FESTIVAL GUIDE · Galway Trad Group: 6:30pm-7:30pm Tickets: £12 / £10 Concessions Box Office: 01582 878100 Sunday 17th March St Patrick’s Day Pre-parade Seán Ó Riada Mass 9.30am

FESTIVAL GUIDE

2019

Tuesday 12th - Sunday 17th March

http://lutonirishforum.org/whats-on/event/st-patricks-day/

Visit themall.co.uk/luton for more info

The

Dinosaur Trail

Coming to The Mall Luton this Easter 8th - 20th April

1FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Contents

Welcome from the Chairman of Luton St Patrick’s Festival Committee ............................................................................................2

Mayor of Luton’s Festival message ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Luton St Patrick’s Festival programme .................................................................................................................................................................................................................5

Tuesday 12thAfternoon Social.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Wednesday 13thCardinal Newman School 50th Anniversary Concert ..............................................................................................................................................................8

Saturday 16thTurning Mammy, performed by Cliffoney Dramatic Society ................................................................................................................................11

Sunday 17thParade Route ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12

Live Music, Parade, Presentation of Shamrock, Live Music and Dance, Irish Market, Family area ........................................................................................................................................................................13

Rigs & Jeels – Market Hill Stage .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Matthew O’Donnell – Market Hill Stage..........................................................................................................................................................................................................17

The Kings of Connaught – Market Hill Stage ........................................................................................................................................................................................19

The Mall Stage ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21

Galway Trad Group .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23

Behind the Scenes ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25

20th Anniversary of the Festival – rediscovered images from 2000 ....................................................................................................29

LIF Welfare Service ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33

What’s On at The Forum...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35

LIF’s Clubs and Activities ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................37

Celebrating St Brigid’s Day & Significant Irish Women.....................................................................................................................................................40

When You Are Old – W.B. Yeats .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................45

Luton & District Communities Irish Person of The Year...............................................................................................................................................52

2 FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

FailteThis year is the 20th anniversary of the first Luton St Patrick’s Festival and we’re looking forward to making it the best yet.

The Festival runs from 12th to 17th March, starting with an Afternoon Social on the Tuesday afternoon. A 50th anniversary concert showcasing Cardinal Newman School’s pupils, family members and teachers, past and present, is on the following evening (Wednesday 13th).

Cliffoney Dramatic Society from County Sligo, returning to the Festival by popular demand, will be giving two performances of the comedy drama ‘Turning Mammy’ on Saturday 16th.

The parade which leaves Luton Irish Forum at 11am on the Sunday (17th) includes live entertainment and new participants this year. It will finish in Market Hill where local dignitaries and some of the main Festival sponsors will be presented with shamrock accompanied by music from our Emerald Pipe Band.

Market Hill Stage on Sunday 17th hosts the music of three great young acts from Ireland – Matthew O’Donnell, Rigs and Jeels, and the Kings of Connaught, with Jim Carway from Diverse FM as the MC.

Meanwhile, The Mall Stage will be showcasing a mix of traditional music and party tunes plus stunning performances from award winning Irish dancers coming from both Ireland and from local dancing schools. Gerry Byrne from Irishradio.org is our MC on The Mall Stage.

I wish to thank our parade participants, sponsors, market traders, acts, and all our other supporters and well-wishers, not forgetting the hours and hours volunteers help in so many ways. Without your support and unflagging efforts, Luton St Patrick’s Festival would not be celebrating its 20th year!

Go raibh, míle maith agat agus sláinte. (Thank you and good health).

Mick Maguire, Chair of Luton St Patrick’s Festival Committee

`


Message from the Mayor of Luton

This internationally renowned festival brings us together each year to celebrate Irish cultures across the globe.

Traditionally it had been a religious festival, however, Luton is a town that is immersed with a variety of cultures and its diverse community has a long history of celebrating and respecting all cultures, which is fundamental to the very fabric of our multi-cultural society.

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Luton with you all affords us yet another opportunity to create greater understanding of Irish culture that will go a long way in building on our good community cohesion in the town.

I wish everyone a very happy St Patrick’s Day.

