HEADLINES

A Reunion of All the Gallagher Clan

The Gallagher Clan is holding a week long worldwide reunion from September 8 to 15, 2007 in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland.....more

British Pensioners Fighting for a Fair Deal

VANCOUVER - If you ever worked in the UK, you could be eligible for a UK State Pension currently worth between $190 to $780 per month, thanks to contributions you were obliged to make while employed in Britain....more

Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill

By ROBERT O'CONNOR Recently I was asked to assist a friend of mine, whose relative had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctor's report indicated that death would come within a year....more

Unravelling the Puzzles and Mysteries of Your Family

By SUSAN-MARY SMITH One of the most common requests I receive is: Can you help me find my family? ....more

Santa: Role Model or Overweight Elf?

By MAUREEN KEANE Santa, role model to children the world over? Or overweight Saint who needs to get his own act together before passing naughty/nice judgments on others?....more

Visit the Orkney Islands and Participate in Homecoming 2007

By CATHOLINE BUTLER The year 2007 has been designated as the Highland Year of Culture....more

'There's More to Making a Kilt Than Meets the Eye'

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - When you think of kilt makers, you think Scotland not Ireland....more

A True Orcadian: Keith Dennison President of Prince George Celtic Club

By CATHOLINE BUTLER PRINCE GEORGE, B.C - The Prince George Celtic Club has been in existence for the past 25 years. One of the strengths of the club is that there is a wonderful core of people ....more

John Sutherland: A Testament to the Irrepressible Scottish Spirit

By AARON CHAPMAN As Robby Burns Day comes around for another year, Hibernians and those would-be Scots get ready celebrate all things Scottish.....more

One Woman Takes a Stand for Justice After Being Evicted For Not Being Asian

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Sometimes, it only takes one person to stand up in protest to make a difference against an injustice.....more

Tartantown: One-Stop Shopping for All Your Scottish Needs

By CATHOLINE BUTLER COQUITLAM - The Tartantown shop in Coquitlam, is a little oasis of Scotland.....more

Wales Seeks Own Identity on the Web

By EIFION WILLIAMS Websites in the Welsh language or those promoting Welsh culture, including Welsh societies in North America, may soon be able to use a .cym address....more

British Speciality Foods Now Available in Coquitlam

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Doug Crewe, the owner of Austin Gourmet Meat and Deli shop in Coquitlam, will open a new dimension to an already successful operation when he launches the John Bull British Bakery and Deli in mid-November...more

Ice Hockey Has Transcended Sectarian Divides in Belfast

By CATHOLINE BUTLER The Belfast Giants hockey team is only six seasons old and it is being celebrated as one of the best things to ever happen in Belfast....more

Do You Know About the Benefits Available to British Nationals?

By ROBERT O'CONNOR Every year I return to England, the land of my birth. My purpose for this journey home is multifaceted....more

An Irish Centre in Lower Mainland to Become a Reality by 2010

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - The Celtic Heritage Society of Canada held a special annual general meeting on October 18, at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown....more

Celtic Traditions: A Shop With a Completely Unique Concept

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Celtic Traditions (formerly Celtic Woollens) is a very unique shop...more

'If I Can Reach Out Through Hockey, Then It's All the Better for Everyone'

By CATHOLINE BUTLER Co-operation Ireland was founded in 1979 in the midst of the Troubles by the businessman and entrepreneur Dr. Brendan O'Regan. It was originally called Co-operation North....more

THE ROAD TO THE ROCKIES

Travel Diary by Dave Abbott As a child in Ireland, I was always intrigued by Canadian Pacific's posters advertising Canada...more

GENEALOGY

Looking for More Information on Your Family Name? Have you ever wondered if your last name was unique to your family? ...more

Irish Theatre in British Columbia - Some Great Memories, Along With Moments of Joy, Anguish and Frustration

By MAURA McCAY VANCOUVER - Pat Warren was only 16-years of age when he first met his future wife on his way home from a prayer novena in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin....more

In Memory of a Young Soldier Who Was Awarded the Victoria Cross

By BILL CARRACHER VANCOUVER - The City of Chilliwack, B.C. honoured the memory of a Victoria Cross recipient born in Bellshill, Scotland, and who features on the Memorial Arch in Hamilton, Scotland....more

First World War Hero's Pipes Returned to B.C.

VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell and Speaker Bill Barisoff will formally receive the bagpipes of James Richardson,...more

'There is Indeed a Life After Breast Cancer'

VICTORIA - Tina O'Brien from C&A Jewellers in Victoria recently shared in an amazing life changing experience....more

Wales Remembers the Aberfan Disaster

By EIFION WILLIAMS Stories and personal recollections in the media during last month's fortieth anniversary of the Aberfan disaster showed that the grief and horror surrounding the tragedy had diminished very little....more

Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth!

By ROBERT O'CONNOR The British welfare system does not have the direct equivalent of our Canada Pension Plan (CPP) (see previous Celtic Connection article June 2006)...more

Delicious Home-made Food and One-Stop Shopping at The Cedar Cottage

VANCOUVER - As usual, after The Celtic Connection distribution is finished for the month, Colleen and I will drop into one of the Celtic establishments for lunch...more

Untangling the Web of Family History

By SUSAN-MARY SMITH One puzzle has always been the relationships and ancestors from my great-great grandmother, Margaret Hart. Writing a case study, or summary of what you know...more

Pirate Queen of the O'Malleys

By MARTIN O'MALLEY In the house where I grew up there was a den with a fireplace. It had a telephone table with a leather address book on it, and on the cover of the book was an embossed family crest ...more

Two Ambitious Men In Kilts Plan to Climb to the Top ......of Your Roof

I've just come down from the Isle of Skye I'm no very big and I'm awful shy, And the lassies shout when I go by, "Donald where's your troosers?"By CATHOLINE BUTLER...more

Food for Thought to Nourish the Body and Soul in our Daily Hectic Lives

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Dublin-born Father Vincent Travers, the highly popular Dominican priest and prolific author, recently returned to Vancouver to promote his sixth book, The Road Home...more

UK State Pensions - The Big Freeze! Who Will Champion the Injustice?

By ROBERT O'CONNOR VANCOUVER - On a recent visit to Yellow Point Lodge on Vancouver Island, I bumped into a British expatriate and his wife, both born in the United Kingdom. The gentleman, born in 1910, and his gracious wife in 1914....more

Re-Connecting With Relatives All Around the World

By SUSAN-MARY SMITH When searching for your Celtic roots, often the best place to start is right at home. While it may be tempting to fly off to Ireland, Scotland, Wales or many other wonderful places, you'll have much better luck if you do some preparation before you go. ...more

Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug: Authenticity Comes with Simplicity

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug has been open in downtown Vancouver for the past six months. It's not an upscale Irish establishment, nor have the owners scoured Ireland looking for artifacts ...more

Mahony & Sons Public House:A Warm Welcome and First-Rate Hospitality

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - No expense has been spared in putting together the authentic design and furnishings of the new Mahony & Sons Public House at the University of British Columbia...more

THE PENNY LANE PUB: 'Food Has Been a Big Bonus For Us and It's Really Helped Our Business'

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - After the monthly distribution of The Celtic Connection, Colleen and I will usually drop into one of the Celtic establishments for lunch and refreshments to replenish our energies...more

Trevor Carolan Appointed to a Position at the Banff Arts Centre

VANCOUVER - Well-known Vancouver author and journalist Trevor Carolan has been appointed as Director, Literary Arts at the Banff Arts Centre in Alberta where he will be heading up the writing and publishing programs....more

A Few Historical Highlights of the Irish in Vancouver

By JOHN O'FLYNN VANCOUVER - In the late 1940s and onwards, the City of Vancouver had the Vancouver and District Irish Society to look towards for many Irish cultural events that were organized by recent Irish immigrants...more

