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Hurray for Haringey
 By
Elaine Sheridan
A North London Irish community was the centre of attention last weekend
as it celebrated its 20th year.
Scores of people turned out to mark the memorable milestone at a reception
held in Haringey Irish Centre.
Invited members old and new along with original founding members gathered
together to remember the old days and to celebrate the new.
The Irish Ambassador to London David Cooney along with the founding member
and leader of Haringey Council George Meehan spoke of their delight at
being part of the celebrations to mark the success of such a diverse and
vibrant centre.
In his speech the Ambassador said: “I would like to commend the
work being done by all the groups based here.
“I know that there are frequent activities held here for the Haringey
pensioners from tea dances to luncheon clubs and even outings to the seaside.
“It is important to provide this support to the older members of
our community who have given Ireland so much in the past.”
He commented on the diversity amongst the crowd with members of the Asian,
Afro- Caribbean, Polish and Cypriot communities being present at the reception
and highlighted the fact that the centre is a place of welcome to all
its neighbours.
Centre manager Tony Brennan said: “Community involve-ment is what
we are about.
“We are at the heart of this community and remain the hub of activity
in this area.
“We have come a long way since we first opened our doors and we
will continue to provide quality social, health and welfare services to
our patrons.”
Siobhán Daly who hails from Fermoy in Co. Cork runs the art classes
every Thursday at the centre.
She spoke of her delight at being able to hold classes there where people
can gather once a week to express themselves through art.
She said: “I have been running these art classes here since 1991.
“We were originally based at Wood Green and when that closed down
the Haringey centre offered us a lifeline by letting us move in.
“I very much appreciate being part of this set-up.”
The centre, based in Pretoria Road, first opened its doors in 1987 and
stemmed from the original Haringey Irish Association.
Linda Fallon whose husband Damian was one of the founding members des-cribes
the work they had to do to set it up in the 1980s.
She said: “We had to fight hard to get anything for the Irish in
those days. It really was a battle with the local authorities back then.
“We secured the funding and then secured the building which took
time but we got there in the end.
“Sister Joan Kane was instrumental in making it all happen.
“Bill Aulsberry has been the glue that kept it together through
the years.
“It’s been a hard slog and a wonderful journey. We’re
so proud to be celebrating here tonight.”
Tommy Doherty, 84, who hails from Belfast added his appreciation for the
help the welfare centre has given him over the years.
He said: “The staff at the Irish centre has helped
me out with various things over years.
“Recently they have helped with my passport application which at
my age was very much needed.
“I am grateful that I am able to be here tonight to celebrate its
20th birthday.”
n More pictures, see rí-rá. |
