Irish Scene July/Aug 2025

VOL 27, No 4 JULY/AUGUST 2025

She Can Do It...Galway woman and adventure seeker Karen Weekes set out solo recently to conquer Australia by bicycle from Perth to Sydney. Story page 4&5.

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Having already circumnavigated Ireland, conquered the Atlantic Ocean, scaled Kilimanjaro (and other famous peaks) and pedalled across Canada and America Irish athlete and endurance adventurer Karen Weekes is currently traversing the Australian continent solo on a push bike.

After only a couple of days in Perth, Karen – a native of Kinvara Co. Galway – set out early on the morning of Friday 20th June from Fremantle, destined for Sydney. In that most Irish of ways, thanks to Galway woman Thelma Blackford in Perth through her cousin Chris Hanley Johnston back in Ireland, we got a chance to call Karen on the eve of her big trip! She had enjoyed her short time in Perth and was calm and relaxed about the self inflicted personal challenge in front of her that most of us would find daunting. But she believes that if she can do it then anybody can and she is a living expression of her motto Shecando.

“Australia has been on my bucket list for ages,” she told Irish Scene. “I’ve been across America a couple of times as well as Canada.”

Cycling solo in Canada she covered the 4003 miles between Vancanouver to Halifax. She also pedalled from San Francisco to Washington DC (3355 miles) and on another outing was in the saddle from Alaska through Yukon to San Francisco. (2,800 miles). Along with a friend they became the

first women to paddle their way around the entire 1,000 miles of the Irish coastline but she is probably best known for making a solo transAtlantic journey in 2022. Then 54, this remarkable sports psychologist spent 80 days and nine hours alone at sea in a 25 foot boat travelling 3,000 nautical miles, surviving on just four hours sleep a day.

With all those and other experiences under her belt I ask her if she thinks it has prepared her for this particular mission. “Yeah, I hope so,” she said. “The Nullabor is slightly different you know, there’s no WiFi or connectivity for a good bit of it and it is quite remote. I think the Nullabor will be a challenging bit, but I have it planned well you know, so hopefully everything just slots into place like its meant too.” I ask her how long she thinks it might

take to cross the famously void landscape of the Nullabor. “I’m not committing myself to time if the truth be told,” she said. If I have a tail wind it will be great but if I have a head wind it will take me a lot longer but to go from Norseman to Ceduna is a thousand miles, or from Norseman to the Nullabor Roadhouse that’s 750 miles. I would hope to have it done in max 10 days but you just never know, you know.”

Her accommodations will be the canvas of a small tent. She will stop at road houses along the way and camp at these spots of civilisation in the desert, but there will be plenty of nights where she will camp where she stops. From her previous adventures – particularly the Atlantic crossing – she knows how stunning the night sky can be in places where there is little or no trace of mankind. But meeting people on the road is an important part of the process. “What I love doing on these journeys is meeting locals and talking to them,” she added. “Local knowledge is key so I have a plan to come in north of Sydney at the moment but that could change when I get closer and talk to other cyclists and local people. You usually get the best routes from them and good information you know!.”

Perth and went through London Court in the city, which is really really nice. And every second person here is Irish, its amazing.” Another unexpected pleasure waiting for her was the smell of Eucalyptus trees.

“Somebody said WA means ‘Wait Awhile’, I think that’s nice, the pace, and the smell of the ecualyptus is beautiful, it makes the air feel extra healthy.”

The tail end of the trip has yet to be planned, and as with everything Karen is relaxed and will take it all in her stride.

She has visited Australia before but this was her first time in our neck of the woods. “I was on the East coast twice, Melbourne up to Cairns, but I’ve never been in Perth, never been on the west coast,” she said. “I love it, I genuinely love it, I love the vibe, I love the pace, people are super duper friendly and helpful, they’ve been really really good. Its a friendly, safe, chilled and well planned out city. I have a couple of friends that live here and I’m meeting them.

A friend of mine in Ireland has Irish friends here who picked me up from the airport, who I never met before Fiona and Richard. They picked me up with a bag of food and a bottle of wine, they had no reason to but they were so generous and their son made me a lovely welcome sign, so people here are very kind. I got to Kings Park... and I took the water taxi and got a good view of the city you get a beautiful view from both sides. I had a good wander around

“I’ll just ramble into Sydney and I’ll be as happy if there is one person there or 7,000 people there, or nobody there,” she said. “Hanley Energy sponsored me for the Atlantic row and they’ve helped me out financially on this trip as lead sponsor and they have people on the east coast so I presume that I’ll meet them at some stage. But I have a couple of friends in Sydney as well and I have relations in Melbourne and it’ll be nice to see them. So when I get to Sydney I’ll make my way down to Melbourne and if I’ll cycle down or get the train or sail around I whatever I don’t know yet!.”

In the meantime, you can follow Karen’s remarkable SheCanDoOZ trip at https:// www.facebook.com/Shecando2021# or check out her website https://www. karenweekes.com/adventures/. Karen expects to stick around in Australia until August and not long after she gets back to Ireland she expects to publish a book.

A drop in the ocean

If Perth was the launch pad for Karen’s ambitious adventure then it was also the finishing point for another extreme Irish sports person sponsored by Irish company Hanley Energy, which has expanded into an international corporation. After a Force 10 storm dismantled his Biscay 36 yacht –Hanley Energy Endurance – more than a 1100 miles off the coast of Western Australia, a 32 year old Gregor McGuckin and another stricken and injured race competitor he bravely attempted to set foot on dry land at Rockingham in October 2018.

“It’s fantastic to be here in Perth. While Australia was never my intended final port, I couldn’t be happier and more grateful right now,” McGuckin told a press conference. “My journey started some 92 days ago, when I departed France on Hanley Energy Endurance in an attempt to sail alone nonstop around the world. In a horrendous storm, my yacht was capsized and dismasted, as was my competitor Abhilash Tomy’s yacht. I was uninjured and was planning to sail to safety. However, Abhilash was not so lucky. He suffered a back injury and was in immediate danger, so I built a jury rig and set a course for his location. Thankfully, we were both picked up and Abhilash is now recovering. The real heroes today are the professionals that coordinate and execute such missions. All services were tested to their limits and excelled. The international cooperation between Australia, France, and India has proven that no matter how remote, there is always cover, and the investment in naval assets and training paid off. I understand the Ballarat crew had returned early from leave and I pass on my deep gratitude to them and their families for their dedication to duty.”

Hanley Energy praised the actions of McGuckin. “We understand that Gregor’s yacht, the Hanley Energy Endurance, was dismasted in a storm while attempting to reach his fellow competitor

Abhilash Tomy, who had sustained injuries after being capsized,” it said in a statement. “In a remarkable display of seamanship, courage and fortitude, Gregor managed to build a jury rig and hand steer the Hanley Energy Endurance within 30 miles of Abhilash’s yacht for four days in order to be on site to assist with the rescue. Abhilash was rescued by the French vessel FPV Osiris on Monday. It was deemed the appropriate course of action to evacuate the Hanley Energy Endurance under a controlled scenario to ensure a second rescue mission would not be required if the weather conditions worsened. Gregor removed all debris from the deck, secured all equipment on board and ensured the small amount of fuel on board is not at risk of leaking. “Hanley Energy would like to commend Gregor on his outstanding and heroic efforts to come to the aid of his fellow competitor. He is truly an inspiration, and our priority now is to ensure his safe return to Ireland.”

While McGuckin spent some time in Perth with family members before making the trip home the Endurance which he was forced to abandon remained adrift in the Indian Ocean with a very special cargo – a 16 litre barrel of Glendalough 7-year-old single malt Irish whiskey!

Glendalough Distillery were also sponsors and they hoped to make a unique blend of their 7 year old malt with the salt air permeating the wooden barrel and into the liquid. Just in case there might have been any temptation to sample its contents the brewer gave McGuckin several bottles for his personal use. While he had to leave the entire contents of the Endurance behind he did at least have the presence of mind to take one bottle with him –which he gifted to his rescuers!

Chieftains v Homelessness

More than $820,000 was raised for the Vinnies WA CEO Sleepout on a bitterly cold night 26th June at Optus Stadium. Not for the first time Irish born CEOs of local firms – Chieftains of corporate Australia if you like – made a big contribution. Some $121,388 of this years tally was raised by Irishman Pat Tallon, CEO Civmec, making him the top ‘earner’ for the charity event in WA. This was Pat’s seventh sleepover event and he has been the top fundraiser for the last few years, personally raising an impressive $510,158 thanks to the support of his colleagues and supporters, including many in the Irish community including substantial donations from fellow countrymen like Gay Collins from Pipeline Technics, Fintan Kelleher Trackline WA, Dave Haniffy at DPH Surveys, Martin Sweeney from Perdon Group, Gavin Kelly, Joe McLoughlin, Michael Hurley, Pádraig Murphy, Paul O’Brien and others as well as former ambassador to Ireland Gary Gray.

Talking of ambassadors, because of his dedication to the cause Pat is an official Vinnies CEO Sleepout Ambassador and has even roped in four other leaders, who have also fundraised.

Homelessness in Australia

by Lloyd Gorman

is a crisis that cannot be ignored he said. “With living costs soaring, more people are struggling than ever. One night outside is nothing compared to the daily reality for over 122,000 Australians that don’t have safe housing, but it does help to raise awareness and drive change,” he said. “Together, we can make a difference. Your donation will help to break the cycle of homelessness and give hope to people in need. Please give generously – every dollar has the power to change lives.”

Civmec was established in Perth in 1990 by Pat Tallon and fellow Irishman James Fitzgerald. Today the company is involved in the construction, engineering and shipbuilding industries – on projects worth up to $1 billion – and employs about 2,000 people.

Like Pat, Ciaran Shannon is another ambassador for the fundraiser event, but he is also keeping a company tradition alive. Appointed CEO for the Monford Group in April 2024 this was Ciaran’s second Vinnies Sleepover and he has raised $31,722. “Every night, thousands of Australians experience homelessness,” he said. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m taking part in

the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support Australians in need. For one night, I’ll be sleeping outside as part of an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness.”

He took over the reigns of the company (and the Vinnies Sleepout) from his predecessor Declan White. Declan came to WA as a backpacker taking a year out from the GFC crippled Irish economy and started the company in 2010 with just 37 employees, specialising in civil construction services and labor hire. Monford is now a leader in the construction industry, specialising in the Infrastructure, Resources, and Energy sectors across Australia that employs hundreds.

As part of the event the CEO’s learned more about the work the charity does and how the money they raised would make a difference to those in need of help. Every year, Vinnies assists more than 61,000 Western Australians by providing emergency relief such as food, furniture, clothing as well as help with bills and rent. Vinnies also runs a range of specialised services and programs in the areas housing and homelessness, mental health, youth services, financial counselling.

Ciaran Shannon

Pat Tallon

Silent treatment not an option for these doctors

by Lloyd Gorman

An Australia wide campaign to try and stop the war in Palestine and to help its people is being fronted by a group of Irish doctors and their colleagues in Perth.

Full page ads with the banner headline ‘We Cannot Stay Silent Australian doctors call for government action to end the loss of life in Gaza’ accompanied by the names of 1,000 medicos – including many young Irish doctors – were published in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers last month.

witnessing the devastating impact of this conflict on the Palestinian people”.

In the joint statement organised by Perth Doctors Medical Aid for Palestine Group the petitioners said they were concerned by “the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. As members of a profession dedicated to preserving life, relieving suffering and upholding human dignity, we are profoundly disturbed by the images and personal accounts from colleagues

The atrocious scale of the conflict and loss of life has been reported by respected international and independent bodies like the World Health Organisation, International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières they said.

More than 57,000 people have been killed, including over 17,000 children. Some 1,500 of their healthcare colleagues have also been killed while another 300 have been abducted or detained. Thirty six hospitals in Gaza have been bombed or damaged to the point where they could no longer function. Medical equipment in these hospitals has been “deliberately destroyed” after hospitals were forced to evacuate.

Patients have been killed in

hospitals while receiving treatment while amputations have been performed on children without anaesthesia or pain relief. Immunisation programs have ceased leading to outbreaks of life threatening preventable diseases. Meningitisa deadly brain infection is spreading in children throughout the Gaza Strip. People are facing malnutrition, and a lack of drinking water. Due to the ongoing blockade on fuel entering Gaza- water cannot be desalinated, and UNICEF has warned that children will soon being to die from thirst. The Palestinian population of more than two million has been displaced with more than a million children needing mental health and psychological support.”

The doctors urgently called on the Australian government to call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire and to demand Israel ends the targeting of civilians, healthcare workers and medical infrastructure and for humanitarian aid to get through.

The Albanese government should also advocate for the unconditional release of all Israeli and Palestinian hostages and use diplomacy to try and bring a peaceful end to the catastrophe and restore the rights of all Palestinians.”

Israel claims the right to defend itself and its intention to destroy Hamas, the terrorist group that coordinated the 7 October 2023 mass attacks on Israel in which 1,195 people were brutally murdered, thousands injured and more than 200 hostages taken.

Dr Mairéad Heaney a paediatric anaesthetist from Galway based in Perth – spoke to the Irish Times on June 1 and also the Irish Scene.

“We have to be apolitical,” said Dr Heaney. “We focused on humanitarian issues [and] thought we would be lucky to get 100 signatures for our statement.

Over five days, we reached 900 doctors who were willing to speak out and not be silent. Doctors from all over the country, representing every specialty

The bloodshed represented the biggest loss of life for Jews since the Holocaust in World War II.

Mairéad, with colleagues, holds a copy of the newspaper ad

signed the statement including many influential Australian doctors, former Australians of the Year, professors, college presidents and multiple Order of Australia medal recipients.

While their public awareness campaign inspired many others it was met by a “disappointing” response from those in power. “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to our newspaper statement from doctors all over Australia,” Dr Heaney added. “And in fact doctors in the UK, Canada and Sweden have followed our lead and have done or are doing similar. We wrote to the PM and Foreign Minister Penny Wong but we did not get a response, which is very disheartening.”

The collective act of publishing their message offered a rare chance for concerned clinicians to at least try to

influence public and political opinion towards ending the suffering.

As the next article will show the medical community – like many other sectors – in Ireland is largely united and active in its efforts and attitude towards the situation in Palestine. But the atmosphere in Australia is different.

Even though there have been many courageous Aussie doctors and nurses who have volunteered at great personal risk to work in Palestine with aid agencies the Australian health care system itself frowns on anything that could be seen as even remotely outspoken or critical of the actions of the Israeli government. For doctors coming from Ireland to Perth – particularly the hundreds of junior doctors from Ireland who come every year – they can feel “very isolated in their advocacy for Palestine,” Dr Heaney added.

