A Message from Ambassador Binns

The Irish Canadian Society's diverse activities contribute greatly to our Irish Canadian community in Ireland. As Canada's Ambassador to Ireland, I am especially appreciative of ICS's support of the Embassy's work and Carol and I are honoured to be its Patrons.

ICS events, including its Canada Day Picnic, Thanksgiving Dinner and Belfast Giants hockey excursions, provide opportunities for Canadians living in Ireland, Irish who used to live in Canada and others with Irish Canadian interests and connections to enjoy each others company and make new friends.

Through its Website www.irishcanadiansociety.net ICS promotes awareness of Irish and Canadian connections and cultures. The site's Canadian Footprints in Ireland, Living in Ireland, The Origin of Ice Hockey and Other Landmark Irish- Canadian Tidbits join the ICS Events Calendar and numerous Links to provide a wide range of interesting and useful information. I encourage all Canadians living in Ireland and those planning to visit or move to Ireland to take advantage of the information this site offers.

In addition to its support of the Embassy's work, I also appreciate ICS's support of other Irish Canadian groups working to promote trade and tourism opportunities between Ireland and Canada, to strengthen Irish-Canadian cultural and educational ties and to promote among the Irish people a greater knowledge of Canada - from its attractions as a tourist destination to its internationally recognized example as a world leader in banking and other regulation and the many other values and roles that mark Canada's respected place in world affairs.

Patrick Binns