Hi Gerry,

Thanks for the welcome. Canberra does have a quite a lively Irish scene here with a number of 'Irish' pubs where you can always get a good Guinness! My favourite is the Canberra Irish Club where I took out life membership when I retired from the public service. I started looking at my Irish roots recently when I was advised that we had connections a little way back. I always laughed when we celebrated my Dad's birthday on St. Patrick's Day - I could always get the day off from work even though he's long past! And of course I have to sing 'McNamara's Band' at the drop of a hat! Maybe this is where my love of Irish music and song come from!

I have been tracing my family tree here in Australia and have got to the stage where I am ready to continue my search for my Irish connections in Counties Clare, Kilkenny and Limerick.Looks like there are a couple of interesting lines to trace as there is a hint of convicts and other 'strange' goings on in my cupboard. One day I'll have to make a trip 'home'.

Kind regards,

Peter