Get To Know Us!
They say many a great plan was hatched over a pint and the Irish Canadian Cultural Society is no different.
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In the summer of 2019, Michael Holden and Allen Somjee met in Andy Nesbitt's back yard and over a couple of cold ones, established the genesis of what would become our amazing Society today.
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They had a dream to bring the Irish community together and combine their own experiences in London and Ireland to great effect. The vision was to build a centre, which remains as part of the plans today.
But they also knew this wasn’t about a building, it was about people. By 2020, the society was founded and a committee of like-minded and passionate individuals was formed. Soon we saw fun social events and community initiatives, such as putting on Irish music and dance for seniors during lockdown or donating to the Foodbank.
Now that the foundation is set we will continue to build, grow and flourish.
A Message from the President
It is an honour to be nominated as the President of the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society. I am excited to continue the work that our past Presidents, Michael Holden and Simon Geary, have laid such a strong foundation for. I am proud to say that LICCS has become a central group for newcomers to London, current residents with connections to Ireland, and those from other cultures who love to share in the culture of Ireland.
One of our passions at LICCS is bringing the community together with a variety of musical, comedy, and trivia events throughout the year.
I look forward to the future of our organization as we continue to expand on the events and opportunities we are able to provide to our community, including the continuation of the Celtic Irish Academy sponsorship program initiated this year in partnership with the Irish Benevolent Society.
We are also looking forward to ongoing charitable initiatives such as donations to the London Food Bank and supporting our local senior community, among other opportunities.
We are excited to continue to partner with other Irish organizations in the London area such as the London Irish FC, London GAA, London Irish Folk Club, and the Irish Benevolent Society.
Looking forward to seeing you at our many events to come!
Cheers!
Wishing you all the best,
Emma
Meet the LICCS Board
Emma Smith, President
Emma moved to Canada from Dublin at age seven. She and her husband Jeremy are proud parents to Liam and Paighton, who keep them busy with their active lives, alongside their two Old English Bulldogs, Willow and Flynn, who add fun to their days. Emma works as a Freedom Provider/Physiotherapist Assist at UROSPOT, helping strengthen pelvic floors. She also runs CladdaghLife Coaching, where she aids women in achieving their healthiest, happiest lives as a Personal Health Assistant, Life Coach, and Energy Healer. Emma also volunteers as treasurer for her son's hockey team and with the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society, contributing to community growth and initiatives.
Darragh Lynch, Vice-President
Darragh, an Irish-Canadian born in London, Ontario to Irish parents who immigrated in the 1980s, is a dedicated high school teacher and passionate sports coach. He specializes in history, and is actively involved in coaching soccer, football, and volleyball. Darragh is also deeply committed to celebrating his Irish heritage, participating in the local Irish Cultural Society by organizing cultural events. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching soccer, biking, and travelling to Ireland to connect with his roots. Darragh is excited to continue to grow and spread Irish culture across the London, Ontario community and hopes to provide a foundation of local Irish roots for his new born son Liam to enjoy.
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Hazel Alguire, Treasurer
Born and raised in Cork City, Hazel is passionate about her Irish upbringing and engagement with other cultures, having spent time working and studying in the USA and France, prior to moving to London in 2002. She has worked in provincial, state and municipal government for over 35 years, in the area of financial controllership and analysis.
Hazel is delighted to join the Board of the London Irish Cultural Centre and to be part of an inclusive and collaborative team who continue to share and promote Irish culture not only because it is amongst the richest and most vibrant in the world, but because music, literature and education bring people together and has the capacity to cross divides, within communities and between heritages.
Whenever free time arises, Hazel will inevitably gravitate towards spending time camping with her husband and daughters, travelling to Ireland to visit family, or exploring other destinations as an avid traveller.
She looks forward to seeing you at an upcoming London event – whether it’s a traditional Irish music session, sporting event or one of the many fun activities and events that serve as a focal point for the expression of Irish culture.
Gareth O'Connel, Secretary
Gareth moved to Canada in 2014, settling in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2024, Gareth and his wife Claudia relocated to London, where they quickly connected with the Irish community. Professionally, Gareth has spent most of his career in the manufacturing sector with Coca-Cola and now manages their engineering team. He also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the London Irish GAA Club. Gareth's passion for all things GAA and his dedication to bringing people together led him to join the LICCS board after volunteering at events and witnessing the joy it brought to himself and others through the great work LICCS does
Luke, Board Officer
Mary McGuinness, Board Officer
Mary emigrated to Canada about 30 years ago and spent most of her career in Project Management, primarily in IT within the Financial Services and Software industries. Her work adventures sparked a lifelong love for travel. Now, she runs a Digital Marketing business and enjoys life with my two grown boys.
Mary is passionate about giving back and currently serves on several boards, focusing on homelessness, mental health, and addiction. She also participates in events like Fight to End, Run for Women, and Breakfast for YOU. Whenever possible, Mary visits Ireland and loves sharing its hidden treasures with friends.
Tanya Burke, Board Officer
Tanya moved to Canada from Dublin five years ago and works as an Office Manager at a Game Development company in Downtown London. Proud of her Irish heritage, Tanya was born in London, UK, into an Irish family. She understands the importance of keeping traditions and culture alive for children growing up away from Ireland.
Tanya especially loves Irish history, music, and GAA, a passion she shares with her husband Christopher and daughter Elena, who are both involved in London Irish GAA and football teams. She looks forward to sharing this passion and encouraging local kids to get involved in Irish sports.
Keira Curtis-Holden, Board Officer
Keira Curtis-Holden is a first-generation Irish-Canadian, with parents from Northern Ireland. She has been with the club for nearly three years and loves raising her children in a close-knit community, similar to her own upbringing. Like Keira and her siblings, her children are involved in activities within the Irish community, such as Irish dancing and volunteering at the club. Keira believes it’s a great community for all ages and looks forward to seeing what the future holds for the club.
Michael Holden, Board Officer
Michael Holden is a husband and proud father of four. When he’s not coaching soccer or taking his children to sports, he enjoys socializing over a pint with friends and family. There’s a joke that if you’re Irish and live in London, Ontario, you know Michael or his large Irish clan. Michael’s parents emigrated to Canada in the mid-'70s for a better life. Growing up, they traveled often to Ireland and hosted many relatives. With over 80 direct relations in the city, Irish culture became a big part of his life. As a founding member of LICCS and London Irish FC, Michael has been at the forefront of Irish culture in the city for over 15 years, organizing events and fostering community.
Maurice Sheehan, Board Officer
Often said, "There are the Irish and those who wish to be Irish," a phrase Bonnie finds fitting. Canadian with Danish roots, her connection to Ireland deepened through her father-in-law, a $5 Canadian from County Offaly, and tales of her mother-in-law's ancestry in County Antrim. Enriched by decades of his stories, songs, and poems, her affinity for Ireland grew, especially after experiencing the country's culture, countryside, and Guinness during his wake in 2017. With her youngest now living in Dublin, Bonnie's frequent visits have cemented her love for Ireland. Regardless of what Ancestry DNA may show, her heart claims Irish heritage. She relishes meeting those Irish by blood or spirit, eager to explore more of Irish culture with her group.