for treason against the Crown and which lead to his exile to America in 1871. “He spoke on behalf of the Irish cause to the US House of Representatives, became a journalist with the New York Herald and was active with Clan na nGael, the successor of the Fenian Brotherhood and sister organisation of the IRB,” said Mr Burke. “In 1875, he helped to organise the daring escape of six Irish prisoners from Fremantle in Australia aboard a ship called the Catalpa.” Devoy went on to work with Charles Stuart Parnell to establish the Irish National Land League, which campaigned successfully in the 1880s and 1890s for the rights of Irish Catholic tenant farmers. Following the Irish War of Independence, Devoy supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty, believing it was a sound foundation for future Irish freedom and eventual reunification of the Irish Free State with the Unionist Northern Ireland created in 1921. In the aftermath of the conflict, John Devoy was able to visit Ireland in 1924. He died in New York in 1928, and was later laid to rest in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin.

Mr Burke said the Department of Tourism had been approached for help to get Devoy’s chair from America to Ireland and that it is co-ordinating the effort with the Irish Consulate General in New York and Kildare County Council. Observing in the public gallery was Kildare councillor Bob Quinn. It is hoped the chair will be find its way to Kildare in the coming weeks or months. Perhaps there will be scope at some point for the state government in Perth to get involved in the project or similar future events to promote the part WA (then the Swan River Colony) played in one of the world’s most remarkable escape stories, spearheaded and executed by a remarkable man.

*Naas & New York The scheme to get Devoy’s chair to his native home is not the first example of the local community in Ireland working successively with like minded groups in the Big Apple. In 2008 Naas man Seamus Curran set up the John Devoy Memorial Committee to have a statue erected locally in his honour. Their fundraising efforts floundered until the County Kildare Association of New York helped raise the $45,000 needed for it to go ahead. The committees in Naas, pictured here at the unveiling, and New York worked with Kildare Co. Co. on the location for the life size statue, putting it close to where he worked in the town and also near the church where he was condemned from the pulpit in 1865.

THE IRISH SCENE | 45

Always together Together forever

P

addy and Lena (Helena)

by Lloyd Gorman Costello – who both died in April within days of each other – embodied everything true and good about the Irish community in Western Australia.

Both Galway natives – Paddy was born 24 February 1927 in Grange, Turloughmore and Lena (NEE Higgins) born 4 May 1930 in Coshla, Athenry – their adopted home of Perth benefitted immensely and immeasurably from these two people, one amazing couple.

Family and loved ones and their many friends gathered in great numbers at St Joseph’s Catholic Church and Karrakatta Cemetery – and for a wake at the Irish Club itself – on April 30 to pay their respects and bid farewell to Paddy and Lena.

They first met each other in Dublin in 1949 when Paddy was 22 and Lena 19. London called briefly where Lena trained and worked in catering and hotel management

Perth’s Irish community – like many others in Australia and across he world – came together to hold a vigil in the wake of the shocking murder of 23 year old Tullamore teacher before she was headhunted come back Aisling Murphy whiletoshe was jogging to Galway. in broad daylight in her home town of Co. his Offaly in January.

In 1951 Paddy,Tullamore, along with two brothers

A group traditio and fid county’ tributes woman promis also he GAA cl right. E the vig of the k to the s traditio music a vigil ton #Ashlin in Perth

Similar were st across includin the Am at Kang Point, B Mick and Vincent, travelled by ship to Hundreds of Irish people – including and all Australia. Upon arrival, they worked and with young children, tookto part based lived in tents families in the southwest, helping an evening time dams vigil andand walkroads at Irish Au clear land for in farmers, build the Flame of Remembrance in Kings operating heavy equipment. Paddy learned Queen Park onand January 19, organised to operate graders bulldozers andby the by Ann Claddagh Association supported earned the equivalent of three and times the

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average wage. Paddy – who like Lena had a great sense of humour – often claimed three good looking young Irish lads arriving at dances in small country towns were welcomed by the local women, maybe not so much by the local farmers. Paddy continued to write to Lena and send her money for an engagement ring.

Paddy returned to Ireland in 1955 and they were married on St Patrick’s Day 1956. A week later the newly wed’s took a brave step and set sail for Australia.

Obviously impressed with Lena’s hospitality experience Paddy wanted to buy a hotel when they were planning their future in Australia. Lena made it clear her children weren’t going to be brought up in a pub.

Two months after arriving in Perth they bought 25 Joseph Street, Wembley where they lived and raised a family, and gave a home to many others, for almost 68 years.

Joseph Street was in a fantastic location for them, the entire area was a Catholic enclave with two churches, a hospital, and primary schools nearby. Born in 1958 their first child began a long association with the St John of God nuns, including Sisters Vitalis and Catherine who were with them at the end. The parish priest was a frequent visitor to the Costello house and if there was an Irish family in need of assistance, he knew they would provide a welcome and support and often employment through the council. For most of his working life Paddy worked for Perth City Council and he loved to tell family and friends stories of how he cleared the land for Beatty Park, the Games Village and Perry Lakes Stadium for the 1962 Commonwealth Games.

In 1963 a pregnant Lena sailed back to

Ireland with three young children to reunite with family. She survived the long voyage home with the support of the O’Reilly family, but returned to Perth ten months later by plane.

In the 1970’s Paddy and Lena were closely involved with buying the Townsend Road property as the home for the Irish Club and worked hard with many others to make it a reality. Amongst other volunteers they spent countless hours renovating the Club for its official opening. Paddy was President of the Club for many years, and Lena followed in his footsteps becoming the first female president of an Irish Club anywhere in the world, something she was very proud of. The Club organised the first compromise rules game between Ireland and Australia, a sporting tradition which continues today.

They welcomed visiting Irish dignitaries with the same level of hospitality shown to visitors to Joseph Street.

“In his final days, dad was concerned about leaving mum behind, but clearly mum wasn’t about to let that happen and sadly joined him soon after,” their daughter Maura Sorrell told mourners.

“We will miss you both, but take comfort in the fact you are together again. Thank you for everything and for lives well lived.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

This tribute is largely based on the eulogies delivered at Paddy and Lena’s funeral mass.

THE IRISH SCENE | 47

Crumlin Gaol

M

y first ever memory was of a red brick building. When I thought of it, it brought instant fear. I believe I was two years old, and the building was the children’s hospital in Belfast. When my uncle dopped me off at the Methodist College Belfast (MCB) nine years later, it brought these fears back as it was also a red bricked building. They both had the appearances of Gaols and in a way, both were exactly this. You certainly could not leave either of them without consequences.

I clearly recall in the sixties, there were certain places in Belfast where you were not inclined to go even if you had the desire to partake of that kind of a trip. Occasionally, one had to venture to the Royal Victoria Hospital which was partially situated on the Falls Road. But I never ventured to the Crumlin Road, which was only one street further away, so I never actually saw the infamous Crumlin Gaol. I suppose I could count myself lucky in this regard, having experienced a Spanish gaol for a short time, (I might tell that story one day) I was discouraged to ever visit one ever again. I have never had the inclination to visit Freemantle Prison, and certainly The Crumlin Road Gaol is not on my bucket list despite it being recently turned into a tourist attraction.

I just could never see myself as a tourist in Belfast despite all the changes. Forgive me then for suggesting you might visit the Crumlin gaol on your next visit to the Provence.

This is what I learned about it.

Crumlin Road Gaol first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison. Since 1996 it is the only remaining Victorian era former prison in Northern Ireland. It is colloquially known (only in Ulster) as the Crum. It was designed

by Sir Charles Lanyon, built between 1843 and 1845 and costing around £60,000. It was constructed of black basalt rock on ten acres at the bottom of the Crumlin Road and the design was partly based on HM Prison Pentonville, it being one of the most advanced prisons of its day. Built within a five-sided wall, the four wings are up to four storeys in height and fan off from the central area which was known as The Circle. The prison was originally built to hold between 500 and 550 prisoners in cells that measured 12 × 7 feet. I will leave it to you to work out the metric equivalent if 48 | THE IRISH SCENE

required. It was the first prison in Northern Ireland to be built according to “The Separate System”, intended to separate prisoners from each other with no communication between them. Apparently in the early 1970s and onwards, as many as three prisoners were placed in each cell.

In October 1971 members of the International Red Cross were allowed to inspect the prison/ internment centre. The inspectors found 864 prisoners/internees in a building intended to house 475 persons. Nothing new for modern times I suppose. I am certain they found other unsavoury items as well. By this time, they had stopped sending them (the convicted) to us over here!

The first 106 inmates, who were forced to walk 18 km from Carrickfergus Prison in chains, arrived in 1846. These inmates, who were men, women, and children, completed the changeover of the two prisons. Of these original 106, six were already marked for transportation to mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Children from impoverished working-class families were often imprisoned at the gaol in the early years for offences such as stealing food or clothing. Thirteen-year-old Patrick Magee, who had been sentenced to three months in prison, hanged himself in his cell in 1858. Where have I heard a similar story recently like this? Women inmates were kept in the prison block house until the early 1900s.

Ulster suffragettes, among them Dorothy Evans and Madge Muir, were imprisoned in the gaol during 1914.

When Charles Lanyon completed the gaol, he set to work on a design for the new courthouse, built between 1845 and 1850.

Situated opposite the gaol, the building was topped by the figure of justice, the work of Dublin sculptor Boyton Kirk. A tunnel linking the courthouse to the gaol under the Crumlin Road was constructed in 1852, 1.5 meters in depth. You can view this tunnel on your excursion.

