Irish Sporting and Social Club

‘Ask Not What the Club Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For the Club’

By CATHOLINE BUTLER

VANCOUVER - On November 12, the Irish Sporting and Social Club (ISSC) held its second annual fundraising dinner dance at the Cambrian Hall. It was a wonderful opportunity for club members and friends to get-together and renew old acquaintances, enjoy a meal, and review the events of the year.

CELEBRATING at the Irish Sporting and Social Club anniversary dinner (Front row, L-R) James Kirk and John Blaney. (Back row, L-R) Nanci Fischer with ISSC President Gavan Connolly, Pauline, Sean Quinn, Danny Henry and three unidentified celebrants.

ISSC PRESIDENT, Gavan Connolly presenting Brendan Flynn with the Eamonn Billings Volunteer of the Year Award.

TOM BUTLER presenting ISSC member Sean Quinn with the Tom Butler Sports Personality of the Year Award

GERMAINE AND LIAM Gibbons are shown here with Nanci Fischer and Katrina Perry.

Club president Gavan Connolly handed out some awards to deserving members of the community and thanked everyone for attending. He spoke about events of the past year, especially on the sporting front, with the men and women’s Gaelic football teams who have had an amazing year.

The men’s team won both their tournaments plus the western divisional final. For the first time, the women’s team was invited to tryout for Team Canada. Two members of the Vancouver women’s Gaelic football team - Tara Phillips and Cathy Jackson - travelled to Ireland to represent their club and country with pride.

At the White Rock tournament this past summer, spectators were treated to some spectacular hurling when team Western Canada drew with team Northwest USA. The Vancouver Harps soccer team has also begun a competitive campaign in the Richmond league.

On the social side of the club, the ISSC was well represented during the May visit of Irish President Mary McAleese to Vancouver. The club also had a float in the 2005 St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“There has been an exciting development this year with our partnership with the Scribes Rugby Club,” said Gavan. “They allow the ISSC to also call their clubhouse home. Finally, the Harps have a home.”

Elaborating on the arrangement, he said, “the ISSC will benefit from the Scribes’ relationship with other rugby clubs, not just here in British Columbia, but worldwide. The Scribes will gain from the strong community-based experience of the ISSC in Vancouver and their strong traditional ties to Irish sports and culture.”

Gavan spoke of the club’s appreciation for its sponsors saying, “we owe a great deal of thanks to our sponsors and to The Celtic Connection for the support and coverage offered the club throughout the year.”

GEORGE AND TERESA McDonnell (L-R) with Celtic Heritage Society President Tony McCamley and Gwen McCamley, standing at the back is Maureen Speiron pictured at the ISSC dinner dance.

In closing, he invited everyone who would like to have a say in the future of the ISSC to attend their AGM on January 16. He said, “ask not what the club can do for you, but what you can do for the club.”

For more information about the Irish Sporting and Social Club in Vancouver, call Stephanie at (604) 254-5259, or Gavan at (604) 707-0991. Visit: www.isscvancouver.com.

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