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TRAVEL DIARY BY DAVE ABBOTT: Once Upon a Christmas......

From Asia to Africa to Europe to the Americas, Christmas is an integral part of many lives and a joyous occasion reuniting families and friends....more

Sharkys: Gleaming New Coolers Packed With Specialty British Meats

Doug Crewe owner of Austin Gourmet in Coquitlam and Sharkys Chophouse in North Vancouver....more

A Party to Rival Opening Night at Doolin's Sixth Anniversary

Doolin's Irish Pub celebrated their sixth anniversary with a party that rivaled opening night on November 6....more

Tony McCamley: 'This centre will be built,no matter what comes or goes'

The Irish Heritage Society of Canada's annual general meeting was held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in Burnaby on October 17....more

A Spectacular Replica of the Cross of the Scriptures

It began as a simple idea by the Portland, Oregon Ancient Order of Hibernians...more

Dark Evenings Bring Fresh Plans for Irish Women's Network

Though many folk are making their Christmas holiday plans, the Irish Women's Network has activities for 2009 clearly in sight ...more

Excellent Cuisine and the Perfect Pint at Mahony and Sons Public House

As customary after distribution of each issue of The Celtic Connection, Colleen and I will generally celebrate by stopping in at one of the local Celtic establishments for lunch and some refreshments....more

One of the Few Establishments to Serve Murphy's Stout

Brian Hunter the owner of the Penny Lane Neighbourhood Pub on Main Street, refers to his establishment as an "enhanced living room for his regular customers to hang out....more

Every Day is Remembrance Day in Ypres

Soldiers fighting on the Western Front in the First World War knew it as "Wipers." On present-day maps, it is identified by its Flemish name, Ieper.....more

Spectacular Events Planned for Homecoming 2009 in South Ayrshire Says Provost Winifred Sloan

The Provost of South Ayrshire, Winifred Sloan, recently spoke to The Celtic Connection about what events would be taking place in Ayrshire for Scotland's Homecoming 2009...more

Tony McCamley: One of the Top CEO's and Leaders in Small Business

Congratulations to Tony McCamley of New West Gypsum Recycling Inc., Langley, British Columbia, on being named one of the top CEOs and leaders in small business by Canada's Credit Unions...more

Nearly 30 Years of Service on Behalf of the Homeless

Over 550 guests celebrated the retirement of former Union Gospel Mission President Belfast-born Maurice McElrea at Canada Place on November 4....more

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THE CELTIC SCRIBE Oscar Wilde: A Colourful Life Before a Tragic Downfall

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854, entering a family of esteem and privilege....more

Snow and Awards at Canmore Highland Games

There's one big reason to be in Canmore on Labour Day weekend - the annual Canmore Highland Games.....more

Goodbye to Scotland's Oldest Bank?

The window of my flat in Edinburgh looks out on a graveyard......more

The Ambassador of Ireland Visits British Columbia

'We have the strength of the European Union around our small economy which is comforting'....more

Ireland Monument Committee Presents Plan to Irish Ambassador

A plan to establish a monument in Vancouver marking the contribution of the Irish to Canada was presented to Ireland's Ambassador to Canada....more

Patrick Reid Recalls Dramatic Days at Expo 86 and the 1972 Canada-Russia Hockey Series

"Then I saw Ed Ritchie, the Under Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada, with his head in his hands, and I thought this is the end of my world....more

The Welcome Mat is Out for Homecoming Scotland 2009

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a year-long program of spectacular events taking place throughout Scotland....more

The Saltire: A Powerful Symbol of Scottish Unity and Strength

This is a little bit of information that I have gleaned over the years regarding St. Andrew's Day, November 30.....more

The Sunset Grill: A Distinctly Kitsilano Establishment

After the October distribution of The Celtic Connection, Colleen and I dropped into the famous Sunset Grill in Kitsilano for some lunch and refreshments.....more

Dylan Thomas Circle Contributes to Cambrian Hall Restoration Fund

Members at the annual general meeting and gathering of the Dylan Thomas Circle on October 25 contributed $700 to the Cambrian Hall restoration fund.....more

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Celtic Mythology and Modern Cinema Make Uneasy Bedfellows

The presence of Celtic mythology in modern media is one of those strange things that seems on the one hand to make perfect sense....more

The Banshee (…and other things that go bump in the night)

Most baby-boomers can recall the first time they saw a banshee…even if they weren't exactly sure what it was at the time....more

Bram Stoker: Arch Victorian Gent or Syphilitic Would-Be Vampire?

