With a surname like Prudhomme, it might come as a surprise that the blood in this reporter flows green.
Though there’s undeniably some French-Canadian linage in the family tree, trace the roots back far enough and they’ll end up in Ireland. So naturally it was more than a little disappointing to have to write the story outlining KFLA medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore’s Section 22 order pertaining to St. Patrick’s Day. Much like the reverend in Footloose, Dr. Moore has ordered no dancing or live music may take place at KFLA establishments between March 13-21.
Celebrating Irish heritage on St. Patrick’s Day is a long standing tradition in this family. My grandfather, the late Earl Prudhomme, would regularly march in the historic Montreal St. Patrick’s Day parade. In recent years this reporter has carried on that tradition by attending Celtic-themed dances on St. Patrick’s Day with a toddler who loves to stomp her feet while her mom plays fiddle on the stage. That was missed last year and it turns out it won’t happen this year either.
Disappointing, but it’s easy to understand Moore’s reasoning. During last week’s media call it was clear that it was a tough decision for Moore, who said it ‘breaks my Irish heart’ to have to put the order in place. But as he rightfully pointed out, COVID-19 is still very much alive in the province and the last thing the health unit wants to do is invite visitors from outside the region and risk possible exposure, particularly when variants of concern are lurking.
Instead we’re left to celebrate a much more subdued St. Paddy’s Day with the realistic expectation that by next year it could look much more like 2019 than compared to 2020. As far as the young step dancer at home is concerned, as long as there’s a jig playing and shanties being sung, it’ll still be a great time.
-It was late Thursday night when the news of Walter Gretzky’s passing broke.
Canadians coast-to-coast, even those who don’t follow hockey, felt the loss. While he may be most famous for fathering Wayne ‘The Great One” Gretzky, he was so much more than that. Typically speaking in the sports world if a father is just as well known as the star athlete, that’s a bad thing. But in Walter’s case he was never one to crave the spotlight, though it always found a way to find him. Despite his celebrity he found time to give back to the community, earning the Order of Canada in 2007 for his ‘contributions to minor hockey in Canada and for his dedication to helping a myriad of local, provincial and national charities.’
While in Napanee as part of the NHL Alumni charity game, Walter’s autograph was sought out by a long list of fans, young and old. True to his reputation, Canada’s Hockey Dad took the time to sign every single one and smile for every single photo. Hockey fan or not, it’s fair to say Canada lost a real great one last week.
-Adam Prudhomme