CANADIAN FOOTPRINTS and OTHER CONNECTIONS in IRELAND AND NORTHERN
IRELAND
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IRELAND
County Cork
Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh (Cove). Picture postcard Cobh
was a major point of departure for Irish emigrants to the 'new world'.
The Queenstown Story (Cobh was once Queenstown), a stunning, multi-media
exhibition, dramatically portrays conditions on board emigrant vessels
as well as Cobh's subsequent experiences with ocean liners including
the Titanic and the Lusitania. www.cobhheritage.com
Air India Disaster Memorial, Ahakista. Ahakista is on the
southern shore of the long West Cork peninsula of Muintirvara. The
monument is in a field, on the foreshore washed by the waters of
Dunmanus Bay, where, on June 23, 1985, an Air India plane crashed
en route from Toronto and Montreal via London to Bombay. All 329
people on board, mainly Canadians of Indian origin, lost their lives.
Cork artist Ken Thompson chose a sun dial as the main focus of
the monument because he felt it suggested the "wheel of life"
and provided a common symbol of the diverse cultural and religious
backgrounds of the victims." On June 23, the sun shines on
the sundial at exactly 8:23 a.m. the time the disaster took place.
Relatives and friends can lay wreaths at this site of solace. An
annual commemoration takes place there every June 23.
There are several Canadian expressions of thanks to Ireland for
the help given in the aftermath of the Air India disaster: two plaques,
one in the main square of Bantree and one at the front entrance
of Cork Hospital in Cork; and an Inukshuk in the main lobby of the
Cork County head office building in Cork.
County Donegal
Thomas D'Arcy McGee plaque, Inishowen |
Thomas D'Arcy McGee plaque, Inishowen. Irish-born McGee
is sometimes called Canada's most eloquent Father of Confederation,
following upon his famous 1860 speech "A Prophetic Vision'.
He is also variously described as a rebel, orator, politician, journalist,
poet and historian. After twice living in Boston, the latter time
for 10 years after escaping from Ireland with a price on his head
-- the Inishowen plaque is at the beach from which he made his escape
-- he decided in 1857 that Canada could be a better place to settle.
In the year following his move to Montreal, he was elected to the
legislative assembly of the Province of Canada. He became a cabinet
minister, but, by 1866, having alienated many Irish voters, he was
dropped from the Cabinet.
As famous for his death, as his life, he was the only Canadian
federal politician to be assassinated. His assassination in 1868
gave rise to Canada's last public hanging. The award winning play,
Blood on the Moon, by Canadian writer/performer Pierre Brault, which
has played to rave reviews in both Canada and Ireland, reflects
the uncertainty that subsequently arose about the guilt of the man
hung as the assassin, James Patrick Whelan, who was also Irish born.
(See also County Louth)
County Dublin
Canadian Embassy Offices
Wilton Terrace, Dublin |
The Canadian Embassy, the focus
for services to and representation for Canadians living in and visiting
Ireland, is located at 7-8 Wilton Terrace,
Dublin 2, 100 metres
west of the Baggot Street Bridge. Apart from focus provided by its physical location, the Embassy
is also visible to key segments of Irish life through conferences/events
at which the Ambassador speaks and performances/events the Embassy
hosts.
Information about the Canadian Embassy in Ireland can be found at: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/ireland-irlande/dublin.aspx?lang=eng And follow the Embassy’s Twitter account for updates @CanadaIreland @CanadaIrlande
Of particular note is the Embassy's Trade section, which supports Canadian companies doing business in Ireland. More information on these services can be found at: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/ireland-irlande/index.aspx?lang=eng
The Embassy's Consular section is also a busy place, assisting Canadians with passport, citizenship and consular issues on a daily basis. The stolen passport problem is, of course, not unique to any country and, with tourism being of huge importance to Ireland, an Irish Tourist Assistance Service -- www.itas.ie -- has been set up to offer advice and assistance to tourists who are victimised when visiting Ireland. Canadians visiting anywhere that requires their passport are cautioned to safeguard it at all times and, as a particular note of caution when visiting Ireland, to be extra vigilant in Dublin's city centre.
