Coventry Irish Updates

Coventry Irish Society's St. Patrick's Day 2026 Guide

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:53:09 GMT

Discover our guide to St. Patrick's Day events this year!

Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 in Coventry with events, live performances, plenty of craic and lots to discover!

St. Patrick's Day Lunch Club

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:40:20 GMT

Join us on Tuesday 17 March for our St. Patrick's day Lunch Club!

Join us for a special St. Patrick's day Lunch Club from 12:30pm - 5:00pm at CIS Office, Eaton House | £10 per ticket .

Blessing of the Shamrock Mass - 12pm at St Osburg's Church | Blessings of the Shamrock kindly provided by our twin City, Cork.

Enjoy an Irish Stew and buffet, a special visit from St Patrick, plus live performances with music from Frankie and the McHugh School of Irish Dancers.

Tickets are available at the office. Please contact us on 02476 256629 or get in touch at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or on Facebook.

History and Origins of the Coventry Irish Community with Chris Egan

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:51:46 GMT

Join us for this 40 minute presentation by Chris Egan.

Discover more about the history of the Irish in Coventry with this free talk on 19 March, 2026 .

Doors open at 6:00pm | Event: 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Booking essential - To book, email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or call: 02476256629

Pop-Up Gaeltacht

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:45:42 GMT

Join us for a special St. Patrick's day edition of our Pop-up Gaeltacht!

Come for the Gaeilge - stay for the craic! We're hosting a pop-up Gaeltacht this March in celebration of St. Patrick's day at The Four Provinces, Allesley, Old Road.

Friday 13 March from 6pm - All levels welcome - from fluent to a cúpla focal!

Betty's Friends - Early Memory Loss / Dementia Support Group

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:39:05 GMT

Betty's Friends, an early memory loss and dementia support group - meets every Monday from 12pm-2pm.

Join us for inclusive games, light exercise, crafts, and reminiscence activities. Plus, light refreshments available.

£3 donation per person.

Please get in touch for more information. Call the office on 02476256629 or email siobhan.sexton@covirishsoc.org.uk

Discover our Weekly Wellness Walks

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:32:57 GMT

Join us on our weekly Wellness Walk

Every Wednesday, join Siobhan for a guided Wellness Walk followed by a catch-up at the café.

Meet at 11.25am at the Park & Ride stop at the Main Entrance to Coventry War Memorial Park.

The Wellness Walk consists of a 1hr walk with 2 laps:

- 11.30am - brisk lap

- 12:00pm - slower, steady lap

For more information contact the office. Call us on 02476256629 or email siobhan.sexton@covirishsoc.org.uk

Ceardlann na gCrosóga Bhríde / St Brigid’s Workshop (In Irish & English)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:33:22 GMT

Join us on Wednesday 28 January from 11.00am-12.00pm (followed by a Ciorcal Comhrá).

Discover the art of making a St Brigid’s Day cross at this bilingual workshop (Instructions in Irish first, followed by the English translation. Suitable for all levels, esp. complete beginners).

All welcome, but please book a place in advance by emailing: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk

Cost : £3.00 Members / £4.00 Non-Members (to cover materials & light refreshments).

A Ciorcal Comhrá (an informal Irish language conversation circle) will follow the workshop (12.00 - 1.00 pm) for those who would like to stay on after the St Brigid’s Workshop and speak some Irish (or just hear it spoken) - all levels welcome!

Meet the Poet: Cathy Galvin

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:38:01 GMT

Join poet Cathy Galvin as she invites you to find a space to look again, and more deeply, at the all-too-familiar landscapes of home. Using texts from her own work, focussed on Connemara and Coventry, she will help you consider what lies beneath and within the landscapes we think we know.

Event details :

Wednesday 11 March 2026

Doors Open: 5.00 pm

Event start time: 5.30 pm

Event finish time: 6.30 pm

Admission: Free

About the Writer, Cathy Galvin

Poet, editor and journalist Cathy Galvin has roots in Coventry and Connemara. Her collection, Ethnology, A Love Song for Connemara, is due from Bloodaxe Books in the UK and Ireland in February 2026. Her poetry is widely published and includes the sequences Walking the Coventry Ring Road With Lady Godiva (Guillemot Press), Rough Translation and Black and Blue (The Melos Press). She is founder of the Word Factory and the Sunday Times Short Story Award.

View Ethnology, A Love Song for Connemara here.

You can follow her on Instagram @cathygalvinwords. Word Factory can be found on Substack

How to book:

Ticket only event – please book a place in advance by emailing cis@covirishsoc.org.uk , confirming the full names of all attendees.

Women In Peacebuilding & The Importance of The Good Friday Agreement - In Conversation with Hen Norton

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:31:44 GMT

Join filmmaker and producer Henrietta (Hen) Norton, stepdaughter of the late Mo Mowlam, for this free event.

Join us for this free event on Thursday 29 January 2026 at Coventry Irish Society.

The event is free but advance booking is essential - To book, please email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk and bring your booking

confirmation reply to the event.

Doors open : 6.00 pm

Event discussion : 6.30 – 7.30 pm

Event closure : 8.00 pm

About Hen Norton:

Henrietta Norton is a director, producer and writer whose work explores identity, connection and collective storytelling. Through her production company HOTFEET she develops community centred film projects across documentary, editorial and arts platforms, and is currently developing Mo & Me, a feature documentary about her late stepmother Mo Mowlam, co-produced by Underground Films and Erica Starling. Her work includes The Amber Light, which she produced and which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and Born and Reared, her directorial debut exploring masculinity and identity in contemporary Northern Ireland. Both films reflect her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering understanding through story.

Alongside her film work, Hen collaborates with artists, activists and community groups across the UK and Ireland. She produced The Unsung HERoes, an exhibition celebrating women peacebuilders, and founded Six Strangers, a digital discussion platform that created space for honest, human connection during Covid. Her practice centres on empathy, participation and the power of shared narratives to inspire social and cultural change.

The Coventry Irish Society are proud to host this event with funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Reconciliation Fund.

Beginners’ Irish Language (10 Week Course) Spring 2026

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:21:12 GMT

Beginners’ Irish Language Spring Course 2026 with Dr Ian Malcolm

Professional Irish language teacher and acclaimed Journalist, Dr Ian Malcolm, will deliver a bespoke online course in Beginners’ Irish.

This course will consist of 10x classes and will take place entirely over Zoom on Saturday mornings, with Dr Ian Malcolm.

Course details:

Saturday 7 March 2026 - Saturday 9 May 2026 with 10x classes on Saturday mornings, delivered via Zoom from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm (including a 20 minute break).

The fee for this course is £140.

Course materials:

The class will use the textbook, Irish For Beginners (which is in the link below). This book costs in the region of £7.00 - £10.00 and it is strongly recommended that students purchase their own copies in advance of the course.

You can find details of the course textbook here.

Registration closes 25 February 2026 (or when course capacity is reached). Early booking is strongly recommended.

The registration form for this course can be downloaded below. Please contact us at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk to return your booking form and complete course fee payment.

Coventry Irish Society Launches Films to Secure Permanent Self Sustaining Irish Heritage Centre

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:11:32 GMT

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.

Stephen Travers Presents The Miami Showband Massacre Story

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:37:27 GMT

Join us for a powerful and moving evening with Stephen Travers , bassist with the Miami Showband , as he shares his personal journey of survival, loss, and campaign for truth following the 1975 Miami Showband massacre – one of the darkest chapters of The Troubles.

This unique event, hosted by Coventry Irish Society and supported by the Irish Government's Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund , explores themes of peacebuilding, resilience, and fight for truth and justice. More information on Stephen and his new book can be found here.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a voice of history and courage.

Admission is free, but places are limited – booking is required.

To reserve your ticket, please book an advanced ticket through Eventbrite below.

Wednesday 15 October 2025. Doors open: 6.00 PM | Event: 6.30–8.00 PM

�� Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ

Beginners’ Irish Language (5 Week Course) Autumn 2025

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:23:02 GMT

Beginners’ Irish Language Autumn Course 2025 with Dr Ian Malcolm

Professional Irish language teacher and acclaimed Journalist, Dr Ian Malcolm, will deliver a bespoke online course in Beginners’ Irish.

This course will consist of 5x classes and will take place entirely over Zoom on Saturday mornings, with Dr Ian Malcolm.

Course details:

Saturday 4 October 2025 - Saturday 1 November 2025 with 5x classes on Saturday mornings, delivered via Zoom from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm (including a 20 minute break).

The fee for this course is £70.

Course materials:

You can find details of the course textbook here.

Please contact us at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629 to obtain a booking form.

Registration closes 30 September 2025 (or when course capacity is reached). Early booking is strongly recommended.

Post Beginners’ Irish Language (12 Week Course) Autumn 2025 with Nollaig Doughan

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:12:25 GMT

Ag Tosnú 18ú Mean Fómhair @ 6:00 i.n. - 07:30 i.n. agus ag leanúint ar aghaidh gach Déardaoin go dtí am Nollag.

Course commences on Thursday 18 September 2025.

12 x classes every Thursday evening. Classes will be classroom based, in-person (except for the occasional class on Zoom when circumstances make it difficult for the class to meet in-person, such as adverse weather)

Please note that due to other events, there will not be a classroom based in-person class on Thursday 16 th and 23 rd October 2025. The teacher will discuss alternative arrangements during the course with students (which may include taking a break, changing to another evening, or proceeding on Zoom) and will take on board student preferences.

Post Beginners

Oiriúnacht (Suitability)

Anybody who has completed a comprehensive Beginners’ Course (of around six months) or anybody with a previous knowledge (e.g. having learned Irish at school) and who is returning after a break.

Fáinne Airgid

The group will prepare for this, with the option to do the exam late Spring / early Summer 2026. For those students who do not wish to do the exam, they will still benefit greatly from the preparation work. We will integrate the prep work into the normal classes for everybody, with a greater emphasis on the Fáinne Airgid during the Spring course

commencing in 2026. The teacher will discuss and explain this in more detail to the class in September 2025.

Leabhair (Books)

Must Have - Irish for Beginners (Usborne) agus Briathra na Gaeilge - Regular and Irregular Verbs (Folens)

Nice to Have - Buntús Cainte Part 1.

Registering for this course:

Please see a member of staff in the office, or contact by email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024

7625 6629 to complete registration.

Registration closes 11 September 2025.

Total Course Fee £80 per student for members of the Coventry Irish Society / £85 per student for non-members.

The course fee is for a course consisting of 12x classes and is payable in advance to the Coventry Irish Society by 11 December 2025.

Entry on to the course is only permitted once payment has been made in full. If there are any difficulties with paying the full fee in advance, then please discuss with a member of staff before registration closes on 11 September.

The course fee is non-refundable.

Ciorcal Comhrá | Conversation Circle

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:34:50 GMT

Calling all advanced Irish speakers!

We are delighted to announce our new Ciorcal Comhrá (conversation circle) for advanced Irish speakers.

Join us on the first Wednesday of the month from 11am-12noon for a relaxed and informal conversation circle - an opportunity for conversation and craic with fellow Gaeilgeoirs.

Saor in aisce | Free and drop-in. No booking required!

Upcoming sessions:

First Wednesday of the month

11.00 am – 12.00 noon

Dé Céadaoin 3 Meán Fómhair

Wednesday 3 September 2025

Dé Céadaoin 8 Deireadh

Fómhair Wednesday 8 October 2025

Dé Céadaoin 5 Samhain

Wednesday 5 November 2025

Dé Céadaoin 3 Nollaig

Wednesday 3 December 2025

Áit - The Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ

Any questions, please contact:

cis@covirishsoc.org.uk

Coventry Irish Society's Annual Ball is back for 2025!

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:56:17 GMT

Our annual ball is back for 2025!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Annual Ball 2025 will be held on Saturday 27 September at Christ The King Parish Centre

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, music, & dancing

Tickets priced at £30. To book your place, please call in to our office at Eaton House, or telephone us on 024 7625 6629

In Her Footsteps - Community Collage | Call for Submissions!

Sun, 25 May 2025 14:53:49 GMT

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

Sun, 25 May 2025 14:05:15 GMT

“People working together can overcome many obstacles and by doing so can make the world a better place” - Mo Mowlam

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.

Dementia Awareness Training with Dr Mary Tilki

Sun, 25 May 2025 11:35:50 GMT

Join us for free dementia awareness training, delivered by the brilliant Dr Mary Tilki. To reserve your free place, please email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or call the CIS office on 024 7625 6629.

Upcoming dates:

Thursday 5 June & Wednesday 11 June (11.00 am – 3.30 pm)

Ó Ghlúin Go Glúin | An evening to celebrate the stories of Irish women

Sun, 25 May 2025 11:04:33 GMT

Ó Ghlúin go Glúin | An evening to celebrate the stories of Irish women

In 2025, Úna Gan A Gúna is delivering a one year project called ‘Ó Ghlúin Go Glúin’! Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Programme , this project connects young women to their Irish elders to record and preserve their stories as oral history interviews.

Join us at Coventry Irish Society on Monday 2 June to hear and recognise the stories of Irish women born in the twentieth century. Listening to snippets from the interviews and hearing from some of the volunteer interviewers, anyone with an interest in Irish, feminist, or oral history is encouraged to attend.

Entry is free, no booking necessary.

Monday 2 June 2025, 6.30-8.00pm.

Event | A pictorial workshop: Gerry Molumby on the stained glass windows of Harry Clarke.

Sun, 25 May 2025 10:26:34 GMT

A pictorial workshop by Irish Post columnist Gerry Molumby on the stained glass windows of Ireland’s renowned artist, Harry Clarke.

