1980s
This section focuses on the 1980s. This was a time of growing inflation and unemployment in Liverpool. The Irish in Liverpool were also impacted by the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland.
Nevertheless, the Centre pulled together and campaigned including fundraising, supporting welfare, and sending letters to politicians. As well as activism, the Centre was also home to many traditions and celebrations.
Back L to R: Dominic Murphy, Phyllis Lynch, Peter McPadden, Jim Lynch, Phil Farrelly, ?, Jimmy Morin, ?, Michael Quinlan, Donie Whelton, Sean Loughran.
Front L to R: Mary Quinlan, Norah Quinlan, Josie Morrin, Mary Whelton, Joan McPadden, Sheilagh Loughran, Liz Farrelly
Inside the Irish Centre in the 1980s...
ack L to R: Dominic Murphy, Phyllis Lynch, Peter McPadden, Jim Lynch, Phil Farrelly, ?, Jimmy Morin, ?, Michael Quinlan, Donie Whelton, Sean Loughran. Front L to R: Mary Quinlan, Norah Quinlan, Josie Morrin, Mary Whelton, Joan McPadden, Sheilagh Loughran, Liz Farrelly
Dick Leahy in the background
In the new cellar 1980s
ack L to R: Dominic Murphy, Phyllis Lynch, Peter McPadden, Jim Lynch, Phil Farrelly, ?, Jimmy Morin, ?, Michael Quinlan, Donie Whelton, Sean Loughran. Front L to R: Mary Quinlan, Norah Quinlan, Josie Morrin, Mary Whelton, Joan McPadden, Sheilagh Loughran, Liz Farrelly
Key Events & Entertainment
in the 1980s
1980: Continuing Traditions
After the success of the previous year's festival, 1980 saw the Second Annual An Tostal on Monday 5th. From this Nuacht, you can see the many different activities on offer and a lot of these are still part of the An Tostal celebrations today in the current Irish Centre!
This Nuacht also includes other traditions such as the Mary from Dungloe Festival and the Sliabh gCua Set Dancers from Dungarvan performing as part of a fundraiser for Fr Sean O'Connor.
The last page of the Nuacht includes an entertainment guide that highlights events from benefit dances, gigs, ballad nights and a Youth Group Disco!
The Nuacht also reports on a cartoon published in the Liverpool Echo which members of the Irish Centre 'found insulting and offensive'. The strip 'clearly identifies the Irish Centre and shows the patrons fighting' feeding into anti-Irish stereotypes. The Liverpool Echo published an apology after complaints from members of the Irish community in Liverpool as well as the Irish Centre's solicitor. The apology is included in the Nuacht.
1980: A Living Tribute
In June 1980, Joe England (Hon. Secretary) received a letter from Sean Doherty T.D., Minister of State, thanking him for the hospitality of the Irish Centre:
"I would like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks to yourself and all the friends that I met on my recent visit to the Irish Centre. It was a wonderful weekend and both my wife and I were very impressed with your efforts and high standards in the Centre which is a living tribute to your work and a monument to the Irish in Liverpool."
1980: A New Manager
In August 1980, Tommy Walsh resigned as Manager of the Irish Centre. He had been instrumental in the founding of the Irish Centre and had dedicated a lot of time and effort to its success. In a notice to members of the Irish Centre (below) it was announced that Phil Farrelly would become the Manager from August 1980 onwards. Phil had also been a dedicated member of the Management team at the Irish Centre and had acted as a representative of the Irish Centre for the Federation of Irish Societies.
1980: Christmas in the Irish Centre
The December 1980 Nuacht highlights all the key Christmas events including John Mitchel's Christmas Dance, Crib Sunday, St Stephen's Night and New Years Eve.
On 7th November, there was a Farewell Presentation for Tommy Walsh where he was gifted a beautiful set of Waterford Crystal glasses and a cheque for £1,000. Kathleen Walsh, Tommy's wife, was presented with a bouquet of flowers. On the back page of the Nuacht is a letter from Tommy thanking the Executive Committee and members. He also wrote that he would 'maintain an involvement' in the Centre through his role as Trustee. Tommy maintained his involvement throughout the rest of the years at 127 Mount Pleasant and through to the move to St Michael's Irish Centre at 6 Boundary Lane.
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The Nuacht also includes some Christmas gift ideas: Claddagh Rings, Waterford Crystal, Duiske Glass from Kilkenny, Arran Hand Knit Sweaters, and Christmas Cakes!
