Past Event
The Irish of the Gatineau and Ottawa Valleys
Venosta Recreation Centre, April 9, 2024
As you can imagine, when you throw the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada into a hall filled with (mostly) Irish people, the stories flow freely. On Tuesday, April 9 th , the Gatineau Valley Historical Society (GVHS), in partnership with the Venosta Recreation Association (VRA), hosted an evening at the Centre with Dr. Eamonn McKee, the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, whose presentation was entitled: “The Irish of the Gatineau and Ottawa Valleys”. A special nod to Lisa Kelly from the VRA for liaising between the Ambassador’s office and the GVHS.
From lumber barons to healers, entrepreneurs to politicians, the story of the Irish contributions to Canada are rich and often hidden. Dr. Eamonn McKee held the audience in rapt attention as he told stories which included the Battle of Brennan’s Hill (an early tax revolt), the Witch of Plum Hollow, Eaton’s stores and the start of the mail order catalogue business, the history of Holy Wells, the shaping of By-town, including bringing electricity to town, and so many more. In an informative night combining history, politics, religion, humility and humour, Dr. Eamonn McKee was a most welcome and gracious speaker, well-versed both in the history of early Irish settlers and in the effects of colonization on indigenous populations.
Images from the presentation