Perth Doctors Medical Aid for Palestine group (from left), Dr Bernadette McElhinney, Dr Mairéad Heaney, Dr David Borshoff, Dr Serge Kaplanian, Dr Vince Figliomeni, Dr Ayesha Noor Mohamed and Dr Fergus McCabe

‘Weaponised complaints’

Concerns about retaliation and disciplinary action are rooted in reality. The ABC’s sudden sacking of radio journalist Antoinette Lattouf from a casual contract in December 2023 was found to be unlawful by the Federal Court of Australia towards the end of June. Her employment was terminated because pro-Israel lobbyists pressured the national broadcaster after she reposted a Human Rights Watch video to her Instagram story with the caption “HRW reporting starvation as a tool of war”.

This was a high profile covered at length and in-depth by all the main media outlets

in Australia – and rightly so. But there was nowhere near the same level of coverage for the dozens of doctors here who found themselves under investigation for posting or sharing views and messages on social media about the war in Palestine, including references to genocide. It is doubtful medicos behind messages championing Israels approach to the war found themselves being scrutinised.

An article in the Sydney Morning Herald last year found the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) was “making inquiries” into 39 practitioners after receiving 59 complaints about their social media posts [Dozens of doctors reported to watchdog over Israel-Gaza social media posts/ Henrietta Cook/January 22, 2024].

The code of conduct for doctors makes it difficult for them to be outspoken on controversial issues. They must consider how their public comments and actions outside work “reflect on your role as a doctor and on the reputation of the profession”.

AHPRA’s social media guidelines say doctors must communicate respectfully with other healthcare professionals and in a culturally safe manner.

The newspaper reported that the Australian Medical Association, the peak professional body for doctors, is concerned the situation is causing unnecessary stress for doctors.

“Any doctor making respectful statements on social media advocating for peace and the protection of healthcare workers in war zones should feel confident that they will not be reprimanded by the regulator,” said the association’s national president Professor Steve Robson.

A complaint of this nature can lead to allegations of professional misconduct and even practitioners being struck off.

“I have concerns that the complaints process is being weaponised,” Victorian AMA president, Dr Jill Tomlinson added.

Perth Doctors Medical Aid for Palestine

medicine from Perth in Western Australia and urgently seek your help,” their GoFundMe site stated. “Reports from medical colleagues on the ground paint a grim picture of hospitals operating without essential supplies such as anaesthesia, pain medications, and critical equipment. The devastation to healthcare infrastructure and withholding of vital supplies at border crossings has left our colleagues struggling to provide even basic care in unimaginable circumstances.

“The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. By donating to this appeal in support of the Palestinian Red Crescent and UNRWA, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of our colleagues and their patients.

The seeds for the growth of the group and the ‘We Cannot Stay Silent’ newspaper campaign were sown around the kitchen table of Dr Heaney in March 2024. She – like her four fellow doctors sitting in her kitchen – were trying to figure out if there was anything they could do to help the people of Gaza.

“All donations regardless of size, will directly impact the work of these reputable organizations on the front lines. Both UNRWA and the Red Crescent have a proven track record of delivering aid where needed in the most challenging conditions. We have been devastated to hear of our colleagues being harmed and we cannot stand idly by while healthcare workers and patients suffer.

“When we first met, we talked about how devastated and helpless we felt about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and what we could possibly do to help,” she said. “None of us felt particularly confident or safe speaking out at work at that time. There was very little mainstream media coverage of the conflict, and we soon became aware of censorship and influential lobby groups. We had no idea where to start or how to fundraise.”

“We urge you to stand in solidarity by supporting our fundraising effort. Together, we can ensure the basic human right to healthcare is upheld for all, regardless of circumstances. We wish to emphasise this fundraising effort is non-political and based on our shared humanity.”

Before long 16 of the like minded medicos “with heavy hearts over the dire situation in Gaza” put their names to a GoFundMe campaign ‘Medical Aid for Gaza’.

“We are medical professionals in anaesthesia, intensive care, paediatrics and

Since then they have raised over $200,000 and in recent weeks sent $20,000 to buy food for families gripped by enforced food shortages and chaos. They have also sent $10,000 through an Irish charity T.E.A. Collective to provide food and water to displaced families in the Nuseirat camp.

“This money will feed over 800 families,” she added. “As many of us feel so helpless and unable to stop the war, we can at least continue to provide food and water for these poor people.”

Perth Doctors Medical Aid for Palestine organise a number of ongoing fund raising events, including film screenings and quiz nights. Dr Heaney and her colleagues have been invited to address the Irish Business Network meet up at Robert’s on Oxford, Leederville on Thursday 7 August at 6pm. Go to https://gofund.me/81845d49 to donate to their cause.

Ahigh profile and highly respected Irish medic who has been outspoken about the war in Palestine has been talked about as a potential candidate in the election to be President of Ireland later this year. As a doctor (epidemiologist and former trauma surgeon) and one of the World Health Organisations (WHO) most senior and experienced figures Dr Michael ‘Mike’ Ryan has seen wars, man-made and natural disasters, climate change and pandemics kill and displace millions of people around the world.

Aisling Murphy while she was jogging in broad daylight in her home town of Tullamore, Co. Offaly in January.

Speaking in May Dr Ryan, then the executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme – who has since been axed from the WHO – said the responsibility to try and stop the bloody conflict belonged to everyone,” Dr Ryan said. “As a doctor, as a physician, as someone watching more than 1,000 children without limbs, thousands of children with spinal cord injuries and severe head injuries from which they’ll never recover, thousands and thousands of children with severe psychological distress that they may never recover from. We are breaking the bodies and the minds of the children of Gaza. The children of Gaza should not have to pay the price, as all children have done in the past, for the sins of anyone around them. This just has to stop. We are starving the children of Gaza, because if we don’t do something about

Hundreds of Irish people – including families with young children, took part in an evening time vigil and walk at the Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park on January 19, organised by the Claddagh Association and supported

A group traditional and fiddle county’s tributes woman promising also heavily GAA club right. Elaine the vigil of the

to the

traditional music at vigil tonight #AshlingMurphy in Perth,”.

Similar were staged across including the Amphitheatre at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane and all based Irish Australian Queensland. by Anna

it, we are complicit in what is happening before our very eyes. We are complicit. We are causing this, you, us and everyone who does nothing about it, it’s horrific. We are watching this unfold before our very eyes and we’re not doing anything about it. As a physician, I’m angry. I’m angry with myself that I’m not doing enough. I’m angry with everyone here. I’m angry with you. I’m angry with the world. This should not be happening. It cannot continue. We have to stop.”

Irish newspapers have reported the big Sligo man has been sounded out by the Labour Party to either run for the party directly or possibly as a consensus

Dr Mike Ryan met President Michael D Higgins – with Sabina Higgins – at Áras an Uachtaráin during the Covid pandemic

candidate for leftleaning parties.

Dr Ryan has already discussed the crisis by pone with the current President of Ireland

Michael D Higgins in May 2024.

“Their discussion followed from a recent meeting which President Higgins held with Dr Ryan and the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, at Áras an Uachtaráin on 18 December 2023, at which they undertook to stay in touch on health and food issues and, in particular, to continue their engagement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the presidents office said in a statement. “In what was a comprehensive call, Dr Ryan updated the President on the figures for the number of deaths that have taken place in Gaza, which have now passed 27,000. He informed the President that the current figure for UNRWA staff deaths in Gaza is 152. Following their call, President Higgins said that he wishes to share the sense of urgency conveyed to him as media reports emerged that an attack on an ever-more densely packed Rafah is being reported and ceasefire talks are at a crucial stage.”

Irish healthcare impatient for end to suffering

There is widespread support within and across the medical community in Ireland for action to end the war in Palestine and for critical aid and supplies to be delivered to the territory as soon as possible.

Irish Medical Organisation President Dr Anne Dee recently wrote to Taoiseach

Micheál Martin to express the “grave concerns” of members and their “fear for the people of Gaza and for our healthcare colleagues who are struggling to deliver care in the most appalling circumstances”. Dr Dee said Israel has a duty to protect civilians and to make sure their “essential needs” are met in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“However, as you are well aware, what we are witnessing in Gaza is mass starvation arising from the deliberate blockade of aid through well established partnerships,” she wrote. “The situation has been made all the worse with the introduction of a flawed aid system, under the control of Israel, where the most vulnerable, who are seeking assistance, either have been killed or are putting themselves at risk of being killed or injured as they try to feed themselves and their families.

To weaponize humanitarian aid in this manner is to further endanger the lives of women and children.

There is no functioning healthcare system in Gaza and many of our healthcare colleagues

Dr Anne Dee

have died, along with their patients, as healthcare facilities have come under military attack. Those who are there, struggling to provide care, are desperately short of supplies, working in the most traumatic of circumstances and in fear of attack. This is also in contravention of International Humanitarian Law.

While acknowledging the work of the Government in support of the people of Gaza to date we appeal to you to take

meaningful action to bring to an end the intolerable treatment of the people of Gaza. As doctors we feel strongly that humanitarian law must be upheld and that our Government should take all necessary action to ensure it is – nationally, through our membership of the EU and the United Nations.”

Irish Health Workers for Palestine is a collective of medical workers “focused on raising awareness on the genocide in Palestine and standing with our Palestinian colleagues”. Healthcare professionals they say have a “moral obligation...to advocate for justice and the protection of life”.

In recent weeks and months they have organised demonstrations and vigils at hospitals and other sites in Cork, Waterford, Galway, Letterkenny, Dublin and elsewhere. On June 10 the group held a press conference calling for “urgent action against Israel’s assault on Gaza”. Representatives called on the Irish government and professional bodies to take concrete steps. Healthcare professionals have a “moral obligation...to advocate for justice and the protection of life” they said.

On the last Sunday in June there was a historical tour of Trinity College Dublin in aid of Palestine GAA, with TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace and on July 10 there was “A night for Gaza” in the famous Abbey Tavern, Howth.

The 2024 World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) in December in Dublin saw a peaceful but pointed protest by Irish doctors and supporters at the national Convention Centre. While WONCA Europe gave unwavering support towards an end for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine it was silent about what was happening in Palestine. Outside the entrance to the convention centre scores of Irish doctors held placards while others even lay down on the (rain soaked) ground to represent their colleagues killed in the conflict.

“Inside, at the welcome meeting, delegates were taken aback when some brave young

Patient Abdullah Eigogo is welcomed to Ireland by a doctor

doctors interrupted a speech being given by the President of WONCA Europe, by standing up holding signs about Gaza, calling for support for our colleagues there, and walking out,” one doctor who attended the event said. “Over the next few days there were similar scenes, with the President speaking to an almost-empty auditorium, or to a protesting audience...Why did the President of WONCA Europe leave the auditorium to cries of ‘Shame’, after a session on Healthcare in Conflict Zones?.”

The International Medical Professional Association in Ireland has taken a sympathetic stance to their Irish counterparts. Back in May the association organised the “Gaza Health System: Beyond Genocide” conference at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin.

Doctors in Ireland are also helping innocent victims of the war in other ways. Since it got approval in September 2024 the Irish government has organised three medical evacuations of children and some family members to Ireland from Gaza for critical and life saving surgery and treatment. The most recent arrivals were four sick kids in May, with up to 30 paediatric patients expected to get this help. Ireland’s foreign affairs minister Simon Harris and the minister for health Jennifer Carroll welcomed them at the airport.

“There is no justification for the deliberate attacks on civilians and healthcare services in Gaza and the loss of life has been devastating,” Mr Harris said. “Ireland has been clear that this conflict should stop. I’m pleased that Ireland is playing a part in treating children whose lives have been devastated by this needless war, and I wish these children well in their time ahead here in Ireland.”

‘I’m doing my best but I’m not a machine, I’m exhausted’

Hard pressed doctors and medical workers are about the only people left in Palestine in any kind of a position to try and help the victims of the war. And with international media not allowed to enter Palestine and report from there doctors are a rare source of independent and up to date information about what is happening on the ground.

RTE Radio 1’s flagship morning programme Morning Ireland spoke with Dr Mohammad Bashir, Médecins Sans Frontières deputy medical coordinator on June 26 about the he and other medics in the territory are confronted with.

Before the Hamas attacks of October 7 which started this war Dr Bashir said there was an already “fragile” healthcare system, but now it had “collapsed”. The Morning Ireland host asked him how difficult it was

to deliver healthcare to people in Gaza. There were airstrikes happening day and night and no safe zones for humanitarian work. “Everywhere in Gaza could be a target,” he said. “The exhausted health teams and colleagues who are working with MSF are part of the population, they have families displaced, they are seeking water, food for their kids, they are living this daily challenge but they are still delivering care to the patients and the injured in hospitals,” he added. “In addition the psychological trauma that 100% of the population of Gaza... there is a huge lack of medical supplies. This was a chronic issue before October 7 [but] with this war and closure of the borders and lack of supplies the situation is really difficult. So at one moment during this war we treated patients without pain killers without anaesthesia, we operated on them, they are operating on the ground. Due to lack of supplies doctors now are doing consultations without treatment because there is no more treatment to give.” The Dr Mohammad Bashir has worked in several conflict and war zones

RTE presenter asked him how much longer he could go on. “I’m trying to do my best here but I’m not a machine,” he said. “I am feeling exhausted, exhausted that there is no hope. We had hope during the new year, that it would end during ramadan...[but] its now 600 days and every day getting worse and worse...I wish it would end, and that I can unite with my family [who were evacuated to Egypt in February].”

BAID? MORE LIKE A BAND AID

efore October 7 2023 an average of 600 trucks a day delivered aid and supplies from international relief agencies into Palestine to feed and service the two million who lived there. That flow was severely disrupted by the military response to the attacks but since the closure of the border in March all aid was blocked. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was created in recent months by America and Israeli to deliver aid and it claims to have delivered millions of meals at its distribution points. These are the only places where tens if not thousands of Gazan’s have to reach in the hope of getting a bag of flour or box of food. Amnesty International Australia has called it “an illegitimate and inhumane aid scheme” while the medical charity Borders Without Borders (MSF) has branded it “slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid”. In June between 400 and 500 Palestinians gathered at any of four GHF aid points have been reportedly killed after being fired upon by Israeli soldiers escorting the aid supplies. [An Israeli newspaper was the first to break a story – denounced by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu– that the IDF were “ordered” to shoot on those seeking aid] GHF does not refer to these deaths in its social media channels (X and Facebook) which it uses to communicate with Gazans with updates about where and when aid points will open and close. But on June 28 it carried a remarkable post (from retired British army officer Richard Kemp) spruiking the

humanitarian credentials of the work being done by the Foundation.

“Today at a @GHFUpdates food distribution site a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation medic applies a dressing to a Gazan civilian who cut his foot,” he said. “I understand GHF medics also treated some people with other minor injuries & heat-related conditions.” There was even an a photograph of the act of kindness to prove it happened.

