WEBLINKS
| |
The Â鶹ԼÅÄ is not responsible for the content of external websites.
|
 |  | Follow their story here ...
From Ireland to Coventry
| | Ìý |
Irish people have settled in Coventry for over four centuries. The greatest population rises were because of the famine in the 19th century and for work in the 20th century.
The most common occupations were as labourers or in Coventry's factories, first making silk ribbon and then in the motor industry.
After the devastation of the World War II people from Ireland were actively recruited to work in Coventry's hospitals, on the buses and in the construction industry.
Ìý| Ìý |  | View of the Irish coastline
|
The famine in Ireland caused many to flee to Britain. This is documented in Coventry as the Irish-born population rose by 120% in twenty years, resulting in Coventry being the home to 704 people by 1861.
The increase has continued healthily and at the 1991 census there were 13,540 Irish-born people in Coventry.
The 2001 census had a new category for Irish ethnicity, through which many more people will have declared their Irish roots. This is expected to be a very large number (the results are due in August this year).
Ìý| Ìý |  | Winners in a local Irish dancing competition
|
Irish people settled in several areas of the city during the 19th century but the areas around Caldicotts Yard, Gosford Street and Jordan Well were most popular.
In the 1950s and 60s, settlement continued in the same areas but Irish communities also started in Foleshill, Coundon and Spon End.
Now the Irish community is spread throughout the city, with the areas of Coundon, Radford and Earlsdon being most popular.
Mayo-born people are very prominent within the city. The majority of other Irish people were originally from Dublin.
Ìý| Ìý |  | The Irish festival logo
|
The Irish have made Coventry their home and have influenced the city throughout.
Several Irish councillors have become Lord Mayor of the city, for example, and the Irish culture is evident in a number of the city's venues and events.
Irish dance halls, clubs, pubs, dancing schools, theatre groups, language teachers and musicians are permanent features of the city.
In addition, the Irish festival, St Patrick's celebration and the Irish pageant are now long-standing annual events.
Coventry is also home to successful Irish businesses. These include travel agents and shops such as Gaffneys and Country Kitchen, which sell traditional Irish groceries.
ÌýHear more about the Irish community in the Irish Show on Â鶹ԼÅÄ WM 94.8, 103.7 & 104FM every Sunday from 4pm - 7pm.
Follow the link on the left to see the presenter, Bob Brolly.
|
