Irish Scene May/June 2022

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Advertiser Directory ACCOUNTANTS & TAX AGENTS 65 DJ Gordon & Associates................... 9321 2266 84 WCO ..................................................... 9375 7344

Contents Arthur Fields ‘Your man on the bridge’...................24

BEAUTICIAN 72 Sharon Nolan Brows & Beauty....... 0498 980 987

Australian Ambassadors...................72

BUTCHERS 1/96 McLoughlin’s Meats........................... 9249 8039

The Australian Irish Heritage Association of WA............................ 68

26 Meat Connoisseur............................... 9309 9992 ELECTRICAL 80 Powerbiz Electrical............................. 045 12 555 13

Bloomsday 100................................... 10

EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT & 67 Anything Goes.................................... 88.5fm

Book Reviews....................................80

RADIO 85 Frank Murphy Celtic Rambles......... 107.9fm

Chernobyl Clonmel Connection........ 18

78 Fiddlestick ................................David 0413 259 547

Climb with Charlie.............................. 16

36 ‘Once’ The Musical

Comhaltas...........................................79

FUNERALS 47 McKee Funerals.................................. 9401 1900 IRISH COMMUNITY GROUPS 69 Aust Irish Heritage Assoc................ 9345 3530 40 Irish Families in Perth 75 The Claddagh Assoc.......................... 9249 9213 IRISH FOOD & CAFES 61 Clonakilty

Family History WA............................ 86 Fred’s Nifty Fifty.................................76 G’Day from Melbourne......................69 Irish Choir Perth.................................78

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 88 Stephen Dawson................................. 9172 2648

Irish Dancing..................................... 85

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 17 Housemaster Building Inspections. 0405 632 391

Irish Families in Perth....................... 40

39 Integrity Property Solutions............. 0423 618 506

Isteach sa Teach................................ 54

PUBS, CLUBS & RESTAURANTS 60 Irish Club of WA, Subiaco................ 9381 5213

McCabe Cup....................................... 90

13/21 Jarrah Bar, Hillarys............................. 9246 4112

McGregor & Putin................................8

2 Paddy Malone’s Joondalup.............. 9300 9966

Meeja Watch..................................... 50

42 The National Hotel, Fremantle........ 9335 6688

‘Once’ the musicial............................ 33

73 Woodbridge Hotel, Guildford.......... 9377 1199 SOLICITORS & LEGAL 59 Kavanagh Lawyers............................. 9218 8422 43 Vibe Legal............................................ 6111 4890 SPORT & SPORTING CLUBS 90 GAA ..................................................... 0458 954 052 37 Shamrock Rovers................................ 0410 081 386

Oral History of Seniors in WA..........74 Perth Consulate....................................4 Pete St John........................................42 Matters of PUBlic Interest............... 38

TRANSPORT & FREIGHT 78 AI Express............................................ 9243 0808

Q&A with Audry Magee.................. 48

TRAVEL & TOURISM 62 British Travel........................................ 9433 3288

Shamrock Rovers...............................37

TYRES, BATTERIES, BRAKES ETC 17 Tyrepower Perth City ...............Fiona 9322 2214

Smoke along the Valley Floor...........27

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St Pat’s Golf Day................................ 30 St. Pat’s Day images...........................92 The Cross.............................................26 Ulster Rambles.................................. 20 Ulysses.................................................17 Whale story!.......................................62

‘Mission’ not possible for Perth D iplomatically speaking, the Irish community in Western Australia appear to have slipped off a list of priorities for the Irish government. Perth was bypassed this year for the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations led by the state’s visiting government representative to Australia, Galway West TD and minister of state Hildergarde Naughton for the annual excuse to exercise our Irishness and drum up trade and opportunities as well.

Honorary consulate of Ireland Marty Kavanagh told Irish Scene this was only because Western Australia (and New Zealand which is paired with WA) were still both “somewhat closed” because of Covid restrictions. “Whilst St. Patrick’s Day visits are a matter for government, I see no reason why we won’t have a minister next year, as we’ve always had one, at least in my time in the role, the last seven years. WA is always high on the government’s list because of the diaspora and the long links between WA and Ireland.”

That connection and Perth’s place in the bigger scheme of things actually came up in

4 | THE IRISH SCENE

BY LLOYD GORMAN

the workings of Dáil Éireann (Irish parliament) recently. It was first raised during a sitting of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence last November, at which foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney appeared for questioning.

Charlie Flanagan, the chair of the committee and a former minister for foreign affairs himself, had a lot of questions for Mr Coveney, including one specifically about Western Australia.

Mr Flanagan – a Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly – said Ireland’s relationship with Australia was good and had been for ‘many decades’. “That will continue but, having regard to our diaspora in Western Australia and the economic relationship between Ireland and Western Australia, will consideration be given towards the establishment of a consulate in Perth?,” Mr Flanagan asked. A consulate, embassy or similar set up can also be called a ‘Mission’.

Mr Coveney’s lengthy answer included a response to the question about WA. “Regarding Australia, I am familiar with the Irish diaspora in Perth,” Mr Coveney, a TD for Cork South Central

Perth Consulate said. “One of them is my brother. He is a doctor there, like many other young Irish people and their families. The Department is assessing where the next phase of expansion will go.

We have opened many new representations in the last few years, from Chile to Colombia, from Toronto to Auckland, with a range in the United States, Manchester, Cardiff, Frankfurt, Lyon, Kyiv, Rabat and Liberia. It is a long list.

We are trying to finalise the next phase of areas where we think enhancing Ireland’s footprint makes sense politically, economically and with regard to the diaspora. We need to think about Western Australia. I do not want to pre-announce anything. A recommendation will come to me and we will take it from there. It might be interesting to come back to the committee and get members’ views on those choices. I would certainly welcome a broadening of perspective.”

Irish Scene reported this exchange in the January/February edition (Could Perth get a full consulate). Mr Flanagan’s curiosity about the subject had not faded when the committee met again on March 10, again with the minister in the hot seat. “Last year, we mentioned the likelihood or need for a consular office in Perth, Western Australia,” Mr Flanagan said. “I do not see that on the list. Is there any means by

which a feasibility study might be undertaken, having regard to anecdotal evidence and indeed statistics that would show a very large diaspora community in Western Australia?

Why does an office in Perth not appear to have gained the support of the Department at this stage?.”

Mr Coveney replied that some 15 new embassies and consulates had opened since the (2020) launch of the Global Irish Strategy.

Wellington in New Zealand was one of the new embassies while there were “multiple new consulates” across America, one in Vancouver, western Canada as well as others across the EU and even some in the UK since Brexit. He also had an update regarding the situation in Western Australia.

“The way this works is that we make decisions 12 months before we are likely to action them,” Mr Coveney explained. “Therefore, when the Chairman [Mr Flanagan] says he does not see Perth on the list, that is because it is being considered as part of a package which is not yet signed off on but which I will bring to the Government in the coming weeks as suggestions we are making for new representations that should progress next year.”

Foreign affairs minister Simon Conveney.

THE IRISH SCENE | 5

So no doubt then Perth was a contender for a diplomatic upgrade at that point in time.

Irish Scene contacted deputy Flanagan about the potential development for the Irish community in WA. On April 5 Mr Flanagan raised it again in the Dail, this time as a written question directly to Mr Coveney: “if he plans to approve the establishment of a resident full-time Irish consulate in Western Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter”.

It was not to be a case of third time lucky! If the minister – who would be the ultimate decision maker – had previously sounded enthusiastic or encouraging about the prospects for Perth he bluntly dismissed the idea now.

“Our network of diplomatic missions in the Asia Pacific Region is kept under constant review, in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government, in Global Ireland 2025 and in our Asia Pacific Strategy,” Mr Coveney said in his answer.

“In the Asia Pacific Region, we have recently expanded our network through opening a Consulate General in Mumbai and an Embassy in Manila. At present, there are no plans to open a new Consulate General in Western Australia. In conjunction with our Embassy in Canberra and State Agencies, our Honorary Consul in Perth currently provides consular services and assistance to Irish citizens, supports local Irish community efforts and assists in developing trade and economic relations with Western Australia”.

6 | THE IRISH SCENE

In the short window between March 10 and April 5 the minister’s thinking had changed quite abruptly it seems, but no explanation was forthcoming. Mr Flanagan told Irish Scene this reply was at odds with the information previously given by the minister and that he had contacted the Mr Coveney’s office for clarification. At time of going to press there was no update.

As mentioned Perth has an Honorary Consul, a role performed for some years now

by Corkman and lawyer Marty Kavanagh. As stated Marty and ambassador Tim Mawe in Canberra work together in their respective roles and amongst other things both men produce a regular column addressing the Irish community in this magazine, contributions we are grateful for.

In terms of work done here on the ground Marty and his people are on the front line helping Irish citizens when and where they can with routine administrative matters and often urgent emergency and stressful situations. Going above and

beyond might not be in the job description but it is part and parcel of what honorary consulates do. With a meagre stipend of between one and two thousand Euros/dollars for out of pocket expenses they are not in it for the money or an easy life as tricky situations pop up all the time. In many ways they might well be the most efficient and best value for money of any government funded service around. As a community we would be lost without them and the ability to get stuff done without necessarily the hassle of needing to go through the embassy in Canberra or through a government department in Ireland in the first instance. Indeed, this proved to be the case several years ago. Marty’s predecessor in the role was the late Michael Nolan, who was made honorary consulate here in 1976, a role he performed dilligently for the next thirty three years, before retiring.

In his time Michael – who died in late 2020 – processed and issued an astonishing 250,000 passports himself.

Irish passports are now all done

Perth Consulate online and no longer go through embassies, consulates or honorary consulates. “The only exception is ETC “Emergency Travel Certificates”- which are one way travel documents issued to Ireland in emergencies such as death or illness,” explained Marty.

“Subject to the embassy’s approval we issue a significant number of ETCs in Perth. This is a major advantage for WA as it means people can get home very quickly in an emergency.

We’ve had occasions to have an ETC provided and the citizen on a flight within four hours. As you may recall it was a few years before Michal Nolan was replaced and there were many occasions where Irish citizens had to travel to Canberra to obtain an ETC.” So a good honorary consulate is worth their weight in gold. But there is a difference with a consulate general. One is a private citizen with the means and authority locally to carry out the role as and when the need arises. The other is a more formal and permanent arrangement with the full time role filled by a staffer from the Department of Foreign Affairs with a support team and a dedicated and a fully resourced place of business.

Consulates are opened in addition to an embassy in the capital city, as extra diplomatic representation in larger cities or regions with a strong diaspora population. One of the many functions of a consulate is the processing of visas for its nationals in the host territory, as well as providing information and guidance about immigration requirements and the replacement or applications for passports. Visas processed by the honorary consulate are for non-nationals who require a visa to visit Ireland.

Consulate General’s also have a brief to develop trade links and commercial opportunities for Irish companies and entrepreneurs. Where an honorary consulate has their own premises or office – as Marty does in the CBD with his law firm – they can use it to host receptions or have the option to hire a venue for gatherings.

Consulate general offices are regularly used to host events and functions in-house.

Perth has had an honorary consulate for decades, with the role carried out prior to Marty as we have seen already by the late Mr Nolan.

Sydney has had a consulate general for 22 years. Then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern opened the Mission during an official visit to Australia in 2000. It was based in an up market city centre

office block for the first few years and in 2006 it moved to 32 storey office building just a short walk to the Darling Harbour ferry wharf.

A history of the Sydney office on dfa.ie said: “It was one of a number of new Irish diplomatic and consular Missions opened at that time as part of the Irish Government’s new Asia Strategy, and in Sydney’s case in recognition of the large Irish and Irish-Australian community in New South Wales.”

As Mr Flanagan’s original question pointed out, and as anybody living in Western Australia knows well there is a large (and active) number of Irish nationals and a big Irish Australian community in Perth and across the state. Perth must have ticked enough boxes for it to be deemed – and spoken about publicly – a strong contender.

At the opening of a Consulate General of Ireland in Manchester in October last October minister Coveney described it as a “major step forward” for the region and relations between Ireland and the UK. Everything else he said about why that was the case could have just as easily be applied to Ireland and Western Australia. “The links between Ireland and this part of the world are profound, and uplifting, and have been built over generations,” Mr Coveney said. “There are few facets of life where connections cannot be found and my hope is that with the opening of this new diplomatic mission we will strengthen existing partnerships, and forge new ones, across every sector and area of activity.”

Irish people in Western Australia are not on an equal footing with their counterparts in New South Wales. An opportunity for increased representation and to advance the local Irish community has been lost as a result of the decision to pull back from a consular upgrade in Perth.

THE IRISH SCENE | 7

With friends like this who needs enemies?

BY LLOYD GORMAN

W

hile he has less and less to be happy about lately the stoney faced Vladimir Putin can sometimes crack a smile when the mood take him – but don’t expect any chuckles. The joyless autocrat has a zero tolerance policy about joking around as Conor McGregor discovered first hand when he met Putin in the flesh.

“Today I was invited to the World Cup [Moscow July 2018] final as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin,” McGregor, 33, posted on social media at the time.

“This man is one of the greatest leaders of our time and I was honored to attend such a landmark event alongside him.

“Today was an honor for me Mr. Putin. Thank you and congratulations on an amazing World Cup.” The brash fighter who also likes to call himself The Notorious Conor McGregor ‘gifted’ Putin with a bottle of his Proper 12 Whiskey, which he later claimed was the very first bottle of the stuff ever made.

At some point during the audience with his host the pair cosy up for the obligatory photograph, as a short video easily found on Youtube shows.

Just as he had a million times before the UFC star swung into a familiar pose and put his arm around Putin’s shoulder and made a raised clenched fist with his other hand.

Your typical MMA fan might like to be manhandled like that but it was not how the would-be tyrant expected or accepted he should be treated.

In the video clip one of Putin’s (many) bodyguards can be seen stepping in towards the overly enthusiastic Dub with some kind of warning to back off.

As soon as he clocks the henchman’s posture a clearly startled McGregor removes his arm from around Putin, 8 | THE IRISH SCENE

Putin & McGregor stands back a little and stands straight with a sombre look on his face.

In an almost pitiful bid to save some of his lost dignity McGregor quickly raised another fist before clasping his hands in front of him again. The encounter ended with McGregor bowing to Putin – a traditional mark of respect in martial arts – and shaking his hand.

“President Putin’s security detail is second to none as I’m sure you know, you don’t mess around with Vladimir,” McGregor told journalists at a later press conference.

What’s your poison Mr Putin?

The experience didn’t scare him off though, because ‘The Proper Irishman’ was back “on Russian soil” the next year to build his business empire with the launch of his whiskey brand there.

It was well received by all accounts.

One journalist reported: “McGregor flaunted his whiskey during a press tour of Moscow in October 2019 as hundreds packed into the historic Central Telagraph building and thousands more more gathered on Moscow’s central Tverskaya Street, chasing his limonusine as he left.”

There was however at least one dark side to the entry of Proper 12 into Russia. It emerged that Putin’s security detail took it away and had it tested for posion to make sure it was ‘safe’ for Putin..

It has yet to be revealed in the mainstream media or on his own social media if McGregor still holds Putin in high esteem as before or if his attitude towards him has dimmed in the light of the horrific war crimes and mass murders that have been carried out under his rule.

McGregor claims he does not know if Putin tried the tipple and what he thought about it but there are plenty of other Russians who have developed a taste for it.

As it turns out there is massive demand for Irish whiskey in Russia. Indeed, despite their traditional image as big vodka drinkers the former Soviet Union country is the second biggest consumer of the stuff in the world, next only to America.

In the same year Proper 12 hit the shelves of Russian supermarkets and pubs thirsty locals skulled 605,800 cases or 7.3 million bottles of it. Well established labels like Jameson, Tullamore and Bushmills top sales but behind them is a crowded market of smaller, lesser known brands that you won’t find in Ireland. Apparently demand for Irish whiskey was so strong that fake Irish whiskeys – some allegedly made in Ukraine – flooded the market.

According to the Irish Whiskey Association this was a 231% increase since 2010 and until Russian forces invaded Ukraine there was no sign of that market slowing down.

But as a result of the invasion Guinness, Jameson, Baileys and Tullamore Dew are amongst the Irish companies/ brands to pull out or suspend operations or exports with Russia.

THE IRISH SCENE | 9

W

alking in the footsteps of James Joyce’s Ulysses through Dublin is one of the activities currently being promoted to the passengers of Russia’s national carrier Aeroflot, who can only get to the Irish capital from Moscow by flying through Genoa, Italy and taking another flight.

1

“Dublin attracts fans of James Joyce and Saint Patrick’s Day..,” the Aeroflot website states. “Dublin offers theme city tours: you can trace James Joyce’s Ulysses route through Dublin, go on a leprechaun treasure hunt or enjoy a leisurely pub crawl. Plan your James Joyce walking tour for 16 June when the world celebrates Bloomsday, which is the day the novel takes place. Dubliners organize readings, performances and even free breakfast in places that Leonard Bloom, the novel’s protagonist, visited. This is sure to excite any traveller interested in literature. Visit Davy Byrne’s pub at 21 Duke Street, admire the James Joyce Statue and James Joyce Tower. Walk to 7 Eccles Street, which was the home of Leonid [presumably they meant to say Leopold] Bloom, but is now the site of a hospital. To learn some more about Joyce’s background and work, stop at the James Joyce Centre, one of the world’s best literature museum.”

Without doubt the Russian people have a deep and rich literary tradition of their own and it is not a stretch to think that many of them would have a genuine appreciation in the Irish example of world class literature. Indeed, Joyce’s most famous book contains much to interest readers of all types and levels, but for all Ukranians the option of celebrating Bloomsday is a luxury they have been deprived of, amongst many other things.

But despite its promotion of the literary masterpiece there are at least a couple of references in Ulysses that the Russian state operated carrier would probably like to ignore in the current climate.

It is the pub scene in the Cyclops episode (episode 12) on the day trip around Dublin involving an accidential encounter in Barney Kiernan’s in Little Britain Street, Stoneybatter between Joe Hynes and the citizen, two characters already known to each other.

Interestingly, the citizen was based on the real life figure of Michael Cusack, the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

10 | THE IRISH SCENE

B100MSDAY

Kremlin promotes Bloomsday and unleashes Doomsday “Stand and deliver” citizen said when they saw each other. “That’s all right, citizen, says Joe. Friends here. - Pass, friends, says he. Then he rubs his hand in his eye and says he: “What’s your opinion of the times?. Doing the rapparee and Rory of the hill. But, begob, Joe was equal to the ocassion. “I think the markets are on a rise, says he, sliding his hand down his fork. So begob the Citizen claps his paw on his knee and he says: - Foreign wars is the cause of it.

And says Joe, sticking his thumb in his pocket: Its the Russians wish to tryrannise”.

Incredibly Joyce – and history – provides a perfect example of exactly this point with a Ukranian connection in another totally unrelated section of Ulysses. Ulysses is set on June 16 1904 because it was on that date he first stepped out with Nora Barnacle, the Galway girl who he instantly took a shine too and who would become his wife and muse. It is also crammed with real world events – large and small, significant and insignifcant – from across Ireland and other parts of the world that happened on that same date.

“ You look like communards,” [said professor MacHugh].

—Like fellows who had blown up the Bastile, J. J. O’Molloy said in quiet mockery. Or was it you shot the lord lieutenant of Finland between you? You look as though you had done the deed. General Bobrikoff.”

On December 6, 1917 Finland officially declared its independence from Russia. Schauman’s resistance to Russian rule and his ultimate sacrifice made him a hero to many Finns then and since.

By the longest and strangest of odds it just so happens that June 16 1904 was the day on which the Russian Governor General of Finland was assassinated. Nikolay Ivanovich Bobrikov was a Russian general who was placed in charge of the neighbouring nation by the Tzar and given the task of ‘Russification’ of the country, to prepare it for reassimilation with the mother country. Bobrikov was given brutal dictatorial powers to carry out his work and could have any government official fired and newspapers shut down. He was a hated figure by the local population who eventually met his end at the hands of a Finnish nationalist who shot him three times before taking his own life. The man who pulled the trigger was one Eugen Schauman, a Swedish speaking nobleman who was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city.

The incident is referred to in the short section of Ulysses between Lenehan’s Limerick and Omnium Gahterum.

THE IRISH SCENE | 11

B100MSDAY

Vladimir (Nabokov) was right about Ulysses, says AIHA

C

oincidentially the Australian Irish Heritage Association touched on a famous Russian commentator about Joyce’s work in their preparations for this years centenary celebration of the publication of Bloomsday.

“It [Ulysses] was loved by Vladimir Nabokov and hated

by Virginia Woolf,” the heritage groups flyer for the upcoming event said – more of that in a moment.