While the message had some supporters there was also a massive reaction against it. One person responded by saying that 81 Palestinians had been “butchered” that same day at aid sites while another said “while they’re at it Richard, can they treat the thousands and thousands of amputee children? That would be great”. Another commented that “Medics with guns is interesting” and someone else called it “bullshit propaganda”.

This was the only story about the work of its ‘medics’ Irish Scene could find on GHF’s social media sites.

British & Irish Lions

versus Western Force

A big game and a small world

by Lloyd Gorman

The British and Irish Lions Western Force clash in Perth was a big deal on and off the pitch. While it was a massive week professionally for Western Force CEO Niamh O’Connor it was also a reminder of the pleasures of the job and the sport. “I often get asked why I love rugby, let me explain,” she wrote on Linkedin in a piece called ‘Rugby: The world’s Biggest Small Town’. “This week, I was 14,970km from home, standing in Perth Irish community rugby club in Perth… and I met a member of the The British & Irish Lions touring crew Shane Whelan from my very own hometown. Same roots. Same love for the game. Same quiet amazement at how rugby brings people together. This wasn’t a planned meeting. It was one of those unexpected, beautiful moments that only sport — and especially rugby — can deliver. You can travel across the world and still find familiarity in a handshake, a shared story, or a club crest. This is why rugby matters. Because it shrinks the world in the best possible way.” Niamh and Shane – who is Director of Digital,

Marketing & Communications at The British & Irish Lions – quickly discovered the local link on day one of the arrival of the Lions to Western Australia.

“Brilliant start to our trip to Australia including meeting the many members at Perth Irish Rugby Club,” he posted on the same social media site. “What started out with where in Ireland are you from Niamh ended up with many connections back home. Brilliant to connect with a fellow Laois person Niamh O’Connor who is doing brilliantly in her role as CEO at Western Force. Hailing from Spink, only a stones

throw from my lovely hometown of Abbeyleix. Relishing our first game against Niamh’s Western Force at the striking Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday. Great to finally be here after many years of work and of course on the back of our very first game in Dublin, played out against the backdrop of the amazing Sea of Red sight on the streets and in the stands of the capital. Unforgettable few days. Hon Laois!.”

Welcome to Country at Kings Park

Niamh O’Connor and Shane Whelan

By complete chance Irish Scene editor

Lloyd Gorman ran into Niamh just a couple of days after the meeting of the Lions and Force at Optus Stadium. Niamh was enjoying a coffee and a chat outside the Irish owned Mount Claremont Village Bakery in Asquith Street with one Sam Carter. The Saturday night event had

memories. Now feels like the right time to begin a new chapter.”

Sam – who came across as a proper gentleman – had also spent five years with Ulster between 2019 and 2023. While he experienced the full brunt of the pandemic in Ireland he did also get to travel around the country quite a bit and has plenty of fond memories of the place and the people.

special significance for Sam because it was the final one for the 35 year old Australian professional player who joined Western Force during the 2024 season. Sam had announced his retirement back in May. “I’ve come to a point where I feel ready to step away from rugby after 14 years in the professional game,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable experiences & great

Niamh’s and Shane’s wasn’t the only happy encounter or reunion of the Lions Force game. TCD Sports reported it was “fantastic to see Joe McCarthy and Johnny Iliff reconnect” (two old Trinity College Dublin boys) after the Lions Western Force showdown, watched by nearly 47,000 fans.

“Johnny captained Trinity Rugby in the 2009/2010 season”. He studied Medicine at Trinity from 2006 to 2011 and is now the team doctor for Western Force. He also works as an emergency medicine physician at Royal Perth Hospital and is an aeromedical consultant for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Jandakot.

Leinster lock and Ireland international player Joe McCarthy had a great game at Optus. A statement performance by ‘Big Joe’ saw him named Man of the Match. The Force put up a feisty front but in the end the Lions dominated with the final score standing at 54-7.

Johnny Sexton (Irish captain and now assistsant coash for British and Irish Lions) with Nic White (Wallabies and Western Force)

Johnny Iliff with Joe McCarthy

Niamh and Sam Carter at the Mt Claremont Bakery

BUILDING WITH INTEGRITY… AND A BIT OF GRIT

Out in the wide open spaces of Western Australia, Westforce Construction is proving that a handshake, a straight answer, and a bit of hard graft still go a long way.

Founded in 2006, Westforce has grown into one of WA’s most dependable contractors across energy, infrastructure and resources, with a culture shaped by Irish values and led proudly by Managing Director Phil Clarke (Cavan) and Executive Director Paddy Kearns (Kildare). Their influence runs deep: what started as four lads with high standards and a few shovels has become a 300-strong crew delivering big projects without fuss. We believe in keeping it simple and doing things properly. That means owning outcomes, solving problems without drama, and showing up with a bit of good humour, because a site runs better when people enjoy working together. We selfperform most of our work, which keeps quality high and excuses low.

But it’s the people behind the machines that make Westforce different. Our team hails from all over (including a healthy share of Irish accents) and we’ve built a culture where effort counts, inclusion matters, and everyone gets a fair go.

From apprentices to project managers, we back our people to grow and give their best.

You’ll also find us around town supporting local sporting clubs, cheering on mates at Emerald FC and St Finbars GFC, or rolling up our sleeves for blood donations. Because at the end of the day, we’re about more than concrete and cables, we’re about community.

If you’re looking for a company that builds with heart (and a good laugh along the way), you’re in the right place. Visit westforce.com.au - the best to work for, and with.

THE BEST TO WORK FOR, AND WITH

We’re building a team that backs each other on and off the tools. Scan to apply

Civil Supervisor

Civil Engineer

Plant operator

Formworker

Steelfixer

Concreter

A New Direction in Alternative Rock?

ublin man, Glenn Breslin’s band, Armchair Riot (AR) is making huge inroads into the Australian alternative music scene with their sonic-brand of rock.

Back in 2023, when AR was a four piece, some fans likened their sound to Smashing Pumpkins meets Nirvana, sprinkled with a touch of Audio Slave. To follow his personal musical journey and aspirations, their lead guitarist left the band in 2024.

Tongues began to wag amongst AR fans as to whether the band – as a three piece – could cut the alternative rock-scene-mustard, while there was also talk of bringing in another lead guitarist to fill the empty sonic-vacuum the band were best known for.

However a couple of appearances as a three piece at the doyen of Australian alternative rock music, The Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury quashed any such rumours. Continuing as a three piece – AR bowed to a standing ovation after a pulsating ninety-minute set that saw the band push the boundaries of alternative rock music into another sonic-sphere. New songs, such as ‘Bluetooth Parachute’, with its pumping rhythm section led by Paul Howard on drums (ex-Blind Dogs), Ian Thomson on bass (exAngle Grinders), and Breslin’s (ex-Wishcow) wild and infectious guitar riffs and gritty vocals—swept quickly away any vestiges of grunge into a wicked sonic—cocktail Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age wished he had written. This was followed by Breslin’s, other new composition, ‘Lifeline’, and where his manic intro-guitar-riff warns be best on your feet, while Howard and Thomson’s growling rhythm-section of drums and bass didn’t take prisoners. Other AR classics such as ‘Submission’, ‘Hydro’, ‘Mad Dogs in the Midday Sun’, and ‘Crush’ received the same pulsating treatment.

Recently, AR have been recording the above mentioned two new tracks at ‘Poons Head’ studio in Fremantle, more famous for accommodating two of Western Australia’s acclaimed international alternative rock acts, Tame Impala, and Pond.

Rocking from Rathfarnham to Australind

Back in 2020, when AR first arrived on the alternative rock-music-scene, Breslin’s lyrics focused more on relationships and complexities of modernday-life. However, in 2025 his lyrics are now on a rebellious mission to expose political corruption, war mongering, and climate change, while warning: there is no Planet B.

Breslin, who originally hails from Rathfarnham, had some success with his band ‘Wishcow’ back in Ireland in the 2000’s – invited me to his home in Australind (north of Bunbury) to have a sneak listen to the two new tracks recorded at ‘Poons Head’, but still yet to be fully mastered. These are planned to join several more new compositions for an album to be released later in the year.

sonic-sounds on youtube or check out their website on Wix: https://armchairriot.wixsite.com/2021

I was welcomed by his partner Armelle (a professional photographer), and their three year old adoring twin girls, who are well used to listening to their father compose his songs on his array of musical instruments – who he claims are his biggest fans. And it’s easy to see why, when he cranks up his two new songs prompting the twins take to the floor as if in a mosh.

On first listen, I couldn’t help but be highly impressed with the sound-production on both tracks, especially Glenn’s soaring vocals, reminiscent of Nick Cave, but oiled with a nip of Southern Comfort, while his heavy Fender-guitar-riffs – backed by Howard and Thomson’s powerful rhythm – strayed unashamedly into Sonic Youth crossed with Tool territory. ‘Bluetooth Parachute’s’ chorus I have to admit stayed with me for days afterwards. I asked Glenn why the change in AR’s direction, and where did he think the band is headed in 2026? “I discovered Drop D tuning…Ha ha. In all seriousness, our sound has been evolving,” he said.”I guess we have always danced with light or dark in a sense, but I’ve had to let the darkness out in a sense, or it consumes. Who isn’t angry at the moment with the state of things in the world? I think the music is a reflection of all that anger and disconnection. We are Generation X babies. We saw the world before the phone. The music is an attempt to connect and communicate with integrity.

To find out more about AR, you can hear them on Spotify, watch them master their

Peter Murphy, who originally hails from Dublin, is a regular contributor to The Irish Scene. He’s also author of several books on the Fenians in Australia in the mid 19th century. His books are available at Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Visitor Centre, and New Edition book store, High St Fremantle.

Glenn in his Dublin days as leadsinger for Wishcow

Ireland and Australia suffered exactly the same fate in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland back in May.

Australia was represented by Manjimup musician Marty Zambotto, aka the flamboyant and gyrating ‘Go-Jo’. When I heard his entry Milkshake Man I thought it sounded had a perfect Euro-pop sound and look that would appeal to fans of the song contest. For his own part, Go Jo, 29, was certainly a confident performer and more than comfortable in the limelight. Now based in Sydney this rurally raised WA boy can play the guitar and unicycle at the same time. He has more than 60 million digital streams and more than a billion views.

He was in with a pretty good shot at success I reckoned. Watched by

EXIT STAGE LEFT

by Lloyd Gorman

an estimated 160 million people he strutted his stuff on the Swiss stage on May 15 by opening the second semi-finals and proved to be popular with the crowd. On the same night Ireland’s singer EMMY, 24, with her song Laika Party also put on a pretty big show themed around space and the future.

The Eurovision can be fickle and unpredictable. They were both knocked out of the running on the night. It was a far cry from the 2023 grand final when Perth group Voyager got through to the top ten. With seven wins to its credit Ireland (and also Sweden) has claimed the Eurovision more than any other country in the nearly 70 years of the competition. Ireland’s started getting runs on the board in the 1970’s and peaked in the 1980’s and 1990’s but hasn’t had much to brag about for more than 25 years.

In its long history the song contest has produced some of the biggest acts in the world – ABBA, Céline Dion and Riverdance –but only one person has won it three times and earned the moniker ‘Mr Eurovision’. Johnny Logan won the song contest for Ireland twice in the 1980’s and again in 1992 with ‘Why Me?’, a song he

Greeting

from

THE MIDWEST IRISH CLUB

by Simon Miller

Fáilte go Fleadh Cheoil Geraldton

La’ maith from the Midwest Irish Club. In this edition of the Irish Scene, the Midwest Irish Club will be focusing on our upcoming Fleadh Cheoil Festival event scheduled for 8 to 10 August 2025. The Fleadh Cheoil is an Irish music festival. The first National festival of Irish traditional music was held in Mullingar in 1951, and this was when the title Fleadh Cheoil was used. From its beginning the goal of the festival was to establish standards in Irish traditional music. Towns and cities in Ireland bid to host

Friday 8th August 7pm to 10pm: Live music by “Solitary

Saturday 9th August 12pm to 1pm: Open Mic

2pm to 5pm: Geraldton Local Band “Good Strife” 5pm to 6pm: Traditional Irish Dancers from Perth 7pm to 10pm: One of Perth’s most renowned Irish groups, “The Healys” will bring their talents to Geraldton for their inaugural performance at the Club.

Sunday 10th August 12pm to 3pm: “Johhny David Music” 4pm to 7pm: “Geoff Udy”

In addition to the live music and performances, there will be food vans all weekend and numerous raffles with chances to win great prizes. For readers who have thought they would not mind paying Geraldton a visit, this is the perfect time and excuse and we encourage you to take the trip North and to help us celebrate the Midwest Irish Club Fleadh Cheoil festival where you can be sure of a great welcome. This is a free event, and we would love to welcome you (fáilte) to our great Club. We look forward to sharing the stories and photos from this event in the future edition of the Irish Scene.

Sounds” playing all the Irish classic.

Wexford welcomes return of the Fleadh

by Lloyd Gorman

After staging a massive one last year Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 returns to Wexford (Loch Garman) from 3rd to 10th August. There is nothing quite like a Fleadh. Ireland’s biggest (and best) celebration of traditional Irish music, dancing and culture the host town or city swells with hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of musicians of all ages and abilities taking to venues and the streets, concerts and even Guinness World Record attempts by musicians (and no doubt more than a few punters drinking plenty of pints of the black stuff too).

She led the way

by Lloyd Gorman

Abronze statue of one of WA’s most influential women unveiled in the Perth CBD on June 12 is the latest creation from Irish sculptors Charlie and Joan Walsh Smith. The representation of the pioneering Edith Dickey Cowan (18611932) outside ANZAC House in St George’s Terrace celebrates her legacy and was generously gifted to the City of Perth by architect and former City of Perth Councillor Sandy Anghie and her husband Michael Anghie.

Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the statue was a fitting tribute to a woman who helped shape the course of the nation. “The Edith Cowan statue now sits at the heart of our City, and I hope it inspires people of all ages to learn more about her remarkable life and the legacy she left behind,” he said. A plaque on the statue features a QR code, linking visitors to information about Edith Cowan’s life and many considerable contributions – which include being the first woman in Australia elected to parliament (in 1921) and being instrumental in the opening of King Edward Memorial Hospital in 1916.

Charlie and Joan were present for the unveiling, as were direct family descendants of Edith Cowan, including her grand nephew Hendy Cowan, WA’s former deputy premier. The family of kangaroos drinking at the front of Council House – popular with tourists for photographs – is another of their works. And just across on the other side of George’s Terrace in the grounds of Government House is their statue of female Indigenous pioneer Fanny Balbuk Yooreel. Their original concept was to have the two legendary women ‘in conversation’ with each other. The new sculpture now stands at the entrance to the Karrakatta Club’s headquarters in Perth, a highly symbolic location marking the founding year of the the first business women’s club in 1894, when Edith Cowan was 33 years old, a mother of five, and already a determined and effective force for social reform.

