MR IRELAND IN ARGENTINA

There is something here for everyone to see whether it be, John Scanlan ?s early life in Europe, the foundation of Cardinal Newman, the birth of St Brendan ?s College or his decisive role during the Malvinas War. Those who had the chance to know John Scanlan as pupils, countrymen, friends, or colleagues will probably agree that he was a man of countless parts. He was a self-taught piano and organ player and soon after his arrival in Buenos Aires, he became a member of the Argentine Society of Composers. He had been presenting a radio programme since 1962 “Irlanda, La Isla Esmeralda” which went out on the non-commercial State service, Radio Nacional; and its content geared mainly to promoting Ireland ?s cultural tradition among the local Irish descendants, who had missed for decades their liaison with Ireland. He devoted his life to education, to his family and to keeping the Irish flag flying. However, what makes him so unique is his inspiring life. As his pupil, I must admit that having a really positive, encouraging teacher can make a huge difference to your learning experience and love for a subject, like History. He had been, undoubtedly, an example of an entrepreneur, a loving father, and the leader of the Irish connection in Argentina, which lived and thrived due to his remarkably wide-ranging activities since his landing in Buenos Aires in 1948. John J Scanlan was a real heavyweight in the local Irish Community in the 20th Century.