Taking the stage for St Patrick John Courtney (left), a committee member of the Irish Pensioners’ Forum of East London, was among those who took to the stage during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations held at York Hall. www.irisheldersadvice.org.uk A big community here “It makes me proud as I have lived in Tower Hamlets all my life and there is a big Irish community here.” sharon finn from stepney News Daniel Mulhall, Irish ambassador to Britain, and his wife Greta, and Mayor Lutfur Rahman Bailey Reilly and Lilly Kelly Byfield, both 10, at York Hall’s St Patrick’s Day party When Irish eyes are smiling BY SHALINA HUSSAIN PHOTOS BY CARMEN VALINO AS buildings across the country and the world went green to mark St Patrick’s Day, Tower Hamlets celebrated the Celtic saint’s day with an Irish-style East End knees-up at York Hall on March 14. More than 40 international landmarks were lit in green, from the pyramids and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Sydney Opera House. In the capital, the London Eye and Selfridges department store turned green as part of the festivities. In Bethnal Green more than 600 residents enjoyed an evening of traditional Irish music, singing and dancing with special guest Daniel Mulhall, Irish ambassador to Britain, and Mayor Lutfur Rahman. The event, hosted by the council, was organised with the Irish Pensioners Forum of East London, Irish Elderly Advice Network and Unite Community Membership. Artists performing on the night included The Searson Brothers with Mick Mulvey, Mondegreen, Hackney School of Folk, Maguire & O’Shea Irish Dance Academy a n d O r l a McAuliffe and Brona McAuliffe. Mr Mulhall, who has celebrated St Patrick’s Day in many different countries, (Above) Mary Flanagan, Pauline McKay and Iris Smith tip their hats to St Patrick; (Right) Karlie Richardson and Chloe Pirotta, both 12; (Below right) A packed York Hall said he thoroughly enjoyed his first trip to Tower Hamlets. “It is very fitting to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a place like Tower Hamlets which has seen so many different waves of immigration,” he said. “The Irish were the first immigrant minority community to arrive in Britain during the 1940s and have contributeda great deal to society. I am pleased to see so many people here and it is important to network with other communities.” The event paid homage to the deep roots of Irish communities in the borough and the impact they have made to Tower Hamlets. Mayor Rahman said: “I was delighted to join the ambassador for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Irish are one of our oldest communities and have helped to shape and make this borough into what it is today.” Sharon Finn from Stepney added: “It is fantastic that we have the opportunity to celebrate our cultural heritage and makes me proud as I have lived in Tower Hamlets all my life and there is a big Irish community here.” There was plenty of Irish music at the party, including Orlaith McAuliffe who played the flute (Left) Tripping the light fantastic at the dance (Below) Tommy and Moreen Finn enjoying the party 6 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 24 – 30 MARCH 2014
East_End_Life_24Mar2014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above