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February 2010

Irish Seniors Mark Your Calendars for the St. Patrick’s Luncheon

By CATHOLINE BUTLER

NANCY GERRARD, Tom Butler, Peggy Dunne, Marie Morris, Mark Downey (Irish entertainer), Sharon Brown and Catherine Brennan-Schwarz at the Irish seniors’ Christmas luncheon.

HAVING a great afternoon at the Irish seniors’ luncheon: (L-R) [BACK ROW] Josie Smith, Joanna Long, Jim Carbin and Stephanie Butler. [FRONT ROW] Jim O’Connell and Mary Ann Meegan.

VANCOUVER – The Celtic Society of Canada hosted a Christmas luncheon for Irish seniors at the Holiday Inn Express on Hastings Street on December 17.

This wonderful gathering was made possible through a grant from the Irish Emigrant Support Programme with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Ireland.

The weather this year was a far cry from the 2008 Christmas luncheon when snow and ice prevented many of the seniors from attending. It was a full house as Irish seniors enjoyed a delicious Christmas buffet in the Atrium followed by entertainment and socializing.

There is always a wonderful atmosphere at these events. In many cases, this is the only opportunity where many of the seniors can enjoy the company of other Irish people and reminisce and enjoy the old songs and stories of their native land.

The ever-popular Irish entertainer Mark Downey was once again on hand to entertain with some Irish and Christmas songs throughout the meal.

After each meal the microphone is turned over to the seniors who take over the entertainment in fine style. It ranges from rousing ballads to thought provoking recitations and hilarious jokes, and occasionally a song and dance routine.

There is never any shortage of entertainers, just a shortage of time to hear them all. It’s a marvellous afternoon and always immensely enjoyed by all those present.

The next Irish seniors event will be the St. Patrick’s luncheon on March 16 at the Holiday Inn Express in Vancouver. Don’t miss this great opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint and enjoy the company of other senior Irish ex-pats.

To book your reservation, call Marie Morris at (604) 929-1040, Catherine Brennan at (604) 266-4183, or e-mail: maura@telus.net.

[Note: Approval has been granted by the B.C. Registrar to officially change the name of The Celtic Society of Canada to the Irish Benevolent Society of B.C.]

ENJOYING the Irish seniors’ Christmas luncheon: (L-R) [BACK ROW] Patrick Magee, Maureen Campbell, Sister Catherine Burke, Imelda Weafer, Bernie Scheib and Sean Hayes. [FRONT ROW] Paddy Connolly, Sister Mary Kate Corrigan, Joyce Goodwin and Peter Goodwin.	GUESTS at the Irish seniors Christmas luncheon (L-R) [BACK ROW] Veronica Conroy, Iris Cunningham, Evelyn Banerzi and Philemena Bevan. [FRONT ROW] John Larkin, Johanna Quinn and Tony Duffy.
GUESTS at the luncheon hosted by the Irish Benevolent Society of B.C. [formerly The Celtic Society of Canada] at the Holiday Inn: (L-R) [BACK] John Bareikis, Katherine Bareikis, Martin Rafter, Bridie Rafter and Jimmy Speiran. [FRONT] Patrick O’Riordan, Mick Lynch and Maureen Speiran.	GETTING into the Christmas spirit at the Irish seniors’ luncheon: (L-R) [BACK ROW] Mae Watters, Father Brendan Boland, Stan Kane, Eric Kitson, Jean Kane and Maureen Kitson. [FRONT ROW SEATED] Philemena Bryce and Jimmy Bryce.
RITA JOHNSTON and Ivan Douglas sang a duet at the Irish seniors luncheon. Ivan is well known for his volunteer work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Irish Heritage Society of Canada.	FLORA YOUNG and Jack Murphy gave a wonderful performance.
JIMMY BRYCE taking a turn at the microphone to entertain at the luncheon.	JIM CARBIN played his mouth organ at the Irish seniors’ luncheon and then told some great jokes.
TONY DUFFY was in top form as he entertained with song and dance routines at the Irish seniors’ luncheon. So popular were his numbers that he was called back for numerous encores.	IRIS CUNNINGHAM sharing some wonderful Irish humour.
	CATHY ROBINSON with the pennies that she collects for the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Africa. She has already collected over $4,000 and every little penny helps. To support, e-mail: cathyris@hotmail.com.

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