Community Activism

Irish clubs and societies have been part of the British landscape for centuries, but the years following the Second World War saw a surge in their importance as newly arrived migrants sought kinship, support and a sense of belonging.

The origins of the Federation of Irish Societies, now Irish in Britain, lay in the Anti-Partition League and the work of Jim Kirby in Portsmouth, who helped other towns across the south of England establish Irish community centres. These provided practical advice and support as well as celebrating Irish language and culture.

In 1973, the Southern Federation merged with the Northern Federation to form the Federation of Irish Societies, with Liverpool’s Tommy Walsh its first Chair. Over the following decades, these centres laid the foundations for a community network of support for the Irish community in Britain.

Numerous interviewees emphasise the strong sense of community and mutual support within the Irish Diaspora, where looking after one another is a cherished value.

Irish centres are an important hub for social outreach programmes. Over the years, Irish in Britain and its community members have addressed issues such as healthcare, housing and social welfare, fostering a sense of solidarity among the Irish in Britain.

This culture of community saw Irish centres and their volunteers deliver food supplies, make phone calls and provide much-needed support to socially isolated individuals during the pandemic and lockdowns.

Many migrants campaigned on issues relevant to Ireland. When the Prevention of Terrorism Act was introduced in 1974, the Federation of Irish Societies gave support to many Irish people arrested indiscriminately at the port of Liverpool and campaigned against the Act throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Irish people experiencing racism and discrimination formed and joined anti-racist campaigns. Political activism for fairness fostered a sense of community.

The campaign for ethnic recognition of Irish people in Britain was a crucial campaign of the 1980s, which eventually led to Irish being included as an ethnic category on the 2001 Census. Irish people could now be visible, adding to their own sense of self and heritage.

The Irish community in Britain has been at the forefront of social activism for many years, passionately championing important causes both in Britain and in Ireland.

LGBTQ+ migrants to Britain escaping cultural conservatism and legal barriers in Ireland were active in debates and campaigns. Many Irish women in Britain campaigned for abortion rights in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Irish in Britain has many current and previous member organisations who are committed to educate and advocate for a more inclusive, empathetic and progressive society.