The Story of Rebel's Rock

Cead Mile Failte! Failte chuig "Rebel's Rock Irish Pub", a chara!

The story behind "Rebel's Rock Irish Pub" is very personal to me. There are several meanings to the name of this living room that I present to you. You may choose which to associate to yours.

"Rebel's Rock Irish Pub"is derived from several things that are about me. Rebel is a term of endearment in Ireland; a person who helps people, the oppressed, the poor, the young and the old, helps with all his heart, helps with a passion. As a child and an adult, I have been given several nicknames from various people from my father to my colleagues on the police force; such nicknames have been Katie, Beast, Rebel, and The Q, just to name a few.

I refuse to have a Public House named directly after me, I also refused it to be called Beasts for obvious reasons, and The Q just would not do... so Rebel's fit perfectly for so many reasons.

The Rock signifies many things about me and about the city of Hamilton; the rock is from which everything grows up from, it is the solid foundation for new beginnings, and it is strong and keeps coming back. The creation of this Public House is for me a new beginning, a new part of my life. The rock also represents Hamilton...the industry comes from the rock, the escarpment is the rock, and the people of Hamilton are solid as the rock. And lastly, Irish Pub is simply what it is... welcome to your living room, this is a place where you feel safe and comfortable; where you find hearty Irish fare, traditional music, football, darts and euchre, good company, and even better craic.

"Rebel's Rock Irish Pub" also has some hidden meanings that are dear to me. This is an Irish pub for all people regardless of their race, religion, or politics. However, as a quiet tribute to my beliefs I have incorporated them in the name of the pub.

"Rebel's Rock" is an actual place in Ireland; it was the secret meeting place for James Connolly, Padraig Pearse, Michael Collins, Eamonn Ceannt, Sean McDermott, Eamonn de Valera and the like, then thought to be criminals and now recognized as heroes and patriots.

"Rebel's Rock Irish Pub" lastly symbolizes my wish for these great men and women... may those that have fought and died for their people and their nation, fought against oppression and tyranny, may they all rest in peace.

Go raibh maith agat, Dia dhuit. (Thank you very much, God be with you)

- Kate Chapman (nee Quirin)