For most people in Belfast and across the island of Ireland, Crumlin Road prison evokes memories of conflict. The link is very much justified with an estimated 25,000 people imprisoned there during its history, whether because of internment, or on remand of sentence as political prisoners. The use of Crumlin Road Gaol to house internees was not a new concept, with republicans interned

between 1922 and 1924, and again in the 1940s and 1950s during the IRA’s border campaign.

When originally designed by Lanyon, the prison did not contain gallows and the executions were carried out in public view until 1901, when an execution chamber was constructed within the prison walls and used until the last of the hangings in 1961. Seventeen prisoners were executed in the prison. Despite being known as Europe’s Alcatraz, there were several successful escape attempts at the Gaol with the first being recorded in 1866. In May 1941, five Irish Republican prisoners made their escape over the wall to freedom. During the Troubles of the 1970s Martin Meehan and several other members of the IRA made successful escapes from Crumlin Road.

During its 150-year history the gaol had many prisoners pass through its doors and if you visit the basement of the gaol, you can find lists of the prisoners that were held there while awaiting transportation Down Under in the 19th century. Some of the more well-known prisoners included Éamon de Valera, Martin McGuinness, Michael Stone, Bobby Sands and of course Ian Paisley.

Today, people from Belfast and beyond are queuing up to pass the gates of Crumlin Road prison. With its cells vacant, wings silent and yards empty the only echoes come from the builders, charged with the task of making the institution a friendly place for the many visitors wishing to explore first-hand the building’s colourful (perhaps not my best adjective here but you know what I mean) past.

You might well be asking me at this stage why I would even think of recommending this historic building to your ever-increasing itinerary.

LES ULSTER RAMB example, which is connected to the execution chamber). My description of that place stops here. You will have to use your imagination or go visit! If you go you will be treated to the Ulster treacle-black humour, both from the virtual prison staff and the places you stop at for refreshments like The Last Drop or Cuffs Bar and Grill which includes ‘an execution burger’ on its unique menu.

On March 31, 1996, the Governor of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol walked out of the fortified prison and the heavy air-lock gates slammed shut for the final time. It was empty for over fourteen years. Finally, like the Titanic, a restoration project was announced in August 2010. In November 2012, the prison opened as a tourist attraction and conference centre and now hosts concerts and even some weddings. This is the ‘ad’ for that event to save you checking it out with apologies for their use of English!

As your Wedding Day is one of the most important day of your lives, make it magical & memorable at Crumlin Road Gaol. Our aim is to ensure that you relax and enjoy this special celebration with your guests, creating memories to treasure and reflect fondly upon for years to come.

In 2014 the museum welcomed a visit by Queen Elizabeth II though obviously not to get married! I hope she had a better time dealing with the old brick wall than I had!

As always may your God go with you and best wishes until the next time when I will be in Europe somewhere.

David MacConnell

I am reliably ensured that the tour is fascinating despite having bleak moments. (The cell of the condemned man for

THE IRISH SCENE | 49

WA Irish Famine Memorial Committee Inc.

Dear Friends of An Gorta Mór Famine Memorial we invite you to join us for the

7th Annual Western Australia Famine Commemoration at ‘An Gorta Mór’ Market Square, Subiaco, Perth.

on Sunday 19th May 2024 at 3pm

St John of God Hospital

E RAILWAY PARAD YD HA N BU

Subiaco Oval

NT ON

AN GO RTA MÓ R

DR

STATIO N ST

St Joseph’s Church SUBIACO TRAIN STATION

ROBERTS ROAD TOWNS HEND ROAD

ROKEB Y ROAD

HAY STREE T The Irish Club of WA

The format of the Commemoration will be the reciting of the Famine Prayer, laying of wreath, verse, song and dance as we reflect on An Gorta Mor and the effects of famine in the world today.

Individuals and organisations are invited to lay flowers.

Followed by Tommy O’Brien + Friends for a Session at the Irish Club.

Enquiries: jimegan1@hotmail.com / 0413 866 320

Each year, it’s touching to see the dedication and effort put into commemorating such a significant event in history. Caroline Smith’s involvement in creating a website to remember the Irish Bride Ship Girls adds a modern touch to honouring their legacy. The format of the Commemoration, with elements like the Famine Prayer, laying of wreaths, verse, song, and dance, is a beautiful and meaningful way to reflect on Famine and its ongoing impact in the world today.

It’s also heartwarming to know about Paddy and Lena Costello’s (photo below) unwavering support for the annual event. Sadly, Paddy and Lena passed away recently and their presence will surely be missed.

Our condolences go out to their family. It’s through efforts like these commemorations and the support of dedicated individuals like the Paddy and Lena that we keep history alive and honour those who came before us.

You are invited and to bring flowers if you wish, to place on the memorial.

Please join us afterwards at the Irish Club for songs and nibblies.

8484 | | THE THEIRISH IRISHSCENE SCENE

WAIFC Committee

IRISH IRISHTHEATRE THEATREPLAYERS PLAYERS

WE WEARE AREBACK BACKININTHE THEREHEARSAL REHEARSALSPACE SPACE AGAIN PREPARING FOR OUR APRIL AGAIN PREPARING FOR OUR APRIL PRODUCTION PRODUCTION“THE “THELAST LASTDAYS DAYSOF OFJUDAS JUDAS ISCARIOT” ISCARIOT”UNDER UNDERTHE THEWATCHFUL WATCHFULEYES EYESOF OF AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR BRENDAN ELLIS. AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR BRENDAN ELLIS. The TheLast LastDays Daysof ofJudas JudasIscariot Iscariotisisaahilarious, hilarious, poignant, thought-provoking poignant, thought-provokingwork workby byPulitzer-prize Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis.Boasting Boasting aalarge, large,zany zanycast castof ofcharacters, characters,the theplay playasks asksone one of ofthe themost mostplaguing plaguingquestions questionsin inthe theChristian Christian ideology: ideology:What Whathappened happenedtotoJudas JudasIscariot?

Iscariot?The The facts (we think!) we know are these: facts (we think!) we know are these:Judas Judaswas wasthe the disciple discipleof ofJesus Jesuswho whobetrayed betrayedhis hisfriend friendand andteacher teacher

totothe theauthorities. authorities.He Heisisseen seenas asthe theman manresponsible responsible for Jesus’s death; afterwards, Judas fell for Jesus’s death; afterwards, Judas fellinto intodespair despair and andhung hunghimself himselffrom froman anolive olivetree; tree;since sincethen, then,he he has hasbeen beensuffering sufferingfor forhis hisdeeds deedsdeep deepin inHell Helland and will willcontinue continuetotodo doso sofor forall alleternity. eternity.IsIsthat thatreally really fair?

Was Judas the duplicitous master of fair? Was Judas the duplicitous master ofhis hisown own fate, fate,aamuch-suffering much-sufferingpawn pawnused usedfor forJesus’s Jesus’sends, ends,or or just justaaman manwho whomade madeaamistake? mistake?Set Setin inaacourtroom courtroom in inPurgatory, Purgatory,The TheLast LastDays Daysputs putsJudas’ Judas’case casetotoaa hilarious, riotous, piercing trial, the results hilarious, riotous, piercing trial, the resultsof ofwhich which are sure to make the inhabitants of Heaven, Hell, are sure to make the inhabitants of Heaven, Hell,and and Purgatory Purgatory——and andthe theaudience audience——reconsider reconsiderwhat what each eachthought thoughtthey theyknew knewabout aboutforgiveness, forgiveness,faith, faith,and and the human inside one of history’s most infamous the human inside one of history’s most infamous figures. figures.

SHOW SHOWTIMES TIMESARE AREAPRIL APRIL21ST, 21ST,22ND 22ND&&23RD 23RDAT AT 7.30PM.SUNDAY MATINEE 24TH AT 2.00PM 7.30PM.SUNDAY MATINEE 24TH AT 2.00PM THEN THEN28TH, 28TH,29TH 29TH&&30TH 30THAT AT7.30PM. 7.30PM.

We have just finished a successful of a domestic partnership gone awry.

THANKS SO ALL WHO OUR AGM THANKS SOMUCH MUCH TO ALLOUR OURMEMBERS MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED OURhuman AGM resource production of The Rugged CrossTO written Owen andATTENDED Helene, both ON THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY AT THE IRISH CLUB OF WA. and directed by NoelON O’Neill.

Well done to THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY AT THE IRISHfind CLUB OF WA. managers, their relationship strained the cast, crew and director for bringing a FOR MISSED HERE’S OUR OUR YEAR when OwenOF loses job.2021.

With financial FORTHOSE THOSEWHO WHO MISSEDIT, IT,us HERE’S OURREVIEW REVIEW OF OURhis YEAR 2021. wonderfully crafted play that was thoroughly pressures mounting, Owen trades his Also, membership for 2022 now available; www.trybooking.com/BWUGC Also, membership for 2022 now available; www.trybooking.com/BWUGC enjoyed by our audiences. labour to his boss-wife, Helene, in a twisted Next up is our One-Act Season in June. arrangement that pushes the boundaries of Auditions were held in April. The plays have sanity and servitude. now been cast and rehearsals are well on the Ashes to Dust by Yvette Wall - Director: way.

