Stories about Irish influence in Canada and music from the Emerald Isle will sound from a historic home in Coquitlam next week — just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The Coquitlam Heritage Society has teamed up with the Ireland Canada Monument Society to share tales about Irish immigrants who made contributions to Canada over the years.
Among the presenters will be Bob Mackin, the grandson of Henry Mackin, the original occupant of Mackin House — one of the first homes built in Coquitlam. Henry Mackin was a president at Fraser Mills, once the largest sawmill in the British Commonwealth. He was born in New York City to Irish-Catholic parents Joseph Patrick Mackin and Catherine Byrne Mackin.
Also talking will be Doug Massey whose father, George Massey, helped to build the Massey Tunnel. As well, Brendan Flynn, the executive director of the Ireland Canada Monument Society, will outline the group’s latest achievements with a Irish memorial planned for George Wainborn Park in Vancouver.
Their speeches will be followed by Celtic entertainment.
The event takes place on Saturday, March 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-516-6151 or visit coquitlamheritage.ca.
