Con O’Brien serving up much more than a Feed of Fish

The Irish Descendants front man Con O'Brien is in the middle of an interesting solo venture this summer singing songs and telling stories about the Newfoundland cod fishery.

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Con O’Brien may be best known as the lead singer of The Irish Descendants and as one of the best baritones in Canada, but he’s also an amateur historian when it comes to the fishery with plenty of real-life experience in the industry to back up that knowledge.

This summer, the Bay Bulls native is rolling that musical ability and fisheries knowledge into a rollicking performance of songs and stories at the Stagehead restaurant in the O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours building on the Bay Bulls waterfront. 

Billed as A Feed of Fish, the summertime show, which runs until mid-September, comes with a meal and plenty of fishery lore to chew on. There’s a lunch time show and a suppertime performance, with the earlier one catered to people coming back from a tour of whale and puffin spotting around the local islands. The lunch shows typically run from 75 to 90 minutes. The evening shows are more extensive, with a different menu, and go for about two hours.

The main theme of A Feed of Fish is the history of the Newfoundland fishery, especially the moratorium. O’Brien grew up in the fishery. His family and relatives were major players in the processing industry for years, and he readily acknowledges it was a formative part of his upbringing. 

“I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything in the world because it was just a magical thing growing up in outport Newfoundland at that time,” he said. “We were the last generation to see the codfish in the way it had been here for five centuries.” 

Fish plants were a major part of not just many Newfoundlanders’ livelihoods, but Newfoundland society in general. 

“The fish plant was a place where we gathered, and we came together. It was almost like a church without prayers,” said O’Brien. “We knew each other’s troubles, we knew each other’s triumphs. We talked, we gossiped, we fell in love. Everything happened in the fish plant.” 

O’Brien had always expected he would go into the family business. But like many others, he and his loved ones had the rug pulled out from under them when the cod moratorium was announced. He recalls hearing the announcement over the radio on July 2, 1992 while eating breakfast with his father William, better known as Bud, O’Brien. His father then had to go to their plant and tell hundreds of people they were jobless. 

“Our livelihoods were taken away from us,” Con said. “It was a very dramatic and traumatic time in our lives.” 

More than 40,000 Newfoundlanders left the province to seek work.

O’Brien was able to stay in Newfoundland because of his music career. He does not think he would have become a professional musician if the moratorium had not happened. Being a product of the moratorium led him to the idea of the summertime show. The songs he sings at A Feed of Fish pertain to Newfoundland’s connection with the fishery, and the impact of the moratorium. Con talks about his own son, who works at the event as a host, and how, in one generation, we lost a way of life that we had had for centuries. This often brings audience members to tears. There are typically fewer Newfoundlanders than tourists in the lunch audiences, and O’Brien sees some visitors visibly grasp the impact the loss of the cod fishery had on Newfoundland.

For O’Brien, performing at his cousins’ tour boat establishment helps him keep a connection with the sea and his family’s past. The menu for the Feed of Fish performances is comprised of his own recipes. There are several options, with at least one fish option for lunch and dinner. At lunch guests can order a baked Newfoundland-style cod made from O’Brien’s grandmother’s recipe. At dinner, they can get traditional Newfoundland cod stew, which is perhaps the most popular item. O’Brien noted that many fishermen traditionally ate fish stew for breakfast almost every day, and that the one on the menu is his own Bay Bulls variation.

Bay Bulls gives Targa a tentative go

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Bay Bulls has given Targa the greenlight to hit the streets of Bay Bulls next month — so long as wildfires on the Avalon are contained by then.

Council approved Targa’s participation request during last week’s public meeting. Mayor Keith O’Driscoll added that last year’s event went over very well.

The 2025 event is scheduled for September 11 to 18. Participants plan to be in Bay Bulls on Saturday, September 13.

Roads impacted includ Southside Road, Lower Road, Irishtown Road, Northside Road, Marsh Road, and Sheldon Drive.

Staff, meanwhile, have reached out to Targa Newfoundland to let the organization know that the Town may opt out of the event if there is an insufficient number of emergency responders available in the region, given the current wildfire conditions on the Avalon.

Stranded hiker rescued near Bay Bulls

By Mark Squibb

A hiker had to be rescued after getting stranded earlier this month along the East Coast Trail to the Spout, an ocean spray geyser located along the coast roughly halfway between Bay Bulls and Petty Harbour.

