Winter is coming by David M Reid Acrylics on canvas A Homeless Ghost by David M Reid 28 October 2025 In ’68 I left my troubled Belfast homeland.Friends, with only a hint of friendly malice,slyly suggested,‘You’re not emigrating.You’re deserting.’ In that divided city,one must pick a side.But I feltneither Irish nor British,neither Protestant … Continue reading
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What’s on November/December and beyond
The Irish Famine Orphan Girls Commemoration will take place on November 23, 2025, in Melbourne to honor the arrival of orphan girls in 1850. Events include a film screening of Na Trí Céilithe with a discussion panel. Other cultural activities include a series of music sessions and the Canberra Irish Language Summer School in January 2026. Continue reading
What’s on October/November and beyond
The 2025 Irish Film Festival showcases diverse Irish storytelling across Australia with screenings from October 9 to November 9. The Celtic Club sponsors online screenings and events like the book launch of Anne Casey’s poetry collection, celebrating Irish heritage and culture. Various cultural gatherings and language sessions are also included. Continue reading
Filíocht/Poetry: Rose Malone, Réaltán Ní Leannáin, Colin Ryan, Hugh Curran
Liath Feictear liath ar liathA chiallaíonn Gaza:Liath na luathaLiath an smionagarLiath na haibhleoigeLiath craicinn gan fuilLiath na gcléití réabthaLiath na cnámh lomLiath an fhásaigh, ina bhfuil coscAr áthasAr atruaAr bheathaAr dhóchasAr thrócaireAgus, fiú, ar dhaonnacht. Grey There is a particular shade of greyThat signifies Gaza:Grey of ashGrey of rubbleGrey of embersGrey of bloodless skinGrey of … Continue reading
Once Upon a Time in Edenderry
I watched her through the process as her fingers moved so fast as to blur. Constantly she consulted the intricate pattern from a book by her side. Continue reading
The Sad Tale of Eliza Fitzpatrick
Her story is one, initially, of normal native Irish family life, then blighted by the Famine, the workhouse, and being sent to Australia, where her marriage, children, and oversall loss apparently sent her into a downward spiral and a tragic death. Continue reading
What’s on September/October and beyond
Bacon and Cabbage Night at Comhaltas, Celtic Club events, Irish Movies, Irish Language classes in Brisbane, Bush Dance, Ulysses class and more…. Continue reading
The Shanahans and the Kearns: Tipperary to Australia Part 2
Late in the lean month of Iúil an Chabáiste on Friday 26 July 1850, before the digging of the new crop and at the remnants of the previous seasons harvest, agents of Government, bailiffs, crowbar men, police, army, law and land agents gathered at Ross Cottage at Cullohill or Kearns Cross to clear the surrounding townlands of Cooleen, Carrigeen, Cullohill, Mountkinane, Curraghkeale, Glenanoge and Glenarisk. Continue reading
Where’s Paddy gone? Stories of growing up local Irish Catholic
When I heard the cry ‘where’s Paddy gone?’, it started me thinking about my own childhood in South Purrumbete Continue reading
What we are reading, hearing, attending, watching…
Go see the movie for the breathtaking landscape and the solid acting of Gabriel Byrne and the young stars Anne Skelly, Fionn O’Shea, and Ferdia Walshe Peelo, Continue reading