2020
SaturdayFESTIVAL 14th to Tuesday 17th GUIDE March
Contents
Welcome from the Chairman of Luton St Patrick’s Festival Committee...... 3
Message from Mayor of Luton...... 4
Luton St Patrick’s Festival programme...... 6
An Ordinary Man – Saturday Drama...... 9
The 2020 Parade Route Sunday 15th March...... 12
Seán Ó’Riada Mass...... 13
Parade...... 13
Trad & Country on Market Hill Stage...... 15
Olivia Douglas...... 17
John McNicholl & Band...... 18
Irish Dancing + School Choirs Showcase on The Mall Stage...... 21
The Wilsons Show...... 23
Galway/Sligo Trad Group...... 24
Trad, Celtic & Folk Rock at The Hat Factory...... 27
The Skivers...... 28
Galway Street Group...... 31
St Patrick’s Day Afternoon Celebration...... 33
The Story of Saint Patrick...... 36
High quality welfare advice...... 41
What’s On at The Forum...... 43
LIF Social Clubs and Activities...... 45
Irish Cultural events...... 46
The story of Daniel O’Connell...... 48
Irish Person Of The Year...... 52
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 1 Proud to be supporting Luton St Patrick’s Festival
FPM Facility Services provide planned and reactive maintenance to both the private and public sector across the South East of England.
• Building Maintenance • Office Fit Out and Refurbishment • Flooring • Electrical Contractors and Engineers • Site Pathway and Parking Maintenance • Air Conditioning and Plumbing • Roofing Repairs
Talk to one of our team on 01582 484020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.f-p-m.co.uk
FPM Facility Services Ltd 35-37 Hastings Street, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 5BE Failte
Proud to be supporting Welcome to the 21st Luton St Patrick’s Festival – we have a great mix of music, dance, singing, Luton St Patrick’s Festival and drama for you!
Two performances of an Irish comedy drama in the Library Theatre starts the Festival on Saturday 14th. Sunday 15th is the big parade and entertainment day. The parade leaves Luton Irish Forum at 12 noon this year, an hour later to make it easier for participants travelling to join us and those attending the Sean O’Riada mass. Also on Sunday (15th), as well as the ever-popular Market Hill (Country & Trad) and The Mall (Irish Dancing Showcase) stages, we have added the Hat Factory to the free entertainment. We’ve also extended the market and family area. New this year will be a display from our calligraphy and art groups, opportunities to test your skill in the GAA’s gazebo and to have a go with local Irish dancing groups. There’ll also be Irish souvenirs and novelties on sale, a tea & cake stall, arts and crafts tent for youngsters, facepainters, and some local organisations. On St Patrick’s Day itself we have an Afternoon Celebration in the Celtic Club with live music and displays of Irish dancing from local youngsters. See our Festival Programme on pages on pages 6-7 and the following pages for details of events and performers. To everyone who helps make the Luton St Patrick’s Festival a FPM Facility Services provide planned and reactive maintenance to success – a massive ‘Thank You’. To all our dedicated volunteers, both the private and public sector across the South East of England. sponsors, parade participants, performers, market traders, and all other supporters and well-wishers – without your unflagging efforts, we would not be celebrating the 21st Luton St Patrick’s • Building Maintenance • Office Fit Out and Refurbishment • Flooring Festival! • Electrical Contractors and Engineers • Site Pathway and Parking Maintenance Thank you and good health – Go raibh, míle maith agat agas sláinte. • Air Conditioning and Plumbing • Roofing Repairs Liz O’Halloran Chair, Luton St Patrick’s Festival Committee Talk to one of our team on 01582 484020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.f-p-m.co.uk
FPM Facility Services Ltd 35-37 Hastings Street, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 5BE
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 3 Message from Mayor of Luton
In Luton we are privileged to have so many different communities in our midst. Each one brings its own culture, perspective and traditions, which combine to make the town the dynamic, vibrant place it is today. Every time we celebrate with each other we cement and deepen the bonds of friendship and understanding that are vital as together, we face the joys and challenges of the future. Today we join with our friends and neighbours in the Irish community – not just in Luton, but across the globe – to enjoy and appreciate their unique contribution to who we are today. Happy St Patrick’s Day and enjoy the “craic”!
Cllr Tahir Malik Mayor of Luton
4 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020
Luton St Patrick’s Festival programme Saturday 14th March Drama: An Ordinary Man Luton Library Theatre, LU1 2NG An Irish comedy drama performed by Gerry Farrell of Beezneez Theatre Company, Co. Leitrim. Performances 4:00pm and 7:30pm Pre-show performances of traditional Irish music and dancing from Galway / Sligo Trad Group in bar area at 3:00pm & 6:30pm. Tickets: £12 / £10 Concessions. Online from Luton Culture or Box Office in the Hat Factory T. 01582 878100.
