Irish seniors’ luncheon: An Afternoon of Great Camaraderie

By CATHOLINE BUTLER

DIRECTORS of the Celtic Society of Canada Benevolent Fund who organized the seniors’ luncheon. (L-R) [Front] Sharon Brown and Catherine Brennan Schwarz. [Back] Marie Morris and Maura De Freitas of the Celtic Society with Mark Downey (actor/musician).

ENJOYING the Irish seniors’ luncheon (L-R) [BACK ROW] Monica Spekat, Vi Moore (of the Moore School of Irish Dance who has been teaching for 53 years), Siggy Spekat, Joanne Long and Jim Carbin. [FRONT ROW] Pauline Byrne, Bernard Byrne, and Brendan McCracken.

TED AND NANCY Garrard (Co. Athlone) at the Irish seniors luncheon. They will celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary on November 27.

VANCOUVER – The third Irish seniors’ luncheon was held in the Atrium Room at the Holiday Inn Express on East Hastings Street on October 29.

The event was hosted by the Celtic Society of Canada Benevolent Fund thanks to a grant by the Irish Emigrant Programme of the Government of Ireland.

The luncheon has grown in popularity and brings together Irish-born seniors to enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie with lots of laughs and some great entertainment.

Popular Irish musician and actor Mark Downey was on hand once again to entertain the full house before the luncheon with some favourite Irish oldies and goldies.

After each of the delicious luncheons the seniors’ take charge of the stage and that’s when the grey power really kicks in. It’s no holds barred when mouth organs, accordions, and tap shoes are dusted off and all the favourite party pieces are brought out.

It’s wonderful to hear the old Irish songs and recitations – and absolutely amazing when you consider the memory needed to remember the numerous verses. Many of these Irish seniors could show 91-year-old musician/band leader Dal Richards a thing or two!

Downey remarked on the wealth of talent and the history that each and every senior brought to the room with them.

At the previous luncheon he suggested videotaping the entertainment for posterity for future generations.

As a result, entertainment by the Irish seniors at this luncheon was videotaped as part of the history of the Irish community in the Vancouver Lower Mainland.

It is to the great credit of the Government of Ireland that they have never forgotten the diaspora and their enormous contribution to their homeland.

As young sons and daughters of Ireland, these now seniors were forced to emigrate due to economic hardships at home. Despite feelings of isolation and loneliness, they worked to build new communities overseas. Many sent hard-earned funds home to help support those left behind.

They brought with them their culture, their strong work ethic, and their love for music and dance to the New World. It was their yearning for home that kept them together as a community as they settled in a new world.

Now, it’s heart warming to see the enjoyment and laughter of these Irish seniors as they look forward with anticipation to meeting old friends and making new acquaintances at the Irish seniors’ luncheons.

Mark your calendar now for the next Irish seniors’ luncheon to be held on December 17 at the Holiday Inn Express. To book for the Christmas seniors’ luncheon, call Marie Morris the Irish Community Co-ordinator at (604) 929-1042, or e-mail: maura@telus.net.
Footnote: Irish musician and actor Mark Downey will appear in the starring role of a unique stage version of Pink Floyd’s The Wall. With 30 actors, dancers, musicians and children’s chorus on board the show promises to be ‘The Ultimate Rock n Roll Psycho Drama.’ The Wall will be playing November 11-14 at the Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway (at Commercial Drive). For more information: www.livestageperformance.net. For tickets see: www.brownpapertickets.com.