The Working Holiday Program between Canada and Ireland, which enables up to 10,000 2,500 Irish youth under 35 to travel, study and work in Canada for up to a year. Follow the link at www.canada.ie for details.
And, of course, there are the many diplomatic interfaces, some ceremonial and some quite delicate, that the Ambassador and the Embassy staff undertake for Canada.
Malachy Smith, Chairman, ICBA, Minister Éamon Ó
Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs,
Ambassador Pat Binns, Dave Wilson, Chair, Irish Canadian Society |
Glanmire, the (new) Official Residence of Canada's Ambassador
to Ireland, formally opened on July 1, 2009, is located at 22
Oakley Road in the Dublin suburb of Ranelagh. Built in 1848, the
building is steeped in Irish history, having been owned for close
to 60 years by the Pearse family which included brothers Padraig
(Patrick) and Willie who were leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916.
Glanmire was undoubtedly the center of many important debates and
actions around the pursuit of Republic status for Ireland and Padraig
was recognized by many as the President of Ireland's Provisional
Government. Both he and Willie were executed following the Rising's
suppression. Glanmire was part of a larger farm where Padraig started
the first St. Enda's Irish Boys school and St. Ita's Irish Girls
school. The school, also known as Cullenswood House, was known to
have been a 'safe haven' for Irish independence leaders such as
Michael Collins. It was wrecked by the Black and Tans while searching
for supporters of independence. Glanmire was eventually sold to
the Department of Public Works and thence to a private owner, and,
newly refurbished, to Canada.
Canadian Studies, University College Dublin. UCD, Ireland's
largest University views Canadian Studies as an interdisciplinary
field that seeks to interpret and promote study of the historical
and contemporary distinctiveness of the peoples, cultures and environment
of Canada, as well as Canada's contributions to the world. The program,
which comprises postgraduate courses, seminars and conferences,
is led by a Professor holding the Craig Dobbin Chair in Canadian
Studies. The Chair was inaugurated in 1994 through the generosity
of the late Dr. Craig Dobbin of St John's Newfoundland, whose forebears
came from County Waterford. (www.ucd.ie/canada)
The
Famine Memorial, Dublin
Unfortunately, because it is slightly off the beaten path, all too
few have seen the Famine Memorial, the most touching of sculptures.
Shown in the top picture, this work by renowned Dublin sculptor
Rowan Gillespie is easy to reach, however - just a few blocks seaward
from O'Connell Bridge along the quays on the North side of the Liffey.
The Canadian connection with the site is marked by a large plaque
recognizing a donation on behalf of the people of Canada, which
was a haven for thousands of those who emigrated because of the
Famine.
Fortunately,
Canadians who might not have the chance to visit the sculpture in
Dublin can experience its counterpart in the new Ireland Park at
Toronto's now-named Eirann Quay (formerly Bathurst Quay). There,
on the shore of Lake Ontario, five figures collectively entitled
'The Arrival' honour the 38,000 Irish immigrants who fled during
the Famine of 1847 and arrived that summer in Toronto when its population
was a mere 20,000. 'The Arrival' is also the work of the sculptor
of the Dublin memorial, Rowan Gillespie, who was on hand for the
June 21, 2007 official opening of the Park by the President of Ireland,
Mary McAleese.
Ireland Park is a bridge that will link two nations and two cities.
It is the story of a destitute people overcoming unimaginable hardship
and suffering, and speaks to the kindness and generosity of Canadians,
which is as consistent today as it was in 1847.
It is a reminder of the trauma of famine, which still exists in
many parts of the world today and the consequences of the rest of
the world's failure to respond to it.
The middle and lower photograph, which show the Ireland Park site,
are presented courtesy of the photographer 'High Plains Drifter'.
More photographs may be seen in his Ireland
Park section at Flickr.