Violet Moore: Sharing her Love for Irish Dancing for Over 50 Years

By MAURA McCAY VANCOUVER - For the past 50 years, legions of young people across western Canada have spent time learning Irish dance from a feisty Dubliner whose approach to life was forged in a childhood spent in a pre-Celtic Tiger Ireland where stamina and resilience were the keys to survival...more

Food for Thought to Nourish the Body and Soul in our Daily Hectic Lives

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Dublin-born Father Vincent Travers, the highly popular Dominican priest and prolific author, recently returned to Vancouver to promote his sixth book ...more

Dylan Thomas Circle on Malcolm Lowry's Trail

By EIFION WILLIAMS VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Dylan Thomas Circle held its Annual Outing on July 29 with a visit to North Vancouver's Cates Park, home in the 1940s and 1950s to famous novelist Malcolm Lowry ...more

A VISIT TO JOYCE'S TRIESTE

By STEVEN MCLEOD IT WAS an unforgettable seven days. Eighty-one James Joyce enthusiasts, of all ages and from all over the world, converged upon Trieste, ...more

St. Vincent de Paul Society: Volunteers are the Backbone of the Organization

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - On July 23 the volunteers of the St. Vincent de Paul Society held their annual summer picnic in the Tom's O'Flynn's back garden...more

The Sunset Grill is Like a Home Away from Home

By CATHOLINE BUTLER VANCOUVER - Fred Wilson and Gary Reilly have been partners at the famous Sunset Grill Neighbourhood Pub and Restaurant in Kitsilano for the past 17 years. Fred was born in Bangor, County Down, Ireland, before his family emigrated to Canada...more

Drogheda Prepares to Unveil a Statue of Its Favourite Son

By CATHOLINE BUTLER EDMONTON - On a recent visit to Alberta, I met with Tony "Socks" Byrne at the Irish Sports and Social Society club in Edmonton to speak with him about his boxing career...more

Mary's Diary on the Day of the Annual IWN Golf Tournament

VANCOUVER - On the Sunday morning of the annual IWN golf tournament, the day is overcast and quite cool. Dressing appropriately, I set off for Mylora Golf Course in Richmond ...more

Another Glorious Sunny Day for the Annual BC Highland Games

COQUITLAM - Once again the Celtic sun gods were shining brightly when the annual B.C. Highland Games were held at the Coquitlam Town Centre Stadium on June 24...more

Pensions for Life - With Annual Increases of Course

By ROBERT O'CONNOR - There are so many "Rules" when it comes to receiving Government Benefits, and so many ways in which one must qualify for these State Benefits, whether they are British or Canadian....more

Over 8,000 Visitors Expected for the Canmore Highland Games

By CATHOLINE BUTLER - When Don Garen retired to Canmore, Alberta in 1979, he looked around at the spectacular setting in Centennial Park, in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies, and he said, "my God what a magnificent spot for Highland games!" ....more

'Best Patio in Richmond' at Elephant & Castle

The Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub on Cessna Drive in Richmond marked its fifth birthday on June 23 and at the invitation of general manager, Clint Boodoosingh, I dropped in on the celebrations.....more

How to Locate a Relative Born in Ireland in 1870

By SUSAN-MARY SMITH Thank you so much to all the people who e-mailed me in response to the first Family History column. I want to share with you two similar questions that came up just this morning.....more

A Visit to an Old Friend in New Mexico: Malachy Mahon

By KEN ROGERSON As I rolled through the White Sands, New Mexico, the area of the U.S. rocket testing, I was looking forward to once again meeting my dear old friend Malachy McMahon in Albuquerque...more

Travel Diary by Dave Abbott - German Football Fever

The blather from Joseph S. Blatter, the president of FIFA, on the eve of this year's 2006 World Cup of Football, was lofty stuff. "Universality is our guiding force" he said; "FIFA is a beacon of hope," he added....more