One of Nabokov’s onnections to Ulysses was that he created a precise hand drawn map of the routes taken by the characters of Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom. He was also a writer himself and was deeply interested in and influenced by Joyce’s writing.

acknowledging that the book can at times be off-putting for its size and archaic use of the English language,” the flyer added. “So, in a bid to make this book more accessible to a modern-day audience we are seeking your help! We are inviting fans, scholars and the curious to take up the challenge of capturing some content of Ulysses in any of four formats (poetry, play, prose or song) as a 15-minute piece that can be presented to a live audience at a celebratory event on June 16th, which is officially known as Bloomsday, named for the hero of Ulysses, Leopold Bloom.”

Shortlisted entrants will get to strut their stuff on the night of Bloomsday itself (Thursday June 16) in the Irish Club with the overall winner to be chosen by popular vote. All shortlisted entrants will get a performance fee of $150, which isnt’ too bad at all for an event with free entry. April 22 was the deadline for submissions and shortlisted entries will be announced in mid May.

But his backstory is also worth nothing, especially in the light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In April it was just over a hundred years since the Nabokov family, who were wealthy and of nobility, were forced to flee their priviliged life in St. Petersburg because of the Russian Revolution. In scenes reminiscent of the refugee crisis caused by the invasion they left their home under a hail of machine gun fire and went to Crimea to seek refuge from the Bolsheviks (the far left Marxist faction founded

by Vladimir Lenin) who would have most likely killed them. The Nabokov’s found themselves with hundreds of other desperate people on the quay of a pier at Sebastopol, scrambling to get onto a crowded and filthy Greek cargo ship. The family would make their way to America where Vladimir would become a celebrated writer.

“At the Australian Irish Heritage Association, we are inclined to agree with Nabokov while 12 | THE IRISH SCENE

Vladimir Nabokov.

From WA to Washington D.C.

A

good friend of mine – Seth Kaplan – from America hasn’t an iota of Irish ancestry but he has since the 1980’s been a dedicated and regular visitor to Ireland. A keen reader of the Irish classics and a photographic enthusiast Bloomsday is one of his favourite excuses to pilgrimmage to Dublin to take part in the fun and silliness of the day, including of course drinking pints of Guinness in as many pubs with a link to the story that he can manage. When he isn’t at large in Ireland or some other part of the world he lives and works in Washington D.C. Not too far from his apartment is the Irish Embassy, which is highly likely to throw a Bloomsday bash equal to the best in the world. The current ambassador there is Dan Mulhall, a Waterford man with strong personal connections to Perth, Western Australia. He is also a world class expert on Irish literature and history. His latest book – simply called Ulysses A Reader’s Odyssey – was published and on shelves in time for the 100th anniversary of the full publication of the iconic novel at the start

Dan and Greta Mulhall.

of February. “My book aims to help readers in their encounters with #Ulysses,” he tweeted.

Most people who tackle Ulysses could certainly do with a crutch to help them navigate the complexities. Mulhall’s guide is the latest in an incredible proliferation of such books by enthusiasts over the years but few could match his deep insights and understanding into the history, politics and forces of Joyce’s life and the Ireland of his times. If you can’t get your hands on a copy of the book then you could always look for his blogs about the different episodes of Ulysses on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade!

In late March, after forty years in the diplomatic service for Ireland, Mulhall announced his time as ambassador would end in August, so that he can take up a new role as Global Distinguished Professor of Irish Studies at New York University. He did not become a world class authority on his subject matter overnight and his summiting of this landmark position can in some ways be traced back to his early days as a diplomat, and Perth.

Mulhall was a student of Irish literature and history at University College Cork in the 1970s and in 1978 joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin where after a couple of years he was posted to his first overseas job in New Delhi India. He was impressed to discover that many Indians had a deep appreciation and love for the works of William Butler Yeats. But it was also there – while visiting an Australian bar – that he met Greta, another young diplomat from Perth, Western Australia, who would become his wife.

14 | THE IRISH SCENE

B100MSDAY “I was born in Perth, Western Australia; my mother’s family, the Hennerys of County Armagh, left Ireland in the 1870s to start a new life in Australia,” Greta told the Washington Diplomat newspaper in an interview in May 2018. “I am Irish and Australian … it’s not a contradiction. I can be Australian and Irish at the same time. I am part of two diasporas — equal amounts of Irish and Australian in my own head. I still have retained some of my twang from Australia, but having now lived in 10 different countries, it has softened over the years. A lot of my adult life has been spent in the company of Irish people, so I am sure I use a lot of English words that would be more associated with Ireland and less of the Australian colloquialisms.”

They were married just 18 months after they met and while they were still in their relatively early stages of their careers the pair took time out to spend time in her home town.

“During a career break in Perth in the 1980s, I became involved with the Yeats Society of Western Australia set up by an exarmy officer, Joe O’Sullivan, who saw it as a way to boost Ireland’s image in 1980s Australia,” Mulhall said on the occasion of becoming honorary president of the Yeats Society in Sligo in December 2019 . “I have fond memories of delivering a Yeats talk at the home of renowned Australian novelist, Mary Durack (1913-1994), in a beautiful garden on the banks of the Swan River.”

Dublin – Ground Zero for Bloomsday

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s a Dub myself I might be a bit biased when I say this, but the Irish capital is a great city to visit at any time of the year.

But if you happen to be a James Joyce nerd with an enthusiasm for dressing up in period costume and frolicking around ‘de gaff’ then there is nowhere better to be than Dublin on June 16, Bloomsday ground zero!

by the owner of the Bailey Pub in Dublin John Ryan. The circle included writer Brian O’Nolan (Flann O’Brien/Myles na gCopaleen), poet Patrick Kavanagh, the Registrar of Trinity College Dublin and a dentist cousin of Joyce.

Each man took on the identity of a character from the book and they read or re-enacted scenes from the novle.

The words, characters and events in the pages of the famous novel spill out into the city’s streets and spots as groups and individuals pay homage to the book and its authors in traditional and increasingly original ways. The possiblities are almost endless. Literary junkies are at serious risk of overdosing on cultural fun during the day long escapade. Anyone lucky enough to be there will be able to celebrate it in just about any way they like.

O’Nolan was already drunk when the group met in the morning at the Sandycove home of architect Michael Scott, close to the Martello Tower, where the opening scene of Ulysses is set. They travelled from one location to the next in two horse drawn carriages, all the while becoming more inebriated and sometimes even quarrelsome. Their ambition to carry on into the red-light district of “Nightown” ground to a halt at the Bailey pub, just off Grafton Street. Its owner - John Ryan – had the idea of filming sections of their adventures on the day, which you can easily find on YouTube!

It is worth remembering how Bloomsday started. Close friends of Joyce in Europe are said to be the earliest people to mark the date in private but the first time it was held in Ireland it was as a drunken and sometimes messy pub crawl, in 1954, for the 50th anniversary of the 1904 setting for Ulysses.

A close group of friends and associates were organised to come together for the occasion

Happy Bloomsday. Fill your boots ladies and gentlemen!

THE IRISH SCENE | 15

Torc Céilí Club

Climb With Charlie The gang from Torc Céilí Club took on the 18.4km walk from Sullivan Rock to Mt Cooke on Saturday 2 April for Climb with Charlie and raised awareness of the event within the Irish community here in Perth.

Irish journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and he has organised to climb Croagh Patrick in Ireland raising money for Irish Motor Neurone

16 | THE IRISH SCENE

Disease Ireland and Pieta - Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity.

A number of Irish groups got involved on the day including The Claddagh Association in Kings Park, Irish Families in Perth walking around Lake Joondalup and Andrea Managan and friends tackled Bluff Knoll.

Over €2.3 million has been raised in the Climb with Charlie campaign so far!

Ulysses

Perth vigils Say yes to for Aisling

by every Irish cultural and sporting group as well as several Irish run businesses in Perth. Organisers of the event called her murder, “a dark day for the Irish community and women all over the world”.

Ulysses

A group of musicians played traditional Irish airs and a flute and fiddle n the centenary year of Ulysses threeas well as a top with her county’s colours were amongst the arts and cultural organisatgions have tributes laid come together to lay on an almost out for the young Irish woman who was in adition to being a year long tribute to the Joyce novel. promising and popular educator was Starting February and endingalso heavily involved with her local in December the theatre andGAA club and a musician in her own right. Elaine O’ Grady who attended performance group ANU, Landmark Productions and the Museumthe ofvigil tweeted: “The beautiful song the kookaburra who sang along Literature Ireland (MoLI) haveofjointly to theand stunning organised 18 artistic experiments traditional events for each episode of the book Irish music at the about an ordinary day in the life of vigil tonight for main character Leopold Bloom. #AshlingMurphy Perth’s Irish community – like many Opened in September 2019 MoLI pays in Perth,”. others in Australia he Bloom.The homage to and his across wife Molly Similar events worldliterary – came museum together to hold vigil is a apartnership were of staged in the wake of the shocking murder several bodies, including the National across Australia, of 23 year old Tullamore teacher Library Ireland andjogging University including one at Aisling Murphyofwhile she was College Dublin.

Joyce was of the Amphitheatre in broad daylight in her home town of a student UCD and the museum is appropriately at Kangaroo Tullamore, Co. Offaly in January.

Brisbane “to remember her housed in the UCD NaughtonPoint, Joyce Hundreds of Irish people including building and all who Centre in the old–university at have died by genderfamilies with young children, took part based violence”, organised by the 86 St Stephen’s Green. See Ulysses22.ie in an evening time vigil and walk at Irish Australian Support Association for more details. in Kings the Flame of Remembrance Queensland. A piece written for her.ie Park on January 19, organised by the by Anna Rourke described a sunrise Claddagh Association and supported

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vigil in Sydney attended by dozens of people on the hill above Bronte Beach and spoke to the emotions felt by all who were touched by her death.

“In front of the crowd on the grass, a row of candles illuminates a framed photo of smiling young woman,” she wrote. Sunrise-watching at beaches across the city is a staple social activity for lots of Sydney’s Irish expats.

It became more popular than ever during last year’s lockdown, when outdoor meetups were the only opportunity for many of us, living thousands of miles from our families, to see friends. But Saturday’s clifftop gathering is by far the biggest I’ve ever seen at Bronte... The primary school teacher’s murder has deeply shaken many of us in Sydney. The mood among those gathered with their candles on the hill this morning is of sadness – and utter disbelief.”

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THE IRISH SCENE THE IRISH SCENE | | 17 23

CHERNOBYL Clonmel Connection

E

ven before Russia’s brutal invasion started a few months ago millions of Ukrainian children and their families were already coping with another catastrophe inflicted on them by their oppressors. Located close to the northern Ukrainian city of Pripyat the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was – like the rest of the country – a part of the United Socialist Soviet Republic (U.S.S.R), aka the Soviet Union. On April 26 1986 a safety test on a steam turbine went wrong and led to the meltdown of No. 4 reactor and explosions that blew masses of radioactive material into the immediate area and sent clouds of the stuff across the rest of Europe. The Soviet response was to deny anything had happened on the international stage and was forced to admit to the accident when the Swedish government was about to lodge an alert with the

18 | THE IRISH SCENE

International Atomic Energy Agency. Even then they first tried to portray it as a minor incident but when they had to evacuate the entire population of the region – some 100,000 people – because of the danger posed by dangerous levels of radioactive fallout they could no longer hide the full extent of the incident.

This terrible chain of events started another reaction in Ireland that is still going today. In 2001, five years after the meltdown and the same year Ukraine became an independent country, desperate doctors using fax machines sent out the call begging for anyone who could to take children away from the radioactive environment in the region – including Belarus and Western Russia – to give their young bodies a break from the highly toxic material.

One of the people to see that fax was a woman from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Adi Roche who

Chernobyl Clonmel connection https://www.chernobyl-international.com/gallery/

and heartbeat by heartbeat—will thrive; and the courage to envision and create a better world.”

was a volunteer with the Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament group. She answered the call and set up Chernobyl Children International to help children and their families living in the areas impacted by the man made disaster. Before long the first group of children and their carers arrived in Ireland where they were spent several weeks living with Irish host families and helpers. Since then more than 25,500 youngsters – from babies to teenagers – have been brought to Ireland for rest, recuperation and treatment, healthy holidays which it is hoped have extended the quality and length of many of these young people. The charity also runs several other programmes and schemes aimed at bringing medical treatment and training directly into Ukraine and has fund-raised millions of dollars for the cause.

By a cruel twist Chernobyl was thrust back into crisis on the first day of the invasion when Russian forces seized control attacked and seized control of the defunct nuclear plant. CCI – and other authorities and groups – warned about increasing radioactivity levels in the area stemming from the disturbance caused by the attack. Ukrainian forces were able to liberate the region – and some 300,000 who had been living without supplies in bunkers – but the renewed risk of radiation fallout remains. Ironically it has emerged that Russian soldiers who occupied the nuclear plant may have exposed themselves to similar risks facing the local population.

When it was able to go back in to examine the area the Ukrainian agency responsible for the radioactive plant warned that enemy soldiers had broken into research labs and stole more than a hundred radioactive materials. “Even a small part of this activity is deadly if handled unprofessionally,” the agency said.

Ukraine’s energy minister said the Russian soldiers had been exposed to “shocking” levels of radioactive material and that as a result many would die “a slow death from diseases” within a year.

Adi Roche.

Despite the danger to themselves courageous heart surgeons and medicos went into war torn Ukraine in late March to operate on sick newborns.

“My life’s work has been to develop programmes that restore hope, alleviate suffering and protect current and future generations in the Chernobyl regions,” said Roche. “CCI is founded on hope and courage: the hope that the children—one by one THE IRISH SCENE | 19

Ulster Rambles

T

o have been born in the province has been such an honour. Last year I wrote to our great editor Lloyd to explain that I had nothing more to write about. How wrong could I have been. This time around I have so many items to touch on, I do not know where to start. I was watching a great wee program on SBS with Siobhán McSweeney called “Exploring Northern Ireland.” It brought back so many memories as well as touching on a few explorations and personalities that I had missed and of course many that I have written about in this article over the years.

Through the program, I was introduced to one Colin Davidson, an artist, who started to paint Belfast in his teens, and this theme came to the fore in 2004 when his exhibition No Continuing City was mounted at the Tom Caldwell Gallery.

The exhibition included large paintings of Belfast as seen from high viewpoints.

The urban theme continued between 2006 and 2010 when Davidson made paintings based on the illusionary world seen in city window reflections. Since 2010 Davidson’s work has been concerned with the human face and the resulting large scale head paintings are now recognised internationally. His portraits of Brad Pitt, Michael Longley and Seamus Heaney are held in the collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC, the Ulster Museum in Belfast and the National gallery of Ireland in Dublin respectively. I would like to mention here (as always) that he went to my alma mater: The Methodist College in Belfast.

20 | THE IRISH SCENE

The final name I mentioned was of course a famous poet.

Seamus Heaney was born on 13 April 1939, at the family farmhouse called Mossbawn, between Castledawson and Toomebridge. (see map on top of p.22) He was the first of nine children. In 1953, his family moved to Bellaghy, a few miles away, which is now the family home. His father was Patrick Heaney a farmer and cattle dealer, and the eighth child of ten born to James and Sarah Heaney. Patrick was introduced to cattle dealing by his uncles, who raised him after his

Book Fanny Mcgee’s Craic for your Function, Party or Celebration! jarrahbarandcafe@icloud.com | 08 9246 4112 THE IRISH SCENE | 9

mother.

of course Seamus Heaney.

They were sold around Belfast, Dublin and Scotland for a very modest price. 1s and 6d comes to mind but maybe it was half a crown.

Of course, I had to google it.

What a shock for me when I found the information below.

Yes! $3000. Now these were only pamphlets with soft exercise book covers so I had to google it again to ensure I was not seeing things.

parents’ early deaths. Heaney’s mother was Margaret Kathleen McCann whose relatives worked at astudied local English linen mill.

Heaney remarked Heaney Language and Literature at Queen's University Belfast Sure enough, there it was again. £750 for a 3rd on theininner between starting 1957. tension While there, he found athe copyrural of Ted Hughes's Lupercal, which spurred edition and £2250 for a second edition. him to write poetry.

"Suddenly, the matter of contemporary poetry was the material of Gaelic past exemplified by his father and the Mydegree. pamphlets were all first editions. How much my own life," he said.

He graduated in 1961 by withhis a First-Class industrialized Ulster exemplified mother.Honours would they be worth?

Heaney English Language and in Chemistry although I saw myself Yours trulystudied attended the same University; majoring So, what did I do with this information? I as a bit of a poet.

I was of course made to study science as “that’s where the jobs are Literature at Queen’s University Belfast starting my sister immediately who (believe it son!”

To While help my there, literary creative side a (I copy had failed my first Englishphoned exam at school as I in 1957. he found of Ted or not) still has in her possession a few boxes of Hughes’s Lupercal, which spurred him to write my momentums over youthful times. poetry. “Suddenly, the matter of contemporary That is around 1967.

I might have five or six of poetry was the material of my own life,” he said. these booklets or Pamphlets. If you do not hear He graduated in 1961 with a First-Class Honours from me in the next edition, you can assume degree. the outcome.

Yours truly attended the same University; Now Heaney studied for a teacher certification majoring in Chemistry although I saw myself at St Joseph’s Teacher Training College in as a bit of a poet. I was of course made to study Belfast (now merged with St Mary’s, University science as “that’s where the jobs are son!” To College), and began teaching at St Thomas’ help my literary creative side (I had failed my Secondary Intermediate School in Ballymurphy, first English exam at school as I answered Belfast. The headmaster of this school was only the essay question having run out of time the writer Michael McLaverty from County before I completed The story) I helped out with the Belfast Festival which at the time (1966) was Monaghan, who introduced Heaney to the poetry of Patrick Kavanagh. With McLaverty’s very much attached to the University. In 1965 mentorship, Heaney first started to publish the festival had commissioned poets toonly pamphlets Yes! $3000.some Now these were soft exercise book covers so I had to poetrywith in 1962.

Sophia Hillan describes how turn their expertise in writing fewtoverses google itaagain ensure Ifor was not seeing things.

McLaverty was like a foster father to the publication. I came across them in a box the younger Belfast poet. In the introduction year later. There were at least three different to McLaverty’s Collected Works, Heaney booklets by Derek Mahon Michael Longley and

22 | THE IRISH SCENE

Ulster Column summarised the poet’s contribution and influence: “His voice was modestly pitched, he never sought the limelight, yet for all that, his place in our literature is secure.”Heaney’s poem Fosterage, in the sequence Singing School from North (1975), is dedicated to him.

Heaney’s first major volume, Death of a Naturalist, was published in 1966 by Faber and Faber. This collection was met with much critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Gregory Award for Young Writers and the Geoffrey Faber Prize. The same year, he was appointed as a lecturer in Modern English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast. In 1968, Heaney and Michael Longley undertook a reading tour called Room to Rhyme, which increased awareness of the poet’s work. The following year, he published his second major volume, Door into the Dark.

Seamus Heaney in 1970 from “Digging”, Death of a Naturalist (1966)

My grandfather cut more turf in a day Than any other man on Toner’s bog.

Once I carried him milk in a bottle Corked sloppily with paper.

He straightened up To drink it, then fell to right away Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods Over his shoulder, going down and down For the good turf. Digging.

The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge Through living roots awaken in my head.

But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.

Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests.

I’ll dig with it.

Davidson very kindly donated this study of Seamus Heaney (below) for the online timed auction ‘Collectors and Artists for Ukraine’. It’s being run by Adam’s Dublin in conjunction with Suzanne MacDougald to aid the Irish Red Cross’s humanitarian work in delivering vital services to millions of people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. With no buyers premium, 100% of the hammer price will go directly to the Irish Red Cross.

It is a very worthy cause (there are so many) in the present time. I therefore recommend you scour your old bookshelves for any school poetry book or pamphlet that might be lying around collecting dust. They could be worth a small or large fortune depending on your present financial situation. If you cannot find one, do not fret and do not write to let me know. As always, may your God go with you.

THE IRISH SCENE | 23

Arthur Fields, street photographer

BY LLOYD GORMAN

I

f a photograph is worth a thousand words then street photographer Arthur Fields is on a par with any – or perhaps even all – of the greatest writers to ever come out of Dublin. It is estimated in the more than fifty years he stood on the south end of O’Connell Bridge with a camera and sign around his neck that he took more than 180,000 photographs of people and the occasional celebrity, including Brendan Behan, as they passed by. Arthurs trick was to pretend to take a photograph to get their attention and if they stopped then he snapped the real photo, giving them a number and ticket for them to pay for it.

