What’s On in the Irish Community
Central Victorian Irish Association AGM
The Central Victorian Irish Association will be holding their AGM on Wednesday 3rd December at 5:30 p.m. at the Brougham Arms Hotel, Williamson St. in Bendigo.
The Association has some great events planned for next and would love their members to be involved.
If you would like to stay after the meeting to have dinner, please RSVP to confirm numbers with the Brougham Arms, who are very supportive of the CVIA.
For more information and to confirm your attendance at the dinner, please contact Sue Foley at 0418 557 751
Andy Irvine at the Brunswick Ballroom
Internationally renowned Irish singer Andy Irvine is coming to Melbourne for one show only on Sunday 13th December, performing at the Brunswick Ballroom, Sydney Road in Brunswick. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. show.
Over the course of his 55 year career, Andy has performed as a solo artist and as an integral part of some of the finest Irish bands of our time, including Planxty, Patrick Street and Sweeney’s Men.
Tickets for Andy’s Melbourne show are on sale via Moshtix. For more information, contact the Brunswick Ballroom at9387 1347. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a truly legendary performer
Christmas Lunch: Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau
The Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau will have its Christmas lunch on Sunday 14th December at the Clifton Hill Brewpub, Queens Parade in Clifton Hill from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m
Please join the Bureau for an unforgettable party featuring a fantastic feast and exciting raffle. The cost is $55 per person.
Spots are filling up fast, so confirm yours soon to avoid disappointment. Book your place by contacting 9482 3865
Melbourne Comhaltas Christmas party
Bookings are open for the Melbourne Comhaltas Christmas party, which is on Wednesday 17th December at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall in Abbotsford.
Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner including starters and dessert along with the famous Comhaltas music, dancing, song, and craic along with Christmas carols.
The cost is $35 for Comhaltas members, $40 for non-members, and children are free. Online booking preferred via the Comhaltas website. Alternatively, contact Mary at 9435 4435 or Johanna at 0428 564 266
Paddy Fitzgerald Family Day / Super 11s Tournament
Sinn Fein and Wolfe Tones GAA Clubs announce the first tournament of the GAA season, the Paddy Fitzgerald 11s, which is on tomorrow, 30th November at Gaelic Park, Perry Rd. in Keysborough.
In addition to sports and music, this family day also has a bouncy castle, face painting, and -- rumour has it -- a special visitor from the North Pole!
The event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Entry is $10 per person, and the bar and kitchen will be open all day.
Come along and enjoy sport, music and craic in memory of Paddy Fitzgerald.
Celtic music session at Chelsea Yacht Club
The next Sunset Music Session at the Chelsea Yacht Club will be tomorrow, Sunday 30th November from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
These sessions are on the last Sunday of each month and all are welcome. Even if you don’t play an instrument or sing, come along and enjoy the tunes and craic.
There is a $5 cover charge, and children are free. The club bar will be open, but feel free to bring your own snacks and nibblies.
For more information contact Jim at 0400 267 894.
Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club 30th birthday concert
Join the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers for a raucous and heart-warming concert to celebrate their 30th birthday! They'll be showcasing music and telling stories from across the years, including their international tours to Canada and Scotland, their 7 albums, and too many festivals and gigs to count!
Former members of the club, as well as members of the extended fiddle club family are invited to join them for a couple of big, all-in numbers towards the end of the concert. Get in touch so they can get you involved!
The concert is on Sunday 29th November from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. at St.John’s Anglican Church, 552 Burke Road, Camberwell. For more details visit their website: www.melbournescottishfiddlers.com
Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau AGM
The AGM of the Irish Australian Support and Resource Bureau is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday 23rd November at their premises at 440A High Street in Northcote.
All current members from the past 12 months are welcome to attend the AGM, however, only financial members can vote.
Please let the Bureau know if you’re planning on an ending, either in person, via email or phone at 9482 3865. If you wish to renew your membership before the AGM, please contact the Bureau at 9482 3865.
The Bureau would like to thank their members, for your support and generosity towards our community and look forward to seeing you at the AGM on 23rd November.
Fight Parkinsons fundraiser
Glor na nGael presenter Brian Gillespie is holding a fundraiser in aid of Parkinsons Disease. With 50 new cases of Parkinsons diagnosed per day, the incidence of this disease continues to rise.