Sean Byrne Our three plays are: Ashes to Dust is a dark comedy intertwining The Bear by Anton Chekhov - Director: modern marriage, grief, and the world of Michael McCall international cricket. On the day of scattering In this comedic one-act play, we follow her husband’s ashes, Lydia’s plans unravel the story of Elena Ivanovna Popova, a when the presence of cricket star Steve young widow consumed by grief over her Smith causes a marital crisis. To complicate late husband’s death. One day, Grigory things even further we have the mysterious Stepanovitch Smirnov, a boisterous middleDhavit, sparking a new chapter in Lydia’s life. aged landowner, arrives at her estate to The venue is the Irish Club in Subiaco. collect a debt owed by Popova’s deceased Evening performances will be on June husband. What ensues is a battle of wills 13,14,15,20,21 and 22. @ 7.30pm. There is one and wit, as Popova and Smirnov engage in matinee performance on Sunday June 16th a series of heated arguments, ultimately leading to unexpected developments. @ 2.00pm.

Kitchen by Van Badham - Director: Fiona Cahill “Kitchen,” a hyper-real black comedy that delves into the darkly humorous dynamics

irishtheatreplayers.com.au irishtheatreplayers.com.au

Watch out for further updates and booking information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/irishtheatreplayers or our website: www.irishtheatre players.com.au

IrishTheatrePlayers THE IrishTheatrePlayers THEIRISH IRISHSCENE SCENE | | 8585

G’DAY FROM MELBOURNE

I

t’s Eurovision time again with many millions of fans just buzzing with excitement in anticipation of what this year’s contest has in store for them.

The approach to the Eurovision broadcast has echoed part-time for many years now, as friends and foe gather for party time to celebrate this phenomenal event. Champagne must be bought, and dress ups must be organized before starting time on May 8th to May 11th. then it’s back to Sweden, where ABBA shocked the world 50 years ago with there never to be forgotten performance of Waterloo. ABBA’s success would bring more money to Sweden than what Sweden was making from the sale of their manufactured jetfighters and motor cars. Here we are now after all those years later and ABBA’s songs are as popular now as they were back then.

I am of the lyric’s generation and less impressed by the visual presentation. However, I will admit, I was amazed with ABBA’s visual and lyrical performance way back in1970. Their performance on the night set a new standard giving a whole new look as to how the world of music and visual would grab the audience by the neck and say look and listen to this and we did. I believe the audience and viewers were gob smacked and I was one of those people, both captured and spellbound.

The next morning’s papers, radio and television news highlighted ABBA’s winning performance.

That performance set a challenge for all new entrants to the Eurovision contest.

I’m wondering how the BBC’s Limerick born, Irish broadcaster, Terry Wogan who was officially knighted on the 11th of October 2005 and passed away in January 2016 at the age of 77, would prepare Eurovision in Dublin 1995

52 | THE IRISH SCENE

to review the 2024 telecast, considering Irelands entry this year is quite confronting. I have watched Bambie Thug,’s ‘Doomsday Blue”, Irelands entry for this year’s contest. I see it as a combination of shock musically and visually brilliant, it will certainly get your attention. It will either be a massive flop or a massive hit, you will either love or hate it. Bambie Thugs performance will fascinate the young and scare the s#it and out of the faint hearted, so be prepared for a performance not to be forgotten.

I can only assume that if Terry Wogan were still here with us, he’d need shock treatment on seeing Irelands entrant and the transformation of the event as it has grown into a worldwide acclaimed television extravaganza.

Since1970, Terry as the BBC’s commentator on the Eurovision, took delight in criticizing, ridiculing, mocking and made derogatory comments about many of the UK’s rivals.

Prior to Terry’s debut at Eurovision in 1961, The Allison’s, hit the charts with “Are you Sure’ after coming second in the Eurovision.1967 saw Sandie Shaw sing ‘Puppet on a String’ and won for the UK. Cliff Richard came second in1968, singing ‘Congratulations’. 1969 brought another big hit song for Lulu who came second, singing “Boom Bang-A-Bang’.

Despite Terrys criticism, 1970 saw Irelands first of win with Dana singing ‘All Kinds of Everything’ and later, many of the competitors went on to amazing success, such as, Mary Hopkins (Knock Knock, Who’s There) who finished second behind Irelands Dana in 1970 The New Seekers. Beg Steal or Borrow in 1972 and in the same year Vicky Leandro’s Après Toi. 1973 gave Cliff Richards another big hit with ‘Power to All Our Friends’ after coming third. The 1976 winners delivered another big hit for Brotherhood of Man, with ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’. In 1988 Canadian born, Celine Dion represented and won for Switzerland.

That performance won her a whole new audience and

G’DAY FROM MELBOURNE her career skyrocketed; she is one of history’s musical mega stars.

Ireland have won the Eurovision Song Contest a record seven times. 1980 saw the first Mike Bowen and Erma Australian to win the Quinn Irelands last winner Eurovision. He would in Eurovision in Oslo go on to win the event three times, twice as singer and writer. In 1980, with ‘What’s Another Year’ and again in 1987 with ‘Hold Me Now’. In 1992 he wrote and won it again, this time with ‘Why Me’ sung

by Linda Martin. This would be a hat trick of wins for him adding his three to the other four to make it seven wins for Irelands. Johnny is the only one to have won the event three times to date. Johnny Logan was born on May 13th1954, in Frankston, Victoria. It’s a shame that there is no recognition of his achievement here in Australia. Yes, we all love the fact that he won for Ireland. It would be wonderful if Frankston, the place of Johnny Logan birth gave some recognition for his amazing achievement and who knows, it might even inspire some of the youth there to follow in his path now that Australia are regular participants in the Eurovision.

Australia’s entry for this year is South Australia duo Electric Field, they are Michael Ross on keyboard and producer and vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding.

This will be Australia’s 8th attempt at winning Eurovision since 1915, when the European Broadcasting Union invited Australia to participate for the first time. I have watched

and will abstain from giving an opinion on Electric Fields entry, One Mikali translated meaning One Blood. I will leave this one to you the reader, as my opinion might not be fair.

Having attended some of the Eurovision events over the years I can confirm that Eurovision is, one event that you must put on your bucket list.

Whatever this year’s result will be, it won’t in stop the champagne bottles popping while thousands of Eurovision fans party all over Europe and for many outsiders like us, down under in Australia. Enjoy the marathon nights and I hope you run out of bubbly before the event finishes as you may need some left to celebrate if your choice wins. I hope you have your money on the winner and if not, you will be assured of an amazing four nights of fun and surprises.

Until next time, be good to those who love you and Slainte from Melbourne.

Mike Bowen.

Program cover of program from Millstreet

Eurovision in Dublin 1997

THE IRISH SCENE | 53

MIDWEST IRISH La’ maith from the Midwest Irish Club.

As we recover from the shenanigans of St Patricks Day 2024, I thought I would provide a recap of the day’s events at the Midwest Irish Club on the 17th March 2024.

Being a Sunday this year, when the clubs’ doors swung open at midday, eager faces dressed in green were awaiting, ready to sink their lips into a nice cold pint of Guinness.

With a shared lunch commencing at 1pm, most tables both inside and out were full, with many new faces and families taking part in the celebrations. Following lunch, the Irish clubs very own Bleeding Irish took to the stage from 2pm and entertained us all with some famous Irish classics and ballads. With a humid 33 degrees and the odd rain shower, this didn’t agree with President, Peter Vanderpol’s guitar with three strings broken within the first set. This wasn’t enough to stop him and allowed myself as the Cajon player to go on a much need toilet break between string breaks.

Throughout the afternoon, people continued to come through the doors of the club, including long time Life Member Peggy Johnson. This was a special moment with the club having three of its life members all in attendance with Peggy having a drink alongside Life Members Finbar Kelly and Grace Criddle, refer to the photo.

With the family crowds starting to depart as the sun set, patrons who had been at

54 | THE IRISH SCENE

CLUB ROUND-UP

the Geraldton horse races celebrating St Patricks Day came through the doors to dance the night away with Johnny David playing until stumps. It was a great day and night, and let’s just say there would have been a few sore heads come Monday morning. The Midwest Irish club, like most clubs, are run by a committee of volunteers. Days like St Patricks day don’t just happen. It is the tireless work and effort of these members that makes the day full of fun and good craic. Moving forward, the club is now preparing for it first ever Fleadh festival event in August. The club will be putting on a weekend of entertainment to celebrate Irish music and culture. Keep an eye out on our Midwest Irish Club Facebook page closer to the time for further information.

The club will then welcome back the Deadly Woodbines trio with Alan and Ken Woods playing alongside Fiddler, Val Cutler on Saturday 21st September 2024. This will be a Saturday night ticketed event with details to be advertised on our Facebook page.

Until next time.

Regards Simon Miller

THE IRISH SCENE | 55

Crushing the numbers game C

hartered Accountants Ireland President Sinéad Donovan visited Australia recently.

She attended a series of meetings and member events in Sydney and Perth, including with partners such as The Ireland Funds, IDA Ireland, Irish Consulate, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ) and Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW).

Engagement with CAANZ and CAW focused on the importance of Mutual Recognition Agreements and the value these offer to members and the profession globally. There are reported to be about 1,150 Irish chartered accountants based in Australia – with 41% of them between the ages of 24-34 – the biggest cohort of their kind any where in the world outside of Ireland and the UK. Over CAI members attended events in Perth and Sydney, with the visiting President as the guest of honour and speaker. She was on familiar ground on the trip.

“I was one of those young Chartered Accountants Ireland members who travelled to Sydney in the mid/late nineties and it was epic – phenomenal experience, both personally and professionally,” she posted on Linkedin shortly before her trip to the southern hemisphere.