Date : Tuesday 8 July 2025

Time : 2.00 – 3.00 pm

Venue : CIS, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ

Tickets : £5 each -Please see a member of staff or email cis@covirishsoc.org.uk .

Advance booking is not essential, but strongly recommended.

Coventry Irish Society Open Day 2025

Wed, 07 May 2025 18:23:47 GMT

Meet our team and find out more about our services at this free community networking event.

Meet new people, connect with other individuals and organisations in the community, or host your own exhibition stand!

Join us on Wednesday 4 June 2025 from 3.00 – 6.00 pm.

This is a drop-in event; feel free to stay for three hours or just pop-in for ten minutes any time between 3.00 – 6.00 pm.

Location: Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ

Entry: All welcome! - No admission fee

If you are interested, please book a free stand in advance by emailing caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk or by speaking to a member of staff in the office. For anyone wishing to have an exhibition stand, please arrive by 2.30 pm to set-up.

Help support Philomena's Law - Contact your local MP today with our free template

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 11:48:04 GMT

Help support former residents of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes now living in Britain.

There are over 13,000 survivors of Ireland’s mother & baby homes living in Britain. “Philomena’s Law” seeks to remove a barrier to many survivors seeking the redress that they are entitled to by protecting redress scheme payments from being calculated within means-tested benefits & social care arrangements.

Our Midlands Irish Survivors Service supports former residents of institutional abuse in Ireland. As part of this work, we are involved with Philomena’s Law, which will hopefully be passed in the coming months. Many of you may be familiar with Philomena Lee, who this law is named after. The story of Philomena’s search for her son Anthony (who she gave birth to in a Mother and Baby Home in County Tipperary) was the basis of the Oscar-nominated film Philomena, which stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Labour MP Liam Conlon has introduced this draft legislation in the House of Commons in an effort to get a fairer deal for Survivors of institutions. The current redress scheme for Survivors enables former residents to receive financial compensation from the Irish government for the time they spent in Mother and Baby Homes. As it stands, any Survivor who is receiving means-tested benefits when they receive a compensation payment from the scheme is in danger of losing these benefits. This has a huge impact on Survivors who are yet again being denied the justice and kindness they deserve. If this legislation is passed, it will stop these benefits from being affected, and some cases, ceased altogether.

Getting this law passed would change the lives of so many. As a charity, we are aware of many Survivors who have prolonged accepting the redress payment, or who have simply felt unable to accept it at all due to a fear of being penalised for using these funds.

We have been working with Liam Conlon, and with other organisations supporting Survivors to try to raise awareness and to promote support for this law, so that it has the best possible chance of being implemented. The most effective and important way to support this law is to write to your local MP and ask them to publicly back Philomena’s Law. We would urge you to use the below email addresses to contact your local MP in Coventry:

Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South: zarah.sultana.mp@parliament.uk

Mary Creagh, Labour MP for Coventry East: mary@marycreagh.co.uk

Taiwo Owatemi, Labour MP for Coventry North West: taiwo.owatemi.mp@parliament.uk

To get the best chance of your MP seeing your email, you should add ‘Constitutent Request’ in the subject of this email. We hope you will lend us the support we need to get justice for Irish Survivors. If you have any questions, do get in touch with Manisha O’Malley (Survivors Co-ordinator) at

manisha.omalley@covirishsoc.org.uk or call us on 02476256629.

You can follow the link below to download a free letter template, which you can send to your local MP in support of Philomena's Law.

We are Hiring - Mental Health Support Worker

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:28:21 GMT

Mental Health Support Worker (Post is for a one year contract - further funding might be available after one year subject to additional grant aid).

Salary: £10,000 per year – 15 hours per-week 10-4pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (excluding lunch).

Location:

Eaton House, 1, Eaton Road Near 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 a Mental Health Support Worker to set up,

organise and run a half day per-week Dementia 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 older Irish but also supports Second and

Third Generation Irish, Irish Survivors and Irish Travellers.

Please email your up to date CV with a cover letter clearly detailing your relevant experience in line with requirements of the role. A CV without an accompanying cover letter will not be accepted. simon.mccarthy@covirishsoc.org.uk or email Simon for further information.

Actively interviewing. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We are obliged to ask all successful applicants to complete a DBS Disclosure form

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day 2025!

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:24:30 GMT

Coventry Irish Society had a fabulous time celebrating St. Patrick's Day 2025 with members and supporters. From our Lunch Club to celebrating at Christ the King Parish Church and All Souls Primary School. View images from this year's celebrations below.

Coventry Irish Society Celebrates St. Patrick's Day 2025 at Christ the King Parish Church

Coventry Irish Society Celebrates St. Patrick's Day 2025 at All Souls Primary School

Coventry Irish Society St. Patrick's Day Lunch Club 2025

Coventry Irish Society - 2025 St. Patrick's Day Programme

covirishsoc-website@outlook.com (Simon McCarthy) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:16:17 GMT

Join the Irish in Coventry for a packed programme of events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a week of live music, performances, Lunch Clubs and more across the city.

Events with Coventry Irish society include:

Irish Language Day | Saturday 8 March

St. Patrick's Coffee Morning | Friday 14 March

St. Patrick's Family Day | Sunday 16 March

Lunch Club | Monday 17 March

PLUS...many more! Click below to see the full programme of events across the city.

Lá Mór na Gaeilge - Irish Language Day 2025

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:55:12 GMT

Join us for Irish Language Day 2025 on Saturday 8 March!

The Coventry Irish Society are delighted to open registration for this year’s Lá na Gaeilge / Irish Language Day which will take place on Saturday 8 March 2025, for all levels, as part of the Coventry Irish Society’s St Patrick’s Festival and Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 (Irish language week).

1. Taster Irish Language Class

Áit / Location: Ground Floor, Quaker Meeting House, Hill

Street, Coventry CV1 4AN

Arrival: 9.15 – 9.25 am

Session ends approximately 11.10 am to allow a short break before the next activity. The group are welcome to stay together, on location, during the break.

Múinteoir / Teacher: Nollaig Doughan

The session will be suitable for all levels and will include various activities, including the opportunity to learn the Irish National Anthem, as Gaeilge (which might come in handy for the rugby later!).

2. Síulóid / Bilingual Walking Tour of Coventry

12.00: A fascinating síulóid /walking tour around historical city centre sites will be led by Christy Evans and will take

approximately one hour.

Christy writes a column, in Irish, for The Irish World. Christy is a gaeilgeoir and has dedicated his life to teaching and promoting Irish. His notable achievements include being the European Commission Language Ambassador for Irish, Winner of The Pride of Ireland Award 2007, and Founder of Coláiste na nGael. Coláiste na nGael - Wikipedia

Christy has written a short Irish / English guide booklet on Coventry and this will be provided to participants on the day.

The meeting point and end location are TBC, but will be around the Cathedral / Broadgate area of Coventry.

Adults booked on the tour may bring children with them, free of charge (1x child per parent / guardian / carer who is fully

responsible for the child’s supervision and care at all times). Please ensure that a child’s place is booked in advance, at the

same time as purchasing the adult’s ticket. Attendees should wear comfortable footwear and suitable outdoor clothing as this will be an outdoor event. They may also wish to bring a drink / light snack.

3. Free-time or option to join the language group for the Six Nations Rugby (Ireland v France)

Áit / location: The Hearsall Inn, Craven Street, Coventry CV5 8DS

Am / Time: approximately 1.45 pm – 4.15 pm.

This part of the day is not formally organised by the Coventry Irish Society and so we cannot reserve seating (or control the

result!!), but we do hope that Irish speakers will stay together to keep speaking Irish and to sing the Anthem, as Gaeilge!

4. 7.00 pm Pop Up Gaeltacht & Bilingual Quiz

Áit / Location: The Hearsall Inn, Craven Street, Coventry CV5

8DS

Am / Time: 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Over 18s only

Tickets

Adult Full Day Ticket £10 members / £12 non-members. This includes the Taster Session, Walking Tour & Evening Quiz.

Adult Half Day Ticket £6 members / £8 non-members. This includes the Walking Tour & Evening Quiz.

This will be a popular day and advance booking is essential. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tickets do not include food / drink. Admission to watch the rugby game is free.

Please contact Caroline Brogan, at caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629, or visit our office at Eaton House during office hours, to obtain a booking form and arrange advance payment. On receipt of payment, a confirmation email will be sent to you as proof of booking.

Leibhéal / Level: The day is suitable for all levels, from fluent speakers, to beginners. Where possible, we will try to tailor the level of Irish to the attendee. All activities will be bilingual.

Registration for Spring term now open - Scoil Ghaeilge Margaret Keane - The Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:12:41 GMT

We’re delighted that our Irish Language School, named after the late Margaret Keane, is returning for a Spring term from February 2025.

This 8 week course will commence on Thursday 20 February 2025 and will run until Thursday 17 April.

The Spring Term class will continue to use the below text book and will pick up where they left off at the end of the Autumn Term 2024.

The course book is not included within the cost of the course fee and students may wish to purchase this themselves.

For anyone who missed the Autumn Term but who would like to join the Spring Term course, then they are very welcome. As the classes will be continuing from work covered in the Autumn Term, those registering this term will need to have some basic level of Irish.

£55 per student for members of the Coventry Irish Society / £60 per student for non- members.

The course fee is for a course consisting of 8x classes and is payable in advance to the Coventry Irish Society by 12 February 2025. Please contact Caroline Brogan: caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629 to obtain a booking form.

Registration closes 12 February 2025.

Would you like to write for our website? We would like to include a section on our website dedicated to An Ghaeilge. If you may be able to provide a few hours volunteering time to help us write a welcome section, as Gaeilge, with links to helpful resources, then that would be ar fheabhas!

Please contact our Caroline Brogan: caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk if you may be able to help.

Meet the author - Dennis Carey

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:10:58 GMT

Long-awaited sequel arrives

If it’s a land war they want, there are people prepared to fight back.

In 2016 Mayo-born author, Dennis Carey, released An Untilled Field, a historical story of the violent eviction of the Walshe family in 1870s rural Ireland. Based on true events the story focused on sixteen-year-old Liam Walshe who watched his parents being taken away by the Royal Irish Constabulary leaving him homeless and caring for his four-year-old brother Aiden. As his adventure unfolds, Liam makes contact with representatives of the Irish National Land League, the organisation founded at the Imperial Hotel in Castlebar in 1879 to fight for justice for land tenants.

Almost nine years later, Dennis has released the book’s gripping sequel, Land Wars.

The stories are set, predominantly, in County Mayo during the Irish Land Wars of the late 1800s. In both books, Dennis draws on actual events in England and Ireland to bring the harsh history of this period to life on the page.

“I owed it to young Liam Walshe and the other main characters in the first book to continue their story,” Dennis said. “Unfortunately, in the sequel, life doesn’t get any easier for Liam and his family. If anything, it gets more dangerous.”

Dennis has been writing since leaving Further Education in August 2014. This is his fifth novel. Along with An Untilled Field his other titles are The Ditcher, Sins of the Mothers, and Killing Alma. He will be here at Coventry Irish Society on Tuesday 28 th January 2025 at 2.00pm to talk about the books and the inspiration behind them.

Copies of all of his books will be available to sign and dedicate after the talk.

Ambassador's Visit to the Coventry Irish Society

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:29:20 GMT

Ambassador’s Visit to the Coventry Irish Society

Irish Ambassador, Martin Fraser, received a very warm welcome at the Coventry Irish Society & formally opened the Mo Mowlam Library.

Coventry has a thriving Irish community and has long been a place where the Irish have found a home. People of all generations came out to welcome the Irish Ambassador to GB, His Excellency, Martin Fraser, during his visit to the Coventry Irish Society on the morning of 21 November 2024. The Ambassador was welcomed by music from Christy Pepper and from musicians at Cardinal Newman School. During the visit, he was presented with gifts from Coventry by Elliott and Bridget McCarthy of Christ The King Primary School.

CEO of the Coventry Irish Society, Simon McCarthy, said:

“It was a privilege to host the Ambassador during his visit to Coventry & to show the vital work that our charity does, from providing a social space for our members, supporting survivors of mother and baby homes, promoting culture and heritage, and providing advocacy and advice on welfare matters and healthcare support. As a charity, we rely entirely on donations and grants to be able to provide the important work that we do. We very much appreciate the support that we have been given by the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme for many years and were pleased to have the opportunity of showing the Ambassador around our centre, which includes our Exhibition, “Irish Heart, Coventry Home”. The Ambassador took the time to meet with so many people during his visit and to hear about their own experiences and contributions to life here in Coventry. All aspects of Irish life were represented; from talented musicians, Irish language enthusiasts, Irish dance schools, and the GAA”.

The Ambassador formally opened the Mo Mowlam Library at the Coventry Irish Society during his visit and paid tribute to Mo, who grew up in Coventry, and was a key architect of The Good Friday Agreement, a copy of which is on display in the Library.

Solicitor, & Co-Ordinator at the Coventry Irish Society, Caroline Brogan, said:

“We’re delighted that the Mo Mowlam Library is now open for our members to enjoy. It provides a wonderful collection of books on Irish language, history, culture, heritage, politics, places of interest, & fiction. Mo is one of my heroes, so this is a beautiful tribute to her and reminds us all of the significance of The Good Friday Agreement and our duty to past and future generations to make sure that it is fully protected and implemented”.

November 2024\

See highlights from the day in the short video below.

Scoil Ghaeilge Margaret Keane - The Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:03:03 GMT

We’re delighted that our Irish Language School, named after the late Margaret Keane, has completed another successful term. Sixteen students have completed an 8 week course with teacher, Nollaig Doughan.

Due to demand, a continuation beginners+ course will be provided next year. Registration will open in mid-January 2025 for an 8 week course to commence on Thursday 20 February 2025.