Sunday 15th March Pre-parade Seán Ó Riada Mass 9:30am at Our Lady Help of Christians, Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AG Hymns in Gaelic sung by Luton Irish Forum Choir Parade & Live Entertainment Walking and vehicle parade leaving Luton Irish Forum, LU2 0ES, at 12:00pm with live entertainment along the way, travelling to Market Hill. Irish Market & Family Area Market Hill 11:00am-3:00pm Irish souvenirs and novelties, games, face painting, children’s crafts, art & calligraphy display, tea/coffee & cake. Trad & Country on Market Hill Stage 10:30am-3:00pm, MC: Gerry Byrne, host on IrishRadio.org. Comhaltas Traditional Irish music, 11:00am-12:00pm Olivia Douglas Multi award-winning vocalist & accordionist, 12:50-1:15pm John McNicholl Irish World and Hot Country Award winner, 1:30pm-2:30pm Olivia Douglas and John McNicholl Olivia and John performing together for Luton St Patrick’s Festival, 2.30pm-3:00pm Continued over...
6 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 Irish Dancing Showcase on The Mall Stage 10:30am-3:00pm, MC: Jim Carway, DJ and host of Luton Irish Live Show, Diverse FM. The Wilsons Show – Rock ‘n’ roll, country & party hits, 11:00am The Walshe Academy of Irish Dancing. 11:30am The Tiersha Academy – Irish dancing. 12:00pm Murphy Flaherty School of Irish Dancing. 12:25pm Cardinal Newman School Choir. 12:55pm Finbarr Conway Academy of Irish Dancing. 1:20pm St Martin De Porres Primary School Choir. 1:50pm Luton Ukimaniacs – Ukulele Band. 2:15pm Galway/ Sligo Trad Group – Traditional Irish music and dancing. 2:45pm Trad, Celtic & Folk Rock in The Hat Factory 3:00pm-8:00pm. Doors open and music at the bar from 2:45pm DJ: Matt Speight DJ on L&D Radio. 3:00pm-7:30pm Open Trad Session – Café. 3:00-4:00pm Join John Devine and friends for an open Trad session. All musicians welcome! The Skivers – Factory Floor. 4:00-5:00pm Luton-Irish band playing indie, rock, country and good old Irish music. Galway / Sligo Trad Group – Basement Bar. 5.00-6:00pm A young Trad band from Galway accompanied by brilliant Sean-nós dancers from Sligo. Galway Street Club – Factory Floor. 6:00-7:30pm An eclectic set of indie-rock, blues and Irish Trad, covers and original songs. Tickets: Entry to Hat Factory is free of charge but tickets are required. Book here or contact the Box Office in the Hat Factory T. 01582 878100.
St Patrick’s Day Afternoon Celebration Celtic Club, LU1 3BS – 11:00pm-3:00pm. Doors open 10:30am. DJ Eamon’s Country Sounds. 11:00am-3:00pm Crosskeys – Irish Country. 12:00pm The Wilsons Show – rock ‘n’ roll, country & party hits. 1:20pm Finbarr Conway Academy of Irish Dancing – talented local dancers. 2:25pm Tickets: £5:00 includes tea/coffee, bread & soup. Available from Luton Irish Forum reception and the Celtic Club.