She said the Irish are held in high regard and

56 | THE IRISH SCENE

Sinéad Donovan with CAI colleagues in Perth

this was something that needs to be protected.

“Chartered Accountants Ireland members continue to represent the Irish incredibly well “Down Under” and come back more mature; experienced and valuable to the Irish economy,” she added..

Ireland’s Consul General in Sydney Rosie Keane noted the increased numbers of Irish moving to Australia this year and complimented the reputation of Irish chartered accountants.

Kathryn O’Shea, Director, Australia & New Zealand at IDA Ireland was similarly complimentary, referring to members as ambassadors for Ireland, adding value to the IDA’s mission of promoting Ireland.

Sinéad & Co. in Sydney

Choice between Home or the ‘Happy Place’ Stephen Donnelly poses with the Perth Rose of Tralee ladies at Parliament House; chats with Sally Ann McDonald and Lindsay Ahern

P

erth was the final pitstop for Irish health minister Stephen Donnelly on his Australian visit in mid March. He was saving the best till last he flatteringly told a reception in Parliament House for the Irish community around St. Patrick’s Day, on March 20. It was his last full day Down-under and while he was expecting to return to Ireland the next day, that need suddenly became more urgent than anyone could have expected. But during his brief time in the West he revealed he himself almost fell into the same trap that attracts hundreds of young Irish doctors each year, medical professionals he was on a mission to lure back home. Mr Donnelly told the gathering he had asked his political bosses – Taoiseach Leo Vadakar (who incidentally at that moment in time was unexpectedly announcing he was stepping down as Taoiseach) and party leader Michael Martin to “do me a solid” and send him to the “Happy Place!”.

They did and in return he was tasked with the job of bringing as many of the doctors lost to the Australian health care system – in particular Western Australia’s – home to Ireland. The night before he flew back to Ireland the visiting VIP shared an insight into his relationship with Australia, and the uphill

battle he was facing.

He and his team had had a wonderful week and a half in Australia and recounted a story he had just told the group of Rose of Tralee contestants moments earlier. “Twenty eight years ago I landed in Sydney, 20 years of age, with a full head of hair, lived in Bondi and worked as a lifeguard, the pinkest lifeguard in Australia – a record I still hold,” he jested.

With the blessing of his political superiors secured he said he was curious about coming back to Australia. “I was slightly nervous,” he said. “I wondered was my memory of Bondi, my memory of Australia, was it rose tinted glasses of a happy 20 year old and maybe it wasn’t that beautiful.” In addition to that he said he had also shared a house with “some phenomenal Perth women in London for many years. “I waxed lyrical about Sydney, and they’d say ‘That’s nothing, you gotta come to Perth, Perth is way better than Sydney, so I was doubly nervous.”

Once in Sydney he paid a visit to his old stomping ground in Bondi to see if it was “as THE IRISH SCENE | 57

beautiful” as he remembered.

“It was better than I remembered it, in fact it was wonderful,” he added.

In Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane he said he and his entourage were “blown Former U18 rugby away” by the union player warmth of Roger Cook chats with Western the Australian Force CEO Niamh people and of O’Connor the country, and by the deep and special bond between the Irish and Australians.

“And then we flew to Perth – and I’m not joking – I don’t say this to all the cities – I am in awe of this place,” he told the gathering. “It turns out my good friends from Perth were actually playing it down.”

In his third year as an engineering student he decided he needed to take a rest from 58 | THE IRISH SCENE

‘multiplying matrix’s’. “So I said to my professor I’m going to Australia, I’m going to live my life and come home and finish my exams, and I think its the only reason I did go, because I had to go into fourth year. But I think if I had spent the time in Perth I’m not sure I would ever have graduated! It is wonderful. I don’t need to tell you all this, you all know, but my god, you live in a special place.”

In his brief time in Perth he had spoken with members of the Irish community and had also visited Perth Children’s Hospital, where he was given a tour of the $1.8bn hospital and had breakfast with some of the Irish medico’s working there! Mr Donnelly said the Taoiseach (now former Taoiseach) and his party political boss Michael Martin spoke to him about the exodus of Irish doctors to Australia.

“I’m good with that, I think we need to travel,” Mr Donnelly said. “I think its important we travel around the world. But they said they don’t appear to be coming back home, so you’re to get them home and I said “okay, no problem, how difficult could that be?”, and its only now that I’ve spent a week and a half here I realise just how difficult it is,” the minister said. “I think we’ll need to be putting on individual Lear jets and music on the tarmac and relocation allowances and god

From left, Michelle Roberts, Irish ambassador Tim Mawe, Stephen Dawson, Stephen Donnelly, Roger Cook, Alanna Clohessy and Marty Kavanagh

knows what! Because from a health perspective I think the biggest take away – and I’ve been meeting a lot of doctors and nurses and allied health professionals – is what are the Aussie’s doing really well?, because look, we are good at some things in Ireland, they’re good at some things here. I think the biggest take away is how well the Irish clinicians are being treated in Australia, they are recognised as incredibly well trained, incredibly hard working and easy to get on with, and are really being sought after. It is very clear in Australia you are treating your health care workers well, one of the many things we need to learn.”

He rounded off his speech with a lighthearted appeal to the Irish community. “It is wonderful to see Perth, to see how well Western Australia is doing, to see how well the Irish community is doing

here, thriving and contributing to healthcare and many other areas.

We do need you to come home – I’m only talking to the clinicians, the rest of you can stay, that’s not my brief – he joked – but to the clinicians we do need you to come home at some stage, and we’ll try to make it as good as possible at home.”

The function was hosted by WA Labor MPs Alanna Clohessy, Michelle Roberts and Irish born ‘minister for everything’ Stephen Dawson. “The minister talked about how good Perth is, and Perth is as good as it is because of people like yourselves.

We can be very proud of the Irish community we do have in Perth, its a vibrant community, its a community that looks after each other and tonight is a chance to celebrate each other.”

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ust before the event finished and he left Parliament House Irish Scene managed to grab a quick one-on-one interview with es o Ag ar t rs Mr Donnelly (more of that in the next edition). e a 1 Y 2 Ye 1 I went home directly myself and as soon as I waked through the door my wife Imelda told me the breaking news out of Ireland – Taoisach Leo Vadakar had just announced Available E.C .C.E places for 2024-2025 he would be stepping down as the country’s Charleslan d Nursery, Or Park, Charlesland ahov leader for ‘personal and political’ reasons. It Shoreline a Montessori, , Greysto nes Contact would have been great to have known that 01 287 07 Rita Byrne: 19 / 086 86 Email: inf 4 4145 o@charlesl an just forty minutes earlier when I could have dmontessor i.com asked a serving government minister for his reaction. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think he knew about it at the time we spoke, but its possible he did. His staff seemed keen enough to get him on his way. Certainly the news seemed to take his government colleagues in Ireland by surprise, so he may have found out about it like the rest of us. It was too soon at that stage to know who the mantle of Established over 25 years

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leadership of the party and the country would pass too, but before long it became clear that would be Simon Harris, someone Mr Donnelly has an interesting relationship with.

They are both from Greystones and were elected to the Dáil as TD’s (MPs) for Wicklow – the Garden of Ireland – at the 2011 general election and have risen through the ranks since then. Mr Donnelly actually got into the Irish parliament as an independent candidate and then went on to form the Social Democrats in 2015, becoming a joint leader of the new party.

Within about a year he was out of the party he helped create and went back to being an independent candidate before enlisting with Fianna Fail in early 2017. He became minister for health in June 2020 and still is today.

office. Naturally Mr Harris’s rise as the new leader of Fine Gael and by extension the role as Taoiseach was the biggest news event in the country, and it was very much a local one – running the story on Page One with the headline ‘Thank You Wicklow’.

For a brief period of time a few years ago it looked like the paper where I work today The Subiaco POST might have a ‘home grown’ Prime Minister on its doorstep. Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop presented the seat of Curtin for quite a few years and her constituency office was based inside the once decadent Mediterranean Restaurant at the Kings Park end of Rokeby Road.

While Bishop was always a high profile national figure His predecessor in the she was also very Stephen and left, Top: Simon Harris, health portfolio was adept at being Donnelly, right, at Greystones Rugby fellow Wicklow man active around 2017 in Club Simon Harris, whose the constituency, political persuasion is including Fine Gael. Harris is the popping into youngest Taoiseach the paper for in the history of the an interview Republic of Ireland and or being seen was known as the “baby to hand out of the Dáil” when he first federal grants appeared in Leinster to local groups House (A colleague (all politics is more senior in years said local after all). she thought the young Bishop was the man was on a school Liberal Party’s tour when she first saw deputy leader the fresh faced youth for so long she around the place. Hardly survived multiple surprising so that the leadership coups.

1986 born Harris who is When the time prolific on social media is inevitably came already being called the around to get ‘Tik Tok Taoiseach’. The rid of sitting PM days of stuffy old men Malcolm Turnbull Mr Harris and Mr steeped in bitter civil in August 2018 Dáil the Donnelly in war politics running the Bishop put her country appear to be a hat into the ring as a candidate to lead the thing of the past. party, and in turn the country. In a crushing demonstration of just how brutal politics can One of my first jobs in journalism back in Bishop did not get a single vote (not even from the 1990’s was as a news editor with the free her WA party colleagues) with Scott Morrison local newspaper The Wicklow Times. At that emerging the clear winner (Peter Dutton time the papers offices were in Eglinton ranked second). The local community did not Road, a short walk up from the DART Station. have to hold its breath long to find out if was Its offices are now just down the road in Quinsborough Road and happen to be in the not going to be the home base of Australia’s same office building as Mr Harris’s electorate newest PM. 60 | THE IRISH SCENE

€13.5k travel tally to Australia

Brisbane

T

he cost of Mr Donnelly’s trip to Australia was raised in the Dail by Peadar Tóibín, TD for the Meath West constituency, on April 9. In fact Mr Tóibín – who is also the leader of the political party Aontú – asked the minister for health to provide the amounts spent by his department on travel and accommodation for overseas jaunts for St. Patrick’s Day. Mr Donnelly said accommodations such as hotels were organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and that bill would be sent to his department in due course.