Between the 1930s and 1988 the split seconds of ordinary life his camera captured the almost imperceptible but inevitable change from what we might think of as an old fashioned black and white world to a contemporary one in bright colour.

The long gone Nelson’s Column and cars parking in the middle of O’Connell St were just some of the things spotted in the background of the portraits of pedestrians.

He could always be found

24 | THE IRISH SCENE

in the same spot, plying his trade through sun and snow and whatever else the elements had to offer.

Everyday he – and his brother who was also a street photographer – walked the nearly seven miles to his work from his home in Raheny to the centre of the capital. Arthurs wife developed all the photographs under the stairs in their house and also did all the administration and sorting out of photographs for customers.

He became as much a part of the fabric of the city which was his family’s adopted home and it was said that Daniel O’Connell’s statue protected O’Connell Street, O’Connell Bridge was protected by Arthur Fields. He was born Abraham Feldman in Dublin in 1901 to

Your man on the bridge

including with names and details, have been added and more are welcomed.

Ukrainian emigrants but he developed the name to fit into this foreign land.

His Jewish parents fled antisemitism in Kiev in 1885 who settled in Dublin. According to Yad Vashem The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in the wake of the assassination of Russian Tsar Alexander II and unrest in Ukraine there was a pogrom in Kiev in which several Jews were murdered and more than a thousand Jewish homes and shops were attacked and destoryed.

Arthurs handiwork has been recognised in recent years with thousands of donated pictures displayed in the ‘Man on the bridge’ exhibit in the Gallery of Photography Ireland several years ago, two books published since then and a documentary on RTE TV. There is also the Arthur Fields: Man on Bridge facebook site where more than 7,000 shots,

Dublin couple Trevor and Sonia Farrell have called Joondalup home for nearly twenty years but are amongst the countless numbers of people with an emotional connection to this part of Dublin’s rich history. Both of them are lucky enough to still have photos of their own parents when they were young, happy and out and about as a couple, true candid camera stuff. Sonia actually has three pictures of late mum Patricia and dad Laurence Driscoll (see page 24) while Trevor has a great shot of his father Thomas Farrell and mum Alice (see below) as well as a very worn but cherished image of him as a young boy with his parents and some (but not all) of his brothers and sisters (see page 24).

A photograph might be worth a thousand words but sometimes there are just no words for how precious and irreplaceable these keepsakes are.

THE IRISH SCENE | 25

Musings

The Sign of

I

THE CROSS

t was an old cross that hung for years over my grandmother’s bed. We said our nightly prayers on our knees and never forgot how Jesus died for us. After my grandmother passed the cross hung over my mother’s bed. The suffering Jesus hung from the cross looking up to God his father as if to say “I will die for their sins”. He was made of brass and the cross of dark wood. Years later my mother would pass and I carried the cross into my house. Late one night as I was finishing up a play I was writing called The Rugged Cross, I heard a noise in the bedroom as if something had fallen. I got up and looked around the bedroom. Everything seemed to be okay, but as I left the bedroom I looked on the floor. Jesus had fallen from the cross. The very nails that had held him to the cross had somehow given way from the weight of the brass or perhaps the wood on the cross had dried out. Whatever the reason, I took it as a sign. It was not clear to me what that sign was but someone was telling me something. I took the wooden cross down off the wall. I rummaged through the carpet and found the nails. Jesus, the cross and the nails sat there for days. I don’t know what it was in me but I couldn’t nail Him back up. My imagination took hold of me. It would surely be a desecration. Perhaps I would be the one Jesus would never forgive. So, I put Jesus in a little tote somewhere in the shed where He lay

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BY NOEL O’NEILL

for years. I used the cross itself in a few plays I had written and later hung it back over my bed.

I always meant to put Jesus back onto the cross but somehow something always interrupted me, perhaps it was Jesus. One day as I cleaned out the shed I opened the tote and there He lay, arms outstretched with the same sorrowful expression on his face.

I even spoke to Him and said how sorry I was and how grateful I was that He had forgiven me. It was then I realised what the sign was. It was as if Jesus had taken me into His sacred heart to show me that I should never have separated Him from the cross. How He belongs there to remind us how He had suffered and died for us, forgave us our sins and importantly, how we must forgive each other.

I took him from the tote and removed the cross from the wall. I didn’t nail Him to the cross, I glued Him…it seemed to be the most compassionate thing to do and I felt in my heart that all was forgiven.

Tallow, County Waterford

Smoke along the Valley Floor - A Look At 17th Century Iron Mining In The Tallow Area In Co. Waterford.

T

BY BILL DALY

his article will transport us back over 400 years to another period when the Tallow region in West Waterford which we are familiar with today was different in its physical appearance and involved in industries that have declined and long since disappeared over time. It is the all too familiar story of how an area can change in time from being productive and prosperous, to take on the appearance of a 19th century ‘ghost town’ in a short space of time. We are recalling a period that been largely neglected in an historical sense, and the following article will be an attempt to re-create the land and people during a very important phase in the history of our local area.

the Blackwater Valley, and Tallow in particular, during this period was the most important area of iron production in Ireland. How times have changed.

Before concentrating on the industry in the Blackwater Valley I will endeavour to set the scene by describing Ireland as it looked then, with a brief sketch of the iron industry on a national scale. It is worth bearing in mind that

It was into this Ireland that the first English colonists came to settle and who, in a relatively short space of time, would have the vast majority of the country under their control.

It witnessed the decline of the Gaelic Irish,

Ireland, at the start of the 1600’s, was a country of great poverty and want and in need of outside help to feed its population.

The Elizabethan wars had torn the heart and spirit from the people as well as causing the destruction of industry and the virtual collapse of agriculture. It was a country without an industrial or agricultural base, a nation faced with total disaster, and the future seemed pretty bleak indeed.

LisfinnyCastle Tallow Co.Waterford

THE IRISH SCENE | 27

the language, religion, Brehon Laws, customs, folklore, and other aspects of a strong heritage which had flourished from early stone age beginnings. It was the start of the exploitation of land and people, the replacement of the old Irish Gaelic system by a colonial one. Because of differences in attitude and outlook a dangerous tension and conflict developed between the native and the outsider, a struggle that was to continue, until quite recently, in the northern part of our country.

Once the colonial phase had established itself properly, the most adventurous among them set up iron mining and production centres at various locations throughout the country. These, at first, were to become thriving and prosperous industries but at a later date, were to decline quite rapidly. Ireland Tallow Co. Waterford. was not suited to commercial enterprises as very few roads and communications existed by which the heavy iron-ore could be transported from one centre to the other. The fact that there were little or no route- the colonial system. As opposed to the iron ways was, in some ways, counteracted by the industry in England, which was concentrated abundance of natural woodland, which was the in a few localities, the Irish centres appeared primary fuel used in the charcoal furnaces. in scattering locations at different times, with each prospering and then fading away In many areas the woods were looked upon independently of each other. in a military sense as they were the hiding places of the Gaelic Irish. A large amount of In general, the Irish iron industry coincided wood became available when the trees were with the start of the English colonial period in felled so as to make room for troop movements Ireland and saw the embedding of industrial and also to deprive the Irish rebels of their and commercial practices on a people who places of refuge. In fact, the iron industry was knew very little except the practice of farming strongly encouraged to minimise the hiding and the art of fighting. It also witnessed places of those who would not conform to the bringing in of artisans and craftsmen to

A view of the harbour of Dungarvan, in County Waterford.

28 | THE IRISH SCENE

Tallow, County Waterford operate the furnaces and processors and there was also a deliberate policy of not allowing Irish people to become involved at the highest level.

The old name of ‘Tulach an Iarainn’ suggests the ores had been mined there many centuries before invasion forces sailed up the Blackwater and Bride. Richard Boyle, the Earl of Cork, was responsible for the transformation of the Blackwater Valley from a wasteland to one of the greatest centres of iron production in Europe. He was only interested in making money, and he could possibly be considered as the very first Capitalist of all time. He established furnaces at Araglin, Cappoquin and Macollop and forges at Lisfinny and Kilmacow.

As well as having abundant supplies of local ore and charcoal, Tallow had the advantage of water transport via the Bride and Blackwater to Youghal, where export links were set up at Drogheda and Sligo as well as Bristol, in England.

Boyle produced mainly bar-iron for export and it is recorded that he made a profit of £100,000 from the ironworks at Tallow. His biographer, Dorothea Townshend, records that in 7 years he made 21,000 tons of bar-iron which, at £18 per ton, brought him the enormous sum of £378,000. The type of ore found at Tallow was called rock-mine, this is dark and rusty in colour, the seam was generally 2 to 3 feet in depth with the topsoil being as fertile as any other. Tallow knives became quite famous during this time, on a par with Sheffield in England, and Boyle gave a present of a set to Lady Carew who was a courtier and a ‘good friend‘ of King Henry VIII. In reality, Irish iron manufacture in the early 17th century was a very short-term process.

The destruction of the woodlands for charcoal and other uses showed a shameful

disregard for the future with very little insight or planning involved. The countryside was violated for a short-term investment and the towns associated with iron working allowed to decline, due to lack of planning and absolute non-respect for the country into which these new arrivals had come to settle.

The future of our country, as it was in the 17th century, should not always be through foreign direct investment where decisions affecting us are made in the boardrooms of Los Angeles, New York and London, but on small scale ventures, manned by Irish people, who have an allegiance to their local area and to the country as a whole. If it is possible at this stage we must seek to decrease our dependence on the multinationals and strive to rekindle a greater confidence in ourselves which was so shamefully suppressed for the greater part of our historical past. Seán Lemass and Ken Whittaker gave us a great push in the late 1950’s and set us on our way. We have been whistling a good tune for many years, but we now need to take over the orchestra and start composing our own music.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 29

20

22

W

inners of the day and Claddagh Cup recipients were Liam Sweeney and Seamus Martin representing the Knockalla Civil Team.

Runners up and recipients of the Charlotte Trophy were Gavin O Kane and Cohan Feeney representing the Perth Dry Wall Team.

The N A G A was take out by Derek Lynch and Charlie Hoskin Representing the S V G Construction Team.

Novelties on the day were shared between Jason Whelahan, Ciaran Lyons, Tiger Coats, Graham Wilson, Mick Collins, Andy McDonald, John Kelly, Alan Burke and Jamie O Donnell.

30 | THE IRISH SCENE

We would also like to thank our sponsors as below.

McLoughlin’s Butchers, Tallis Consultants, Allied Air Express, Impulse Painting, An Sibin, J B OReillys, Trinity Meats, Mooneys café ,Oatley Wines, Avoka Café, Woodbridge Tavern, Saint Finbarrs GFC, Sarsfields GHC, Durty Nellys, Knockalla Civil, Mighty Quinn Tavern, Perth Dry Wall, B C Formwork, SMS Mining, D C I Electrical Engineering, Waste Water Services, SVG Constructions, Comtec Training, UON, Pipeline Technics, and Peninsula Golfing Complex, and all those individuals who made donations.

Irish Club Golf

THE IRISH SCENE | 31

TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

ONCE

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ustralian actor Toby Francis has the difficult job of following in the footsteps of an Irish legend.

BY LLOYD GORMAN

He is set to take to the role of Guy, the male lead character in the stage musical of Once in the Regal Theatre, Subiaco at the end of May. His character was originally portrayed (and nailed beautifully) by none other than Glen Hansard in the original and much loved film of the same name, written by Enda Walsh and directed by John Carney (the same combo who we have to thank for yet another classic music based flick set in Dublin, Sing Street.)

It will be the third time this guy has been that Guy and the theatrical trilogy should

THE IRISH SCENE | 33

34 | THE IRISH SCENE

Once - the musical be his – and by extension the audiences – best experience yet. “I must look Irish,” Toby laughed. There might be something to that throw away claim. He is a direct descendent of Paddy Hannon, the Clare man whose lucky fossicking in a patch of dirt helped create Kalgoorlie and one of the biggest goldrushes in the world.

“This is my third time in Once and my fifth time as an Irishman on stage. The last time we did Once it got cut off way short, like a few days after opening, so there’s unfinished business.”

In what is one of his favourite productions to have been involved in he draws a parallel with his on-stage persona, who is unsure of himself and going through a difficult time but also something that has the potential to change his live forever.

“If you think about something you’ve done your whole life, like I have as a performer, and to have that shut down for two years, it takes a part of you and says who are you without that thing and so you feel like you are coming to this halfway place, so I’m really keen and I’m chomping at the bit to come back and do it.”

It will also be his first big opportunity to put into practice some of the Irish lessons and insights he picked up after the premier production of Once and the shows second stunted stint. In that gap Toby had another gig as an Irishman, as the MC for the Eireborne tour.

“I was on tour in Europe through countries like Germany and Switzerland. My character hosted the show, sang songs and did my best jokes.

My second season with Once was informed by having been on tour with a whole bunch of Irish people from Cork and Dublin and loads of other places I couldn’t even pronounce,” he added. “The experience of living in the pocket of people and being accepted into the Irish group of touring artists changed how I felt about Guy. There really is – and it sounds like a cliché – something in the Irish, and I don’t mean the accent or anything like that, that is spoken to each other through the ritual of music and dance. In Irish culture there is something held very close through musical expression that is an important way of saying who you are.”

In one of the songs he sang in that role “My Gallant Hero “ Toby could feel the history, culture and pathos of the song and everything it stands for.

“So when I came back to do Guy for a second time it felt much more – the songs were always important – felt like the way the character spoke, I felt I understood how he was speaking when I came back the second time.”

Guy – who started out as a singer in a punk group in Canberra – was already a Glen Hansard admirer long before knew about Once. “He’s an incredible musician, singer, songwriter and one of my favourite albums ever is his 2015 album, “Didn’t’ He Ramble”.” Nearly all of the songs THE IRISH SCENE | 35

Once - the musical in Once the musical were written by Hansard, including a couple from The Frames. He said it is a privilege to be able to sing his songs and wherever he goes and it comes out that he is in Once guitars are often produced for him to sing and play Hansards stuff. Even with such a great catalogue to choose from there is something special about a song like Falling Softly, which seems to capture the soul of this story of boy meets girl, guitar meets piano. “The reason that song gets to the heart of something is because its simple and you get lost in it, the heart of Falling Softly is that something special, even magic, can come out of the ordinary.”

Toby’s talents are not alone on the stage and he is completed by co-star Stefanie Caccamo playing Girl. The two stars are supported by on stage by a talented cast who all play, sing and dance as well, adding to the fun and vitality of the story.

Helping Toby deliver Hansards beautifully crafted songs is one of the Dublin singers own guitars from around the time the film of Once was made, donated by an Irish photographer friend of his in Australia.

On its previous two outings Once has proved to be popular with audiences, but it always seems to strike a special chord with Irish watchers.

“The audience response is always huge and people jump to their feet to applaud,” said Toby.

“Irish people love it, the Irish and Australian’s mix well, we love a yarn and we love a chat.

Irish audiences always stick around after the show and talk about home and Dublin. I’ve had people who have connected with me on Facebook from Ireland who saw the show and who say it was really special and say that if I’m ever in Dublin to get in touch and we’ll go for a drink and a chat. Its really lovely. I know when I was overseas for long periods of time in America, Europe and Asia that when you see something that reminds you of home it is really moving and when it is done accurately and authentically that this is something very moving about it and I feel like that this is the reaction of ex-pats who come and see the show. The reaction can be quite an emotional one and joyous and funny. I think we have had the most supportive audiences, not just because the show is incredible but because the Irish community really want to get behind it and it’s a part of them.”

Be prepared to be smitten!

36 | THE IRISH SCENE

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fter a very busy and somewhat chaotic pre-season kick off is upon us! The season is now under way for our Junior and Senior Teams.

dear friend, Elaine Cleary who tragically lost her long battle with cancer.

This season the club has representation across State League, Masters, Metro and of course 45s. We also have 15 junior teams from U6/7 up to U16s, including strong representation across our girls only squads from U10 to U16.

We have also welcomed a new addition in our committee with Bruce McComas taking up the role of Junior Co-ordinator. Bruce has a wealth of experience across the junior game, and we are looking forward to him strengthening our set up and helping our juniors towards success.

Welcome Bruce!

The wife of former Carramar FC President Denis, Elaine was a familiar face at the club for many years. Known best for leading the charge on a Sunday at the helm of her beloved Houghton Park canteen, she would often be heard ringing her bell to celebrate with the Junior Teams as they excitedly handed over their match cards at the canteen hatch. Elaine was a firm favourite due to how warm and kind she was. She made time for everyone and was always a welcoming face for both new members and old. She was loved by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her.

We are excited to host our first ever Family Fun Day, proudly sponsored by Madman Motors.

This will be held on Saturday 7 May at Grandis Park. There will be lots of free activities on the day including Bubble Soccer, Beat the Goalie and Dart Soccer. There will also be raffle prizes on offer including the chance to win a Mini Cooper Convertible. Get yourself down to Grandis Park on the day and enjoy all that’s on offer, including the opportunity to watch our State League Teams in action against South West Phoenix.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that we advise of the very sad passing of one of our own, our very

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A stalwart of the Club and a friend to many, it is difficult to find the words to express the impact that she made. Our deepest condolences go to her husband Denis and their children Megan, Ryan, Matthew and Laura, as well as all her friends and family here in Australia and in Scotland. We will miss you so very dearly Elaine.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 37

New Irish Pub is the toast of Kalgoorlie

K

algoorlie – a town steeped in Irish history – had an extra special reason to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. The Irish Pub – one of WA’s newest watering hole – opened on March 17, complete with a hooley worthy of the occasion and event. Traditional tunes and entertainment were provided on the day by Celtic Posse while performers from Kalgoorlie Dance Academy also put on a great display of fast moving fun and Irish culture. ‘Kal’ might have a lot of pubs but until now hasn’t in recent times had an Irish pub to boast of.

That has changed now thanks to the efforts of its Palace Bar owners and operators, Dublin born Ashok Parekh

and Marie Parekh who has made it a reality.

When Irish Scene visited the Goldfields capital in October last year Marie was even then working hard to make it happen.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Palace’s head chef Kevin – for the last 20 years – is from Dublin and he goes above and beyond to make sure everything he serves is the best it can be and will probably taste like home!

Photos by Claire Weir.

Sláinte with James Connolly

A

s this is my first Sláinte column I thought a great place to start would be with what is probably my favourite Irish whiskey brand. Now anyone that knows anything about the golden liquid that comes from the Emerald Isle will know that no matter which of the Redbreasts you are drinking you are in for a treat!

in County Cork, home to some of the most famous Irish brands, Jameson’s, Powers, Paddy and the Spot range. So, after the malted and unmalted barley has been triple distilled it’s time for the liquid to take a long old sleep in some American oak and some Oloroso Sherry casks for a minimum of 12 years. Next comes the best part tasting!

But for this article, we will focus on the Redbreast 12yo, which is a single pot still whiskey and the number one selling single pot still whiskey in the world! Now, what does Single Pot Still mean?, Well it’s a category of whiskey unique to Ireland, a combination of malted and unmalted barley (think creamy mouthfeel) that is triple distilled. The term ‘single’ refers to the fact it is made at one distillery.

The distillery in question is the Middleton Distillery

Taste: Fruity but not sweet at all, rich cacao and caramel also

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Nose: Like a Cadburys fruit and nut bar only better, rich and toasty as well.

Finish: Long and dry, still packs lots of flavour Best enjoyed with some friends in your favourite Irish bar Sláinte - James is one of Australia’s best bartenders and has worked and managed some of Perths best bars over the last 15years

Matters of PUBlic Interest Samson hopes to draw strength and skill from Gordan Ramsay

A

nother head chef of an Irish owned hospitality operation in WA is about to go on a culinary adventure which will end in even better meals and treats for customers. Samson Brent is the overall head chef for Jarrah Bar & Bistro in Hillary’s and The Iluka – both co-owned

by Wes Darcy, originally from Wicklow. Back in 2016 at the age of just sixteen Samson started working for Wes when he was one of the owners of the Mullaloo Beach Hotel and when Wes left that venue behind to open Jarrah he went with him. Samson, whose background is in business and management, worked his way up to become its head chef. He was there in the kitchen of the Iluka when it opened, dishing out quality meals it has become known for.

Now, with the blessing and support of his boss, Samson is about to make an ambitious career move that even the most seasoned chef might find daunting. He is going to work for celebrity

chef Gordan Ramsey in the UK for a stint, with the intention of coming back equipped with even better cooking and chefing skills.

“I’ve eaten in his restaurant in Chelsea – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – in London a couple of times and it was always amazing,” the Perth born young man told Irish Scene. “Its a three Michele stars, one of the best restaurants in the world and his flagship one. I told them I’d love to come and work with them and they said I could. Its going to be a massive difference [working there as opposed to being a customer] and it will so interesting, I want to see how they do it in one of the best restaurants in the world, to learn and to bring that back with me to Jarrah and Iluka.”