Information is correct at time of going to press. Please visit our Festival events page at www.facebook.com/events/1808823212583818 or get in touch for the latest news.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 7
Gerry Taylor Irish Butcher and Grocer
54 Calverton Road Luton LU3 2SZ
FRESH
Irish Meat & Vegetables Irish Papers, Potatoes, Soda Bread, Soft Drinks and Biscuits Tel: 01582 572810 An Ordinary Man – Saturday Drama
Saturday 15th March Performances at 4:00pm & 7:30pm, duration 75 mins Pre-show performances of traditional Irish music and dancing from Galway / Sligo Trad Group at 3:00pm & 6:30pm Luton Library Theatre, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG Tickets £12 / £10 Concessions. Book via www.lutonculture. com or Hat Factory Box Office 01582 878100
Written by John McDwyer and performed by Beezneez Theatre Company, Co Leitrim. An Ordinary Man takes us on the life journey of a simple sawyer through births, deaths and marriages with a bit of football and ballroom dancing thrown in just for craic. Ultimately, we realise that while there may be an ordinary man, there is no such thing as an ordinary life. An unforgettable drama, funny and heart-breaking in equal measure.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 9 ECL CIVIL ENGINEERING PROUDLY SUPPORTS THIS YEAR’S LUTON ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL 2020
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01582 579812 | [email protected] ECL CIVIL ENGINEERING Irish World St Pats AD 2020.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2020 16:04 Page 1
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See page The twin sisters in Birmingham set for an exciting year in cricket 3 FFourour page LEEDS IRISH CENTRE TO IN ALL GOOD NEWS OUTLETS IN guide to: CELEBRATE 50 YEARS Brendan Shine - who was the first performer at the Centre, is back for the special anniversary St Brigid’s See page 6 Festival Sean O’Brien sets PLUS 2020 his sights on debut Premiership rugby assured for Exiles for London Irish next season In our i w section as Saracens 2 Interview Sport Pages 24-25 are relegated THE UK AND IRELAND EVERY WEEK G No date Coveney announced as rejects Javid yet, but Embassy IRELAND TO confirms new EU claims consulate will ánaiste Simon Coveney open in the has flatly rejected north of England Tclaims by Chancellor Edinbugh Sajid Javid that UK busi- OPEN A THIRD By Bernard Purcell nesses trading with Europe consulate will not be bound by EU rules and regulations and face no he new con- tariffs or quotas. sulate, first promised by Taoiseach Leo DIPLOMATIC Varadkar in ManchesterT last year at a meeting of the British Irish Council, will join the Em- bassy in London and its NEW Cromwell Road Passport consulate Office, the long-established MISSION WITH to open in consulate in Edinburgh the north and the recently re-opened HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY consulate in Cardiff. Mr Javid told The Finan- The Department of cial Times: “We will not be a Foreign Affairs and Trade rule taker, we will not be in the also has diplomats in NEW ENGLISH Northern Ireland. single market and we will not be in the customs union – and No date or location we will do this by the end of the has been announced but year.” the Deputy Ambassador Mr Coveney, in Brussels, at the Embassy of Ireland, responded: “There is no way Gerard Angley, last week CONSULATE told ministers, MPs, that the EU will ever sign up to Cardi a trade deal that allows tariff- Continued on page 5 free, quota-free and frictionless consulate access to UK goods coming in TO ALL OUR READERS IN BEDFORDSHIRE to the EU if there isn’t a level playing field in terms of how they are produced.” Embassy "Everybody understands of Ireland that for the EU a big priority is a level playing field, in other words the way in which goods are produced needs to be equiv- alent in the UK as in the rest of the EU if there's going to be Closer ties quota-free and tariff-free trade Deputy Ambassador Gerard Angley in the future, and I think every- made the announcement at the embassy body understands why." reception for MPs and media last week The 2020 Parade Route Sunday 15th March
Leaving at 12:00pm From Luton Irish Forum, Hitchin Road, LU2 0ES Nearest parking: Bute Street Shoppers Car Park, LU1 2NQ Power Court Car Park, LU1 3LJ Luton Mall Market Car Park, LU1 2 JX Luton Station Multistorey Car Park, LU2 0HR
12 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 Seán Ó’Riada Mass 9:30am Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church, Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AG Pre-parade mass with hymns in Gaelic sung by Luton Irish Forum Choir.
Parade Sunday 15th March Leaves Luton Irish Forum, LU2 0ES, at 12 noon A parade from Luton Irish Forum to Upper George Street (for vehicles) and Market Hill (pedestrians). Last year’s parade was the biggest for many a year and the 2020 showing is set to be even bigger – and noisier! The Counties of Ireland and local organisations will be represented and entertainment along the route includes a local Gaelic football club, Ukelele players, a steel band and Luton Irish Forum’s own Emerald Pipe Band. See map opposite for best locations to see the parade.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 13 Leagrave Comhaltas
Ceoltori Eireann
We would like to wish you a Happy St Patricks Day 2019!
Music Lessons take place every Tuesday up to 5pm. All abilities welcome.
