April 2018 Newsletter
WELCOME TO THE APRIL NEWSLETTER OF THE QUEENSLAND IRISH ASSOCIATION
March was the busiest month for the Queensland Irish community with many events held as part of the Queensland Irish Festival culminating in Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
You have received this newsletter because you fall into one of three categories:
- Those who have renewed their membership, or joined the QIA, since the QIA was removed from External Administration on 28 July 2017.
- Life Members and Senior Members, for whom we have email addresses. (Life Members and Senior Members are exempt from fees, but a donation of half the usual membership is much welcomed).
- Those former members on an ancient list of members, the list being much corrupted and out of date, but which contains an email address.
I would be grateful if all recipients of this newsletter could (i), forward it to former members who may not be in any of the above categories, and, (ii), write to the QIA at enquiries@queenslandirish.com with contact details of those former members.
Mark Morrissey, a director of the QIA, is embarking on the difficult and time consuming task of compiling an accurate comprehensive list of members of the QIA.
There was a Trifecta of Events surrounding St Patrick’s Day:
- The St Patrick’s Eve Dinner, in celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the formation of the QIA.
- The mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St Patrick, celebrated by Father Gerard McMorrow at 8 am on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2018 at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
- The St Patrick’s Day Parade, which commenced from the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at 10.30 am, up Alice Street, then George Street, along Mary Street, and then down Edward Street and back along Alice Street to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
SAINT PATRICK’S EVE DINNER
The traditional St Patrick’s Eve Dinner was an evening of fine speeches, much humor, and rousing music.
The QIA Pipe Band were very impressive ahead of their annual Easter trip to Maclean in northern New South Wales for the Maclean Highland Gathering.
Thank you to the Dinner Committee, particularly Robert Ward, Jeff Spender, John Leahy, Garry Bourke, Chris Begley and Brian Kilmartin for their hard work. Thanks to the Pullman Hotel and Guinness for donating the raffle prizes.
The address of welcome by the President of the QIA introduced the invited guests:
- His Excellency, Breandon O’Caollai, the Ambassador of Ireland, and his wife, Carmel Callon
- Senator Clair Moore, a much loved member of the QIA
- Trevor Evans MP, representing the Prime Minister, with Dr Roger Martin
- Terri Butler MP, Member for Griffith, representing the Leader of the Federal Opposition
- The Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business, representing the Premier of Queensland
- John Paul Langbroeck MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition in the State Parliament
- Justice Martin Daubney of the Supreme Court of Queensland, representing the Chief Justice of Queensland, and his wife, Rosie Daubney
- Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Deputy Lord Mayor, with his wife, Nina Schrinner
- Rev Dr David Ptiman AM of the Uniting Church
- Queensland Police Commissioner, Ian Stewart
And the Master of Ceremonies, Graham Maloney.
The stellar lineup of invited guests indicated some of the apologies received. They included:
- The Prime Minister of Australia
- The Governor of Queensland
- The two Archbishops of Brisbane, his Grace, Mark Coleridge and his Grace, Dr Philip Aspinall
- The Premier of Queensland
- The Leader of the State Opposition
- The Chief Justice of Queensland
- The Lord Mayor of Brisbane
Each sent their best wishes for the success of the St Patrick’s Eve Dinner. Just by coincidence, that night was the first home game of the Broncos.
His Excellency, the Ambassador of Ireland, Breandon O’Caollai
The message from the Prime Minister was read to the guests:
Excerpts from the 2018 St Patrick’s Day message from the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins was also read to the guests.
His Honour, Justice Martin Daubney of the Supreme Court of Queensland
In a night of many fine speeches, the address to “Australia Our Nation” by Justice Martin Daubney was a highlight:
Our thanks to the Master of Ceremonies, Graham Moloney, the QIA Pipe Band under Pipe Major Bruce Grice, and the leaders of the singing, Bob McDowall, Kathleen Hogan and Walter Fitzpatrick.
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY MASS AND ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
President Jeff Spender and Glenice Spender represented the QIA at the St Patrick’s Day Mass at the Cathedral of St Stephen. Together they presented the Gifts at the Offertory. Father Gerard McMorrow, who had said Grace at the St Patrick’s Eve dinner the previous evening, was the Celebrant of the St Patrick’s Day Mass. Members of the QIA Choir sang during the Mass doing their best in competition with the majestic Cathedral organ! Two pipers from the QIA pipe band, Daniel McDiarrid and Eamon Gaffney, added context to the Feast Day Mass. The President and the Vice – President, Seamus Sullivan (President of the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee), then joined the official party at the Port Office Hotel to greet the Parade as it marched along the streets of Brisbane.
A group of marchers ranging in age from primary school to senior members marched behind the QIA Pipe Band and in front of the QIA float. The QIA float which featured the above poster three times during a 60 second video presentation, was a huge hit in the parade. Thanks to Chris Peters for locating the float, to Mark Morrissey for organizing the technology, and to John Leahy, Chris Peters and David O’Farrell, for rounding up the marchers. Either the QIA Pipe Band or the QIA float was recognised by the Lord Mayor as the best in the Parade!
Thanks to Seamus Sullivan and the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for a memorable parade and the festivities after the march in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens.
FUTURE EVENTS
1. MEMBERS CARD COLLECTION NIGHT WITH MUSIC & DANCING – Wednesday 12 May 2018
2. BLOOMSDAY CELEBRATION – Saturday 16 June 2018
3. RUGBY DINNER – WATCH THE WALLABIES PLAY IRELAND ON THE BIG SCREENS – Saturday 23 June 2018
4. CELTIC COUNCIL AWARDS NIGHT – Saturday 21 April 2018 – Click Here for More
5. TARA HALL DINING CLUB
All dinners are held at Hotel Urban Brisbane 345 Wickham Terrace Spring Hill.