Councillor Naseem Ayub

Keep up to date with our proposals for the long-term expansion of London Luton Airport at

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2019

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Luton St Patrick,s Festival programme

Tuesday 12th MarchSt Patrick’s Afternoon Social Doors: 11:45amEvent: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Celtic Club, LU1 3BS Tickets: £5 Luton Irish Forum: 01582 720447

Wednesday 13th MarchCardinal Newman School 50th Anniversary ConcertDoors & bar: 6.30pmPerformance: 7:00pmLuton Library Theatre, LU1 2NGTickets: £7 / £5 Concessions Box Office: 01582 878100

Saturday 16th MarchTurning MammyPerformances: 4:00pm and 7:30pmLuton Library Theatre, LU1 2NGA comedy drama performed by Cliffoney Dramatic Society, Co. Sligo

Evening performance includes pre-show live music from Galway Trad Group: 6:30pm-7:30pmTickets: £12 / £10 Concessions Box Office: 01582 878100

Sunday 17th March St Patrick’s DayPre-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 EntertainmentLeaving Luton Irish Forum, LU2 0ES, at 11:00am

Irish Market & Family AreaMarket Hill from 10:00amGames, face painting, children’s crafts, and bubbleologist

Market Hill StageFrom 10:30amJim Carway - MC 12:00pm .......................The Emerald Pipeband 12:15pm .......................Rigs & Jeels 1:30pm ............................Matthew O’Donnell 3:00pm ............................The Kings of Connaught

The Mall StageFrom 11:00amGerry Byrne - MC11:00am........................Tea & Spuds 12:45pm .......................The Wilsons Show 1.20pm ............................Ramridge Primary School Choir 2:15pm ............................Galway Trad Group 3:10 pm ............ Rigs & JeelsMultiple times, starting 11:30am Local Irish Dancing schools

Information is correct at time of going to press. Please see online or get in touch to confirm details.

T: 01582 720447 www.lutonirishforum.org E: [email protected]

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Afternoon Social

Tuesday 12th March

12 noon-3:00pm (Doors open 11.45am)

Celtic Club, Chobham Street, Luton, LU1 3BS

£5, tickets in advance only

This St Patrick’s themed event includes a lunch of bacon & cabbage, dancing to Eamon’s Country Sounds, a raffle – and great company.

These socials are usually extremely popular so tickets must be purchased from Luton Irish Forum in advance.


Cardinal Newman School 50th Anniversary Concert

Wednesday 13th March

Doors & bar 6.30pm Concert 7:00pm-9:00pm

Luton Library Theatre, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG

Tickets £7/£5 Concessions www.lutonculture.com or Library Theatre Box Office: 01582 878100


The programme includes

• CNS Orchestra and Choir playing top tunes from each decade since Cardinal Newman School was opened in 1969.

• The Story of Cardinal Newman School told by Joe Richardson, Head Teacher at CNS.

• Comhaltas playing traditional Irish music on a range of instruments.

• Irish dancing from The Walshe Academy.

• The Wilsons playing their high tempo rock n roll style party tunes.

• Showcases: The Fahys, The Turners, and Caroline Sullivan & friends.

Check online for the latest news.


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Saturday 16th March

Performances at 4.00pm & 7.30pm Evening performance only: 6.30-7.30pm Pre-show entertainment of traditional Irish music and dance from Galway Trad Group

Luton Library Theatre, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG

Tickets £12/£10 Concessions www.lutonculture.com or Library Theatre Box Office: 01582 878100

Following the success of ‘Wake In The West’ at last year’s St Patrick’s Festival, we invited Cliffoney Dramatic Society to return. This group of talented actors from County Sligo have chosen to perform the hugely popular comedy ‘Turning Mammy’ written by John McDwyer as part of the 2019 Festival.

Turning Mammy tells the story of Ambrose, a love hungry Leitrim farmer and his neighbours, sisters Martha and Mary. Ambrose, who is tied to a bedridden and domineering mother, seems to be in thrall to his strange English neighbour, Dorothy. Martha is obsessed with Ambrose while Mary searches for a baby given up for adoption. The play has a rich vein of earthy humour running throughout, redolent of rural Leitrim.

