Support for Irish communities in Coventry and surrounding areas

Our organisation has gradually evolved to provide a wide range of health and welfare services, as well as a variety of cultural and heritage projects, including the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival.

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Set up in 1993, the Coventry Irish Society provides a range of services to all generations of the Irish

community in Coventry and the surrounding areas.


We have a long tradition of helping the most vulnerable members of the Irish Community in Coventry,

and our aim is to provide a culturally sensitive service that gets the necessary help, support

and advice to as many Irish people as possible.

We supported 1,500+ people in 2021-22

1,088

People availed of our day to day advice and support services

86

People received in depth caseworker support involving complex cases

54

People have attended a weekly Befriending Support Group

110

Irish elders attended bi-monthly Lunch Clubs for friendship and support

54

Irish Survivors attended quarterly Lunch Clubs for friendship and support

200

People had attended the Coventry Irish Society St Patrick’s Day event

Some of our core services

Health Project

Our Health workers arrange a number of basic health outreach surgeries in Coventry to reach those people less likely to go to their GP's.

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Irish Survivors

This is a new full time specialist advice information and support service for Irish survivors, including those survivors that were residents in the controversial Irish Mother and Baby Home Institutions.

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Welfare Advice & Support

At Coventry Irish Society we offer a reliable, friendly, supportive service to all of our clients. Our experienced welfare advisor offers confidential advice and information on many different welfare issues.

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Passports & Citizenship

The service supports first generation Irish people who were born in Ireland, second generation with one or both parents born in Ireland, and third generation who have grandparents who were born in Ireland.

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Join our volunteer community

Coventry Irish Society, like many charities, relies on the invaluable input of volunteers in delivering our work programmes. But we also seek to ensure that their experience is both fulfilling and rewarding.

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“The Coventry Irish Society supports the most vulnerable members of the Irish community in Coventry, and we also act as a ‘gateway’ to help them to access other community-based and mainstream services.”

The latest Society news

28 Mar, 2024
Coventry Irish Society is hiring for the role of Office Administrator. This is a temporary contract that may become permanent subject to funding. Role overview: Salary: £10,000 - 18 hours per-week Location: Coventry City Centre Established in 1993, Coventry Irish Society (CIS) is a Charity providing a wide range of community health and support services to the Irish community in Coventry.  The Coventry Irish Society requires an administrator to deal with a wide range of admin duties including a bookkeeping function, general office management, and using Microsoft Access and excel packages. A variety of administrative tasks with regard to supporting Irish clients with Passport enquiries and Passport applications is included in the duties of the post. Training and development can be offered to the right candidate. Please email your CV and reasons for application to simon.mccarthy@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone Simon 02476256629 for further information. We are obliged to ask all successful applicants to complete a CRB Disclosure form
28 Mar, 2024
Coventry Irish Society is delighted to be working with SOS again for a mental health support event on the 19th April SOS's mission is to openly address the “elephant in the room” and combat the pervasive shame, stigma, and silence surrounding mental health and suicide. Through our efforts, we strive to create an environment of understanding, compassion, and support, where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles and seek help. By raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a community dedicated to suicide prevention, we aim to save lives and promote mental well-being for all. Together, let’s break the silence and build a world where no one has to face their struggles alone.
28 Mar, 2024
Coventry Irish Society is delighted to announce their new Irish language school named in tribute to the late Margaret Keane. The Keane family, from Coventry won their appeal in 2021, to have their mother's gravestone marked with an Irish inscription "In ár gcroíthe go deo" ("In our hearts forever"), reflecting Margaret’s Irish heritage. It was also to include a Celtic cross and a GAA logo, given her involvement with Gaelic games in Coventry. The family battled for almost three years to win a landmark appeal to have Margaret Keane's final resting place marked with Irish words. One of Margarets’ daughters, Bez Martin said “As a family it is such a privilege that Coventry Irish Society have named their Language School after mum. The fight we endured to express our final message to mum on her headstone in Irish should never have happened, and as we fought to challenge that discrimination we were joined by supporters across Coventry and beyond. This tribute to mum will be a lasting legacy for all the right reasons, thank you to Coventry Irish Society and we hope that many people reap the rewards that learning Irish can bring, connecting with their heritage, or simply celebrating the joy of the Irish language and sharing it with others” Margaret Keane who sadly passed away, aged 73, in July 2018 Beginners classes of the ‘Margaret Keane Irish Language School’ are starting on Thursday 18th April 5pm, 2nd Floor Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, CV1 2FJ. It is an 8 week course costing £40. The new course is in addition to an intermediate class that runs every Thursday 6.30pm-8pm. Please contact Coventry Irish Society on 02476256629 or email cis@covirishsoc.org.uk for further information.
07 Mar, 2024
Former Taoiseach John Bruton, whose recent passing marked the end of an era, was a political tycoon whose contributions left a significant mark on Irish history. As the world reflects on his life and legacy, lets delve into the dimensions of Bruton's leadership that spanned the critical mid-1990s—a period that proved fundamental to the ensuing peace process in Northern Ireland. One of Bruton's seminal achievements was the launch of the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995, a document that played a pivotal role in setting the stage for peace negotiations. At a time when the political landscape was fraught with challenges, Bruton's ability to prioritise unity over political self-interest drew commendation, notably from former UK Prime Minister John Major. In an era where such qualities seem increasingly scarce, Bruton's commitment to collaborative statesmanship shines as a beacon of principled leadership. However, Bruton's legacy extends far beyond the peace process. His leadership was characterised by a forward-looking approach, evident in his steering through a referendum that resulted in the legalization of divorce in Ireland. Moreover, his oversight during the Celtic Tiger economic boom showcased a commitment to not only social reform but also economic progress. The 1996 Drumcree crisis stands out as a poignant moment in Bruton's tenure, where tensions escalated between Protestant marchers and Catholic residents. A tense phone conversation with Prime Minister John Major exemplified Bruton's dedication to addressing contentious issues during this critical period. His nuanced approach to delicate matters underscored a commitment to finding common ground amid adversity. Bruton's condemnation of IRA violence, while facing accusations of excessive sympathy towards Northern Ireland unionists, highlighted the complexity of his political stance. His disapproval of the 1916 Easter Rising and simultaneous admiration for reformist figures like Sean Lemass illustrated a nuanced approach to Irish politics, a position not too common amongst the tumultuous landscape. Political observers also commend Bruton for his adeptness in coalition politics. Holding together the rainbow coalition of Fine Gael, Labour, and the Democratic Left showcased his political skill and commitment to reaching across the aisle. His subsequent role as the EU ambassador to the USA solidified his reputation as a committed European, emphasising the importance of international cooperation. As the news of Bruton's death coincides with a resurgence of political activity in Northern Ireland, it serves as a poignant moment for reflection on the progress achieved and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace. The renewed vigour in the Assembly can be seen as a continuation of the legacy of stability and cooperation that Bruton worked tirelessly to establish. In the midst of the scandals that marked Irish politics during his era, Bruton distinguished himself as somewhat of a gentleman. Despite the ups and downs of his career, his political philosophy of "do the right thing but do something, keep moving forward" as quoted by fellow former Taoiseach Enda Kenny resonates as a testament to his unwavering commitment to positive change. In honouring John Bruton's legacy, Ireland acknowledges a leader who played a vital role in shaping a more inclusive, stable, and forward-looking political landscape. His impact on the peace process and commitment to doing what is right continuing to inspire those working towards a harmonious and prosperous future for Ireland. The pages of history will forever bear the imprint of John Bruton—a statesman, peacemaker, and visionary leader. Article by Kate O'Mahony.
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