HMAS Perth Memorial

Charlie and Joan who are based in Gidgegannup have created memorials and public artworks at more than a hundred sites across Australia and Ireland. The Memorial for HMAS Perth at Riverside Road, East Fremantle is one of their latest. It was officially opened at a large ceremony on 1st of March this year.

The memorial commemorates the loss of HMAS Perth (I), dedicated to the lost crew, the survivors who were imprisoned and enslaved in prisoner of war camps as well as those who finally returned home to Australia bearing the scars of their suffering for the duration of their lives. It also acknowledges the families whose lives were forever changed by the loss of HMAS Perth (I) on 1 March 1942.

Charlie and Joan with their sculpture of Edith Cowan

At the time of her loss the ‘Fighting Perth’ carried a complement of 681 officers, ratings and civilian canteen staff. Of those, 353 were killed in action or perished as a result of the ship’s sinking, and four died after reaching shore. Of the 324 who became prisoners of war of the Japanese, 106 died. Of the 681 lives carried by the ship, only 218 returned home.

Smith Sculptors were commissioned to design a fitting and permanent memorial, for which she siad they were “deeply honoured”. “Our involvement in the HMAS Perth Memorial was that of overall designers for the entire memorial, while also producing the various features comprising the memorial,” she said. Joan said it was

An Aussie sculptor in Ireland

Originally from Queensland scultpor Mark Rode left Australia in 1998 and after some time living and working around Europe. During an exhibit of his works in London he met an Irish lady and they moved to Ireland where he pursued his other love, bronze figurative art. Now based in Mayo, he creates everything from gallery work to iconic public sculptures. For its June 27 edition RTE Nationwide – the Irish equivalent of Australian Story on ABC TV –visited his Killasser studio to find out more about this talented artist and his works.

“a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the crew who served abroad this historic ship. The dedication of this memorial is a momentous occasion, ensuring that their legacy is preserved for generations to come. As the designers, it has been a privilige to bring this vision to life, a place for remembrance that reflects the bravery, resilience and the spirit of those who sailed, fought and died during and after the The Battle of the Sunda Strait in WWII.”

The HMAS Sydney Memorial in Geraldton –which they also designed – is an impressive and imposing tribute to that ship and its crew that is worth visiting if you are in the area.

Forgotten Figures

by Lloyd Gorman

Nelson’s Pillar – the 220 feet (67m) tall granite column and statue that once commanded from aloft in O’Connell Street in Dublin – featured prominently in two articles in the last edition of Irish Scene, ‘Knee-jerk Reaction’ and ‘We are on our knees – let us rise’. Exploded in 1966 by the IRA ahead of the approaching 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising (and later finished off by the Irish Defence Forces) the Pillar has existed in the folklore of Dublin and the imaginations of its citizens ever since.

So it was a bit of a curiosity to find a replica of it in the bush on the outskirts of Perth recently. My 11 year-old son Ewan was invited to a game of splat ball – a kid friendly version of paintball – for his friends birthday. It took a good 20 minutes driving to reach WASP Paintball in Karoborup Road, Carabooda. The ‘battlefields’ where gamers fight each other today are a blast from Perth’s past. Between the 1980’s and 2000 when it closed this site was actually a theme park called Dizzy Lamb Park, some kind of Australian word play on another more famous theme park. As you’d expect Dizzy Lamb Land had a number of rides and fun attractions, including a ‘train’ that took visitors around the property, water rides and vintage cards and military museum. One of the main attractions was a large (and deep) pond with dodgem type boats that paddlers could bump into each other on the water.

At the centre of this feature was a miniature Statue of Liberty which must have seemed as good as the real thing to young children. The lady of liberty is still there as is the pond, which has long since been drained. The miniature Nelson model – which appears to be based on Nelson’s Column in London – is just a short walk away but is in a much less prominent location.

Why this figure is there is not clear and most of the history of the park has been lost to history. Even in the hay day of Dizzy Lamb Land it seems to have been out of place. A holiday film shot by video cassette during the 80’s that can be found online captures a lot of what the park was like back then. In one piece of footage they pass the replica pillar which even then looked like it was out of place and not a feature many would have ventured to.

Nelson wasn’t the first

It was only after the last edition had gone to print that I discovered an interesting fact about Nelson’s Pillar in Dublin, or rather the spot where it stood from 1808 to 1966. But before it was erected in honour of the famed English commander the site where it was built was previously occupied by another statue, one with a much shorter history than the pillar. William Blakeney was born in September 1672 in Mount Blakeney, Co. Limerick of Anglo-Irish stock. A courageous and determined officer he served with distinction in multiple campaigns against Britain’s enemies in Europe.

In 1759 the Friendly Brothers of Saint Patrick paid for a sculpture of Blakeney to be erected in Sackville Terrace (O’Connell Street) the first monument of its kind in the main street! Aged 87 at the time Blakeney would die just two years later but his sculpture would not last much longer than him. In its short time it was a target for vandalism and in 1763 it was finally removed when it was badly damaged. It is not clear what became of it after that, but there was a suggestion the representation had been melted down and turned into cannon balls.

Fight on Top of Nelson’s Pillar.

A free fight on top of Nelson’s pillar in Sackville street furnished excitement for a Dublin crowd one morning recently. The monument is 120 feet high, and the platform on which the statue stands about eighteen feet square. A Carlow farmer, having made his way up to the platform, threw down his hat and stick, climbed up the flag- staff, and, when the keeper and a police- man interfered, tried to throw them over the railing. They succeeded in hold- ing him off till men from the street came to their help, and had a hard time getting the crazy man down after they had bound him.

Since about 2002, the land where Blakeney and Nelson once stood is now the base for the 120 metre metallic Dublin Spire or Millennium Spire, or its local nickname, the ‘Stiffy by the Liffey’!

Published in Petersburg Times (SA: 1887-1919) Friday 3 March 1899

DUBLIN 13 31 PERTH

One thousand cities around the world were ranked in the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index.

Produced by Oxford Economics the study produced some interesting results.

America did well with New York ranked in first place and four other American cities San Jose (4), Seattle (5) Boston (8) and San Francisco (10) dominating the league table.

London was second only to the Big Apple while Paris came in third and Tokyo came in ninth place. Next to the US, only Australia had more than two places in the top with Melbourne (6) and Sydney (7) not far behind.

Dublin – the only Irish metropolis included in the long list of locations – scored a respectable (if not unlucky for some) 13th place while Perth (at 31) trailed behind Brisbane (23).

Paula Rogers is someone who takes a keen interest in the results of this score card but who also has a foot in two camps.

13 Dublin | Ireland

ranking. Residents spend relatively more on housing than nearly anywhere else—it is just outside the bottom 50 globally and one of the most expensive cities in Europe for housing—which is unsurprising given Ireland’s housing crisis. Dublin ranks fairly highly in terms of income per person, likely driven by its high earners working in the large multinationals in the city’s Docklands, including the IFSC (International Financial Services Centre).

RANKINGS

ECONOMICS 28th

HUMAN CAPITAL 17th

ENVIRONMENT 14th QUALITY OF LIFE 100th GOVERNANCE 26th

KEY FIGURES IN 2024

GDP: US$319 billion

GDP per person: US$139,300

Population: 2.3 million

STRENGTHS

High GDP per person

Many universities

Lower emissions intensity

Dublin is the economic engine of Ireland. The city’s Economics score is strengthened by having the fifth-highest GDP per person of our 1,000 cities and placing third in Western Europe for GDP growth. Though Dublin’s GDP per person is impressive, it can be a flawed measure of Dublin’s economy, given that it continues to be distorted by activities of large multinationals operating in the city. Instead, other metrics can provide a more accurate insight into Dublin’s economy. For instance, Dublin also has the third-fastest employment growth forecast in Western Europe, indicating that the city’s economy is indeed in good shape. Dublin’s recent success has been concentrated in tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals, and although these sectors are high value, they can be exposed to global economic shocks, which reduces Dublin’s economic stability measure.

The stock of human capital in Dublin is key to its economic prowess. The city has one of Western Europe’s most favourable demographics in terms of population growth and age. The population has access to high-quality universities such as Trinity College Dublin, and the city’s talent pool is part of what attracts businesses, with many global corporations headquartered in Dublin, including Accenture. These advantages help Dublin rank fourth for Human Capital in Western Europe.

On the other hand, certain factors weigh down Dublin’s Quality of Life

Dubliners enjoy one of the highest Environment scores globally, reflecting the city’s temperate climate and ambitious policies to combat climate change. Residents experience fairly good air quality due to a low concentration of carbon-intensive industries, and further progress is planned by the city council as it aims for climate neutrality by 2030. In terms of risk, the severity of flooding along the River Liffey in the city during storms remains the biggest concern.

Dublin, Ireland’s political centre, benefits from the country’s stable representative democracy and good civil protections, though its business environment is average compared to the rest of Western Europe. Dublin’s challenges include its acute housing shortage, lack of economic diversity, and the instability that comes with its sectoral composition. Though despite these, Dublin earns a very respectable position in the index, grounded in its economic growth, environment, and highly skilled workforce.

Originally from Dublin Paula migrated with her young family to Perth in 2002 where she enjoyed the climate and light of Western Australia but also its business environment. Her career in her adopted home has included publishing, event CEO, marketing and communications for aged care and a global law firm and state director of a national economic development membership organisation. As well as holding a swag of board director roles she has also consulted to government, the public sector, universities, and a number of clients in the private sector on communication, marketing, events and stakeholder management. She has been a strong advocate and mentor for women in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. And for two years now she has been the CEO of the Committee for Perth, a thinktank and lobby group to establish Perth as one of the world’s most liveable cities and to act as a champion for “a greater Perth”. It is a dream role for Paula and she is the perfect woman for the job. In one of her first columns published in the West Australian in 2023 she argued the people of Perth could take their lead from the denizens of Dublin. In the editorial piece she said she didn’t understand why more Perth folk aren’t “shouting about what a

WEAKNESSES

Global Leaders

Less economic stability

High housing expenditure

Less economic diversity

Cultural Capitals

ARCHETYPES

Sustainable City

Regional Leaders Sustainable Cities Industrial Hubs

truly incredible place it is”. Despite having a lot going for it she said a lot of locals still talk it down. “Perth’s just a big country town,” people grumble to me. To that I say, Perth is a city of more than two million people. I come from Dublin, home to 1.2 million people. But do you hear Dubliners talking down their city as just a small town?. Dublin is like my Jack Russell terrier strutting his stuff around the park thinking he is a big dog, never a small one.”

31 Perth | Australia

Perth is the fourth-ranking city in Australia and places 31st in our index. The Western Australian city’s performance is broad-based across the categories we include in our index, and it is situated in the top 100 in all but Environment. The city serves as the operational and export basis for a large part of Australia’s important mining sector. This is both a strength and a weakness for Perth; mining activities generate substantial economic value for the city, contributing to a high GDP per person as well as a high rate of growth for a developed economy. However, Perth’s reliance on the mining sector also comes with drawbacks, as it makes the city vulnerable to commodity price and demand fluctuations.

Perth’s mining sector also enables the city to attract many foreign-born inhabitants seeking opportunities in its high-paying labour market. Indeed, Perth has the second-fastest population growth and the second-largest share of foreign-born residents in Australia. The city also boasts a high level of educational attainment, supported by the presence of multiple universities, one of which is a part of the “Group of Eight”, a group of elite Australian universities. All these elements drive Perth’s strong performance in the Human Capital category, in which it is ranked 25th worldwide.

The high incomes associated with the mining and extraction sector also imply

In a more recent opinion piece in the

RANKINGS

that Perth’s inhabitants enjoy a good quality of life on average. However, all of Perth’s inhabitants do not benefit from the sector’s windfall, creating high income inequality by Australian standards. They also face the difficulty of high housing costs, which stunts Perth’s overall Quality of Life score. And its geographic isolation means that Perth does not provide the same access to cultural life as some of its Australian east coast peers.

However, being remote does come with its perks. Indeed, Perth scores highly when it comes to environmental quality, as the city has high levels of air quality and low emissions intensity. This might seem surprising for a city with a mining sector as large as Perth’s, but this is because the mining activities are extraction-focused and involve few air polluting transformation activities. Furthermore, these activities tend to be located away from the city’s living quarters. However, the severity of potential natural disasters and climate anomalies pushes down Perth’s Environment ranking.

Perth’s fortunes have been closely linked to the mining sector, which should continue to support the economy. Meanwhile, the city’s growing services industry will likely ensure that the city’s economy will be more diverse in the future. A key challenge for Perth, then, will be to continue to attract talent to sustain its current growth path.

STRENGTHS

High GDP per person

Many universities

Large foreign-born population

WEAKNESSES

Less economic diversity

Emerging Standouts Cultural Capitals

More severe natural disasters

Cities

Developing Megacities

daily newspaper she said Perth needed to emulate its Australian counterparts. “Sydney has one, so does Melbourne, even Brisbane, and it is now time for Perth to have one too

Paula Rogers with Perth MP Patrick O’Gorman holding a picture of the city they are both committed too

– a bold, ambitious plan for our city’s longterm future!,” she wrote earlier this year. There was just over 9,000 days or about 25 years to go until 1 January 2050 when the population of Perth was on track to exceed 3.5 million and she had a word of warning. “According to an overwhelming a majority of current residents, we’re not prepared for it,” she said. “Late last year, Committee for Perth released the Perth 2050 report with Scitech and accredited futurist Dr Ben Hamer. As part of the study, we surveyed over 1,400 people from a broad range of demographics about what they wanted for Perth by 2050. While 68 percent were optimistic for the future, only 22 percent thought we were ready. It was first forecast in 2012 by Committee for Perth that our population would reach 3.5 million by 2050, providing a 38-year runway to develop a comprehensive plan for Perth’s future. 13 years later and we still don’t have a plan. 2025 is the time to draw a line in the sand,

Its Feast or Famine for Irish population stats

For the first time in nearly 200 years the number of people on the island of Ireland has exceeded 7 million souls. It is a historic marker for the country. Before the Great Irish Famine (An Gorta Mor) struck in the 1840’s the population of Ireland was estimated to be eight million or more. A million people are said to have lost their lives to malnutrition and disease over the course of a handful of years. Another million fled the poverty and hardship and migrated around the world.

A joint project between Ireland’s Central Statistics Office and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency pooled their 2022 census data and found the total population to be 7.1 million. The statistics showed 5.15 million people lived south of the border while 1.91 million were domiciled in the six counties.

In a previous growth scenario the CSO predicted the population of the Republic of Ireland could tip over 7 million by 2057.

and finally establish a vision to define a future identity for Perth...Perth has the fastest growing population of any Australian capital. How are we going to accommodate this growth? Where will people live?