In Victoria alone we have 57,000 cases. Nationally that figure is 219,000. The disease has grown quickly -the number of sufferers has doubled in the last 25 years. One in 5 being diagnosed is under 50 years old.
Help fight this crippling disease by coming along to a "Summer Jam”, a Sunday afternoon of music and fun on Sunday 23rd November from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Moonee Valley Bowls Club, 2A Pattison Street, Moonee Ponds, just off Ormond Road
Chill out and listen to musicians Kathryn Clements, Suzette Herft and Chris of Quiet Man fame. Bring a few friends and a plate. The cost is $25 per person with all proceeds going to Fight Parkinsons.
For booking and more informayion, contact Brian at 0418 155 561.
Irish Famine Orphan Girls Commemoration
This year’s Irish Famine Orphan Girls Commemoration on will be held on
Sunday 23rd November.
Held at Famine Rock, Burgoyne Reserve in Williamstown, the Irish Famine Orphan Girls
Commemorayion on honours the orphan girls sent to Australia as part of
the Earl Grey Scheme. This year’s event marks the 175th anniversary of
the last three ships (Diadem, Derwent and Eliza Caroline) to arrive in
Melbourne 1850.
There will be live music, guest speakers and laying of flowers. Everyone
is welcome to this FREE public event, running from 2:00-4:00 p.m
Beauty Queen of Leenane – Strathmore Theatrical Arts
Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group presents the Martin McDonagh play “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.” The production runs from 13th – 22nd November at Strathmore Community Hall, 50 Loeman St in Strathmore.
From the STAG website, “Set in the mountains of Connemara in County Galway, the play tells the darkly comic tale of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely Irish woman in her early forties, and Mag, her manipulative aging mother, whose interference in Maureen’s first and possibly final chance of a loving relationship sets in mood on a train of events that leads inexorably towards the play’s terrifying conclusion.”
Tickets are $25 or $20 concession, and are available at the Strathmore Theatre Arts Group website, www.stagtheatre.org, or contact 0493 166 774.
Melbourne Comhaltas AGM
Melbourne Comhaltas will have its AGM on Wednesday 12th November at 7:30 p.m. at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall, Hoddle St in Abbotsford.
Everyone is welcome to attend the AGM, but only Comhaltas Melbourne members are allowed to vote.
For more information, contact Mary at 9435 4435.
Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series
The Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series presents its next lecture on Wednesday 12th November. Professor James Chandler from ACU will be giving a public lecture at the University of Melbourne on “Yeats and the poetry of ‘Romantic Ireland’” at 4:00 p.m. at the John Medley Building,4th Floor Linkway, at the University of Melbourne.
These lectures are FREE and open to everyone. For bookings and further information, visit the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series website. https://isaanz.org/events/miss-seminars/
Halloween party at Gaelic Park
Gaelic Park will be hosting a kids Halloween Disco on Saturday 1st November from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at 324 Perry Road in Keysborough.
The cost is $10 per person and children 1 year old and under are free.
Bookings are via TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1483833.
For more details, contact Annemarie on 0438 282 735.
Sunset music session at Chelsea Yacht Club
The next Sunset Music Session at the Chelsea Yacht Club will be on Sunday 26th October from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
These sessions are on the last Sunday of each month and all are welcome. Even if you don’t play an instrument or sing, come along and enjoy the tunes and craic.
There is a $5 cover charge, and children are free. The club bar will be open, but feel free to bring your own snacks and nibblies.
For more information on contact Jim at 0400 267 894.
Irish Social Dance Assoc. of Vic. AGM & Ceili
The Irish Social Dance Association of Victoria will hold its AGM on Sunday 26th October at the Edinburgh Gardens Community Room in Fitzroy North (next to the tennis club) at 2:00 p.m.
An afternoon of dance and music will follow from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
This is FREE event for ISDAV members and non-members.
A plate to share for afternoon tea would be appreciated. Bookings are not required. For more information on, contact: dance@isdav.org.au
IASRB Halloween party
Join the Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau and the Home from Home Parents Group for a festive Halloween themed Children’s Week event! This year’s Páis Party will include Irish language singing, stories and of course opportunity for a Halloween boogie!
