Nicola McCann - PresidentMy name is Nicola McCann. I am wife to Francis and we have 3 children, Mia aged 11, Katie 9 and Francis Óg (Óggie) 5. We are originally from a small town in Co.Tyrone called Coalisland.
Our time in Australia started nearly 10 years ago. Francis came to Australia back in 2011. Mia and I came to visit and fell in love with the lifestyle. Francis was lucky to be offered sponsorship and with that a move to Townsville so we grabbed the opportunity and said we would give it a go. In June 2012, Mia (21 months old) Katie (15weeks old) and Myself left the glorious green land of home for our adventure down under in Townsville. I have been a member of the NQIA for a number of years now. I had heard of it but never been to anything as with young kids it was hard. We finally got to attend as the kids got older and thanks to the kids Irish Dancing School they got involved with the kids participating in the music sessions. We wanted our kids, to know their culture, hear stories, music and accents from home. The children love being involved and seeing everyone when we get together. With current circumstances and home feeling further away we all longed for that connection even more. Mia had the idea if we could organise a camping weekend with our Irish families, and with great success we had the first camping weekend in August 2020. Starting as a committee member, I have enjoyed organising events and becoming President in 2021. I look forward to continuing our goals as the 2022 President with many more events planned. Our hope is to bring more families together through our events, culture, dance and music. Spreading the word with our community and wider a field. We have made many new connections, friends and friends who are now family. We look forward to seeing you all at the many events through the year ahead. |
Renee O'Farrell - Vice PresidentHi I'm Renee. I was born and raised in Ayr, North Queensland and grew up learning Scottish traditions as is my heritage. This included dancing and at the age of 7 I was introduced to Irish Dancing. In 1991, after meeting Dr John Cullinane (Vice President of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha), it was then I really found my passion for Irish Dancing. I started my own dancing school in 2000 in Townsville, and over the years I have had the pleasure of working with some of the members of NQIA.
In 2010, I married my husband Rohan O'Farrell (who's family originates from Longford, County Longford) and in 2013 our son Eamon was born. As our heritage is important to us, Rohan and I have ensured Eamon knows both sides of where he comes from, which was another reason for becoming more involved in the association. In the past couple of years I have enjoyed being on the working committee and look forward to another great year of sharing our Irish community along with our dancing community. |
Working Committee Members
Charlene Bremner
My name is Charlene Bremner and I am from County Antrim. I grew up in Australia and have been living here in North Queensland for most of my life, in Townsville and Mount Isa. My family were part of the Irish Community in Mount Isa and we have been members of NQIA for quite a few years, having become more involved over the last couple of years to ensure that our children learn about Irish culture and experience the craic that always follows Irish gatherings.
The addition of new family events and camping weekends has made it easier for us to get involved and we hope to be able to continue to connect with other Irish families and those who enjoy our culture. Looking forward to being part of more fun-filled events in my role as working committee and seeing you all in the future!
The addition of new family events and camping weekends has made it easier for us to get involved and we hope to be able to continue to connect with other Irish families and those who enjoy our culture. Looking forward to being part of more fun-filled events in my role as working committee and seeing you all in the future!
Christy Agnew
My name is Christy Agnew. I was born in Belfast, County Antrim. I’ve been a financial member of the NQIA for several years. I see the Association as a great way to meet and socialise with other like-minded ex-pats/descendants who share the same love of Irish music and culture.
Darren Curry
G'day! I'm Darren. I grew up in a town close to Liverpool (some call it the 2nd capital of Ireland). I have an Irish connection on my dad's side of the family. In 1996, I met and fell in love with my Sile (Sheila) who lived in County Limerick. So after we were married we moved to Ireland full time. In 200, our daughter Erin was born.
We moved to Australia in 2010 and settled in Townsville in late 2011. I started playing soccer with Gale Force, and soon after joined the NQIA. Over the last couple of years, I have been getting more involved with the association and attending the events, and I was delighted to be asked to join the committee this year. I hope to be able to promote the association, not just to the Irish, but to all. I also hope to involved with organising the family days, camping weekends and just enjoying happy times through music, dance and time with the families.
We moved to Australia in 2010 and settled in Townsville in late 2011. I started playing soccer with Gale Force, and soon after joined the NQIA. Over the last couple of years, I have been getting more involved with the association and attending the events, and I was delighted to be asked to join the committee this year. I hope to be able to promote the association, not just to the Irish, but to all. I also hope to involved with organising the family days, camping weekends and just enjoying happy times through music, dance and time with the families.
Dave Kelsey
Hi everyone I'm Dave - 50% English, 25% Scottish & 25% Welsh! Although I can also trace some of my ancestors back several centuries ago to Ireland! I have lived in Townsville since 2011 (arriving not long after Yasi!), after moving here from NQ with my Kiwi family, wife Diane and children Tegan & Trent. We had previously lived in NZ for over 12 years (Hamilton, Auckland & Northland) and moved over to Townsville for my new role after the second GFC hit. I've also lived in France and travelled extensively (I met my wife in the US). I reckon I only lived in the UK for the first half of my life!
I've been in the NQIA for a few years now and I look forward to helping grow membership numbers and raise the profile of the association in general. I regularly attend the monthly FOG get-togethers, try to get to the Jam sessions when I can and enjoy watching the lively Irish music and dancing events. The regular events organised by the NQIA are great for your social life! Especially the St Patrick's Day celebrations! The more recent family-friendly camping events and family fun days have been great additions to the NQIA social calendar. We have something for everyone!
I've been in the NQIA for a few years now and I look forward to helping grow membership numbers and raise the profile of the association in general. I regularly attend the monthly FOG get-togethers, try to get to the Jam sessions when I can and enjoy watching the lively Irish music and dancing events. The regular events organised by the NQIA are great for your social life! Especially the St Patrick's Day celebrations! The more recent family-friendly camping events and family fun days have been great additions to the NQIA social calendar. We have something for everyone!
Francis McCann
Sid Byrne
I’m Sid. I’ve had an affiliation with Townsville for the last number of years. Since I moved here with my Australian wife and family I have grown to understand the importance of having a connection with my homeland. As a proud Irishman I try to instil a love for Ireland into my young family by telling them stories of folklore and legend. I became involved in the NQIA committee as I feel it’s important for my family to be surrounded by people who support and encourage the Irish way whether this be through Irish music, Irish sports, Irish dance or Irish culture. By joining the committee I hope to help promote all aspects of Ireland to people in Townsville and the surrounding areas with an interest in Ireland. I’m relatively new to committees but what I lack in experience I hope to make up for in passion.