According to the Property Council, Perth has 1.1 percent of apartments as homes, with 6 percent in Sydney and 3.8 percent in Melbourne, highlighting the opportunity for future liveability closer to amenity... Developing a plan for Perth will be complex, it will require collaboration involving all sides of politics, as well as input from the wider community to guide future economic development, transport, housing and public realm investments. Perth is currently ranked 15th most liveable city in the world. With brave, future-focussed planning, we could make the top 10!

We need to start planning yesterday for the future we want tomorrow. The time is now.”

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Martin’s Medal Of Honour

Areplica of a WWI Victoria Cross medal awarded to West Australian soldier

Martin O’Meara was gifted to the village of his birth Lorrha, Co. Tipperary on July 1.

It was presented to the Lorrha Martin O’Meara VC Committee by Australia’s

by Lloyd Gorman

new ambassador to Ireland Chantelle Taylor in partnership with the Australian Defence Force.

The original VC is held and displayed at the Army Museum of Western Australia in Fremantle but it did spend some time in Ireland, including a very brief appearance at Lorrha*. As a result of this special presentation they will now have their own one on a permanent basis and will be an important addition to the other memorials and commemorations that the local community has erected in honour of one of its sons.

The memorial stone dedicated to Martin is normally the focal point for an Anzac Day ceremony, which pays tributes to all those from the locality who joined the armed forces in the Great War. The event – normally held in April – was delayed so the incoming ambassador could take part. The Irish speaking envoy presented her credentials to President Michael D Higgins in May and has been busy since. She is now the third ambassador in a row to cement ties with the Lorrha community and to honour the legacy of Martin O’Meara.

Ambassador Chantelle Taylor (third from right) with members of the Lorrha communit at O’Meara’s cottage

He was born in Lissernane in 1885 and emigrated to Australia in 1912. He was working as a sleeper cutter at Collie, Western Australia when he enlisted in 1915 with the 16th Battalion and served as a stretcher bearer. The VC – the highest military decoration any Commonwealth service person can be given – was awarded to him for gallantry and extraordinary courage in single handedly rescuing some 25 of his wounded colleagues from No Mans Land in France over the course of three days, under heavy fire while he was injured. When he wasn’t carrying soldiers to safety he carried munitions and supplies through the trenches to where they were needed. He was the only Irish born Victoria Cross recipient of the First World War, although there was another Anzac born in Ireland – Keryman Richard Kelliher –who received the honour for his actions during WWII.

Martin was awarded his VC by the King in London in 1917 and afterwards made a fleeting visit to Lorrha for what would be the last time. After the war he returned to

Western Australia and had just arrived back when tragically he had a serious mental breakdown. He would spend the rest of his life in a straitjacket in mental institutions and died in 1935 and was buried with full military honours at Karrakatta Cemetery. Today, his grave is part of a heritage trail through the cemetery.

* Australian Victoria Cross medals are considered so valuable and important to the nation that they are not allowed to leave the country. There has only ever been one exception to that rule and it took an act of parliament for it to happen. The Protection of Moveable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 was changed in 2018 to allow the loan of Sgt O’Meara’s medal to the National Museum of Ireland. The unusual loan was meant to be for a strict 12 months as part of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition. But of course the advance of COVID 19 and ensuing travel restrictions meant it remained in Ireland until August 2022. But if you are ever passing through Lorrha no doubt they’d be happy and proud to show their one to curious visitors!

$20,000 – What’s that in old money?

by Lloyd Gorman

Gumtree Perth can turn up some interesting items and sometimes it can produce some real gems. The popular online trading site had something for sale recently which you don’t see every day.

A seller in Perth had a “full set of last two (Irish) currencies”. And the price tag? A tidy $20,000 which at first glance I mistakingly

took to be $2,000. Even at $200 it would still have been beyond what I could easily afford but at that price range it would have been a good price. In real terms the notes were worth just shy of 300 pounds and you could walk into the Central Bank of Ireland (in Dublin) and redeem their value in Euros.

But their real worth lies in the fact they are from are artefacts from the recent past and an increasingly by-gone era when there was no substitute for cold hard cash and a wallet stuffed with notes, or even better a big fat wad of rolled ones. For whatever reasons they were now being sold the fact they surfaced in Australia also meant they had an extra rarity factor, which would help push up the price. The rarer the better and a one of a kind is the best.

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Scarcity is not the only factor. Huge numbers of bank notes and coins go into circulation when new ones are released. Adorned with artwork of national significance they are also designed to be durable and hard wearing because of all the sweaty palms, pockets, purses, hiding places and general abuse they will go through in their lifespan. The most collectable money has never seen active duty and are in mint condition. While these financial throwbacks appeared from the photographs to be in

At an auction price of £39,680 this £100 and nearely 100 year old Irish bank note is the most valuable ever

okay shape they did have some wear and tear and were far from perfect condition.

At the end of the day the question of how much someone is willing to pay for something is the real value of an object or collection. According to Gumtree the Irish currency is “no longer available”, which means it was either sold or withdrawn by the seller. Good luck to them whatever happened but its hard to imagine many people having that kind of cash to splash on antique money from Ireland. If you did have that kind of capital to throw about you’d be much better off putting it into gold, which in Australia and around the world is experiencing unprecedented price inflation.

But there is no doubt that rare old, rare notes in good condition can be worth serious coin. The record for the expensive Irish banknote was set about three years ago at a specialist auction in London. An extremely rare £100 (pound) note from the Irish Free State – dated September 10, 1928 – was in near mint condition and the auction house put an estimate of £12,000 and £16,000. In the end it went under the hammer for £39,680 to an overseas collector with an interest in rare notes from around the world. At the same auction two specimen Bank of Ireland Ploughman

Rambling House at the Irish Club

notes: a £50 and a £100, both dating from around 1929, each sold for £32,240. Neither of these had appeared in auction for decades and had been expected to fetch £5,000- £6,000 each.

Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

Ireland switched to decimalisation in February 1971. Before that date and since 1928 Irish people were familiar with a more

colourful array of coins in the farthing, halfpenny, penny, threepence, sixpence, shilling, florin and half-crown. An Irish pound was then worth 240 pence. I was born about a month before Ireland transitioned to the new decimal system so I never knew the farthing or florin but I clearly remember many years later how my dad’s father would say how he could never figure out how the move was meant to benefit the people when in fact they were being shortchanged 140 pennies in the pound. It was a good question.

Talking of questions, and old Irish money, I’m reminded of an old RTE quiz show which was a big hit in its day – a long long time before the likes of Deal or No Deal or Who wants to be a millionaire?

Quicksilver was hosted by celebrity Bunny Carr and travelled around the country and contestants were drawn from the audience who came to watch the show which became famous for its catchphrase “Stop the Lights”, a saying still ‘in currency’ with older generations to this day. It was on the air from 1965 to 1981, so it crossed the

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decimalisation bridge. In the olden days the prizes were measured in penny’s, shillings and half crowns and after the changeover the money prizes started from 10p questions all the way up to a maximum of $5. My parents went along to a production Quicksilver in the late 1970’s and my mum was chosen from the audience to play but because she didn’t want to do it my dad jumped at the chance and actually did quite well considering how frugal the prize

money was. The first time we ever went to McDonalds – when the only one in Ireland was in Grafton Street, Dublin – was with his winnings. Back then a plain hamburger cost 36 pence and fries were 29 pence.

After 75 years active service the Irish pound ceased to be legal tender on 9 February 2002, and was replaced with the Euro.

CLUB SEASON concludes Wednesday March 7, 7.45pm

TUESDAY BOOK CLUB Irish Club Committee Room, 61

ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING AN AWARENESS OF AUSTRALIA’S IRISH HERITAGE

Meets fourth Tuesday of the month, with exception of December. At 7.30pm May 24 ‘Phosphorescence’ by Julia Baird, to be presented by Trish Dooey June 28 TBA to be presented by Cecilia Bray

THE FOURTH TUESDAY BOOK CLUB July 27, ‘Matters of the Heart’ by Jacinta Price, presented by Tony Bray. August 26, To be advised, presented by Cecilia Bray. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com Check for venue address.

Venue Irish Club Committee Room, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco

Admission Free. All welcome. Light refreshments provided. Tea and coffee from the Bar $2

Ugly Too” with a supporting Irish documentary, together with tea/coffee, homemade cakes, Irish jams. Ice creams $3. At Kensington (South Perth). Donation 5 to cover catering and costs.

Subiaco All welcome. Light refreshments provided. m.purcell@telstra.com PATRICKS FESTIVAL Saturday 16th March, Leederville Parade and Irish Festival, 10am. Join our vintage parade and our presentation of the Brendan Awards 2022 and 2023 at the concert in the early prestigious award recognises individuals or groups with a record of dedicated service and outstanding or more aspects of Australia's Irish heritage. Meanwhile we invite nominations for 2024. GENERAL MEETING Sunday 24 March, 3pm, Irish Club Committee room. There will be special motions Membership nominations. Please consider joining as a committee member, volunteer or an event coordinator.

RECENT EVENTS –Tony Curtis poet, Catalpa Commemoration, Anzac Day, Pass the Shillelagh

Contact Convener Mary Purcell, m.purcell@telstra.com

Joyce Literary Competition

COMMEMORATION ROCKINGHAM Annual commemoration of the escape of six Fenian convicts on With oration, verse, music drama and song at the Catalpa Memorial, Rockingham Beach, Easter 11am to 12 noon. Free public event. Guest speakers and dignitaries including Mayor Deb Hamblin Federal Minister Madeline King; State Minister Stephen Dawson; Somer Bessire-Briers from US Michael Sheehy; musician Ormonde Og Waters; and more Coordinated by David McKnight. Thursday 25 April, 8am. AIHA at invitation of Subiaco RSL lay wreaths for Irish ANZACS at Fallen Memorial on the corner of Rokeby and Hamersley roads. Morning tea follows. Subject to confirmation January to 31 December, 2024 membership $65; Concession (Centrelink and unwaged students with ID) $55 from Perth) $45; Membership fee includes tax deductible donation of $20 https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ : Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: 066-192 Account No: 1054 6502 approved charity and tax deductable status. Deductable Gift Recipient Status

BRENDAN AWARD Recognises individuals or groups with a record of dedicated service and outstanding achievement in one or more aspects of Australia’s Irish heritage. Past recipients since inauguration in 1997 are on our website. Nominations for 2025 are now invited https://irishheritage.com.au/awards/the-brendan-award/

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.

We thank our adjudicators Frank Murphy and Frances Devlin-Glass

THE JOURNAL Quarterly magazine for members. Articles celebrating the Irish Heritage in Australia. Editor Teresa O’Brien. Correspondence to journal@irishheritage.com.au

Date Thursday June 16 at 7.30pm

Venue Irish Club Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco (to be confirmed)

Committee Heather Deighan, Chairperson; Tony Bray, Secretary; Patricia Bratton, Treasurer & Membership; Teresa O’Brien, Editor of Journal and social media; Gayle Lannon, Michael Lawlor and Peter Conole, committee. Supported by a tier of volunteers. Please talk to us if you are interested in being involved in some way!

Admission AIHA members $20, Non-members $25, includes light refreshments

Prizes Best Edwardian dressed male or female. Plus special Irish raffle Bookings https://www.trybooking.com/BZAVU

MEMBERSHIP 1 January to 31 December, 2025

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 Pay Online – https://irishheritage.com.au/membership/registration/ Or Bank Transfer: Bank: Commonwealth, BSB: 066-192 Account No: 1054 6502 AIHA has approved charity and tax deductable status. www.irishheritage.com.au

Check our website https://irishheritage.com.au/news-blog/ for a selection of exclusive interviews 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 YouTube channel. Aine is really interesting - victim of domestic violence, successful singer, living in a bus and rearing 3 children. She 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.

Members of AIHA receive 4 editions of the Journal each

Annual Famine Commeoration An Gorta Mor Memorial, Market Square, Subiaco Sunday 18th May 2025

Consecration Consternation

by Lloyd Gorman

Amaverick ‘bishop’ who performed an exorcism on Leinster House – the home of Oireachtas Éireann (Irish parliament) – in protest at government imposed COVID restrictions also preached his puritanical brand of Catholicism in Western Australia late last year, provoking local condemnation by church authorities.

Gardai in Ireland are investigating a complaint about alleged safeguard breaches against the ultraconservative religious order known as The Society of St Pius Resistance Ireland (SSPX Resistance). The probe is into complaints a defrocked priest from the break away

group held unsanctioned masses on private property in Derry. A priest the church considers to be a rouge agent

Leinster House

Derry Bishop Donal McKeowan meeting Pope Francis in 2016

saying illegitimate masses is an internal church affair and not something to attract the attention of police. But allegations of services happening behind closed doors where ‘safeguarding measures’ to protect vulnerable worshippers, such as children, against the potential for abuse to occur, is a different matter in the eyes of the law.

“The priests of SSPX Resistance Ireland are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and do not accept the full teaching authority of the Church,” Derry bishop Donal McKeowan said in a circular to all the parishes in his diocese in April. “The priests of SSPX Resistance Ireland administer sacraments, but do so illicitly – that is, without the necessary faculties and approval of the Church. The Catholic Church has no supervision whatsoever of the[se] priests or ministers, who have no connection with the Diocese of Derry in terms of Safeguarding practises and policies and are not overseen by the bishop of Derry. Considering this information, I urge all the faithful to remain steadfast in communion with the Church, united with the Holy Father and all the Bishops who are in full communion with him. Let us continue to pray for the unity of the Church and for those who have distanced themselves from full communion, that they may one day be reconciled.”

SSPX Resistance Ireland is run by one Bishop Giacomo Ballini, an excommunicated cleric who defied the authority of the Catholic Church. SSPX was established in 1970 by another renegade

excommunicated bishop in response to the reforms of Vatican II, which they said broke time honoured church traditions and made the church too modernist. The Latin Mass or Tridentine Mass – where the priest gives the service in latin and with their back turned towards the congregation throughout – was one of those tenets abandoned by the church.

In 2021 the Irish Examiner newspaper reported that Bishop Ballini led a mass in Dublin’s Herbert Park attended by about 70 other like minded clerics and supporters, at a time when gatherings were restricted to a maximum of 15 people because of

Bishop Ballini – with back towards the congregation – celebrates a mass at a private residence

COVID. The gathering included two nuns from Cork who travelled from Cork to Dublin to take part in the mass. At the time people were not meant to travel 5km beyond where they live. (There might have been a certain amount of public sympathy at the time for this bizarre activity given the hardship caused by the restrictions. The unrepentant Carmelite Sisters raised a whopping $100,000 on GoFundMe to fight their case.

After the way ward mass he performed an exorcism of Leinster House. A video that circulated at the time showed Father Ballini spraying holy water on the buildings of the Irish parliament and government, while praying for Satan to “leave this place”.

Much more recently Bishop Ballini proved to be a thorn in the side of church authorities in Perth.