This event is on tomorrow, Sunday 26th October at The Clifton Hill Brewpub, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults, and children are free. (This is an update from the previous information, with a new date and venue.)
Come along and enjoy music, dancing, a raffle, and a prize for best dressed!
Please RSVP at 9482 3865 or email secretary@iasrb.org. Spots are limited. They are also looking for volunteers to help us set up and decorate from 11:00 am, please let them know if you are available.
Felix Meagher’s The Man They Call the Banjo
Felix Meagher presents his play The Man They Cal the Banjo on Friday
3rd October at Armagh House, 226 Kooyong Rd. in Toorak at 7:30 p.m.
“The year is 1895. Banjo Paterson and his fiancée, Sarah Riley, travel to
outback Queensland. Sarah hoped to announce their wedding date, but
then Chris na McPherson sang Craigielee. ‘The Man They Cal the
Banjo’ tells the secret love story behind Australia’s favourite song,
Waltzing Ma lda.”
This produc on includes many faces familiar to the Melbourne Irish
community including Felix Meagher, Cora Browne, Colin Driscol, Louey
Hesterman and Pat Evans. Tickets are available via TryBooking. For
more informa on, contact Felix at 0413 801 294.
Celtic Music Session at Chelsea Yacht Club
The next Sunset Session at the Chelsea Yacht Club will be on Sunday
28th September from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
These sessions are on the last Sunday of each month and all are
welcome. Even if you don’t play an instrument or sing, come along and
enjoy the tunes and craic.
There is a $5 cover charge, and children are free. The club bar will be
open, but feel free to bring your own snacks and nibblies.
For more informa on contact Jim at 0400 267 894.
IASRB fundraiser
Save the date for the annual Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau
fundraiser on Sunday 5th October at St. Mar n de Porres Parish Hal,
Military Rd., in Avondale Heights. There will be music, dancing, raffles,
food and fun!
Details to follow, but you can RSVP in advance at admin@iasrb.org or
by contac ng the Bureau at 9482 3865.
Young Leader - Global 5K
The Ireland Funds Global 5K is back! Join walkers and runners from around the world to build connections, improve health and fitness, and raise vital funds to give back to those less fortunate.
The Melbourne event kicks off on Saturday 13th September at 8:00 a.m. at the Parkville Parkrun at Princes Park in Carlton.
Funds go to a number of worthy charities including the Irish Australian Resource Bureau.
Play it Martha
Play it, Martha, a duo consisting of Cora Browne and Pat Evans, will be playing at the Peninsula Folk Club on Sunday 7th September.
“As veterans of the folk scene, Pat and Cora have come together to share their love of harmony, well-crafted song and the odd rollicking chorus.”
The concert will be at the Frankston Bowls Club, at corner of Yuille & William Sts., Frankston. The cost is $8 for Peninsula Folk Club members and $12 for non-members. The evening kicks off with a jam session from 5:30 p.m. with the concert from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For more details, contact Alan at 0418 544 467.
Celtic Music session at the Chelsea Yacht Club
The next Sunset Session at the Chelsea Yacht Club will be held on
Sunday 31st August from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
These sessions are on the last Sunday of each month and all are
welcome. Even if you don’t play an instrument or sing, come along and
enjoy the tunes and craic.
There is a $5 cover charge, and children are free. The club bar will be
open, but feel free to bring your own snacks and nibblies.
For more informa on contact Jim at 0400 267 894.
Voice of the Irish AGM
The AGM for this Irish program will be held on Sunday 31st August at 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the 3ZZZ boardroom, at 309 Albert St. in Brunswick, just a short walk from Brunswick station.
Everyone is welcome to attend, but only members are eligible to vote. This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, share updates and plans for the year ahead, and to connect with fellow broadcasters and supporters of the program.
You’re welcome to bring a plate (something to share for afternoon tea) if you’d like. For planning purposes, please RSVP by Wednesday 28 August. You can RSVP by contacting Irish group Convenor Karen Fogarty at 0418 201 605.
Lord of the Dance
Michael Flatley’s global dance phenomenon Lord of the Dance returns to Australia with a spectacular new production! This is the first time the show has been in Australia since 2015.
