Irish culture took center stage on Saturday, February 22, at the Saint-Lazare Community Center. As part of the À la découverte des racines du monde project, the Soulanges Irish Society, in collaboration with the City of Saint-Lazare, offered residents a chance to discover a rich culture with striking similarities to that of Quebecers. The event aimed to foster intercultural exchanges and strengthen bonds between different communities.

The evening's program featured Irish poetry with local artist Brunty, a lecture on Irish history by Samara O’Gorman, an Irish dance performance by the Costello Dance School and a music performance by the band Mariner’s Curse.

For Jay de la Durantaye, president of the Soulanges Irish Society, this initiative was a perfect opportunity to promote a unique culture that transcends language barriers. “It’s a great opportunity to come together. Everyone is welcome, even if you are Irish for the day!” he added with a touch of humor.

Irish Poetry with a Quebec Twist

To kick off the festivities, local poet Brunty performed some of his works. Of Irish and Scottish descent, he skillfully highlighted his heritage through poetry that was both moving and laced with humor.

When asked by Néomédia about the importance of celebrating Irish culture, he emphasized the lasting impact of the Irish and Scottish people on Canada. “They arrived here over 150 years ago and helped build this country. Their role in our history should not be forgotten.”

Ireland and Quebec: A Shared History

Dozens of attendees enjoyed an immersive presentation on Irish culture, led by artist and Soulanges Irish Society ambassador Samara O’Gorman.

She highlighted the many similarities between Quebec and Irish traditions, particularly in traditional music, strong family values, and a deep sense of cultural pride. “In the end, we chose to focus on our similarities rather than our differences. Why divide ourselves when we have so much in common?” she pointed out.

An Evening in the Rhythm of Ireland

The festivities took on an energetic turn with traditional Irish dance performances by the Costello Dance School. Several groups of young dancers lit up the stage with both solo and group routines, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of this tradition.

To close out the evening, the Celtic-Canadian band Mariner’s Curse captivated the audience with a masterful blend of Celtic and Quebecois melodies, delivering a rousing finale to this cultural celebration.