Welsh Village Claims to be the Birthplace of St. Patrick

By EIFION WILLIAMS Although it is generally accepted that St. Patrick, according to his own account, was born in Britain, there has never been any conclusive proof as to the exact place of his birth...more

North Wales to Honour Engineer Thomas Telford

By EIFION WILLIAMS Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Telford, the engineer who was responsible for the construction of two of North Wales' most remarkable ...more

India: Part Two of the Adventure of a Lifetime

My next adventure on my recent trip to India began when I said goodbye to my group in Delhi and branched out on my own for the rest...more

"Spirit of Jimmy" Lives On with Clark Freightways as his Legacy

BURNABY - Clark Freightways is one of the biggest carriers based in British Columbia. Their trucks are easily identified, both on the highways...more

Genealogy: Learn More About Your Family History

Are you one of the many people searching for your descendants in Ireland, Scotland or Wales? I hope this column can be of help to you...more

Schedule of Upcoming Highland Games 2006

This information is courtesy of Ron MacLeod of the Simon Fraser University Centre for Scottish Studies

Frank Talbot: A True "Irish Troubadour"

VANCOUVER - Frank Talbot, who makes his home in Calgary, Alberta, wrote and directed the play Gortnamona, which was presented...more

Sheehy-Skeffington Legacy of Strong Women Lives On

Last month marked the 60th anniversary of the death of Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, one of Ireland's most famous daughters. In 2005...more

Welsh Immigrant Who Built a Department Store Chain

VANCOUVER - One of the early benefactors of the Vancouver Welsh Society was Chris T.A. Spencer, whose name appears on the cornerstone...more

Austin Gourmet Continues to Grow and Expand New Product Lines

COQUITLAM - Austin Gourmet has expanded, renovated and added new product. I dropped in to get a first-hand look at the new...more

When Hockey Came to Belfast Is About So Much More Than Hockey

VANCOUVER - Many of our readers will remember an interview with Linda Conway, producer of the National Film Board documentary...more

April 2006 : TRAVEL

My Trip to India:Nothing I Have Ever
Read or Heard Prepared Me for the Shock Upon Arrival

I have just returned from a trip to India, my first time to India and my first exposure to a third world country. Nothing I have ever read...more

Irish Studies Thriving in Montreal Renaissance of all things Irish

MONTREAL - Over the past several years, Montreal has become one of the most active and energetic places in which to study...more

Recycling is Very Political, A Lot of People
Don't Want to Take Responsibility for Their Waste

VANCOUVER - New West Gypsum Recycling is a multi-national company, owned and operated by Tony and Gwen McCamley, along...more

Travel Diary: Belfast: A Hockey City With Fewer Troubles

When Zoom Airlines announced the start of a direct flight between Vancouver and Belfast beginning in May, it was a vote of confidence for a city...more

Life is a Culinary Adventure at the British Butcher Shoppe

VANCOUVER - I recently dropped into the British Butcher Shoppe in North Vancouver, to see what was cooking and what new items were on the menu...more

An Impressive Array of Products Plus Piping Hot Fresh Bread

VANCOUVER - Early one morning, I recently took a drive out to sunny White Rock to visit the new Celtic Treasure Chest shop and bakery. Owners Steve and...more

The Aran Sweater: An Enduring Symbol of Irish Heritage

Today the Aran sweater is as much identified with Ireland as the harp and shamrock. This simple article of clothing had its origin on the Aran Islands of Inishmore...more

Greetings from Ireland's Magical Dingle Peninsula

Along with her position as chairperson for Dingle Peninsula Tourism, Sile Gorman and her husband Vincent, own and operate the Gorman's Clifftophouse bed and...more

The Dingle Penninsula:
Spectacularly Beautiful and Steeped in History and Culture

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, is steeped in over 6,000 years of history and the scenery is spectacular. It was one of the first places in Europe where...more

