Founded in 1985, the Friends of Ireland Society ACT Inc. - or, in the Irish Language (as Gaeilge), Cairde Na hÉireann - reflects the deep interest of many people in the Canberra region in their Irish origins and in the links between Ireland and Australia.

Cairde Na hÉireann seeks to promote a better understanding of modern Ireland (both North and South) and of the distinctive contribution that the Irish have made to the Australian way of life.

With the community's continuing interest in Ireland, the Society's guest speaker nights have proven very popular. These are held seven or eight times a year generally at the Canberra Irish Club and typically (but not necessarily) on the third Wednesday of the calendar month. The talks cover topics of interest about Ireland and Irish-Australia. Past speakers have included Booker Prize winning author Thomas Keneally (who gave the 2005 Eureka lecture), His Excellency Declan Kelly, when he was Ambassador of Ireland, Paul Neville MP (Chairperson, Federal Parliamentary Irish-Australian Friendship Group), Dawn Casey (Director of the National Museum), Brian Kennedy (Director of the Australian National Gallery) and the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope.  In 2004, the Ambassador generously hosted an evening for members to view the then recently completed Embassy residence.

In recent years, speakers' topics have included the Myall Creek massacre in 1838; early New South Wales colonial Governor Richard Bourke; the poet John Betjeman (who spent some time in Dublin during World War 2); and,more recently, an historical perspective on the 1916 Easter Rising.  2006 activities included a history trip to Galong to visit Ryan's Castle and explore the Irish coonection in its history.

At end of each year we hold our Eureka dinner and lecture.  We try to hold it as close to the actual anniversary (3 December 1854) as possible: that means usually early December or late November.  The 2007 Eureka lecture on Wednesday 28 November 2007 was given by Dr Jeff Brownrigg.  

St Patrick's Day 2008

Arrangements are well under way for this year's St Patrick's Day functions.  There will be the annual Ecumenical Service at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton on Monday 17 March at 12 noon.  Senator George Campbell will give the oration and Sister Barbara Murray RSM will deliver the homily.  The service will be followed by a light lunch.

On Sunday 16 March, commencing at 12 noon, we will hold our traditional and ever popular No Snakes barbecue at the Canberra Irish Club.  Admission is $10 per person.  Children will be admitted free of charge.  Music will be provided by John and Nikki Carson.  Booking is essential: phone Patricia Mulcahy on 6248 5724.

Other 2008 Events

Frank O'Shea's book, Keeping Faith (a 40-year history of Marist College), will be launched by Senator the Honourable Ursula Stephens at 5.30 pm on Friday 28 March in the Senior School Gymnasium at Marsit College in Marr Street, Pearce.  If you want to attend the launch, ring 6298 7223.  And on the preceding day (Thursday 27 March), Frank's brother Gerald O'Shea who is visiting from New York will give a lunch time talk, Being Irish in New York, at the Canberra Irish Club commencing at 12 noon at the Canberra Irish Club.  Bookings for meals for this talk should be made by phoning 6248 5724.

On Wednesay 16 April, genealogist Barbara Moore will give a talk, Tracing Your Irish Ancestry.  Not to be missed if you want to learn how to sniff out the family DNA!  This will be held at the canberra Irish Club.

Then on Wednesday 21 May, also at the Canberra Irish Club, Dr Nicholas Brown and Dr Susan Boden will give a presentation, It'll keep young! Two perspectives on a changing Ireland.

There will be a Bloomsday breakfast on the weekend of 14 and 15 June. For more details, watch this website or contact Cairde na hÉireann for more details.

Cairde Na hÉireann publicises its activities on the Irish Voice radio programme on 2XX at 10.30 am on Sundays and in the Fridge Door column in The Canberra Times.
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Anyone is welcome to join Cairde na hÉireann for a small annual fee. Members receive a regular newsletter with upcoming events and interesting articles to keep them up to date with Ireland and the rich heritage of Irish Australia.

If you are interested in joining or would just like further information please contact  Ken Riordan on 6286 1218, Conor Bradley on 6254 4896, Neil Dwyer on 6231 3660.