The Manchester Irish Festival

The Manchester Irish Festival 2003
8th - 18th March 2003

Sport

There have been many people making the short journey over the water and influencing sport in Manchester.

In May 1963, probably the greatest footballer ever signed for Manchester United, aged 17... that was of course George Best. Belfast born George became a Manchester United legend. There are many other Irish legends who have made their mark on sport in Manchester including Denis Irwin, Norman Whiteside, Paul McGrath, Kevin Moran.

In recent times a certain Roy Keane has rarely been out of the headlines, whilst John O’Shea is tipped to be the future captain of Ireland and will no doubt continue Ireland’s proud connection with Manchester United.

At Manchester City, central defender Richard Dunne is a regular in the Irish squad and combative midfielder Kevin Horlock is the kingpin of the Northern Ireland team.
Niall Quinn, a massive supporter of the Manchester Irish Festival was a regular in some of our Irish Nightspots during his hugely successful spell at City.

Traditional Irish Sport is hugely popular in Manchester with the likes of Oisin GAA based in Didsbury, St Lawrence’s GAA. St Brendan’s GAAand Emerald Gaels Ladies Football Team.

This year the Irish Festival is delighted to have a World Snooker Exhibition as part of the celebrations, this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of former World Snooker Semi- Finalist, Joe Swail, who is a Manchester resident

Ireland V England
Irish Festival Snooker Cup
Venue: The Armitage Centre, Fallowfield Date: 21st March
Time: Doors 6.30pm starts 7.00pm
Tel: 0161 236 3906
Price: From £15 - Ticket Only
(early booking essential)

Four Snooker players - all ranked in the Top 16 in the World battle it out for the title of “Manchester Irish Festival Snooker Champion”

Representing Ireland is the 1997 Embassy World Champion Ken Doherty, an avid Manchester United fan and currently ranked at number 7 in the world.

Also playing for the Irish is Joe Swail, who is currently ranked at number 16 in the world. Joe has previously reached the semi-finals of the Embassy World Snooker Championships on 2 occasions- 2001/2001.

Representing England is the charismatic Jimmy White, Jimmy carries the mantle of being one of the most popular players thegame has ever seen - and the unwanted label of being the best player
never to win the world title. Jimmy is currently ranked Number 10 in the
world.

Joining Jimmy is one of the world’s most
popular young players - Paul Hunter. Paul is one of the only players to have won the Benson and Hedges Masters - back to
back - in 2001 and 2002, he is ranked Number 9 in the world.

This event is TICKET ONLY
and it is advised to purchase tickets early.

6 Nation’s Rugby
Enjoy the rugby in one of the following venues:
Waxy O’ Connors
(look out
for special promotions),
O’ Shea’s Irish Bar,
Fiddler’s Green,
Hennigan’s Sport’s Bar,
The Packhorse.

Manchester United v Basle
Venue: Hennigan’s Sport’s Bar
Date: 12th March
Time: 7.30pm
Tel: 0161 257 2484
Price: Free
Cheer on Roy Keane and the lads in their bid for European glory.

Deportivo La Coruna v
Manchester United
Venue: Hennigan’s Sport’s Bar
Date: 18th March
Time: 7.30pm
Tel: 0161 257 2484
Price: Free
Cheer on Roy Keane and the lads again in their bid for European glory.