Ep 356 – Irish Heritage Celebration in Manchester & Michael Davitt Project at The Whitaker Museum

In Part 1… We’re at Manchester Hall with a host of Mayors and Councillors for an event organised by Sarah Mangan, Consul General of Ireland to the North of England. Taking place just before St Patrick’s day, this evening of entertainment is an opportunity for Ireland to say “thank you” to all those that made the UK their home and supported their families back across the Irish Sea. Guest speaker, Norma Foley, Ireland’s Minister for Education pays tribute to those that sacrificed everything to support themselves and their loved ones in the days before Ireland’s prosperity.

With traditional Pipe music from Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band and dynamic traditional dance from the Ward-Mallinson School of Irish Dance, it’s an empowering evening.

In Part 2… We’re at the Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall as they set up for a St Patrick’s Day “weekend” art installation centred on Michael Davitt and featuring the words of Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland. This carving, created by Noah Rose features an exchange of stone from the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, Co. Mayo. We chat with Noah and the museum’s Creative Director, Gaynor Saville.

For more information…

Ward-Mallinson Dance on Facebook

http://www.fiannaphadraigpipeband.org/

www.thewhitaker.org

www.michaeldavittmuseum.ie

Watch the Irish in the UK every Thursday night at 7.30pm on SKY 186 or Freesat 162. Repeated on Tuesday at 1 pm