Coventry Irish Society Launches Films to Secure Permanent Self Sustaining Irish Heritage Centre
October 13, 2025
Coventry Irish Society is pleased to announce the publication of 2 new promotional films about the Charity’s work with the aim of securing a permanent Irish Heritage Centre.
The two films highlight the current work of the Charity and what the organisation has achieved since the Charity’s inception in 1993, including supporting 500 Irish Survivors through Redress. Included are a variety of interviews acting as a powerful testimony to the vital work that Coventry Irish Society does.
“This isn’t just Charity, it’s an investment in the future. We need a permanent home that allows us to generate our own income and become fully independent and sustainable for decades to come”. - Rory Ryan, Coventry Irish Society Chair
Find out more about Coventry Irish Society's Survivors Project below.
Produced by University of Warwick’s Charlie Byfield.
With special thanks to Helen Wheatley for setting the film project in motion as part of Warwick Institute of Engagement’s community outreach work.
Coventry Irish Society are delighted to host guest speaker, Dr Ian Malcolm, Irish language teacher, broadcaster, journalist, & political commentator, for an engaging talk on the Irish language as a shared cultural treasure open to everyone of all backgrounds. Delivered in English, this talk will highlight the rich history and beauty of the Irish language, with reflections on its long presence across these islands and its place in today’s society. Advance booking only. To book your free place please email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk
Linda Ervine was born into a working-class Protestant family in east Belfast. She is the manager of the first Irish language centre to be based in a loyalist area. When she began learning Irish in 2011, no one would have conceived of the idea of an Irish language centre in the heart of east Belfast but despite the many difficulties, Turas is now one of the largest providers of Irish language classes in Belfast. She is the founder of Scoil na Seolta, the first Integrated school to teach through the medium of Irish. In 2021 she was honoured to receive the MBE for her work promoting the Irish language. In 2023 she was given an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University and in 2025 she was made a member of the Royal Irish Academy as well as an honorary degree from Trinity College in June that year and an honorary degree from the Open University in October 2025. In March 2026, she was appointed to the Irish Council of State by President Catherine Connolly. About the event: Thursday 11 June | 1pm-1.45pm. This is a FREE online webinar. To book, please email us: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk with names and contact emails of all attendees. Registration closes 04 June 2026. The online link will be emailed to attendees prior to the event. With support from: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Reconciliation Fund.
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 in Coventry with events, live performances, plenty of craic and lots to discover!