We will also be holding an Irish Language Day on Saturday 8 March 2025, which will include a language taster class in the morning, bi-lingual walking history tour around Coventry city centre in the afternoon, and a social evening with a pop-up Gaeltacht and quiz. More details to follow in the New Year.

For any queries relating to Irish language in Coventry, please contact our Caroline Brogan: caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk

We would like to include a section on our website dedicated to An Ghaeilge. If you may be able to provide a few hours volunteering time in the New Year to help us write a welcome section, as Gaeilge, with links to helpful resources, then that would be ar fheabhas! Please contact our Caroline Brogan: caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk if you may be able to help.

Community Engagement Update - Looking back on 2024

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:59:55 GMT

We have been working hard to represent The Coventry Irish Society and to build
partnerships for the benefit of the Charity. Here are some recent pictures of just

some of the many activities we have been involved with.

Special invitation to Cork

In recognition of the phenomenal work that our Trustee, Kay Forrest, has done to build everlasting relationships with Coventry and its twin-city, Cork, over the past decades, she was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Cork during her recent visit back to her native County Cork. (Image - header, Kay Forrest with the Lord Mayor of Cork)

Irish in Britain AGM 2024

CIS’ Caroline Brogan and Manisha O’Malley went to the Liverpool Irish Centre to represent The Coventry Irish Society at the Irish in Britain AGM. It was an excellent opportunity to build connections with other Irish organisations across Britain and to raise CIS’ profile. We were delighted that our joint motion with ICC, Manchester, and Fréa to strengthen support for survivors of Mother & Baby homes was passed unanimously.

First Pop-Up-Gaeltacht at the Irish Embassy GB

Bez Martin, Kathi Leahy, Caroline Brogan, Colette Franklin with Deputy Ambassador, Orla McBreen

Peace & Reconciliation Workshop to mark the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings

CIS’ Caroline Brogan at the Peace and Reconciliation Workshop

Business conference at the Birmingham Council House, November 2024 where the Lord Mayor of Birmingham hosted a delegation of Irish businesses and civic dignitaries.

CIS’ Caroline Brogan pictured with (1) Lord Mayor of Clare and civic dignitaries (2) Chair of West Midlands Irish

Business Group, Eileen Schofield and Irish Deputy Ambassador to GB, Orla McBreen, (3) Lord Mayor of

Birmingham

Irish in Britain – Healthy Ageing Project

We are working with Irish in Britain to support their fantastic Healthy Ageing Project. We will be giving a short presentation about CIS at their Healthy Ageing Project Event in Manchester in March 2025 and will be holding various health awareness sessions at CIS.

L-R – Mina Sonariwo of Irish in Britain with CIS’ Simon McCarthy, Caroline Brogan and Manisha O’Malley

Emigrant Support Programme

We are very grateful to the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme for the vital support they provide. CIS’ Caroline Brogan was at the Irish Embassy for the announcement by Minister Seán Fleming of over £6.4 million to fund

organisations and projects supporting Irish organisations across Britain. Further details here.

World Mental Health Day

CIS’ Caroline Brogan attended a very insightful panel discussion, which included speakers from iCAP, at the Irish Embassy, to raise awareness on World Mental Health Day.

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce

CIS is a member of the CW Chamber of Commerce. We have held some productive meetings with their team to ensure that we get the best out of membership, have featured on their platforms, and have attended their networking events, such as the launch night of their Annual Awards, at The Belgrade Theatre (pictured below).

University of Warwick

Following successful meetings with the Warwick Institute of Engagement at The University of Warwick, we have met with various departments at the University, including their Law Department, and Medical School, to plan collaborative projects and events for 2025 and beyond, such as a free pop-up health check clinic at CIS and breast cancer awareness session. More details to follow shortly! Image: CIS’ Caroline Brogan with Professor Helen Wheatley, Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement

Funding & Awards Update - December 2024

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:24:40 GMT

Severn Trent NeighbourGOOD Scheme

We’re delighted that the Coventry Irish Society have been shortlisted by the Severn Trent NeighbourGOOD Scheme to be awarded a grant of up to £2,500 for our community library. The winner of the award is decided by a public vote.

Voting closed on 12 December 2024 and the winner will be announced shortly.

Thank you to all those who supported us!

Coventry & Warwickshire Business & Community Awards 2025

The Coventry Irish Society have been nominated in The Not-For-Profit Champion category of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business & Community Awards 2025. We have submitted a detailed entry and this has been put forward to the judging panel for consideration. We will hear in January 2025 if we have made it through to the shortlist.

An Leabharlann Mo Mowlam - The Mo Mowlam Library

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:19:30 GMT

The Mo Mowlam Library was formally opened by His Excellency, Mr Martin Fraser, Irish Ambassador to GB, on 21 November 2024, during his visit to the Coventry Irish Society. We’re grateful to The Irish World for featuring the occasion in a recent hardcopy edition.

Our library is named after Mo Mowlam, who grew up in Coventry and who was one of the key architects of The Good Friday Agreement.

The Library is based at our office at Eaton House and is free for all current members of The Coventry Irish Society to use between Monday – Friday 10.30 am – 1.00 pm and 2.00 – 3.30 pm. Current members are entitled to borrow two books at any one time, for a period of 28 days. Please see a member of staff on-site if you would like to borrow any books and they will be happy to arrange this for you.

Conrad Bryan's 'Irish People of Colour' Book Launch and Q&A

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:07:13 GMT

Book Launch: Irish People of Colour

By Conrad Bryan

�� Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

�� Venue: Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FL

About the Event:

Join us for the launch of Irish People of Colour, the powerful new book by Conrad Bryan. This engaging evening will feature an insightful conversation between the author and Caroline Brogan, followed by an interactive Q&A session.

Admission:

Free entry!

A minimum £5 donation to support our charity is greatly appreciated.

Event Highlights:

Author Talk: Conrad Bryan

In Conversation With: Caroline Brogan

Q&A Session: Share your questions and thoughts

Reserve your spot via Eventbrite.

This book project was funded by the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme

Coventry Irish Society’s 5th Annual Ball

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:41:48 GMT

Thank you to everyone who made our 5th Annual Ball a huge success. It was a wonderful night for our community to celebrate our culture and heritage.

Fantastic entertainment for the evening was provided by the very talented, Maggie Gallagher and Celtica Academy. The legendary Christy Pepper kept the dancefloor packed all night with a live performance of favourite tunes.

We were delighted to be joined by a senior delegation from Cork City Council; Cllr. Honore Kamegni (Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork), Viviane Kamegni, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy (Former Lord Mayor of Cork 2023/2024), and Ciarán Kelleher Byrne (International Relations Officer at Cork City Council).

The occasion was the perfect opportunity to present our long-serving volunteers with awards for long-standing service and dedication to their community; Ann Sullivan, Tommy Cleary, and Margaret Campbell. Certificates of Achievement were also presented to two excellent work-experience students; Daithí Houston and Gerard Gallagher.

A very special tribute was paid to our very own Kate McCarthy, Trustee of the Coventry Irish Society, who has dedicated over 20 years’ voluntary service to the charity, including successfully steering the charity through some extremely challenging and turbulent times. In a very moving speech, Kate, paid tribute to her own mother, and the values she taught her, in particular to look out for others.

The highlight of the evening was a formal presentation of the prestigious Cork City Gift by the Deputy Lord Mayor to our own Kay Forrest for a lifetime of service to the Irish community in Coventry. Special recognition was given to Kay for her long-term service to the Charity and for her ongoing commitment and herculean work over the past 31 years.

We, at the Coventry Irish Society, would like to give special thanks to all of our supporters, especially Care Associates who were the main sponsor of the event for the second year running. As a charity, we are very much dependent on the financial support that we get from our local businesses – your support is never taken for granted and very much keeps us going. Thank you!

We would also like to thank the staff at Christ The King Social Club who worked tirelessly throughout the evening to provide excellent hospitality to a full capacity room.

We also appreciated the opportunity, before the Ball, to host the Deputy Lord Mayor and his team at our offices where they enjoyed meeting the Irish in Coventry and seeing first-hand all the vital work that goes on to support our community. Coventry was the first city in the world to be twinned with another city and is currently twinned with 26 other cities across the world, including Cork. We value and cherish the friendship we have with Cork and look forward to continuing to work together.

View some of our favourite highlights from the night in this short video.

Coventry Irish Society Stakeholder Business Networking Breakfast

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:25:55 GMT

Do you run a business or other organisation in Coventry or the surrounding area?

Join us at our central Coventry offices for an informal & friendly morning of organised speed-networking with businesses & other organisations in our thriving community. A great opportunity to connect with new faces, promote your services, and to see our exhibition, & 'Irish Heart, Coventry Home' currently on display at our centre.

Bespoke speaking opportunities also available to showcase your business, on

request.

Date: Thursday 28 November 2024

Time: 8.00 – 9.30 am

Venue: Coventry Irish Society, 2 nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road,

Coventry CV1 2FL

Cost: **Free** to Coventry Irish Society Members (membership packages available for £2 per month)

or £5 for non-Coventry Irish Society members (Special Offer of £3 entry cost for CW Chamber of Commerce Members)

Entry ticket includes entry to the networking event, plus refreshments (light pastries, fruit, hot drinks, soft drinks).

Please contact caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk with your business / organisation name to book a place / for further info. Advanced booking is essential. As this is a business event, entry is limited to business and community leaders.

Coventry Irish Society Halloween Party 2024

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:19:17 GMT

We are delighted to announce the spook-tacular details of our Halloween Party 2024!

Date: Thursday 24 October 2024

Time: 12.00 – 4.00 pm

Venue: Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FJ

Tickets: £15.00 for members / £17.50 for non-members

Tickets can be bought in advance from CIS up and until 17 October 2024 by contacting us at the above address, or on 02476256629 or cis@covirishsoc.org.uk

Tickets include entry for one person, and homemade vegetable soup, bread roll, and a selection of cakes.

Volunteers needed for the Coventry Irish Society Allotment

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:07:38 GMT

We are looking for a new Allotment Manager and a team of volunteers to take over the care of our beautiful, well-kept allotment at Lakeview, just off The Allesley Old Road, Coventry.

Since 2011, the wonderful Tommy, and a team of volunteers have turned the spot into an extremely well kept, fully functioning, and beautiful allotment. The allotment is currently in excellent condition. It has been cared for so well with skill and dedication for many years. The allotment is on a sizeable plot and produces many vegetables throughout the year, which are then available to our community, in return for donations. There is a greenhouse and two sheds; one shed is well equipped with gardening tools, and the other with a seating area ideal for a tea break. There are toilet facilities, a small picnic area, and a reception within the Lakeview site.

The allotment plot is in a beautiful, safe, secure, and tranquil spot too; perfect for mental wellbeing. There are so many benefits, and we can see the future potential for other community activities throughout the year.

Tommy has asked us to spread the word for new volunteers and he is very keen to ensure that two decades’ of work are handed over smoothly. We can arrange a site visit and support for the new Allotment Manager and team. If you are interested, please feel free to contact Simon or Caroline:

simon.mccarthy@covirishsoc.org.uk

caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk

Margaret Keane Irish Language School - Autumn 2024 bookings open now

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 09:27:36 GMT

Coventry Irish Society is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the Autumn Term at our Irish language school named in tribute to the late Margaret Keane.

Course begins:

Thursday 24 October 2024

The course, led by Nollaig Doughan, will consist of 8 x in-person classes every Thursday evening from 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm at our offices (Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor, Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2FJ)

Cost:

£50 per student for the 8-week course, payable in advance to the Coventry Irish Society by 17 October 2024.

Level:

Beginners+

To register or find out further information regarding Irish language activities in Coventry and the

surrounding area, please contact Caroline Brogan , by 17 October 2024, at caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk or telephone 024 7625 6629

Donations needed for new CIS Leabharlann

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 09:21:02 GMT

Help us build our new bespoke library!

The Coventry Irish Society are creating a bespoke leabharlann / library dedicated to Irish Culture & Heritage, for our members. We would very much appreciate any donations of books or journals relating to anything Irish (fiction / non-fiction for all ages, particularly on Irish language, history, sport, or places of interest. Books / journals can be new or second-hand).

Any other books / journals will be gratefully received and will be sold in a future book fayre to raise funds for the Charity.

Donations can be brought to:

Caroline Brogan

Coventry Irish Society

2nd Floor Eaton House

Eaton Road

Coventry

CV1 2FJ

The office opening hours are Monday – Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (closed for lunch 1.00 – 2.00), but there may be limited cover during busy periods and especially around holiday times.

We therefore recommend either telephoning in advance on 024 7625 6629 or emailing Caroline at caroline.brogan@covirishsoc.org.uk to check availability before visiting us.

We are hiring! Office Administrator post

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:54:11 GMT

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

We are hiring - Health Outreach Worker

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:47:57 GMT

Health Outreach Worker (Post is subject to continuing grant aid).

Salary: £16,000 – (25 hours per-week, Monday – Friday)

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 a Health Outreach Worker to support the

vulnerable Irish community with a wide range of health and welfare benefits and

entitlements, includes Irish Passports, Pensions and Housing.

 The charity predominantly supports Older Irish but also supports Second and

Third Generation Irish, Irish Survivors and Irish Travellers.

 The Candidate must be able to conduct online Irish Passport applications with

clients as this is a key aspect of the post.

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 DBS Disclosure form

We are hiring - Irish Survivors Outreach Worker

Fri, 31 May 2024 07:31:23 GMT

Coventry Irish Society is hiring for an Irish Survivors Outreach Worker (Post is subject to continuing grant aid).

Salary: £25,000 – 30 hours per-week (£30,833 pro-rata).

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.

