Panel Discussion | The 25th Anniversary of The Good Friday Agreement and The Human Rights Case of Margaret Keane
September 9, 2023
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.
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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.
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 in Coventry with events, live performances, plenty of craic and lots to discover!
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.
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
