Retirement Party ...

James Joyce Irish Pub

Jan. 30, 2012

 The History

Irish owned and operated

"The Currans are the Irish-born proprietors of the James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant in downtown Calgary. Anne and Gerard Curran came to Canada in 1979 when Gerard was working as a Guinness representative. In 1991 Gerard began dreaming of opening up an authentic Irish Pub in Canada and by 1997 he was able to put his concept to work.
Aptly named The James Joyce, after the celebrated Irish author, this Irish pub is located Downtown in the old Molson's (TD) Bank building at 114 - 8th Avenue S.W.
The pub was created with a focus on staying true to the tradition of authentic pubs in Ireland. The Curran’s collected hundreds of artifacts from Irelands history, from Anne’s childhood school books to her Grandad’s penny-farthing bicycle to vintage beer and whiskey ads, in order to make every wall in The James Joyce a wonder to behold.
The entrance features an authentic tin ceiling with elaborate Victorian light fixtures and an original hand laid mosaic tiled floor. The rich mahogany of the Victorian Bar compliments the turn of the century plate glass mirrors and the ornate stained glass which separates the different snug areas. All this is complimented by original works of Celtic art and craftsmanship by local Irish artists and designers.
There are four key elements which make this pub special: pub design and the ambiance it creates, friendly, efficient bar staff -the Irish are renowned for their humour, the unique appeal of hearty Irish food and drink, and Irish music.
Serving delicious food and the finest drinks in this unique environment, The James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant is a treat for tourists and locals alike."

This was an amazing venue to hold Mike's retirement party ...

meeting all comrades ...

from all over North America including Mexico ...

thru the past 27 years ...

there were photos being projected onto a screen of his history ...

photos of Mike actually working on the tools ...

then to sitting in an office when he went into management ...

also including some pictures of company parties from the past ...

The room was filled with laughter ...
with looking back at old times ...

 remembering the things he did and experiences they had ...

The time came for the MC for this event ...
Darren McLean
to say a few words ...
on the history of Mike's employment ...
and to express the well wishes for the future ...
and that he would be missed ...

Mike accepting gifts ...

humbled by the attention he was receiving ...

when Mike opened up the card ...

he was not aware that there were gift cards inside ...

I had looked in the envelop ...

and found them ... pulled them out ...

and two of them caught my eye ...

Mike didn't see which ones they were ...

and I kind of scooped them and hid them behind my back ...

Mike knew then something was up ...

I gave him his one gift card from Home Depot ...

still withholding the other ones ...

but then I had to give them up ...

I did mention that these ones were MINE ...

because they were from the Bass Pro Shop ...

just what I NEEDED to go fishing ... !!!!

Mike received many other gifts ...
 and I received a beautiful bouquet of a dozen red roses ...
Denise said that I deserved them ...
 for putting up with Mike and the Company all these years ... !!!

AND THEN THE HUGGING STARTED ...

Mike is known as the "Hugger" ...

if a situation arose where things needed to be calmed down ...

Mike would reach out his arms ...

and say ...

"Ok ... it's time for a hug"

usually this would diffuse the tension ...

but today they were hugs of joy ...
for all the friends ...
and co-workers he has met thru the years ...