1. The Coventry Irish Society is looking for a dynamic and passionate individual to

deliver a specialist programme to provide information, support, and advice to

Irish Survivors that enables them to access the forthcoming Mother and Baby

Home Redress Scheme.

 The post holder will also support an existing number of Irish Survivors that

previously obtained compensation through the Redress Board but that have

ongoing health and welfare and social support needs.

 Irish Survivors are highly vulnerable and therefore the post requires someone with

high awareness and sensitivity to the Survivor’s needs and how to communicate

best with them.

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 DBS Disclosure form

Paddy Furey –Magical visits from a much-missed uncle

Thu, 16 May 2024 13:25:10 GMT

No, I never could fill Willie’s shoes.
No matter how many stockings

I put on my feet, I still couldn’t

fill Willie’s shoes….

Willie’s Shoes by Ciarán Rosney

While his mastery of wood, wind and wave made him perhaps the finest Irish boatbuilder of his generation, Jimmy Furey always generously acknowledged his elder brother Paddy was the superior craftsman.

Paddy’s resourcefulness and skill is still evident all over the Furey family home in Mount Plunkett. Sixty-odd years after my toddler’s thoughtless fingers slammed it open and shut numerous times daily, the intricately hinged front door he crafted for the cottage remains considerably more robust than its young tormentor.

With the scars of the recent Civil War still smarting and the riches of the Celtic Tiger Years half-a-century and more away, the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s remained an unimaginably poor country. Struggling to support two adults and five children, the Furey smallholding held out zero hope of any kind of meaningful future once those kids began raising families themselves.

In those unenlightened times, the most that might realistically be expected of girls like my aunts Mary and Kitty was that they grow up to find husbands and have children of their own. The youngest of the five kids, Jimmy, elected to be the ‘son who stayed’ and supported my grandparents, Charley and Mary, in running and eventually taking over the family farm. And so it fell to his brothers Jack (my Dad) and Paddy to roll the dice of life far from the serene riverfront setting that was all they had ever known. No easy task in a world still reeling from the seismic impact of its second global conflagration in just over twenty years.

Family legend tells of how Paddy did his bit to help by running away to sea and joining the UK’s merchant navy around the start of World War II. He went on to spend the next four-and-a-half decades toiling in furnace-like engine rooms deep in the bowels of the ships in which he crisscrossed the world. What few letters of his I was able to find in Jimmy’s cottage speak of the firm friends and happy memories Paddy made on every ship and in every port of call.

Many of Paddy’s journeys are documented in the dozen or so seaman’s service books Jimmy entrusted to me when he died four summers ago. While the passport-sized books detail where Paddy’s career took him and the ships that took him there, what they don’t – can’t – tell you are the unspeakable hardships he must have endured during wartime.

Between 1939 and 1945, 4,700 allied merchant ships were sunk by the Axis Power navies of Germany, Italy and Japan. Fully 29,000 of the brave men who risked their lives keeping vital supply lines to the UK open were lost at sea while doing so. Paddy was one of the fortunate few who made it home.

From the few facts I was able to glean from friends and neighbours who knew him far better than I ever did, it seems that Paddy was shipwrecked on at least two occasions. With Z-list celebs on reality TV shows now regularly caterwauling how some minor inconvenience has caused them incalculable emotional hardship, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder has become an unjustly devalued term. Like most men who somehow managed to survive that terrible time, Paddy rarely spoke of how close the conflagration that raged all around came close to consuming him and his shipmates. Respectful of those who had paid a far, far heavier price than he himself, he would take a sip of his pint and gently change the subject.

While my Mum, Dad, sister Mary and I would see Jimmy as regular as clockwork every summer at Mount Plunkett, Paddy was an altogether more enigmatic figure. Once in the bluest of blue moons, I’d arrive home from school and there he’d be beaming news of magical far-off places direct into our Coventry living room.

While my sister and I would have loved him regardless of whether or not he brought us souvenirs from his wanderings, Paddy never skimped on his avuncular responsibilities. Best of all, the presents he’d picked out and carried halfway around the world to place into our eager hands were invariably marvels to behold. To this day, I have never forgotten – and indeed never will forget – the beautiful brown leather-sleeved salmon and cream Panasonic transistor radios he brought home for us in the mid-1960s. The bearer of exotic-sounds from radio stations like Luxembourg and Caroline during pop’s Golden Age, Paddy’s present was my ticket to a lifetime of listening pleasure.

Equally unforgettable was his roar of laughter two decades later when I told him how the tranny he’d bought me all those years before was now accompanying me as I ventured out into the world myself. While my copywriting career eventually took me all over Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, I doubt I ever saw as many places or drank as deeply of life as Paddy had. Sadly that March 1983 night in London was the last time I was privileged to hear him uncoil one of his inexhaustible stock of sailors’ yarns.

Not long after our meeting, Paddy returned to Ireland to enjoy his Autumn years in the one place in the world where he should have felt safest – the childhood cottage where he’d been born and raised. Tragically, any chance of a contented worry-free retirement was wrecked one night in the late-1990s when several local thugs on a crime spree broke in and mercilessly beat him and Jimmy. While at least one gang member was gaoled for his involvement in other local robberies that took place around the same time, no one was ever prosecuted for the vicious assaults on my poor uncles.

Jimmy and many of his and Paddy’s friends went to their graves maintaining that Paddy never really recovered from the events of that awful night. While the blows he and Jimmy suffered at the hands of the brutes who attacked them must have been agonising, bruising and scars fade over time. The wounds left by the violation of his childhood home and safe haven must have cut Paddy a million times deeper; hurt him a million times more.

And so it was, twenty five years ago this spring that Paddy weighed anchor on a journey from which not even the bravest and most skilled sailor can ever hope to return. Though forever after forced to limp because of the beating he took himself, Jimmy would live on for a further 21 years after Paddy’s death. Despite leaving some pretty big footprints in the sands of life himself, the master boatbuilder would often admiringly quote Ciarán Rosney ’s Willie’s Shoes when recalling his much-loved and sorely missed brother.

Article by John Fuery

Exploring the Global Impact of St. Patrick's Day: From Montserrat to Melbourne and Beyond

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:57:03 GMT

St. Patrick's Day, observed annually on March 17th, is not just a date on the calendar; it's a global phenomenon that unites people in celebration of Irish heritage and culture. As I reflect on the festivities that unfolded this year, I'm struck by the profound impact of this beloved holiday, which transcends borders and brings together communities from all corners of the globe. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and beyond, St. Patrick's Day is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ireland's patron saint. What began as a religious feast day in Ireland has evolved into a worldwide celebration, thanks in part to the millions of Irish immigrants who carried their traditions with them to distant shores.

One such place is Montserrat, a tiny Caribbean Island with a rich history intertwined with Irish influence. Settled by English and Irish immigrants in the 17th century, it earned the nickname "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean." However, its past also includes slavery and rebellion, notably the St. Patrick's Day Rebellion in 1768 led by a slave named Cudjoe. Despite suppression, it symbolises resistance. Over time, Montserrat's culture evolved, blending Irish, African, and Caribbean traditions. Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated vibrantly, honouring the island's heritage and spirit of independence. Here, St. Patrick's Day holds profound significance, not only as a day of celebration but also as a commemoration of a historic slave revolt. The spirited week-long festival honours the island's complex heritage, with colourful masquerades and lively festivities that echo the resilience of its people.

Traveling across continents, I find myself in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the streets come alive with music and dance on St. Patrick's Day. Despite being dubbed "The Paris of South America," the Argentine capital takes on a distinctly Irish flair as it hosts South America's largest celebration of the holiday. It's a testament to the global reach of Irish culture and the power of community to unite across borders. In Tokyo, Japan, a fascinating fusion of Japanese tradition and Irish customs defines the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Against the backdrop of bustling city streets, participants don traditional costumes and showcase their Irish spirit, demonstrating the universal appeal of this beloved holiday.

Closer to home, cities across the UK, including Birmingham and London, embrace St. Patrick's Day with gusto. From lively parades to spirited performances, the streets resonate with the sounds of Irish music and laughter. It's a reminder of the enduring connection between Ireland and its diaspora, spanning generations and continents.

In recent decades, Australia has witnessed a significant influx of Irish migrants seeking new opportunities and experiences in the land Down Under. This wave of migration has brought a fresh infusion of Irish culture and traditions to cities like Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, more than 80,000 people flock to the streets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day, making it the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The festivities reverberate with the vibrant colours of Irish flags, lively music, and the unmistakable rhythm of traditional Irish dancing. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the Irish community comes together to mark the occasion with a variety of events, from pub gatherings featuring live Irish music to cultural festivals showcasing the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle.

Yet, amidst the global celebrations, one destination stands out in my mind: Chicago. As the Chicago River turns a brilliant shade of green and the city streets transform into a sea of emerald, there's an undeniable magic in the air. For me, experiencing St. Patrick's Day in Chicago holds a firm place on the bucket list. An idea long batted about between me and my dad, I hope before long we will make the journey over to the American Mid-West.

As we reflect on the recent St. Patrick's Day celebrations that unfolded across the UK and beyond, it's evident that this day holds a special place in the hearts of many. From the lively streets of Birmingham and London to the spirited gatherings in Manchester and Liverpool, the essence of Irish culture was embraced with enthusiasm. These festivities, which took place just recently, serve as a reminder of the enduring connections between Ireland and its global diaspora. As we look back on this year's global celebration, there's a collective anticipation for the opportunity to partake in the joyous camaraderie once again, wherever the journey may lead.

Article by Kate O'Mahony

Opening up closed adoption in Ireland

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:05:32 GMT

Irish- born adoptee Bernadette Covo explains her study of the personal experiences of individuals who, like her, have had closed adoptions.

Most people don’t hesitate when they’re asked where they come from or who they got their eye colour from. They know the answers. They’re part of their DNA – literally – and their identity. But people who’ve experienced a closed adoption can’t answer those seemingly straightforward questions, and they can feel awkward, sad, or even ashamed when they’re asked.

When I began my doctorate in psychotherapy research, I didn’t know what to study. Something relevant to my clients? DiJerent ideas came and went, but none stuck around. Although adoption was a subject that was personal to me and relevant to therapy clients, I initially dismissed the idea, because it had been researched to death – hadn’t it? All those children and adults over the decades throughout the world. There must be tons of studies on how they’ve fared, what they think and feel and how adoption has aJected them.

Well, no. Most of the research that has been done is of the medical kind. I found plenty of studies looking at whether we do better or worse in terms of mental health and ‘adjustment’ than non-adoptees. It was all about looking for diJerences, as part of an attempt to settle a debate about nature and nurture. Much of the research was from the USA and UK, both of which have had open adoption for several decades.

What was really missing from those decades of research was the voices of those most aJected: adoptees, first parents (there’s still almost no research on first fathers) and adoptive parents and siblings. Where they were asked, it was often about specific things like searching for first families. Rarely had adoptees been asked to tell their whole story. In the Irish context, first mothers were only interviewed in depth for the first time three years ago, by researchers from UCG. But anecdotally, there seems to have been a lot of silence, stigma, and shame for everyone touched by closed adoption.

Although there’s been a lot of political and legal change recently in Ireland, such as the Redress Scheme and the Birth and Information Tracing Act, these have come about without full consultation or adequate understanding. An example is the requirement to have spent at least 180 days in a mother and baby home, to be eligible for redress. That might be financially prudent for the government, but it shows a complete lack of understanding of people’s experiences, and risks adding insult to injury. Trauma doesn’t begin on day 181!

So I decided to research the experience of Irish people who have had closed adoptions, giving them a chance to share their stories in full. I’ll be interviewing a small number of people in depth to hear about how their adoption has aJected them, their loved ones, and their lives.

I hope the study will raise awareness of adoptees’ experiences, so that fellow adoptees don’t feel so isolated – when we’re seen for who we are, we feel more at home in ourselves. I also hope that I will help to change the conversation in Ireland, so that the shame and stigma are no longer borne by adoptees and their loved ones, but by the institutions of church and state who failed us in the past and continue to do so.

I’ve recruited several participants already, and am looking for two or three more whose experience matches the flyer. If that’s you, I’d love you to get in touch. Everyone who takes part will receive a copy of the findings, and anyone can contact me to stay informed about the study and receive a copy too.

Are you open to discussing your experience and the significance of it for you and your loved ones?

• Share your story in a confidentinal online interview, for an in-depth research study.

• Participants will receive a copy of the key insights and findings from the study.

• Email Bernadette Covo, researcher, at 06208@metanoia.ac.uk, to find out more.

Leo Varadkar's Resignation: What Next?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:59:57 GMT

Leo Varadkar's unexpected resignation as Taoiseach of Ireland and leader of Fine Gael on March 20th sent shockwaves through the country's political landscape. Citing personal and political reasons, Varadkar's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Irish governance and leadership. Varadkar's tenure as Taoiseach was marked by his handling of critical issues such as Brexit negotiations, economic reforms, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of Varadkar's departure, the nation faces a huge moment as decisions are made about the direction of Irish democracy. The void left by Varadkar's resignation presents both challenges and opportunities for the future of governance and leadership in Ireland.

Varadkar's announcement of his resignation caught many by surprise, especially considering his relatively young age and the accomplishments of his tenure. In his address, Varadkar acknowledged that while his government had made substantial progress in various areas, including economic recovery and social reform, he no longer felt he was the best person to lead the country forward. This admission reflects both personal introspection and a recognition of the evolving political landscape in Ireland.

During his time as Taoiseach, Varadkar presided over a period of significant social, economic, and diplomatic transformations. His government's efforts led to Ireland achieving full employment, transitioning from a budget deficit to a surplus, and implementing progressive social reforms. Varadkar's leadership was instrumental in legalising same-sex marriage and abortion through successful referendums, symbolising a shift towards a more inclusive and progressive society. Additionally, his administration prioritized investments in childcare, arts and culture, and international development, contributing to Ireland's overall prosperity and well-being.