Save Skippy’s favourite ‘Irish’ pub

O

ne of Australia’s most unique pubs – which can claim some Irish pedigree – is at risk of being closed down but a lot of people are fighting to keep it open, and you can help.

The Wildflower Tavern in John Forrest National Park in the Perth hills is one of only two pubs in Australia national park. The other also happens to be on the outskirts of Perth, in Yanchep. Amongst other so called improvements the state government has plans to “upgrade” the main picnic area in the Forrest National Park. Nothing wrong with that you might say but the intention is to shut down the tavern and replace it with food trucks. Most people who have made a day-trip to the beauty spot might be familiar with the rustic watering hole which is famous for the wildlife that roams through and around it, particularly the local kangaroo population who really are regulars at this one of a kind venue.

Indeed, the little locale went viral last year when a tik-tok video of one of them (Matt) inside the bar went viral (Skippy strays into an ‘Irish’ pub’, Irish Scene March/April 2021). As we reported at the time the tavern is owned by one Tom Fitzgerald, originally a native of Patrickswell, Co. Limerick. He bought the business in 1998 and had retired about 18 months earlier (at that point) but his daughter Megan continues to run it today. If the state gets its way the

tavern – which is worth a visit in its own right – will be forced to close down on May 31, the end of an era for Perth folk and visitors alike. But there is a lot of resistance. “The iconic Wildflower Tavern...is under threat, as part of the planned redevelopments by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA),” a petition on Change.org states.

“With the tavern’s current lease due to expire in May 2022, and with no detailed planning decisions made public by the authorities, this historic and unique venue with it’s incredible kangaroos, birds and wildlife will be lost forever. Please sign this petition and join the urgent call for the McGowan government, the DBCA and Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes to offer an immediate, long-term lease extension for the Wildflower Tavern, and guarantee it’s future within the John Forrest National Park. It belongs to us all!.” Mundaring Shire Council is opposed to the plans and at time of writing more than 18,400 people had signed the online petition.

The hope is to get that number up to 25,000, which would make it one of the site’s top signed petitions. To lend your support go to https:// www.change.org/p/dbcasave-the-wildflower-tavernjohn-forrest-national-park

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THE IRISH SCENE | 47

Athenry’s fields highlighted at Pete St John’s funeral

BY TOM GILMORE

T

he Fields of Athenry got many mentions at the funeral Mass in Dublin of Pete St John (AKA Peter Mooney) the songwriter who penned the song that made Athenry famous.

Among those at the Mass in celebration of the life of Pete (90) was the singer who had the major hit with the Athenry song Paddy Reilly (83). Also in attendance was President Michael D. Higgins and many of the luminaries from the Irish music world.

In his eulogy, the international entertainer and songwriter Phil Coulter was among those to mention the iconic Athenry song at the ceremony in the Church of the Holy Child, Whitehall, Dublin.

“From his interest in Irish history and in a mere three verses, this song managed to make a town in Galway world famous.

“The Fields of Athenry is indeed one of our great sporting anthems and when Irish people get together anywhere in the world, now or in years to come, they will

still be singing Pete’s songs,” said Phil.

“There are some songs that endure and if a song is still sung 50 years after it was written then it’s a good one. Pete wrote at least three such classics,” added Phil also citing Dublin in the Rare Old Times and The Ferryman.

He added that Pete turned to his own life and experiences for inspiration when writing those two iconic hits about his native city and the changes to Dublin, not all for the better, that he saw when he came back from years of emigration in Canada and the United States.

“Pete was a gentleman, a friendly and proud Dub and a proper songwriter,” said Phil Coulter at the start and end of his excellent eulogy.

Pete’s sons Kieron and Brian, both who live in the U.S., spoke to Tom Gilmore about their memories of their father writing The Fields of Athenry on the table beside them while they were doing their homework.

“I remember him also saying to me one Sunday, when I was young, that we should take a drive down to Athenry, and we did,” said Kieron.

“Years later when I went with my father again to Athenry I was amazed at how it had expanded and it is now a fine thriving town surrounded by those lovely fields that he wrote about,” he added.

When speaking about his father at the Mass, Kieron quoted from a tribute by President Higgins, who he said had a special relationship with his dad.

“Pete had the rare gift of being able to write songs that, while new and original creations, immediately assumed a timeless quality and central place in all our lives,” said President Higgins.

From left, Ciaran Reilly, Brian Mooney, Paddy Reilly and Kieron Mooney at the folk session after Pete’s funeral.

42 | THE IRISH SCENE

“It’s not an old Traditional song but one written in a Traditional style,” Kieron added. He also spoke of how his father went to a lot of trouble to prove his song was original and not an old song from the 1800s. Pete’s painstaking research completely dispelled rumours about

Pete St John’s funeral it being an old song which his dad rightly described as “bunkum” on a TV programme.

He added that when the singing of The Fields of Athenry rang out at Ireland’s recent Six Nations Rugby win over England at Twickenham, on the day that Pete died, it was as much a tribute to Pete as it was to the team.

Apart from his fame in later life as a songwriter, penning over 100 songs, Pete as a youngster in Dublin, and later as an emigrant electrician in America, was also a top-class sportsman.

His son recalled how he was a great swimmer and a winner of Gold Medals for long distance running and a keen rugby and soccer player.

But after he went to America and married their late mother Sue in 1958, he “gave up his rugby and soccer boots for golf,” according to Kieron.

The mass readings were by Pete’s granddaughters Ashlin and Ciara Mooney. The Prayers of the Faithfull were by Pete’s long-time friend and neighbour Jim O’Connor formerly of The Nevada and The Conquerors showbands and Pete’s nephew Brian Gallagher spoke a reflection on his life.

Pete’s musical colleagues John Sheahan of The Dubliners, and Phil Coulter, played some of his hit songs at the Mass. They were joined by a band that included singer Sean McGuinness of the Dublin City Ramblers.

At Petes funeral includes an Australian teddy bear.

As his coffin was carried shoulder high out of the Church the band played The Fields of Athenry and the congregation joined in the singing with loud applause after the last notes of the tune were played.

Following the funeral, many singers and musicians, including Paddy Reilly and Glen Hansard, songwriter, actor and lead singer with rock band The Frames, took part in a Folk session in Pete’s memory at his favourite hotel The Beaumont House Hotel, Whitehall.

Pete’s family watched and listened to his songs being sung in the impromptu session.

Paddy Reilly who is now 83 was convinced by the crowd to give an impromptu version of The Fields of Athenry as Glen Hansard played guitar. The unlikely music duo got rapturous applause for the spontaneity and the passion with which they performed their semi-acoustic version of Pete St John’s most famous song which Paddy’s singing in the past also helped become an anthem for Irish people and their descendants at home and around the world.

Michael Blanch and Pete.

THE IRISH SCENE | 43

Songs are magic Carpets

I

BY FRED REA

am indebted to Tom Gilmore who attended Pete’s funeral and passed on my condolences to his family.

That letter surfaced in the U.S.A. and was never opened until purchased by the Tasmanian museum, where it now resides.

“Songs are magic carpets”, is an expression I heard from Pete on may occasions when I met him in Dublin during visits from Australia.

How true this is, and I feel The Fields of Athenry does take us back on that magic carpet to a time when Ireland suffered from a devastating potato blight, An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger).

Mary, a resident of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, was sentenced to seven years in the harsh penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land for allegedly stealing cloth from a local shop. She arrived at Hobart town in April 1842, accompanied by her one year old daughter. In 1843 her husband James addressed the the most moving love letter to his wife on the other side of the world. This letter, now in the keeping of the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, forms the basis of Pete’s song and an intriguing mystery surrounding both Mary and her family back in Ireland.

I first met Pete and Sue in person back in 2008 when he again took us back in song to a time when Irish girls were transported to Australia for what seemed trivial offences. Sadly, Sue passed away in 2010 and being in Ireland at the time, I was privileged to be invited to attend her funeral. She was a beautiful lady. The song was The Bells of Ireland and told the story of Mary Walsh who was transported with her two children, leaving her husband James to care for their son. James sent Mary a heart-breaking letter while she was incarcerated in Van Dieman’s Land telling her of his loss with her.

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On my first visit I was taken to Pete’s home by a great friend, Andy Kavanagh who was their local butcher. Sue cooked us a lovely fry-up.

On subsequent visits I met Pete for lunch at Beaumont House, his local. There is a sign saying “Pete St John’s Corner” where we sat, ate, and chatted.

A few years ago, Lilly joined me for lunch at Beaumont House and Pete was the perfect host. He organised for a bottle of single malt whiskey Dublin in the Rare of Ould Times for Lilly. We treasure that gift. Over the years we exchanged many gifts.

Pete was also a great supporter of the Workhouse girl’s project. We have a memorial now in Subiaco and it was through the encouragement of Pete and Michael Blanch of the Committee for Commemoration of Irish

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r play at and Phil Coulte John Sheahan Pete’s Funeral.

Pete St John’s funeral Famine Victims, that that project was started and completed.

Fred Rea singing The Bells of Ireland on Jeanie Johnson coffin ship in Dublin.

My last contact with Pete was a few months ago when I sent him photos of my two grandchildren. His message reply read: You all look good Fred… glad you and your family are ok…me… just hanging on!! Ah! Those kids look fantastic!! CONGRATS to all of you. My clan in the USA are ok for now!!

The virus has no mercy anywhere xoxo… Ceol gan eagle…. Pete.

Little did I know how sick he was.

There is so much more I could write about Pete. Lilly and I, are indeed privileged to be numbered among his friends, as he was a very private person.

Pete is now travelling on that magic carpet and is with his lovely wife Sue. I will miss our lunches at the Beaumont House and his wise words, but you can be sure on my next visit I will go to The Beaumont, take a seat in Pete’s corner and drink a toast to a legend.

Fred with Sue and Pete.

Slan go foal a chara.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 45

A fitting tribute to Pete

BY MICHAEL BLANCH

A fitting tribute to Pete St John by his great friend and friend of Ireland, Loyola Hearn, former Canadian Ambassador to Ireland who had many adventures in Ireland and Canada with Pete.

One occasion was the Liverpool v Glasgow Celtic in a friendly match in the Aviva 10 August 2013, Celtic FC won the match 1-0 in front a sold-out stadium. Before the match commenced Pete St John with his band and backing singers, one being Loyola Hearn, Paddy Reilly with Pete’s Niece. belted out The Fields of Athenry which was sung by the 50,000 fans from both sets of supporters, on a beautiful sunny day in Dublin and was surely one of The Rare Ould Times and an occasion that will live long in the memory of all those in the Aviva that day.

Lilly Rea with Pete.

President Higgins tribute People throughout Ireland and beyond will have been saddened to hear today of the death of Pete St John, President Michael D Higgins said in a statement on March 12 for the passing of the iconic Irish singer/songwriter.

Pete had the rare gift of being able to write songs that while new and original creations, immediately assumed a timeless quality and central place in all our lives. It is hard to imagine a world where songs like The Rare Ould Times did not exist and in his work Pete has left us with songs that not only defined his own career, but those of many other musicians and indeed all of us as a people. It is noteworthy that Pete has left us on the day that Ireland play England in a 6 Nations rugby match, a sport and fixture that has been indelibly associated with his song The Fields of Athenry for decades and the singing of it at today’s match of course takes on a particular poignancy as people throughout Ireland remember Pete.

Pete was a close friend of Sabina and myself over many years and it was an honour to host 46 | THE IRISH SCENE

him in Áras an Uachtaráin in June 2019 where he performed his song on environmental awareness, ‘Waltzing on Borrowed Time’.

Pete with Michael and Sabina That was Higgins at Aras in 2019. reflective of the deep care and concern which Pete had throughout his work in protecting and preserving the vital things in our world. We will all miss this lovely engaged caring man, none more than who had the privilege of knowing him as an indomitable source of inspiration and song. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his sons Kieron and Brian Mooney, and to all his family and friends.

Pete St John’s funeral

Remembering Pete

BY LOYOLA HEARN - FORMER CANADIAN AMBASSADOR TO IRELAND The Irish rain is falling or is it just my tears Brought on by precious memories, I’ve treasured through the years.

These golden days in Dublin, I think about them yet The people and the places, I never will forget.

To sit there by the Liffey, to watch the water flow To see the little ferry boats across the river go To walk out with our loved ones along the Dublin Dock To meet them at the Pillar, or under Cleary’s clock.

To smell the turf fires burning as tenements we pass See families all together, walk out to Sunday Mass The women in the market, the horses hauling freight The wagons filled with barrels come out through St. James’ Gate

Fred and Pete at Jeanie Johnson Coffin Ship.

To walk along the Grand Canal or stroll down Raglan Road To watch the kids, play hurling on fields so newly mowed To see Kavanagh and Behan just sit and write a rhyme A song up at O’Donoghue’s with Finbar in his prime.

To hear Ciaran, Luke and Barney, John Sheehan, and Ronnie Drew O come back Paddy Riley and sing the songs we knew To see again the Ringsend Rose, to walk the Liberties Or watch the great performers at the famous Gaiety.

These things are now just memories of precious days long gone When I could sit and reminisce with my good friend, Pete St. John And listen to the music, the stories, and the rhymes That tell of dear old Dublin back in the Rare Auld Times.

But Pete is gone to heaven now, to entertain up there The Ferryman, McClory and all that he holds dear Still, his songs like magic carpets around the world will fly We’ll miss him, and it’s lonely ‘round the Fields of Athenry.

Pete with Loyola Hearn during a visit to Athenry .

Pete St John.

Pete, Brian The Furrier Furlong and Fred in Petes Corner in teh Beaumont.

THE IRISH SCENE | 47

Irish novelist, Audrey Magee (author of The Colony) talks to John Hagan about her literary influences, the Irish language and bringing her work to the screen.

JH: Who were/are your major literary influences?

AM: That would have to be Marguerite Duras, the French writer I read for the first time as a 16-year-old. I had been reading all the usual Irish, British and American writers but here was a woman who created space for me as a reader. She did not spoon-feed me, did not tell me what to think, how to think, what to feel; instead she created, through spare but beautiful writing, a space where I could think for myself, feel for myself, a space where I could be an active reader, a participant in the experience of creating a world with words.

After her, it has to be Camus and Beckett. I love Beckett for his sparseness, his distillation of huge issues into a fragment, sometimes even a sound, an utterance. With Camus, I always return to his capacity for blending narrative into great political and social novels. I still read a lot of French writers. It is probably the space where I feel most at home as a reader.

JH: If you were not a best-selling author, what would you be doing with your life?

AM: That is a big question. I am happy when I am writing, even though the things I write about are often difficult. I enjoyed my time in journalism (Ireland Correspondent of The Times, roving reporter with The Irish Times covering the war in Bosnia, child labour in Pakistan and Bangladesh) as I am by nature

48 | THE IRISH SCENE

a wanderer who loves talking to people. But I needed to go deeper than journalism allowed, deeper into language and into the issues of what it is to be a human being framed by different political and social systems.

Novel writing gives me that space, and I am profoundly grateful to have that space, that capacity to explore what it is to be human. If I wasn’t doing this, the reality is that I would probably be in Poland or Romania or Moldova, on the border with Ukraine, talking with refugees as they flee their homes, abandoning their former lives. Reporting remains a very important job. Hearing from these people first hand and telling their stories remains a vital part of our humanity.

JH: Jean-Pierre Masson, one of the principal characters in The Colony, is dedicated to saving a fading Irish dialect. Are you also concerned about preserving threatened language?

AM: I am a linguist. My first degree, from University College Dublin, was in French and German language and literature. I also studied linguistics as part of that degree. But I am a linguist who does not speak Irish, who, like Joyce and many other Irish writers, turned her back on Irish in favour of English and the languages of the Continent. Why is that? Why did I do that? Why did so many other people my age despise and shun the language?

Theoretically it is only a language. What harm can a language do? Unfortunately, language is

Q & A with novelist Audrey Magee repeatedly a casualty of colonization. Language is politicized and used as a weapon, first by the colonizers to debase the culture and to fracture the unity of a community speaking a language that is not the language of the colonizer; then by the colonized, as a mark of nationalism, as a badge of commitment to the nationalist cause. For many this polarization is too much and it becomes easier to step away from the language altogether as Joyce did when he fled Ireland for Europe, declaring English as the language of the continent.

But he too was a linguist, a man who learnt Norwegian so that he could read Ibsen in its original form. Inevitably, as a linguist, you return to the original language, the mother tongue, as Joyce did in his work, particularly in Finnegans Wake, as I do now in The Colony. The Irish language is incredibly beautiful, an ancient language suffused with the history of Irish land, place and narrative. The dialect that I use in The Colony is from a very remote corner of north-west Mayo and is only spoken now by 160 people, so few people holding that linguistic connection to previous generations of speakers.

The death of the language on the west coast of Ireland is in stark contrast to urban Dublin where the language is thriving. There are now more people speaking Irish on the east coast than in the Gaeltacht or Irish speaking areas of the west coast, parts of Ireland that remain neglected and impoverished. But the Irish in the Dublin area is for most a second language, learnt in school rather than at home, often taught by teachers who are themselves second language learners of Irish. Does this matter as long as it is Irish? On January 1st last, Irish became an official language of the European Union, rendering it possible that more people will speak Irish in Dublin and Brussels than in the Gaeltacht areas. Maybe this doesn’t matter as long as it is Irish, but maybe it does as language carries so much about a people, a landscape, a land, a history, a perspective on the world.

JH: The desire to escape is evident amongst some of characters in The Colony. Has such a motivation played any role in your own life?

AM: I grew up on the island of Ireland plagued by bombings and shootings, on an island where the Catholic Church determined how people, women in particular, should live their lives. As a teenager and later as a young Irish woman who spoke French and German, I was

very keen to get off that island.

JH: Why intersperse chapters in The Colony with short accounts of violent Irish sectarian incidents?

AM: I wanted to understand the impact of that violence on people of my generation.

This is not a book about Northern Ireland but about the southern perspective on the impact of that violence on the people south of the border. The violence is a pulse through the novel, emerging slowly but gradually from the hinterland of the characters’ lives until the atrocities grow in their awfulness and are impossible to ignore; much as it was for us growing up in Ireland.

JH: As with your previous book (The Undertaking), The Colony has been optioned for film. Who would you choose to be amongst your dream cast?

AM: I had a dream cast for The Undertaking but it turns out that the film world is even slower than the book world – my first dream cast is now far too old for the characters in The Undertaking! So, no more dream casts. I am, however, a huge admirer of the work of Irish actor Saoirse Ronan and Ethiopian-Irish actor Ruth Negga. I loved Ruth’s interpretation of Hamlet in the Gate Theatre, Dublin.

JH: By now, following the publication of The Colony, you will be occupied writing your next novel. Can you share something about it for Irish Scene readers?

AM: I am very private about my writing. I don’t discuss it until it is done as I worry that the characters will evaporate if I talk of them.

Apologies Irish Scene, no sharing!

See Book Reviews for The Colony

THE IRISH SCENE | 49

Australian journalist Tony Wright wrote a very interesting piece comparing local reaction in Canberra and Dublin to the Russian embassies in those cities [As Russian agents spread lies, Australians could learn from the Irish/April 8].

Wright, an associate editor and special writer with The Sydney Morning Herald, wrote that pro-Ukraine supporters outside the embassy waved signs encouraging passing motorists to honk their horns.

The protest would have barefly registered with the diplomats inside the building who he said were busy on social media denying war crimes and the murder of thousands of civilians in Ukraine as fake news. They should consider themselves lucky to be posted to a part of the world where “the incessant honking of car horns” was as bad as it gets.

He contrasted this with the situation in Dublin where he wrote the Russian diplomats discovered what it was like to be put into “deep freeze” by the locals who are traditionally “a wildly hospital people who have long been experts at giving the coldest of cold shoulders”. Mr Wright picked up on the story about how a local fuel provider refused to deliver diesel to the Orwell Road Mission, needed for heating and hot water. In fact every supplier the embassy approached refused their business.

The Irish Mirror also reported that the embassy would have struggled to pay because its Bank of Ireland accounts had been suspended.

“The Irish, wordsmiths without peer, clearly remembered the meaning of a word they gave to the world in 1880: boycott,” wrote Wright. He explained the origin and history of the phrase and how one Captain Charles Boycott, an agent for an absentee landlord, evicted tenant farmers who asked for a rent cut after suffering a bad season. Charles Stewart Parnell, the leader of the Irish Land League said anyone who occupied the farm of an evicted tenant should be shunned. Boycott himself could not get anyone to work for him, businesses would not trade with him and even the postman would not deliver his mail.