A short interval will take place between Act 2 and Act 3.

Due to the nature of the content and strong language, this play is not suitable for under 16s.

Turning Mammy – comedy drama

16+


Parade Day



Pre-parade Seán Ó Riada9.30am at Our Lady Help of Christians, Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AG Hymns in Gaelic sung by Luton Irish Forum Choir

Market Hill StageMarket Hill Stage, LU1 2AF

From 10:30am: Jim Carway, DJ and host of Luton Irish Live Show on Diverse FM, gets the party going with some great tunes.

From 11:45am: The Emerald Pipe Band entertains.

12:00pm Addresses and Presentation of Shamrock to dignitaries and main sponsors accompanied by the Emerald Pipe Band.

12:15pm- 4:00pm: Traditional Irish music and dancing, country music and Irish folk musicians from Ireland perform, see following pages for details of our headline acts.

Sean O Riada Mass


``



Sunday 17th March 12.15-1.15pm

Market Hill Stage, LU1 2AA

Sunday 17th March 3.10pm-3.30pm

The Mall Stage, Smith’s Square, LU1 2BA

Free

Rigs & Jeels

After Rigs & Jeels’ stunning performance at the Luton St Patrick’s Festival last year, the only thing we could do was to book this exciting young band, and accompanying multi award winning Irish dancers, for this year!

Hailing from County Tipperary, Rigs & Jeels creates a sound full of energy and innovation, while remaining true to their traditional roots. The group comprises five of the most talented award-winning and versatile young musicians in traditional Irish music in Tipperary. Keelan McGrath on button accordion creates a distinctive lively sound using original material with his own style mixed in. Blaithín Kennedy is an exceptional fiddle and whistle player who

demonstrates a true mastery of instruments in her playing. Talented musician, Sarah Bourke, on bodhran and drums maintains a rich traditional style of her own. Eoghan McGrath on banjo and mandolin effortlessly blends the music together while the emotive keyboard and singing style of Mary Meagher completes the ensemble, which is guaranteed to captivate audiences of every generation.

Multi award winning Irish dancers Conor Nolan and Leona Bowe, both from Tipperary, will be joining Rigs & Jeels at the Festival.

Award-winning dancers from Co. Tipperary, Conor Nolon and Leona Bowe are joining Rigs & Jeels at the Festival.

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Sunday 17th March

1.30-2.45pm


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Matthew O

,Donnell

We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew O’Donnell and his band of accomplished musicians to Luton St Patrick’s Festival.

Matthew is a truly talented, young country music artist from Furnish, Lettermullen in the native Irish speaking area of Connemara, Co. Galway. He has a distinct ability as a singer, songwriter and musician with amazing performance appeal and charisma. From an early age Matthew was surrounded by many forms of music; his father Bartley is a well-known country/folk singer and growing up Matthew participated successfully in many local competitions.

His debut album ‘The Longer the Waiting’ released in 2016, is an electric mix of Irish and American country songs and includes his very own track ‘The Beauty of Your Eyes’ as well as classics from Buck Owens, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks and Matthew’s own version of Garth Brooks’s classic, ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’.

Matthew’s second album ‘Crazy for Country’ was released the following year and is a wonderful mix of old American Country hits, two beautiful Irish waltzes and a number of original tracks including the single ‘Philly, Sing Me’ and the hugely popular title track, ‘Crazy For Country’.

Last year (2018) Matthew realised his boyhood dream – to go on the road with his own country band, comprising of the well-respected musicians Michael Cunningham (keyboard/accordion), Ciaran Murray (bass guitar) and Richard Nelson (lead/steel guitar) as well as a new, upcoming talent Ray Dolan on drums.

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Sunday 17th March

3.00-4.00pm

Growing up steeped in the tradition of Irish music in the west of Ireland the band features Liam O’Grady (vocals, 5-string banjo and guitar), Mark Costello (vocals, long neck banjo and guitar), Macdara Connolly (mandolin, tenor banjo, bass guitar and vocals), Thomas Ryan (whistle, guitar), and Michael Tully (piano accordion).