I personally always reflect on how progressive the picture of Irish politics appears to be. Leo Varadkar made history as the first openly gay head of government in Europe as well as being from an ethnic minority background, born to an Indian father. This stands alongside the fact that Ireland has had successive female presidents since 1990. Despite being a country with a predominantly Catholic population and a deeply ingrained conservative culture, the political landscape in Ireland stands somewhat in contrast to these traditional norms. I think the resignation of Varadkar gives Ireland much to be proud of as a country. Much more than I feel so in England, the path to a political future seems relatively unhindered. Here, numerous barriers have been dismantled, fostering a sense of visibility and empowerment among individuals, allowing them to aspire and in the political sphere.

In the wake of the surprise resignation, the emergence of Simon Harris as Ireland's prospective Taoiseach has captivated the nation's political arena. At just 37 years old, Harris is set to become Ireland's youngest-ever prime minister, embodying the spirit of a new generation poised to lead. His rapid ascent within the political sphere, from grassroots activism in his teenage years to assuming key ministerial positions, has demonstrated his determination and political acumen. Harris's appeal lies not only in his sharp oratory and positive energy but also in his adeptness at leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to engage with younger demographics, a strategy that has bolstered his popularity and visibility. Despite challenges ahead, including the uphill battle to regain voter trust and navigate coalition politics in the face of Sinn Féin's ascendance, Harris's leadership marks a pivotal moment in Ireland's political landscape, signalling a shift towards a new era of governance and representation

Varadkar's departure leaves a significant void in Irish politics, with his leadership style and policy agenda leaving a lasting impact on the country's trajectory. Despite facing criticism and setbacks during his tenure, Varadkar's legacy is marked by his commitment to progressive ideals and his ability to steer Ireland through complex challenges, including Brexit negotiations. As Ireland transitions to new leadership, there is an opportunity for reflection on Varadkar's contributions and the path forward for the nation. As Ireland prepares for a transition in leadership, it must confront ongoing challenges while building upon the achievements of Varadkar's tenure.

Article by Kate O'Mahony

St. Patrick's Day: Why is it so popular among university students?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:50:59 GMT

St. Patrick's Day, a day filled with jubilation and celebration of all things Irish, holds a special place in the hearts of university students around the world. As a student experiencing my first year at university, I had no idea just how big of a deal this day would be. However, the embrace of the entire university community towards the festivities ignited my Gaelic blood with excitement.

My friends and I eagerly embraced the spirit of the day by joining the Irish bar crawl, a natural inclination for the group given my status among my pals as the resident Irish flatmate. Yet as we wandered the campus of Warwick, it was impossible to ignore the sea of green stripes painted across cheeks and the abundance of shamrock sunglasses adorning heads. But was everyone there solely for the revelry and true spirit of Irishness? Perhaps not entirely. While university students are known for exploiting any reason for a night out drinking, the genuine love for Irish culture on St. Patrick's Day was unmistakable.

The enthusiasm for St. Patrick's Day extended far beyond the confines of my university. A quick scroll through social media revealed floods of pictures from friends and acquaintances at universities across the country, all partaking in the celebrations. In the hierarchy of university big nights out and celebrations, St. Patrick's Day held a revered place, ranking just below Halloween and just above Eurovision (at least at Warwick). This is no small feat, considering Halloween at university is often labelled 'Halloweekend' even when it falls on a Wednesday. The sheer number of people I encountered out and about on that Sunday was truly astounding, the kind of scenes I hadn't witnessed since being home in Cahersiveen for St. Paddy’s many years ago.

Weeks before the sacred day, I was repeatedly asked about my plans by multiple people. My response took the form of uncertainty. When back home in London as a child I would venture into the city with my dad for the parade which typically consisted of him running into the entirety of the South West of Ireland and me tiring of being told how much I’ve

grown, so in more recent years, the day saw minimal observance from me. However, the anticipation leading up to the day was palpable. Everyone I spoke to couldn't wait to partake in their chosen commemorations, whether it was through flat parties, pub evenings, or bar crawls; draped in green, white, and orange.

When I inquired about the reasons behind this widespread enthusiasm, the most common response was a simple declaration of love for all things Irish. And indeed, the night unfolded in a manner befitting that sentiment. Baby Guinness shots flowed freely, and I frequently showcased my (perhaps overly enthusiastic) Irish dancing skills to an appreciative audience. There were impromptu renditions of Molly Malone, with everyone joining in, regardless of their Irish roots. The ever-so-slightly refined English flatmates I brought along, most of whom hail from home county villages, proclaimed it one of the best nights of their lives, with traditions I hope I will have instilled in them for years to come. In reflecting on the festivities, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride in my Irish heritage.

St. Patrick's Day had brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate a culture rich in history, tradition, and warmth. As I danced and laughed alongside friends, old and new, I felt a profound connection to my roots and a renewed appreciation for the joyous spirit. St. Patrick's Day transcends mere celebration; it is a testament to the enduring allure of Irish culture and the power of shared festivities to unite people in joy and camaraderie. For university students, it represents a cherished opportunity to immerse themselves in a day of revelry, laughter, and cultural appreciation—a tradition that will undoubtedly endure for years to come.

Article by Kate O'Mahony

SOS at Coventry Irish Society - Free drop-in event

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:45:59 GMT

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.

Coventry Irish Society Launches new Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:40:59 GMT

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.

Remembering John Bruton: A Legacy of Leadership in Irish Politics

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:57:56 GMT

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.

Irish Rugby Dominance

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:51:44 GMT

With a second consecutive slam victory in sight after a commanding win over Wales, Ireland's journey through rugby union success has become a captivating narrative. The pre-match commentary echoed the unanswerable superiority of the Irish team, juxtaposed with Wales, a young team in transition. The Irish players, under the guidance of coach Andy

Farrell, have evolved into a winning machine over their five-year journey together.

The anticipation surrounding Ireland's supremacy played out as expected in the match against Wales. Despite not being at their best, Ireland comfortably defeated Wales. The bonus point, though secured in the last play of the game, reflected the team's ability. The dismantling of the brave Wales team showcased the prowess of the Irish side, setting the

stage for a crucial match against England.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly celebrated the victory, acknowledging the rich heritage intertwined with Irish rugby success. The implications of Ireland's triumph go beyond the field, resonating with a sense of national pride and unity. As Ireland continues to assert its dominance on the rugby stage, it becomes a source of inspiration for the nation,

reflecting the resilience and collective spirit of its people.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming clash against England in Twickenham. Unlike the passive ploy employed by Wales, England presents a different challenge. Coach Andy Farrell dismisses the notion that the first-half frustration against Wales provides a blueprint for England. The English team operates with a more aggressive approach, flying up to disrupt

the playmaker and swarming over the breakdown.

For many, the journey across the Irish Sea to witness the clash against England holds immense significance. Families, like my own, will journey to Twickenham with bated breath, fuelled by the desire to avoid a repeat of the cruel defeat to New Zealand last October.

The impending clash against England transforms into more than a rugby match—it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit defining Irish rugby. It encapsulates a nation's journey, overcoming challenges and celebrating victories with unwavering fervour. The anticipation becomes a communal experience, uniting families, friends, and communities.

Looking forward, this match signifies a commitment to uphold the legacy of Irish rugby excellence, inspiring the next generation. The values instilled on the rugby pitch—teamwork, resilience, and determination—become guiding principles for the broader community, influencing the national ethos. The enduring legacy extends beyond national borders, showcasing Ireland as a global powerhouse with rich cultural heritage and a tenacious spirit. Victories against formidable opponents affirm Ireland's place among international rugby elites.

The upcoming clash against England marks a crucial moment in the ongoing story of Irish rugby, underscoring the nation's identity and inspiring future generations. When the Irish team steps onto the field, they bear the hopes and dreams of a nation, turning each match into a part of a lasting legacy.

Article by Kate O'Mahony.

The Return of Stormont: A Revitalised Government

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:44:05 GMT

In the recent resurgence of power-sharing at Stormont, a much-anticipated development unfolded as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ceased its protest against Parliament, grounded in concerns over the Northern Ireland protocol post-Brexit. As parliamentary activities resume, there are various questions to consider. How did we arrive here? What does it mean? And what is to come?

The chambers of the Northern Ireland Assembly in the Stormont region of East Belfast fell silent in May 2022, marking almost two years of legislative hiatus due to the rejection of the Northern Ireland protocol. The lack of action is undeniably disconcerting, but it is not the first time nor the longest period over which it has occurred, previous suspensions elapsed from 2017-2020 as well as 2002-2007, making a simple 21 month break somewhat of a relief.

On January 30th, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson made a pivotal announcement – the restoration of an executive government led by Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly. The catalyst for this breakthrough was the unveiling of the command paper titled "Safeguarding the Union". This comprehensive document aims to streamline domestic imports and foster trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, effectively maximising flexibility under the EU/UK deal. A notable outcome of this initiative is the assurance that no routine checks on goods moving between GB and NI will be imposed.

For the first time since Stormont’s founding, Sinn Fein will make up the majority of the assembly. While the first and deputy first ministers share equal power, the historic appointment of Michelle O’Neill as the first republican leader of Northern Ireland carries profound symbolic weight. Mary Lou McDonald, the party leader, claimed last week that Irish unity is within touching distance. While cautioning against undue optimism, the palpable move is noteworthy, particularly given Sinn Féin's popularity in the Republic of Ireland, where an election is anticipated within the next year.

Unsurprisingly, there is a long list of things to do after nearly two years of political paralysis.The UK has offered a £3.3 billion package to stabilise Northern Ireland’s finances which should kickstart some progress. Civil servants, who admirably held the fort during the political impasse, now await the return of elected legislators to fully address the backlog of issues. Resolving public sector pay, exacerbated by a mid-January walkout of 100,000 workers, emerges as an urgent priority. The healthcare sector, mirroring England's struggles, grapples with 79% of patients on waiting lists, significantly surpassing the average in England of 43%. This starkly underscores the detrimental impact of a non-functional legislative body on essential public services.

From the vantage point of the Good Friday Agreement, there emerges significant room for optimism. The agreement, firmly anchored in the principles of power-sharing between unionist and nationalist communities, finds renewed expression in the reunion of an executive government comprising such parties. This, coupled with the restoration of a more stable political environment, propels Northern Ireland toward a governance structure

reflective of the values envisioned by the agreement. As Stormont reengages in political discourse and decision-making, the potential for constructive dialogue, collaborative governance, and positive change beckons on the horizon.

Irish Actors Taking the Global Stage: A Cinematic Renaissance

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:39:28 GMT

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary cinema, Ireland has emerged as a powerhouse for exceptional acting talent, with luminaries such as Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Saoirse Ronan, and Paul Mescal captivating audiences worldwide.

This surge in Irish actors' prominence signals not just individual triumphs but a broader cinematic renaissance that is placing Ireland within the international entertainment scene.The trailblazing success of Oppenheimer has become a defining narrative of the recent awards season. Cillian Murphy, the film’s lead, clinched the prestigious male actor in a leading role at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. His prowess on screen continued to dazzle as he secured the Best Actor accolade at the Baftas and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Murphy's historic win as the first Irishman to receive a Best Actor Bafta resonated deeply, emphasising the global impact of Irish actors. In his acceptance speeches, Murphy expressed profound pride in his Irish heritage, forging a powerful connection between his performances and the rich storytelling tradition of Ireland.

Parallel to Murphy's success is the rise of Barry Keoghan, whose compelling performance in the black comedy Saltburn garnered widespread acclaim. Falling short to Murphy at the Baftas, while narrowly missing out on individual nominations at events like the Oscars, the film's virality and Keoghan's magnetic portrayal have left an indelible mark. Keoghan's reflections on the success of Irish filmmakers and actors underscore a burgeoning era in Irish cinema, with his upcoming project set in Dublin poised to contribute to this exciting narrative.

Saoirse Ronan, a seasoned actress hailing from County Carlow, continues to enchant audiences with her versatility. Despite her recent starring role in The Outrun missing this year's Oscar nominations deadline, she stands as a frontrunner for next year's awards, adding to her already illustrious career. After 3 nominations in the Best Actress category, this may be her mark for success. Alongside her, Kildare native Paul Mescal, propelled to fame by his breakout role in Normal People has been making waves. Securing an outsider Bafta nomination for his role in All of Us Strangers Mescal's journey to a celebrated actor underscores the unpredictability and dynamism of the Irish acting scene.

The question naturally arises: How does such a small country consistently produce such incredible cinematic talent? The answer lies in Ireland's cultural tapestry, woven with a rich storytelling tradition, a deep appreciation for artistic expression, and a new generation of actors unafraid to embrace diverse and challenging roles. The success of these actors not only brings individual recognition but also contributes to a broader narrative about Irish identity and storytelling on the global stage.

The recent achievements of Irish actors not only showcase their individual brilliance but also signify a broader cinematic renaissance that transcends borders. From Cillian Murphy's historic wins to the rising stars like Barry Keoghan, Saoirse Ronan, and Paul Mescal, Ireland's contribution to the global entertainment industry is undeniable. As these actors continue to make their mark, the world eagerly anticipates the unfolding chapters in the story of Irish cinema, where each performance adds a vibrant stroke to the canvas of global storytelling.

Coventry Irish Society announces 2024 St. Patrick's day programme of events

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:17:26 GMT

Join the Irish in Coventry for a packed programme of events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a week of live music, performances, Lunch Clubs and more across the city.

