Fáilte
8th - 18th March 2003
Message from the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D. on the occasion of the Manchester Irish Festival 2003
I
am pleased to have this opportunity to send my best wishes to everyone
involved with this year’s Manchester Irish Festival.
I have
great affinity with the city of Manchester and I was delighted to hear
that the Festival, now in its eighth year, has grown to be the biggest
Irish Festival in the United Kingdom. This is a true compliment to
the vision and hard work of everyone involved.
I hope that the Festival, which runs from the 8th to the 18th of March and
involves events all over Manchester, is a great success. I know from the programme
of events that there is something for everyone taking place over the eleven
days so I urge people to get out there and support the effort.
Best Wishes
Bertie Ahern T.D.
Taoiseach
Message from the Co-Chairs of the Irish Festival
We
would like to take this opportunityto welcome everyone to Manchester’s
Irish Festival.
It is already the largest in the UK and this year it is set to become even larger.
A massive thanks to the City Council, the Voluntary Festival Committee, City Councillors and especially the Irish community who, through their hard work and dedication have enabled this festival to grow.
We would also like to send a special thank you on behalf of the community to Councillor Pat Karney who, after many years of steering the Irish Festival as Chair has decided to take a well earned rest. We are sure you will agree with us, the success of the Irish Festival has been due to Pat’s enthusiasm and support for the Irish community.
It should be clear to anyone who readsthis brochure, the strength the Irish community brings to the City of Manchester, including music, dance,education, comedy, literature, poetry, politics, sport, food, drink, theatre, Gaelic language and craft.
We
hope to see you during the Festival at one of our many events and don’t
forget to come into Manchester early on Sunday March 16 to watch the St Patrick’s
Day Parade.
On March 17, have a happy St Patrick’s Day!
Cllr. John Flanagan
Esther Dolan