The Kings of Connaught have taken up the mantle of keeping alive the great heritage and culture of Irish ballads. Accomplished playing, high energy sets and distinctive look are captivating audiences and broadening the fan base for traditional Irish folk music with seemingly effortless ease. Their talent and appeal have also earned the respect of their peers and the eye of the industry both at home and abroad, with critics describing them as ‘exciting young balladeers who sing with a rawness and emotion that is comparable only to the singing of The Dubliners’.

To date, the group have released two albums which were very well received. The single ‘The Rocky Road to Dublin’ and their latest single ‘Right All Right’ are taken from their highly anticipated forthcoming album.

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‘Sláinte’

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The Mall StageSunday 17th March

11.30am-3.30pm

Smith’s Square, The Mall, LU1 2BA

Free

A great mix of high energy bands, super vocalists and award-winning dancers from Ireland and leading Irish Dancing Schools closer to home.

11.00am-3.30pm ................MC: Gerry Byrne, DJ and host of Irish Radio

11.00am-11.25am ............Tea & Spuds – Luton’s newest Irish party band

11.30am-11.50pm ............Murphy Flaherty School of Irish Dancing

12.00pm-12.20pm ............The Tiersha Academy of Irish Dancing

12.25pm-12.45pm ............The Wilsons Show – Rock ‘n’ Roll, country & party hits

12.55pm-1.15pm ................The Walshe Academy of Irish Dancing

1.20pm-1.40pm ....................Ramridge Primary School Choir

1.50pm-2.10pm ....................Scoil Rince Realta – Irish Dancing School

2.15pm-2.35pm ....................Galway Trad Group – Traditional Irish music & dancing

2.45pm-3.05pm ....................Finbarr Conway Academy of Irish Dancing

3.10pm-3.30pm ....................Rigs & Jeels – Irish dancing and music



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Galway Trad Group

As we go to press, Emily Greaney who appears at the Festival with Galway Trad Group has been announced as Connacht Scor Na Nog Champion with the Abbeyknockmoy set dancers – congratulations Emily!

This talented group of musicians and Sean Nós dancers return to the Festival by popular demand. Coming from Killererin, Abbeyknockmoy and Ballygar in north Galway, they have all been playing music and dancing from an early age.

The group is made up of siblings and multi instrumentalists Emmet and Emily Greaney from Killererin, Tuam. Emmet plays banjo, mandolin, piano and drums; Emily plays concertina, piano and is also the current All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil 12-15 harp champion. Eabha McDonagh hails from a family steeped in Irish musical tradition and plays accordion and melodian. She is also a keen Sean Nós dancer and competes in the Oireachtas na Samhna annually. Thomas Brogan from Abbeyknockmoy, Tuam, plays fiddle and bodhran and has won numerous All Ireland Grupai Cheoil medals.

Thomas, Emily and Eabha are also accomplished set dancers with the Abbeyknockmoy Set Dancers and over the weekend they will perform both Sean Nós and brush dancing.

Galway Trad Group are delighted to be part of the Luton St Patrick’s Day festivities and are looking forward to performing in the various venues throughout the weekend.

Sunday 17th March

2.15-2.35pm

The Mall Stage, Smith’s Square, LU1 2BA

Free

Saturday 16th March Pre-show performance 6.30-7.30pm – audience of Turning Mammy only, Luton Library Theatre, St George’s Square, LU1 2NG

Sunday 17th March Dignitaries Reception 10.00-11.30am & 12.00-1.00pm, Town Hall, George Street, LU1 2BQ – by invitation only

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Behind the scenes

St Patrick,s Day is one day a year,

but not for Luton Irish Forum staff and volunteers!

A committee of more than a dozen, mostly volunteers, have been working tirelessly in the background since April 2018, and will work with several more volunteers and staff from our partner organisations on St Patrick’s Festival Parade Day and other Festival events. They are essential to planning, promoting and running the annual Luton St Patrick’s Festival, and we are very grateful for their support in promoting Irish culture to Irish people and to the wider community.

