David Cairns tribute to Brendan Farrell
February 11, 2023

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

In Her Footsteps - Community Collage | Call for Submissions!

May 25, 2025
In honour of Mo Mowlam, we are creating a collage called In Her Footsteps . This collage of pictures of ordinary, everyday women in our community will pay tribute to the unsung heroes, past and present, who have shaped our values and made the world we live in a better place, such as our nurses, Irish mammies, nannies, and any woman who we find inspirational. The collage will be on display at the Coventry Irish Society and will be unveiled at the Equal-i-tea on 19 August 2025 . If you would like to contribute to the collage, then please could you send us a photograph together with the name of your nominated person and a short sentence or two on who they are and why they inspire you. This will be quite a big project and therefore we will not be able to return photographs. We would also ask that written consent is obtained from any living person to be featured in the collage. Contributions can be handed to a member of staff in the office or emailed to: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk up and until 23 July 2025.

Celebrating Mo Mowlam | Equal-i-tea

May 25, 2025
Mo Mowlam was a real changemaker; her courage and humanity played a vital role in bringing about The Good Friday Agreement / Belfast Agreement. Mo was an extraordinary, inspirational woman, and we’re very proud of her Coventry roots. We invite you to join us at our cross-community Equal-i-tea on Tuesday 19 August 2025 to celebrate Mo’s life and values on the 20th anniversary of her passing. Join us for a cross-community afternoon tea & an opportunity to learn more about Mo and her values as a peace builder. We will also unveil our community collage; In Her Footsteps – A tribute to the everyday women in our community who have shaped our values and made the world a better place. Time: 12.00 – 3.00 pm Venue: The Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ Admission: £10 per person (which covers entry and an afternoon tea with sandwiches and cake). Advanced booking is essential for this ticket-only event. Tickets can be obtained by seeing a member of staff in the office, or by emailing: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or by telephoning us on 024 7625 6629.

We are Hiring - Early Stage Memory Loss Support Worker

May 25, 2025
We are hiring for an Early Stage Memory Loss Support Worker This post contract is initially for 1 year - role extension TBC additional funding. Salary: £10,000 P.A (£25,000 pro rata), 15 hours per week. Role pattern is 10am-4pm, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (excluding lunch). About us: 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 Early Stage Memory Loss Support Worker to facilitate a 1 half day per week Memory Loss Support Group and a half-day per week Walking Group for the local Irish Community. The role includes working with Carers and increasing mental health awareness to support the local Irish Community. The charity predominantly supports Irish Elders, but also supports Second and Third generation Irish, Irish Survivors and Irish Travellers. To apply for this role, please email your CV with cover letter detailing your experience and skills in line with role requirements and any additional information you think may be relevant. Download and view full job role description below.
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