BALLARAT’S newly formed Irish Club will hold its first event this Sunday.
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President Maurice Hanrahan said the aim of the club and its events was to get all Irish, those born in Ireland, Irish Australians or those who enjoy the Irish culture to come along, enjoy the music, catch up and meet
people.
“In Irish terms, having a bit of craic,” he said.
Committee member Debra Killeen said Ballarat had a rich Irish history that wasn’t often acknowledged.
“Many people don’t realise the history in the region,” she said.
She said one of the fascinating Irish ties to Ballarat was Loreto College, as nuns came out from Ireland purposely to set up a school and Loreto was the first of a string of schools they re-established.
“We want to collate Ballarat’s Irish history before we lose it,” Ms Killeen said.
Mr Hanrahan’s Irish ancestors came to Ballarat during the gold rush, mining for 10 years before becoming potato farmers.
He continues that heritage as a potato farmer in Bungaree.
He said the club was not exclusive, but was for people who had an Irish connection or just enjoyed a part of Ireland’s culture.
The club plans to have bi-monthly drinks, Sunday sessions and entertainment events.
Already with 40 people signed up, they hope to expand quickly.
The entertainment for the Sunday event will be Pat McCabe, Noel Craven, Sean Collins and the OMR Band. Also featured will be an Irish tin whistle and banjo.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Irish Club first get-together with entertainment
WHERE: Irish Murphy’s, Sturt Street
WHEN: Sunday, February 2 from 2pm
MORE INFO: Frank Hanrahan on 0427 051 046 or email ballaratirishclub@live.com.au
COST: Entry to the event is free, where memberships will be available for $20