COMMENT
A night for us to take pride in
IT WAS a magnificent night.
Almost 300 people packed the Paragon Hotel in Birmingham for the first
ever Pride Of Ireland Awards.
And if you ever wanted an example of the vibrancy of the Irish community
in the city this was it.
Award winners included a stalwart of Irish dancing, one of the most dedicated
fundraisers in Britain today, a man who has worked tirelessly for the
GAA in Britain, a woman who has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds
but never let it get her down, a publican who used the tragic death of
his son to get the law changed and a man who has become a legend in the
Irish community in the West Country.
And there was also a big Birmingham welcome for the Mayor of Brent who
also picked up a Pride of Ireland Award.
The variety and achievements of all the awards winners said everything
about the contribution the Irish community has made to Britain today.
But the warmth, good nature and vibrancy of the event said even more.
Even better the evening raised some much-needed cash for charity —
with proceeds going to the TLC Lottery charity.
All in all a night to remember. So here’s to next year!
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