Thank you to every single one of the supporters who help make Luton St Patrick’s Festival such a success, most of which we have included below: • BT Events – Production Management. • Cardinal Newman School – providing their choir and orchestra to play at their

50th anniversary Concert. • Celtic Supporters Club – hosting the Afternoon Social. • County Associations – joining the parade, joining in the Irish Market and

sponsoring the Festival. • Irish Dancing Schools – performing at the indoor stage and joining the parade. • Leagrave Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann - providing performers at

CNS 50th anniversary Concert. • Leagrave Scout Group – providing volunteer stewards and gazebos. • Local businesses - sponsoring the Festival. • Luton Borough Council – hosting the dignitaries’ reception. • Luton Culture – hosting the concert, drama matinee and evening performances. • Signposts Luton – providing volunteer stewards. • SOS Bus – providing first aid. • St Dympnas GFC – providing volunteer stewards • The Mall – hosting the indoor stage. • Toureen Group – providing lorries for LIF’s and

Claddagh Gaels’ floats. • Other groups – joining the parade including Claddagh Gaels,

Noah Enterprise, vintage vehicle owners’ clubs, Bedfordshire Police, and Polonia Arts Group.

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Rediscovered images from the first Luton St Patrick,s Festival While walking through Luton town centre with her children last summer, Kerry-born former photography student Carly Mahony spotted a striking image of a man she recognised in an art gallery window. The man was Dublin-born local artist Francis Martin who had recently passed away and whom Carly had photographed more than 19 years previously for a college project.

Carly brought her college portfolio along to the memorial exhibition, hosted by Francis’s daughters, Elaine and Fiona. In particular, Fiona Martin, Luton Irish Forum’s Youth and Heritage Officer, was blown away by the images of her father and amazed to uncover unseen images of the first Luton St Patrick’s Festival in 2000.


30 FESTIVAL GUIDE 201930 FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

“I couldn’t believe it, to find an old photo of Mick Maguire, current Luton St Patrick’s Festival Committee Chair, staring back at me. What a find!” says Fiona.

31FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019 31FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

Carly remembers fondly taking Francis’s photo and images of people born or connected to Ireland and its culture all those years ago.

“I was overwhelmed by the Martin family’s reaction when they saw Francis’s photograph. Then when Fiona told me she was the Heritage Officer for Luton Irish Forum, I realised how much these images were going to mean,” explained Carly.

32 FESTIVAL GUIDE 201932 FESTIVAL GUIDE 2019

We hope you enjoy the selection of Carly’s images from the first Luton St Patrick’s Festival 20 years ago. Who can you recognise? Carly is planning to revisit her project by capturing exciting new images of this year’s Festival.


As part of their student placements in the Welfare Service, degree students Shahanza (left) and Vittoria (right) organised a successful Christmas food collection on behalf of Luton Foodbank.

Luton Irish Forum has been running an advice service for the local community for 15 years. In that time it has progressed from a group of sympathetic volunteers helping people claim their Irish Pension to the specialist, quality-accredited welfare advice service it is today. In 2018 the team worked with 614 individuals on a massive 823 cases.

We support people though the process of applying for welfare benefits including support to attend face to face assessment and representation at appeals. We assist with various housing enquiries to enable people to keep or to secure suitable accommodation. Just some of the issues people we work with face relate to Irish Pensions, Irish Passports, health and community services and housing or benefit related debt.

Welfare benefits is the largest area of work, comprising 76% of all work completed.

We record outcomes for our clients including whether they’ve gained financially and we also carry out an annual survey to find out the longer-term impact of our work. The results for last year (2018) are impressive and the knock-on effect, for not just the clients but the wider community, are staggering.

Welfare Advice Service


£1.4 million of financial gains for clients, a 7.7% increase compared to 2017 – that’s all extra money for people to meet their basic needs.

82% of clients felt their health and wellbeing had been maintained or improved, and 72% said it helped them remain independent. Improved health and well-being reduce the chances of someone needing additional support or interventions from the local authorities.

90% said that our support helped them meet basic costs like food, heating, etc – which means there are fewer local people living in poverty.