“And so was born the verb “to boycott”, which governments call “sanctions” and fools call “cancel culture”, added Wright. “With Dubliners reviving the art of the boycott this week, the Russian ambassador there was reduced to begging for help from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, which wasn’t commenting.” https://www.smh.com.au/national/as-russian-agents-spread-lies-australianscould-learn-from-the-irish-20220407-p5ablf.html

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Meeja Watch A start up tech company in Fremantle got some attention in the business section of the West Australian in March. It also got a mention in The Mayo News the same week. HoverIT was founded and is headed

by James Flanagan, a native of Westport, Co. Mayo. In a nutshell his social media friendly e-commerce platform gives local businesses a completely new and innovative way to reach out to their customers, and vice versa. “When a business signs up in a certain town or city, we will automatically filter them under their locational tag and then somebody in that location,whether its a tourist or a local just hits the location tag like ‘Fremantle’ and they’ll get a list of every single business,” the Irishman explained to business journo Cheyanne Enciso. On March 22 The Mayo News reported that Westport was the first town in Ireland to benefit from the new ‘support local’ app. Sarah Flanagan, a sister of James, the owner of the newly opened ‘Enrica’s Cafe’ on Lime Court, Westport was the first local business to sign up to the digital service which James is betting will be a big hit globally.

A

n old boy returning to their school to talk to students about their life and career rarely hits the newspapers. But there are not many jobs where you will be the first diplomat to set up the Irish embassy in Moscow and have met Putin shortly after he came into power. Remarkably Jim Sharkey’s talk on March 10 to the students at his alma mater, St. Columb’s College in Derry, was booked in months earlier, the Derry Journal reported. After he left the Derry school Sharkey – a cousin of singer Fergal Sharkey – worked as a history teacher in London, Dublin and Derry before joining the Irish foreign service in 1970.

Four years later he was appointed Charge d’Affaires for the opening of the Irish Embassy in Moscow in 1974 and returned again in 2001 as ambassador.

Sharkey presented his credentials as a diplomat to one Vladimir Putin, who had just become president, marking the start of his steely rule. He also dealt with him on several occasions in his role.

“I did not think that Putin would invade Ukraine,” Mr Sharkey said, the Irish Independent reported (US offer of warplanes for Ukraine ‘could lead to killing fields in Europe’, says Ireland’s ex-envoy to Russia,” on March 13. “There are multiple intimacies between Ukraine and Russia. The intimacies between

BY LLOYD GORMAN

Russia and Ukraine are Jim Sharkey. even closer than those between Canada and the United States and they are something like the intimacies between the Republic and Northern Ireland.” Indeed so close are the two countries that he said it was easy for some Russians to belive that Ukraine was really an extension of Russia.

“From an international and an Irish point of view, clearly the right of Ukraine to full independence is absolute,” Mr Sharkey explained.

“I do believe there are many Russians who believe that Putin should not be at war with their friends.”

He offered an insightful and sometimes sobering analysis of the situation. “The thought of this war lasting for months is just frightening,” he said. There was the risk of miscalculation and the danger of the American offer of “sophisticated airplanes” to Ukraine, leading to “killing fields” in central Europe.

After his first stint in Russia Sharkey went on to become the Irish ambassador to Australia. During his two years here the envoy officially opened the Irish Club in Subiaco.

https://www.derryjournal.com/education/the-derry-man-who-met-putin-3627877 THE IRISH SCENE | 51

Robbie Dolan.

D

ublin born Paul Niland has been popping up quite a bit in various articles, reports and coverage carried by Irish and international media. The self described businessman, writer and political commentator is – by choice – in a unique and very challenging situation. The 49 year old Irisman is one of an estimated seventy to ninety Irish nationals who chose to stay in Kyiv when Russian forces attacked.

“I am not leaving. This is my home. I am very invested in this country,” he told Irish Times journalist Ronan McGreevy in an article published on Feb 12 . “I like many aspects of this country. We are in the process of changing things. There is a dynamic here.” Like other citizens he joined a territorial battalion to defend his neighbourhood.

In normal civilian life he is in the business of trying to save lifes. He set up Lifeline Ukraine, a national suicide prevention hotline, about three years ago. In a piece published by the Sydney Morning Herald on April 16 Pete Shmigel, a former Liberal Party adviser, recounted a recent trip to the war torn country – from where his parents fled as refugees after WWII – and meeting with his friend Niland. Shmigel wrote that with the start of the war and as bombs fell and whole suburbs were wiped out calls to his charity service jumped by 40 per cent. “Our focus is on the needs of each person who calls, no matter their circumstances or background or state of mind,” Niland told him. “It’s about non-judgment. For our hotline counsellors, it’s about being fully engaged with that one person in that one moment to save one life.”

Even as all hell broke out the life saving service offered by Niland and his team continued to operate from bomb shelters and remote locations while some calls were picked up by similar services in Estonia, Poland and Israel.

Niland has vowed to stay on and defend his adopted homeland and to keep trying to help Ukrainians in distress.

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ess than 24 hours after he blew away the judges and audiences in his blind audtion for the first outing of the new season of The Voice on Australian TV in late April Robbie Dolan was being interviewed

by Ray D’Arcy on his morning show on RTE radio. Robbie left his home town of Kildare (a horse racing capital in its own right) in September 2016, to build on his career as a jockey by getting experience in Australia.

He left thinking he would be gone for a few months or maybe a year but six years later,

New WA film with Irish story in the pipeline A little bird told us that shooting is about to get underway on a new movie with a local and Irish connection.

Kid Snow is to be a feature film set 1970’s Western Australia, about a washed-up Irish boxer of the same name who is offered a rematch against a man he fought 10 years ago, on a night that changed his life forever. The fight is a chance to redeem himself but ‘Kid’ comes to a crossroads when he meets single mother Sunny and is forced to contemplate a future beyond boxing. We don’t know yet who will play the lead role but we hope to bring you more details and information in the next issue. Filming is due to start in May and will include a couple of weeks in Perth, a short stint in Lancelin and between four and five weeks in Kalgoorlie. Watch this space.

Meeja Watch Damian Leith.

having met a local girl with who he had had a baby just a few days earlier. “So I’m stuck here now,” he said.

Dolan had been involved in some panto’s as a young fella but apart from that the only singing he ever did was in the shower or in the car. Out of the blue the chance to apply presented itself.

“I said feck it, I’ll throw one in, it all happened so quickly” he laughed.

No doubt the young jockey with the natural voice of a pop star will be doing a lot of interviews and media work, but this one was unique. “I was there at the beginning, without me DJ’ing, you woulnd’t exist Robbie!,” D’Arcy, who is also from Kildare town and happens to know the family said.

Dolan replied: “That’s absolutely true, you were the DJ when my mother asnd father had their first dance in the (CYMS Hall in Kildare town)… you played the first song for them on their first dance.” D’Arcy played a bit of that faithful song ‘My eyes adored you’, by Frankie Valli. He joked that if Ray kept playing it he might have a little brother or sister on the way in a few months.

The RTE presenter wished him well with the next stages of the competition and left the door open for further chats.

By sheer coincidence the very next guest was another Kildare man with an Australian connection who reminded Ray of yet another local lad who had done well Down Under. Pat O’ Mahoney wrote a book called ‘Rethinking Housing Options for Senior Citizens’ which sets out his argument for why most older people

Ann McVeigh can be regularly found around the Irish Club in Subiaco and is a well known face in the Irish community.

Her life story was reported by the Irish Independent on March 20 (I forgive those who sent me to Australia’, says Irish woman taken away from her family when she was five years old’, a piece written by Ciaran O’Neill. At the age of five Ann was one of about 120 children (child migrants) from Northern Ireland sent to Australia during the 1940’s and 1950’s by nuns in Belfast, without her family’s permission.

Premium subscribers to Independent. ie will be able to access the full story.

Alternatively her story is also available on BBC.com from an article by Conor Macauley published in October 2013: ‘Voices of the lost: Speaking of being sent to Australia as a child migrant’. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northernireland-24631170 https://www.independent.ie/ irish-news/i-forgive-those-whosent-me-to-australia-says-irishwoman-taken- away-from-her-familywhen-she-was-five-years-old-41466695. html

in Ireland should and could live in retirement villages just like in Australia, where Mahoney spent much of his working life.

Before they started that discussion O’Mahoney told D’Arcy that: “He’s not the only person from Newbridge, or Kildare to make a success of his singing career in Australia, another young man from Milltown did it a few years ago.” When he said he was talking about another young man called Damien Leith, the presenter could only say: “Yes, Yes, well remembered.”

Leith was raised near Milltown, a small village about 7km from Newbridge, Co. Kildare, just a few miles down the road from Kildare town itself. Leith, 46, a former chemist came to Australia in 2003 and just three years later won Australian Idol. That launched him on a successful showbiz career as a full time musician with eight albums under his belt, ‘Songs from Ireland’ being his latest record.

THE IRISH SCENE | 53

Dr Brian Walker.

MPs go Potty for Paddy’s Day

M

arch 17th fell on a Thursday this year, which also happened to be a sitting day for the WA Parliament. Alanna Clohessy, the President of the Legislative Council, who is of Irish stock herself, wasted no time in introducing the significance of the day. “Good morning members, and happy St Patrick’s Day to you all,” she said. Ms Clohessy said next that in the “absence of the Minister for Emergency Service” (Stephen Dawson) she had approved a small change to the seating plan in the chamber for the minister for Regional Development (Alannah MacTiernan – also of Irish heritage).

54 | THE IRISH SCENE

BY LLOYD GORMAN

The minor switch around got a reaction from the assembled pollies. “Thank you, members,” she added. “It probably was not an opportunity to comment, but now that you have, I can hear you wishing the minister a happy St Patrick’s Day as well.” Dublin born Mr Dawson at that time was in isolation because of reasons connected to COVID Irish Scene discovered later.

The Upper House of the WA parliament got on with the business of the day, which included a motion by Dr Brian Walker, an East Metro MLC with the Legalise Cannabis Western Australia Party, that: “this house – notes the promising

Isteach Sa Teach research….chemicals naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, have the potential to help block infection from the virus that causes COVID-19”.

This led to a lengthy debate but when his motion fell over Dr Walker swiftly introduced another motion from the floor.

“Members will all be sick of my voice, I am sure, but I move — Noting today is St Patrick’s Day, this house encourages all those celebrating to enthusiastically embrace the pot at the end of the rainbow” he said.

Dr Walker said his motion was intended to allow his fellow MLC’s the chance to wish “our Irish friends, be they here in Western Australia, at home in the Emerald Isle or part of the greater diaspora, a very happy and healthy St Patrick’s Day. I want to take a moment or two to embrace my own pot at the end of the rainbow, and I acknowledge that expression will mean different things to different people. I was recently fortunate enough to touch base with Gino Kenny, TD, one of the five People Before Profit members currently sitting in the Irish Parliament, and to learn a little more about the process his party is going through almost in parallel with those of us here in Legalise Cannabis WA to introduce private

Alanna Clohe sy MLC

and Roger C ook

MLA.

members’ legislation that would pave the way for legalised access to cannabis across our respective communities. I have set myself something of a goal to ensure that we are not disparate campaigners, lone voices, but rather part of a wider, supportive, global network of campaigners seeking to change the way in which cannabis is viewed and legislated...If a country as traditionally conservative as Ireland has reached a point at which it can openly debate the potential for cannabis legislation, I say to members that we should all be looking to imitate St Patrick to drive the snake oil salesmen, who represent the modern prohibitionist tendency, off our respective d an an MLA Alanah MacTiern islands”. . n MLC Stephen Dawso He also wanted to recognise the great contribution Ireland and Irish people had made to the world in general and Australia in particular. “We would not be where we are today without them, nor would our political systems have developed as they have without a solid dose of Irish common sense, not to mention resistance in our early years,” Dr Walker said.

“I wish all those who are celebrating St Patrick’s Day today the very best now

THE IRISH SCENE | 55

and into the future. Embrace the pot at the end of your own rainbow, whatever form that may take. Continue to hope, to laugh and to love as the Irish have done throughout the centuries.

To my friend Gino Kenny, I say this: tiocfaidh ár lá, my friend. Our day will come.”

Speaking on behalf of the government MacTiernan said: “we embrace the motion and its positive sentiment. Of course, as someone of Irish extraction, that has particular significance to me. I also contribute on behalf of the other people with strong Irish heritage on our team, particularly Hon Stephen Dawson and our President, Hon Alanna Clohessy. I think everyone else has probably got a bit of Irish in them and maybe they will get up and talk about it. But of course, it is important that I defend the honour of our born and bred Irishman, Hon Stephen Dawson, the Minister for Medical Research. It was alleged earlier in the chamber that the minister did not have responsibility for the Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation Fund. On 8 February 2022, an Executive Council minute was passed whereby the administration of that legislation...did in fact transfer to the Minister for Medical Research.”

Colonisation and the potato famine meant many Irish come to Australia and WA where she said they were “formative” to the development of Australia as “an exceptional country”.

“Like Hon Brian Walker, over the years I have established strong relationships with many members of both the Irish Dáil and the Parliament as it is from time to time in the north. That includes—this has become quite respectable these days—representatives from Sinn Féin who now have quite a role in the Republic of Ireland. The structure of the Irish Parliament certainly represents a lot of voices.

It has been interesting to watch the evolution and finally see Ireland move beyond where it was in terms of the treaty and from its view in 1922 and the tribal attachment that drove the success or failure of its political parties. It is great to see Ireland becoming a thoroughly modern nation focused on modern concerns. It is also extraordinary that for many years Ireland was led by a person of Polish descent. We will all look forward to celebrating and having a drink in the bar afterwards in time-honoured Irish tradition. I hope all members will have a magnificent St Patrick’s Day and celebrate those who are Irish and those in the rest of the community who would like to be Irish.”

Jackie Jarvis, an MLC for the South-West declared her Irish roots. “I stand today because my father hails from County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. He unfortunately suffers from advanced dementia so he may not know that today is St Patrick’s Day, but I am sure he will have some good friends turn up to see him in Busselton with a small nip of Jameson whiskey

Gino Kenny, TD, second from right, campaigning in Dublin.

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Isteach Sa Teach or major medical facility in Western Australia and not find an Irish-speaking doctor, nurse or specialist.”

David Templeman MLA and Jackie Jarvis MLC. or a can of Guinness, which last year led to the nursing home ringing me and asking for permission, and I said, “Of course! It should be compulsory!” I, too, want to acknowledge the influence of the Irish in not only Australia, but also the United Kingdom. In the 1950s, my father and three brothers and one sister—they obviously came from a good Irish Catholic family—made their way to London. They made a significant contribution to the construction industry in London as unskilled labourers. My father and his brothers probably also made a significant contribution to the reputation of the fighting Irish in London pubs, but we will let that one slide. My father was then the only one of his eight siblings to venture afield and come to Australia in the 1970s to join the wave of Irish immigrants who came in at that time as unskilled labourers. My father spent much of the 1970s and 1980s in regional Western Australia. This was long before the days of fly-in fly-out. He would often be away for weeks at a time. There are probably very few wheatbelt towns that he has not worked in. It was a matter of great pride that we could drive through the wheatbelt and he could point out the grain silos that he had helped construct.

Similarly, he spent time in Dampier, Newman and Pannawonica in the construction industry, helping to build those first mine sites and workers’ villages. He worked as an unskilled labourer until his 60s, and I am incredibly proud of him. We are obviously seeing a new wave of Irish immigrants. I do not think the wave of Irish immigrants has stopped since Western Australia was first settled by Europeans. We would be hard pressed to go into any hospital

James Hayward, another South West MLC, did not claim any Irish heritage, but WA had it in bucketloads. “In light of today being St Patrick’s Day, I would like to focus on what that meant for a group of six Irish convicts who had been sent to Fremantle Prison in 1868,” he said.

“For those Fenian political prisoners, Thomas Darragh, Martin Hogan, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett and Robert Cranston, the pot of gold was simply their freedom. Their dramatic escape on the sailing ship Catalpa—although some would call it a rescue—was undoubtedly one of the world’s most daring prison breaks ever. That was undertaken right here in Western Australia, and it has become a very important part of our rich history.” Mr Hayward explained the background to the story and how their escape was organised by their comrade John Boyle O’Reilly and others from America.

“It is an amazing escape story,” he added.

“This story was commemorated over the weekend with a game of Gaelic football played between Bunbury Gaelic Football Club and Rockingham.” He corrected himself after Ms MacTiernan pointed out that the word he wanted was “Gaelic, not garlic”. The game was played in Bunbury, the same port city where the Catalpa docked 146 years ago to begin its rescue mission. He said the Bunbury

(right).

James Hayward THE IRISH SCENE | 57

of Ireland that is separated,” she said. “We talk about the Troubles. A lot of people here in Australia do not quite seem to understand the Troubles. They saw the bombs and the tanks, but what they do not see is that the division in religion is actually across Scotland and Ireland. The difference in Scotland is that we have segregated schools and we use sticks and stones; there were no bombs or tanks or soldiers in our streets. But these things are still happening today, and that is something that we should also reflect on when we think of St Patrick’s Day—that we d have in Ireland a country that is divided, Lorna Harper an . not only by a border but also by religion. I Fatima Payman raise that because these things are starting to happen again. We are starting to see more violence arise in the north of Ireland as Gaels won the game and that it was “a superb people object to the peace process that has example of how Irish culture is still being been going on for 20 or 30 years now. Having celebrated across our state”. known people with family members who have died in Ireland because of the Troubles it is, Lorna Harper, an East Metro MLC, offered a again, a day of reflection. Our pot of gold is slightly different take on the proceedings. “For very lucky; we are lucky to be standing here the record, to make it very clear for people and speaking on behalf of other people. My who do not quite get the accent, I was born ancestors on both sides made the decision and bred in Scotland. A lot of people think to leave—not because of famine, because I am Irish, but, no, I am Scottish. I am also politically there was no famine, but because lucky enough to be living in Australia, which of religion. We are lucky to live in a country is one of the best countries in the world and where your religion should not matter. It does, has provided so much to so many. I also have unfortunately, for people of the Muslim faith; very strong Irish roots. My grandfather was they are basically not so lucky. They do not have born in Ireland, my grannie’s father is from Ireland, and my other grandfather is from Ireland. I can trace my roots back to many a place in Ireland. I can trace my roots back to Protestant Ireland. I can trace my roots back to Catholic Ireland. That would be a good reason that today I have a Scottish accent.” She reminded her colleagues that as well as the Republic of Ireland – which is what they were mainly speaking about – there was also Northern Ireland, a part of Great Britain.

Steve Thomas.

“There is a whole area 58 | THE IRISH SCENE

Isteach Sa Teach that pot of gold yet, but hopefully, as a country, we will move towards that pot. Our pot of gold is the fact that we are able to stand here today freely and talk about things such as religion, looking forward to the future, how we can use cannabinoid oil and hemp and other things in our society, and how lucky we are. Along with many other blessings given today: while you slide down the bannister of life, I just hope the splinters are all facing the other way.”

Dr Steve Thomas, another South West MLC, said he had “very small” Irish ancestry but he did have fond memories of a “gentleman’s drinking tour” with a friend of the country in the late 1990’s.

“We took three and a half weeks and hired a car and effectively did a lap of the island; like true Aussies, we did a bog lap! We started in Dublin and finished in Dublin.” They visited Galway, the north of Ireland and Waterford.

“The Troubles were continuing at the time; members might remember the Omagh bombing, and we were there within a year of that bombing.

For those who do not know, there used to be an organisation called Young Farmers. We had hosted many, many Irish exchanges, and we went to visit them in Ireland. At one of the places we visited, we walked into the house and there was a picture of the person of the house with Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton had visited not long after the Omagh bombing. We said, “Oh, that’s a pretty impressive photograph.” There were some great tensions, north and south, but wherever we went, as soon as they found out we were Australian, we were embraced.

Even when it is, let us say, at war with itself, Australians’ links with Ireland are always very strong.”

Meanwhile, over in the other side of the parliament – the Legislative Assembly – there was very little fanfare about the significance of the date. The only acknowledgement for the occasion came from MLA for Armadale Dr Toni Buti. “As the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, I would like to wish everyone a happy St Patrick’s Day. It is 17 March, so happy St Patrick’s Day to everyone, particularly our Irish friends!”

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Vale Michael Beahan

Michael Eamon Beahan Senator for Western Australia from 1987 to 1996

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ustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison led tributes to Michael Eamon Beahan, who was a Senator for Western Australia from 1987 to 1996, who died on January 30 2022.

“Michael Beahan’s surname is Irish,” Mr Morrison told the House of Representatives on February 14. “It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘beatha’, which means life. When Michael was 17, his family started a new life. Like so many others at the time, they left postwar Europe and embarked on a months-long journey travelling from London to Perth, Australia. For young Michael, his new life in his new country took the shape of an electrical apprenticeship.