Performances in Melbourne will be at the Margaret Court Arena on Saturday 30th August at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday 31st August at 2:00 p.m. Tickets range from $129.90 - $159.90 and are available via Ticketek.
Melbourne Comhaltas Bacon & Cabbage Night
The always popular Melbourne Comhaltas Bacon & Cabbage Night will be held on Saturday 23rd August at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall, Hoddle St. in Abbotsford.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. dinner. Celebrate Lughnasa, the Celtic harvest festival, with a 4-course meal plus the famous Comhaltas music, song, dance and craic.
The cost is $35 for Comhaltas members / $40 for non-members.
Payment can be made at the door, but for catering purposes, prior booking is essential. For booking or more details, contact Mary at 9435 4435 or Johanna at 0428 564 266.
Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series
The latest lecture in the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series will be held this coming Wednesday, 20th August at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
The topic is “Irish – Native American Solidarities” and will be presented by Dr Ciaran O'Neill, Trinity College Dublin
Like all the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series lectures, this seminar is free. For Zoom login details, visit the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series website.
The Counsel at Shotkickers
Local Irish group The Counsel will be playing tomorrow a ernoon,
Sunday 17th August at Shotkickers, 744 High St. Thornbury. The group
features a few Comhaltas tutors.
“With commanding voices, four-part harmonies and enough
instruments to sink a ship, Brigid & Hilary Glaisher, Kate Boylan and
Emma Lewis are The Counsel. Bringing you tradional Irish tunes and
songs that span hundreds of years of folk history, they invite you to
come and seek their counsel.”
Tickets are $23.45 and are available at the door, but can also be
purchased ahead of time at the Shotkickers website.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Pioneer Total Abstinence Association Mass
The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will be holding a Mass next Sunday 27th July at 2:00 p.m. in Magnificat House, 456 Queensberry St. in North Melbourne.
Afternoon tea will be provided, so don't bring a plate, bring a mate!
Newport Fiddle & Folk Club – flute & whistle workshop
The Newport Fiddle & Folk Club is excited to announce two Flute & Whistle Workshops with acclaimed musician Rennie Pearson. Rennie has had over 20 years of immersion in Irish, Scottish and Maritime Canadian music, and teaches in a way that connects players to the heart of the tradition.
Workshops will be on Saturday 26th July from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday 9th August from 1:00 – 2:20 p.m. Both workshops will be held at Mechanics Hall, 13/15 Mason St. in Newport. The cost is $40 for Folk & Fiddle Club members and $50 for non-members.
For bookings and further information, check out the Newport Folk & Fiddle Club website at www.nffc.org.au or 1300 799 136.
Aslan playing in Melbourne
Legendary Irish group Aslan is coming to Melbourne!
After over 40 years together, Aslan suffered the sad loss of their front man, Christy Dignam in 2023. The group’s other members, Joe, Alan and Billy decided to continue their journey to keep their band, their songs and their music alive.
They welcomed new frontman Lee Tomkins, who has brought a new energy and feel to the band.
Aslan will be performing on Sunday 20th July at 7:30 p.m. at Harvey’s Sports Bar, Fitzroy St. in St. Kilda. They will be supported by local favourites, The Bad Penguins.
Tickets are currently on sale through Troubadour Presents, at their website troubadourpresents.com.
The Pirate Queen
Mordialloc Light Opera Company (MLOC) is excited to present the Australian premiere of The Pirate Queen. From the creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon comes an epic musical celebrating the legendary heroic Irish Chieftain and pirate, Grace O’Malley.
Based on the real-life story of history’s Grace O’Malley – an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate, in 16th-century Ireland. O'Malley must confront the one woman more powerful than her — her fierce rival, Queen Elizabeth I of England.
MISS - Frances Devlin-Glass presents “Counter-Cultural Truth-Telling in Furphy’s Fiction and Bulletin ‘Pars’.”
The next in the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series will be on Wednesday 9th July at 4:30 p.m. at the Jabiru Room, Newman College at the University of Melbourne in Parkville. The lecture will also be online for those who cannot attend in person.
Frances Devlin-Glass presents “Counter-Cultural Truth-Telling in Furphy’s Fiction and Bulletin ‘Pars’.”
These lectures are free and open to everyone. The link will be made available closer to the date.
For more information, contact the Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series at melbirishstudies@gmail.com.