“It has come to the attention of the Archdiocese of Perth that on Sunday, 15

September 2024, at the Latvian Centre in Belmont, Bishop Giacomo Ballini, at the invitation of Father Michael Rowe, previously the rector of St Anne’s Church in Belmont, illicitly celebrated Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite that was in use prior to the New Order of the Mass and the Roman Missal approved by Pope Paul IV on 3 April 1969,” the Most Reverend Timothy Costello, Archbishop of Perth, said in a statement on 20 September 2024. SSPX had no legal status within the Church he said. “Furthermore, Bishop Ballini has also illicitly conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on a number of young people at the Latvian Centre.” Giacomo Ballini was an Italian priest – one of four priests – ordained as bishops by Bishop Richard Williamson at some point between 2015 and 2022. Bishop Williamson was expelled from SSPX in October 2012 and formed the splinter group SSPX Resistance. Bishop Williamson did not have a political mandate to consecrate priests to the episcopate and he – and the four bishops he ordained – including Ballini – were excommunicated. Expelled from the church Ballini did not have the right to celebrate the sacraments or the ‘Sacrifice of the Eucharist’. “Bishop Ballini is no longer in communion with the Pope and the other Bishops,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “In keeping with the present legislation of the Church, the only priests or bishops who are authorised to celebrate Mass according to the Traditional Rite within the Archdiocese of Perth are those who are individually authorised by the Archbishop of Perth and they may do so only at the location(s) and time(s) as determined by the Archbishop of Perth. Fr Rowe did not have the authority to invite Bishop Ballini to the Archdiocese of Perth to celebrate the Mass and confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. Fr Rowe himself is not authorised to celebrate the Traditional Rite Mass in the Archdiocese of Perth and the Latvian Centre has not been designated as an authorised location where this Mass may be celebrated.”

Like his Derry counterpart, Archbishop Costello offered some guidance and advice for local worshippers. “Those Catholics who choose to organise, conduct or attend

Fr Michael Rowe

such celebrations of the Mass are acting in opposition to the clear and authoritative decisions of the archbishop who is, according to the Church’s tradition, the supreme moderator of liturgical life and practice in the archdiocese,” he said. “In the Catholic tradition, communion with the Church is realised through communion with the local bishop: this communion grounds and is the guarantor of communion with the Bishop of Rome and with the Universal Church. All members of the Catholic community in the archdiocese are invited to maintain and deepen their communion with the Catholic Church by ensuring that they remain in communion with their bishop. Nowhere is this more important than in the celebration of the liturgy, which is the source and summit of the Christian life.”

In response to the Archbishops rebuke, Father Rowe hit back with his own public statement. “I have always maintained and emphasised often that the Masses I offer at the Latvian Centre are private Masses, not public Masses”; and “I have at no stage advertised these Masses broadly, they are private Masses on private property (not in a public Church, chapel or oratory) that I have never advertised to the public,” Fr Rowe said. “They are by specific invitation only”.

Archbishop Costelloe responded in kind with another statement. “The celebration of the Mass is an action of Christ himself and of

the Church,” he said. “The statement of Fr Rowe that the Masses he celebrates at the Latvian Centre are “private masses” misrepresents the Church’s teaching.”

Fr Rowe was well aware if he wanted to celebrate mass using the ‘Roman Missal’ he needed the permission of his diocesan bishop, the archbishop said. The pugnacious preacher never sought that permission and in December 2023 archbishop Costelloe informed him he was not authorised to say mass at his parish (St Anne’s which was opened and blessed on 17 March 2010 as a centre for the celebration of latin mass) or anywhere else in the archdiocese.

As a result, Father Rowe took a group of loyal followers from St. Anne’s to worship at the Latvian Centre. When the Church head instructed him in April 2024 to stop these masses, Fr. Rowe ignored the order and carried on. The mass at the Latvian Centre with bishop Ballini may have been the final straw for the frustrated archbishop. “Fr Rowe’s insistence in refusing to comply with my lawful instruction to cease celebrating the Mass using the Roman Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962 within the Archdiocese of Perth has occasioned the revocation of Fr Rowe’s Archdiocesan faculties. Therefore, as at 12.00am on the fourteenth day of October 2024, all the faculties granted to Fr Rowe will be revoked. Accordingly, Mass is no longer to be celebrated at the Latvian Centre.”

This might not be the last shot fired in this Cannon Law war.

Archbishop Timothy Costello

You were saying.......

Iwas writing about the County of Antrim and was almost finished when I learned about the recent riots in that County…. allegedly about the increase of immigrants from Romania and other countries. Google it if you want to know more. It seems that the Ulster I left is very different from the presentday Ulster.

To understand the situation as it is nowadays, I must return and live there for a few years and that is NOT going to happen in this decade! What I would like to write about is ‘ACCENTS’, which has influenced me since my early childhood. In linguistics and sociolinguistics, accent refers to the way people or specific groups of people sound when they speak. Accents are usually defined and recognised by geographical location. For example, English speakers from the UK, Ulster or Munster have a different accent from English speakers in the USA, South Africa or Australia. Another way of looking at this is a distinctive way of pronouncing a language, especially one associated with a particular country, area, or social class. So what are the World’s most attractive accents you might ask?

Of course, this is most subjective, but a recent poll suggested that the British accent (whatever that is!) was chosen (by whom?) as being the most attractive accent in the world, beating the French accent which was once known as the loveliest (presumedly with the accent on love) accent. It was reported that the Brits are found to be smart, educated, and now they’ve got a lovely accent! Shakespeare’s country should be proud of itself as they have succeeded in defeating the French accent which had been considered for a while as the sexiest accent in the world. The charm of the British accent lies in its diversity as well, from the refined tones of Received Pronunciation to the warm and inviting West Country lilt. It seems that every region in the UK has a unique twist that adds to the overall appeal.

The American accent has been elected for the second rank, specifically the Southern American accent. Apparently, the accent sounds ‘chivalrous’! The Southern drawl is often associated with hospitality and warmth, evoking images of genteel manners and slow, sweet conversations under the shade of a magnolia tree. It’s no wonder that

A quiet scene in the County of Antrim that I remember.

this accent has captivated so many hearts across the globe.

The Irish accent comes next. From Cork to Donegal, and from Galway to Dublin, the Irish accent is appreciated. It is often said that the Irish accent is a soft one and is frequently used for storytelling. And with men like Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, the late Terry Wogan and the present-day Graham Norton, their well-known voices have earned its place as one of the most attractive accents.

The Irish lilt has a musical quality, with its rhythmic cadence and melodic tones, making it a delight to listen to, whether it’s in a casual conversation or a heartfelt tale.

So, what about the Ulster accent you might ask? Of course there are many regional ones to consider. Certainly, some of them are not so euphonious, melodious, nor mellifluous. Perhaps the most consistent for me is that from the folk in Donegal.

The Australian accent sounds pleasant. It is a lyrical and original accent. Moreover, many American words are used in Australia, which adds an additional charisma to the language; for example, a gas station is called a service station, a trunk is a boot. The Aussie accent is not just about the words but also about the laid-back, mate friendly vibe that comes with it. It’s an accent that feels like sunshine and adventure, resonating with the free-spirited nature of the land down under.

Ashamedly, after four years

of leaning French, I never did speak it with nothing but an Ulster (refined) accent. The French accent has been considered for many years as the sexiest accent in the world…. Par excellence. Known as soft and sensual, many once voted for it; however, its popularity is decreasing. The French accent is still revered for its elegance and sophistication, often associated with romance and fine dining. It’s an accent that conjures up images of Parisian cafes, wine, and poetic conversations under the stars. The Spanish accent, with its vibrant and rhythmic flow, is another favourite. It’s an accent full of energy and zest, perfectly reflecting the lively culture of Spain and Latin America…. Que sera sera. Whether it’s the Castilian Spanish of Madrid or the more relaxed Latin American variations, the Spanish accent is undeniably captivating. Now I did live in Spain for three years so you would think I could master this language which I must admit is probably the easiest one to learn. It is spoken exactly as it is written. Unfortunately, the dialect in Andalucía is fast and furious. It tends to use many corto (cut off) words. Madrilenians were more easily understood but it wasn’t until I came to Australia and had lessons from various South American teachers that I got a grasp of it. It suited my Ulster accent apparently!

Over the years, I have discovered the importance of having the ‘right’ accent. When working in London, it was explained to me that I did not have this ’right’ accent when invitations for a posh party were extended. In Birmingham, my boss told me how important my ‘classless’ accent was to the firm. He was originally from a high-class caste in India but had attended Oxford where, I presume, he managed to cultivate his own posh accent.

At one stage in my career, I was taught to teach English to foreign businessmen. None of them commented on my pronunciation. Certainly, I had to work on words like film, and I never used some of those dreadful Ulster cliches which I wrote about a few months ago using the UlsterEnglish Dictionary. For example……

Haffun: a standard spirit measure: … ‘Sure we’ll sit down over a haffun an see how we stann.’

‘Sure a wee haffun nivver done anybody a bit of harm’.

I must confess that I often felt embarrassed when I met Ulster people abroad and they were apt to use many of these expressions in highly educated

ULSTER RAMBLES

company. ‘We’ll go haffers on the bill.’

‘Hey, what’s your man on about?’

The Scottish accent, with its rich and rolling tones, often garners admiration from some people as well. Known for its robustness and distinctive pronunciation, the Scottish accent can range from the gentle lilt of the Highlands to the bold and vibrant (if you can understand it) Glaswegian. It’s an accent that’s as diverse and beautiful as the landscapes of Scotland itself. OK. Maybe just some of it! There are a few Scots at my local golf club. Well, there would be. They apparently invented this frustrating game (sorry Rory and Shane). Most of the people have big trouble in understanding them and I must confess, I have to substitute a few imaginary words in my head to understand what they might be getting at!

I wonder now how the new immigrants are faring in Ballymena. Do they start speaking with that Ulster accent? Do they even understand what the locals are saying?

Yes, I simply must return to find out!

I wrote a song some time ago about the different greetings one can make over a pint or two.

So here's to you here's mud in your eye

Slainte chin chin a votre sante.

Sometimes you should say proust, or salud It could be simply skoal or even kanpie. bottoms up cheers and cherio, these toasts every traveller should know. I've heard in Greece that you should say yamas. These different greetings can help make friendships fast.

As always, may your God go with you and understand you no matter what accent you have.

David MacConnell

BOOKSHOP DETECTIVES 2: TEA AND CAKE

by GARETH WARD & LOUISE WARD / $34.99

I’m always a bit apprehensive when I see books with dual authors, but then why should I be since duos are entirely capable of excellent literature. Woodward and Bernstein together penned the award winning, ‘All the President’s Men’, which brought down the Nixon government in the United States, and both Nicci Gerrard and Sean French are responsible for the blockbusting ‘Nicci French’ series of detective novels. Reading Bookshop Detectives 2, has done much to assuage my unease about tandem authors. Written in brief alternating chapters, and narrated by the redoubtable Eloise and Garth, who own the Sherlock Tomes bookshop in small New Zealand town of Havelock North, this tale doesn’t miss a beat. It’s a two-handed narration effort and I suspect the chapters featuring bookshop owner, Eloise, are written by Louise Ward, and those starring Garth by her husband, thus eliminating any potential literary awkwardness. In real life, the Wards are actually owners of an independent NZ bookshop (Wardini Books) and met while both were training as police officers in the UK, so they are able to portray store business and crime solving with knowledge and understanding. Garth and Eloise, supported with their quirky staff, Phyllis, Kitty and Amelia, not to mention their beloved pooch, Stevie, become fixated in trying to work out who is poisoning the people at events they are attending in preparation for the town’s big fundraising event, ‘The Battle of the Book Clubs’.

Also, lingering in the shadows is Pinter, a serial killer from Eloise’s past, who although bangedup in an English prison, continues to find a way to remind her that he is still a malevolent force to be reckoned with. If not exactly ‘Nordic Noir’, this is nuanced Kiwi ‘cosy crime’ at its best. There are occasions in the narrative when a modicum of judicious editing would quicken the pace, but then Havelock North is a relaxed and leisurely town where time is not of the essence - but life is far from dull. Tea and Cake is a sequel to the Wards’ first book Dead Girl Gone, which received critical acclaim.

MY FAVOURITE MISTAKE

by MARIAN KEYES / PENGUIN BOOKS $34.99

Arguably Ireland’s most popular author, it certainly looks like Marian Keyes has another Australian megahit on her hands with My Favourite Mistake, which is already the #1 bestseller in Ireland and the UK (where 28.1 of Keyes’ books are sold every hour). The library of my old alma mater, Trinity College Dublin, contains around seven million volumes, but this pales in to insignificance when measured against Keyes’ UK sales of 79 million books. Over her previous 16 novels we have been introduced to the rambling Walsh family, particularly four of the Walsh sisters (Claire, Helen, Rachel and Margaret), who have each been the focus of individual novels. Now (15 years later), it’s again the turn of the fifth and youngest Walsh, 48-year-old, Anna, a hotshot beauty PR in New York. Anna seemingly has it all – a prestigious well-paid job (‘with unlimited access to liquid exfoliators’), a Manhattan

Book Reviews

by John Hagan

apartment and a devoted partner, Angelo. But it’s not enough, with Anna deciding to sacrifice it all and move back to Ireland to the bosom of her family in rural Maumtully. She eventually finds herself a job doing PR for her friends, Colm and Brigit, who hope to build a high-end spa retreat on the Irish coast, much to the chagrin of the locals. Amidst trying to defuse this neighbourhood hostility and cope with all manner of corrupt shenanigans, Anna also becomes entangled with a former lover, the heartless bed-hopper, Joey, who is now a single father and a classical music convert. Romantic sparks fly, and flashbacks help us understand why Anna and Joey seem reluctant to finally commit to each other. My Favourite Mistake has all the hallmarks of the classical Keyes narrative, pacy, eclectic characterization, breezy humour, plus all the problems arising from living in small town modern Ireland. Anna is a flawed, funny, enticing character, and through her, Keyes explores concepts of family, friendships, relationships and growing older, with muddled messy people leading muddled messy lives. But above all it’s about love – in all its various and diverse forms. This is Keyes at her racy, rumbustious best.

THE GRAND PRIX YEAR

by PHILLIP HORTON / BLOOMSBURY

$34.99

Twenty-four hi-octane races, 21 countries, 20 prospective world champions, 40 weeks of racing, millions of spectators and multi-millions of dollars in the swill. Start your engines. Welcome to speed reading and life in the fast lane. Respected motoring journalist, Phillip Horton takes readers on a fast-paced Formula 1 journey of all 24 Grand Prix, beginning with our own Melbourne (Albert Park) event and culminating in Abu Dhabi about 10 months

later. Each event is markedly different, both in terms of course, locale and atmosphere, with Horton providing in-depth descriptions across all 24 events.

