With the passing of Brendan Farrell, we have lost a champion of the Coventry Irish community.
Throughout the many decades of his association with the Irish in Coventry he was constantly present at our festivals, cultural and social events. With his friendly, affable, and pleasant manner, his vision and practiced approach, he influenced every function he attended.
Brendan’s portrayal of the Irish community through his numerous articles and photographs in the Irish Post gave us a graphic account of the beautiful art form of Irish dancing, sports, and culture to an ever increasing audience. Including promoting Irish traditional music and song fostered by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri.
Through Brendan’s influence, Coventry Irish Festival Weeks became centre stage in Coventry.
On one of our festivals, we featured the Great Hunger as our main theme. Brendan Mac Lua attended as the guest speaker at the Herbert Art Gallery. The attendance of Brendan Farrell at our St. Patrick’s Day Parades was always assured, and of course Coventry City Council also benefited from the subsequent publicity.
During the long bleak years of the ‘Troubles’ Brendan’s articles about the beauty of our homeland was light relief to the Irish in Britain. His unique ability to portray Irish life in an apparent uncontroversial manner, contributed to the peaceful relations with the indigenous population. Conversely, articles continued to be published in the Irish Post on the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four and other individual or group injustices that needed redress.
Following the report of the ‘Irish in Coventry’ we set up the ‘Coventry Irish Society’ to ensure and encourage the take up of services and improve the general well-being of the Irish. Brendan was one of the very few public figures, who recognised that there was an issue to be addressed.
With the ever increasing confidence of the Irish Diaspora the British and Irish governments felt obliged to recognise Irish ethnicity as well as the need for the Irish community’s activities. Gradually it has become fashionable to recognise one’s roots and Irish forebears.
Brendan, through his life’s work, in no small way has contributed to the transition from “No Irish need apply” to the universal wish to be Irish. Brendan’s legacy will leave behind a confident, ebullient, and competent Irish community. In this sense, and as a ‘True son of Erin’ Brendan’s presence continues with us.
David Cairns, Honorary President
Coventry Irish Society