Venue: St Josephs Parish Centre, Gardenia Avenue Luton LU3 2NS
For more information call:
Annette Hannigan - 07816 676488
Trad & Country on Market Hill Stage
Sunday 15th March Next to LU1 2AF 10:30am-3:00pm Free
From 10:30am...... MC: Gerry Byrne, DJ and host of Irish Radio
11:00am-12:00pm...... Comhaltas – traditional Irish music
12:50-1:15pm...... Olivia Douglas – multiple award-winning vocalist and accordionist
1:30-2:30pm...... John McNicholl & Band Irish World and Hot Country Award winner
2:30-3:00pm...... Olivia Douglas and John McNicholl
3:00pm...... Close
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Sunday 15th March 12:50-1:15pm 2:30-3:00pm with John McNicholl Market Hill Stage Free
Olivia Douglas will be entertaining us at Luton St Patrick’s Festival with her captivating voice and fantastic accordion playing. Within the last year Olivia has toured nationally and internationally with both Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan, as well as adding to her collection of awards, being recognised as one of Irish country music’s leading entertainers at the Sunday World Music & Entertainment Awards, the Hot Country Awards, and the Keltic Country TV Irish Entertainment Awards. Olivia’s second album, ‘Forever Country’ was released in April 2018 and includes two number ones in the country charts in ‘Don’t Think Twice’ and ‘Leaving Tipperary’. She has recently released the single ‘First Impressions’.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 17 John McNicholl & Band
Sunday 15th March 1:30-2:30pm 2:30-3:00pm with Olivia Douglas Market Hill Stage Free
John McNicholl is a household name of the Irish country music scene and will be showcasing his talent at Luton St Patrick’s Festival with his band. In 2001 John was the proud recipient of the Best Newcomer Award from Country Music UK. Other great highlights of his singing career to date include sharing a stage with Daniel O’Donnell and Cliff Richard at the Kincasslagh Festival, County Donegal, and playing support to the legendary Elton John. John’s latest album ‘Someone Like You’, is his fifth studio album features duets with Daniel O’Donnell, Margo and Louise Morrissey. John is currently on tour in Ireland and England.
18 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020
Join the club!
Sign up at our Ask Me Point or at themall.co.uk to make sure you don’t miss out on upcoming events and special treats for kids.
Luton A5 advert.indd 1 13/02/2020 15:28:14 Irish Dancing + School Choirs Showcase on The Mall Stage
Sunday 15th March Smiths Square, The Mall Shopping Centre 10:30am-3:00pm Free
Watch award-winning dancers from Ireland and local Irish dancing schools and listen to a super mix of vocal and musical styles plus Luton school choirs.
From 10:30am...... MC: Jim Carway, DJ and host of Luton Irish Live Show, Diverse FM
11:00-11:25am...... The Wilsons Show – rock ‘n’ roll, country & party hits
11:30-11:50am...... The Walshe Academy of Irish Dancing
12:00-12:20pm...... The Tiersha Academy – Irish dancing
12:25-12:45pm...... Murphy Flaherty School of Irish Dancing
12:55-1:15pm...... Cardinal Newman School Choir
1:20-1:40pm...... Finbarr Conway Academy of Irish Dancing
1:50pm-2:10pm...... St Martin De Porres Primary School Choir
2:15-2:35pm...... Luton Ukimaniacs – ukulele band
2:45-3:30pm...... Galway-Sligo Trad Group – traditional Irish music and dancing
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Plant Hire ● Labour Supply ● Contracts & Groundwork The Wilsons Show Sunday 15th March Tuesday 17th March 11:00-11:25am 1:20-2:15pm The Mall Stage Celtic Club Free Tickets £5 includes tea/coffee and bread & soup. Available from Luton Irish Forum reception.
Luton St Patrick’s Festival is thrilled to welcome back The Wilsons Show – a professional vocal duo, performing great hits of the 50s & 60s. Covering Rock n Roll, Soul, Motown, Country & Party tunes from these two fantastic decades plus a few more favourites to keep the party going. This all-singing, all-dancing duo go back to an era of incredible stars, fantastic voices, great style, magical melodies, and classic hits. The time that had it all: legendary singers, timeless music, great harmonies, plus some of the best love songs ever. The Wilsons Show plans to have everyone twistin’ & shoutin’, movin’ & groovin’, and jumpin’ & jivin’ the day away – so make sure you bring your dancing shoes!!
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 23 Galway/Sligo Trad Group Sunday 15th March Sunday 15th March 2:45-3:30pm 5:00-6:00pm The Mall Stage Basement Bar, Hat Factory Free Free but tickets required. Book online or at The Hat Factory Box Office T. 01582 878100.
Also Saturday 14th March, pre-show performances at Luton Library Theatre. Open only to ticket holders of drama ‘An Ordinary Man’.