But he could reveal the ticket price for the trip.

To fly Mr Donnelly on a return flight to Australia and across six capital cities – Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney – cost €8,330.55. To do the same for his private secretary it was €1,827.43 and €3,304.65 for an advisor, a total Of €13,462.63.

Not far behind that amount (in overall terms) was the bill to send junior minister for health Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton – and her private secretary Sydney and advisor – to Singapore.

It cost exactly the same to send each of them on their way and bring them home, €4,320.62, €12,961.86.

Their trip helped mark the 50th

Perth

anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Ireland and the tiny Asian island nation is home to about 5,000 expats. She met with local business figures but also the ‘Lions’ GAA Club there and gave the winner of an oyster shucking competition their prize of a ticket and a place in the Galway Oyster Festival, quite a tidy prize!

To send another junior minister Mary Butler (Waterford TD) and two staffers to Cyprus and Italy was slightly over €300 a head – coming in at less than a thousand euro for all three of them.

Melbourne

Sydney

Melbourne

Melbourne

THE IRISH SCENE | 61

Book Reviews CARL FRAMPTON: MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY with PAUL D GIBSON / MERRION PRESS €24.99 The dustjacket of this book bills Carl Frampton as ‘Arguably the greatest Irish boxer of all time’. Big call, given his distinguished predecessors such as Wayne McCullough, Rinty Monaghan, Jimmy McLarin and ‘Clones Cyclone’ Barry McGuigan (more of him later).

There is no doubting Frampton’s prowess as a pugilist. He was the first boxer from Northern Ireland to hold world titles in two separate weight classes (super– bantamweight and featherweight) following a distinguished career in the Irish amateur ranks, where he won a silver medal in the 2007 European Championships. While the book features aspects of some of his fights, Frampton gets the gloves off to reveal he is more than just a sporting icon, and why he is regarded as a symbol of hope and unity on both sides of Northern Ireland’s sectarian divide. Born in North Belfast’s staunchly Protestant Tiger Bay area, Frampton married childhood sweetheart, Christine, who was raised on the ‘other side of the tracks’ in Nationalist, Poleglass. Theirs was a ‘mixed marriage’ during the height of ‘The Troubles’ with Frampton openly revealing their myriad of trials, and the task of raising children against a back ground of civil unrest.

While not wishing to detract from his prizefighting prowess and achievements, a good portion of the book features Frampton’s out-of-the-ring hostility with manager, Barry McGuigan. Frampton openly admits that initially McGuigan ‘guided my career really well’, but their relationship soured, and in 2017 spawned a multi-million-pound stoush in the Belfast High Court. Frampton charged McGuigan over alleged earnings irregularities while McGuigan countersued Frampton for breach of contract after the boxer signed with another promoter. It was a brutal legal battle with Frampton during the course of the litigation, making more surprising evidential discoveries about their relationship. This is a compelling autobiography told straight from the heart. Frampton speaks candidly and passionately, not only about his illustrious professional career while also reflecting intimately about the lifestyle, problems and possible future of his homeland.

THE GREAT HOUSING HIJACK

by CAMERON K MURRAY / ALLEN & UNWIN $34.99 The great Aussie dream was once owning your own home on the legendary quarter acre block. Not any longer! For many Aussies today, possessing a home is a something of a pipedream. A sizeable percentage of young adults (25-34 age range) are now forced to live with their parents, unable to afford a place of their own. While Australians on regular incomes dream of lower rents and prices, Murray discloses how vested interests pull the property market strings and how, why and by whom, the housing policy debate has been hijacked, potentially making solutions more distant than ever. A renowned housing and economics commentator, Murray reveals how property insiders shape the housing market and why landlords and the real estate industry resist rent controls and why the tax

62 | THE IRISH SCENE

Books reviewed by John Hagan

and first home buyer policies of the major political parties achieve little for the target group. The book effectively uses a Monopoly analogy to highlight the drawbacks of allowing property markets to operate unchecked while it addresses issues like concentrated house ownership and high prices.

One of the strengths of this book is Murray’s remarkable ability to distill and simplify what is complex economic policy into a language that is easily understood. The inclusion of real and pertinent examples adds a layer of awareness, as do the many graphs which illustrate the author’s argument.

Murray pulls no punches – nobody in the ‘housing industry’ escapes unscathed, especially those in the real estate business. The author also demonstrates and explains how Australia could create a genuinely affordable housing programme without compromising the interests (and wealth) of existing property owners. For anyone who wants to understand the housing market in Australia, or anyone in the market for a house, this book will prove essential reading.

ALL THE WORDS WE KNOW

by BRUCE NASH / ALLEN & UNWIN $32.99 Crime busters come in a diverse array of guises, each with their own peculiar selective idiosyncrasies. This detective pantheon includes the prissy, spinster, Miss Marple, the laconic, chain-smoking, trench-coat wearing Sam Spade, punctual pocket-watched, Hercule Poirot with his polished patent leather shoes, and the garrulous, overweight, rockand-roll music buff, John Rebus. Into this esteemed covey of amateur and professional sleuths now trundles, on her wheely walker, the most unlikely yet - 80-year-old Rose, who is afflicted by dementia and lives in an aged-care home.

Rose, alternatively sharp as a tack while also being spectacularly forgetful and confused, is upset when her friend and scrabble playing partner is found dead in her nightie in the home’s car park. In the face of perceived police disinterest, Rose sets out to discover the truth about the fatality. Suicide or accident, or perhaps one of the home’s staff or other inmates is a possible killer. There are plenty to choose from including the ‘angry nurse’, with her threatening clipboard, who Rose believes, ‘intends to kill me very soon’. What about the home’s menacing ‘scare manager’, replete in turtleneck sweater and gold watch; and then there is the ‘nice boy’ who mops the corridors and hides behind a long fringe. Could the killer be ‘man who doesn’t live here’ who detests the home’s grey, incessant meatball lunches, and why are residents constantly moving rooms? Visited by her emotionally distant son, who has ‘Power of Eternal’, and daughter who has God and a penchant for pot-plants, Rose embarks on a mission which soon stirs up, for her, sinister events and long forgotten memories. In Rose, Nash has created a character who is equally hilarious, sharp, audacious, infuriating and, most of all, completely unique. Wickedly humorous (I laughed out loud many times), this novel is immersed in exceptional, daring, sparkling and imaginative wordplay as we witness the intrigue and operation of a ‘scare’ home through the eyes of an inimitable literary character. And who knows, for many of us, Rose’s situation may be closer than we think.

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Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce St Patrick’s Day Lunch 2024

• • • • • • •

Comhaltas Membership and Lessons Perth Comhaltas, Sean Doherty Branch, is a non-profit association based in Perth, Western Australia, promoting traditional Irish music and culture around the world.

Perth Comhaltas has been the cornerstone for the promotion of Irish culture though music, song, dancing and language in Perth, Australia for over 40 years. Students from years gone by can still be seen performing at the regular Irish sessions and music events throughout Perth.

Come join us to learn or share Irish Music or Language.

We regularly meet Tuesday at 7:30pm at the Victoria Park RSL, 1 Fred Bell Parade, East Vic Park.

Contact us perthcomhaltas@gmail.com for enquiries.

Perth Comhaltas Camp Perth Comhaltas will be hosting a music camp at Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp (Hardinge Rd, Orange Grove WA 6109) Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th May 2024.

The camp starts on Friday evening and goes through to Sunday morning. Events are held on the Saturday.

Activities include Friday night session, Saturday workshops and family evening dinner followed by dancing and an open session.

Details of the music workshops can be found on our Perth Comhaltas Website www.perthcomhaltas.com.au.

All past and present members, family and friends are invited to join in.

Comhaltas Perth Fleadh The Perth Comhaltas Fleadh will be held on Saturday, 18th May, 2024 at 10.00am at the Irish Club, Subiaco. The competition includes many instrument categories. Winners in each category are awarded a trophy. Beginner players are very welcome, and there are age categories for those under 18.

For details and to enter in the Fleadh, please visit the Perth Comhaltas Website www.perthcomhaltas.com.au.

WE HAVE MOVED – NEW OFFICE! We have officially moved into our new premises.

Unit 1, 8 Dewar Street, Morley.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped with the renovations over the past few months and those who donated their time and various white goods.

ST PATRICKS DAY

The Claddagh Association had a very enjoyable St Patrick’s Day.

Thank you to all our volunteers who assisted on our stall. It was a great opportunity to catch up with current members, and to meet and sign up some new ones! A massive well done to the St Patrick’s Festival committee for organising another fantastic event, we are looking forward to next year already!

We’ve included some of the great photos taken on the day. If anyone in the community would like a copy of their photo(s) please reach out to our office (details above).

Claddagh Seniors Celebrate St Patrick’s Day! A few days after the main event in Leederville on Wednesday 22 March, the Claddagh Seniors gathered at The Mighty Quinn for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day lunch and catch up to continue the celebrations. There was great company, laughter and incredible music by The Broken Pokers that got everyone tapping their feet and dancing along!

