Get To Know Us!
They say many a great plan was hatched over a pint and the Irish Canadian Cultural Society is no different.
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In the summer of 2019, Michael Holden and Allen Somjee met in Andy Nesbitt's back yard and over a couple of cold ones, established the genesis of what would become our amazing Society today.
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They had a dream to bring the Irish community together and combine their own experiences in London and Ireland to great effect. The vision was to build a centre, which remains as part of the plans today.
But they also knew this wasn’t about a building, it was about people. By 2020, the society was founded and a committee of like-minded and passionate individuals was formed. Soon we saw fun social events and community initiatives, such as putting on Irish music and dance for seniors during lockdown or donating to the Foodbank.
Now that the foundation is set we will continue to build, grow and flourish.
A Message from the President
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It is truly an honour to be nominated President of the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society and I pass on my sincere thanks to our former President, Michael Holden, for many years of hard work to get to this point. We now are seen as a central group for newcomers to London, as well as current residents with connections to Ireland or simply a love of Ireland.
As I look to the future, I am encouraged of plans to promote our native tongue and teach locals "an cupla focal". We want to embark on a youth exchange to Ireland, support our local seniors with warm Irish meals and continue to put on great social events that bring people together and put a smile on their face.
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Furthermore, we are eager to partner with other great Irish organizations in the area, most notably our friends in London Irish FC, London GAA, London Irish Folk Club and the Irish Benevolent Society.
Looking forward to seeing you all at our many events!
Is mise le meas, Simon Geary
Meet the LICCS Committee
Simon Geary, President
Simon, born in Galway, moved to Canada in 2008 and is a devoted father of five, keeping him and his wife, Dalan, very busy. Passionate about Ireland, he has a keen interest in its music, culture, language, and sports. Simon works in financial services and volunteers with Scouts, youth soccer, and London Irish FC Master's soccer. He has led Irish language classes at the club and initiated a youth Gaelic program, now run by the newly formed London Irish GAA. Optimistic about the future of the London Irish Cultural Society, Simon looks forward to supporting the community in London, Ontario.
Allen Somjee, Director
In 2016, Allen emigrated to Canada on a holiday visa, intending to stay for just three months.This brief visit soon led to a working visa and, eventually, permanent residency. Allen fell in love with Canada's diverse landscape, welcoming people, and rich history.
Although he never envisioned it, Allen seized the opportunity to open an Irish Society, sharing his culture with Canadians and other nationalities. Through hard work, unwavering determination, and steadfast Irish spirit, Allen made his dream a reality. Today, he proudly fosters a deeper appreciate for Irish heritage in his adopted homeland.
Keith Doyle, Treasurer
Keith moved to Canada as a teenager in 1987 from Dublin, with his parents and two sisters. Proud of his heritage, he is passionate about promoting Irish culture within the community. As a devoted father, Keith is eager to share his "Irishness" with his son, Cillian, and his wonderful wife, Candice. At four years old, Cillian has already shown a keen interest in Gaelic Football and enjoys all things Irish, ensuring that the family's rich cultural traditions continue to thrive. Keith runs Spirit of the Barrel, offering educational tasting experiences of premium spirits, including Irish whiskey, to further connect the community with Irish culture.
Darragh Lynch, Secretary
Darragh, an Irish-Canadian born in London, Ontario to Irish parents who immigrated in the 1980s, is a dedicated high school teacher and passionate sports coach. He specializes in history, and is actively involved in coaching soccer, football, and volleyball. Darragh is also deeply committed to celebrating his Irish heritage, participating in the local Irish Cultural Society by organizing cultural events. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching soccer, biking, and travelling to Ireland to connect with his roots.
Emma Smith, Committee Officer
Emma moved to Canada from Dublin at age seven. She and her husband Jeremy are proud parents to Liam and Paighton, who keep them busy with their active lives, alongside their two Old English Bulldogs, Willow and Flynn, who add fun to their days. Emma works as a Freedom Provider/Physiotherapist Assist at UROSPOT, helping strengthen pelvic floors. She also runs CladdaghLife Coaching, where she aids women in achieving their healthiest, happiest lives as a Personal Health Assistant, Life Coach, and Energy Healer. Emma also volunteers as treasurer for her son's hockey team and with the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society, contributing to community growth and initiatives.
Mary McGuinness, Committee Officer
Mary emigrated to Canada about 30 years ago and spent most of her career in Project Management, primarily in IT within the Financial Services and Software industries. Her work adventures sparked a lifelong love for travel. Now, she runs a Digital Marketing business and enjoys life with my two grown boys.
Mary is passionate about giving back and currently serves on several boards, focusing on homelessness, mental health, and addiction. She also participates in events like Fight to End, Run for Women, and Breakfast for YOU. Whenever possible, Mary visits Ireland and loves sharing its hidden treasures with friends.
Tanya Burke, Committee Officer
Tanya moved to Canada from Dublin five years ago and works as an Office Manager at a Game Development company in Downtown London. Proud of her Irish heritage, Tanya was born in London, UK, into an Irish family. She understands the importance of keeping traditions and culture alive for children growing up away from Ireland.
Tanya especially loves Irish history, music, and GAA, a passion she shares with her husband Christopher and daughter Elena, who are both involved in London Irish GAA and football teams. She looks forward to sharing this passion and encouraging local kids to get involved in Irish sports.
Keira Curtis-Holden, Committee Officer
Keira Curtis-Holden is a first-generation Irish-Canadian, with parents from Northern Ireland. She has been with the club for nearly three years and loves raising her children in a close-knit community, similar to her own upbringing. Like Keira and her siblings, her children are involved in activities within the Irish community, such as Irish dancing and volunteering at the club. Keira believes it’s a great community for all ages and looks forward to seeing what the future holds for the club.
Michael Holden, Committee Officer
Michael Holden is a husband and proud father of four. When he’s not coaching soccer or taking his children to sports, he enjoys socializing over a pint with friends and family. There’s a joke that if you’re Irish and live in London, Ontario, you know Michael or his large Irish clan. Michael’s parents emigrated to Canada in the mid-'70s for a better life. Growing up, they traveled often to Ireland and hosted many relatives. With over 80 direct relations in the city, Irish culture became a big part of his life. As a founding member of LICCS and London Irish FC, Michael has been at the forefront of Irish culture in the city for over 15 years, organizing events and fostering community.
Bonnie Hardy, Committee Officer
Often said, "There are the Irish and those who wish to be Irish," a phrase Bonnie finds fitting. Canadian with Danish roots, her connection to Ireland deepened through her father-in-law, a $5 Canadian from County Offaly, and tales of her mother-in-law's ancestry in County Antrim. Enriched by decades of his stories, songs, and poems, her affinity for Ireland grew, especially after experiencing the country's culture, countryside, and Guinness during his wake in 2017. With her youngest now living in Dublin, Bonnie's frequent visits have cemented her love for Ireland. Regardless of what Ancestry DNA may show, her heart claims Irish heritage. She relishes meeting those Irish by blood or spirit, eager to explore more of Irish culture with her group.