Galway/Sligo Trad group are made up of a group of multi-talented award-winning instrumentalists and sean nós dancers. Emily Greaney from county Galway plays concertina, harp and also dances. Emily is the current Under 18 All Ireland harp champion and earlier this year her team of set dancers from Abbeyknockmoy won the All Ireland Scor na nog title. Eabha McDonagh hails from a family steeped in Irish musical tradition and plays accordion and melodean. She is also a keen sean nós dancer who competes in the Oireachtais na Samhna annually and has won numerous prizes at the Fleadh, Community Games. Ryan Sheridan and Conor McDonagh from Sligo are both All Ireland Champions at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. Ryan is a fourth-generation musician and the current Under 18 Ceili Drum champion as well as an accomplished accordion and bodhran player. In addition, he has won numerous All Ireland titles in sean nós dancing. Conor McDonagh is an accomplished musician and at just 15 has already won numerous All Ireland Titles in flute, whistle and drums.
24 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020
Stephen Gill Plant Sales
Best wishes to Luton Irish Forum on their 21st Annual St Patrick’s Festival
1-21 York Street, Luton LU2 0EZ Tel: (+44) (0) 1582 451364 Fax: (+44) (0) 1582 451363 Mobile: (+44) (0) 7774 179517 Email: [email protected] www.stephengillplantsales.co.uk
Trad, Celtic & Folk Rock at The Hat Factory
Sunday 15th March 3:00-8:00pm The Hat Factory, Free but tickets required. 65- 67 Bute Street, Book online or at The Hat Luton, LU1 2EY Factory Box Office.
3:00-7:30pm...... DJ Matt Speight
3:00-4:00pm...... Open session of traditional Irish music in the café area
4:00-5:00pm...... The Skivers – Celtic rock on the Factory Floor
5:00-6:00pm ...... Galway-Sligo Trad Group – traditional Irish music and dancing in the Basement Bar
6:00-7:30pm ...... Galway Street Club – folk rock on the Factory Floor
7:30-8:00pm ...... Recorded music
8:00pm...... Close
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 27 The Skivers Sunday 15th March 4:00-5:00pm Factory Floor, Hat Factory Free but tickets required. Book online or at The Hat Factory Box Office T. 01582 878100.
The Skivers are an exciting four-piece Irish/rock covers band from Luton with an established local following – now they’re making a name for themselves with a much wider audience. Playing many different genres, from Dolly Parton to The Killers, with a wide range of Irish songs thrown into the mix, their music will get you up on your feet singing and dancing! The group toured Boston in the USA last year and are hoping to return there again soon.
28 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 HEVERIN HAULAGE LTD is one of the leading professional haulage companies in the UK with its prime location based at Junction 9 of the M1, an advantage point to the South of England and London. With over 20 years experience in the haulage industry, we offer a range of vehicles with bulk tipping, pushout and walking floor trailers to suit all waste and recycling needs. Commitment to supply our customers with a quality and reliable service has always been the Company’s priority.
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StPats_Brochure.indd 54 06/03/2017 10:49 Galway Street Group
Sunday 15th March 6:00-7:30pm Factory Floor, Hat Factory Free but tickets required. Book online or at The Hat Factory Box Office T. 01582 878100.
Formed in March 2016, Galway Street Club is a collective of street musicians hailing from various corners of the globe who came together after a random jam on Galway city’s famous Shop Street. With members from Argentina, Russia, New Mexico, Texas, Germany, France and Ireland, Galway Street Club plays a high-energy and varied set. Expect Blues, Rock, Ska, Folk, Americana and Trad played like you’ve never heard before! Four years and one album later, the band have visited eight countries, playing in more than 40 cities and towns, countless festivals and have shared stages with acts such as Madness, Alabama 3 and King Kong Company. Galway Street Club is currently working on a second album planned for release later this year.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 31
J.J. Kelly & Sons Ltd
Building & Civil Engineering Contractors
Redlands J.J. Kelly Woodbury Hill Path Managing Director Luton Mobile: 07956 010 061 Bedfordshire LU2 7JR E: [email protected]
Best wishes for St Patrick’s Day
Tel:01582 455 406 Fax: 01582 483 164
St Patrick’s Day Afternoon Celebration
Tuesday 17th March 11:00pm – 3:00pm Celtic Club, Chobham £5.00. Includes tea/coffee and Street, Luton LU1 3BS bread & soup. Tickets available from Luton Irish Forum reception.
DJ: Eamon’s Country Sounds MC: Tom Scanlon
11:00-11:50am...... Eamon’s Country Sounds
12:00-1:10pm...... Crosskeys – Irish Country
1:20-2:15pm...... The Wilsons Show – rock ‘n’ roll, country & party hits
2:25-2:45pm...... Finbarr Conway Academy of Irish Dancing
3:00pm...... Close
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The Story of Saint Patrick Extract from an article by IrishCentral.com
Saint Patrick is not only the Patron Saint of Ireland, he is also a Patron Saint of Australia, Nigeria, and Montserrat. St Patrick becomes the Patron Saint on 17th March in almost every country of the world, as people celebrate their ‘Irish-ness’ or links with Ireland through family and friends.