SCENE

68 | THE IRISH

FREE VISA CLINICS

Movie Time!

Claddagh Report

(pics attached)

The Claddagh Association continue to host FREE Clinics!

2024 hasVisa started off well for our Seniors who had their first Cladd

exclusive screening ofexperienced ‘The Holdovers' at Event Cinemas in Innalo Patricia Halley (MARA 1383611) from Visa4You - a registered and Migration Agent is available for telephone appointments.

Delicious refreshments were served in the cinema, and everyone This is a great opportunity to get advice from a professional. our Seniors Committee for organising a funfor screening.

If you need advice about Visa’s or citizenship, please make an appointment with such our office the next clinic by contacting us on 08 9249 9213 or email admin@claddagh.org.au We’ll ask you to join as a Claddagh member to access the appointments.

If you, or a senior you know from the Irish community, would like by contacting the Claddagh office via admin@claddagh.org.au or

Next Visa Clinic Thursday 2 May 9am-2pm.

Indulge in Good Food forThe Claddagh Association - There When You Need a Great Cause at Grill’d The mission of the Claddagh Association is to provide help an Leederville community who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

This month, we’re thrilled to announce that Grill’d Leederville has selected the Claddagh To support these needs of both individuals and families Claddagh Association for their #LocalMatters campaign.

Every time you enjoy a delicious meal at If you would like to support Claddagh’s work in 2024 you can don Grill’d during April, you’re not only treatingor sign up to volunteer – your time can make the world of differe yourself – you’re also supporting the Claddagh Association. How? Simply drop your Local https://claddagh.org.au/support-our-work/make-a-donation/-, a Matters token into Claddagh’s jar!

a member. Increasing our membership allows us to access addi

For group bookings, of 6 or more you can get a free Chip Share Plate, simply enter “Localother avenues. See our website for full details.

Matters Share Plate” into the comments on Don’t forget, if you or someone you know needs Claddagh’s su your booking. Tuck in and enjoy!

office via admin@claddagh.org.au/08 9249 9213. If your need is u Line on 0403 972 265.

Logo (on hand) THE CLADDAGH ASSOCIATION - THERE WHEN YOU NEED US The mission of the Claddagh Association is to provide help and support to members of the Irish community who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

To support these needs of both individuals and families Claddagh must fundraise throughout the year.

If you would like to support Claddagh’s work in 2024 you can donate at our website: claddagh.org.au or sign up to volunteer – your time can make the world of difference. https://claddagh.org.au/support-our-work/make-a-donation/-, alternatively for $10 you can become a member. Increasing our membership allows us to access additional funding and support through other avenues. See our Website for full details.

Don’t forget, if you or someone you know needs Claddagh’s support, please contact the Claddagh office via admin@ claddagh.org.au/08 9249 9213. If your need is urgent, you can call Claddagh’s Crisis Line on 0403 972 265.

Unit 1, 8 Dewar Street, Morley, 6062.

Enquiries: 08 9249 9213 admin@claddagh.org.au

Crisis Support: 0403 972 265

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CONCERT FOR CLADDAGH

There was plenty of live entertainment and the best of music for the Concert for Claddagh (in association with The Gathering Live Concert) at the Irish Club on April 27 thanks to a bunch of really great musicians who volunteered their talents for this amazing organisation.

Cameron Hume (brother of Ross) and Chris MacDonald opened the show with a powerful and stirring rendition of ‘Dawning of the Day’ on the bagpipes.

Ciaran O’Sullivan was joined on stage for the first half of the night by Ross Hume and Oisin Coffey while Tommy O’Brien with Russell Clarek, Hillary De Pris Keegan and Jerry Murphy performed for the second half of the night. Dympna Finch also joined both bands for a big encore at the end of the night.

Special mention too for Brian Finnemore on the sound desk! Gerry Gannon was MC and chief ticket caller for the raffle, organised by Imelda Gorman.

Teresa Kelleher won the main raffle jackpot – $300 cash – and very generously donated it back to the Claddagh Association. A swag of other winners went home happy with their prizes.

A major thank you to Gay Collins from Pipeline Technics for offering two cash prizes worth a total of $500 and the other sponsors including Marty Kavanagh -Honorary Consulate, Westralia Car Care, Drinkwell Beverages, McLoughlins Butchers, Masonmills Café, Paddy Malones, The Galway Hooker, Naturally Sheepskins and Ma Mooneys.

The concert and raffle raised $3190. Heather McKeegan from the Claddagh spoke about the work the Association does and how fundraising like this allowed it to support people in need.

She thanked everyone involved and members of the community who bought tickets and came along on the night.

AIHA FILM CLUB SEASON concludes Wednesday March 7, 7.45pm

Featuring “Your UglySEASON Too” with a supporting Irish documentary, together with tea/coffee, homemade cakes, Irish THE FOURTH BOOK CLUB AIHA FILM CLUB concludes Wednesday March 7, 7.45pm OVER TO YOU TUESDAY

wheaten bread and jams. Ice creams $3. At Kensington (South Perth). Donation $15 to cover catering and costs.

Featuring Ugly Too” with a supporting Irish together with tea/coffee, homemade cakes, Irish fourth Tuesday of NEW the month, with exception ofdocumentary, December. At 7.30pm Join “Your us for something ….

Think outside the box THEMeets FOURTH TUESDAY March 26 and April 23, Dooey 7.30pm, Irish Club Committee Room, 61 May 24 ‘Phosphorescence’

by CLUB JuliaAt Baird, to be presented byPerth).

Trish wheaten bread and jams.

Ice BOOK creams $3.

Kensington (South Donation $15 to cover catering and costs. * Fun and action dancing The Jerusalema.

Irish dancing, Step dancing, Sean Nos Celi, or Set dancing?

June 28 Road, TBA to be presented

by Cecilia Bray Townshend Subiaco.

All welcome.

Light refreshments provided.

Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.co THEVenue FOURTH BOOK Room, CLUB 26 and April 23, 7.30pm, Irish Club Committee Room, 61 * A murderTUESDAY mystery andCommittee suspense luncheon Irish Club 61March Townshend Road, Subiaco SAINT PATRICKS FESTIVAL Saturday 16threfreshments March, Leederville Parade and Festival, Join our vintage Admission All welcome.

Light refreshments provided.

Tea and coffee from theIrish Bar $2 Townshend Road, Free.

Subiaco.

Allhidden welcome.

Light provided.

Convener Mary Purcell,10am. m.purcell@telstra.com * An afternoon hunting for treasure/speed dating Contact Convener Marypresentation Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com car float in the parade and our of ththe Brendan Awards 2022 and 2023 at the concert in the early Do you have aFESTIVAL hobby you would like to share?

SAINT* PATRICKS Saturday 16 March, Leederville Parade and Irish Festival, 10am. Join our vintage afternoon.

This prestigious award an recognises individuals or groups withTalk a record of are dedicated serviceinnovative and outstandin Areinyou inJames producing event but some encouragement? to us.2023 We to present car BLOOMSDAY float theinterested parade-and our presentation ofneed the Brendan Awardspresentations 2022 and at keen the concert in the early Joyce Literary Competition achievement in one or more aspects of Australia's Irish heritage.

Meanwhile we invite nominations for 2024. events thatprestigious bring peopleaward together as a community.

It can be to the imagination.

30 years AIHA have presented afternoon.

This recognises individuals oropen groups with a record For of dedicated service and outstandin Sunday 24 March, 3pm, Irish Club Committee room.

There will be special motio ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING events and activities celebrating our distinctive Irish heritage, always adapting to the changing times. . achievement in one or more aspects of Australia's Irish heritage. Meanwhile we invite nominations for 2024. or Life Membership nominations.

Please consider joining as a committee member, volunteer or an event coordinato THEGENERAL FOURTH TUESDAY May 28,’ KillIrish Your Club Husbands’

by Jackroom.

Heath, There presented Bray.

SundayCLUB 24 March, 3pm, Committee willby beTony special motion ANNUAL MEETINGBOOK CATALPA COMMEMORATION ROCKINGHAM Annual commemoration of the escape of six Fenian convicts o 25, ‘This is nominations. going to hurt’ by Adam Kay, presented

by Joe Purcell.

At 7.30pm, Irish Club Committee Room, 61coordinato or LifeJune Membership Please consider joining as a committee member, volunteer or an event 17-18Townshend April,COMMEMORATION 1876.

WithSubiaco. oration, music and song at theConvener CatalpaMary Memorial, Rockingham Beach, Eastero Road, Allverse, welcome.

Lightdrama refreshments provided.

Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com CATALPA ROCKINGHAM Annual commemoration of the escape of six Fenian convicts To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses, the AIHA willIrish hold a celebratory event on Monday, 1 April, 11am to 12 noon.

Free public event.

Guest speakers and dignitaries including Mayor Deb Hamblin COMING UP events in planning for May in cooperation with other community groups.

Annual Mary Durack 17-18June April, 1876.

With oration, verse,asmusic drama and song Bloom at the inCatalpa Rockingham Beach, Easter , officially known world-wide Bloomsday, after Leopold Ulysses.Memorial, At the event, the 16th and city councilors; Federal Minister Madeline King; Minister Dawson; Somer Bessire-Briers from US Memorial lecture date to be confirmed. shortlisted entries from our competition will be staged asState readings, drama,Stephen music and visual presentations Monday, 1 April, 11am to 12 noon.

Free public event.