Events with Coventry Irish society include:

Coventry Irish Society Annual General Meeting | Monday 11 March

Claddagh Group St. Patrick's Day celebration | Tuesday 12 March

The Banshees of Inisherin - Film screening | Wednesday 13 March

St Patrick's Day Lunch Club | Friday 15 March

St Patrick's Ceilidh | Friday 15 March

Irish Citizenship Advice Day | Saturday 16 March

PLUS...many more! Click below to see the full programme of events across the city.

Coventry Irish Society St Brigid’s Day Lunch Club

covirishsoc-website@outlook.com (Simon McCarthy) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:39:29 GMT

Thank you to everyone that attended the St Brigid’s Day Lunch Club 1 st February.

It was a fantastic day enjoyed by 40 members, great food, craic and Frankie was on top form.

We hope you enjoy the photos!

Why do we celebrate St Brigids Day?

It signalled an end to the darkness of winter and ushered in a new season of hope and growth. As

such, people celebrated the day with a festive meal and a host of customs, all aimed at securing St

Brigid's protection and promise of new life and abundance for the year ahead.

CIS Welcomes the Coventry Irish Friendship Society

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:33:13 GMT

Established in 1978, the Coventry Irish Friendship Society is a weekly get together of Irish people (now all Irish Elders) every Friday between 12pm-2pm.

The Society’s founding members were Sheila Lenihan (RIP) Joan Clarke, Mick McGloughlin (RIP) Joe

McCarthy and Rita McCarthy (RIP).

The Irish Friendship Society has recently moved to Coventry Irish Society after Flannellys Club closed

at Christmas, and we are delighted to host them here!

Each week the group has some lunch, plays Bingo and games and generally a good chit chat and

socialising.

The Groups early days meetings were at a meeting hall in Spon End, then to St Osburg’s Club before

moving to Flannellys Club where they met every Wednesday (laterally Fridays) for over 23 years! Asking some of the members about the early days they mention the need for Irish people to get together in the context of the tensions that were around for the Irish community at that time (the impact of the troubles on the perception of the Irish community in Britain).

Former Founding Member and Chair of the group, Mike McGloughlin used to organise meals/events for the group at the Jaguar Club in Coundon where Mike was a Finance Director.

Today, the group has a meal out every 5- 6 weeks. The group is self-funding, and the members contribute £2 per-week.

New members are always welcome!

Those interested in joining can come to the group any Friday 12pm-2pm and become a member.

A Tapestry of Time: The Enduring Irish Presence in Coventry

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:21:51 GMT

The rich history of the Irish diaspora in Coventry weaves through four centuries, marking a story of resilience, community, and contribution to the city's growth.

A significant surge in population occurred during the 19th century, driven by the Famine. Over a span of two decades, Coventry witnessed a staggering 120% increase in its Irish population. The neighbourhoods of Calidcotts Yard, Gosford Street, and Jordan became focal points, providing a home for Irish migrants seeking refuge and opportunities.

In the 20th century, a new wave of Irish migration was propelled by economic prospects, drawing individuals to Coventry's flourishing industries. Notably, the Irish found employment in silk production and the burgeoning automotive manufacturing sector. Post- World War II, their contributions were actively sought for essential services such as hospitals, public transportation, and construction. Often overlooked, the Irish played a pivotal role in rebuilding Coventry after the war, leaving an indelible mark on the city's infrastructure and development.

By 1961, the Irish-born population had burgeoned to 20,000, constituting nearly 6% of

Coventry's total inhabitants. The community's presence was not confined to specific areas but spanned across the city, with Coundon, Radford, and Earlsdon emerging as popular settlements. This dispersion facilitated a widespread influence of Irish culture, enriching Coventry's social fabric. Such influence was particularly evident when 2014 saw President Higgins visit Coventry, a symbolic recognition of the hard work of Irish people in crafting Coventry into the city it is today.

In the present day, the Irish community continues to thrive, contributing to the vibrant diversity of Coventry. While maintaining a deep connection to its roots, the community has embraced various neighbourhoods, adding to the cosmopolitan character of Coundon, Radford, and Earlsdon.

As Coventry's landscape transformed, so did the narrative of the Irish community. Beyond the historical landmarks of Calidcotts Yard and Gosford Street, the spirit of the Irish persists in the city's very foundations. From labouring in factories to rebuilding Coventry after the ravages of war, the Irish have left a remarkable imprint on the city's past and present.

Article by Kate O’ Mahony

‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ our oral history exhibition is on permanent display at CIS

offices. Viewing is between 2-4pm Monday to Friday.

We look forward to seeing you!

The Hearsall Inn: A Quaint Haven of Irish Hospitality

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:11:56 GMT

Nestled on Craven Street, The Hearsall Inn stands as a vibrant tribute to Irish culture in the

heart of Coventry. This bustling family-run pub, pulsating with an unmistakable Irish charm,

offers an authentic experience that captures the spirit of the Emerald Isle.

Step into The Hearsall Inn, and you are immediately enveloped in a mosaic of Irish identity.

GAA jerseys, scarfs, and flags adorn the ceiling, creating a visual homage to Ireland. The

walls of the bar are sprawled with maps of the motherland, Surrounding patrons with a

strong sense of place. On a recent visit, shamelessly donning my Kerry jersey (up the

kingdom), I found myself at the centre of friendly inquiries about which town I hail from.

The pub's unique ability to spark conversations and connect people through their shared

Irishness is a testament to the warm and inviting atmosphere that sets The Hearsall Inn

apart.

The main event unfolds every Tuesday around 8 pm, as live traditional Irish music takes

centre stage, courtesy of the Coventry Comhaltas. With concertinas, bodhrans, violins, and

flutes littered around the pub, the air is filled with the harmonious notes of concertinas,

bodhrans, violins, and flutes, weaving a musical pattern of traditional Gaelic tunes.

Thefamily feel is palpable, with people of all ages coming together to create a lively celebration

of the homely reels that define Irish music. The rhythmic clapping, spirited jilting, and foot-

tapping create an energy that resonates through both the musicians and the pub-goers.

The Hearsall Inn, a family-run establishment since its purchase by the current owners in

1998, stands as a homage to their commitment to preserving Irish culture. Passed down

through the family, the pub is now in the hands of their sons, ensuring a continuity that

spans over two decades. The enduring partnership with the Coventry Comhaltas, spanning

16 years, reflects their dedication to keeping the Irish musical tradition alive in the

community.

Having spent a significant part of my childhood in my family’s pub in Kerry, I found the

atmosphere at The Hearsall Inn to be reminiscent of home. What may have seemed like

loitering in wait for home, now translates into a deep appreciation for the welcoming

environment fostered at The Hearsall Inn. And it really is welcome to all, my pure-blooded

English companion couldn't help but revel in the fantastic experience.

The Hearsall Inn stands not just as a pub but as a cultural home where Irish hospitality,

music, and community intertwine. Whether it's a Tuesday evening or any other day,

indulging in a pint of Guinness while immersing yourself in the best Irish music in the West

Midlands becomes an experience to cherish. For those seeking a taste of Ireland in

Coventry, The Hearsall Inn beckons as a quintessential destination.

By Kate O'Mahony

The Path to an Irish Passport

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:02:14 GMT

Contemplating getting an Irish passport but uncertain about eligibility?

You must be an Irish citizen to acquire an Irish passport.

One can gain citizenship through birth, descent, or naturalisation.

This section will provide an outline based on birth and naturalisation, as it can be confusing.

Eligibility criteria:

- If you were born in Northern Ireland before the 1 st of January 2005, you are entitled

to claim Irish citizenship and can therefore apply for an Irish passport

- If you were born in Ireland after the 1 st of January 2005, your entitlement is

dependent on the nationality and residence history of your parents

- Nationality: if your parents were Irish or UK citizens at birth you can choose to be an

Irish citizen

- Residence History: one of your parents must have lived in Ireland or Northern

Ireland for 3 out of the 4 years before you were born or have the right to live in

Ireland or Northern Ireland without any restriction on their period of residence

- If you were born outside of Ireland to an Irish born parent, you are automatically

entitled to an Irish citizen by birth

- If you were born outside of Ireland to a parent who was an Irish citizen or would

have been entitled to become an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you are

entitled to become an Irish citizen

- If you have an Irish-born grandparent who was an Irish citizen at the time of your

birth you entitles to become an Irish citizen

When applying for your Irish Passport, you will need your birth certificates and if claiming

through descent, your parent or grandparent’s birth certificate.

What are the benefits of having an Irish passport?

- As an Irish citizen, you are no longer tied down to visa restrictions that dictate

how to live, work, study, and travel

- You can buy a property, knowing you have a right to reside indefinitely. You can

apply for jobs, knowing that you don’t have to worry about a visa expiring. You

can travel across the Emerald Isle as you please.

- Irish citizens also have the right to reside in the UK.

- This agreement, known as the Common Travel Area, happened before the UK’s

entry into the European Union, so the agreement continues post-Brexit.

- Since Ireland is a member of the European Union, Irish citizens have the

freedom to live, work, study, and travel in other EU member states without

visas or restrictions

Once you have got your hands on that red passport again and the excitement of free

movement kicks in, why not plan a trip to where it all started? Whether you hop on a ferry

or catch a quick flight, head over to the Emerald Isle and soak in the heritage that granted

you this freedom. Explore the scenic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way or dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Cork. Your passport doesn’t just have to be for travel; it can be an opportunity to connect with your roots.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC awarded Presidential Distinguished Service Award

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:48:51 GMT

Coventry Irish Society is pleased to congratulate Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC on the announcement that she is one of this year's recipients of the President of Ireland's Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad.

The President's Distinguished Service Award is presented by the President each year, and it recognises the service given to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is from Ireland and holds degrees from University College Dublin (UCD) and the Honorable Society of the King's Inns, as well as from Cambridge University. She has been practising from Doughty Street Chambers since 2005. In her 18 years at Doughty Street she has acted in many leading human rights, public law and media law cases, both in the UK and internationally. This includes acting for bereaved families of the 7/7 London Bombings and the Hillsborough Disaster, and in a series of cases which have changed the law on the rights of children in police custody. She is a world expert on accountability for crimes against journalists and journalists' safety, and has led the international legal teams in a series of key cases in this field, including for the bereaved family of Daphne Caruana Galizia, assassinated in Malta in 2017; for pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai, imprisoned in Hong Kong; and (jointly with Amal Clooney) for Maria Ressa, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from the Philippines.

Caoilfhionn has acted in a number of cases concerning the rights of the Irish in Britain and in complex cases concerning cross-border issues between Ireland and Britain. She led the legal team acting for the family of Margaret Keane, overturning a ruling preventing them from using an Irish only inscription on her gravestone. She has recently been appointed Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Child Protection; is a Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission; and she is an Adjunct Full Professor at UCD. She was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2017 for her “outstanding commitment to enabling the Human Rights Act’s protections.”

Chomaltas Christmas Ceili

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:37:33 GMT

Join us on Friday 22nd December from 8.30pm - 11.30pm for Comhaltas Coventry Branches' Christmas Ceili.

Christ the King Club, Westhill Rd, Coventry CV6, 2AA

Dancing to the Innisfail Ceili Band (with caller) featuring our Junior Members and Maggie Gallagher's Celtica Irish Dancers.

Adults £5, Children £2.50 Family 2 adults & 2 Children £10.

Tickets available by contacting Jarlath Mulhern on 07876013590 or at mulhernj92@qmail.com

St Brigid's Day Lunch Club

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:19:23 GMT

Thursday 1st February 2nd Floor Eaton House 1 Eaton Road Coventry, CV1 2FJ

With live music from Frankie!

Tickets in advance are priced at £6 for members and Non-Members - £8

Visit us at our office for tickets or call 02476256629 for further information.

Betty Hunter Dementia Support Group Launches at Coventry Irish Society

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:24:03 GMT

Coventry Irish Society is delighted to announce that we have named our new 'Dementia Support Group' after the late Elizabeth 'Betty' Hunter. Betty, from Dun Laoghaire, was a phenomenal force for good and contributed so much in the field of Dementia. This included being a founding member of the Coventry branch of the Alzheimers Society and setting up of her specialist dementia care company, 'Care Associates'. You can read about Betty's life using the link below.

Our Dementia Group is now at Eaton House offices.

Betty Hunter Dementia Support Group

Starting Thursday 12 October 12pm-3pm

The group is aimed at people living with memory loss and their carers who would like to embrace their Irish culture. A light lunch, music and games are provided.

Please contact Nikita on 02476256629 or email at nikitasmithirishsoc@gmail.com

Christmas Lunch Club | 15 December

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:11:48 GMT

Join us on 15 December for an unmissable afternoon 12.30-5pm.

This lunch club will be held at Christ the King Club, Westhill Rd. Coventry, CV6 2AA.

With live music from Christy Pepper.

Advanced tickets only.

Members: £12

Non-members: £15

Tickets available from CIS. 2nd Floor Eaton House. Email cis@covirishsoc.org.uk for more

Lunch Club | 13 October

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:01:38 GMT

Join us at Flannelly's Club, 59-61 Holyhead Rd. Coventry, CV1 3AA on 13th October 12.30pm-5pm for our Lunch club.

With live music from Frankie, it's not to be missed!

Members tickets: £6

Non-members: £8

Tickets in advance only from CIS. 2nd Floor Eaton House

Coventry Irish Society Lunch Club | 17 November

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:57:27 GMT

Join us on 17 November from 12.30pm-5pm for our Lunch Club at St Finnbars Club, 303 Holbrook Lane, Coventry CV6 4DG.

With live music from Michael Gallagher and the usual warm welcome, it's an event not to be missed!

Advanced tickets only available from Coventry Irish Society, 2nd floor Eaton House - email cis@covirishsoc or call 02476256629.