He would work as an electrician for the next 10 years. Then, sadly, tragedy struck. Michael was involved in an horrific traffic accident near Goomalling. His girlfriend, Leith, tragically, died.

There’s a line in an Irish poem, On Raglan Road

by Patrick Kavanagh, that goes: ‘... let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day’. And that was true for Michael.

Beahan was born on January 21 1937 in London to Irish parents Francis Harold Beahan – an auto-electrican – and his wife Grace Beryl, née Hemmings. “Those early years in London were not easy,” said Gary Gray, Australian Ambassador to Ireland. “The impact of the Great Depression was still being felt, then the War came with the constant bombings including of Michael’s family home. The family decided to move to Ireland.

Michael often spoke of his teenage years in Dalkey as a time of joy. He immersed himself in Irish culture and became a true lover of his father’s native country, especially of Yeats’ poetry and Joyce’s prose.”

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A full tribute describing his full life story and many political achievements was published by Mr Gray – a close friend of his – on the website of the Australian embassy in Ireland (https://ireland.embassy.gov.au/dubl/news.html)

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Sin scéal agus whale eile!

Sin scéal agus whale eile!

T

he whaling based stories in the last edition of Irish Scene sparked a number of memories for some readers. The main story – Paddy’s whale of a scéal – about Dublin man James “Paddy” Hart who jumped ship in Albany and went on to become the skipper of the last whaling ship in Australia in Albany in 1978 who went to Japan with Greenpeace to try and protect them from being hunted was a ripper of a yarn according to several people. He died a couple of years ago but his daughter Angela – who got her copy of the Fin Whale

West Cork .

THE IRISH SCENE | 63

d Clancy.

Makem an

magazine on St. Patrick’s Day – enjoyed the piece. “Congratulations, you are the only one who has written such a an article without actually meeting and talking to Dad.,” she said.

“It presents very well.”

Fin Whales West Cork .

64 | THE IRISH SCENE

His story also resonated with another Albany woman who featured in Irish Scene not so long ago.

“What a great story and man was Paddy,” said Patricia Heberle.

The main story of last year’s September/ October edition of the magazine was about Patricia who was the chef de mission for Team Ireland in Japan (The WA story behind Ireland’s Olympic glory!).

“I grew up around whaling as it was such a big part of life and the economy in Albany and some of my Dad’s mates worked at the whaling station. I was glad when they ceased it but it was hard on local families and there was a lot of pain for some time. Patricia is now based in Dublin and enjoying it there and while she won’t be leading Team Ireland to Paris in 2024 she

Sin scéal agus whale eile! is now responsible for a new Performance Capability Lead division which she said does not have as much pressure and high workload but is very interesting.

Another Dub with an indirect but still famous whaling story was the story about actor Noel Purcell who played an important character in the 1956 block buster Moby Dick, shot partly in Youghal, Co. Cork (Great tales of whales and Gaels). After Frank and Gerry recently had Purcell’s son on their Saturday morning Radio Fremantle show Celtic Rambles Irish Scene reached out to him. “Dad always credited his mother, my Grannie, for getting the role in ‘Moby Dick’,” Patrick Purcell told us. “When he told her he wanted to join the theatre, she said he should have a trade to fall back on if things didn’t work out. So he apprenticed and became a joiner/cabinet maker with Bex and Co, Dublin.

He made the counters in Brown Thomas and Clery’s. So when they were casting for the Ship’s Carpenter, Dad was ideal, because he knew how to handle the tools and work wood.

He could also act a bit!.”

Meanwhile Fred Rea’s yarn about him and Tommy Makem involving a trade of a whale tooth (The whales tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the the tooth) brought back “treasured memories” for Irish Scene advertiser Glen McLeod. “I was at the ‘76 Makem and Clancy concert mentioned by Fred,” he said.

“In fact, I remember Makem coming to Albert’s Tavern where the Quarefellas were playing.

About as good as it gets except for the night Barney McKenna showed up with his banjo.

I was lucky enough to be invited to stay for

Paddy Hart .

Noel Purcell .

the unofficial session that went until 5am with Barney playing, joking and giving Alan Ferguson a few tips on the banjo. I also have a framed copy of the print of the Quarefellas with Fred’s piece. Many memories! Thank you for bringing them back!.”

While there were several whaling related stories in that edition we discovered many more fascinating ones which we hope to bring to you in upcoming editions, starting with this offering by Limerick journalist Brian McLoughlin. We hope you will enjoy them!

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THE IRISH SCENE | 65

When Ireland was a whaling nation T

BY BRIAN MCLOUGHLIN

here are no Moby Dick-like stories recorded for the whaling industry in Ireland and it’s probably not well-known that whaling was carried out in the country over a 100 year period.

As far back as 1900 until 1925 with the exception of the Great War years 1914 to 1918 and a few scattered years in between, Ireland had an important whaling enterprise located on the West coast mainly in Blacksod Bay off the coast of County Mayo where a whaling station had been established by Norwegians.

In the early 20th century the commercial whaling industry was important for meat and oils and in 1896 when the Norwegian authorities brought in stricter environmental controls and laws, many whaling stations in that country had to cease operations and the Norwegian whalers set their sights on other countries such as Ireland where the laws were less strict. That was how the first whaling

station came to the West Coast of Ireland and in March 1908 was set up by Norwegian businessmen in County Mayo on Rusheen a tidal island near Iniskea South. After initial whaling operations were abandoned which had operated from Arranmore Island in West Donegal, whaling under the name of The Arranmore Whaling Company continued until 1922.

The Blacksod station had some operational difficulties. Whales could only be brought up the slipway for two hours a day because of the tide and there was also conflict with some locals. Between 20 to 40 men were employed all from Iniskea South who wouldn’t allow people from the mainland or Iniskea North work at the station. All the North islanders were left with was just a foul smell from the station.

Even in those days there were issues over wages and a worker strike eventually got wages increased to £1 per week which then was a very good wage considering that rent in the locality was about £5 per year. This led to a period of prosperity and a good living standard for the workers and their families.

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The year 1909 was a bonanza year for the station with 102 whales caught. The whale blubber and oil were exported back to Norway and bones and meat dried and milled into powder were also shipped to Norway for use as cattle meal and fertiliser. However only a few years later the number of whales caught decreased significantly and by 1915 the Arranmore Whaling Company had fallen into heavy debt and had to cease operations.

Statistics show that during the station’s period of prosperity 125 blue whales were harpooned off Ireland at an average distance of 40

Sin scéal agus whale eile! miles offshore. In the same period 600 fin whales were harpooned which was 66% of total landings.

Only six humpback whales were harpooned which is 1% which shows that this species was rare in Irish waters.

In the meantime, Capt. Lorenz Bruun who had a boat involved in the Arranmore Whaling enterprise had set up his own Norwegian Irish whaling station on the Mullet Peninsula in Blacksod Bay employing 20 Norwegians and 30 Irish men.

When World War I broke out in 1914 it brought whaling to a standstill resulting in the Norwegians returning home and the station becoming a petrol base for the British Navy until the war ended in 1918. Capt. Bruun had aspirations of trying to revive his whaling operations after the War, but the station was in a poor state of repair and a large part of it was burned in 1923. It was alleged that local men who were refused jobs started the fire. The following year on Christmas Day Capt. Bruun died and because of lack of demand for whale blubber and oils, the company closed its doors which also brought to an end Mayo’s days of industrial whaling.

The setting up of the International Whaling Commission in 1931 and the Whale Fishery Act 1937 in Ireland was also instrumental in ending whaling. Despite the new laws Norwegian whalers still hunted minke whale and basking shark during the Summer offshore from 1966 to 1976 until the Wildlife Act 1976 was introduced for further protection for whales.

To this day there are still whale sightings offshore in Ireland seen by such as the Blasket Island Echo Marine Tours on their trips especially the minke whale which are the most common sightings

Still image from the film “Whaling Afloat and Ashore” . followed by fin whales, blue whales and sperm whales. There are records showing that a number of humpback whales were killed by whaling companies off the South-West coast during whaling activities.

As a footnote, a film crew from London came to the County Mayo station and filmed the whaling operation there titled ‘Whaling Afloat and Ashore’.

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THE IRISH SCENE | 67

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB

Meets fourth Tuesday of the month, with exception of December. At 7.30pm Meets fourthMay Tuesday of the month, with exception December.

At 7.30pm 24 ‘Phosphorescence’

by Julia of Baird, to be presented

by Trish Dooey May 24 ‘Phosphorescence’ by presented Julia Baird, be presented

by Trish Dooey June 28 TBA to be by to Cecilia Bray Irish Clubby Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco June 28 Venue TBA to be presented Cecilia Bray Admission Free. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Tea and coffee from the Bar $2 Venue Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco Contact Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

Admission Free. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Tea and coffee from the Bar $2 Contact BLOOMSDAY Convener Mary -Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com Joyce Literary Competition presentations James

BLOOMSDAY - James Joyce Literary Competition presentations

To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses, the AIHA will hold a celebratory event on June 16th, officially known world-wide as Bloomsday, after Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. At the event, the shortlisted entries from our competition will be staged as readings, drama, music and visual presentations by solo or groups. The overall winner will be chosen by popular vote on the night and will receive a cash prize.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses, the AIHA will hold a celebratory event on We thank our adjudicators Frank Murphy and Frances Devlin-Glass June 16th, officially known world-wide as Bloomsday, after Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. At the event, the May 24 Thursday Junefrom 16 atour7.30pm shortlisted entries competition will be staged as readings, drama, music and visual presentations byIrish solo or groups.

The overall winner willRoad, be chosen by popular on the night and will receive a cash June 28 Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Subiaco (to bevote confirmed) prize.

Venue AIHA members $20, Non-members $25, includes light refreshments We thank our adjudicators Frank Murphy and Frances Devlin-Glass Admission Best Edwardian dressed male or female. Plus special Irish raffle Date Thursday June 16 at 7.30pm Contact https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco (to be confirmed) Admission AIHA members $20, Non-members $25, includes light refreshments Prizes Best Edwardian dressed male or female. Plus special Irish raffle https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU Bookings website https://irishheritage.com.au/news-blog/ for a selection of exclusive interviews

AIHA Website

Check our conducted by committee member Gill Kenny and other articles of note. If you click on the interview with Aine Tyrrell you will arrive at our AIHA YouTube channel.

AineWebsite is really interesting - victim of domestic violence, successful singer, living in a bus and rearing 3 Check our website https://irishheritage.com.au/news-blog/ for a with selection exclusive interviews conducted children. She has great perspectives on life and had a real Irish chat Gill. ofEaster Monday Annual Catalpa Commemoby committee member and link otherwill articles note.website If you click on the with Aine Tyrrell ration was professionally videod Gill thisKenny year. The be onof our as soon asinterview available. you will arrive at our YouTube channel. Aine is really interesting - victim of domestic violence, successful We thank Gill and Patricia this new member singer, living in aBratton bus andfor rearing 3 children.

Shefeature. has great perspectives on life and had a real Irish chat with Gill. Easter Monday Annual Catalpa Commemoration was professionally videod this year. The link will be on our website as soon as available.

We thank Gill and Patricia Bratton for this new member feature.

The JOURNAL

Members of AIHA receive 4 editions of the Journal each year. Latest edition for March 2022, Vol 31, No 1 is available. We now have a library 30 years of Journal and are compiling an index of every article title, author and subject detail to be TheofJOURNAL made available on ourofwebsite from4May thisofyear.

We anticipate almost in the2022, index.

Members AIHA receive editions the Journal each year.

Latest2,000 editiontitles for March Vol 31, No 1 is Contributorsavailable. can email Julie aBreathnach-Banwait journal@irishheritage.com.au Weeditor now have library of 30 years ofon Journal and are compiling an index of every article title, author subjectcopies detail to made available on our website from May this year. We anticipate almost Non-members canand purchase atbe $10 2,000 titles in the index.

We thank Gill and Patricia Bratton new member feature.

Contributors can email editor for Juliethis Breathnach-Banwait on journal@irishheritage.com.au Non-members can purchase copies at $10

Coming Up

Coming Up

Annual Mary Durack lecture to be delivered by Patsy Millet, daughter of Dame Mary Durack, AC DBE Australian author Annual Mary Durack lecture to be delivered by Patsy Millet, daughter of Dame Mary Durack, AC DBE and historian, (1913 -author 1994).and Date is subject confirmation by toIrish Club inbyJuly August.

Australian historian, (1913 - to 1994).

Date is subject confirmation Irishor Club in July or August

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Due 1 January, 2022 Family membership $65 Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55 Distant (200 kms from Perth) $45 Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 Members enjoy discounted rates to dinners and functions, exclusive events, quarterly Journal, voting rights, and opportunities to participate in activities which promote an awareness of Australia’s Irish Heritage 90-page Journal publication is issued free to members quarterly and available for purchase at $10.

AIHA Committee President – Heather Deighan Treasurer/ Membership – Patricia Bratton Secretary – Tony Bray Committee – Peter Conole, Gayle Lannon, Diana MacTiernan, Julie Breathnach-Banwait, Gill Kenny Supported by a tier of volunteers. Please talk to us if you are interested in being involved in some way!

Planning and Review session - we welcome input and ideas on the activities and direction of our Association 68 | THE IRISH SCENE

G’Day from Melbourne

Back to Ireland

BY MIKE BOWEN

A

fter my recent interview with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce (Irish Scene, Vol 24 Issue 1) , my son Jonathan and I took his advice and booked a holiday back to Ireland, and an outing to the Uk. The A380 with its double deck was the perfect plane to fly on with its comfort, quietness and space. Melbourne via Dubai to London and then, an Aer Lingus flight to Cork. Wearing masks was not as troublesome as expected, no problems going through check-ins or checking out on the other side. First morning we woke with the perfect view from our hotel window of the sun shining on the iconic Shandon. After reacquainting with some friends and catching up with Catrina Twomey at the Cork Penny Dinners who I promised to help in some way, we headed for Carrigrohane to visit the very unusual graveside of Rory Gallagher, Irelands greatest blues guitarist. Jimmy Hendrix was once asked what it was like to be the best guitarist in the world, he replied, ‘you should ask Rory Gallagher that’.

With the sun still shining we drove to Kerry over the Cork and Kerry mountains, singing ‘Whiskey in the jar’. Our first stop in Kerry was to visit another friend, Cork man Pat Falvey, in his lofty home the Mountain Lodge in Beaufort.

Pat was the first Irishman to climb the seven tallest mountains in the world, twice. Arriving in Tralee, it was time for a feast of bacon, ribs and cabbage along with smooth creamy mashed potatoes prepared by our host, Karl and Sheila Bullman who are very dear friends from way back in

the late 60s. Later we sat back in the local to watch the Munster V The Dragons rugby on their big screen and enjoy some Bulmer’s and Guinness just to wash down the scrumptious dinner.

Rising to another fabulous sunny morning the four of us headed out the beautiful scenic peninsula to Dingle, then on to Dun Caoin at Slay Head, to visit the Old School from the famous movie (Ryan’s Daughter). While my traveling companions were wondering around the area, I spent a few hours writing and shed some tears at the beauty of this place and bore another heart ache at leaving my favourite place on this planet. A leisurely lunch and coffee back in Dingle and then another pitstop at the Connor Pass to be amazed by its beauty. Back in Tralee it was time to catch up with another old friend Ritchie Houlihan at his quaint little bar in Rock St. Surprise surprise Pat Falvey decided to join us for dinner at one of Irelands finest top-class restaurants THE IRISH SCENE | 69

music. After our three days stay in Galway we head for Cork to catch a flight to London.

Waking up to a sunny day in London we visit Abbey Road Studio and walk on the famous crossing, just me this time no Beatles. Next

Cassidy’s in the heart of Tralee. I give them a 100% for food and service, a must go to and eat place.

Saturday produced another sunny day as we bid farewell to friends and Kerry. With the new roadways the drive to Galway was a breeze.

Galway must be the in place in Ireland with its many great restaurants, Bars, Coffee cafes and shopping. If you visit Galway, be sure to call in to Mc Swiggans for the best Seafood Chowder in Ireland and I promise, you will drop in again and again for more. On March 7th Jonathan and I were dinner guest at my long-time Journalist friend, Charley Brady birthday along with his partner Paula M. O Carroll who is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Ashford Castle also joining us was Francis Casey, a board member of Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity, who do exceptional work, supporting families through childhood cancer.

One of the many highlights when strolling through the crowded streets of Galway is, to watch and listen to the amazing talents of the many buskers, filling the air with such joyous

stop a ‘quick’ lunch at the world’s first Hard Rock Cafe that opened in 1971. The only rain we get (two hours) in three weeks falls at this time and turns out to be a blessing in disguise. We get talking to Delia Lees, an amazing lady and one of the original Hard Rock waitresses who knows all its stories and secrets. She loved to dance to the music of Marvin Gay when she started at the restaurant and at 84 she is still light on her feet. Her late husband was from Sydney and they have a son Toby, once a lawyer now a divestor priest. Where do you get your energy and wonderful personality from I asked her. ‘I’m of Irish stock, from Kerry,” she said.

Paddington Bear time A

tube from Paddington to Euston to catch a train to Liverpool, but not before dropping into Paddington Bears den to pick up some of his siblings for some grandchildren back home and in Japan. I couldn’t avoid the temptation of a special photo of yours truly, to show that sometimes I can behave like a child myself.

Liverpool used to be known as a slice of Ireland with the many Irish who migrated there over the years. All that changed when the Beatles emerged and gave Liverpool a new identity.

Jonathan and I visit Strawberry fields, Penny Lane and The Cavern to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the musicial memories off my youth. The Magical Mystery Bus Tour was the

70 | THE IRISH SCENE

G’Day from Melbourne perfect way to visit all the iconic Beatles spots, a true Bucket List item ticked off.

Next is Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Tottenham Hotspurs. Expectations weren’t high as United had lost 4-1 to their crosstown rivals Man City the previous week.

Thankfully this game turned out to be one of United’s best games of the year, beating Spurs 3-2. Jonathan and I feel lucky and thankful to be there for a hat trick by Christiano Ronaldo, a win for United and another magic golden memory for us. We returned to United’s home ground to watch them play Atletico Madrid but sadly, the magic of the previous Saturday ended badly One nil against a boring defensive Atletico side.

Next day, St Patrick’s day eve and we catch the train to London for a flight back to Cork and dinner with old friends. Another late night turned into early hours morning reminiscing of old times.

St Patricks day in Cork was an opportunity to make up for the last few years of lost celebrations and the city and its people grabbed the chance. Later it was time for a train ride to Dublin for Saturdays Triple Crown game decider, between Ireland and Scotland at Aviva Stadium. Our front row tickets are thanks to our very good friend Jim Geraghty, Heineken’s marketing manager, who got them from a friend for us. We deeply appreciated this act of kindness and to see Ireland slam Scotland 26-5 to win the Triple Crown. Another amazing memory for our treasure box.

After a panicked two hours to get to Vicar Street theatre from the stadium we arrive two minutes before George and Eddie Furey take to the stage.

The boys had two front row balcony seats waiting for us, fine seats for a fine performance.

They had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the first note struck.

Unhampered by the need

to wear masks the audience sang through the entire concert adding an electric atmosphere to the night.

Encores were called for many times. Spending some quite time with the George, Eddie and the other members of the band after the show was the perfect way to end an amazing day.

With a bag full of amazing memories from a totally perfectly planned holiday, all credit to Jonathan for his patience in making this, a holiday wish of a lifetime happen. When leaving Ireland, I always hope this won’t be me my last time. My near-death experience of February 22 last year gave me a reason not to waste time thinking of what might happen later. Take time to live, before time takes you.

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

THE IRISH SCENE | 71

G’day from Gary Gray AUSTRALIA’S AMBASSADOR IN IRELAND Stay up to date with what’s happening in the Australian Embassy, Ireland by following:

@ausembire

Australian Embassy, Ireland

@AusEmbIre

Right: The Ukranian flag is flying next to the Australian flag outside the Australian Embassy on St Stephens Green.

Opposite page, from top: Ambassador Gray (centre) met with Ruslan Mocharskyy (co-owner of the Art of Coffee Dublin - right) and Kirk Richards (Chemist Warehouse - left) to see off four pallets of pharmacy supplies to Ukraine.

Zelensky addresses Dail for Ambassador Gary Gray column on page 72/73.

Zelenskyy briefs Irish Parliament as Australian Embassy responds to Ukrainian Crisis On Wednesday 6th April, I was pleased to be present when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a joint sitting of the Irish parliament, which was also attended by 45 members of the diplomatic corps in Ireland.

