A celebration of culture and heritage

MAY will see an exciting new event for the Irish in Scotland, as The Irish History Group host the inaugural Irish Culture and Heritage Conference in Glasgow.

The group have gathered a range of speakers and activities for the conference, which will take place in St Francis Community Centre (above) in the Gorbals on May 16, and will look at the history and cultural heritage of the Irish community here, as well as offering a valuable chance for networking and collaboration amongst the groups and individuals in attendance.

Bringing stories to life

Paula Larkin, Irish History Group Co-ordinator for Govanhill Baths, spoke to The Irish Voice about the potential the conference has to bring the stories of the Irish community in Glasgow to life, and the opportunity it offers for groups active in Scotland to highlight the work they are doing with the Irish community.

“The Irish History Group are delighted to present our inaugural Irish Culture and Heritage Conference in the heart of the Gorbals—St Francis Community Centre,” she said. “We have an excellent range of speakers: academic researchers, local historians and community members sharing the same platform to give presentations on topics from the Civil Rights Movement in the North to political activism of Irish women during the revolutionary period from The Derry Boat to the Maguire Seven.

“Stephen Coyle will speak about the excellent work that the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee, Scotland has been doing over the last 10 years and we have a slot for speakers from the floor. We will also be showcasing The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill Irish Heritage Trail and our database of Irish culture and heritage projects in Glasgow and across Scotland. We are offering Irish organisations a stall to present their info and will have live Irish traditional music during lunch.

“To book a ticket or a stall please see Eventbrite or e-mail: archive@govanhillbaths.com. We’re really looking forward to a great day for sharing and discussing Irish culture and heritage in Glasgow.”

Something for everyone

Amongst those contributing to conference are the Irish Consulate in Scotland, who will deliver a talk on the support they offer to the Irish community in Scotland—including to the work of the Irish History Group.

“This conference is a wonderful example of the superb work being done by Irish communities across Scotland,” Jerry O’Donovan, the Irish Consul General, said. “Combining heritage, cultural and historical workshops with specific sessions on

different regions in Scotland such as the Irish in Dundee has given the day’s programme something for everyone in the audience.

“With community groups from across Scotland also in attendance, this event will facilitate very useful networking as well as providing a forum for Irish groups to come together to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities. We are delighted to be able to support Govanhill Baths, the main organisers, through the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme funding round for 2024/25 and this is another example of the positive impact that they are having on behalf of the Irish in Scotland.”

Female focus

The conference will also feature a talk on the women’s activism from Niamh Coffey, who will deliver a session on Irish women’s activism in the Land Wars and Revolutionary period.

Speaking to The Irish Voice, Niamh told of her excitement at the upcoming event and her involvement in it.

“I’m excited and honoured to be able to talk at this event, which celebrates the wide ranging contributions of the Irish community across Britain,” she said. “It is really wonderful to see a community organised event celebrating Irish history and culture in Glasgow, given the city's rich ties with the Irish community. The scale of this event is a testament to the city’s Irish cultural groups and organisations, particularly Paula Larkin at Govanhill Baths.

“I am honoured to share a platform with established historians, campaigners and activists. No doubt it will be an enriching day for all involved.”

The full schedule for the day will feature topics from the Derry Boat to miscarriages of justice, as well as reflections on the ongoing projects of the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee (Scotland).

Conference programme

10.00 Registration and refreshments

10.15 Welcome & Introduction—Paula Larkin and Fiadh McLysaght, Irish History Group

10.25 Supporting the Irish Community in Scotland—Irish Consulate in Edinburgh

10.35 The Derry Boat—Máirtín Ó Catháin

11.05 Projects of the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee, Scotland—Stephen Coyle

11.35 Q&A and refreshment break

11.50 Irish women’s activism in the Land Wars and Revolutionary period—Niamh Coffey

12.20 Speakers from the floor

13.00 Networking lunch and visit to stalls with live traditional Irish music from Frank McArdle and group

14.00 The Maguire 7 and Miscarriages of Justice Organisation—Patrick Maguire

14.30 The Civil Rights Movement in the North of Ireland—John Patton

15.10 Q&A and closing remarks

Showcasing achievments

Speaking about the chance to update the wider community about their efforts, both during the last 10 years of activity and moving forward into an exciting future, Stephen Coyle said: “On behalf of the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee (Scotland) I very much welcome this conference. It’s a great opportunity to network with other Irish cultural and heritage groups and showcase some of our achievements since our formation in 2015 and to share our current projects.”