THE GOAN NETWORK | LONDON
The Goan community in Ireland will present the first Irish-Goa Family Fun Day at Burnaby Park in Greystones, near Dublin, on July 22.
The Family Fun Day will include music, food, games and various stalls from 10 am to 7 pm.
Music will be provided by Robbie Doyle, Kim Hayden, Pat Ukulele Band, Michael's Ballroom Dancing and DJ Xavier, while Victor Evans will be the MC.
The various entertainment programmes and stalls include a Dog Show, Raffles with May Smullen, Henna Tattoos, Goan Cuisine, Ava's Cupcakes, Clothing Stalls, Ice Cream Vendor, Hair Braiding, Bouncy Castles, Slush Puppies and Popcorn Vendor, Milla’s Famous Indian Curry, Knockroe Farm - Fresh Strawberry, New Potatoes and Home Made Juices, Jewellery Vendors, Photographer (John McGowan), Vic's BBQ, North Indian Food and South Indian Food.
When contacted, Milla Hancock, one of the Irish Goemkar (Goa) Committee members who traces her roots to Arambol and has been living in Ireland for 29 years, said the Goans in Ireland have been very active since 1996 and have been supporting the community on various occasions.
The other Irish Goemkar committee members include Nora Hayden, Lisa Doyle, Victor Evans, Samira D’Souza, Eddie and Cecil Rodriguez, Netty Mascharenhas, Cliff Fernandes, Oscar and Molly Hancock, Lea Cardoz, Nikita Fernandes, Tatu Humraskar and Pratisha and Sahel.
“The Irish Goemkar is a registered community in Ireland. The purpose to register this community is to support our fellow Goans living in Ireland and also Irish people who have welcomed us in their country. Our mission is also to provide support, both financially and emotionally, to those who are struggling or vulnerable in our community,” said Milla.
Milla said the Irish Goemkar community has been actively involved in a number of activities over the years.
“We have raised money for tsunami victims under Red Cross guidance and donated food and clothing to homeless people, both in our community and surrounding areas. We raised funds for the sick people who could not pay their hospital bills and buy medications.”
“We have visited local nursing homes to provide company and support to our elderly community. We have also donated vouchers to people in need.”
Besides, Milla's Barbers has volunteered several times to provide haircuts to the homeless under the streetlights and in her salon.