President Zelensky thanked Ireland for its support, saying “You did not doubt starting to help us, you began doing this right away and although you are a neutral country, you have not remained neutral to the disaster and to the mishaps that Russia has brought to Ukraine. Thank you for the humanitarian and financial support extended to our country and thank you for your caring about Ukrainian people who found shelter on your land.”

President Zelensky called on Ireland to show more leadership. “I would like to ask you to convince EU partners to introduce more rigid sanctions against Russia to make sure the Russian war machine will stop. We have to put an end to trading with Russia. We have to cut ties of the Russian banks to the global system and cut the sources of their income from oil that they use for their weapons and killing. Russia is targeting sea ports and food storage depots to use hunger as a weapon against the people of Ukraine.”

President Zelensky concluded saying “Our courage has already turned the new age of relationship between Ukraine and Ireland. Our mutual understanding and mutual respect is already at a level where it becomes only a question of time for us to start living in our common European house. Thank you for the support of the accelerated procedure to provide membership in the EU to Ukraine.

With your support, it will be even faster and beneficial to both nations. So, let’s bring our efforts together. And let’s show that Ukraine and Ireland jointly can do much more than what the biggest country of the world was trying to destroy. I am grateful to Ireland. Slava Ukraini.”

Responding to President Zelensky, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said that Ireland is resolute in our solidarity and support for Ukraine. “We are a militarily neutral country. However, we are not politically neutral in the face of war crimes.

72 | THE IRISH SCENE

G’DAY FROM GARY GRAY Quite the opposite. Our position is informed by the principles that drive our foreign policy - support for international human rights, for humanitarian law and for a rules-based international order. We are not neutral when Russia disregards all of these principles. We are with Ukraine.”

Taoiseach Martin said Ireland supports Ukraine’s application for European Union membership.

“Ireland has committed €20 million euro in direct humanitarian funding, delivered through proven international agencies active on the ground, and will do more. As well as financial support, through a collaborative effort we are in the process of delivering medical equipment including ambulances, ultrasound machines, mobile x-ray machines, ventilators and incubators. Ireland has contributed our full share to the European Peace Facility’s €1bn assist package to Ukraine.” Taoiseach Martin continued, “That is why Ireland has contributed our full share to the European peace facility’s €1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine. We have also supplied provisions and body armour to the Ukrainian military.”

Opposition leader (Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein) said Russia should be prosecuted for human-rights violations against Ukrainian civilians. “These are crimes against the Ukrainian people and these are crimes against humanity, and Russia must be held accountable for its barbarism and justice must be done. These human-rights violations and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention demand investigation by the International Criminal Court and prosecutions to follow.”

In the days following the address, Ireland engaged in a discussion around the status of Russian diplomats in Ireland and Irish diplomats in Russia.

provisions and toothpaste; as well as 40 walkietalkies and 10kg of AAA batteries, rechargeable batteries and battery charging packs to aid communications on the ground.

The Australian embassy in Ireland flies the Ukrainian flag. We stand with Ukraine.

The Hon Gary Gray AO Australian Ambassador to Ireland

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL 2022. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA, STAY IN TOUCH.

To support our local Ukrainian community, the Australian Embassy in Ireland has been working closely with Irish and Australian partners, Chemist Warehouse, Glen Dimplex and Harvey Norman to respond to the crisis in Ukraine. This has included the provision of sending four pallets of pharmacy products ranging from shampoo and conditioner, sanitary THE IRISH SCENE | 73

Patrick Whalen Patrick Whalen was born in 1945.

He is from New York and his grandparents emigrated to the US from Tipperary and Cork.

I

’m Patrick Francis Whalen the third, because my dad was Patrick Francis, and his dad was Patrick Francis. I was born during a snowstorm in New York, which I don’t remember, but my mom told me about it. And I grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, right on the outskirts of Harlem at a place called 180 Claremont Avenue.

On my dad’s side, his parents are born in the States, but his grandparents were born in Ireland. My grandparents from Ireland had my mom. Martin Ryan and Mary - Molly that’s what everybody called her- Kelly. My grandmother was from County Cork. And my grandfather [Papa] was from Tipperary.

A family in New York City sent a ticket [to Ireland] for a passage for Papa’s sister Maggie, who’s about four years younger. She was to be their nanny, so she was going to New York to be a nanny.

However, Maggie had been procrastinating and the ticket had been sitting on the dresser for a while. Papa returned home one evening after a particularly long and gruelling day working in the peat moss fields. He went to the drawer and said that he had enough of this and took it and then left for New York City. I don’t know if Papa had to work for them as a nanny for a while. I can’t see him doing that job!

He [Papa] migrated on the Cedric which is owned by the same line that had the Titanic. The Cedric left from Liverpool and stopped in County Cork and that’s where my grandfather got on at Queenstown and then went on to New York. He was a labourer in Ireland. And then in the States, he became a bus driver on the Fifth Avenue bus line. He faithfully bought Irish sweepstakes tickets all the time. I remember that.

[Papa] and his friend went on a double date with two women. And at the end of the date, they switched partners. So my grandfather got my Nana. I believe my grandmother was actually older than my grandfather. We used to tease her about robbing the cradle. They got married on

74 | THE IRISH SCENE

“I was born during a snowstorm in New York” 96th Street in Manhattan at the Church of the Holy Name on the 6th of June 1915.

They had three girls and one boy, Mike Ryan. They all stayed in the New York area. Michael Ryan was the only one of them that didn’t live in an apartment building. When he got married, he moved to Bergenfield, New Jersey and actually had a house and we were just amazed. He was the only one we knew that lived in a house, not an apartment building. All my cousins and I grew up in apartment buildings [in the] ‘50s and ‘60s. My mom was living in the Bronx at the time she came to visit [me in King Island, Tasmania]. Now funny thing about King Island is there are more people living in my mom’s apartment building than lived on King Island at the time. She just couldn’t believe, it’s the most remote she’s ever been. But she backed a winner on the King Island Cup, so that made her happy.

[My grandmother] used to make the best Irish soda bread I’ve ever had. The other thing I remember her for - and I never could eat it - was her black pudding. Oh, my grandfather used to hoe into the black pudding! I couldn’t take it.

I lived with them for quite a while. My parents split up. I lived with my grandparents and my mom and my brother at 180 Claremont Avenue in Manhattan. [It was near] Riverside Church, which has a big bell tower. Some of the nicest memories I have as a kid is listening to the bells on Christmas morning playing Christmas carols. It was amazing.

They had the largest tuned bell in the world there.

My grandfather used to fly back to Ireland every other year. I said to him once, when I was visiting from Australia, ‘When are you going to come down and visit us in Australia?’ And he said, ‘Oh, glory be to God, you want me to fly halfway around the world?’ He had an Irish brogue right up to the day he died. It’s as if he got off the boat yesterday.

I [attended] Corpus Christi primary school, on 121st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. At lunchtime, for us to play, we didn’t have a playground. The school was built on top of the church. The police would come 10 minutes before our lunchtime and put barricades up on the street.

And so we were able to play on the street except if it was raining we didn’t or snowing.

My three best friends when I was in primary school, by the time I had finished high school two

From Home to Home: Oral Histories of Seniors in WA of them were dead from drug overdoses. That’s a sort of neighbourhood I grew up in. My dad never went to college, neither did my mom, in fact none of my aunts or uncles ever went, the only one is my dad’s brother. He went through and he ended up being a school principal.

We spent every summer, first at Rockaway Beach.

And then when they destroyed Rockaway Beach by putting up projects, we moved to Long Beach.

But I was very lucky insofar as I never had to spend a summer in New York City. We always went to the beach for the summer. Rockaway was predominantly Irish, very, very Irish. Rockaway Beach was called the Irish Riviera because of the volume of Irish people. Rockaway Beach is amazing, growing up there. We leave the house in the morning, my cousins and I, and we wouldn’t come back to lunchtime. We’re just out playing all the time. We played baseball, stickball, playing games on the beach. My cousins and I grew up together almost as one.

I left New York in 1959 to go to a junior seminary.

That’s when I graduated from Corpus Christi primary school. From there I went to Don Bosco College and got a Bachelor of Arts with a major in philosophy. But always loving mathematics as much as I did, I went back and did some summer courses to upgrade myself to be a mathematics teacher, which I have done since 1968. I began teaching in a Salesian High School, Dominic Savio High School in East Boston, Massachusetts, or as the people there used to say, ‘Easta’ Boston. It’s a predominantly Italian neighbourhood. Then when I left the Salesian Congregation I did some relief teaching in New York.

In 1972, my cousin Ken Grant, very well-known basketball player, he just came back from a tour in Australia. I think they were sponsored by Levi’s, they travelled around, they’d give coaching clinics and then play games. And he said to me, ‘Pat, you know, I really think you would enjoy Australia’. He said, ‘For one thing, they have a shortage of experienced math/science teachers, for another thing, they really need basketball people with basketball ability’. And I was a reasonable player and I was the assistant varsity coach in a state championship team. He gave me the address of someone in Melbourne and I wrote and expressed my interest in coming to Australia and they said, ‘Yes, we’ll take you, we’ll fly you over for one year, we’ll find you a teaching job and you coach us. If you stay with us for two years, we’ll fly you back to the States’.

It took me a couple of months to get my visa straight. I have to have a chest X ray to prove I [don’t have] tuberculosis. And I had to be fingerprinted. And then I got a good conduct

“My grandmother used to make the best Irish soda bread I’ve ever had” certificate. I came by plane on a Qantas flight.

April 21 1972. I flew from New York. This is before they came out with the 747SP, special performance. So the plane had to land in Hawaii to refuel and then continue from Hawaii to Melbourne over 24 hours.

Well, during [my first year in Australia], I played with a touring team. We gave coaching clinics in the afternoon, and we played exhibition games against the state team at night. And part of the tour was a ten day tour of Tasmania. I just fell in love with the place, the opposite, diametrically opposed to New York City. New York’s very intense, you know, it’s packed. And so when my one year contract was up with the team rather than stay for a second year, I moved to Tasmania and I stayed in Tasmania for 19 years. I moved to WA because my-ex wife brought the kids over here. I started teaching in Lesmurdie Senior High School, then Trinity, then I taught at Broome Senor High School for five years, and then took a position at Prendiville Catholic College.

‘I do feel a strong attachment to Ireland’ I’ve been to the Irish Club, the Claddagh Association. I keep in mind Blooms Day. St. Patty’s Day is always a special day for me. Believe it or not, [the parade is] bigger in New York than in Dublin. One year, the Lord Mayor of Dublin actually attended St. Patty’s Day in New York as the guest of honour. The dividing line on Fifth Avenue is painted green. And the parade goes right up along Fifth Avenue. And it terminates near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

[I have] a sense of pride about my Irish heritage but [feel] more Australian than American. One year on Thanksgiving Day, my cousins and [I] we’re all on email saying, ‘How’s Thanksgiving Day?’ I said ‘One of the things I’m most thankful for in my life was Ken giving me the idea about moving to Australia’. And Ken emailed back and says, ‘Yeah, but your mom wouldn’t speak to me for four months after that’.

Patrick was interviewed by Claddagh volunteer Tina O’Connor. Tina is from High Wycombe, UK and has spent time in Cloneygowan, Co. Offaly, the homeplace of her late husband, Emmet.

THE IRISH SCENE | 75

Its been a nifty fifty Fred I t is difficult to imagine what the Irish community of Perth might look like today if Fred Rea had never left his native Cork city. ‘Irish by birth, Western Australian by choice’, his words, equally proud of both parts of his life. As soon as he arrived on April 28 1972 Fred started having an impact on those around him and he still does to this day. Before long he was the newest member of the Quarefellas folk group, who continue to perform to this day! Sometimes at venues and functions around WA you might see a man on stage with his guitar by the name of Patrick Hooligan who looks and sounds suspiciously like him.

Amongst many other things he had a hand in the founding of the Irish Theatre Players, the creation of the legendary and the former legendary Blarney Castle and is behind several albums, books and even a play about Martin O’Meara Victoria Cross (Under any old Gum tree). Making connections and friendships comes easily for this gregarious character but meeting and marrying Lily here, who has been with him every step of the way and with who he has a beautiful and talented family, completed his new life.

Scores of people and groups will, and have marked the special occasion of Fred’s 50th

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Nifty fifty Fred anniversary or have reason to celebrate it. You would need a special edition of Irish Scene to try and get it all in. Indeed, there would be no Irish Scene without him. A printer – compositor in fact – by trade Fred joined forces with the late Joe Crozier, a teacher, to publish the first copy of Irish Scene for the visit of the then President of Ireland Mary McAleese to Australia in 1998.

Irish Scene has been published every two months since then.

As a journalist emigrating to Perth without a job or any connections it was a revelation to quickly discover the locally produced publication. I wanted to get involved and thankfully Fred was open to the idea. That was about thirteen years ago. As well as working alongside Fred I would also sit down with Lilly, sometimes for hours, correcting typos and mistakes and putting the finishing touches on the magazine just before it went to the printers, Vanguard, in Northbridge. It was a team effort, and still is. It is now three years since Fred and Lily trusted Imelda and me to carry on the magazine. Thank’s Fred. For everything. Lloyd and Imelda.

A View of the River Lee in Cork City, Ireland.

THE IRISH SCENE | 77

Irish Choir Perth

W

e opened our last article with the idea that Term 1 of the Irish Choir Perth would be either a great work of fact, or a great work of fiction. The reality was something that fell in the middle. We had optimistically pencilled in a multitude of events across Perth and even down South. Fiction indeed! So far our performance count is at zero! However, despite the challenges that Covid posed, we were able to run almost every rehearsal session we had planned – a thing that counts as mildly heroic these days! To keep the show going we mixed up our rehearsal space – some were held outdoors, others indoors at the Irish Club, and one that turned out to be particularly special.

In late March the choir decided to have an outdoor rehearsal at Kings Park to have a break from singing indoors while wearing masks. It was a perfect Perth evening and we arrived in time to see the sun setting over the city. What we hadn’t realised when we planned our outdoor rehearsal was that The Project was in town for the week and filming from Kings Park, which meant it little busier than usual for a Wednesday evening with Perth locals coming along to watch the show in a truly live format. However, we

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didn’t allow ourselves to get too distracted and set up a short distance away to get on with the important business of singing. As we practiced passers-by became an impromptu audience, with a few stopping to listen for a bit, giving us a smile and a nod as they set off again. Once darkness had fully descended, the light from the flame of remembrance drew us in and we moved to sing our final songs of the evening at the memorial. Once we had finished the warmth of the flame was matched by the warmth of tea (and freshly baked biscuits!) that two of our thoughtful members had brought along to share with everyone. It’s easy to take for granted sometimes how beautiful our city is and how many wonderful outdoor spaces there are to be enjoyed. But our session at King’s Park has sown a seed of inspiration and thoughts about how else we can bring together our Irish choir and some famous Perth landmarks….watch this space!

In the meantime, we are, as always, welcoming new members to our sessions on Wednesday nights, 7pm at the Irish Club of WA – Join in, Sing!

Comhaltas

New Comhaltas Perth Website Launched CCE Perth is delighted to launch its new website at https://perthcomhaltas.com.au/home It includes information on the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil competition, Bickley Music Camp Weekend in addition to details on CCE Perth membership and contact information.

UPCOMING CCE PERTH EVENTS Bickley Camp Open Day (6-8 May 2022) CCE Perth will be hosting its first outdoor camp of 2022 at Bickely outdoor recreation centre from 6 – 8 May 2022. The camp will include language, music and dancing workshops over the course of the weekend.

The weekend will start with a Friday night session in the main hall with multiple instrument workshops taking place from Saturday morning onwards. Saturday will conclude with evening dinner followed by an open session. Everyone welcome.

CCE Perth Membership Comhaltas welcome and encourage aspiring musicians of all ages and levels to get in touch.

Members of our committee will be able to assist in the many areas of Irish music, song, dance and language, whether that be learning the bodhran, to gain an understanding of sheet music and common tunes played at the Irish sessions, the basics of Irish language and set dancing, amongst many more.

Monday night lessons at The Irish Club 61 Townshend Rd, Subiaco WA, 6008

CCE Perth Fleadh Cheoil 2022 The Fleadh Cheoil event will take place at the Irish Club, WA on Saturday 21 May 2022 at 10am.

The event will host a series of competitions for all traditional music instruments and song.

The competition includes many instrument categories. If your instrument is not listed on Entry Form (which can be obtained from the below Comhaltas email contact), please let us know and we will add it to the list – everyone welcome.

Winners in each category will be awarded a trophy.

Beginner players are very welcome, and there are different age categories for those under 18.

Please check our CCE Perth Facebook page for future updates and feel free to get in touch via email should you have any queries regarding the event. A member of our committee will be able to provide you with the Fleadh Cheoil Entry Form and Competition Rules.

Please get in touch either via email at perthcomhaltas@gmail.com or the branches Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ perthcomhaltas/. We would love to hear from you.

Comhaltas Membership Details

Comhaltas member:........................................$5.00

(lessons session every Monday at 7pm at the Irish Club, WA).

Non-member:.......................................................$10.00

Yearly membership:

Slow session 2pm to 4pm every Third Sunday of the Month (no charge) at The Victoria Park Arts Centre Kent Street, East Victoria Park, 6101

Pensioner:........................................................... $20.00

Music Weekend 6 – 8 May 2022

Child:....................................................................... $20.00 Family:................................................................... $65.00

Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp

Adult single:....................................................... $40.00

Hardinge Rd, Orange Grove WA, 6109

Adult (couple):.................................................. $55.00 THE IRISH SCENE | 79

Book Reviews Will Tabitha get the cor rect result?

by Paula Xiberras

HOUSE OF CORRECTION

BY NICCI FRENCH Sean French and Nicci Gerard, the authors that together make up the moniker, Nicci French are feeling the constricts of COVID on their craft with their book House of Correction had to be launched online.

Here, There and Eve rywhere

by Paula Xiberras

Pierre’s Not There

BY URSULA DUBOSARSKY This story has long been a desire for Ursula Dubosarsky. It had its origins in when she visited Paris 30 or 40 years ago and literally walked backstage into a puppet show.

Since that time she has yearned to write a story about puppets.

I’m delighted to hear of a Tasmanian In this story the protagonist n Fre and he Niccand connection when Sean Sea tells mench that Nicci i Gerard, story has the authors that Lara goes along with herThis mother to clean an long bee toge n aold ther mak French are feeling the desire for Ursula Du e up the monikershe constric , Nicc ts of a visii ted Par are keen to visit Tasmania someday having heard COVID onhouse is 30 at thethei edge of the harbour.

The cleaning their craf or 40 yeahas Correct t with rs ago and literall ion had to be launche r boo k Hou sesho of w. Since that d onli ne. lot about it from Peter Conrad who taught Sean at timecleans she has yearned to writ the feeling of an exorcism as the woman e I’m delighted to hear of a Tasmanian connection Oxford.

In this thewhe house, Lara witnesses atago marble story the pro n Seanmeanwhile Nicci are keen to visit nist Lara goes along wit tells me that he and Tasmania someday hav the edg e of the har ing heard a lotroll seemingly itself along the ground to her.

From Con bou rad who taug r. The about The authors usually plan together the details oford. their cleaning has the fe it from ht Sea Petclea n at Oxf er ns the houwho se, mea the shadows appears a young boy sent nwhthe ile Lara witnesses a novel then research and write independently.

They The authors ground to her. From the usually plan together the details ofmarble herrese direction. The boy, Pierre tellssha her he is ears a you dow s app their novin indeoff el then pento deneach send their chapter drafts tly. Theother arch and dire y send to writctio theiedit. e n. The boy, Pierre tells her he r chapter drafts off to each for looking his grandmother and that wolves ate his is looking always know where thei othe r to edit ate . The writ The writers always know where their story will end r stor ershis mother and father. His y will end and because of the y is a warped complexity need this care usual mother and father. story a d. warped nod to stor such AgathaHis Riding is Christie Hoo ful planning. Both authors Our her and because of the usual Agatha Christie complexity oine accompanies Pierre to have bac and psychology which kgro unds Red as Little in socRiding iology Hood. Our heroine is helpful in their craft. fairy tales Along the way Lara is need this careful planning. Both authors have transformed into a dog accompanies Pierre to find his grandmother.

