Irish Calgarians celebrate their heritage on St. Patrick’s Day 2023
Many Calgarians celebrated St. Patrick's Day 2023 with a pint in hand while donning their green attire, but many others used the day to learn more about the significance of Irish culture.
The Irish Cultural Society (ICS) held a special mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Mission, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall featuring Irish dancing and choir singers.
Co-chair Ray Kavanagh says the day is more than just about drinking green beer at your local pub.
"If you're Irish, it's the day of the year that’s bigger than your birthday or your anniversary," he said.
"It’s also fitting that the mass we had this year was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement."
Signed on April 10, 1998, the signing of the Good Friday Agreement ended most of the violence of The Troubles, a political conflict in Northern Ireland that had prevailed since the late 1960s.
ICS co-Chair Mike Tuohy says St. Patrick’s Day is also a chance for others to recognize that Irish-Canadians have a spiritual side to them.
"St. Patrick himself brought Christianity to Ireland so in the depth of our Irish heritage, we have a very strong faith that arises with each generation," he said.
"It’s just so great to encourage the younger people to come together here and meet so many people that have been part of these celebrations here in Calgary for more than 40 years."
Speaking of the younger generation, some of the city’s most talented Irish dancers and singers performed Friday at various venues.
Shaela Brossart is just 10-years-old but she’s already been dancing for almost half of her life, alongside her 12-year-old sister Aine.
The pair will be representing Calgary’s Casey O’Loughlin Academy of Irish Dance at the world championships in Montreal later this year.
"It’s really cool to be able to share Irish culture with so many people every single day," said Shaela.
Aine agrees, saying she can’t wait to showcase her skills.
"It's really difficult as a dancer sometimes, but I find for me and for other people in my dance studio, our main goal is to go there and have fun and just enjoy ourselves."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.