Members of the Ferryland RCMP, Rovers Search and Rescue, the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department, and emergency medical services personnel participated in the August 8 rescue. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was engaged due to the remote location of the hiker.

Police are encouraging people to hike safely, which means planning hikes based on your experience and abilities, check weather and trail conditions, hike with friends, tell others where you are going and when you plan to get back, and what your planned route is, and packing emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, flashlight, whistle, and food and water.

Veteran offers memorabilia in hopes of seeing Bay Bulls military museum

A young Bernard Kelly aboard the HMCS Assiniboine during the 1968 Governor General’s Centennial Cruise of Newfoundland. Kelly said he is willing to donate memorabilia from his military career to the Town of Bay Bulls if it is willing to display it publicly. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

A Navy veteran with ties to Bay Bulls says he is willing to donate his own personal military memorabilia to the town should it be interested in putting it on display.

Bernard Kelly came to Bay Bulls as a five-year-old foster child and joined the Navy in 1965 at the age of 17. He retired in 2008 after 43 years of service and currently lives in Prince Edward Island.

Kelly’s collection of memorabilia includes ship crest emblems, old photos, and even spent shells. He said he would like to see it donated for the public good rather than be thrown out or go to waste. He added other folks in the community have agreed that they would like to see a museum of sorts commemorating veterans.

“A lot of lads served and never received recognition,” said Kelly. “If I can do something for them, that’s good for me.”

Kelly’s father, Fred, went overseas with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in 1940, and repatriated to England in 1949. Fred never received a Canadian pension, which Bernard counts as an injustice to this day.

On the home front is Sandra Costello, a close friend of Kelly, who has advocated over the last decade or so for a museum or public display of sorts honouring veterans.

“There’s a lot of people that have passed away that have served in the navy or in the army, and some that are still alive,” said Costello. “And so, I said, ‘We should have something here for them.”

More recently, Costello brought the suggestion to council during the July 22 public meeting.

The town council was receptive to the recommendation, with Town Manager Ashley Wakeham adding the Town has applied for funding that may be able to assist with the project.

In the meantime, Costello will continue to advocate for a display.

“It’s always on my mind,” said Costello. “And Bernard instilled it in me.”

Ridgeley running again in Ward 5

Lifelong Goulds resident Carl Ridgeley is seeking re-election in Ward 5 on St. John’s council in the upcoming municipal election. Submitted photo

By Mark Squibb

Carl Ridgeley of the Goulds is putting his name forward for re-election in Ward 5.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s more to do,” said Ridgeley, a Red Seal electrician by trade. “With your support, I’ll continue to fight for the services, infrastructure, and respect our ward deserves.”

Ridgeley was elected to council in 2021, besting three other candidates, including Donnie Earle, who has also announced his intention to run again. In 2021, Ridgeley beat Earle by 14 votes.

“It has been frustrating, but in a good way,” said Ridgeley of his first term on council. “I’m not a politician and don’t claim to be a politician but I took on a political role…. And so, the learning curve was huge.”

A lifelong resident of the Goulds, Ridgeley said he has proudly represented all areas of Ward 5 equally.

“There are good things happening in Ward 5,” said Ridgeley, admitting he toyed with the idea of running At Large, before deciding to put his name forward once again for Ward 5. “Not everyone is always happy, but there are a lot of positive things after happening, and many more to come.”

Some of the positives, said Ridgeley, have been the rehabilitation of the bridge connecting Southside Road and Waterford Bridge Road, improved sidewalk snow clearing in Southlands, a splash pad for Southlands expected in 2026, a new recreation centre scheduled for 2030, improved sidewalks, a new washroom facility for Huck Williams Field, a new outdoor washroom facility for the Kilbride Lions Club rec centre, construction of a new trail in Shea Heights, and a commitment for new playground equipment in Diamond Marsh.

Looking ahead, Ridgeley said he is committed to supporting balanced development across Ward 5, improving municipal services, and strengthening community organizations and recreational opportunities.

Over this last term of council, Ridgeley has co-chaired the City’s Regional Fire Services Committee, and has sat on the Regional Water Committee, Regional Wastewater Committee, Shea Heights Community Centre Committee, and Goulds Recreation Association. Outside council chambers, Ridgeley has volunteered with the Goulds Fire Department for nearly two decades, including a time as chief, and coached youth hockey for many a year.

“Ward 5 is more than just the largest ward — it’s where I’ve lived, volunteered, and raised my family,” said Ridgeley. “I’m running for re-election because I believe in the people of this community, and I’m committed to continuing the work we’ve started together.”