Sean and Nicci believe and tale, this time Sleeping thatwhich thrillers is backgrounds in sociology and psychology are popular with adults Beauty is and gho st stories to frigh as chil dren witch Along thejust way Lara islike transformed into a dog andinvolved in help helpful in their craft. the themes of everyday ten them. Creepy stories are an interesting way The boo k starts off in prose but explore fairy life in a safe way. again with a nod to to another this time changes to poetr puppet show.tale, In the puppet show ther Sean and Nicci believeThe that with storthrillers y is set in aare e is a pupp Sleeping Beauty is involved in helping wake a Agapopular tha Christeque style villa Pie rre. ge where the aptly nam s. Tab itha isand adults just as childrenlive like witch ghost stories to a mis ed Tabitha fit, an outs sleeping ider who does not fit into thebear. a surprise when she is com munity, so itWh en Pierre does find his accused of mur is not frighten them. Creepy stories are an interesting way grandmother his family dering a man her hou Theinbook starts butnchanges to poetry se. off in prose being eate by the wolves . It is at this point that to explore the themes of everyday life in a safe way.

L with the transformation to the puppet show.

In the Was it a dream? She is told bylike The story is set in a Agatha Christeque style village her mot puppet show there is ais puppet that looks just the her that the cleaning had kept pup pets. His family had bee where the aptly named Tabitha lives. Tabitha is real life Pierre. n a misfit, an outsider who does not fit into the When Pierre does find his grandmother his family community, so it is not a surprise when she is magically transform too, alive after being eaten by accused of murdering a man in her house. the wolves. It is at this point that Lara returns home.

We learn that the murdered man was her former Was it a dream? She is told by her mother that the teacher who took advantage of her during her school old man who had the house she is cleaning had years. In the course of the book Tabitha sacks her kept puppets. His family had been killed in the war. The man was the boy Pierre, whom Lisa had lawyer and attempts to argue her case alone. accompanied on the search for his grandmother. A House of Correction by Nicci French is out now toenail reminds her of the validity of her experiences. published by Simon and Schuster.

80 | THE IRISH SCENE

Book Reviews The war is possibly a metaphor for the wolves Pierre told her killed his family.

The book demonstrates with Lara’s transformation into a dog/wolf that we cannot blame individual people from a nation for what has gone before and we should be able to trust again.

The book is given a resolution where Pierre, now absent from the house, and like the title says ‘not there’ is reunited with his grandmother and family again.

Pierre’s Not There by Ursula Dubosarsky is out now published by Allen and Unwin.

THE COLONY

Interspersed with chapters of island life, Magee has inserted bulletin like vignettes focusing on 1979 Irish atrocities, including the Mullaghmore assassination of Lord Mountbatten. In this, her second novel, Magee, with her luminous, lyrical prose has produced a thought provoking work of stunning beauty and deep insight. In addition, The Colony more than captures the only outcome worth emanating from any fine novel; after the final page has turned the reader is left with resonating thoughts and a sense of wonderment. This beautifully realized fable is an expertly woven portrait of character and place confronting aspects of our disappearing cultural heritage. The Colony is a work which will undoubtly feature prominently in the year’s literary plaudits and prizes. - Reviewed by John Hagan.

BY AUDREY MAGEE / ALLEN& UNWIN $29.99

See Q&A with Audrey Magee

The unnamed Gaeltacht island, ‘three miles long and half a mile wide’, lies just off the Co Mayo coast. It boasts a population of 92, comprising just twelve families who mostly speak a dialect of Carrowteige Irish.

The first visitor, on that fateful summer of 1979, is an English traditional landscape artist, known only as Mr Lloyd. He has come to paint the island’s wild beauty, birdlife and soaring cliffs with the intention of exhibiting these works in his forthcoming London exhibition. He also wishes to impress his estranged, art-dealer wife in the hope of winning back her affections. Shortly after Lloyd’s landfall, a second visitor, Jean-Pierre Masson, arrives. Masson, popular with the islanders, is a French linguist who is returning to complete a thesis he has been working on for the past five years. He specializes in ‘languages threatened with extinction’ and is endeavouring to preserve and protect the ‘ancient and beautiful’, Carrowteige dialect. The two visitors, neither of whom suspected the presence of the other, are soon drawn in to interpersonal conflict over turf supplies, accommodation, language and local traditions.

The islanders, welcoming, reserved, patient and hospitable, differ in their thoughts and responses to the two warring interlopers, while having their own ideas on what in their environment is worth cherishing. On the island we meet family matriarch, pipe smoking, Bean Ui Fhloinn, her daughter Bean Ui Neill, who caters for the two visitors together with her daughter, the beautiful Mairead, who models for Lloyd and sometimes slips in to Masson’s bed.

Lloyd discovers that Mairead’s son James, who wants to leave the island, displays a natural aptitude for painting and he promises to take James to London to exhibit his art and enroll him in art school.

THE CANE

BY MARYROSE CUSKELLY / ALLEN & UNWIN $32.99 In Mackay (Queensland) on 21 March, 1972, 14 year old Marilyn Wallman left home on her bike to catch the school bus.

Soon after, her brothers found her schoolbag and abandoned cycle by the roadside.

Marlyin was never seen again and the reason for her disappearance has never been identified. In 2018, Maryrose Cuskelly was awarded the New England Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Writing for her essay, Well before dark, which focused on Wallman’s vanishing. With The Cane, Cuskelly has now returned to some of the themes from that essay as the basis for her first foray into fiction. Set in North Queensland during the early 1970s, Barbara McClymont scours the cane fields near the (fictional) town of Quala for her 16 year old daughter, Janet, who has been missing for weeks after leaving home to babysit a neighbour’s children.

The police have no leads and Quala is enveloped in an atmosphere of suspicion, impatience, distrust and dread. Children of the town sense a malevolent presence, with Janet being the second child who has, seemingly, died in mysterious circumstances. Senior constable, Carmel Maitland (one of the novel’s three narrators) is sent to investigate and is puzzled that during the month following Janet’s disappearance the police investigation has turned up so little – no body, no witnesses and no likely suspects. Maitland starts to compile her own ‘persons of interest’ list which includes Janet’s boyfriend, Joe Cassar, teacher Eamonn Sullivan and his housemate, Peter Parslow.

Of course Maitland cannot overlook the fact that Janet might have engineered her own vanishing act.

THE IRISH SCENE | 81

Book Reviews As the burning of the cane eventually commences, smoke and tensions escalate exposing Quala’s dark heart. Cuskelly skillfully depicts the cane fields as treacherous and menacing while exemplifying the latent misogyny, parochialism and narrowmindedness associated with 1970s Queensland outback life. She also introduces something of the violent history of the cane fields replete with the itinerant island workers who toil away during the harvest season. Cuskelly deftly exposes the racial tensions and small-town intrigue fermenting under the thin veneer of Quala. If you enjoyed reading Wimmera and/or The Dry, you will relish this atmospheric, zingy, outback mystery. - Reviewed by John Hagan.

FACTS* AND OTHER LIES

BY ED COPER / ALLEN& UNWIN $32.99 ‘Just remember, what you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening’ – President Donald J. Trump. And he should know!

Coper welcomes us to the ‘disinformation age’, with ‘disinformation’, according to the author being statements/information deliberately designed to deceive, as opposed to misinformation, which may be merely unintentional. Armed with this definition, I immediately flicked to the index to search for ‘Morrison’, and I was not disappointed. There he was, acclaimed with a dossier of 27 ‘significant lies and falsehoods’, and cited in the good company of D J Trump (credited with 20 falsehoods for each day of his presidency), YouTube, Rupert Murdoch, Craig Kelly, Alan Jones and Russia’s Internet Research Agency - to name but a few. We all know that politicians lie; they rank as one of Australia’s least

82 | THE IRISH SCENE

trusted professions. Coper, in his exploration of the topic, gently leads the reader on an absorbing historical journey commencing in Ancient Greece and ending in the very halls of our own parliaments thousands of years later. All the way from Socrates to Scomo, so to speak. The relatively recent development of computers and the ever expanding internet heralded an era of unfettered access and opportunity to quickly spread disinformation. Coper explains how this malaise has arisen leading to a fractured society, how (and why) disinformation is so difficult to combat, and what we (consumers) can do to prevent its seemingly rampant spread in Australia. The media too, in all its myriad of forms, cops Coper’s forensic scrutiny to reveal how many self interested actors (shock jocks and news paper proprietors included) operate from the same dark and deluded playbook in order to deflect and deceive. Thankfully, the disinformation malignancy challenging modern society can be tackled (and defeated), as Coper outlines how we can defy and defuse the disinformation imbroglio. This book is arguably essential reading for anyone wanting to cut through the increasing, unbridled hype before we are all condemned to disappear down the disinformation sink hole. But then, do we really care? - Reviewed by John Hagan.

56 DAYS

BY CATHERINE RYAN HOWARD / CORVUS $29.99 Budding architect, Oliver, meets computer assistant, Ciara, in the selfservice queue of a Dublin Tesco supermarket. Both have recently arrived in the city; she from Co. Leitrim, and he from England. That encounter was 56 days ago, the same week COVID-19 reached Ireland’s shores. Soon, initial

Book Reviews attraction gives rise to a promising relationship and three weeks later, in order to remain together in the face of the national lockdown declared by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Ciara moves in to Oliver’s spartan apartment just off Harold’s Cross Road.

Now, in continual 24 hour contact, can Oliver and Ciara still manage to hide their own dark personal confidences from each other? Five weeks after Varadkar’s edict, neighbours, alerted by a foul smell emanating from Oliver’s flat, call the Garda. Detective Inspector Leah Riordan and Detective Sergeant Karl Connolly are duly dispatched to investigate. They find the decomposing body of a male, deceased for two weeks, face down in the shower. Who is the corpse? If a murder has occurred, how was this done since the doors to the apartment are locked from the inside? The perfect crime? Riordan and Connolly set about unraveling the mystery and delve in to the background of the two lovers, uncovering hitherto cosseted secrets. Following on from a device used in a previous novel, ‘Rewind’ (soon to be on-screen), Howard adeptly continues to keep the reader off balance with her disparate, immersive storytelling.

Expertly using alternating timelines (50, 33, 23 days previously), and points of view (recounted through

the eyes of Oliver, Ciara, Riordan), Howard skillfully transports readers from the present to the past and back again, creating an atmospheric, seamless and totally original narrative. Her brilliant plotting is well supported by superb character development in an engrossing tale which weaves timely topics into a gripping, immersive thriller, with a number of breathtaking final twists. A compulsive and entertaining read which hopefully will bring Howard the widespread acclaim she so richly deserves.

Postscript: During the first half of last century, female writers such as, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Agatha Christie and Margery Allingham were amongst the leading crime/mystery novelists, selling millions of books worldwide. Fast forward to the 2020s to discover a slew of fine, Irish, female, crime/ mystery, authors like Howard. Amongst these are, E D Thompson with ‘I know I saw her’ (reviewed in the November /December 2021 edition of Irish Scene), Hannah King’s, ‘She and I’, Edel Coffey, with ‘Breaking Point’, and Louise Kennedy’s debut novel, ‘Trespasses’. All the action by these emergent novelists is set in Ireland, arguably heralding a new genre of ‘Hibernia noir’ bestsellers. - Reviewed by John Hagan.

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Book Reviews

Editors Pick In Dublin They Really Tell You Things

BY PAT INGOLDSBY If originality and creativity are two of the hall marks of a great author then Pat Ingoldsby must rank as one of the best writers of our time. Ingoldsby might only be familiar to some as a former RTE children’s TV presenter from the 1970’s and eighties who might have written him off as being “way out there”, but that was just a diversion in his long and unconventional life. The now 79 year old Dubliner is – and always has been – a poet, a wielder of words and ideas who expresses the silly and serious things in life in his own irreplaceable way. In March his new book of poetry ‘In Dublin They Really Tell You Things’ – a selection of poems, including some unpublished ones, from 1986 to 2021 was released. In my student days in Dublin I used to have some of his other offerings on my bookshelf. I was even lucky enough to get to know him a bit when he had a stall selling his poetry at the busy weekend markets in Blackrock village in Dublin, where I worked as a market hand and helper. The limited edition of ‘In Dublin They Really Tell You Things’ is only available from the Museum of

Literature Ireland (Moli) in the Irish captial and I will be doing my best to make sure I get a copy. On St. Patrick’s Day his social media site (which is managed on his behalf by a friend) announced something remarkable about the new book.

“Russian publisher, editor and translator Shashi Marty nova had already translated two of Pat’s books (Beautiful Cracked Eyes and The Peculiar Sensation of Being Irish’ when she learned - last year - that I was editing a new collection of Pat’s poetry with MoLI,” the administrator on his site said. “Within weeks, perhaps even days, Shashi had translated it - and found a publisher - in time for St Patrick’s Day and its festivities in her country which, I imagine, will not be taking place anymore. It is a beautifully-crafted book, published by Rodents Publishing Ltd in Moscow and, despite the troubles, four copies of the book managed to make their way to my home yesterday. It will take them a few more days to reach Pat!.” At a time when the world is witnessing horrendous inhumanity, threats of nuclear war and deepening division somehow the idea of Pat’s book – being read by Russian and English speakers alike – might be the only thing that makes sense in a crazy world.

We could learn much from him and his ilk.

‘In Dublin They Tell You Things’, might yet be Ingoldsby’s most important work.

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Cappawhite to Meekatharra Is it a loaf of bread you be wanting, my lad? … Be you alone or have you a mate?

Shure ‘tis hard times my boy, but take this and good luck.

- Quoted from “Brodie”: Memoirs of Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall, Access Press, Northbridge, Western Australia, 1994, p39

P

ake had seen it all before. Twenty years ago he had been there himself, walking for days, camping in any available shelter, chopping wood in exchange for a decent piece of fresh meat and the luxury of milk and sugar for his billy tea. He understood that glint in the eye – the prospect of the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow, his very own mining ‘show’.

The 1901 census of Ireland had shown Pake Timoney as an electrical engineer’s indentured apprentice in Cork City, nineteen years old and sixty miles from his home village of Cappawhite, Tipperary. For twenty years electricity companies in Ireland had generated fragmented networks, some of them harnessing alternating current (AC) and others direct current (DC), according to location and the size and purpose of each grid.

Pake’s training in Cork was DC-based, and of little value in the emerging AC networks in Australia.

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Pake had other skills acquired through his family’s central position as shopkeepers in Cappawhite since 1877. Their shop at the heart of the village, today occupied by the Centra grocery and convenience store, consisted then of a general store, bakery on the side, tavern at the rear and the family’s residence upstairs.

The parched and dusty goldfields town of Meekatharra takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning place of little water, and it was here that Pake called up the skills of his youth to bake the bread that filled the bellies of local gold prospectors and the travellers passing through.

Many had no money to pay for what they ate, but Pake fed them anyway. He had learnt that some skills were universal, and bread was as much a staple in this semi-desert country as among the lush, green hills of County Tipperary. ~ Christine Timoney

Family History WA Pake Timoney’s ‘Pioneer’ lease outside Meekatharra was located in front of the small hill on the horizon, extending left to the middle of the picture. Photo by the author 2017, from my private collection.

The Irish SIG in 2022 The next quarterly meeting of the Irish Special Interest Group (Irish SIG) at FamilyHistoryWA (FHWA) will be on 17 July 2022. The meeting will be online and will feature The Irish Settlement of Baker’s Flat - An Irish Community and Their Occupation of Common Land at Kapunda, South Australia, presented by Christine Cavanagh.

New members and visitors are always welcome - simply book your place using the online booking site TryBooking, details below.

FHWA also hosts many other face-to-face and online presentations, workshops and meetings, some for beginners and others for experienced researchers. Bookings are essential, and a small payment may be required for some events. See links below.

We invite you to visit FHWA’s extensive library and resource centre at 6/48 May Street, Bayswater. Please consult the FHWA homepage for current opening hours, capacity limits and conditions of entry, if applicable. Happy and successful researching!

USEFUL LINKS Contact Robyn O’Brien, Convenor Irish Special Interest Group: irish.sig@fhwa.org.au Book a place at the next Irish SIG meeting at TryBooking: trybooking.com/BLPZM Book for future FHWA events at trybooking.com/eventlist/genealogy Go digging for Irish resources at fhwa.org.au by selecting Interest Groups then Irish Join FamilyHistoryWA Facebook group – researching family worldwide, open to all. Join in the chat or ask a question.

FamilyHistoryWA: fhwa.org.au T 08 9271 4311

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World Irish Dancing Championships in Belfast from 10th to 17th April 2022 Congratulations to the incredible WA team who competed at 50th anniversary Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne (World Irish Dancing Championships) in Belfast from 10th to 17th April 2022.

WA RESULTS: Ciara Stobbie

The Academy MA/WA

29th Senior Ladies

Dara McAleer

The Academy MA/WA

5th Senior Ladies

Sian Fitzgerald-Cain

Trinity Studio

Recall to day 2 Senior Ladies

Shannon Kennedy

Kavanagh Studio

34th Senior Ladies

Sinead Daly

The Academy MA/WA

45th 17 - 18yrs

Maeghan Oldfield

Kavanagh Studio

21 - 23yrs

Niamh Leahy

O’Hare School

Recall to day 2 19 - 20yrs

Caoimhe McAleer

The Academy MA/WA

19 - 20yrs

Ciara Stobbie, Dara McAleer, Sian Fitzgerald & Shannon Kennedy.

Sinead Daly.

Sian Fitzgerald-Cain

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Maeghan Oldfield.

Dara McAleer.

O’Brien dancers enjoying St Patrick’s Day in Perth.

Irish Dancing AIDA WA EXECUTIVE 2022 President: Teresa Fenton TCRG Vice President: Katherine McAndrew TCRG Secretary: Caitriona Slane TCRG Treasurer: Martina O’Brien TCRG Registrar: Jenny O’Hare TCRG National Delegate: Siobhan Collis TCRG

SCHOOL CONTACTS: CELTIC ACADEMY East Victoria Park & Karragullen www.celticacademyperth.com Siobhan Collis TCRG 0403 211 941

Sian Fitzgerald.

Shannon Kennedy.

LYONS IRISH DANCE Butler & Clarkson lyonsirishdancecompany@gmail.com Facebook: @LyonsIrishDance Roisin Lyons TCRG KAVANAGH STUDIO OF IRISH DANCE Maylands www.kavanaghirishdance.com.au Teresa Fenton TCRG 0412 155 318 Deirdre McGorry TCRG Melissa Kennedy TCRG Avril Grealish TCRG THE ACADEMY MID AMERICA & WESTERN AUSTRALIA Subiaco, Wangara & Pearsall Samantha McAleer TCRG Dhana Pitman TCRG Kalamunda Lara Upton ADCRG 0409 474 557

Ciara Stobbie.

Caoimhe McAleer.

O’BRIEN ACADEMY Joondalup www.obrienacademy.com Rose O’Brien ADCRG 0437 002 355 Martina O’Brien TCRG 0423 932 866 O’HARE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING Doubleview, Wembley Downs & Craigie Jenny O’Hare TCRG 0422 273 596 SCOIL RINCE NA HEIREANN Rockingham irishdance@iinet.net.au Megan Cousins TCRG 0411 452 370 SCOIL RINCE NI BHAIRD Fremantle & Lynwood Tony Ward TCRG 0427 273 596

Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and ICT; Medical Research; 12th Floor, Dumas House 2 Havelock Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 Email: Minister.Dawson@dpc.wa.gov.au Telephone: (08) 6552-5800

TRINITY STUDIO OF IRISH DANCING Morley, Midland & South Lake trinitystudiowa@gmail.com Eileen Ashley ADCRG 0413 511 595 Katherine Travers TCRG Nell Taylor TCRG WA ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCING Malaga Glenalee Bromilow ADCRG 0410 584 051 Sue Hayes TMRF 0412 040 719

McCabe Cup 2022 E aster Monday saw Bunbury Gaels travel to Rockingham to face Na Fianna Catalpa, defending the Fr McCabe Cup. Another great day bringing the two clubs together. Congratulations to Bunbury Gaels who took the win, with the Fr McCabe Cup travelling back down to Bunbury. A huge

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thank you to GAA in WA for supporting both clubs to make this game happen.

We’d like to thank Rockingham Rugby Union Club for getting on board and hosting the game at their home ground.

Photos: Tom Murphy

McCabe Cup 2022

Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and ICT; Medical Research; 12th Floor, Dumas House 2 Havelock Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 Email: Minister.Dawson@dpc.wa.gov.au Telephone: (08) 6552-5800

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St. Paddy ’ s Day - March 17th 2022

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St. Paddy’s Day

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St. Paddy ’ s Day - March 17th 2022

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St. Paddy’s Day

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In a world gone mad get some comfort right here at Mcloughlin Butchers.

Enjoy our quality meats and top service, not to mention the best value butchers in town with great weekly specials!

the home of quality meats.

McLoughlinButchers.com.au 58 Westchester Rd, Malaga WA 6090 - Phone 9249 8039 - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 8am-3pm Follow us

For any enquiries please contact: info@mcloughlinbutchers.com.au

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE IRISH COMMUNITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA