Meet Our Committee

President
​Nicola McCann
​presidentnqia@gmail.com

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Vice President 
​Darren Pierce
​vicepresidentnqia@gmail.com

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Treasurer
​Peter Walsh
treasurernqia@gmail.com

Secretary 
Charlene Bremner 
​secretarynqia@gmail.com

Working Committee:
Christopher Agnew
Sid Byrne
Aisling Hill
Jade Hill
​Renee O’Farrell 

Meet our Committee!

History of the Association 

Incorporating in 1996, the North Queensland Irish Association (NQIA) has been servicing North Queensland for well over 26 years. The association was set up to do the following:
a. To foster social interaction between persons who are Irish born, persons of Irish descent and persons interested in Irish culture;
b. To provide a contact point in Townsville for newly arrived and visiting Irish persons;
c. To carry out activities which advance the standing of Irish persons in Australia;
d. To publicise the activities of the Association throughout North Queensland and Australia;
e. To affiliate with other Irish Australian associations around Australia; and
f. The association shall be non party political and non sectarian. 
It is with these objects, the association has grown both in membership and its recognition in the North Queensland area. 

With its membership, the association allows its members to participate in a range of social activities including the monthly music sessions, Friends of Guinness events, the Shebeen at the Palm Creek Folk Festival, camping trips and family gatherings. The association has also supported local artists and community groups with the sponsorship of sections at the Townsville Juvenile Eisteddfod and North Queensland Irish Dancing Premierships. 

Regular Events

First Friday Friends of Guinness

The First Friday Friends of Guinness (FFFOG) is held on the First Friday of each month from 5pm till late at Molly Malone’s (City). 

Friends of Guinness (FOGs) is about having a great social experience with members and non-members having a laugh and some good craic after the working week is done.

Join us for fun, friendship, fines and a good craic. Your attendance counts towards eligibility for an end of year Keg party. 

Remember to wear something GUINNESS related or be prepared to pay a fine. 
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All members and future members are most welcome and we look forward to seeing you on the first Friday of every month.

Irish Music Trad Sessions

They call it ” the craic “. It’s an Irish word for fun.

Traditional Irish music sessions, or trad sessions, are gatherings of musicians and singers who enjoy traditional Irish music. 

They often gather at pubs and is one of the best ways for musicians and others to socialise. One would often see a range of instruments such as the fiddle, bodhran, flute, mandolin or banjo. Traditional instrumental tunes are often played, although singers also often sing some songs. 

Trad sessions carry on the aural and oral tradition of Ireland and other celtic nations through the music and stories.

You can find it at the second Saturday of the month Music Session. It starts at 5pm at Molly’s with Celtic tunes and progresses into ballads and songs.

Get involved join in and sing your party song or play a tune or do a dance or recite a poem.

All welcome at Mollys.
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Feel free to have a pint and a feed and a community catch up.
See you at the 2nd Saturday of the month at Mollys.

Click here to go to our Events page

Membership

Membership is available to anyone who supports the objects of the association. There are two types of memberships - Single or Family. The membership fees are set annually at the Annual General Meeting. As a financial member, you are able to participate in any of the social events held by the association, one or two votes (depending on your type of membership) at any general meetings and the chance to interact with fellow Irish members of our community. 

As an added bonus, the membership also provides you with discounts on food and beverages at Molly Malones!

If you would like to become a member of our association please click here.