Bram Stoker was born in 1847 in the Dublin suburb of Clontarf. Although he spent his childhood in a sickbed, the resilient boy recovered...more

Preserving British Heritage in Canada by Honouring General James Wolfe

QUEBEC - On September 13, 2009, the Wolfe Island Historical Society, a non-profit organization, will lead celebrations paying homage to the legacy of James Wolfe...more

British Butcher Shoppe Opens Second Location

Gerry and Kathryn Davenport of The British Butcher Shoppe in North Vancouver have just opened their second location in Coquitlam....more

Plans Already Underway at Doolin's for Upcoming 2010 Olympics

As usual each month after the last The Celtic Connection newspaper has been distributed, Colleen and I will usually reward ourselves....more

The Duke of Dublin Olde Irish Pub: Offering Irish Hospitality in Abbotsford

The Duke of Dublin Olde Irish Pub has been a hive of activity in recent months as owners and staff worked feverishly to launch Abbotsford's first Irish pub...more

Edgar Allan Poe: A life and death surrounded in ominous intrigue

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809, the son of a Scots-Irish actor....more

The Foggy Dew Irish Pub Coquitlam: Great Food and Entertainment in Tri-Cities

The Foggy Dew Irish Pub in Coquitlam opened their doors for business in 1999 and general manager Paul Gaudaur has been at the helm of this extremely busy pub....more

Guinness Brewmaster Gives B.C. Thumbs Up

VANCOUVER - Fergal Murray, the Brewmaster for Diageo/Guinness based in Dublin, recently made a flying visit to British Columbia....more

Discovering Scotland in Southern Alberta

Photographer Graeme Murdoch and I are on the CTV noon news in Calgary. The newsreader turns to us during a commercial break and says, "I have a Scottish uncle ....more

Hopscotch Festival: Learn More About Premium Whisky, Scotch and Beer

VANCOUVER - My Grandfather once told me of the joys of a glass of whisky. Years passed, and I continued to not understand the magic behind his nightly drink....more

Impressive Initial Plans and Artwork Presented for the Ireland Monument Project

VANCOUVER - The Ireland Monument Committee hosted a presentation evening on the monument proposal at Mahony & Sons Public House at UBC on September 30...more

Patrick Reid: A Life of Adventure

Reid shares his memories of an idyllic Donegal childhood to the highest ranks of diplomatic service...more

Sherlock's in New Westminster: Not Just Another Store

Andy Bradshaw is the owner of Sherlock's in New Westminster, B.C. which features British sweets, groceries and soccer....more

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New Walking Tour Explores Dylan Thomas' New York

More than 50 years after his death, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas' enduring links with New York City ....more

New Director at Centre for Scottish Studies at SFU

In Fall, 2008, Steve Duguid will be retiring as Director of the Centre for Scottish Studies at Simon Fraser University....more

Simon Fraser University Pipers Crowned Five Time World Champions

Over 8,000 pipers and drummers descended on Glasgow for the 2008 World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland on August 16....more

SFU Pipe Band Wins Gold Again: Five-Time World Champions

The Simon Fraser University (SFU) Pipe Band is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.....more

B.C. Renaissance Festival: A Weekend of Revelry and Adventure

The King and Queen of Scotland, dressed in their finery, sat in the reviewing stand to watch the jousting tournament ....more

Concordia Welcomes Prominent Irish Studies Scholars

The Centre for Canadian Irish Studies is bringing two distinguished professors to Concordia University....more

HIKING ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD The Slieve League Peninsula and Glencolmcille, Ireland

As I stand high above the ocean I envision my fate if I were to stumble on a rock, slip on the narrow muddy path or get blown over the edge of the highest sea cliffs in Europe...more

Vancouver Applies for UNESCO City of Literature Status

This time last year a Scottish journalist well-known for her pugnacity told me off for calling the writer's "yurt" at the Edinburgh International Book Festival a "tent...more

Cameron Millikin: Speaks About His Role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process

Dublin-born, Cameron Millikin is the Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Alberta with responsibilities for trade and politics.....more

Number and Value in Medieval Gaelic Tradition

I've been working lately on a paper on numeracy in the early medieval Gaelic world and the subject presents some real problems. They might not be, though, what you expect.....more

Royal Society of St. George B.C. Branch Offers a Warm Welcome to English Ex-pats

Dan Brown, the president of the Royal Society of St. George, British Columbia Branch, recently spoke to The Celtic Connection about the aims and objectives of his organization....more