More information about this outstanding memorial may be obtained
at www.irelandparkfoundation.com.
Malahide Castle, Malahide. There are three Canadian connections
to this excellently preserved site: the Talbot family connection,
the RCMP doll at Tara's palace and a CPR replica engine at the Fry
Model Railway exhibit. Malahide
Castle Map
- Malahide Castle and the Talbots. The Talbot family occupied
the castle for some 800 years. One of the family members, Colonel
Thomas Talbot, received a grant of 5,000 acres of land in what is
now southeastern Ontario. The city of St. Thomas, Ontario is named
for him and the town of Talbotville, and the Talbot Trail and numerous
Talbot Streets (and Roads) incorporate the family name in the area
which also has a Malahide Township. Thomas's homestead, Malahide,
near Talbot Creek, is open to the public. (Richard Talbot of Cloughjordan,
Co. Tipperary, got land from his kinsman, Thomas, and took his family,
and two hundred neighbours and tenants there. Over time, the Cloughjordan
Talbots in Canada spread widely to the south and, especially, to
the west.)
The
Canadian flag has flown proudly above the castle for each ICS Canada
Day picnic since 2004 (see ICS
Calendar of Events).
- Tara's Palace. The highlight of this priceless collection,
located in the castle's courtyard, is a 22-roomed Dolls House inspired
by the three great Georgian Mansions of 18th century Ireland. The
quality and detail of its miniature furniture and fittings are as
much an attraction for adults as for children. All proceeds from
the nominal entrance fee go to children's charities.
Canada's Tara's Palace connection is the limited edition Mountie
doll presented to the exhibit's doll collection by the Irish Canadian
Society on the occasion of its 2004 Canada Day picnic, held on Malahide
Castle's grounds.
- Fry Model Railway. One of the world's largest miniature
railways (a working railway covering some 2,500 sq. feet), this
unique collection of handmade models of Irish trains from the beginning
of travel to modern times, is a treat for 'children of all ages'.
Dominating the museum one passes through to the 'train' room is
a massive model of a Canadian Pacific engine.
Canada-Connected Retailers. The Canadian flag flies prominently
at Grafton Street's Brown Thomas the Canadian-owned department store
that, like its Canadian counterpart Holt Renfrew offers high-end
merchandise.
And, since a small start on May 5, 2005, Canadian icon Tim Horton's
products have become increasingly available in Ireland, to the delight
of the Canadian ex-pat community.
County Galway
Alcock and Brown Monument, about 3 km south of Clifden.
This monument, in the shape of a wing of the plane, marks Alcock
and Brown's historic first non-stop transatlantic flight, which
began in Newfoundland in June, 1919. Situated hill near the Derrygimlagh
Bog landing site, it is also close to the Marconi transmitter station.
Marconi Transmitter Station. Near the Alcock and Brown monument
site is the location of the turf-powered transmitter station from
which Marconi exchanged the first transatlantic radio messages with
a station in Nova Scotia, in 1907.
County Kerry
The Rose of Tralee Festival. In late August, 'Roses' selected
in Rose of Trallee Centres around the world compete for the grand
title "The Rose of Tralee. There is a Canadian Rose of Tralee
Centre in Toronto, Ontario, and two Canadian 'Roses' have won the
Festival's coveted title since its inauguration in 1959. Laura Gainey,
from Peterborough, won in 1982; Colleen Mooney, from Toronto, won
in 1996. www.roseoftralee.ie
The Jeanie Johnston replica emigration ship. The original
Jeanie Johnston was built in Quebec in 1847 as a cargo vessel, but
from 1848 to 1855 it carried over 2500 Irish emigrants to North
America. Many such ships, also called famine ships, were disease-ridden;
the deaths at sea of large numbers of their passengers caused them
to also be referred to as coffin ships. But no crew or passenger
lives were lost on board the Jeanie Johnston. The building of the
replica ship, near Tralee, County Kerry, in 2002, was a huge all-Ireland
project involving young people from throughout Ireland and Northern
Ireland. Built to commemorate and honour Irish Famine emigrants
and to celebrate Ireland's close ties with the U S and Canada, the
replica ship's activities can be found at www.jeaniejohnston.ie
County Louth
Thomas D'Arcy McGee plaque, Carlingford. Born in Carlingford
in 1825, McGee is sometimes called Canada's most eloquent Father
of Confederation, following upon his famous 1860 speech "A
Prophetic Vision'. He is also variously described as a rebel, orator,
politician, journalist, poet and historian. After two stints in
Boston, the latter for 10 years after escaping from Ireland with
a price on his head, he decided in 1857 that Canada could be a better
place to settle. In the year following his move to Montreal, he
was elected to the legislative assembly of the Province of Canada.