Two hair salons and a whole bevy of homes

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council approved a number of new home and business applications during the July public meeting, among them two new hair salons.

Council approved separate applications for a hair salon, eye lash and aesthetic salon at 788-792 Southern Shore Highway as well as a new hair salon at 151-167 Southside Road.

Council also granted approval in principle for the construction of three row homes at 79-87 Southside Road, subject to a number of conditions, and a new home build at 138 Track Road Extension, with a number of conditions, including the submission of a gradient plan to prevent water runoff.

Council also granted approval in principle permits to build new houses at 70-72 Gunridge Road, 7 Dunn Drive, 12 Dunn Drive, 32 Dunn Drive, and 37 Dunn Drive, pending installation of a septic system.

Applications for new residential accessory buildings for properties on Solomon Close, Dunn Drive, and Irishtown Road were also given the go ahead.

Witless Bay contracts patch paving work

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council approved a smattering of purchases and maintenance projects during the July public meeting.

Among the motions was one to award a patch paving contract to Bishops Road Work Inc., at a total cost of $29,390, plus HST.

“We’ve had staff go out and look at the town overall, and these are the sections that need the most urgent attention,” said councillor Ralph Carey.

Earlier in the meeting, council approved the purchase of crack sealing equipment at a cost of $3,515, plus HST.

Carey said the paving budget was stretched, and the scope of work was decreased, by approving the purchase of crack sealing equipment so that some work could be completed in house.

Council also approved the purchase of about $2,000 worth of fire fighting foam used for fire suppression. The foam, when sprayed on a fire, forms a barrier that cuts off the fuel’s oxygen supply.

Council also approved a motion to submit a gas tax funding application in the amount of $7,325 for Harbour Road upgrades, which would include a guardrail and retaining wall, and furthermore to award the work to the lowest bidder, Harbour Construction, at a cost of $7,325, plus HST.

Former Baltimore teacher publishes memoir with aid of former student

Former Baltimore School teacher Michaele Boyle (left) enlisted the help of former student Randy Crane to help edit his recently published memoir, ‘On New Turf.’ The duo launched the book at the Ferryland Legion this June. Mark Squibb photo

By Mark Squibb

When Michael Boyle looked out over his Baltimore School classroom in 1969, he likely would have never guessed that one of his young students — Randy Crane — would one day edit his memoir.

Boyle is a native of Ireland who moved to Newfoundland in 1967 at the age of 23 after accepting a job as principal of St. Pius X All Grade School on Fogo Island. Boyle instead found himself teaching in Gander (you’ll have to read the book to know why) and, later, Ferryland.

A poet and storyteller, Boyle had, over the years, amassed a large volume of stories touching on his early years in Ireland and experiences as a newcomer in rural Newfoundland.

Not so long ago, Boyle decided he wanted to publish those stories. That’s where Randy Crane comes into the story.

“What Mike had was a bunch of stories about his life, and our challenge was to make that into a memoir, and into a book,” said Crane. “Both of us are storytellers, and we’ve been told that there’s a storyteller’s voice coming through. That was planned. We wanted to tell the story, on paper, as if we were standing in front of an audience.”

The two worked together on the project for just over two years, and always managed to find a happy compromise.

“We knew each other well enough that we could be honest with each other,” said Crane. “If I saw something in the writing, I could tell Mike, and he didn’t take it personally.”

Some of the stories were shortened, others were lengthened, and some were cut altogether.

“I had about 70 pages of stuff about my old school in Ireland, which I thought was great stuff, but a reader in Witless Bay might not want to read 70 pages about a school over in Ireland,” said Boyle. “We wanted to make it interesting, and we wanted to make it flow, which is where Randy came in.”

It was also important, said Boyle, that people got a laugh out of his stories.

“The whole thing would be worthless unless people found it funny,” he said.

A labor of love, On New Turf was self-published so the duo would have greater control over publication dates and details, and the official launch was held at the Ferryland Legion in June.

Boyle said he felt humbled seeing the book in print for the first time, and thankful for those who have lent a hand along the way.

He added the memoir is less about himself and more about the time and place in which he lived, and it will especially resonate with those who have left home to work elsewhere.

The cover is a portrait of Boyle painted by famed artist Gerry Squires many years ago. Boyle had invited Squires into his classroom at Baltimore to discuss art with the students. Unbeknownst to Boyle, Squires had been painting a portrait of him while conversing with the students.

