40th Anniversary Video
The Irish Cultural Society of Calgary (ICS) is celebrating our 40th anniversary with a series of events beginning in February 2026. We recall past accomplishments, recognize those who made the journey possible, and express gratitude to the people sharing our future. The above video celebrates this important milestone.
Below are the ‘Early Years’ that sketches the formative years of the ICS. It was compiled in response to an initiative by the Board of the ICS to chronical experiences of our members in an on-line Members Forum.
Buiochas (thanks) to the many people who shared recollections and photographs, and who provided assistance
Getting the ICS started
The Irish Cultural Society emerged from the participation of the founding members in various social and cultural activities. At the...
Irish Concerts and Social Evenings
The Irish Concerts kicked off on Saturday December 14, 1985 with a Benefit Variety Concert for the yet to be...
Irish Language Class
The Irish Language Class was largely instigated by Hugh Neary who cajoled Dr Dick Wall into being our muinteoir. Leveraging...
ICS Newsletter
The main purpose of the Newsletter was to project the aims of the Society and promote participation in Irish community...
Bloomsday
The Bloomsday Celebration was an initiative to enhance the ‘cultural’ credentials of the ICS and also test the premise that...
Stampede Parade Float
Interest in an ‘Irish’ float in the Stampede Parade was led by Hugh Neary. Hugh took on the role of...
Golf Tournaments
The ICS Golf Tournaments organized by Aidan Creaghan began with a “Gala” Golf game at Canmore in July 1986 followed...
Spruce Meadows Festival of Nations
In 1986 Spruce Meadows initiated its Festival of Nations in conjunction with the Masters show jumping event in September. This...
Green Tie Affair
The success of the ‘social evenings’ gave us confidence to organize a more elaborate celebration for St Patrick’s Day. We...
Care Committee
The kindness of Brian Evans was the impetus for forming a Care Committee. Volunteers visited the sick, delivered flowers and...
Bingo
Bingo transformed our finances and was a major factor in our endeavour to establish an Irish Cultural Centre. In March...
Winter Olympics
Hosting the Winter Olympics in Calgary was a momentous event. The Opening Ceremony welcomed the world to our city, presenting...
Field Days
The first ICS Field Day and Barbeque was held on August 28, 1988 at Shouldice Park. The event was organised...
Irish Cultural Centre
By 1988 we were on a good trajectory for achieving our goals. Our membership had grown to around four hundred...
Variety of Nations
As Luck of the Irish would have it, soon after we opened the Irish Cultural Centre a perfect opportunity arose...