IRISH WOMEN'S NETWORK: Eighth Annual Anniversary Lunch Celebrated
By DEIRDRE O'RUAIRC
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A GROUP photograph of all the recipients of the Irish Woman of the Year award, both past and present. (L-R) Mary Hatch, Ann Carr, Geraldine Megannety, Catholine Butler, Marie Morris, Deirdre O’Ruairc and Maura McCay (missing from the photograph is Pam Glass).
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VANCOUVER - Many thanks to all the ladies who joined us at the Hart House for our eighth anniversary lunch and Irish Woman of the Year Award. To those who could not join us, you missed a great afternoon, good food and excellent company and the sun was shining!
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VIOLET MOORE of the Moore School of Irish Dance is shown here with Catholine Butler. Violet is celebrating her 50th anniversary of teaching Irish dance in Canada this year.
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DEIRDRE O’RUAIRC, the president of the Irish Women’s Network with Mae Watters, Philomena Bryce, and Heather Brown.
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Our Irish Woman of the Year for 2006 is Catholine Butler (of The Celtic Connection newspaper). Catholine is a very deserving recipient of this award, as she has done so much for the Irish community and has been a great supporter of the Irish Women's Network since its start eight years ago. Congratulations Catholine.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The European Festival - May 27
Historical Background
The first European Festival took place on May 2, 1998, at Alliance Francaise in Vancouver, in response to a perceived lack of opportunities for Vancouverites to explore Europe right at their doorstep. Ten countries participated by presenting their national customs, local traditions and regional cuisine.
In May 1999, 20 European countries participated in the festival, this time at Granville Island. The following year, June 2000, 26 countries were part of the festival and attendance was around 3,000 people. The festivities were held at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby, which has become the preferred venue.
In 2001, 27 countries presented aspects of their culture and around 4,000 people attended (in spite of the rain). In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 festivals, 24 country participants and about 5,000 tickets were sold for each festival.
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AT THE HART HOUSE luncheon for the Irish Women’s Network, (L-R) Ann Law, Marie Morris, Iris Cunningham, Catherine Brennan-Schwarz, Adrienne Sutherland, Teresa McDonnell and Jill Bartels.
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| AT THE IRISH WOMEN’S NETWORK luncheon (L-R) Jade White, Maeve Glass, Marina Glass, Gina Maslin and Eilish Wright |
The 2006 festival will be held on May 27, again at the Scandinavian Community Centre at 6450 Thomas Street in Burnaby. Tickets $5 if purchased ahead of time, $7 at gate, includes admission to the days events and the dance in the evening (8 PM - 1 AM).
This year, Ireland is responsible for the entertainment and Three Row Barley will be playing. Catholine Butler, the Irish Woman of the Year, will also be present for the opening ceremonies at 10 AM.
Annual Golf Tournament - June 11
On June 11, the eight annual IWN golf tournament (best ball) will be held at Mylora Golf Course. Tickets are $60 and include golf and dinner. This is a fun social event and always great craic - you do not have to be a golfer to play. Time is running out to book, so reserve now with Marie Morris at (604) 929-1042.
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