Panel Discussion | The 25th Anniversary of The Good Friday Agreement and The Human Rights Case of Margaret Keane

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:57:03 GMT

Coventry Irish Society are pleased to host a panel discussion to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) on Thursday 12 October 2023.

An overwhelming majority voted for the Good Friday Agreement on 22 May 1998. It is not only a legally binding international peace treaty registered at the United Nations, guaranteed by both the British and Irish governments, but it also underpins the political framework in Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement guarantees human rights protections and equality. At the heart of the Agreement are principles of mutual respect for identity and parity of esteem.

The 2021 landmark successful discrimination appeal brought by the family of Margaret Keane, to overturn a decision to refuse an Irish-only inscription of love on a gravestone in Coventry, made submissions on the Good Friday Agreement and the importance of respect for identity and equality.

The family were represented by barristers, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Mary-Rachel McCabe, of Doughty St Chambers, and solicitor, Caroline Brogan, of Irwin Mitchell, on a free of charge basis. The Arches Court of Canterbury at St Mary-le-Bow, London, held that the original decision of the Chancellor of Coventry was unreasonable under the common law, and in breach of the family’s right not to be discriminated against under the Human Rights Act and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The case was supported in Seanad Éireann and the House of Commons. It continues to receive widespread, significant, global support and has been back in the news recently after Fontaines D.C won International Group of the Year at this year’s Brit Awards, with the first track on their album, “Inár gcroíthe go deo”, a tribute to the case.

Join chair for the evening Phil Upton , Breakfast show presenter on BBC CWR, as he panels the discussion, featuring guest speakers;

Henrietta Norton - Film Director, Producer & Step-daughter of the late Mo Mowlam, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Michelle Gildernew MP - Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone. Michelle was the Sinn Féin representative in London in the run-up to the Good Friday Agreement

Zarah Sultana MP - Labour MP for Coventry South

Taiwo Owatemi MP - Labour MP for Coventry North West

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC - Lead Counsel to the Keane family, & Special Rapporteur to the Irish Government on Child Protection

Bez Martin - Margaret Keane’s Daughter & Human Rights Champion

This is a FREE ticketed, in-person event. Advanced booking is essential. If you are no longer able to attend, please can you cancel your booking so that your ticket can be released.

‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ Relaunch Night | 16th June 2023

covirishsoc-website@outlook.com (Simon McCarthy) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:42:54 GMT

We were delighted that 120 people attended what was a wonderful celebratory night of our Irish history project relaunch, ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’.

The project that documents the contribution of the Irish community that came to live in Coventry between 1940-1970 was originally displayed at the Herbert Art Gallery in March 2018. Fabulous speeches were given by Dr Kieran McCarthy, who was sworn in as Cork City Lord Mayor on the 23rd June 2023, and our Honorary President, David Cairns who was 90 years old on the 7th June!

We thought you would appreciate the transcript of David Cairn’s short speech. There were 6 speakers in total in what was an emotional night where we remembered the contribution of that wonderful generation of Irish that contributed so much to the city. Thank you to everyone that attended!

The exhibition is now on permanent display at our 2nd Floor Eaton House offices, it is open from Monday to Friday from 2pm-4pm. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Irish Language Learning Beginners Class

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:19:01 GMT

Join us on Thursday 14 September from 6.30-8pm for our first Irish Language taster session.

This is a 12 week course, ideal for beginners looking to begin their Irish Language journey!

The course costs £5 per session, and will be held in at Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2FJ.

All learning materials will be provided. These sessions have been organised with the West Midlands Irish Language group.

Bookings only - To book your place give us a call on 02476256629 or email us at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk

Participants needed for research project exploring heart-centred contemplations

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:51:11 GMT

Are you interested in being involved with a research project looking at Heart-centred contemplation?

The project is lead by Professor Miguel Farias at Coventry University’s Centre for Trust, Peace & Social Relations and is looking for Coventry-local Roman Catholics to partake in a research project exploring heart-centred contemplations via a mobile app.

Participants would be required to come into Coventry University twice (8 weeks apart) for 2 hours each session wherein short, simple, non-invasive psychological tests will be done. Then between the 2 sessions, participants are required to do the contemplations daily (lasting 15-20mins) via a mobile app.

Participants will be compensated £50 for their time and participation in this study.

If interested please follow the link below to a short questionnaire about eligibility.

http://tinyurl.com/study-from-the-heart

For information contact Hafza Iqbal

ae1856@coventry.ac.uk

When half of Cov’s Irish population headed “home” for their holidays

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 14:04:15 GMT

Learn more about the history of Irish emigrant holidays from John Feury.

My paternal Grandmother, dated c. 1950/60's

With temptations like Cheltenham, Glastonbury and, closer to home, the Galway Races and All Tomorrow’s Parties studding the calendar, Irish people nowadays have no end of choices via which to recharge their batteries.

The holiday options facing the huge diaspora of ‘poor paddies’ who left Ireland to seek their fortunes in the Luftwaffe-ravaged industrial heartlands of post-WW2 England was somewhat sparser. They could either like their home city’s one-size-fits-all two-week holiday fortnight or lump it.

Like thousands of other Irish emigrants of that era, my Mum and Dad settled on Coventry as the repository for their future dreams. A once-beautiful medieval city rich with half-timbered buildings (a few of them still standing) Cov was, like Hull, Liverpool and Dresden, amongst the most heavily bombed cities of WW2. Killing 568 people and obliterating 4,300 homes, the November 1940 blitz here proved so devastating, a new word “coventrated” (literally “to bomb flat”) was coined.

While the dates of local workers’ 14-day annual escapes from their toils were carved in stone, the city’s employers’ setting of dates was rather more fluid. So one Friday July or August from the mid-50s onwards, my Mum, Dad, sister Mary and I would man-, woman- and child-handle heavy suitcases to Coventry Station for the ‘boat train’ to Holyhead.

When the youthful me finally become alert to my surroundings on these trips, the penny finally dropped that, far from effortlessly navigating both land and water, such trains were simply moribund pre-war rolling stock. Nostril-deep with noxious, tar-laden cigarette smoke, their corridors and passenger compartments should have been slapped with government health warnings. Murder British Rail trains back then might have been, the Orient Express they most certainly were not.

Rail services on what my Mum called “our” side of the Irish Sea were much, much cleaner, comfier and less crowded – they still are all these years later. Alarmingly, despite CIE having whisked us painlessly to the homes of my first set of Irish aunties and uncles, an even more dramatic discovery lay in wait. Brought up to believe my parents never walked to school in less than sub-arctic conditions, I twigged that Ireland’s climate was exactly the same as that in grey, rainy England.

Happily, coming “home” (another of my Mum’s words) was not without its compensations. An endless parade of plates laden down with Kimberly biscuits accompanied by bottle-after-bottle of diabetes-inducing fizzy minerals at every home you were welcomed into was one. Elderly relatives’ habit of discreetly squeezing silver coins and, if you were very, very lucky, a crumpled ten-bob note into your tiny sugar-sticky mitts was another. And while your folks relentlessly drummed it into your young brain that you were always to decline such offerings, those pesky old timers just wouldn’t take no for an answer.

The first of our two precious weeks were spent with Mum’s family at Corramore near Athlone’s Hodson Bay Hotel. With just one cousin of my age to play with and only an endless expanse of fields to play in, my time there was tedium incarnate. Marking off the days like a death row inmate, I couldn’t wait until taximan Fred Flanagan’s ginormous Ford Zephyr came to take us to my Uncle Jimmy’s farm at Mount Plunkett about 10 miles outside Roscommon.

While kids nowadays would be horrified if asked to stay somewhere lacking satellite TV or WiFi, my Dad’s boyhood home was devoid of not only electricity, but also a bathroom, toilet and running water. Its total absence of such creature comforts merely made me love it all the more. Further adding to Mount Plunkett’s allure was my Uncle’s dog, Brownie, an amazing Irish Water Spaniel who was to be this boy’s best friend throughout every one of those magical childhood summers.

Irish food was a hit and miss affair. Days usually began with a breakfast of succulent eels. Freshly caught in the Shannon by Jimmy and his fellow fisherman, Paddy Kelly, their flesh was then grilled to perfection over a turf fire by my grandmother. Lunch/Dinner invariably consisted of boiled bacon, cabbage and spuds – an unholy trinity of tastes I still find hard to swallow all these years later.

Suitably fed and watered, Brownie and I would spend hours exploring the banks of the Shannon before dropping into various neighbours for a mid-afternoon top-up of Roscommon’s dentally detrimental double whammy. In those days, Mount Plunkett was home to an extraordinary array of eccentric one-offs whose homes your folks would be happy for you to visit without worrying whether you’d be found chained up in a cellar several months or years later.

When the time came for Dad and Mum to return to work, they practically had to drag me kicking and screaming aboard the train to Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and the dreaded boat home. Many times, we brought packs of Kimberley biscuits back to Coventry with us. While apparently identical to the brown and white feasts that fuelled so many of my and Brownie’s adventures, those shop-bought Kimbos somehow never did taste anywhere near as sweet.

John Fuery

In Praise of a Not-so “Ordinary” Man

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:21:51 GMT

Discover John Fuery's moving journey to connect with his dad's heritage.

“I’m an ordinary man, nothing special nothing grand

I’ve had to work for everything I own

I never asked for a lot, I was happy with what I’d got

Enough to keep my family and my home”

Christy Moore, Ordinary Man

On Sunday December 4th last year, I got to experience a feeling most of us never will. It was then that I stepped over the threshold of the cottage and enter the bedroom in which my father had been born exactly 100 years before.

Built some two centuries and more ago, my family home is one of those ancient Irish cottages that nature cannot shift despite its having been built with no foundations. Jammed into the ground like a building brick abandoned by some giant toddler, the house has long since been declared uninhabitable. Whilst a trifle unnerving, to enter and drink deep of all its history so many years later is a truly life-affirming experience.

Dad was the third of the five children – three brothers and two sisters – who were born in this house; this room; this bed. While quiet, unshowy individuals, all five of them had their own genuinely extraordinary story to tell.

Dad’s eldest brother, Paddy, ran off to sea and circumnavigated the world several times; an adventure – and, who knows, a girl – in every port. His youngest brother, Jimmy, never cared to explore much further than Dublin and became the ‘one who stayed’ to tend the family smallholding. When not tilling fields and tending sheep, he found time to teach himself how to clinker-build rowboats and later sailing dinghies. By the time he died three years ago, he was arguably the finest Irish boat builder of his generation.

MORE…

My aunties, Mary and Kitty also lived long and fulfilling lives. Mary married the eighth-son-of-a-seventh son and raised one son and four daughters. Kitty ended up getting wed to the uncle of the man who headed up the CIA under Barack Obama and had a son of her own.

All bar my Dad, who died in his mid-sixties, and Paddy, who barely scraped into his eighties, lived until well into their tenth decades.

Like so many of those born around the time of the Civil War, mid-1940s Ireland held out few prospects for Dad. Bravely exchanging the bucolic simplicity of his rural childhood for the smoke-belching strangeness of the UK’s industrial heartlands, he embarked on the tricky task of trying to build himself some sort of future.

With ‘No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs’ signs a depressingly common sight in the windows of post-war British boarding houses, life for those ‘fresh off the boat’ must have been incredibly dispiriting. After working in Ipswich for a while, he and my Mum eventually married, settled down, moved to Coventry and started a family.

While overseas trips were a luxury few could afford back then, going ‘home’ for the Holiday Fortnight was a yearly ritual for the city’s large Irish diaspora. Dad, Mum, my elder sister, Mary, and myself were no exception. Perched precariously atop cheap cardboard suitcases in the impossibly over-crowded and smoky corridors of boat trains, we’d inch with molasses-like slowness towards Holyhead and the overnight ferry.

Once in Ireland, we would spend the first week of our holiday with Mum’s family near Athlone. The second Saturday marked the start of the happiest days of my childhood:

Seven blissful days in this tiny cottage by the Shannon that I now co-own with my sister and am blessed to be able to visit any time I need to calm and centre myself.

Granted a brief escape from the crushing monotony of factory life for a couple of short weeks, most men would have been content to sit by the turf fire and toast their toes.

Not my Dad.

On the rare days, Roscommon had exhausted its seemingly infinite reservoirs of rain, he’d head across the fields and join his boyhood friends in forking hay into stacks for their livestock’s winter feed. Back and shoulders seared an incandescent red from the sun, he’d later wash up, eat his tea and walk the mile-and-a-half to Coffey’s Bar to sink a couple of well-deserved post-work pints of plain.

To the left of the bedroom in which Dad entered the world is the parlour. In here was located the dresser where my grandparents’ best delft was kept for special occasions. Our annual return ‘home’ was one such event and was invariably marked with a celebratory high tea. To the right is located a cosy living area whose thick stone walls and rudimentary concrete floor served as a kitchen, dining and sitting room all in one.

Sitting here all these years later, it is impossible not to recall images of the smiling faces of the ‘ramblers’ whose happy chatter filled that space with warmth and light long before – and long after – the arrival of mains electricity in the early 1970s.

The years (as years are wont to do) ran away like wild horses over the hills. Family raised and grandkids running round the house, Dad and Mum were preparing for a well-deserved retirement. Having been the first member of my family to ever make it to Uni, I’d followed in Dad’s footsteps and moved overseas to seek my fortune.

All too soon it was August 1988 and Dad and I were standing on the concourse at Coventry Railway Station as I awaited the first leg of the long journey back to Hong Kong. Slowly being eaten away from the inside by the cancers that were killing him and so many of those who worked by his side, Dad looked agonisingly small, shrunken and worn out. Aware as kids often are, I knew I would never see him again, and for the first and last time in my life told him that I loved him. Three short months later he was gone.

