Cultural Events
Click here to read about Irish Culture here at the Club
Covid-19 – ISSS Executive Response – August 13 Update
This is the latest revised restrictions for the club
- Limited capacity of 50 people including staff
- Social distancing of at least 2 meters (6 feet)
Along with the above restrictions, the following must also be adhered to:
- The Centre will be open to members and the public
- Kids are allowed in the Centre at this time but need to adhere to the to the social distancing restriction
- With the limited capacity of 50% and the social distancing or 2 meters, the maximum capacity allowed at the Centre will be 50 people.
- Bar service is available again and tables are set up for a maximum of six people per table. Each table is set up with a maximum of six chairs. Extra chairs and not allowed nor is putting tables together
- The snug area is still closed to members
- Live music, bookings, and functions (including card playing & darts) is not permitted
- Please do not come to the Centre if you are not feeling well, have been in contact with someone not feeling well, or traveled in the last 14 days
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve
- Members are advised to wash their hands with soap & water frequently
- Hand sanitizer will be available for use
The past few months have truly been very challenging for us all. COVID-19 has certainly changed our lives and how we do things. I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and staying safe.
Since we have been able to reopen on May 14; the Irish Centre has been doing fairly well. With the public health measures in place (sanitizing requirements, capacity restrictions, live entertainment restrictions, social distancing and most recently mandatory face masks); we have been trying quite diligently to stay on top of the changes while keeping our members safe and informed.
We have rearranged tables and chairs to ensure social distancing, there is hand sanitizer available when you first come in and on each of the tables, tables are wiped down and sanitized, the sign in book helps us keep track of those visiting the Irish Centre, and disposable masks are available.
Posters can be found in the main entrance area of the Centre to remind our members to practice social distancing, help prevent the spread, mandatory face masks, etc.
Even with all this in place, we will only be successful in stopping the spread of COVID-19 if we ALL follow the rules.
Take care and stay safe.
Visit the following websites for more information on COVID-19:
alberta.ca;
albertahealthservices.ca;
edmonton.ca
We are getting closer to scheduling our AGM and a communication will be sent to all members soon.
Temporary Hours of Operation:
Wed., Thurs., & Fri. 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Annual General Meeting – Sept 27, 2020 @1:00pm
Doors open at 12:15pm. Please arrive before the 1:00 pm start time in order to get a seat and be registered at the door. All Covid-19 protocols will be in effect. Face masks must be worn. This meeting is only open to 2019 membership. If you purchased your membership after January 1st, 2020, you are eligible to attend the meeting but must leave when nominations and voting for the new executive begins.
1916 Commemoration Events at the Irish Centre
To mark the centennial of the 1916 Easter Rising, there are two events underway this weekend at the Irish Centre.
On Friday, April 22, we have a night of Ceili dancing, live music and singing as part of the 1916 Worldwide Commemoration Ceili – which will see Irish people from around the world commemorate the Easter Rising with song and dance. The events kick off at 7:30 and admission is free. Come out and join us for this event!
Another celebration will be held on Sunday, April 24, with some fabulous live traditional music, talented Irish dancers and in the kitchen our delicious Irish stew is on the menu.
We look forward to seeing you over the weekend!
“EVERYTHING IRISH” Fundraising Raffle for the McDonnell Scholarship
THE PRIZE IS “EVERYTHING” IN THE DISPLAY CABINET AT THE FRONT OF THE CLUB, IT INCLUDES:
Woman’s aran knit shawl and hat
2 childrens’ aran knit sweaters, hat and mittens
Bodhran drum
Tin whistle
Heraldic scroll of Ireland
Set of Irish linen napkins
8 Galway crystal wine glasses
TICKETS ARE 3 FOR $10 ( available at the bar)
A Tribute to Steve Conneely
Steve Conneely……
A native of Galway or someplace near
A proud islander of Inisheer (Inis Oirr)
Steve Conneely known to us all as Stiofan
From the barony of Aaran he rowed on
Greeted at the shores of Galway Bay
Arrived this Gaelic speaker with fluent words to say
Onto Dublin he headed to learn his trade
Fixing engines of all vehicles ever made
Did we cross paths on Grafton Street, I may never know
But it was here when we finally met in the snow
Stiofan came to Edmonton in 75’
Bringinng his tools to keep his skills alive
Here is where he made home
Every few years back to Aaran he’d roam
He played a major part in culture, sports and song
He could tell all kinds of stories all night long
Stiofan was a father figure to many around
An uncle, a cousin and a special friend, he was sound
He took up golf in his later years
Enjoying many rounds with his peers
Safe home to Aaran our friend so dear
Your beautiful resting place of Inisheer (Inis Oirr)
So raise your glass in honor to our dear friend Stiofan
Although he is gone our memories with him will forever live on
Christy Whelehan
“Ode to a Concrete Parking Lot”
At the Irish Sports and Social
Twas on a Friday night
They were out there pouring concrete
sure it was a lovely sight.
There was Martin in his wellies
and Eric in his socks
and Jockey was the Gaffer,
cause the rest of them were locked
Crooner McNulty hurt himself
when he tripped on a wire frame
he was up to his neck in concrete
when the paramedics came
McCready was there with trowel in hand
and Masterson worked the lights
McCormack was still cleaning up
when a Policeman came inside
“What’s goin on here?”
a culchie accent said
and there was this massive big Policeman
with the light shining off his head
“Oh it’s you Inspector”
and he standing at the bar
“It’s ok Pat” the Poiceman said
“I just come to pick up me car”
“Is it outside your parked?” said Paddy
“Or, or is it round the back?”
and Paddy smiling nervously
waited for an answer back
So out the back the two did go
and the scene they did survey,
no car to be seen
just a slab of concrete lay.
“Did you’se tow me car boys?”
a towering man roared out
“What car” was the reply
in unison that rang out.
Well it was Saturday afternoon
when they were all released on bail
and scheduled court appearances be made
or else they’d go to jail
Now Dublin has great monuments
and Cork, not to be outdone,
has Patricks Bridge and other things
to remember it’s native sons
But the Irish here in Edmonton
will not soon be forgot
Our monument is a car named “Braiden”
about three feet under the Lot
by Joe Burns
Thank’s to Joe for sending us this poem!
A brief history
The Edmonton Irish Sports and Social Society can trace its origins to a meeting on April 18th, 1958, when a group of newcomers formed the Edmonton Gaels. In February 1959 they adopted the title Irish Sports and Social Club, and soon saw the formation of the Shamrock Rovers soccer club. On November 28th, 1962 the club attained society status and thus became the Irish Sports and Social Society.