The Irish Society of East Anglia
The President for the year from February 2010 to January 2011
A message from the President of the Irish Society of East Anglia
MAIRIN BREATHNACH
President from February 2010 to January 2011
Failte isteach go dti an Idirlinn seo do Chumann Gaelach East Anglia. Ta reimead agus athas orm a bheith mar Uachtaran ar an gCumann Gaelach seo a bunaithe sa mbliain 1891. Originally from Letirmoir Na Coille in Connemara, Co Galway - a place of great scenic beauty - I now live with my husband Peter Richmond in Cringleford, Norwich. I am delighted to be your President for the coming year and it is a great privilege to help expand the work of previous Presidents of this Society.
The Irish Society of East Anglia, the oldest such Society in the UK, was founded in 1891 and is very proud of its reputation for maintaining social and cultural links with the local community and their friends in all age groups across the region. During the year we organise a number of social and cultural events that draw inspiration and insight from Ireland’s rich heritage of Celtic thought and imagination. The Society flourishes through the involvement of many people of different background and cultures. This enables us to promulgate a spirit of inclusivity and belonging. We have a number of social events planned but we are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Please get in touch with your brilliant ideas too!
As well as enjoying the ‘craic’ and festive side of our social and cultural events we put much effort into fund raising for local charities. This year we plan to raise money for The Priscilla Bacon Lodge. This Centre provides specialist palliative care, advice and support for patients with cancer and other related illness. As always I know that you will be generous in supporting their work and research.
It will be a great year for all of us and I encourage you to come along to our events. We have a fantastic Committee who are always willing to keep the show on the road!
In the words of the famous philosopher Friedrich W Nietzsche “The trick is not to arrange a festivity. The trick is to find people who can enjoy it” and in the words of the well known Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh,”God must be allowed to surprise us”.
Mile Buiochas agus Bhi Linn
Gach Rath agus Beannacht
Mairin Breathnach