As to the title, Boyle’s father was a turf farmer, and Boyle brought with him to the ‘new turf’ a piece of old turf from his homeland.

The duo is working on getting the book into Coles Bookstore, and it can currently be purchased on Amazon and at a number of local stores, such as Elaine’s Book Store, The Tickle Trunk, Irish Loop Café, and The Colony of Avalon Gift Shop.

The duo will hold a number of readings throughout the summer months.

‘At your service, sir’

Some of the cast from At Your Service include, from left: Terri Swain as Mrs. Ryan, Erin Elliott as Frances, Kyle Saunders as Mr. Tobin, and Randy Crane as Mr. Ryan. The dinner theatre comedy is playing Thursdays and Fridays at the Southern Shore Folk Arts Building in Ferryland.

By Craig Westcott

It’s the 25th season for the Southern Shore Dinner Theatre in Ferryland and the troupe is back with a combination of new faces and seasoned experience to generate the laughs.

It would actually be the 26th season for the popular playhouse of homespun humour if Covid hadn’t stolen a season.

This year’s play is At Your Service, written by Ferryland’s Annette Mooney.

“It’s proved to be a very successful play,” said Southern Shore Folk Arts executive director Keith Mooney. “And we have a good cast. It’s a good production, I must say.”

The story focuses on the relationship between boarding house matron Mrs. Ryan and Francis, a young maid from Onion Cove, whom she takes “in service,” as the employment of young women in Newfoundland used to be called years ago. The setting is the 1940s – 50s when many young women and girls from the outports took jobs with families, boarding houses and businesses in larger centres.

“Mrs. Ryan is trying to raise the level with her guests and then she hires Francis and Francis is a bit rough around the edges,” said Mooney. “And that makes for the humour.”

The cast of guests and other characters, such as the local Bishop, also serve to spice up the plot.

“Some of the stuff Francis gets on with is funny,” said Mooney. “Francis is a young girl and Mrs. Ryan wants to improve her table skills and how to greet guests, so she hires a teacher to give her some instruction.”

It’s the first time the troupe has performed the play since 2011. 

“People our age relate to the era when life was different and simpler,” said Mooney. 

Francis is played by Erin Elliott, a recent graduate of Memorial University’s Fine Arts Program in Corner Brook.

Mrs. Ryan is played by Terri Swain of Renews.

“It’s her first time acting,” said Mooney. “She worked with us in the dinner theatre on the floor serving, which a very important part of it too, but this year she wanted to try out for a role.”

Other actors include local dinner theatre veterans Randy Crane, Andy Malone, Matilda Mulcahy, and Kyle Saunders from Glovertown.

“We’ve always had actors from outside the area,” said Mooney. “There’s probably one or so more this year.”

The director is Beth Ryan, who has lots of experience with the troupe having served as assistant director to the late former long-time director and actor Kevin Lewis.

“This is her first time directing,” said Mooney, “but she has the big advantage of having acted in the play herself. She knows what everyone is capable of doing and she knows all the characters, so that’s a big plus.”

The plays run every Thursday and Friday evening during the summer up to Labour Day week, with four matinees scheduled, the next one being July 29. Mooney said the Folk Arts Council is open to staging more matinees for groups interested in visiting Ferryland. Anyone interested in doing that can contact Mooney at the Ferryland Folk Arts Council at 432-2052.

O’Brien votes against snow clearing contract extension

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week voted to extend the Town’s current snow clearing contract with O’Brien’s Trucking at the previously agreed upon hourly rate.

Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien, however, was not in favour of the move.

“It seems like there’s a limited number of bidders,” said O’Brien. “I just think we probably need to market our contracts a little further maybe. Some of these rates are increasing every, but again, there’s always the opportunity to keep it competitive.”

When put to a vote, both councillors Ethan Williams and Corey Ronayne voted in favour of extending the contract for another year, while O’Brien voted against it. With Mayor Keith O’Driscoll and councillor Jason Sullivan both absent from the meeting, the motion was approved.

Council awarded the initial contract to O’Briens at cost of $281,725, plus HST. That cost was based on the average amount of snow clearing needed over the last couple of years.

In 2023 council opted to award the snow clearing contract to Southeast Construction in a lump sum of $329,900 plus HST rather than pay an hourly rate. Council decided to go back to the hourly rate model citing the high costs of the lump sum contract.