The Manchester Irish Festival

9th-18th March 2001



Message from President McAleese

I would like to convey my warmest greetings to all those associated with the Manchester Irish Festival. Through the hard work and vision of it's organisers the Manchester Irish Festival has developed in recent years to become one of the most significant Irish festivals in Britain. It offers a unique opportunity for members of our community here to showcase their varied talents and to showcase their varied talents and to celebrate their contribution to the broader community in Manchester across the whole spectrum of the Arts

I am delighted to have been asked to officially launch the Festival this year and to be given the opportunity to renew my ties with Manchester, a city with a wealth of Irish Connections. I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in organising the Festival. Your dedication has ensured that our community here has such an enjoyable opportunity to celebrate their Irish heritage and it's importance to the rich fabric of community life in Manchester.

I am delighted that Manchester City Council is continuing to support the festival and, by extension, is showing support for the wider Irish community on this important occasion.

Mary McAleese
President of Ireland