The Gaelic Club

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gaelic Club Ltd is an Irish Cultural Centre located in Sydney, Australia.

It is a non - profit organisation and all proceeds go into helping the Irish Community in NSW. It is a part of the INA and is a culturally rich and significant establishment. Although the Gaelic Club is an Irish cultural centre it is welcomes all nationalities, tourists and sydneysiders.

[edit] Location

The Club was established in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills due to the large Irish Population in the area. The Australian 2001 Census shows that only 57% of residents residing in the Surry Hills area were born in Australia. The majority of residents born overseas in this area came from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Ireland and the USA. (ABS 2001).

The Surry Hills area had such an Irish influence that it became the location for the popular novel, and later TV series, The Harp In The South which depicted the trials and tribulations of Irish immigrants living in Sydney.

It is not to be confused with the Gaelic theatre which occupies the lower two stories of the building as they are not affiliated with one another.

[edit] Activities and Facilities

The Gaelic Club Ltd is described as a Sydney hotspot in sydneypubguide.com

As an Irish Cultural Centre the Gaelic Club is host to many cultural activities such as Irish language classes, Irish set dancing classes, Politics in the Pub and live music events.

The Club is a quiant establishment with old world Irish charm according to its members. It has a polished dance floor, pool tables, T.V's, live music, library, courtyard and more then a touch of Irish charm.

Annual St Patricks Day celebrations are undertaken in the club on the 17th March in which all nationalities enjoy a day of Irish hospitality.

[edit] History and Current events

The Club has a long and rich history for the Irish community. It was once a popular venue for evenings out and cultural events.

The Club has struggled in recent times with financial difficulties. The two lower stories of the club were sold in 2006 in an attempt to gain control of financial problems. This club now only occupies the third story of the building. Attempts are being made by committee members to once again build the centre as an attractive place or learning and enjoyment.