Edmonton Irish Sports & Social Society

Congratulations to the incoming 2017/18 executive committee.

President – Martin Doyle

Vice President – Janet Wilde

Secretary – Kimberly Budd

Treasurer – Rory Brady

Social Director – Melanie Regan

Sports Director – Paul Hawthorn

Member At Large – Anita Nixon

Trustees – Seamus Donaghy, Bill McGuire, Ted Nesdole

Past President – Stephen McElhatton

The Cultural Director position was not filled at the meeting. If you are interested in the role, please contact any of the existing executive members.

Updated contact information will be available shortly.

It only comes once a year, so get your tickets while they’re still available!

Tickets for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day events are now available!!

Saturday, March 11 we have the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance.  Featuring a fantastic roast beef dinner, music from Allen & Hobbs, tickets are only $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

Tickets for St. Patrick’s Day itself are available too. Friday, March 17 (yes, we know the date is wrong on the tickets…) starts first thing in the morning with a full breakfast (only $5 once you’re through the doors) and the  GAA Club Finals. Throughout the day there will be Irish dance performances and music, as well as food specials in the kitchen.  Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

On Saturday, we’re keeping the party going with Vibram Souls playing in the evening. There’s only a $5 cover charge for this great band, and proceeds will be donated to charity.

Come down and buy your tickets while they’re still around!  See you this March at the Irish Centre!!

Drop by on Sunday for the Irish Centre’s Family Day BBQ and Membership Drive.

The festivities will run from 1PM to 9PM with a free dinner for members being served from 4 to 7 PM.

If you were a member in 2016 or take out your membership for 2017, come on in for some steak and hot dogs for the kids!

There will also be face painting, balloon animals and a treat bag for the kids.

In the evening, we will have an open mic for our talented members who play an instrument, sing or recite.

Poster – Family Day BBQ

Come out and celebrate Robbie Burns Night this Saturday at the Irish Centre. There will be food special and music by The Chancers.

And of course, there will be pipers and haggis!

After an amazing sold show in 2014, the Edmonton Irish Sports & Social Society is happy to announce that Byrne and Kelly will be back performing on Saturday, July 16, 2016. This promising event will include new, original music as well as your favourite Irish classics.

Doors at 6 PM
Concert at 8 PM to 10 PM

The Irish Centre will remain open  after the concert until last call.
General Admission/General Seating

Take a listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B4XtDMcxG8

For tickets go to http://www.byrneandkelly.com/tour-dates

Their first two albums Acoustically Irish and Live in Australia received awards and hit number #1 in Billboard’s world album category, as well as on  iTunes, Amazon World Album and cdbaby.

In February 2016, Byrne and Kelly released their original album Echoes featuring songs that highlight their rich, Irish culture and experiences traveling the world playing music was released. Echoes immediately hit chart success and hit the #1 spot on the iTunes World Music chart, Billboard Top 5 World Album, #1 Amazon Traditional Folk and #1 Amazon Traditional British & Folk charts, Amazon Top 100 Album, and Google Play Top World Album.

Just a sample of some of the delicious potato bread for Heritage Days made by volunteers last year!

Do you have some spare time and love festivals?

Heritage Days is one of the biggest festivals in Edmonton and is attended by thousands of people from around the world.

Every year the Irish Centre calls out for volunteers to get involved and support ourIrish community. This year, we need another group of dedicated volunteers to make the Irish Pavilion a success!

Food preparation:

• Potato Pancakes (June 20-23; June 27-28)
• Soda Bread; Barm Braic; Scones (Mid July)
• Irish stew (July 23-28)

Pavilion:

• Set up / Take down
• Drivers
• Kitchen crew members (8 shifts over 3 days)
• Front end servers (8 shifts over 3 days)

You don’t need any special skills or experience. Maybe you want to learn how to make some traditional Irish food or just meet some wonderful new Irish (and non-Irish!) friends … just sign up.

It takes a village to make the Ireland pavilion a huge success and we are very proud of our volunteers. Let`s make 2016 another brilliant year!

Sign up sheets – available at the Irish Centre or let us know that you’re interested by contacting:

Seán MacQueen – moc.liamgnull@neeuqcamks

Siobhan MacQueen @ 780-489-8001

The Irish Embassy will have a representative in Edmonton starting Monday to help any Irish people affected by the wildfires in Fort McMurray.

Siobhan Doran, Passport Officer with the Irish Embassy will be at the Irish Centre starting on Monday from 4 to 8 PM and all days next week from 4 to 8 PM.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Irish Centre at 780-453-2249 or Martin Doyle at 587-337-8737.

If you do, you’re in for a treat this weekend!

In between Ceilis on Friday and Sunday, on Saturday night we have local traditional band Grace O’Malley playing at the Irish Centre.  A crowd favourite, be sure to come down and have a listen.  While you’re there, check out the kitchen specials!

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!

If you’re looking for some great Irish music, look no further.  The internationally acclaimed band Lunasa will be playing at the Irish Centre on Thursday, April 14.

Doors open at 6:30 PM and the show starts at 8PM. Tickets are $30 and will be available at the door.

The band is internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental outfit of recent times. They are renowned for their stunning shows honed by superb musicianship and a constant touring cycle. They have performed over 1,500 shows across 36 countries since the band formed in 1997. The band has appeared at internationally renowned venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, National Concert Hall (Dublin), Sydney Opera House and Moscow International House of Music. They have been invited to appear at the White House.