Tag: Irish

News

Family appeals for help for car-crash victim Seán
Seán Ryan Shiner is a valued member of the Melbourne Shamrocks and the Golden/Kilfeacle GAA clubs.

An Irish family has launched an urgent appeal for funds towards the treatment of a Tipperary man who was left with life-changing injuries after a car crash in Melbourne.

Seán Ryan Shiner was involved in a horrific car accident on November 21. It has left him with life-changing injuries.

A passionate hurler, Seán had to have emergency surgery to try to save his right foot, which proved unsuccessful. He had to have his foot amputated and plates put into his left hip.

His parents have already flown out to be by his side while his undergoes treatment and rehabilitation at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Seán will need to undergo a number of additional surgeries in the coming weeks and months.

Seán’s sister Denise said: “Seán is a true sportsman. He has played across many disciplines with different clubs over the years, endearing himself to club mates and competitors alike. Those who know him will have seen him on rugby and football pitches but we all know that it is hurling and, of course, greyhounds that are his big loves.”

Seán had originally been planning to spend the next five years living and working in Australia but those plans now look likely to change. He will likely need to remain in Australia while his recovery continues and the Shiner family are appealing for help in funding the coasts of his ongoing care and rehab.

Seán’s family say they are “grateful and blessed” that he is still here with them and added: “We are hoping to raise adequate money to help with the enormous expenses that he will incur in the coming weeks, months and beyond to help with his rehabilitation. “

If you can help, go to the Seán Ryan Shiner Injury Fund page on Go Fund Me.

Events, News

Epic Ned Kelly movie set to premiere on Australia Day
Oscar winner Russell Crowe starring in True History of the Kelly Gang.

An epic fictionalised telling of the story of Irish-Australian bushranger and outlaw Ned Kelly, True History of the Kelly Gang, will open in select Australian cinemas on January 9, just 17 days before it makes its Australia Day television premiere on streaming service Stan.

The cast features BAFTA award-winner George MacKay as Ned Kelly. Nicholas Hoult, Essie Davis, Charlie Hunnam and Russell Crowe co-star. 

Inspired by Peter Carey’s Booker prize-winning novel, Justin Kurzel’s film shatters the mythology of the notorious icon to reveal the essence behind the life of Ned Kelly.

Spanning the younger years of Ned’s life to the time leading up to his death, the film explores the blurred boundaries between what is bad and what is good, and the motivations for the demise of its hero. Youth and tragedy collide in the Kelly Gang, and at the beating heart of this tale is the fractured and powerful love story between a mother and a son.

Justin Kurzel, director and producer said: “I am thrilled in the boldness and daring by Stan to embrace our ambitious film. For Australians to see our take on Peter Carey’s extraordinary book in cinemas and on Stan over the summer is very exciting. I hope as many eyes as possible get the opportunity to see a film the makers are deeply proud of.”

It will be released into Irish cinemas on February 28, 2020.

Uncategorized

Celtic Woman Reschedule Australian Tour Dates

Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Celtic Woman have been forced to postpone their forthcoming Australian tour. The concerts were due to commence on September 12 and tour is rescheduled to January 2014. New dates and some venue changes are listed below. Tickets for the original dates will be valid for the new dates and those ticket holders who wish to obtain refunds should request a refund from point of purchase by 31st August 2013.

Celtic Woman’s Susan McFadden says, “We are truly sorry for any inconvenience we have caused our Australian fans and promise that when we come over in January we will put on a show to remember!”

 “We are sorry for any inconvenience to the fans. We are pleased we could reschedule the tour and not cancel”, said Leon Spellson from Nine Live, the Promoter of the Australian Tour.

Brisbane’s concert has now moved to Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre tickets are transferable for the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. New seated tickets for Brisbane Entertainment Centre will be automatically posted out to current seated ticket holders after 31st August 2013. Additional tickets for the Brisbane Entertainment Centre are available from www.ticketek.com.au.

Perth’s concert has been moved to the Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Perth Arena tickets are transferable for the Riverside Theatre. New seated tickets for The Riverside Theatre will be automatically posted out to current seated ticket holders after 31st August. Additional tickets for The Riverside Theatre can be purchased from www.ticketek.com.au.

JANUARY 2014 TOUR DATES

 Brisbane – Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Sunday, 12 January, 5.30pm

Newcastle – Newcastle Entertainment Centre – Wednesday, 15 January, 7.30pm

Wollongong – WIN Entertainment Centre, Thursday, 16 January, 7.30pm

Sydney – Sydney Entertainment Centre, Friday, 17 January, 7.30pm

Canberra – Royal Theatre, Saturday, 18 January, 7.30pm

Melbourne – Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, Sunday, 19 January, 5.30pm

Adelaide – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tuesday, 21 January, 7.30pm

Perth – Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, Friday, 24 January,       7.30pm

Tickets are on sale now. Book at ticketek.com.au / 132 849

 

 

Uncategorized

David starts out on a 30,000km drive to Australia

Image

MEET David O’Connor. He’s from Tramore, Co. Waterford. And like so many other young Irish men, he’s planning to come to Australia. But he’s not coming on a plane. He’s going to drive and he’s leaving today.

David is doing a charity drive that will take him through more than 20 countries and cover almost 30,000km, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and Console, a national suicide prevention charity.

He told Irish Queenslander: “I was working for an online company in Cork and it went to the wall. I had been planning a trip like this for some time and it gave me the push to go for it.” 

David is driving a converted 99 Toyota Landcruiser, with 240kms on the clock. 

“It’s had lots of modifications, including a roof tent and shelving inside. I bought it three years ago with the sole purpose of undertaking a big drive into Europe or maybe beyond. When I looked into where I could drive and what was feasible, I realised that many people have driven from Western Europe to Australia, albeit with an incredible amount of planning. The dream of driving to Australia started to take root. After three years of planning and saving, it’s time to turn this dream into action.”

The two charities David chose to support are close to his heart. He says: “Cancer and suicide are two of the biggest killers in Ireland. My aunt recently died of cancer and a friend of mine committed suicide. I feel that people would be very supportive of these charities.”

 Even though David will be passing through more than 20 countries, he needed visas for only three – India, Iran and Pakistan. David says that the Pakistan Embassy in Ireland had never dealt with a visa request like his before. 

“The preferred route at the moment is through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal and back to India, before shipping the vehicle to Malaysia. I will then visit south east Asia before heading down to Indonesia and then ship to Australia,” he said.

David is planning on shipping the vehicle into Freemantle or Darwin, then driving over to Queensland and down the east coast to Sydney. “I should arrive in Sydney in time for Christmas,” says David, who has a sister living there. But, he adds, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

The expedition costs are being funded by David, with the support of sponsors. David is looking for people to join him on a leg of the journey to help with the costs.

“I am looking to add people to the team to share the experience and raise some funds for two very good causes. It looks like different people will be jumping on and off on different legs of the trip.”

“There are some prerequisites to join me on the trip that include having available funds, the necessary time off and an open mind. I will be a glorified taxi on a 30,000km to the other side of the world. Don’t worry, there’s no meter running!”

We will be keeping you up to date with David’s journey here at Irish Queenslander. You can also follow his trip and donate to his chosen charities at his website, http://www.overlandtooz.ie.