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Mythologies of Place: How Our Personal History Intersects With the Land of Our Ancestors

Below my window glides the dark green, tree-shrouded flow of the river Lee's southerly arm near the campus of University College Cork....more

New British Consul-General Arrives in Vancouver from Nairobi

Alex Budden arrived here early in July to take up his new position as British Consul-General. ....more

The Best Celtic Services and Merchants in Langley and New Westminster

This past month, Colleen and I were on the road again and we paid a visit to Black Pudding Imports in Langley; P & G Sausage....more

Dublin Crossing Irish Pub: Hospitality is the Key to Success

The Dublin Crossing Irish Pub in Surrey has been an instant success since the day they opened their doors a year ago in January....more

HARRY BENSON: One of the Great Scottish Photographers

The Edinburgh Festival season is underway already. It is, of course, not a single festival but a large number of them....more

An Emotional Journey to Grosse Île Irish Memorial

It's a small island with an enormous role in the history of the Irish in Canada.....more

John Dooley: Mayor of Nelson, B.C. Born and raised in South Armagh, Northern Ireland and founding member of Vancouver's Irish Sporting and Social Club

The beautiful city of Nelson, British Columbia sits nestled in the Selkirk Mountains .....more

Did St. Brendan the Navigator 'Discover' North America?

Did Sixth Century monk/explorer St. Brendan the Navigator discover North America?.....more

New Menu and New Hours at Kitsilano's Wolf & Hound

Jennifer (Jen) Gallacher is the managing owner of the Wolf & Hound located on West Broadway in Vancouver.....more

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British Butcher Offers Great Selection of Barbeque Season Delights

VANCOUVER - With thoughts of summer and barbeque season finally here, I dropped in to The British Butcher shop in North Vancouver recently ...more

New Vision and Passion at the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary

On a recent visit to Calgary I met with Colette Smithers the new president of the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary (ICS)....more

International Heavy Events Competition Featured at Calgary Highland Games

CALGARY - The Calgary United Scottish Games Association is thrilled to be hosting the International Heavy Events Competition....more

The Biggest Celtic-Culture Experience in Western Canada

CANMORE, Alberta - There is one big reason to be at Centennial Park in Canmore on the Labour Day weekend ....more

Irish Ambassador to Canada Makes Official Visit to Edmonton

EDMONTON - Ireland's Ambassador to Canada, Declan Kelly, paid an official visit to Alberta in early May.....more

Finding Scotland in Nova Scotia By HARRY-MCGRATH

We were looking for signs of Scotland in Nova Scotia and, according to the taxi driver who transported us from the airport into Halifax.....more

History of Irish Protestants Focus of New Annual Lecture Series

MONTREAL - As part of its ongoing commitment with Canadian Irish Studies, Montreal's Irish Protestant .....more

A Warm Welcome at Lonsdale Quay Offered by Celtic Merchants

On a recent visit to North Vancouver, Colleen and I made a visit to Lonsdale Quay .....more

Erin MacPherson: The 2008 Edmonton Wild Irish Rose

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Erin MacPherson, the 2008 Edmonton Wild Irish Rose .....more

New Owner Plans to Make An Already Great Business Even Better

VANCOUVER - Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe in New Westminster is under new ownership and I recently stopped in to speak with David MacMillan .....more

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The Tradition of Medieval Gaelic Storytelling

When sitting down to write this article I suddenly remembered the opening credits to Steven Spielberg's 1985-1987 television series Amazing Stories...more

Dentry's Irish Grill Under New Ownership

VANCOUVER - Robbie Sandhu and Jack Gill took over ownership of Dentry's Irish Grill last September....more

Doolin's Irish Pub Working to Help the Environment

VANCOUVER - While many of us were celebrating Earth Day on April 22, Doolin's Irish Pub were celebrating Earth Week.....more

Scotland's History Comes Alive in Scotland the Autobiography

SCOTLAND THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY By Rosemary Goring - When I studied at Stirling University in the 1970s there were very few courses offered in Scottish history.....more

The Cultural Impact of the Irish in Montana

It is not known with any degree of certainty who were the first Europeans of the westward migration to settle in Montana....more

Canadian Statesman Thomas D'Arcy McGee Remembered at Concordia University Event

MONTREAL - Thomas D'Arcy McGee was honoured on April 23 at an event hosted by the Centre for Canadian Irish Studies....more

