Geraldton & Midwest Irish Club

The Midwest Irish Club Inc. Gearldton

PO BOX 346 GERALDTON 6530

LÁ MAITH FROM THE GERALDTON & MIDWEST IRISH CLUB. AS I SIT HERE AND WRITE THIS, I CAN’T BELIEVE WE ARE GOING INTO THE MONTH OF MARCH ALREADY.

The start to 2022 has been busy one as we now adapt to the new covid mandates including ensuring all members and visitors are vaccinated whilst attending the club. Our members and supporters have been very understanding of the new mandates which has made the transition to the new way of business seamless. On 16 January, the club hosted a fundraising event for a local family doing it tough. Lead singer from the duo, Harmonies, Anne Williams promised to shave her head if her targeted amount was raised. To assist with this target, the club called on our members to help support by way of donating gifts to a raffle and hosting a cake stall. The target was smashed and after the Harmonies performance, Anne stuck to her word and shaved off her hair. It was an emotional day for many and just showed the community spirit within Geraldton and in particular our club and its members. Refer to the photos from this event. Also in January, the club was horrified to hear that original and life member Finbar Kelly had suffered a stroke whilst at home. Finbar spent time at Geraldton Regional hospital and with the milestone of a nice cold Guinness waiting for him at the club, he was determined to get out of hospital as quickly as possible and tackle the road ahead of him. Finbar is doing well and receiving further treatment at home. He is aiming to return to the club for that nice cold Guinness on St Patricks Day and I think I say for all members, we can’t wait. Sunday afternoons haven’t been the same with Finbar not being there and having to look at the empty chair where he usually takes up position for a Sunday session. We wish him all the luck for his recovery. On Saturday 5 February, the club advertised a busy bee at the club and asked members if they could give up some time to assist with a list of jobs that needed actioning. The forecast for the day was 42 degrees but this did not stop our wonderful members from turning out. We were overwhelmed by the response with approximately 25 members attending, all with

various skill sets. Some were handed a paint brush, others high pressure cleaners and the members with trade certificates were put on the tools. The old saying of “many hands make light work” resulted in all tasks being ticked off the list prior to midday with some light refreshments and food being supplied by life member and Treasurer, Grace. Like many areas of WA, Geraldton has sweltered through January and February with consecutive days above 40 degrees. This has not stopped our members attending the club to watch our live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. We have had local music from the Harmonies, Bro, Good Strife, The Irishman n The Aussie, Zain, Geoff Udy, Craig Pickett, James McDonald, Hippy Campers, Donelle and Solitary Sounds. On 12 February, the club again hosted the Broken Pokers for a night of authentic Irish music which again was a sold-out event. The club’s focus is now on the upcoming St Patricks Day event. Like many clubs and pubs, this is one of the busiest days on the calendar. This year the club will open from 10am to 11pm kicking off with a morning tea followed by the bar opening at Midday with Irish Stew on the menu. We will have live music in the afternoon from local legend Geoff Udy followed by Good Strife in the evening who will dish up some Irish tunes along with some of their classics. Due to the current COVID restrictions we will be limiting capacity to 75 persons to ensure we comply. We look forward to the event and wish everyone a happy St Patrick’s Day. New members are always welcome with our opening Hours being Friday 5-11pm and Sunday Midday to 6pm. You can keep up to date with our events and the goings on at the Geraldton & Midwest Irish Club by following us on Facebook. Regards Simon Miller, Committee Member ☘

FRANK MURPHY PRESENTS CELTIC RAMBLES

107.9FM RADIO FREMANTLE SATURDAY 8AM - 10AM

PRODUCER: GERRY GROGAN

Music. Conversation. Special Tributes. Interviews.

Celebrating the Ireland of today and past times. RADIO