Kidnapping and imprisonment A 16-year-old Patrick was captured in 403AD by an Irish raiding party somewhere along the west coast of what is known today as Great Britain. Most likely he was seized in Scotland because of its proximity to Ireland, although many would say Wales. Raiding parties, with warriors known as the ‘Picts’, would land somewhere on the coast and if the place was inhabited, frequently carry out a ‘smash and grab job’ of looting. They would grab young people, animals, clothes, weapons, whatever they wanted, and anyone opposing them would be killed. Patrick was snatched on one such raid and brought to Ireland as a slave. His job was to mind the sheep at night so wolves, wild dogs, foxes or even wild bears could not take them or their lambs. He did this on the slopes of the Slemish Mountains in County Antrim.
36 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 Returning home Patrick grew into a young man and was able to escape from slavery six years later. He returned home and later began to realise that he had a vocation to the priesthood or a ministry of prayer in the church. Thinking often about the Irish people, he prayed for their conversion to ‘the faith’. Later, as he said himself in his ‘confessions’, he was tormented by the ‘Voice of the Irish’, who he had heard calling in the night: “Come back to us Patrick”.
St Patrick’s great mission Once Patrick was ordained as a priest and had learned Latin and French, he asked to be sent as a missionary to Ireland, or as it was known then, Hiberniae, which means the ‘Land of Winter’. Patrick had a great missionary zeal and soon became Ireland’s second Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The Catholic Church in Ireland provided the first organised educational infrastructure for a society that previously had none. The monasteries were built and there were plenty of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. The Irish monks became teachers and inventors. They were, in addition to leading the monastic life of prayer, also great builders and craftsmen. Given that there were so many vocations, they began to look at the possibilities of becoming missionaries not only to Europe but to the Americas. St Patrick died in Armagh in 461AD after 29 years as Archbishop in that Archdiocese which now has the Primacy of All Ireland.
Saint Patrick and the shamrock It is said St Patrick used the three leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to the pagan Irish during the 5th Century. The tradition of wearing Shamrock on St Patrick’s Day can be traced back to the early 1700s.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 37
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High quality welfare advice Last year LIF’s welfare service enabled clients to receive £1.6 million of financial gain that they were entitled to.
Luton Irish Forum’s welfare service provides free and confidential advice on all UK benefits including representation at benefit appeals, housing issues, returning to Ireland and Irish pensions. We also provide advice and a witnessing service for Irish passport applications. Based just outside Luton town centre, the Welfare team helps local people face-to-face in our accessible centre, over the telephone, by email, and through home visits for those unable to access the centre due to severe disability. Here at Luton Irish Forum we work in partnership with a range of other specialist agencies both in the UK and Ireland to ensure Luton Irish people and the wider local community has access to excellent support. We were delighted to achieve the Advice Quality Standard for our Welfare Case Work once again. To hold the standard organisations must undergo an independent audit where it’s demonstrated that they are easily accessible, effectively managed, and employ staff with the right skills and knowledge to meet the needs of their clients. The report highlighted many areas of good practice and the assessor summarised ‘LIF is a warm friendly and welcoming organisation with strong leadership and a comprehensive set of robust policies and procedures in place’.
The Welfare team and students. For more information please call 01582 720 447 Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm or Friday 9.30am to 3pm.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 41 STAFFING REQUIREMENTS FORKLIFT TRUCK TRAINING DRIVER CPC TRAINING LICENCE REFRESHER COURSES HR, PAYROLL & IR35 ADVICE
01582 696959 | [email protected] FIND US! www.flexistaffuk.com What’s On at The Forum Luton Irish Forum’s groups are open to any local person to attend and new people are welcome at all. We ask for a donation of £1-2 per session. See the following pages for more information on each group or just pop in. Other local community groups and organisations also use the LIF centre for various events, some of which are listed below as ‘not LIF’. Prices for these activities vary. Our Welfare Advice service is available by appointment Monday to Thursday 9:30am-4:00pm, Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.