‘Fortunately, being part of the travelling circus, there’s a level of access, as well as just firsthand experience of going to these places and exploring aspects beyond the racetrack’ says Horton. ‘That’s always interested me – the people, the culture (and the food!) and the history of a city or country’, he adds.

A veteran of 130 races, Horton takes the reader behind the scenes, carefully explaining just what makes this peripatetic, flamboyant, circus tick. Driver fitness is important, as is their concentration levels while seated behind the wheel for two hours, sustaining potential temperatures upwards of 60 degrees Celsius, coping with immense G forces (all drivers have thickened necks) whilst making hundreds of split-second decisions.

Racing car design is also examined by Horton, including revealing some of the underhand shenanigans of some teams in order to discover why a competitor manages to shave one hundredth of a second off a lap record. With seemingly unlimited access to drivers, pit crews, team strategists, owners and the media, Horton has peppered the book with pertinent and revealing anecdotes as he unlocks the colourful, dynamic panoply of this fascinating sport. I wouldn’t class myself as a ‘petrol head’, or even a modest ‘wheel kicker’, but having a peek behind the scenes into the secrets of Formula 1 was captivating for me, so reading this book is surely a must for Formula 1 devotees.

Paula from Tasmania

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

The Truth can be Colder with Friction

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

This novel takes us on a journey into the continually evolving tech world which can sometimes be frustrating, feel cold and antiseptic compared to the warmth of humans but also can be dangerous in how it can manipulate us. Of course, humans can lack authenticity too. This novel gives us the precision of technology and the flaws of humanity both and asks us what is real, what is authentic. It poses the question what and who can we trust. I recently spoke to Ashly Kalagian Blunt about her new techno thriller Cold Truth. The main protagonist, Harlow Close and her sister Blaise are struggling with the disappearance of their father. All of this is happening in a freezing sub-zero cold Canada. Displeased with the investigations Harlow decides to take things into her own hands. Perhaps the name Harlow is a rhyming reference to that other famous detective Philip Marlow. One thing about her name is that Harlow holds her family close. There are some conversations in this novel that demonstrate how sometimes we can be talking at cross purposes. As well as the problems with human connection and technology, nature also poses an unpredictable participant. With the life-threatening cold spell there is another enemy in the Canadian winter itself. Ashleigh tells me that in extreme weather conditions, every year people travelling, in their vehicles, can freeze to death travelling. Ashleigh also says that parents warn their children about what might happen if they decide to go out in these conditions. Remarkably, Ashley tells me that Canada is in these conditions, colder than Mars!

With all the heavy emphasis of technology and what and who we can trust, the light comedic theme of the novel is Blaise’s, dog a two-year-old Pomeranian called Caesar, who is every bit the novel’s emperor. Caesar even has his own fan art! Cold Truth is out now published by Ultimo Press.

Eye of the Storm

BY PAULA XIBERRAS

Watching someone prepare spuds for the evening meal might not be exactly riveting for many but in this case watching singer, songwriter, playwright and novelist Damien Leith decide to prepare dinner on social media is well, social, and that is even more social since it’s from a garrulous Irish man, with a gift for the gab and the written word as well. As for being a bit of an eye (forgive me potatoes) of a storm, a storm of visitors, like Damien’s children, Jaegar and Kikki pop into Damien’s Facebook kitchen to make a comment or sing a spontaneous song because of course, the apple or in this case the pomme de terre (sorry! again potatoes) hasn’t fallen far from the tree! It's always a joy to chat to Damien and I have been lucky

enough to have done many interviews with him throughout his career. What always impressed me is his status has a Renaissance man. I think if he put his hand to visual art, he would ace that too, maybe he has?

However, this chat is about Damien’s new children’s book ‘The Extraordinary Misadventures of Lake and Bridey’ and about his upcoming tour that focuses on Irish music and has been receiving standing ovations around the country. Jokingly before we begin, I ask Damien the most important question, how did those smashing spuds manifest before being consumed, where they roasted, mashed or made into fries?

“Mashed,” he says, and a special one at that, mash with parmesan, because ‘the children like it like that.’

That is a good segue into the new novel which I know from previous chats has found its genesis in the hundreds of stories Damien has read to his children at bedtime.

He explains that he always told the children bedtime stories and as time went on and the children got older, they were interested in stories that stayed on theme, were more episodic or serial based. And this became the trend. After a while the boys grew out of the stories, and it was little sister Kikki that still enjoyed the stories and so ‘The Extraordinary Misadventures of Lake and Birdie was born. A feature of the story is, in Damien’s words, ‘The fearsome strong’ sisters (and the feisty little one) who stand up for themselves.”

The book is full of twists and humour, with a dastardly villain in Miss McGregor. Damien says he’d like to revisit the book with a sequel and concentrate on some of the minor characters from the book, like Lake and Bridey’s school friends. The other project we chat about is Damien’s present tour, a labour of love to Irish music. He is accompanied on the tour by a full orchestra. He tells me there will be good balance of twenty-seven songs, some we know and some only an Irish person would be familiar with and some with special significance including Damien’s tribute to his dad, who ‘had my back through all the years’ with a favourite ‘The Old Man’.

Damien lets me in to a little secret or maybe it isn’t really a secret and won’t be when this article is published, he confesses that writing is his first love, particularly play writing, (Damien has written and performed a play ‘The Parting Glass’ which toured Australia). He joined the drama group at school for this express wish of playwriting and because the drama group worked in close association with the music department, he naturally found himself involved in music and of course the rest is history and as for the future, well, Damien says he’s not considering a cooking book! You can see Damien’s Irish show, Sat, 19 Sept – Regal Theatre, Perth.

His children’s book ‘The Extraordinary misadventures of Lake and Bridey’ is out now, published by Walker Books.

You Can Make It HappenThe power of Affirmations

BY LLOYD GORMAN

Martin is not a novelist or author but he has a story to tell. He has written and published a book about his life, a story he hopes will comfort and support readers, especially those who need a helping hand or reassuring voice in their darkest hour.

You Can Make It Happen is Martin’s life story laid bare. Born in England but raised in County Mayo, Ireland, he had a difficult upbringing filled with domestic hardship and early responsibilities. Forced to grow up fast, Martin found solace in sport, hard work, and caring for his family. He later moved to England and Germany, facing life-threatening health conditions, heartbreaking loss, and moments where hope seemed lost. Cancer and tragedy have claimed the people he loved most in his life and he has fought depression and suicide. Despite these challenges, Martin rebuilt his life—again and again—guided by a deep belief in affirmations, personal growth, and the power of kindness.

Martin shares his story not to dwell on the past, but to inspire others who feel stuck or overwhelmed. His book is a testament to the human spirit. It’s packed with real experiences, daily rituals, and mindset tools that helped him survive and thrive. Through public speaking, charity work, and now this book, Martin continues to spread a simple message: you can overcome anything—and create a life filled with purpose and possibility.

constant champion for mental health and the fight against cancer and he has pedalled his way across and around Australia raising money and awareness for these great causes. Amongst other things, he also organised two ‘Nights for People in Need’ at the Irish Club in the past.

You Can Make It Happen can be ordered online at www.martinhowley.org for $44.95 or for a special ’in-person’ price of $30 at 0477294587.

Martin moved to Western Australia in 2011 and has lived here since. He is a

Claddagh Seniors Update

Our Claddagh Seniors events continue to bring joy, connection, and plenty of craic to the Irish community in Western Australia.

Parkerville Tavern – Monday, 28 April

A full coach of Claddagh Seniors headed to the beautiful Parkerville Tavern for a hearty lunch and some great banter, spontaneous singalongs, jokes, and shared memories making the journey just as much fun as the destination.

Laughter truly echoed through the hills!

Stirling Arms, Guildford – Monday, 27 May

Another delicious lunch brought us together at the historic Stirling Arms. This time, we added a touch of competitive spirit with Irish Bingo – and it was a hit, everyone got into the spirit of the game, proving once again that age is no barrier to fun. A massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, without you this would not be possible! Check out these great snaps from Volunteer Paul. Laughter truly echoed through the hills!

Explore our full gallery of past events on our website at Claddagh.org. au or scan the QR code right.

Seniors – mark your calendars for our upcoming events:

• Wednesday 9 July – Christmas in July at The Mighty Quinn

• Monday 11 August – Event Cinemas, Innaloo with Light lunch

• Wednesday 3 September –Lunch at Avocados Cafe

VALE – Richard Maloney 1930 – 2025

We bid a fond farewell to Richard Maloney, a proud Cork man, beloved member of our Claddagh community. Richard was a true original – a proud Cork man with a twinkle in his eye, a storyteller to his bones, and a cherished part of our senior community. Whether it was leading the banter in the computer classes, attending every event we threw his way, or sharing tales of his extraordinary life, Richard was always there, full of life and laughter. A rogue, a character, and an absolute gentleman. Born in Mitchelstown, County Cork in 1930, Richard lived an adventurous life – from working with the BBC on Ascension Island, to arriving in Fremantle with his wife and six children on the Fairstar in 1971, to helping shape Western Australia’s early telecommunications infrastructure. He brought with him Irish charm, grit, his love for the Irish language as a Gaeilgeoir and a great céilí dancer’s joy. We are honoured to have his oral history recorded, and in it, his rich voice lives on – recounting tales of volcanic islands, steel drum bands, spaghetti cooked by strangers, and the warmth of a Perth summer that helped him settle into a new life. Richard coined our favourite quote from the Oral Histories Project, “I’m proud to be Irish, I’m glad I’m Australian. It’s not a dichotomy.” He truly embodied the best of both. He is preceded by his wonderful wife Maire. Our deepest sympathies go to his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all our members who knew and loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

(May his soul be at the right hand of God)

Seniors Digital Training

These friendly and engaging sessions help seniors build confidence using digital tools. They’re informative, hands-on, and a lot of fun – complete with morning tea and a take-home folder for ongoing learning!

Next Workshop: Saturday, 26 July

Time: 10am – 12pm, followed by morning tea

Bookings: Call 08 9249 9213 or email admin@claddagh.org.au to

Upcoming Events

Free Visa Clinic

Navigating migration pathways can be daunting. That’s why Claddagh offers free visa clinics with registered migration agent Patricia Halley (MARA 1383611) from Visa4You.

Whether you're applying for a visa, working toward permanent residency, or exploring citizenship options, this is a fantastic opportunity for trusted advice.

Available to all Claddagh members – Not a member yet? Join for just $25!

professional. If you need advice about Visa's or citizenship, please make an appointment for the next clinic by contacting us on 08 9249 9213 or email admin@claddagh.org.au

To book an appointment, contact us on 08 9249 9213 or email admin@claddagh.org.au

Claddagh walks from Darkness into Light

A Community Effort

Torc Ceili’s St Brigid’s Festival: (pics attached)

On Saturday 10 May, Claddagh committee members, volunteers, and friends joined hundreds of others at South Perth foreshore for the annual Darkness Into Light walk – a powerful and moving event in support of mental health and suicide prevention.

On Sunday 2 February, Claddagh was delighted to be part of Torc Festival at Kidogo Arthouse in Fremantle – a celebration of Irish patroness saint. The

As the first rays of light broke the dawn, we stood united in hope, remembrance, and solidarity. A huge thank you to our friends at Darkness Into Light Perth for another successful and heartfelt event.

Remember – You are not alone. Reach out to us at Claddagh and we can support you, help is always available, or check out the free resources below:

• Helplink: Free online counselling for Irish passport holders abroad – www.helplink.ie

• Samaritans: Free call from Australia: 1800 570 699 (24/7)

THE CLADDAGH ASSOCIATION - THERE WHEN YOU NEED US

Claddagh’s mission is to provide support, care, and connection to members of the Irish community in WA who are experiencing hardship or find themselves in difficult circumstances.

How You Can Help:

To support these needs of both individuals and families, Claddagh must fundraise throughout the year. If you would like to support Claddagh’s work you can

• Donate: Visit claddagh.org.au to make a donation.

• Volunteer: Your time can make a world of difference—sign up today!

• Become a Member: For just $10, you can join Claddagh. Increased membership helps us access additional funding and support.

• Host a fundraiser: Got an idea in mind? Give us a call if you would like to collaborate. See our Website for full details – QR code below.

Reminder:

If you or someone you know needs Claddagh’s support, please contact us:

Email: admin@claddagh.org.au

Phone: 08 9249 9213

Crisis Line (Urgent Support): 0403 972 265

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CLADDAGH

Unit 1, 8 Dewar Street, Morley, 6062. Enquiries: 08 9249 9213 | admin@claddagh.org.au

Australian Irish Dancing Association Inc.

AIDA WA would like to congratulate the wonderful group of Western Australian dancers who travelled to Dublin in April to compete in the 2025 Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne; the CLRG World Championships. Special congratulations to our 11 place getters, including two top 5 globe winners and three world medal holders!

Vaughan Cooper, WA Academy - 3rd Place Men 20-21 (WMH)

Tiernan Beattie, The Academy - 4th Place Boys U13 (WMH)

Sinéad Daly, The Academy - 15th Place Ladies 20-21(WMH)

Sephora Donelan, The Academy - 22nd Place U11

Tara Fox, O’Hare School - 24th Place U17

Niamh Leahy, O’Hare School - 24th Place Ladies 21-23

Caitlin Bone, The Academy - 26th Place Senior Ladies

Emmeline Summers, WA Academy - 28th Place U12

Georgia Western, Trinity Studio - 33rd Place U16

Isobel Ashley, Trinity Studio - 33rd Place Ladies 21-23

Tara Collis, Celtic Academy - 40th Place Ladies 21-23

Well done to the other 19 dancers who competed in Dublin, dancing beautifully and making WA proud:

Ruby Cullen, Celtic Academy

Ailis Murphy, WA Academy

Talitha Lin, The Academy

Erin Carroll, WA Academy

Maeve Carroll, WA Academy

Shae O’Connor, O’Hare School

Cassie Lin, The Academy

Sahara Donelan, The Academy

Sadhbh Caul The Academy

Sinéad Lydon, The Academy

Katelyn Steele-Gage, The Academy

Cassie Perkins, Trinity Studio

Charlotte Hunter, Celtic Academy

Lia Young, The Academy

Laoise McAlee, The Academy

Stella Ashley, Trinity Studio

Medbh Flanagan, The Academy

Koral Smith, The Academy

Ciara Stobbie, The Academy

Locally, AIDA WA and its dancers have been busy with the feis season in full swing. Well done to the dancers who took part in both the Sweets of May and Mrs McGowan Memorial competitions. As always it was fantastic to see dancers of all ages and abilities up on stage, doing their best and most of all, having fun!

We would like to wish all the dancers travelling to NSW for the Australian International Oireachtas in July the very best of luck; as well as all the dancers training hard for our State Ceili & Solo Championships, and Perth Premierships in August.

Heroes....just for one day?