2008 Irish Woman of the Year: White Rock's Kathy King

VANCOUVER - Over 70 ladies gathered at the Delta Town and Country Inn to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Irish Women's Network on April 27....more

Johnnie Fox's: Intimate Atmosphere Feels Like Home Away From Home

VANCOUVER - After attending the screening of the St. Kilda Tapes at the Caprice on Granville Street....more

A Poignant Look Back at the Evacuation of St. Kilda Island

VANCOUVER - On April 24, the Scotland Funds, the St. Andrew's Society of Vancouver, and Alma Lee, presented a special screening of The St. Kilda Tapes....more

Gaelic Society Celebrates 100 Years With a 'Toast to the Scottish Parliament'

VANCOUVER - On May 3 the Gaelic Society of Vancouver celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Society. A grand evening it was! ...more

Schedules of Upcoming 2008 Highland Games

Once again, Scots throughout Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest are gearing up...more

National Trust for Scotland Foundation Hosts Glittering Debut U.S. Fundraiser

NEW YORK, NY - National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA held its debut fundraising event in New York City on April 9 at the prestigious Metropolitan Club...more

Bryn Terfel Delights Audience at the Chan Centre

VANCOUVER - Opera star Bryn Terfel sang to a sold-out audience at the Chan Centre ....more

Dylan Thomas Circle Entertained by Vancouver Poets

The Dylan Thomas Circle of Vancouver plans to expand its activities by inviting talented local literary practitioners to perform at Circle events.....more

Ann Roberts Receives Governor-General's Caring Canadian Award

VANCOUVER - Long-time Vancouver Welsh Society member Ann Roberts has been honoured with a Governor-General's Caring Canadian Award......more

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Powerful Animal Symbols Found in Celtic Mythology

Look back at our struggle for freedom,...more

A Warm Welcome Awaits at Homecoming Weekend

A Cead Mile Failte to all former residents of Low, Quebec, who are cordially invited to return to your roots for a Homecoming Weekend...more

'This Is Who We Are' Project to link Scotland and Canada for Homecoming

EDINBURGH - Scotland has issued an invitation to "its extended global family and anyone who loves Scotland" to come home in 2009...more

Irish Ambassador to Canada Declan Kelly Expects to Visit Western Canada in May

The Irish Ambassador to Canada, his Excellency Declan Kelly, is expected to make his first trip to Western Canada this Spring...more

Quebec Premier Charest Makes Historic Announcement at Luncheon of St. Patrick's Society

MONTREAL - Premier Jean Charest delighted the more than 500 guests at the March 17 luncheon of the Montreal St. Patrick's Society...more

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Horseracing

EDMONTON - Ken McManus of Edmonton loves to race thoroughbred horses....more

Mark Your Calendars for Fifth Annual Anniversary Lunch IRISH WOMEN'S NETWORK

VANCOUVER - The Irish Women's Network took part in the fifth annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 16....more

International Opera Star Bryn Terfel Returns to Vancouver

VANCOUVER - The Welsh community in the Lower Mainland is eagerly anticipating a return visit to Vancouver by the internationally-renowned operatic baritone Bryn Terfel...more

John Pye: President of the Irish Club White Rock

WHITE ROCK - One of the mandates of the Irish Club White Rock is to promote Irish heritage and culture, and they do that very well...more

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SLÁINTE - TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH! In Praise of Bread

It's March which means it's time for Sláinte's yearly rant on faux Irish customs. Yes, you, the drunken leprechaun holding a four leaf clover...more

Raise a Glass in Honour of the Tolerance, Wisdom and Fortitude of Ireland's Preeminent Saint

The celebration of the annual St. Patrick's Day bacchanal is one of those odd intersections of medieval and early modern culture...more

Scotland's Justice Minister Speaks Exclusively to The Celtic Connection

EDINBURGH - I first met Kenny MacAskill two years ago when we sat together in the Sylvia Hotel in English Bay...more

Montana-Ireland Connection Explored at Irish Studies Program

MISSOULA, MT - The Irish Studies program at the University of Montana in Missoula is the only Irish Studies Program which integrates rigorous academic research...more

IWN Donates Proceeds from Charity Calendar To Two Good Causes

VANCOUVER - Proceeds from the sale of the 2008 Irish Women's Network calendar were welcomed by charities in Canada and Zambia last month...more

St. John's Newfoundland: 'One of North America's Greatest Adventure Get-aways'

Newfoundland or 'The Rock' as it is fondly referred to, has a proud history dating back to the arrival of the first Irish on its shores in the late 1500s...more