Monday Thursday 11:30am-1:30pm...... Computer Club 10:00am-11:30am...... Tea & Chat 11:30am-1:30pm...... Genealogy by appointment Friday 2:30pm-4:30pm...... Social Dance 9:30am-11:30am...... Baby & Toddler (not LIF) Group (Term time) 5:30pm-9:00pm...... Slimming World 12:00pm-2:00pm...... Art Class (not LIF) 2:30pm-4:30pm...... Calligraphy Group 7:00pm-8:00pm...... Choir 8:00pm-10:30pm...... Musicardo singing Saturday group (not LIF) 10:00am-2:00pm...... PBIC Career Advice Tuesday & EU Settled Status Support 10:30am-1:30pm...... Tuesday Social Club (not LIF, alternate 7:00pm-8:00pm...... Beginners Irish Saturdays) Language Classes 8:00pm-9:30pm...... Wing Chun Martial Sunday Arts (not LIF) 10:00am-12:00pm...... Emerald Pipe Band 8:00pm-10:00pm...... Poetry Society practice (alternate (not LIF, 2nd Tues Sundays) in month)
Wednesday 10:30am-1:30pm...... Wednesday Social Club
1:30pm-2:15pm...... Gentle Exercises for Older People (standing or seated)
1:30pm-3:00pm...... Literary Society (1st Wed in month)
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 43
LIF Social Clubs and Activities Luton Irish Forum (LIF) runs a wide variety of clubs and groups which give people of all ages opportunities to socialise and to enjoy affordable and interesting activities in a welcoming and safe environment. Hundreds of people each month enjoy activities at LIF with many others coming to events such as our literary society evenings and cultural seminars. As well as activities run by LIF, other local community groups and organisations use the centre for their regular and one-off events, from social dancing and martial arts to a support group helping people cope with diabetes and a poetry society. New people are welcome at all our groups. We have a suggested donation of £1-2 per session where people are able to make a donation. Art Group – Adults of any age and Emerald Pipe Band – New pipers ability, or no ability, are welcome. Enjoy needed to play alongside our current sketching, painting and more, with band. Absolute beginners welcome, support and advice on hand from an tuition from existing (experienced and experienced and talented group leader. patient!) pipe player. Baby & Toddler Group – Little ones Exercises for Older People – up to five years old plus their mum, Gentle exercises to keep you mobile dad, grandparent or guardian enjoy and feeling as flexible as you can. story time, free play, arts & crafts such Exercises are designed to be done as messy painting and other activities. standing or seated. Healthy light snacks and drinks are Genealogy – Trace your Irish ancestors provided, and the group welcomes with one-to-one advice and support. occasional guest speakers on topics of particular interest. Irish Language – beginners and advanced – Non-speakers and those Calligraphy Class – Learn calligraphy who learned at school but haven’t in this friendly group from an spoken Irish for decades develop their experienced and talented group leader language skills in small and friendly and you could soon be creating highly groups. decorative pieces of individual art or be part of a team working on large Literary Society – The Society meets celebratory banners. monthly to enjoy the written and spoken word. The group also puts Choir – Our choir includes both women on popular entertainment evenings and men who sing together regularly. including a mix of music, singing, poetry Choir members who wish also perform and drama. at local events including the annual Luton St Patrick’s Festival. Tea & Chat – A smaller group which welcomes regular speakers and Computer Club – A weekly get together presentations as varied as accessing with one-to-one support to enable health services to fostering pets. anyone from a complete novice to access the internet and learn online Tuesday & Wednesday Clubs – These skills such as using social media to clubs offer companionship as well keep in touch with family and friends, as bread and tea, soup in the winter, shopping safely online, finding local regular chicken & chip lunches, bingo services, etc. A limited number of games and raffle. Members also enjoy laptops are available to use during the days out to the attractions such as the session. seaside and a Christmas market.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 45 Irish Cultural events Featured here are two recent cultural events at LIF. Keep up to date with news and events at the Forum by joining our mailing list – see online or contact reception. St Brigid’s Day Luton Irish Forum marked Lá Fhéile Bríde (St Brigid’s Day) by hosting its fourth annual Afternoon Tea event on the feast day (1st February) which celebrated the achievements of women in sport. Some 75 guests enjoyed chatting with friends old and new at the beautiful Putteridge Bury House just outside Luton. The Afternoon Tea programme showcased the stories of two women from the local Irish community; Sandra Hayes and Ann ‘Tiger’ Woods, and the Luton based Claddagh Gaels - the only Ladies Gaelic Football Club in Britain not affiliated to any men’s club. The event also featured accounts of the Lutonian women who defied an FA ban in the 1930s and played illegal football matches at Luton Town Football Club. Guests were treated to the narratives of legendry Irish sportswomen such as Maeve Kyle – Ireland’s first female Olympian, and Katie Taylor – a two-weight world champion boxer. Fiona Martin, Youth and Heritage Officer at Luton Irish Forum and event co-ordinator, said: “It’s a privilege to capture and share the stories of women from our community. Too many women’s achievements and contributions go unrecognised – they should be celebrated and remembered.”