He became a cabinet minister, but, by 1866, having alienated many
Irish voters, he was dropped from the Cabinet.
As famous for his death, as his life, he was the only Canadian
federal politician to be assassinated. His assassination in 1868
gave rise to Canada's last public hanging. The award winning play,
Blood on the Moon, by Canadian writer/performer Pierre Brault, which
has played to rave reviews in both Canada and Ireland, reflects
the uncertainty that subsequently arose about the guilt of the man
hung as the assassin, James Patrick Whelan, who was also Irish born.
(See also, County Donegal)
County Meath
Oldcastle. Signs proclaiming the 1999 twinning with Oldcastle
(Tecumseh), Ontario welcome you to this friendly town. It's well
worth a visit to it and to its nearby ancient monuments and picturesque
surrounding scenery.
County Waterford
The Waterford Museum of Treasures, Waterford - this permanent
exhibition celebrating the close ties between the south-east of
Ireland and Newfoundland that spring from centuries of fishing and
migration was opened in June 2004 by the President of Ireland. www.waterfordtreasures.com
County Wexford
Enniscorthy. It's worth a trip to Enniscorthy just to see
the "Home to Canada" sign as you enter it. Better yet,
drop into a pub or coffee shop there and thank the locals for the
wonderful hospitality you've heard their town gave to the Team Canada
participants in the 2003 World Special Olympics. Cities and towns
throughout the island hosted participating teams from throughout
the world (the first time those events were held outside the US);
there can never be enough said about the generous hospitality of
the Irish hosts and volunteers who made the huge undertaking of
the Games such a success.
County Wicklow
The Canada Room, Glencree Reconciliation Centre, Glencree
- Through the Canadian Embassy in Dublin, Canada has been a major
supporter of Glencree's internationally renowned role in helping
parties to political and other conflicts to peacefully reconcile
their differences. Its main meeting room, which has been furnished,
with Canadian assistance, as a lounge rather than a boardroom to
create a congenial atmosphere to promote dialogue, is named the
Canada Room.
Refurbishment of the Canada Room is a major 2004/ 2005 Irish Canadian
Society project. ICS representatives obtained a very generous financial
contribution from the Bombardier Foundation to refurnish the Room.
(Bombardier, a Canadian company, is a major participant in the economies
of Ireland and Northern Ireland and is the largest industrial employer
in Northern Ireland.)
Canadian artworks have also been generously contributed to the
Room. They include Group of Seven prints contributed by the McMichael
Gallery www.mcmichaelgallery.com,
the Spiritual Home of the Group of Seven.
Become a Glencree volunteer or intern. Glencree delivers its various
programs through a small professional staff supported by volunteers
who have come from Canada and more than 20 other countries. The
volunteers are young people (typically between 18 and 30) who are
committed to reconciliation and wish to help Glencree in its peace
building work locally and globally. The volunteers diverse
nationalities help to create an inclusive and non-judgemental atmosphere
that mirrors the kind of society Glencree is trying to build. Glencree
welcomes volunteers for periods of three, six and 12 months. Internships
also form a valuable part of the work of Glencree and give prospective
practitioner learners an opportunity to develop research and practical
skills in a supportive and engaging environment. For more about
Glencree volunteering and internships visit www.glencree.ie.