Marathon Running: 'The Most Liberating Feeling Ever'

VANCOUVER - Cork-born Pat Cleary is a marathon runner who travels all over the world to run in marathons and he relishes every minute of it. Last month he competed in Tokyo, Japan...more

Ireland: 'The Friendliest Destination in the World'

VANCOUVER - Tourism Ireland representatives were in Vancouver on February 19 to launch the new tourism strategy for growth in 2008...more

Experience the Joy and Excitement of Horse Racing With Tom Quinlan

Growing up in Ireland, it was always a dream of Tipperary-born Tom Quinlan to breed and race thoroughbred horses....more

The Formation of the Gaelic Language By JAMES ACKEN

I have been privileged to observe a number of students' first impressions of Gaelic orthography. In almost every case, their reaction can be summed up by the phrase "where are the vowels?"...more

A Taste of Haggis at Black Pudding Imports

Black Pudding Imports in Langley has been in business for the past eight years....more

A Double Birthday Celebration at Dublin Crossing Irish Pub

SURREY - The hugely popular Dublin Crossing Irish Pub and I share the same birthday date of January 16....more

Doodie Cahill: Alberta's Honourary Consul of Ireland

EDMONTON - On a recent visit to Edmonton, I met with Doodie Cahill who is the Honourary Consul of Ireland for Alberta....more

Search Underway for This Year's Edmonton Wild Irish Rose

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Irish Sports and Social Society are once again inviting females of Irish birth or ancestry to enter the Edmonton Wild Irish Rose contest for 2008....more

'Feed the Hungry' Benefit: Another Great Night of Music and Fond Memories

By MICHAEL VIENS - VANCOUVER - A great night was had by all at the sixth annual Danny Burns Memorial "Feed the Hungry" Benefit...more

GERAGHTY REUNION IN GALWAY

VANCOUVER - After two years of planning, descendants of the late Thomas Geraghty and Brigid Gilmore of Glenemaddy and Moylough, County Galway...more

BURNS IN DUMFRIES: In the Footsteps of Scotland's Bard

By HARRY McGRATH - I often think that the best response to Robert Burns's warning that "The best laid schemes o' Mice and Men/Gang aft agley" is not to lay any schemes...more

A Little Snow and Cold: No Deterrent For Tough Aussies

VANCOUVER - January 26 is Australia Day and since the owners of Mahony and Sons Public House are originally from Down Under, they featured one of the biggest Australia Day parties in Vancouver...more

The Law Has Ruled Against Lease Discrimination Case

VANCOUVER - Rose Farrell of Colour Tech Hair Studio in Langley is disappointed that she will not have her day in court....more

'You Are So Little.... But You Can Make Such a Difference'

CALGARY - Rose McKiernan is a woman on a mission. For almost 20 years she has worked to help new Canadian immigrants....more

Gung Haggis Fat Choy: Celebrating Robbie Burns and Chinese New Year

VANCOUVER - Scots Canadians outnumbered Chinese Canadians at the tenth annual Gung Haggis Fat Choy: Toddish McWong's Robbie Burns Chinese New Year Dinner....more

Another Great Burns Weekend at the Scottish Cultural Centre

By BONNIE VOLKER - VANCOUVER - The Moray Nairn & Banff Association celebrated their 77th Annual Burns Dinner on January 26 at the Scottish Cultural Centre....more

An Outstanding Evening at SFU Pipe Band Burns Dinner

VANCOUVER - On January 25 the SFU Pipe Band held its annual Robbie Burns Dinner and silent auction in support of the Robert Malcom Memorial Pipe Bands....more

Donors and Volunteers Contribute to Vancouver Welsh Society Events

VANCOUVER - The rousing success of the Welsh Society's Centenary celebrations in November was largely due to the financial support provided by West Vancouver businessman Gren Thomas...more

Dylan Thomas Circle Welcomes Back Alan Jones

By EIFION WILLIAMS - VANCOUVER - This month the Dylan Thomas Circle will welcome back to Vancouver a man who has been much missed on the Vancouver Welsh scene...more

Welsh Exiles Around the World Gather to Celebrate National Day

VANCOUVER - On March 1, St. David's Day will be celebrated throughout the world by Welsh exiles and people of Welsh heritage...more

St. David's Day Celebrations at the Vancouver Welsh Society

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Welsh Society, will celebrate St. David's Day on March 1 at the Cambrian Hall in Vancouver which has been the centre of Welsh activities in this city for the past 80 years...more

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