February 1981: St Patrick's Mass and Concerts
This Nuacht from February 1981 highlights the upcoming events for March including the traditional St Patrick's Mass, and multiple gigs and concerts with artists such as Leo McCaffrey, Dermot O'Brien, Johnny McEvoy, Brendan Shine and Dermot Hegarty.
April 1981: Billy Monaghan
In the April 1981 Nuacht, a congratulations was printed for Billy Monaghan, a member of the Irish Centre. Billy was selected to represent Ireland at the European Power Weight Lifting Championships in Italy in May 1981. He placed 12th in his division. A year later he represented Ireland at the Men's World Powerlifting Championships in Germany and placed 15th in his division. ​
The congratulations message also included a note for Finn Harps A.F.C. reaching the final of the Myles Cup!
May 1981: Letters to Margaret Thatcher
In the wake of the treatment of prisoners in the 'H' Block, the ongoing hunger strikes, and the death of Bobby Sands, the Irish Centre responded by sending a letter to Margaret Thatcher. The letter, written by Joe England, was sent 'on behalf of the Irish people on Merseyside' and was printed in the Nuacht. Joe urged the Prime Minister to 'take a more flexible attitude to the situation in the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland' and to 'get out of the straight jacket into which you have got yourself'. Joe made it clear that 'the Irish people in this area give no comfort or support to the men of violence' and warned that 'innocent people are dying on both sides and no one with the power to effect change is big enough to intervene and get talks started'. He also warned about the impact of further deaths:
"The very strong impression we get is that you are indifferent to those deaths. We are fearful that those who believe in violence will form the same impression and if they do, no doubt they will bring death and destruction on to the streets of Britain. That, of course, would help no now, but they may not see it that way."
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It was not just the Irish Centre that sent a letter to Margaret Thatcher. Tommy Walsh also sent a letter on behalf of the Federation of Irish Societies. The Federation encouraged individuals to write to MPs to 'urge the Government to show some humanity and sensitivity and take positive steps to avoid further loss of life and thereby reduce tension'. Tommy's letter similarly urges the Prime Minister to 'reconsider' her 'rigid attitude' towards the prisoners and 'for God's sake act quickly before another life is lost'.
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A Rosary was also said each night in the Irish Centre at 8.30pm for those who had died and for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. ​
1981 to 1983: It's a Knockout!
​At the bottom of the Nuacht notice above, there is an article about 'It's a Knockout 1981'. This was a competition organised by the Federation of Irish Societies which included youth teams across various Irish Centres competing in different games and competitions. In 1981, the competition was held at St Edward's Orphanage, Thingwall Hall, Broadgreen on Sunday 5th July.
​The 1982 competition was held at Birmingham Irish Centre and the Liverpool Irish Centre Team reached the Final. In 1983, the competition was held at Leeds Irish Centre and again the Team reached the Final, and came joint 5th out of 12 teams.
Tommy Walsh wrote about those who competed in the 1983 contest in Leeds and their lasting impact:
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‘It’s interesting to see the name of youth team and realise how many are still actively involved in our affairs. It is, I believe, the secret of our success as a Community. The family structure is what we are built on. The team: Maíre McNamara (Captain), Tricia McNamara, Eileen Kirwan, Marie Loughran, Norah Quinlan, Marian Fletcher, Michael and John Coyne, Tony Quinlan, Michael Rynne, Peter Dickinson and Paul Loughran. The Team Manager was Betty Kirwan. Sadly, we didn’t win the final in Leeds.’
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Tommy Walsh, Being Irish in Liverpool, pp. 131-132.​​
The Liverpool Irish Centre 'It's a Knockout' Team 1981-1983.
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Back L to R: Michael Coyne, Norah Quinlan, Marian Fletcher, Eileen Vose, Maíre McNamara, Marie Loughran, Tricia McNamara, Betty Kirwan.
Front L to R: Paul Loughran, Peter Dickinson, Tony Quinlan, John Coyne and Stephen Spencer
1981 Secretary's Report
The Secretary Reports give a great overview of what was happening in that year and the 1981 report opens with the following paragraphs:
'In years to come, those involved in running and managing the Irish Centre, will, I feel, look back on 1981 and describe it as a very difficult year. The first year of a new manager's tenure, the year during which one of the assistant managers, Sean Murphy, left to return to Ireland, a year of falling attendance of high unemployment and of serious riots on the streets of Liverpool.
