Sinn Féin TD praises and celebrates Glasgow’s Irish community

CHRIST the King Hall in Glasgow’s southside was filled to capacity recently as An Evening with Pearse Doherty TD brought together generations of the Irish community in Glasgow for a warm, engaging and memorable celebration.

Running from 7pm until midnight, the event blended thoughtful discussion, cultural pride and uplifting music in a way that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

From the outset, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. Families with deep Irish roots mixed easily with younger attendees keen to reconnect with their heritage, creating a genuine sense of togetherness throughout the hall.

Pearse Doherty, the Sinn Féin TD for Donegal South-West received an enthusiastic reception as he addressed the audience. His remarks focused on the enduring ties between Ireland and Scotland, the resilience of the Irish diaspora, and the importance of cultural identity abroad.

A central theme of his message was inclusivity—the belief that any future vision of a new Ireland must involve all communities and traditions. He stressed that building such a future requires openness, respect and a willingness to listen. Doherty also emphasised the need for local‑level involvement, noting that meaningful conversations about Ireland’s future begin in community halls, cultural groups and grassroots gatherings like this one.

A structured Q and A session followed, allowing Doherty to explore these themes in greater depth. The moderated format encouraged thoughtful reflection and many guests praised the clarity and accessibility of the discussion (above).

A spokesperson from the Drumboe Committee, spoke about the importance of historical memory, cultural preservation, and the shared responsibility of the diaspora in keeping these traditions alive. Their remarks added a meaningful layer to the night, grounding the event in both heritage and community purpose.

Music played a key role in shaping the warm atmosphere. Paddy Gunning delivered a lively set of folk favourites that had the crowd singing along and filling the dance floor. A short performance from Dublin‑based rising folk talent Conor Durkan added a contemporary touch and was warmly received.

Guests also enjoyed a well‑received evening meal, praised for its variety and generous spread. The relaxed, smart‑casual setting encouraged people to mingle freely, and the hall buzzed with conversation throughout the night.

As the final songs faded and guests made their way home, the verdict was clear: the event had been a resounding success—a celebration of heritage, community, and a shared commitment to shaping the future together building a New Ireland on our island.

The overall message was for everyone to get involved, we all have our part to play.

PIC: GERARD GOUGH