46 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 Religion & cultural identity in Northern Ireland One of Ireland’s principal historians, Marianne Elliott OBE, came to Luton Irish Forum and gave a very interesting talk in November 2019. Dr Elliott’s theme was the struggle between Catholic and Protestant, which has shaped Irish history since the Reformation and still has tragic consequences up to the present day. The talk asked how do Catholics and Protestants in Ireland see each other? And how do they view their own communities and what these communities stand for? Tracing the history of religious identities in Ireland over the last three centuries, Marianne Elliott reasoned that these two questions are inextricably linked and that the identity of both Catholics and Protestants is shaped by the way that each community views the other.
A lively Q&A session followed the talk. Tom Scanlon, Chair of Luton Irish Forum summed it up: “We were treated to an illuminating and thought-provoking evening of discussion and recollection.”
Noelette Hanley, Chief Officer LIF, (left) and Prof. Marianne Elliott.
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 47 The story of Daniel O’Connell LIF’s Literary Society has chosen a short story from the life of a famous Irishman. Many thanks to Mary Hayes (from both our Literary Society & Irish Language groups) for the translation from Irish. Get in touch or pop into one of the group’s monthly meetings to find out more.
Dómhnall Ó Conaill Ní raibh cead ag na Caitlicigh a gcreideamh a chleachtadh, na an Ghaolainn a labhairt, ná guth a bheith acu, ná talamh mhaith. Níor thaitin san le Sasana – Dómhnall a bheith ag cur scéala ar fud an domhain ar an droch shaeol a bhí ag na Gaeil. Bh’fhearr leo Dómhnall a bheith as an t-slí. Bhí cailín ó Lóthar in aice le Dlire Fhíonáin ag obair i dtig an Phriomh Aire. Gaolgairid do Dhomhnall dob ea í agus bhí an Ghaolainn go líofa aici, agus ag Dómhnall chomh maith. Is ansan is ea a bhí an clampar. Tógadh an bhean go dtí na doctúirí dob fhearr i Londain ach bhí sí chomh marbh le h-Art agus bhí mion-gháire ar aghaidh Dhomhnaill agus ar Mháire Ní Shé ó Lóthar chomh maith.
48 | FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 Daniel O’Connell Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847), an Irish nationalist leader, led resistance of Britain’s remaining anti-Catholic laws and was known as ‘The liberator’. In 1828 he was elected to the British parliament for the seat in county Clare. The Act of Catholic Emancipation (1829) was passed to enable him to take his seat. The little story in Gaelic above tells of Daniel being invited to the Prime Minister’s banquet in London. Because of his astuteness in the law there was a conspiracy afoot to get him out of the way. Daniel sat at his assigned place at table. Serving at table was a girl who hailed from west Kerry, Daniel’s own area, and they both knew their Gaelic. In Gaelic she warned Daniel that his drink was doctored with poison. When the lights were dimmed Daniel surreptitiously exchanged his glass for that of the lady next to him, the Prime Minister’s wife. The poor lady drank the toast and immediately fell to the floor and couldn’t be revived, even with the help of the best doctors in London, so the story goes.
Mayo Association Luton
Dates for this year 2nd May 2020 And thank all our sponsors Irish Music Fest and supporters for all your generosity 17th October 2020 Annual Dinner Dance
www.mayoassociationluton.com
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2020 | 49 Happy St Patrick’s Day from all at McDaid Screeding Services Ltd
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Irish Person Of The Year
Congratulations to Eddie Duggan on being chosen as Luton & District Communities‘ Irish Person of the Year. Eddie is involved in a number of good works in the local community. Just a few examples are that as well as being a Trustee and a regular helper at a local club, he drives people to hospital visits and similar, and has carried out modifications in someone’s home that enables them to continue using the facilities.
Well done Eddie! Eddie Duggan (right) receives the Irish Person of The Year trophy from Gerry Taylor (Butcher & Grocer and Luton St Patrick’s Festival annual sponsor).
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London Luton Airport Ltd is proud to sponsor St Patrick’s Day 2020 We also sponsor St George’s Day, the VE Day weekend, Fireworks and Lighting up Luton to thank you for your support
Keep up to date with our proposals for the long-term expansion of London Luton Airport at www.futureluton.llal.org.uk