Guest speakers and dignitaries including Mayor Deb Hamblin by solo or groups.

TheQuarterly overall winner will befor chosen by popular vote on the night and will Articles receive celebrating a cash Consulate; actor Michael Sheehy; musician Ormonde Waters; and more.

Coordinated

by David THE JOURNAL magazine members –Og latest edition mailed in April. theMcKnight.

Irish and city councilors; Federal Minister Madeline King; State Minister Stephen Dawson; Somer Bessire-Briers from US prize.

Heritage inThursday Australia.

Editor Teresa O’Brien, Correspondence journal@irishheritage.com.au ANZAC DAY 25Frank April, 8am.

AIHA at invitation oftoSubiaco layCoordinated wreaths for Irish ANZACS at Fallen We thank our adjudicators Murphy and Frances Devlin-Glass Consulate; actor Michael Sheehy; musician Ormonde Og Waters; andRSL more.

by David McKnight.

CONGRATULATIONS to new honorary life and members Patricia roads.

Bratton Morning and Tony Bray awarded Subject at AGM 24 Soldiers War Memorial on corner ofAIHA Rokeby Hamersley tea follows. toMarch confirmation ANZAC 25the April, at invitation of Subiaco RSL lay wreaths for Irish ANZACS at Fallen Date DAY Thursday Thursday June 168am. at 7.30pm MEMBERSHIP 1 January to 31 2024 Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61December, Townshend Road, Subiaco (to be confirmed) Soldiers War Memorial on the corner of Rokeby and Hamersley roads.

Morning tea follows.

Subject to confirmation Admission AIHA$65; members $20, Non-members includes light refreshments Family membership Concession (Centrelink and$25, unwaged students with ID) $55 Family membership $65; Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55 Prizes Edwardian male or female.

Plus special Irish raffle MEMBERSHIP 1Best January to dressed 31 December, 2024 Distant (200 kms fromPerth) Perth) $45; fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 Distant (200 kms from $45;Membership Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU Bookings Family membership $65; Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55 Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ Pay Pay Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45; Membership includes tax deductible donation of $20 Or Bank Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: fee 066-192 No: 1054 AIHA Website Or Bank Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: 066-192Account Account No: 6502 1054 6502 PayCheck Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ AIHA has approved charity and tax deductable status. www.irishheritage.com.au website https://irishheritage.com.au/news-blog/ forDeductable a selection of Gift exclusive interviews conducted AIHA hasour approved charity and tax deductable status.

Recipient Status by committee member GillCommonwealth, Kenny and other articles note. If you click on No: the interview with Aine Tyrrell Or Bank Transfer: Bank: BSB: of 066-192 Account 1054 6502 you will arrive at our YouTube channel. Aine is really interesting - victim of domestic violence, successful

FLOWERS FOR A LADY Bernadette Chestnutt received a bouquet of flowers from Luka Bloom at the Mandurah concert. Also in the photo Bernadette’s daughters, Colleen Arnold and Nieamh Chestnutt.

Sean McDonagh, John Quinlivan, Archie Hamilton, Hans Rushworth, Terry Westnorland and Jim Egan enjoying the craic at The Green A photo from the past... Tony Sheehan and Gerry Quigley. Gerry, who now lives in Cork is St Patricks Day Irish party. still rocking, these days with the Mystic Blues band. Happy days all those years ago at the Woody with The Shinkickers.

Michael Kennedy was laid to rest on Tuesday 19th March. Ex Irish Army member, Mick is pictured above with the late Liam Clancy back in the 70’s when he performed in Perth. The Ould Alarm Clock may have stopped ticking but our memories of Mick live on. To Shirley and the boys our sincere condolences. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The one and only Mick Egan was in great form in his old stomping ground, The National Hotel in Fremantle on St Patrick’s Day listening to his mate Sean Roche. T’was great seeing you Mick and looking great.

Dan O’Connor (from Kerry) and Lynn O’Connor (from Dublin) with Fiona Rea at Durty Nelly’s Sunday session. They live in Dublin and are visiting their daughter in Perth.

Below: BOLD FENIAN MEN Below: John McCarthy, Aidan Murphy, Rob Walker, Trevor Dunne, Hugh Quinn and Andrew Boyle who played the rolls of the six Escaped Fenians in Noel O’Neill’s play ‘Escape Phyllis Dawson, Marian Hyland and Noel Dawson enjoying the WA hospitality at the from the Living Tomb’ on Easter Monday in State Parliament St Patrick’s Day reception.

Rockingham. A very proud bunch of lads.

VAUGHAN COOPER Solo Irish Dancing World Champion 19-year-old Vaughan Cooper has become WA’s first ever Solo Irish Dancing World Champion, winning the Men’s under 20 section at the World Championships in Glasgow at the end of March. He has made all of WA’s Irish dancing community so proud and is so excited to be bringing his 1st place globe back to his home state.

Vaughan dances for WA Academy of Irish Dance, under the tuition of TCRG’s Shannen Krupa and Stephanie Leeder, with acknowledgement of past teacher Glenalee Bromilow, Vaughan has achieved a huge amount with the school from a young age.

Dancing since the age of 6, and being skilled in Ballet as well as Irish dance, Vaughan has successfully won the AllIreland Championships in Killarney in February, as well as the Great Britain and All Scotland championship in late 2023.

He is also currently a 3-time Australian National Champion, and 8-time WA State Champion!

Vaughan kindly answered some of our questions about the lead up to the World Championships as well his future plans.

Q: Firstly, congratulations on your World Championship win, tell us how you felt in the lead up to the competition and what was going through your head when you were named World Champion?

the hard work and dedication finally paid off.

Q: How does your training increase leading up to such a big competition?

A: I normally do three classes a week at the studio, but I practice most of the time at home. But leading up to a major I dance as much as I can in the studio or at home.

Q: We know that you are currently touring with Lord of the Dance, how does competitive dance competition prepare you for touring with a dance show and how are you enjoying performing such an iconic show?

A: Dancing in such a big show is honestly so surreal, I’m so grateful to be in Lord of the Dance.

While competing and being in a show it makes me very fit, so it makes it a lot easier to dance in a show every day.

Q: If you could give any advice to our younger dancers about what it takes to become a World Champion, what would you tell them?

A: I would have to say dancing at home makes it so much easier. You can focus on drilling your steps or even practice show dancing. If you want to achieve something in life, practice makes perfect.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and we wish you the best of luck with Lord of the Dance.

Congratulations on your World title!

A: Leading up to the world this year I felt so prepared. I was dancing mostly every day and it made me feel more confident with how I would dance in class.

My dance day funds for the Charlotte Foundation and The Claddagh A tremendous event raising much needed at the worlds very tough, sick Association.

Peterwas McKenna andI was his so organising committee wish to express their thanks to the that it was very hard but I pulled through, many sponsors and all those who played golf. Allan Rowland deserves special thanks. Over so when it came down to the top two I was $12,000 was raised. The Claddagh Cup was won by just happy that I beat my place from last Anthony Mooney.

Charlotte year,Gannon and thenand theyLee didn’t call my The number Cup won

by Paul Hickeycouldn’t and Jason Larkin. for second I honestly believe it, I Well done allhappiest round! person knowing that all was the

ST PATRICK’S GOLF DAY AT MAYLANDS GOLF CLUB.

THE IRISH SCENE | 73

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc. March is a busy time for Irish Dancing in Western Australia with social and competitive events throughout the month.

We started the month with our first competition of the year, the Saint Patricks Day Feis hosted by Celtic Academy. It was lovely to see all our dancers take the stage again with new steps and the excitement of being on stage again.

Dancers love the celebrations of St Patricks Day each year and 2024 was no different. Our dancing schools entertained thousands of people in various parades, special events and local pubs throughout the Perth and surrounding areas.

At the end of March, 29 WA dancers travelled to Glasgow, Scotland to compete at the World Championships representing their schools as well as their country. Congratulations to all the dancers that stepped on the World stage. Every dancer shone on the stage and every one of our competitors made AIDA WA very proud and we would like to congratulate each of you along with your teachers and families that helped get you to such a prestigious event Congratulations to our place getters: Vaughan Cooper (WA Academy) – 1st Place WORLD CHAMPION Mens 19-20years Dara McAleer (The Academy) – 2nd Place RUNNER UP Senior Ladies O23 Caitlin Bone (The Academy) – 27th Place Senior Ladies O23 Sinead Daly (The Academy) – 28th Place Ladies 19-20 years Georgia Western (Trinity Studio) – 41st Place Girls 14-15years Sahara Donelan (The Academy) – 44th Place Girls 13-14years Tiernan Beattie (The Academy) – 9th Place Boys 11-12years Congratulations also to Charlotte Langford, Stella Ashley, Isobel Ashley, Koral Smith and Caoimhe McAleer who all received a world recall medal, an amazing achievement.

The worldwide phenomenon, Riverdance, was in town at the start of April with many of our dancers and teachers attending the show. It was a fantastic display of music, dance and culture and was truly inspiring for the lucky dancers who got to see the show.

Lastly, AIDA WA is looking forward to our upcoming competitions with the Sweets of May Feis on the 18-19th May and the Mrs McGowan Memorial Feis on the 22nd-23rd June.

We wish all of our dancers the best of luck and look forward to their achievements throughout the year!

