President (2024 - 2025)

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Anthony emigrated to Canada in 1965 and met his wife Bridget from Co. Tipperary in London, ON at an Irish wedding. While embracing every aspect of life in Canada, he never forgot his Irish roots. A musician since the age of six, his career blossomed in London where he was sought after to play at weddings, banquets and dances. Anthony also played for Irish dancing competitions for thirty-seven years travelling extensively throughout North America to perform at major events before retiring in 2015. He was also Chairperson of the Forest City Feis in London for twenty-seven years before passing on the baton. Today, he continues to entertain residents of Nursing/Retirement Home in London and the surrounding areas. Of special note is the fact that Anthony has provided musical entertainment for the Irish Benevolent Society for over forty years, an amazing achievement indeed!

Education also played a major role in his career development, most of which was spent in the field of Human Resources in Health Care, notably the London Health Science Center (LHSC) and Parkwood Hospital. Retiring in 2000, much of his time today is spent in volunteering for various organizations. He is presently the Grand Knight of his Church Council for the Knights of Columbus and is also devoted to facilitating Bible studies for Holy Family Parish in London, ON during the fall and winter months.

Anthony has taken great pride in his association with the Irish Benevolent Society since the early seventies and expects to continue to promote Irish culture and music for many more years.

Immediate Past President (2024-2025)

Jane grew up in Lucan-Biddulph and North Middlesex (former McGillivray Township), the seventh generation of a family that immigrated from County Tipperary in 1818. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph (Sp. Hon. BA) and York University (MBA), and has pursued a career in income management in the cultural and social services sector in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Her employment included work at the Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, YMCA of Greater Toronto, and LOFT Community Services.

In 2019 she retired and returned to North Middlesex (formerly McGillivray Township). She is happy now to have more time as a community volunteer, and is delighted to be able to support the IBS as a Director.

Past President

Life is about the journey, not the destination. As a devoted Christian this is what I believe and live by. I have been married to Gloria for over 40 years, we have 4 children and 10 grandchildren and they keep us busy. As a fitness enthusiast I ran my first 10k race and marathon in 2005 and I’ve been running regularly since. Community volunteering is an important part of who I am and I’ve been involved in organizations such as: Forest City Slo Pitch League, Forest City Optimist Club, Nor’West Optimist Club, London Crisis Pregnancy Centre and the Irish Benevolent Society. For fun I have my motorcycle and we take many adventures together.

1st Vice President

Emigrated to Canada about 30 years ago. I’ve spent the majority of my working career in Project Management primarily in IT in the Financial Services and Software industries. Had lots of opportunity to travel doing that. I’ve a couple of adult boys and now I focus on my Digital Marketing business. Fun times.

Giving back to my community is a huge part of my existence. I’m currently on the Board of CSCN - Community Services Coordination Network; Fanshawe Chorus London and the Irish Benevolent Society. Homelessness, Mental Health & Addiction are a priority to me and as such I’ve participated in Fight to End, Run for Women and Breakfast for YOU.

Treasurer

Bob McNaughton is presently Treasurer of IBS. He was President of the IBS in 2019/20.

Bob was born in London ON and his Irish ancestry is found both from his father’s and mother’s family tree

Bob has great support from his wife Anne-Marie as well as from his son Jason and daughter Ashley and his grandsons; Harry, Malcolm, Charles and Otto

During Bob’s tenure as IBS President he had a role in updating the Luck of the Irish and introducing a new cultural event: The Emerald Evening : A Night with the Irish. Bob also had to make the disappointing call to break the chain of the March 17th Lunch when in 2020 due to Covid19 the event was cancelled.

Webmaster

Director

Principal

St. Jude Catholic Elementary School

Director

Joanne, nee McCann, grew up in Mount Carmel formerly Limerick. She lives with her husband, Gord on a farm near Lucan (home of the Lucan Irish) where they raised their four daughters.

Joanne graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy working at various local hospitals and clinics. She retired after many years as a Home Care Physio.

She continues to work with her husband on the farm also enjoying their eight grandchildren, biking, walking, fishing, golf and pickleball.

Director

Dr. Michael Carson was born and raised in London, Ontario. He began his undergrad at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. While working towards his Bachelor of Science he was accepted into the dental program at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. In 2016 he received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.). Upon returning to Canada, he began the National Dental Examining Board equivalency process, which he completed in June of 2018. At that time, he began working as a dentist in the London community. Michael joined the board of the Irish Benevolent Society in 2023 to carry on his family’s long history of involvement in the Society and to give back to a community that has been such a big part of his life. Michael grew up attending many of the IBS events with his father and grandfather. Now, with two young children of his own he hopes to share the joys of Irish culture with them and the many wonderful traditions that come with it.