Donnelly Landscapes: A Credit to Hard Work and Perseverance

VANCOUVER - Shane and Collette Donnelly, both graduates of Termonfeckin Horticultural College in County Louth, Ireland, arrived in Vancouver...more

Take a Stand for Peace at an Irish Reconciliation Center

ST. PAUL, MN - What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than by volunteering at an Irish retreat center dedicated to building peace among people...more

We're Looking Forward to Welcoming People into Limerick Junction

VANCOUVER - Fancy a bit of adventure on the rougher side of town? Try Limerick Junction. It’s within stumbling distance of the Irish Heather...more

Ireland's Minister of Health Looks to B.C. for Cancer Care Model

VANCOUVER - One of Ireland's most high-profile politicians was in Vancouver recently to meet with members of the health profession in British Columbia...more

A Very Warm Welcome to Visitors by Tourism Ireland

VANCOUVER - A Céad Mile Fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes) is the warm welcome extended to visitors by Tourism Ireland. That greeting was epitomized...more

St. Patrick's Day Message From The President of Ireland

Ba mhaith liom beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Pádraig a sheoladh chuig muintir na hÉireann sa bhaile agus thar sáile, agus do chairde na hÉireann timpeall na cruinne...more

In Memory of Archie Mackay,
A Great Scottish Ambassador and Gaelic Champion

VANCOUVER - The news of the passing of Archie Mackay was received everywhere with great sadness. The Scottish community has lost an ambassador...more

In Memory of Dianne Crean

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - Dianne Nicole Crean (nee Sherst), passed away suddenly on February 12, aged 48 years. Dianne is survived by her loving...more

In Memory of Norah Moloney

LADNER, B.C. - Norah Moloney (nee Finn) passed away peacefully on February 25. Born in Kilmallock, County Limerick, Ireland, Norah and her family made...more

TRAVEL DIARY : A Whiff of Mothballs Remnants of An Old Empire

The colours of Africa are vivid. The village of Malindi, on the east coast of Kenya, a two-hour drive north of Mombasa, is carved in colour. In the morning the air is clear...more

Island Pilgrims: A Journey of Adventure and Reflection

VICTORIA - Vanessa Hammond's entire life is a Celtic pilgrimage. When she is not organizing a pilgrimage for herself and others to Scotland, Ireland or Wales...she's...more

Carmarthenshire County: One of the Most Beautiful Valleys in Wales

Carmarthenshire County in South West Wales is a beautiful holiday area, known as the Garden of Wales. Made up of unique villages, towns and communities, it is particularly...more

Memories of a Welsh Childhood

VANCOUVER - Welsh-born, Alcwyn Rogers emigrated to Toronto in 1982 before finally settling in Vancouver in 1995. Soon afterwards he became a member of the Vancouver...more

The Rich Cultural Heritage of the Vancouver Welsh

VANCOUVER - It could be said that the Welsh have had a presence on Canada's west coast since 1807, when explorer David Thompson first crossed the Rockies and established...more

Wales: Land of Leeks, Daffodils and Dragons

On St. David's Day, it is customary for the Welsh to wear somewhere on their persons a leek or a daffodil, two of Wales' three recognizable national symbols. The third...more

In Honour of Dewi The Patron Saint of Wales

St. David the patron saint of Wales, lived in Wales in the Sixth Century. Tradition has it that he founded a monastery on the site of the present cathedral church...more

Come to the Island, A Warm Welcome Awaits You

The Island of Skye, situated on the west coast of mainland Scotland, is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides. Sometimes referred to in Gaelic...more

Uisge Baugh: Ancient Celts Knew What They Were Talking About

VANCOUVER - I've always admired connoisseurs of Scotch whisky as they deftly swirl the amber whisky in a glass, while deeply breathing of the bouquet and...more

Your Help is Needed to Support the St. Vincent de Paul Society

VANCOUVER - On December 4, the St. Vincent de Paul Society held its annual Christmas dinner for all its volunteers. This year the dinner was held at the...more