That’s not the way I choose to remember Dad, though. My most cherished memory of him is of the many times Mum and I took the train to nearby Birmingham to seek treatment for a medical condition I suffered as a child. Standing impossibly high on the gantry on the side wall of the electroplating factory where he literally worked himself to death for a quarter of a century stood my Dad waving us God speed.

Having attained an age my poor father never managed to reach, here I stand on the threshold of a house whose only contents are memories too cherished to ever fade.

Gently closing and locking the door before heading back to town, I feel humbled by the struggles of all the genuinely remarkable family members on whose shoulders I now stand. While many people have offered to buy this ramshackle house and the windswept riverfront land it stands on, some memories are simply too precious to put a price on.

An earlier version of this article appeared in The Roscommon Herald in December, 2022.

The author has requested that any fees payable for this contribution be donated to Focus Ireland

John Fuery

Donegal The Pride of All - New book by Enda Hughes available now

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:13:20 GMT

Explore Donegal with this new photographic journey by Enda Hughes

Donegal will simply steal your heart - Author, Enda Hughes

Experience the magic of Donegal with Enda Hughes latest photographic book, available to purchase now from our Coventry Irish Society office.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be distribued to the following charities -

Donegal Hospice Letterkenny

Planet Youth Ballybofey

Cúnamh Stranorlar

Heritage Open Days - The Family Tree Tracers

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:41:34 GMT

Are you interested in tracing your Irish family history?

Come along to a FREE Taster Session with The Family Tree Tracers as part of Heritage open days 2023.

Coventry Irish Society, 2nd Floor Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, CV1 2FJ Friday, 15th September 2023, 2pm to 3pm

Booking is essential as places are limited

Please call 02476256629 or email cis@covirishsoc.org.uk

Coventry Irish Society 30th Anniversary Summer Ball

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 12:17:51 GMT

Join us for an evening of celebration on Saturday 9 September.

Coventry Irish Society is delighted to announce our 30th Anniversary Celebration ‘Summer Ball’ at Christ the King Club on Saturday, September 9th 7.30pm – late.

The Charity was founded in 1993 by former Lord Mayor, David Cairns (CIS Honorary President) and has formed a long and proud history of helping the vulnerable Irish in Coventry, as well as being involved in a wide range of cultural services including the Irish Festival, an annual St Patrick’s Day Festival, and an Irish history exhibition, ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’.

Rory Ryan, CIS Chairman said, “ This is our first Summer Ball since Lockdown, we are delighted to be bringing our Irish community stakeholders together again for our 30th Anniversary celebration. We hope every Irish organisation in the city will attend and welcome as many members and individuals as possible to join us for what will be a great night! ”

Performing at the Dinner Dance will be the talented Michael Gallagher and the McHugh School of Irish Dancers along with music from DJ Tom . So please join us for some jives and waltzes!

Tickets are £30 (£25 members price) and are available from CIS offices, 2nd Floor Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2FJ or by telephoning 02476256629.

As part of CIS 30th anniversary celebrations we are also offering organisations/businesses a new ‘Associate Membership’ for £100 per-year that will include a full page advert in our ‘Summer Ball Programme’. Please contact us on 02476256629 or email cis@covirishsoc.org.uk for further information.

‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ Oral History Exhibition Relaunches this June

covirishsoc-website@outlook.com (Simon McCarthy) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:31:41 GMT

Coventry Irish Society is relaunching its Oral History Project ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ on Friday 16 June 2023

‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ focuses on Irish migrants that arrived in the city between 1940 and 1970. The project includes filmed interviews, photographs, and written materials. Originally exhibited at the Herbert Art Gallery in 2018, the exhibition had more than 6000 visitors and 700 people on the opening night.

Coventry Irish Society is especially delighted to announce that Dr Kieran McCarthy the incoming Lord Mayor of Cork will be one of the main speakers at the event. Dr McCarthy was part of the steering group for the oral history project, and he was instrumental in the hosting of the exhibition in Cork City Hall for 1 month in September 2018.

Other speakers include Coventry Irish Society’s Honorary President, David Cairns, who was the first Irish Lord Mayor of Coventry, David will be 90 years old this June and Ciaran Davis , the Project Officer.

The evening will be a celebratory event and include Irish traditional music, The McHale School of Irish Dancing, food, and refreshments.

Rory Ryan, CIS Chair said “The history project allows present and future generations to learn about the Irish community’s contribution to Coventry and to celebrate that as part of the city’s diverse communities. This year is Coventry Irish Society’s 30th anniversary and the evening will be a double celebration for us as we reflect on the support the charity has given to the local Irish community”.

The Exhibition will be permanently held at Coventry Irish Society 2nd Floor Eaton House after the Launch event and people are invited to visit us to between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday for a viewing.

Tickets are free and available to reserve here.

Anyone that has photographs, articles, documents, or items of interest that they feel would enhance the exhibition please contact the charity or bring them in to Coventry Irish Society offices Monday to Friday between 2pm-4pm as soon as possible

David Cairns tribute to Brendan Farrell

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 11:57:46 GMT

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

71-year-old Irish Survivor’s campaign to find a permanent home for CIS

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:36:48 GMT

71-year-old Irish Survivor, Margaret is an Irish Society client and volunteer that is appealing to the Irish community to support the Coventry Irish Society to find permanent premises.

Margaret is an Irish Survivor who had an incredibly difficult childhood in Ireland but has fought her way through life with great resilience and strength. She is very appreciative of the support she has received from Coventry Irish Society and wants the Irish community to know about the charity’s work.

Margaret said “I don’t think people realise the work the Irish Society does. They help so many people who wouldn’t get that help anywhere else. At the Irish Society I experienced a warmth and a friendliness that I haven’t experienced anywhere else, it enables you to talk about your problems and I know of many others that the charity has literally kept sane”.

Margaret wants the Irish community to be aware that if the Charity were to close through lack of funding it wouldn’t ever come back and that would be a great loss for the people the charity supports.

She added, “I don’t understand why people don’t support the Charity more, I can only assume that people don’t realise the great work that they are doing, or I wonder if people actually realise the Irish Society is a charity”.

Irish Society manager Simon McCarthy said, “For many people the charity is a lifeline, providing services that they cannot get elsewhere, such as specialist support for Irish Survivors, support with Irish pensions and Irish passports, a culturally sensitive Dementia support group, lunch clubs for the Irish elderly and social and befriending support to combat the growing isolation in an aging Irish born population in the city”.

The Charity needs to find a permanent building to host the charity’s services that will help reduce social isolation in the older Irish as there is increasingly less places for people to go now. The Charity’s Oral History exhibition ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ providing a long-lasting testimony to the contribution the Irish community has made to the city, will be relaunched in March 2023 during the St Patrick’s Day Festival.

The amount of money raised can be boosted by 25% through Gift Aiding donations using the online funding page ‘Local Giving’. So, if you are kind enough to contribute, please ensure (if you are a UK Taxpayer) that you ‘Gift Aid’ your contribution.

Cash or cheques payable to the Coventry Irish Society can be made at our offices .

Coventry Irish Society new memberships campaign

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:17:35 GMT

You can now join the charity and be part of the support network for the vulnerable Irish in Coventry and the Midlands. Memberships cost a minimum of £2 per-month.

From our new website members will receive a monthly e-Newsletter and regular updates, as well as discounted tickets to our events. You will be able to keep in touch with what’s happening in Coventry’s Irish community networks, and all whilst supporting the Society’s work.

Click here to get started

Coventry Irish Society has moved to Eaton House

We are delighted to inform you of our new offices, 2nd Floor Eaton House, Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2FJ.

The charity now has room for both advice and cultural services. This includes the relaunch of our Irish History exhibition ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ a Café area, welfare and health advice and a new Irish Survivors project covering the Midlands area.

Coventry Irish Society is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm for advice, support and information.

This includes Irish passports and citizenship, health and welfare benefits, Irish pensions, housing and a specialist support service for Irish Survivors. We host a variety of social and cultural events including a St. Patrick’s Day Festival, an Elders Lunch Club and an Annual Summer Ball .

Coventry Irish Updates

Coventry Irish Society's St. Patrick's Day 2026 Guide

Discover our guide to St. Patrick's Day events this year!

St. Patrick's Day Lunch Club

Join us on Tuesday 17 March for our St. Patrick's day Lunch Club!

History and Origins of the Coventry Irish Community with Chris Egan

Join us for this 40 minute presentation by Chris Egan.

Pop-Up Gaeltacht

Join us for a special St. Patrick's day edition of our Pop-up Gaeltacht!

Betty's Friends - Early Memory Loss / Dementia Support Group

Betty's Friends, an early memory loss and dementia support group - meets every Monday from 12pm-2pm.

Discover our Weekly Wellness Walks

Join us on our weekly Wellness Walk

Ceardlann na gCrosóga Bhríde / St Brigid’s Workshop (In Irish & English)

Meet the Poet: Cathy Galvin

Women In Peacebuilding & The Importance of The Good Friday Agreement - In Conversation with Hen Norton

Join filmmaker and producer Henrietta (Hen) Norton, stepdaughter of the late Mo Mowlam, for this free event.

Beginners’ Irish Language (10 Week Course) Spring 2026

Coventry Irish Society Launches Films to Secure Permanent Self Sustaining Irish Heritage Centre

Stephen Travers Presents The Miami Showband Massacre Story

Beginners’ Irish Language (5 Week Course) Autumn 2025

Post Beginners’ Irish Language (12 Week Course) Autumn 2025 with Nollaig Doughan

Ciorcal Comhrá | Conversation Circle

Calling all advanced Irish speakers!

Coventry Irish Society's Annual Ball is back for 2025!

In Her Footsteps - Community Collage | Call for Submissions!

Celebrating Mo Mowlam | Equal-i-tea

“People working together can overcome many obstacles and by doing so can make the world a better place” - Mo Mowlam

Dementia Awareness Training with Dr Mary Tilki

Ó Ghlúin Go Glúin | An evening to celebrate the stories of Irish women

Ó Ghlúin go Glúin | An evening to celebrate the stories of Irish women

Event | A pictorial workshop: Gerry Molumby on the stained glass windows of Harry Clarke.

A pictorial workshop by Irish Post columnist Gerry Molumby on the stained glass windows of Ireland’s renowned artist, Harry Clarke.

Coventry Irish Society Open Day 2025

Meet our team and find out more about our services at this free community networking event.

Help support Philomena's Law - Contact your local MP today with our free template

Help support former residents of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes now living in Britain.

We are Hiring - Mental Health Support Worker

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day 2025!

Coventry Irish Society - 2025 St. Patrick's Day Programme

Join the Irish in Coventry for a packed programme of events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a week of live music, performances, Lunch Clubs and more across the city.

Lá Mór na Gaeilge - Irish Language Day 2025

Join us for Irish Language Day 2025 on Saturday 8 March!

Registration for Spring term now open - Scoil Ghaeilge Margaret Keane - The Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Meet the author - Dennis Carey

Long-awaited sequel arrives

Ambassador's Visit to the Coventry Irish Society

Scoil Ghaeilge Margaret Keane - The Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Community Engagement Update - Looking back on 2024

We have been working hard to represent The Coventry Irish Society and to build partnerships for the benefit of the Charity. Here are some recent pictures of just some of the many activities we have been involved with.

Funding & Awards Update - December 2024

An Leabharlann Mo Mowlam - The Mo Mowlam Library

Conrad Bryan's 'Irish People of Colour' Book Launch and Q&A

Coventry Irish Society’s 5th Annual Ball

Coventry Irish Society Stakeholder Business Networking Breakfast

Coventry Irish Society Halloween Party 2024

Volunteers needed for the Coventry Irish Society Allotment

We are looking for a new Allotment Manager and a team of volunteers to take over the care of our beautiful, well-kept allotment at Lakeview, just off The Allesley Old Road, Coventry.

Margaret Keane Irish Language School - Autumn 2024 bookings open now

Coventry Irish Society is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the Autumn Term at our Irish language school named in tribute to the late Margaret Keane.

Donations needed for new CIS Leabharlann

Help us build our new bespoke library!

We are hiring! Office Administrator post

We are hiring - Health Outreach Worker

We are hiring - Irish Survivors Outreach Worker

Paddy Furey –Magical visits from a much-missed uncle

No, I never could fill Willie’s shoes. No matter how many stockings I put on my feet, I still couldn’t fill Willie’s shoes…. Willie’s Shoes by Ciarán Rosney

Exploring the Global Impact of St. Patrick's Day: From Montserrat to Melbourne and Beyond

Opening up closed adoption in Ireland

Irish- born adoptee Bernadette Covo explains her study of the personal experiences of individuals who, like her, have had closed adoptions.

Leo Varadkar's Resignation: What Next?

St. Patrick's Day: Why is it so popular among university students?

SOS at Coventry Irish Society - Free drop-in event

Coventry Irish Society Launches new Margaret Keane Irish Language School

Remembering John Bruton: A Legacy of Leadership in Irish Politics

Irish Rugby Dominance

The Return of Stormont: A Revitalised Government

Irish Actors Taking the Global Stage: A Cinematic Renaissance

Coventry Irish Society announces 2024 St. Patrick's day programme of events

Join the Irish in Coventry for a packed programme of events to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a week of live music, performances, Lunch Clubs and more across the city.

We have been working hard to represent The Coventry Irish Society and to build
partnerships for the benefit of the Charity. Here are some recent pictures of just

some of the many activities we have been involved with.

No, I never could fill Willie’s shoes.
No matter how many stockings

I put on my feet, I still couldn’t

fill Willie’s shoes….

Willie’s Shoes by Ciarán Rosney