World Champion Vaughan Cooper

74 | THE IRISH SCENE

WA dancers at the World Championships

Dara McAleer and Caitlin Bone

Irish Dancing AIDA WA EXECUTIVE 2023 President: Teresa Fenton TCRG Vice Presidents: Katherine Travers & Siobhan Collis Secretary: Shannen Krupa TCRG Treasurer: Martina O’Brien TCRG Registrar: Jenny O’Hare TCRG WA Delegate: Caitriona Slane TCRG

SCHOOL CONTACTS: CELTIC ACADEMY East Victoria Park www.celticacadmeyperth.com Siobhan Collis TCRG 0403 211 941 WA dancers at the World Championships

WA dancers at the World Championships

KAVANAGH STUDIO OF IRISH DANCE Mt Hawthorn www.kavanaghirishdance.com.au Teresa Fenton TCRG 0412 155 318 Deirdre McGorry TCRG Avril Grealish TCRG O’BRIEN ACADEMY Joondalup www.obrienacademy.com Rose O’Brien ADCRG 0437 002 355 Martina O’Brien TCRG 0423 932 866

O’Brien dancers at the St Pats Day competition

O’Brien dancers enjoying St Pats Day

O’HARE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Doubleview, Wembley Downs & Craigie Jenny O’Hare TCRG 0422 273 596 SCOIL RINCE NI BHAIRD Fremantle & Lynwood Tony Ward TCRG 0427 273 596 THE ACADEMY MID AMERICA & WESTERN AUSTRALIA Wangara, Kalamunda & Bicton Samantha McAleer TCRG Dhana Pitman TCRG Lara Upton ADCRG 0409 474 557

WA dancers at the World Championships

Celtic Academy dancers meeting Riverdance lead dancer

WA dancers at the World Championships

Trinity dancers meeting the cast of Riverdance

Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and ICT; Medical Research;

TORC IRISH DANCE Subiaco & Maylands Caroline McCarthy TCRG 0437 073 744 Caitriona Slane TCRG TRINITY STUDIO OF IRISH DANCING Morley, Midland & South Lake trinitystudiowa@gmail.com Eileen Ashley ADCRG 0413 511 595 Katherine Travers TCRG Nell Taylor TCRG Siân Fitzgerald-Cain TCRG Taryn Owen TCRG WA ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING Malaga www.waacademyofirishdancing.com Shannen Krupa TCRG Stephanie Leeder TCRG Glenalee Bromilow ADCRG Sue Hayes TMRF

12th Floor, Dumas House 2 Havelock Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 Email: Minister.Dawson@dpc.wa.gov.au Telephone: (08) 6552-5800

THE IRISH SCENE | 75

CARRAMAR

SPONSORED AND SUPPORTED BY INTEGRITY PROPERTY SOLUTIONS

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC CARRAMAR SHAMROCK ROVERS

@CARRAMAR _ SHAMROCK _ROVERS

CONTACTS: MARTY BURKE 0410 081 386 • MARI PARKINSON 0427 171 333 Another great pre-season tournament with eight under 12 boys teams competing for the Carramar Cup. A big thanks to Lenny Baker, who organised the tournament and once again has done Carramar Shamrock Rovers proud. Lenny resurrected the Carramar Cup last season, which had been in mothballs since covid. The day ran smoothly from start to finish – guess who will be running next year’s competition!

The competition started at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday 13th April and finished at 3:30 p.m. There were some very tight games during the group stages and the standard of football was excellent. The behaviour of the players was a credit to all of the clubs involved.

The Carramar Shamrock Rovers side needed a draw or a win in their last game to get through.

They came through on top, beating Mindarie 3-0 to take their place in the final. They faced Sorrento, who had won all of their games in the other group. The final was a cracking game, with the two sides playing some great football. The passing game of both teams was a joy to watch and a credit to the coaches. A tight first half finished nil all with chances missed at both ends. Five minutes into the second half Sorrento hit a purple

patch and scored three quick goals with some great approach play and finishing. However the Rovers boys fought back, scoring a well-constructed goal. A minute later they were very unlucky not to score a second goal to pull the score to 3-2. The miss proved costly, with Sorrento breaking away to score a fourth goal. The game finished at 4-1 to Sorrento.

We were delighted to welcome Sabine Winton, the MLA for Wanneroo, and Minister for Child Protection, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Community Services and Early Childhood Education. Sabine thoroughly enjoyed the games and was pretty vocal during the final, before presenting the trophies for the tournament.

Player of the tournament went to Finn Mitchell from Sorrento, who was excellent throughout the day. Congratulations to both boys.

A reminder that on 18th May 2024 we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Foundation of Shamrock Rovers. All are welcome at Grandis as Carramar Shamrock Rovers take on East Perth.

As always, thanks to our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without you: • Declan McDermott, Integrity Property Solutions

Golden Glove was awarded to Ollie Jefferies, Carramar Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper. Ollie had a great tournament and was outstanding in the final.

76 | THE IRISH SCENE

CARRAMAR

SPONSORED AND SUPPORTED BY INTEGRITY PROPERTY SOLUTIONS

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC

• CFMEU, and • Frankie Atkinson, Muntz partners.

Again, special thanks to Nicky Edwards for his ongoing work in getting sponsors on board. Thanks also to our loyal banner sponsors and various teamwear sponsors, several of whom have been with us for a number of years now. And last but not least, thanks to all of our new 500 Club sponsors.

Follow us on Facebook for lots more information, news and photos! If you are interested in getting involved with your local club in any capacity – coach, volunteer, committee member – please contact us at CSRFC2020@gmail.com Congratulations to Sorrento on winning the Carramar Cup 2024.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 77

@GAAINWA

April– RA Cooke Reserve The Tim Hickey 7s took place on April 20th at RA Cooke Reserve, for all winners and photos please keep a watch out for the next Irish Scene Issue. A big thank you however to our Tim Hickey 7s Sponsors : Connells Family Bakery, McLoughlin Butchers for the lovely food to keep us fuelled and The Morley Local for the refreshments and a great After Party.

A thank you also, to the executive committee, the camogie, hurling and Football committees and the referees.

Camogie This year’s championship brings the new addition of a brand new cup. The name has been chosen with a nod to first President of the Camogie Association, Máire Ní Chinnéide. Máire was also an Irish language activist, playwright and first woman president of Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

An unveiling of this beautiful trophy will be held on an evening in the near future – please keep an eye on our social media pages for more information

welcome everyone from all levels.

Get in touch or keep an eye on our social media page @GAAWA for all club details. @perthshamrockshurlingclub

(Hurling)

@sarsfields_hurling_perth (Hurling) @stgabrielsperth (Camogie & Hurling) @westernswansgaaclub (Camogie & Hurling)

Football – Ladies & Mens If football is more your game we have some great teams to get involved with both North and South of the river. With their games also commencing in May please feel free to message them across their socials or via email.

Greenwood GFC - greenwoodgfc@hotmail.com Morley Gaels - morleygaelsgfc@hotmail.com Na Fianna Catalpa GAA – nafiannacatalpagaa@ gmail.com Southern Districts - southerndistrictsgaa@ gmail.com St. Finbars GFC - stfinbarrsgfc@outlook.com The Junior Academy - ggjunioracademy@ gmail.com

Morley Gaels

Coaching

Morley Gaels had their annual golf day on the 23rd of March. A hugely successful day with 76 players taking part, the winners were as follows

If you would like to take part in coaching in any code we would love to have you. Simply get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram (GAAWA) or email us on progaawa@gmail.com

1st place: Sean Hanlon & Gareth Norman 2nd place: Peter & Lachlan Bewick 3rd place was Neil Jones and Ollie Larrissa was the winner with the women’s longest drive.

Hurling & Camogie

Hurling/Camogie & Football Clubs If you would like to get involved in a playing, coaching or at an administrative capacity each club

Are you new to Perth and looking to join a Hurling or Camogie team? Our league is just about to start on May 11th and we would love to see some new faces joining or even just spectating! Training is most Tuesdays and Thursdays at RA Cooke Reserve with game days Saturday’s.

has a presence on Facebook, to get in contact there are several options:

We have four incredible clubs to choose from whether it is just for social reasons or to play we

• Email progaawa@gmail.com or secretarygaawa@hotmail.com

78 | THE IRISH SCENE

• Message the GAA in WA Facebook page • Message the GAA in WA Instagram page • Visit www.gaawa.com.au for club contact details

GAAWA

CLUB DETAILS FOOTBALL CLUBS GREENWOOD Mens & Ladies Senior Football greenwoodgfc@hotmail.com

MORLEY GAELS Mens & Ladies Senior Football morleygaelsgfc@hotmail.com

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Mens & Ladies Senior Football 1st place Sean Hanlon & Gareth Norman

2nd place Peter & Lachlan Bewick

southerndistrictsgaa@gmail.com

ST. FINBARR’S Mens & Ladies Senior Football stfinbarrsgfc@outlook.com

WESTERN SHAMROCKS Mens & Ladies Senior Football westernshamrocks@hotmail.com

HURLING CLUBS ST. GABRIEL’S Mens & Ladies Senior Hurling & Camogie stgabrielsperth@gmail.com

WESTERN SWANS Mens & Ladies Senior Hurling & Camogie

3rd place Neil Jones and Ollie

westernswansgaa@gmail.com

PERTH SHAMROCKS Mens Senior Hurling perthshamrocks@gmail.com

SARSFIELDS Mens Senior Hurling

sarshurlingperth@gmail.com

HR

NICHOLS ON RD

HIG Larrissa winner with the women’s longest drive.

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GAA GROUNDS

Tom Bateman Reserve Corner Bannister & Nicholson Rds (entrance off Wilfred Rd) Canning Vale

THE IRISH SCENE | 79

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