About Us

Who We Are:

Founded in 1983, The association exists to foster an awareness of the traditions, history and artistic expression of the Irish people.

Perhaps a more complete answer to the question of who we are and why we exist can be found in the words of Dr. Peter Toner in his introduction to the volume of essays entitled New Ireland Remembered - Historical Essays on the Irish in New Brunswick:

“...If one were inclined towards pessimism, it would be almost fitting to venture that perhaps this collection is too little to late ... Reason alone would support this view. But if reason had prevailed, there would be no Irish ethnic identity in New Brunswick today. Reason had little to do with the persistence of the Irish Ethnic identity, contrived or authentic, through most of this century. Hopefully, the homogenised, plastic coated, “just add water and stir” culture of the modern era cannot satisfy the irrational internal ache which has survived the uprooting from Ireland, weeks in the holds of timber ships, discrimination, poverty, affluence, frustration, rewards, wars, the internal combustion engine, television, education, and living amongst those who lack the burden and pride of an Irish Heritage. Perhaps that ache can be eradicated only when the ethnic Irish understand their collective contribution to this Nation, and when the rest of the nation responds with acceptance and gratitude...”

The ICCANB is a group of committed volunteers striving to have the great contributions to this nation by our Irish forefathers understood and acknowledged. We hope you will feel inspired to join us in our efforts.

What We Do:

Since our formation, the Association has accomplished many things:

• The Shamrock Leaf News Magazine published semi-annually in May and November, it is funded only from membership and distributed to members around the world.
• I.C.C.A. Annual Bursary granted annually to a student who is enrolled in Irish studies. This bursary alternates between the University of New Brunswick - Saint John and St. Thomas University. Funds are raised through an annual draw of a Belleek item, generously donated by the House of Tara, Saint John.
• Publication and Books supports and encourages the publication of books and other materials written about the Irish in New Brunswick or the history of the Irish. Book donations are also made to various libraries province wide.
• Education
  
  -provide educational learning tools for schools.
  -give lectures on Irish history and culture to various groups.
  -affiliated with the emerging Program of Irish Studies at St. Thomas University.

Several Celtic memorials have been erected across the province to commemorate the spirit and strength of our ancestors. They are located in Bathurst, Fredericton, Jacquet River, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John and St. Andrews

To encourage music and culture of ireland, Ceilidhs or kitchen parties are held in various chapters. On occasion, the ICCANB chapters will coordinate an evening of entertainment with other Celtic groups such as the Welsh or the Scottish. The Saint John chapter also supports Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, a traditional group that focusses on music, storytelling, dance and poetry. To find out more, contact the Comhaltas website - www.comhaltas.ca

Contacts:

Please note that we do not have the resources available to provide individual research services or aid in genealogical research situations. We provide what assistance we can by posting information on this site to facilitate self-service research. More information can be found through the on-line search functions found at the web site of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. To hire a professional researcher, please contact a chapter of the New Brunswick Genealogical Society.

For all other comments or inquiries please e-mail us.