By the time you’ll be reading this article I will have been over and back from a twoand- a-half-week trip to Ireland. Someone mentioned to me, that won’t even give you time to put on a pair of budgie smugglers and go for a swim. My reply was simple, why in God’s name would I go to Ireland to have a swim in frozen water, when I can swim in hot water here in Australia. Even though it’s a short time to travel so far and I have a lot of ground to cover, I will make time to attend the British and Irish lions V Argentia game in Dublin. In that short space of time I have, I’m sure I will still have plenty to tell you about in the next edition of the magazine. Until then, I wonder if any of you have ever met any of your heroes, the one or ones you wished to meet one day and have a chat with them? Well, some of us have been lucky to have had that opportunity. My son, Jonathan and I have had that enormous pleasure in meeting our hero. To explain our situation, I will have to go back to 1959 when Hank Marvin, lead guitarist of The Shadows, previously called The Drifters, formed a band to back Cliff Richards. In my time back in Cork in those days, we music mad kids saw Cliff Richards as a secondrate Elvis Presley. However, Cliff’s backing band,

The Shadows were unique and a revolution, as they were meticulously dressed and musically gob smacking. Their stage presence was total class. What was also striking was Hank played a Fender Sunburst Stratocaster guitar that Cliff Richard had bought for him as a gift. It was just like the Fender

Stratocaster guitar that Buddy Holly played. Well boy o boy did that prick our ears up on the roads and streets of Gurranabraher in Cork and all around the world. Everyone wanted what Hank had but us young hopefuls didn’t have enough money to buy a Fender. Most of us had to settle for very substandard castaway or homemade damaged guitars. Even do we couldn’t afford a Fender at the time, that didn’t deter most of us young boys striving to acquire one later in life. Hanks innovative guitar style inspired our generation and still does.

As time went on and having had many hits together with Cliff Richards, Hank Marvin’s Shadows went their separate ways, but that didn’t stop Cliff and The Shadows from achieving many more chartbusting successes separately. The Shadows broke up in1968 and reformed sometime later. Hank has influenced thousands of guitarists and some of them he has performed with.

To name just a few, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Brian May, George Harrison and that is only the tip of the iceberg. He has also added some movie music scores to his long list of successes.

Hank has been living in Perth since 1986 and has been playing with his Gypsey Jazz Band that has evolved over

many years with, Nunzio Mondia, Gary Taylor and Peter Jeavons.

I will travel back 40 years when Hank Marvin and The Shadows were playing a concert in Melbourne. I was jumping out of my skin with delight at the thought of seeing my hero in the flesh on stage. I purchased three tickets for my four-year-old son Jonathan, my wife and myself. I was elated with joy while my young son slept through the whole concert. I bought a Shadows record next week (No CDs were made at that time). The record was played constantly and as time went on and Jonathan grew up and started to play with his guitar, he began to appreciate the great talent of the great genius. Nine years ago, Hank and His Gypsy band were performing in Melbourne and of course we could not miss an opportunity to see Hank again, Jonathan, now a devoted Hank fan like me, were seated only a few feet in front of our hero in ore of this master of a guitarist. After the show to our amazement ,our hero asked one of the bystanders to take some pictures of himself with Jonathan and I. He then proceeded to engage us in conversation and sign some autographs and a poster. For someone so famous to be so gentle and only to happy to give us quality time was amazing, see attached pictures. Well if that

wasn’t enough, how could things better? Well it did. Since then, Jonathan has become an accomplished guitarist and has acquired an impressive collection of workshop guitars and he also acquired a workshop replica copy of the Sunburst Fender Stratocaster guitar that Cliff Richards had bought and gifted to Hank.

On Sunday May 18th this year, Hank and his Gypsey Jazz band were playing in Melbourne and as you would expect Jonathan, and I were like two kids going to a lolly shop with a smile from ear to ear. We had purchased seats at a table, only a few feet from the stage and had a perfect view of the show. Jonathan in his wisdom had decided to bring his Workshop Sunburst Fender Stratocaster Replica to show Hank. The exact copy, of the one Cliff bought for Hank all those years ago. As expected, the show was amazing as our hero has mastered age as he has mastered his talent. After the show we met with our hero, who is always willing to engage in conversation, his eyes lit up on seeing the Workshop Fender Replica and insisted on signing the guitar for Jonathan, and like the time before, Hank organized for someone to take a picture of us with Jonathan’s signed guitar. See attached. Jonathan said all his birthdays came together after Hank signed his guitar. I was a proud father with having Jonathan and I sharing a time with our hero. One couldn’t ask any more from meeting one’s hero than meeting him twice. Mission accomplished. I do hope you get to meet your hero one day and experience the joy of fulfilment. Until next time, after my return from Ireland, be good to those who love you and slainte from Melbourn.

Mike Bowen

Comhaltas Camp

We had another fabulous Comhaltas weekend on the 23rd to the 25th of May, 2025 at the Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp. Thanks to all who attended and a big thank you to all of our top class tutors! A big congratulations to our two perpetual trophy winnersJezliah Fok & Ruairi Ward. A reminder that our weekly music and Irish language classes and sessions continue on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 pm at Vic Park RSL, and at Vic Part Centre for the arts on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 2pm. Check out our website for details on music and language workshops, coming events and memberships. www.perthcomhaltas.com.au

Hope to see you soon!

CARRAMAR

SHAMROCK ROVERS FC

CARRAMAR SHAMROCK ROVERS @CARRAMAR_SHAMROCK_ROVERS

CONTACTS: MARTY BURKE 0410 081 386

Rovers U13s Secure JDL Division 1 Spot!

Great news for our Under 13s! Football West recently restructured their junior setup for U13s and above, transforming what was known as NPL into the new JDL (Junior Development League). This timely change allows clubs like Carramar Shamrock Rovers to vie for top divisions through a pre-season grading process, with performance determining placement in divisions 1 through 5. We're thrilled to announce that our top U13s team achieved their goal, securing a spot in JDL Division 1 with an impressive 8 wins! Not only that, but our second U13s squad also earned a place in JDL Division 4. This achievement was a clear target for our dedicated coaches, Lenny and Martin, and as a club, we couldn't be prouder of the hard work and commitment shown by both coaching staffs, players, and parents. It truly is a team effort, and it's fantastic to see everyone united and pulling in the same direction. For Carramar Shamrock Rovers, this restructuring means we can now retain our talented players by offering them the chance to compete at the highest level - an opportunity previously unavailable. Keeping our young talent within the club is crucial, as these promising young players will undoubtedly strengthen our future first team.

A Word from Coach Lenny

"When I started coaching this group back in 2020 at U8s, we were playing in the 'purple' (second) division. Back then, it was all about pure enjoyment – making sure the boys and girls had fun, learned the game, and always finished their weekend matches with smiles, regardless of the score. We continued in 'purple' for U9s, had a fantastic season, and that success prompted us to move up to 'Blue' (the top

division) at U10s. We stayed there, competing fiercely, right up until U12s. Each year, our squad improved, and the lads grew stronger and more skilled.

As we transitioned to U13s, we set a clear goal: to reach JDL Division 1. I honestly couldn't be prouder that the boys achieved exactly what we set out to do. Yes, it's brought its challenges, but the boys are learning every week what it takes to compete against Perth's best, and they're doing a tremendous job. This is a long-term project for me, and I'm incredibly fortunate to have a group of parents who share this vision. Together, we've fostered a strong team spirit and an environment where we're truly just a group of friends, all wanting the best for each other and the team.

I believe that as coaches, we're not just developing footballers; we're nurturing young men. The lads know they can come to me with anything. It's about more than just football - it's being an ear to listen, an arm around the shoulder, a pat on the back. It's striving to be a positive influence, teaching correct values, and making sure they keep smiling after every game, just like they did when they were U8s."

A big shout-out also goes to Martin Bowles, who has done an incredible job with our U13 JDL Division 4 team this season. Martin is a pleasure to coach alongside, and we consistently work together to achieve what's best for the kids and the club.

Together, we're building an army of young, hungry, and talented players who will be ready for the first team before we know it. Shout out to Solis Electrics for sponsoring the team’s tracksuits, and to AW Painting (Adam Walsh) for the gear bags.

As always, thanks to our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without our major State League sponsors:

• Colgan Industries

• The Glasgow Skin Clinic

• Live Lounge in Wanneroo

• Frankie Atkinson, Acclaim Accounting

Thanks also to our loyal banner sponsors and various teamwear sponsors, several of whom have been with us for a number of years now. And last but not least, thanks to all of our 500 Club sponsors.

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

The future is undeniably bright in green and white!

SHAMROCK ROVERS

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Perth Tim Hickey Sevens 2025

at RA Cooke Reserve 12 April

Fantastic Fiftieth

Congratulations and lots of love to Fred and Lilly Rea who recently celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary. Married in 1975 the Irish Italian couple enjoyed the special occasion with their children and grandchildren. As anyone who knows Fred will know, he likes to keep busy and make a difference and help people in the community. He founded Irish Scene back in 1998 with his friend, the late Joe O’Sullivan while Lilly was also played a major role in making every edition happen. Lloyd and Imelda Gorman took over as the publishers in 2019 and we would like to thank them for giving us the magazine to carry on and to wish them many happy returns on behalf of all Irish Scene readers!

Ireland was a piece of cake

City Beach couple Rob and Julie Mazza travelled to Ireland in May to visit his relations. They did the tourist thing in Dublin and Belfast but got a customary and traditional fáilte when they caught up with family. Cousins were coming out of the woodwork when they visited the Daly farm near Kanturk, Co. Cork and also waiting for them was a home made cake with the words “Welcome Home Again” iced on top, all washed down by copious cups of tea and plenty of chat!

In case of emergency

In between saving lives and rescuing kittens from trees what do fire fighters do to relax?

Noel Cronin from Ballincollig and Adian Bolster (pictured in the drivers seat) at Anglesea Street Fire Station like to read the most recent edition of Irish Scene. Adian lived in Thornlie, WA for some time in the 1990’s and is always keen to catch up on the news from his old stomping ground.

Reading Irish Scene is as easy as A,B,C

Irish Scene is a magazine for the ages it seems, all ages.

Prolific Irish museo

Tommy O’Brien sent us this photo of his daughter Katie reading the most recent edition of the magazine. He said she loves reading it whenever a new edition comes out. Well done Katie, we need more readers like you and we look forward to seeing you playing music with dad around the Irish community.

Stairway to Heaven in Ireland

A ladder up a pole in the middle of nowhere is just one of the mad things you might see on holidays in Ireland as Ewan and Molly Gorman discovered in the Curragh, Co. Kildare recently. Even better when the sun is shining and you get to explore it with cousins and of course catch up with the doting grannies and grandads, uncles and aunts in Kildare, Limerick, Ballinasloe and Cork!

Turf 1 Rory McIlroy 0

Gerry and Lois Crowley went back to Ireland in June for a holiday are pictured here outside the house of Shane Lowry’s parents in Offaly. “My niece and her husband live next door,” said Gerry. “In fact my niece’s husband is a first cousin of Shanes. They keep adding to the wall when he has a win. Of course he is good friends with Rory McIlroy. Shane’s grand mother lives across the road and the story goes that when Rory visited her with Shane he was introduced as “the great golfer”. Granny said “I don’t care who you are but I want you to go out and get me some turf for the fire”. Rory diligently fetched the turf and granny told him its no good leaving it there on the floor when you need to put it on the fire! They also took in a few other landmarks on their travels.

If you have photos or special moments you would like to share with Irish Scene readers we’d love to hear from you. Just email Irishsceneperth@gmail.com

HAPPY 88th BIRTHDAY PADDY CANNON

On June 1, Paddy Cannon celebrated his 88th birthday with family and friends. Paddy was one of a group of child migrants who arrived in Australia from England in the late 40s and thanks to a UK research group, found his mother and was then able to trace his extended Irish family in Co Mayo. Paddy finally found 67 family members. Paddy continues to support his fellow child migrants in Tuart Place, High Street, Fremantle. Onya Paddy!

Tom Murphy in Canberra

During his recent visit to the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra, Tom Murphy was delighted to present HE Ambassador Tim Mawe with an Australasia Gaelic Games Feile jersey. Feile are grateful for Ambassador Mawe’s support of Gaelic Games in Australia, including his address to the team prior to their departure for Ireland in June.

Al Healy at Australia v Japan on June 5th...

What a cracker of a night, Australia qualifying for the next soccer world cup in the US. And Al Healy (of The Healy’s band) was there to witness the historic event with family and friends. The Aussies left it a bit late but got the all important goal with minutes left!

Broken Pokers and Dympna visit Dermot Byrne

Well done Derrick Buckley and Ben Christiansen of Broken Pokers and Dympna Finch who took the time to visit and entertain ‘Dermot from Dublin’ at his home in Cannington. Dermot remembered all the songs and sang along with the band. Maith thú!

‘The Usual Suspects’ in Yanchep

Mick Murray, Colin Smiley and friends are part of a singing gathering who meet monthly at The Mighty Quinn Tavern. Their June event was at The Yanchep Inn and along with the singing and craic, they raised more funds for the Charlotte Foundation, a very worthwile cause, $90,000 raised so far. Well done all round! All singers and musos welcome to their nights.

Daniel Joseph White 12 August 1956 - 11th May 2025

Left us way too soon. Dan was a great supporter of our Irish Community and will be missed by his many friends. I met Dan back in 1993 when Danmar Homes was established and has been a great friend ever since. He enjoyed the trout I brought back from Pemberton. He also supported me in many of my history projects, never wanting publicity. Deepest condolences to Sharon and family on the passing of Dan.

I’ll always treasure the memories shared over many years of friendship.

Fred Rea Slan abhaile a chara!

Farewell Marty!

Marty Greene in his Morley Gaels gear, before he moved home to Ireland after being with the club for over 50 years. Marty has decided to call Ireland home and farewelled Australia. All the best for your future Marty and you might be getting a few visitors from Oz over the coming years. Put the kettle on!

Photo courtesy @jackfoleyphotography

Diane Baker Murphy with Professor Carmen Lawrence, former premier of Western Australia at the 2025 Annual Famine Commemoration at An Gorta Mor memorial in Market Sq, Subiaco.

Local Vic Park resident, Bill McGarvey (from Tyrone) recently had a coffee with old friend Peter McKenna. Bill likes his electric 3 wheeler and told us he has travelled the length and breath of Australia but now his reliable 3 wheeler does him fine. Give him a wave if you see him! passing!

Richard Moloney

Richard Moloney passed away on the 28th May. A Celebration of his life took place on Thursday 12th June at Fremantle Cemetery in the presence of family and friends. Richard (from North Cork) and his late wife Marie were stalwarts of our Perth Irish Community over many years. He was a fluent gaelic speaker and read an Irish poem each year at the Annual Claddagh Remembrance Service. Deepest condolence to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

VALE