The Irish Man
En-tête : The Irish Canadian, John Henry Walker, Encre sur papier, Impression en relief, Collection McCord, 1863.
The arrival of Irish people to Montreal occurred in several distinct waves throughout history, each leaving a lasting impact on the city's culture, economy, and social fabric.
One significant wave occurred during the early to mid-19th century, driven by the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. Fleeing famine and economic hardship, thousands of Irish immigrants arrived in Montreal seeking refuge and opportunity. Many settled in the city's burgeoning industrial areas, finding employment in factories, construction projects, and other labor-intensive industries. This influx of Irish immigrants contributed to the city's growing population and played a vital role in shaping Montreal's development during this period.
Another notable wave of Irish immigration to Montreal occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This wave was spurred by ongoing economic challenges in Ireland, as well as by political unrest and sectarian tensions. Many Irish immigrants during this time sought to escape poverty and persecution in their homeland and saw Montreal as a promising destination for a fresh start. These newcomers added to the city's cultural diversity, bringing with them their traditions, language, and customs. They established vibrant Irish communities in neighborhoods such as Griffintown and Pointe-Saint-Charles, contributing to the rich tapestry of Montreal's multicultural identity.
Watch : The Irishman by G.Scott MacLeod
In The Irishman – Child of the Gael, our narrator, Sean recounts his maternal and paternal ancestors’ dramatic immigrant experiences in Canada from the 1800s to the early 20th century. Fleeing desperate conditions in Ireland, survival in the new world is a struggle of a different sort, involving quarantine, isolation and backbreaking employment, building the Victoria Bridge, constructing the railways and canals that will open Canada’s frontiers to trade and settlement.
The third film in his animated series on Canadian history, from Mike Burns’ story collection, The Water of Life (Chemin des Cantons, 2009), in The Irishman – Child of the Gael, Montreal filmmaker G. Scott MacLeod fuses rich pencil animation with new digital media to provide a deeply moving depiction of an iconic early Canadian immigrant experience.
Written and narrated by Burns, a celebrated Montreal storyteller, The Irishman – Child of the Gael is the story of thousands of Irish immigrants to this country who arrived to unthinkable conditions and who went on to build the very roads and railways that made prosperity possible.
From the archives: Labourers' struggle ended in bloodshed
The labour strikes at the Lachine Canal in 1843 and 1873 (shown) never reached a climax matching that of the strike at the Beauharnois Canal (about 50 km southwest of Lachine), where on June 12, 1843, at least eight labourers were killed when troops brought in to restore order opened fire. The workers wanted decent pay, shorter hours and the freedom to purchase food from local farmers. PHOTO BY CANADIAN ILLUSTRATED NEWS (1878) /Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
From the archives: Labourers' struggle ended in bloodshed | Montreal Gazette
Montréal.-Grève des ouvriers du canal Lachine, Henri Julien, Collection McCord 1878-01-05
Read more :
"Montreal Irish: A City's History, Through the People Who Built It" by Matthew Barlow - This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Irish in Montreal, tracing their contributions to the city's development and their enduring cultural legacy.
McCord Museum Archives - The McCord Museum in Montreal houses a rich collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts related to the Irish community in Montreal, offering valuable resources for researchers and historians.
Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) - QAHN is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of English-speaking communities in Quebec, including the Irish community in Montreal. Their website provides access to a variety of resources and archival materials.
Explore :
Montreal Irish Memorial Park Foundation - This organization works to preserve and commemorate the history of the Irish in Montreal, including the construction of a memorial park in memory of the thousands of Irish immigrants who died of typhus in Montreal in 1847.
McGill University Archives - McGill University's archival collections contain valuable resources related to the Irish community in Montreal, including documents, correspondence, and records of Irish organizations and institutions.
Irish Canadian Cultural Association of Montreal - This organization promotes Irish culture and heritage in Montreal through events, festivals, and educational programs. Their website provides information on upcoming events and resources for those interested in learning more about the Irish community in Montreal.
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) - The National Library and Archives of Quebec hold numerous resources documenting the history of the Irish community in Montreal, including newspapers, journals, and archival materials.
Montreal Gazette Archives - The Montreal Gazette newspaper archives contain articles, advertisements, and other materials related to the Irish community in Montreal, offering insights into their experiences and contributions to the city.
