A month of St Patrick’s Day events are to be held in Islington to mark Letterkenny man Troy Gallagher’s historic year as mayor.
Islington Council has partnered with the London Irish Centre to compile the programme aimed at showcasing the area’s rich links to Ireland and to Donegal.
The London borough has one of the biggest Irish populations in England and Troy Gallagher made history in June when he became the first person from this island to wear its mayoral chain.
The St Patrick’s Day celebrations begin with a reception attended by the Irish ambassador and invited guests at the Irish Embassy on Tuesday March 1.
From there a packed programme gets under way proper on March 10 with an Irish-themed cookery class run by acclaimed chef Niamh Shields.
On March 13 Councillor Gallagher will lead an Islington delegation on the official St Patrick’s Day Parade while on the day itself, March 17, the Islington Trad Trail will take place – A mixture of classic and contemporary takes on Irish trad music at various stops across the borough.
In the days before and after there will be a charity ceilidh, a St Patrick’s Weekend and Centenary Year Celebration Ball, a family fun day and a special Mass.
From a local point of view, a business breakfast will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton on Friday March 18, a networking opportunity for businesses and organisations organised by Donegal County Council.
Troy Gallagher in his full mayoral garb. The Letterkenny man holds his Donegal roots close to his heart and is planning on marking them with events for St Patrick’s Day throughout March.
A special live broadcast from Islington will be broadcast on Highland Radio on Saturday March 19 while on Sunday March 20 Goats Don’t Shave will perform.
Looking ahead to the programme of events, Councillor Gallagher said there was no denying the important role Irish people and Irish culture have played in shaping Britain and particularly North London.
“We want to create an opportunity to pay our respects to the Irish community and indeed to all communities across the borough with this fantastic programme of events,” said the Letterkenny man.
“I’m very pleased that so much of the community is represented, with events for older people, children and families, schools and businesses in Islington.
“As Irish stereotypes go we don’t mind being considered great craic which is why I hope many people will come along and enjoy these events with their friends and families.
Troy on a recent visit back to his home town with councillors Jimmy Kavanagh and Ciaran Brogan.
“I’m hoping we can all do our bit to raise funds for my chosen charities too – icap, James’ Place and forum+. Each of them does remarkable work supporting people with their mental health, wellbeing and importantly, suicide prevention. You might be shocked to know that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, so it is absolutely vital that we help out these charities as much as possible.”
The full programme can be found on the London Irish Centre website.
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