Culture and Heritage in focus

GLASGOW'S Irish History Group has hosted its inaugural Irish Culture and Heritage Conference (above).

Poignantly the event took place in St. Francis Community Centre, Cumberland Street, formerly St Francis Church, parish of generations of Irish immigrants.

Author and lecturer in Modern Irish History, Máirtín Ó Catháin, delivered a presentation on the Derry Boat, also known as the ‘Scotch Boat.

Historian and contributor to The Irish Voice, Stephen Coyle, spoke on the events undertaken and projects run by the 1916 Rising Centenary Committee (Scotland) of which he is secretary.

The political activism of Irishwomen in Scotland in the late 19th and early 20th century was the subject of historian, Niamh Coffey’s talk.

Derry-born John Patton delivered a talk on the Civil Rights Movement in the north of Ireland.

Patrick Maguire—the youngest member of the Maguire Seven—spoke movingly of his torrid experiences in the aftermath of the bombing, in prison and beyond, and his life now as an artist and his work with Miscarriages of Justice Organisation.

The event also showcased The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill Irish Heritage Trail and the database of Irish culture and heritage projects in Glasgow and around the country.

During the event Irish organisation ran stalls and live traditional Irish music was played during the lunch break.

Govanhill Bath’s Irish History Group was established in 2022 as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories. The group meets in person and online to collect stories and photographs of the connections to Ireland.

The group contributed to Little Donegal, The Irish in the Gorbals and Govanhill written by Colm Bryce. The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill Irish Heritage Trail is a current project.

The group meets from 6.30pm to 8.00pm on the third Thursday of every month at The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G41 2PZ.

PIC: GERARD GOUGH