Time: 7.00pm – 10.30pm
Happy Hour: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Dates:
Wed April 18th 2018 – Mix Nights ( Partners Welcome )
Wed May 30th 2018.
Wed June 27th 2018.
Wed July 25th 2018.
Wed August 29th 2018 -Mix Nights ( Partners Welcome )
Wed September 26th 2018.
Wed October 31th 2018.
Wed November 21th 2018.
Wed December 12th 2018,-Mix Nights ( Partners Welcome )
For bookings please contact Tony Pisani – Email : fartacus8@gmail.com or phone : 0468 969 148.
6. TIGH GAELACH LADIES’ GOURMET DINING CLUB
The Tigh Gaelach Gourmet Club celebrate a long history of enjoying good food, wine, and wonderful company. Our inaugural dinner was held in June 1987 and was organised by very active female members of the Queensland Irish Club.
We meet at 7:00 pm on the last Wednesday of the month between February and November at Mick O’Malleys Irish Pub, 171-209 Queen Street, Brisbane. Our ladies enjoy pre-dinner champagne, an interesting and varied two course meal with wine, beer or soft drink throughout. We have monthly raffles with great prizes. Dinners cost $45 and membership is $5 per year.
NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS ARE MOST WELCOME
Bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting:
Suzanne O’Shea, President on 0412 258 824 or suzanneoshea@bigpond.com
or
Patsy Gerrard, Secretary on 3396 7320 or ptgerrard1@optusnet.com.au
Any bookings need to be made by Wednesday the week prior to our dinner. Our next dinner is on 2nd May 2018 (due to the Anzac Day holiday). When booking, please provide all names of those attending, a contact number and any specific dietary requirements.
We have a great committee who help support our members and they all work hard to make our evenings fun. We’d love you to join us.
7. SENIOR MEMBERS LUNCH – October 2018
8. CHRISTMAS GATHERING – December 2018
Other events will be added in the next newsletter.
MEMBERS CARD COLLECTION NIGHT WITH MUSIC & DANCING
Wednesday 12 May 2018
From 6pm at Figs on Sylvan
Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club
65 Sylvan Rd Toowong 4066
The card printing machine has been repaired, and we thought it would be a good excuse to get people together. It is an opportunity to collect your membership card and meet with the Directors of the QIA Board.
Finger food will be served from 6pm-7pm. A cash bar will operate. Members and guests will have an opportunity to dine as well as listen to, sing along and dance while The Blarney Stones entertain us.
Queensland Irish Association T-shirts will be on sale for $25.
For members unable to attend, membership cards will be sent by mail.
BLOOMSDAY CELEBRATION
16 June 2018
Time & Location – to be advised
There has been an encouraging response from members and others for a Bloomsday Celebration to be held on 16 June 2018 to commemorate the life of the Irish author James Joyce and his most famous work “Ulysses”
Bloomsday celebrations are held on this day throughout the world and involve readings from the novel as well as re-enactments of significant parts and much celebrating in traditional Irish style.
If you are interested in attending and /or participating, please contact John Leahy on 0417 624 078 or at johnleahy10@hotmail.com.
RUGBY TEST DINNER – SATURDAY 23 JUNE 2018
From 6pm
FIGS ON SYLVAN
AT WESTS BULLDOGS RUGBY CLUB
65 Sylvan Rd Toowong 4066
The Irish Rugby Team are the Six Nations Champions, and will be visiting Australia in June to play three Test matches.
The final game of the tour is to be held in Sydney on Saturday 23 June 2018
The QIA is holding a Rugby Dinner to bring together the Australian and Irish Rugby supporters for a night of fun while watching the game on the big screens at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club.
All members and friends are welcome to attend. Dress code will be smart casual.
Booking details will be advised closer to the date.
QIA EVENTS – BOOKINGS & PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
During this period when the QIA does not have its own premises, all events have to be held at commercial locations. We attempt to keep the cost to members as low as possible and run events that break even or have a small profit. We hold some events where there is no entry charge and members purchase food and drinks of their choice. We have negotiated arrangements where the owner of the venue does not charge a room rental, but takes the proceeds of food and drink sales.
Most venues insist that the QIA advise and pay for the number of attendees a week or more in advance. This is so that they can purchase food and drinks, and schedule the right number of staff.
We have recently experience of members and their guests wanting to attend and pay for functions at the last moment. We have done our best to accommodate this but cannot do so into the future.
We ask for your help by booking and paying for events by the date nominated.
Where an event is free to members, we also incur costs so we would appreciate an email or a phone call message to let us know if you are attending.
The most efficient way for the QIA to receive payment is by bank transfer from your bank account to the QIA account. This saves the time and effort of a visit to the city to clear the post office box, and then a visit to the bank to deposit cheques. If you are paying by bank transfer, please include your name in the appropriate field on the screen so that we know it is you making the payment.
We understand that not all members use internet banking and are happy to accept payment by cheque.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL – MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
The Board decided that all membership renewals and applications would cover the period until 30 June 2019. Membership is $44.
Membership Renewal Form and Membership Application Form. There are two ways to renew membership or become a member-
- Membership forms can be scanned and emailed to enquiries@queenslandirish.com, and payment made by internet bank transfer to the bank account number on the form. Please make sure that you include your name on the bank transfer so that we can identify your payment.
Or
- Mail completed form and a cheque to PO Box 12745, George Brisbane 4003
Thank you for your continuing support of the Queensland Irish Association. We look forward to seeing you at future events.
Jeff Spender
President – Queensland Irish Association