Canada has long held a fascination for Irish people.

Many in that vast country, from Newfoundland to British Columbia and across the Great Plains, can lay claim to strong Irish ancestry and Canada continues to be home to a major Irish diaspora.

The great Gaelic writer from Donegal, Micí Mac Gabhann, captured the essence of his generation in former decades with books like That Hard Road to Klondike (1962). The man with the wandering spirit is also fondly remembered for Rotha Mór an tSaoil (The Big Wheel of Life).

Perhaps the man who best captured the spirit of the Yukon and the silence and beauty of that vast northern territory was an English man, Robert Service. His poems were majestic and still resonate in the hearts of millions. The Cremation of Sam Magee, Dangerous Dan McGrew, The Men Who Don’t Fit It, and The Spell of The Yukon, reflect a beautiful mind that speaks to the ages.

Foster and Allen are well aware of the cherished relationship between the two countries. On 13 September, they commence a 10-date tour of theatres in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. For the seasoned veterans from Westmeath, it is almost like going home.

“We absolutely love playing in those places. This will be our 10th or 11th tour to this region of Canada where we have the most loyal audiences you could hope for. So many have an amazing bond with Ireland,” says Tony Allen.

And so they should. To this day, descendants of Irish emigrants, mainly from Waterford, Wexford and south Kilkenny, who settled in Newfoundland over 200 years ago, still retain strong traces of the accents of the south east of Ireland. The names and folklore are now embedded in the culture of Newfoundland.

Many believe the song When I Mowed Pat Murphy’s Meadow, popularised here in Ireland by PJ Murrihy from Clare, is an Irish song. In fact, it is a Newfoundland song, all about a farm near Bonavista Bay.

Nearby, Prince Edward Island became home to many from Co Monaghan. Today, Monaghan names are very common there and it comes as no surprise that Monaghan is twinned with Prince Edward Island.

“Our travels have taken us to many parts of the world but we always have that sense of homecoming when we play in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It is an amazing feeling and the audiences love our music and songs, often joining in and singing along.

“People like the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem had a great following in those places. The Irish Rovers were huge all over Canada. They once did a famous guest spot on The Virginian along with James Drury, the most popular television western ever.

“Ryan’s Fancy had a huge following in Canada over the years too. To this day, there are still a fair few Irish musicians and singers based here and that goes back to the showband days when people like Sean Fagan and The Pacific and so many others came over on regular tours.

“We are so looking forwarding to going back there and meeting friends we have known over many years.”

Mick and Tony will be joined by band members, Moyra Frazer, a wonderful entertainer and singer of Scottish and bluegrass songs, as well as Ollie Kennedy and Brian O’Donnell.

Foster and Allen will perform a show in the Opera House, Belfast, on 24 October, prior to commencing a major UK tour at the end of October and through November. They will also play an 11-date Irish Christmas tour. A new double album, Celebration, marking their 40 years together, and featuring their version of Courting In The Kitchen, along with The Chieftains, will be released in November. Busy times certainly lie ahead for the Westmeath legends.