74% of clients reported that they felt they visited GP less often and found it easier to sleep after accessing our service – this is a saving for the local health service and reduces the strain on limited resources.

Mental well-being improved with 84% feeling less anxious, irritable or stressed and 82% feeling less ‘down’.

The following are just some of the comments from clients who were asked about the outcome of the support and service they received from LIF.“ I was on the verge of eviction but now I am able to access the money I was entitled to.”

“ It was like a cloud had lifted. Very pleased with the help I received. My sister in Dublin recommended me to the service.”

“ Very good won the case. Don’t know what I would have done without the Luton Irish Forum.”

“ Better quality of life. They helped with my Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance.”

“ (They) were brilliant and went the extra mile. They explained everything.”

“ One of a kind. Proud of the Luton Irish Forum. Everyone works well together. They are great. Thank you.”

“ Fantastic. Could not ask for more.”

“ Very helpful. No stress. Felt at ease.”

“ Life-changing. Thankful to Luton Irish Forum.”

“ Brilliant, couldn’t ask for better help.”

“�Took�a�lot�of�weight�off�my�shoulders.”

“�Housing�benefit�covered�more�of�the�rent�which stopped us being made homeless.”

“ Very good, won my Employment and Support Allowance appeal. LIF understood me well.”

“ Feels less worried about any forms she is faced with in the future. Very satisfied�with�the�service�received.”�

“ Just carry on doing the great work you’re doing.”

“ Options and advice were good.”


What,s On at The Forum

Monday11.30am – 1.30pm11.30am – 1.30pm2.30pm – 4.30pm5.30pm – 9.00pm7.00pm – 8.00pm8.00pm – 10.30pm

Computer Club (LIF)Genealogy, by appointment (LIF)Social Dance (not LIF) Slimming World (not LIF)Choir (LIF) Musicardo singing group (not LIF)

Tuesday10.00am – 1.30pm7.00pm – 8.00pm8.00pm – 9.30pm8.00pm – 10.00pm

Tuesday Club (LIF)Beginners Irish Language Classes (LIF)Wing Chun Martial Arts (not LIF)Poetry Society (not LIF – 2nd Tuesday in month)

Wednesday10.00am – 1.30pm1.30pm – 3.00pm 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Wednesday Club (LIF)Literary Society (LIF - 1st Wednesday in month)Pipe Band practice (LIF)

Thursday10.00am – 11.30am Tea & Chat (LIF)

Friday9.30am – 11.30am10.30am – 11.30am12.00pm – 2.00pm2.30pm – 4.30pm

Baby & Toddler Group (LIF - Term times only)Music Workshops (LIF and Comhaltas – alternate weeks)Art Class (LIF)Calligraphy Group (LIF)

Saturday10.00am – 3.30pm PBIC Polish Welfare (not LIF)

Sunday10.00am – 12.00pm Pipe Band practice (LIF – alternate weeks)

Our clubs and activities are open to everyone, whether you’re a member of Luton Irish Forum or not. Please see the following pages for more detail of clubs and activities run by Luton Irish Forum. We ask for a contribution of £1-2 per session for LIF activities, this can be waived in cases of hardship. Prices vary for ‘not LIF’ activities.

Luton Irish Forum Emerald Pipe Band

New Members Welcome!

• No experience needed • Practices: Wednesday eves

+ alternate Sundays • Get to play at

local events

T. 01582 720447 or [email protected]


LIF Social Clubs and Activities People of all ages have opportunities to socialise and to enjoy affordable and culturally appropriate activities in a welcoming and safe environment at Luton Irish Forum. Days and times of activities are listed on the preceding What’s On At The Forum.

Each week more than 150 people take part in LIF clubs and activities, plus many more come to events such as our literary society evenings and cultural seminars. In addition, other local community groups and organisations involved in health and wellbeing use the LIF centre for events, both regular and one-off, ranging from martial arts and social dancing to support for people coping with diabetes and a poetry society.

New people are welcome at all our groups. Please just come along and join in, or contact us for more information.