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NORTHERN IRELAND
County Down
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A lifelong hockey fan, Canada's Ambassador to Ireland, Loyola Hearn had an extra treat when he attended his first Giants game on March 5, 2011: ICS Chair Dave Wilson introduced him to the Giants' Finn McCool mascot.
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The Odyssey, Belfast. This magnificent complex (www.odysseyarena.com) is home to a number of Canadian connections: the Belfast Giants ice hockey team; the W5 Science Centre; and an IMAX theatre.
- Belfast Giants. A Canadian-founded team, with many Canadian players, the Giants provide high quality ice hockey entertainment. www.belfastgiants.com
- W5 Science Centre. Developed with the benefit of insights gained from counterparts in Toronto and Vancouver abounds with intriguing hands-on exhibits. www.w5online.co.uk
- IMAX theatre. IMAX theatres are renowned for their Canadian based technology.
- Rockies sports bar: Canadian passion for hockey is everywhere! In fact, undoubtedly the finest display of game-worn, Canadian team hockey jerseys anywhere and a tourist magnet for Canadians living in and visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland is the Canadian-owned Rockies sports bar in Belfast's Odyssey entertainment multiplex (above). Over 200 team-donated jerseys are on display, including those from about 50 Canadian universities, almost all the OHL and many other Jr A teams and the NHL teams. There are also jerseys from a host of national teams and teams in European leagues.
Marking the presentation of a jersey from the 2009 AND 2010 Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires are three Canadian ex-pats, from the left, Dave Wilson, formerly of Windsor, Ontario, Todd Kelman, formerly of Calgary, Alberta, and Jim Graves, formerly of Gimli, Manitoba. Dave, who lives in Dublin, is Chair of the all-island Irish Canadian Society. He regularly visits his hometown to cheer the Windsor Spitfires on and presented the Spitfires jersey to Jim, Rockies' owner, on the team's behalf. A graduate and professor emeritus of the University of Windsor, he is holding the Rockies' collection jersey from its hockey team, the Lancers.
Jim and Todd live in Belfast. Jim played professional hockey in Europe, finishing with the Nottingham Panthers in 1993, and coached the Irish national team for several years. He owns and operates Rockies, an integral part of the Odyssey complex. Todd, who was a St Louis Blues pick in the 1993 NHL entry draft but opted to play in Europe instead, was the first player signed when the Giants were formed in 2000. Now the Giants GM, he also provides leadership to the Giants Community Foundation, which brings together youths from the two sides of Northern Ireland’s sectarian divide.
Castle Espie, Strangford Lough. Perhaps "goose prints"
would be a more apt description of the Canadian connection with
this site! The Western shores of Europe host thousands of wintering
waterbirds. The Light-bellied Brent Goose, some 20,000 of which
complete an epic migration from Arctic Canada, is reputed to be
the most important species taking refuge in the Irish wetlands,
and Strangford Lough is the most important site in the world for
the Eastern Canadian population of this species. Hosting not only
the Brent geese, the Lough's Castle Espie (not a castle) is also
the Wildfowl and Wetlands home of Ireland's largest collection of
ducks, geese and swans. www.wwt.org.uk/brent/brent_goose.asp
Amusingly, the BBC will be tracking the 8,000 kilometre round-trip
journey of six of the light-bellied Brent geese in a 2005 survival-of-the-fittest
reality TV program! The show's title is SuperGoose: Six Go Wild
in Canada. Its principals "from thousands six have been chosen"
are Geysir; Resolute; Homer; Espie; Lagan; and Myrar. www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/supergoose
County Tyrone
Ulster Folk Park, Omagh. A superb, open-air museum on a
grand scale, the Park tells the story of emigration from Ulster
to North America and other 'new world' destinations in the 18th
and 19th centuries.
www.folkpark.com
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