Ep 392 – Christmas Eve Special… A look-back at some of 2024’s Programmes

This week, we look back on some of our favourite programmes of 2024.

In Part 1… Founded in 1889 at Ashton in Makerfield, The Brian Boru club was established by a group of Irish emigrants who left for England over 130 years ago. We spend an evening at this culturally significant club, taking in the great history and traditional music and dance.

We move on to Liverpool, and to the L’Olivetto restaurant. Since the foundation of The Irish in the UK, L’Oivetto and Eurogold have been our sponsors and we speak to Managing Director, Damien Brickland about the restaurant’s continued success. L’Olivetto is a popular haunt for Nathan Carter and his family and we chat to Nathan about how the restaurant is one of his “go to” places.

Then we’re off to 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.

And to close part 1, we join the Luton Leitrim Association at their annual Dinner Dance as they celebrate their 50th year. They are also showcasing their new book, packed with archive photos and great stories that reflects back over the years. We talk to some of the current association members and also those that were there when Paddy Dolan first established the club back in 1974.

In Part 2… we spend the day in Birmingham at their St Patrick’s Day Parade and then join them for an evening music festival. Lots of brightly coloured floats, flamboyant people and VIPs galore!

As the weather warms up, we’re off to Tir Chonaill Park for the annual charity day organised by the London Irish Vintage Club. Now in its 12th year, the event has raised nearly one million pounds for good causes. We speak with Brendan “Tiny” Vaughan who has organised this day since its founding.

And finally, to really warm ourselves up, we pay a visit to Marbella and meet up with the Costa Gaels. This Gaelic Football Club was formed to fill a gap in all the activities that Marbella provides and competes against teams from Southern Spain and Gibraltar.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Watch the Irish in the UK every Tuesday night at 8.00 pm on SKY 588, Youtube and Facebook.