Art Group – Adults of any age and ability, or no ability, are welcome. Enjoy sketching, painting and more, with support and advice on hand from an experienced group leader.Calligraphy Class – Learn calligraphy in this friendly group from a skilled group leader and you could soon be creating highly decorative pieces of individual art or be part of a team working on large banners and the like. Choir – Our choir of women and men get together weekly to enjoy singing as a group and many members also choose to perform as a choir at local events. The choir’s repertoire include well known favourites and the occasional song in Gaelic – but no knowledge of Gaelic is needed to join the choir!Computer Club – A weekly get together with one-to-one support to enable anyone from a complete novice to access the internet and learn online skills such as using social media to keep in touch with family and friends, shopping safely online, finding local services, etc. A limited number of laptops are available to use during each session.

Genealogy – Trace your Irish ancestors with one-to-one advice and support, by appointment.Irish Language – beginners and advanced – Non-speakers and those who learned at school but haven’t spoken Irish for decades develop their language skills in small and friendly groups. Literary Society – The engine behind many cultural events. The Society’s popular entertainment evenings include a mix of music, singing, poetry and drama.Pipe Band – New pipers needed to play alongside our current band. Absolute beginners welcome, tuition from existing (experienced and patient!) pipe player. Baby & Toddler Group – Little ones up to five years old plus their mum, dad, grandparent or guardian enjoy story time, free play, arts & crafts such as messy painting and other activities. Healthy light snacks and drinks are provided, and the group welcomes occasional guest speakers on topics of particular interest.Tuesday & Wednesday Clubs – These clubs offer companionship as well as bread and tea, soup in the winter, regular chicken & chip lunches, bingo games and raffles, and are especially popular with seniors. Members also enjoy days out to the attractions such as the seaside and a Christmas market. Tea & Chat – A smaller group which welcomes regular speakers and presentations as varied as accessing local health and wellbeing services to a demonstration of sour dough bread making.

Phone: 01582 579 812 Fax: 01234 841 881 E-mail: [email protected] Visit: www.eclcivils.co.uk

Vanquish House, Wolseley Road, Woburn Road Industrial Estate Kempston, Beds MK42 7EF

With over 20 years experience, modern technology and highly dedicated staff, we offer a range of

services.

"We hope everyone at the Luton St PatricksFestival 2018 has a great weekend"

“We hope everyone at the Luton St Patrick’s Festival 2019 has a great weekend”


La Fheile Bride 2019 - St Brigid,s Day celebrations

` ` `

Luton Irish Forum marked Lá Fhéile Bríde 2019 (St Brigid’s Day) by hosting its third annual Afternoon Tea event in February, celebrating the achievements of women.

Nearly 90 guests enjoyed chatting with friends old and new at the beautiful Putteridge Bury House in Luton. The 2019 Afternoon Tea programme showcased the stories of two women from the local Irish community: Catherine Martin, Luton Irish Person of the Year 2018, and Sister Eileen O’Mahony, founder of NOAH Enterprise.

The afternoon included presentations and traditional music played by talented local duo, Tea and Spuds. There was also a display including a beautifully scribed story of St Brigid and a brightly decorated banner created especially for the occasion by the Luton Irish Forum Calligraphy Group.

Guest Samantha Basquille said, “It was really inspiring to hear about people from the local community who have contributed so much.”


In the lead up to St Brigid’s Day, Luton Irish Forum asked for nominations from the public to draw up a list of 50 significant Irish women in Ireland and the diaspora over the past 100 years. The ‘Top 20 Irish Women’ were voted for by Afternoon Tea attendees, at Luton Irish Forum and via social media, and was published on International Women’s Day on the 8th March 2019.

