Its history goes back in Ireland’s cultural calendar to 16 June 1924 when James Joyce, Ireland’s most revered writer’s most famous book ‘Ulysses’ was published. In Ulysses, James Joyce chronicles one day, the 16th June 1904, in the life of Leopold Bloom, his wife Molly and his ‘Odyssey’ through Dublin. Added to this it also happens to be the same date on which Joyce first met his beloved wife Nora. So it was a very special occasion when family members, numerous friends and supporters all came together to celebrate. June 16 is also the time of the year when many flowers and trees are in full bloom - so lots of ‘blooms’ are floating around.

The Irish Group of Femmes d’Europe are lucky with the timing of the annual Bloomsday Lunch, it comes at the time of the year when it becomes clear that summer is ’on its way’ a warmer and less depressing time when we can fish out our lighter summery clothes. So, it was this year as Femmes d’Europe members and friends turned up at the Irish Embassy in a refreshing variety of summer outfits to be greeted by the Deputy Irish Ambassador.

The Irish Embassy is generously offered to Femmes d’Europe, so that Bloomsday can be celebrated. Long tables awaited us, all carefully covered in traditional Irish green tablecloths. When we were seated the Irish Group members offered us a choice of excellent white and red wine. After our ‘aperitif’ we were directed to a selection of very wholesome Irish foods that had been carefully prepared by the Irish Group of Femmes d’Europe. A very tasty, spiced ham was central, with sausages and a wide selection of vegetables. I was especially pleased to find parsnips - not so easily found in Brussels. During our tasty meal Irish Group members continued their good work making sure our glasses were never empty.

Towards the end of our lunch Páidi O Dubhain presented himself to us. He specialises in Irish music, and is living in Brussels because of his role as a tenor in the chorus at La Monnaie Opera House. Páidi started by introducing us to his ‘Bodhrán’ - a small drum-like instrument, much loved in Ireland, which he played whilst strolling around the room. We learnt that James Joyce loved music, and was a good tenor but knew that his contemporary John McCormack was better than him. Joyce didn’t want to be second best, so thought it better to concentrate on his writing. So music’s loss was a big gain for literature. Páidi also sang Irish songs that were appropriate for the time, including one in Gaelic (he is a fluent Gaelic speaker) which was beautiful, but as I don’t speak Gaelic, sadly, I couldn’t appreciate the words.

We then had the privilege of being entertained by two actors, William Mulhearn and Noreen Doyle, from the celebrated Brussels based Irish Theatre.They gave us some very relevant and touching readings about James Joyce, his wife Nora, and Dublin at the time, also some amusing anecdotes like, ‘what would James Joyce say to a Femmes d’Europe brunch in 2025 ? A lot of thought had been given to the pieces chosen, so as well as being moving, they were very entertaining.

It was then time for us to have coffee, cake and biscuits. It was also a chance to socialise with our fellow guests.

So ended another successful ‘Bloomsday Brunch’ which we all enjoyed and we look forward to helping to celebrate next year.

Patricia Cendrowicz
UK Group