Gerry Taylor Irish Butcher and Grocer

54 Calverton Road Luton LU3 2SZ

Irish Meat & Vegetables

FRESH

Irish Papers, Potatoes, Soda Bread, Soft Drinks and Biscuits

Tel: 01582 572810

J.J. Kelly & Sons Ltd

Best wishes for St Patrick’s Day

Tel:01582 455 406 Fax: 01582 483 164

Building & Civil Engineering Contractors

J.J. Kelly Managing Director

Mobile: 07956 010 061

Redlands Woodbury Hill Path Luton Bedfordshire LU2 7JR

E: [email protected]


Literary Society Our Literary Society chose this well-known poem by William Butler Yates (13.06.1865-28.01.1939), a leading figure of 20th-century literature and a pillar of the Irish literary establishment. LIF Irish Language Tutor, Mary Hayes, kindly did a literal translation into Gaelic for us.

When You Are OldWhen you are old and grey and full of sleep,And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look,Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true,But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars, Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled,And paced upon the mountains overhead,And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

Nuair a bheidh tu crionaNuair a bheidh tú críona agus lán codlathach,Agus an codladh ag titim ort, tóg an leabhar seo síos,Agus léigh go mall, agus cuimnigh ar an féacaint bog id’ súile uair,agus a scáth domhain;

Cé mhéid a bhí ingrá led mheón shona,Agus led áileacht, le grá bréagach no fíor,Ach bhí fear amháin a bhí ingrá le do anam oilithreach,Agus leis an dolás I d’aghaidh;

Agus tú ag ísligh síos cois na teine,Ag monabar go brónach coinus mar a theith an grá,Agus a rith trasna na sléibhte ós cionn,Agus a folaigh a aghaidh I measc na réalta.

` `


Best wishes to

Luton Irish Forum

on their

20th Annual St Patrick’s Festival

Stephen Gill Plant Sales

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


Best wishes to

Luton Irish Forum

on their

20th Annual St Patrick’s Festival

Stephen Gill Plant Sales

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

PRICES STARTINGFROM £195,000*

Set just 23 mins from London King’s Cross St. Pancras

10,000sqmPublic Realm

24hrs ConciergeServices

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*£195,000 starting price. Prices are correct at the time of going to print and may be subject to change.Interior and exterior images are computer generated and may be subject to change.


96 Marsh Road Luton LU3 2NL 01582 491591

[email protected]

Builders, Drainage Repairs.

Commercial & Private Enquiries Welcome

Best Wishes For This Years Festival

Groundworks Civil Engineering

& Plant Hire


96 Marsh Road Luton LU3 2NL 01582 491591

[email protected]

Builders, Drainage Repairs.

Commercial & Private Enquiries Welcome

Best Wishes For This Years Festival

Groundworks Civil Engineering

& Plant Hire


Luton & District Communities Irish Person of The Year Catherine Martin looking surprised at winning an award isn’t a surprise for people who know Catherine, the winner of the Luton & District Community’s Irish Person of the Year 2018.They would describe her as modest, friendly with a cheerful nature, someone who has lived a life of selflessness and caring for others, both in her family and in the community.Catherine feels that being chosen as Luton Irish Person of the Year “was a lovely honour once it sank in” and said “I never thought I was any more worthy than anyone else and would never think to be recognised.”The thing that Catherine says she is most proud of is being able to do things to help others, and is grateful for having her health and family around her. “I would do anything for anyone…That’s how we were brought up,” is self-effacing Catherine’s explanation. Catherine (née Curtin) was born in Meelin near Newmarket, Co. Cork, and was the eldest of five children. She came to England in the 1960s to find work, which she found in the NHS, then met and married Eamon, a Donegal man, in the early 1970s. Today Catherine has two grown up daughters, Mary and Siobhan, and four grandchildren. She draws inspiration from her parents and grandparents who gave her a loving home and values. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing.” Catherine reflects. Congratulations Catherine – you really deserve the recognition.

Bill McKenzie, Baron McKenzie of Luton, presenting a surprised Catherine with the award.

“Solving com

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• RC Fram

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“Solving complex

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Toureen Group

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Yt: 020 8424 7999e: info@

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Toureen Group, proud supporters of

St Patrick’s Day in Luton

Northern H

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Documents

FESTIVAL GUIDE · Galway Trad Group: 6:30pm-7:30pm Tickets: £12 / £10 Concessions Box Office: 01582 878100 Sunday 17th March St Patrick’s Day Pre-parade Seán Ó Riada Mass 9.30am