All had their effect on the Irish Centre. Above all, it was a year when ten young Irish men died on hunger strike in Maze Prison in Northern Ireland. That too, had its effects, both personal to each one of us and to the organisation in general. In some ways the economic situation in this country and the political situation in our beloved homeland has forced on us a maturity of attitude and outlook which was not possible in the past'
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The Secretary Report includes reports from different groups including the dancing class, Tuesday Ceili, Finn Harps Football and the Irish Centre Advisory Service (Welfare).
1982 Easter Fancy Dress
Despite the difficult years, the Irish Centre was home to many celebrations including Easter. These photographs were taken by Eric Durkin, a stalwart of the Irish Centre, of the 1982 Easter Fancy Dress Competition. Take a look at some of the outfits including the Rose of Mooncoin and the Dear Little Shamrock!
September 1982: Pipe Band Victory
In the Nuacht September 1982, congratulations was sent to Con Doyle and the Irish Centre Pipe Band on winning the Pipe Band competition at the recent London Irish Festival Pipe Band. There were also notices of upcoming gigs by The Barleycorn, The Antelopes Showband, Just Four, as well as usual activities and times.
1982 Secretary's Report
The 1982 Secretary's Report begins with the 1981 comment that it was a difficult year and that 1982 'might be referred to as a carbon copy': 'unemployment figures on Merseyside rise daily, which inevitably has its effect on the Irish Centre and its income. The overheads continue to rise and balancing the books and enforcing economies is no easy task for the Executive and management'.
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Despite the difficult year, groups continued to have a busy year and short reports are included in the Secretary's Report for groups like Finn Harps, Irish dancing classes, the Golf Society, Language Classes, and the Pipe Band. There was also an emphasis on welfare and Sister Agnes, the Irish Centre's Social Worker, was in the process of forming an 'Over 60's Club'.
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September 1982: Pipe Band Victory
In the Nuacht September 1982, congratulations was sent to Con Doyle and the Irish Centre Pipe Band on winning the Pipe Band competition at the recent London Irish Festival Pipe Band. There were also notices of upcoming gigs by The Barleycorn, The Antelopes Showband, Just Four, as well as usual activities and times.
October & November 1983
The October and November 1983 issues of the Nuacht highlight upcoming concerts and gigs by artists like Dermot Hegarty, Johnny McEvoy, and Leo McCaffrey. There are also regular dances and activities across the month. On the back page of the October 1983 Nuacht, it's clear to see that Sister Agnes had been successful in setting up her 'Over 60's' Club!
1984: Bridie Ryan
After many years working in Croc an Oir (the Irish Centre shop), Bridie Ryan retired in 1984. Teresa Kelly became the new Shop Manager.
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1984: GAA Centenary Year
1984 was a very important year in the Irish Centre for those involved in the GAA as it was celebrating its centenary year. The Irish Centre formed a committee to organise the Centenary Celebrations. The Committee included: Chris Johnson (Chairman), Tommy Walsh (Secretary), Bernice McGovern, Michael O'Sullivan, and Colum Walsh. You can see the Nuacht below which advertised the different events such as:
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The publication of A History of the G.A.A. in Liverpool in booklet form. You can read a copy of this in our History Room!
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A Mass held on Easter Monday in the Irish Centre at noon for Deceased Members
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A Pageant on Easter Monday: History of the G.A.A. in Music, Song and Dance
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This photograph of the John Mitchels Senior Team was likely taken in the 1970s but it includes those who had been involved in the GAA for many years such as Tommy Walsh, Phil Farrelly, Sean Loughran Sr., Tom Redmond, Nick Redmond and Chris Johnson.
Finn Harps AFC continued to go from strength to strength in the 1980s. Here are some photographs from a presentation night where former Liverpool Footballer Mark Lawrenson handed out the trophies. There was no date with these photographs but it has been estimated that the presentation night was 1984 or 1985.
1984/5: Finn Harps Celebrations
L to R Back Row: Tony Grimes, Chris Whelton, (Kevin Ronan behind), Mark Lawrenson, Sean Loughran, (Michael Murray behind), Ged Burke, Dominic Murphy.
Front: Brian Bennett, Anthony Whelton, Paul Loughran, Michael Davies, Anthony Baron.
1987: Michael Gibney's 50th Birthday
Take a look inside the Irish Centre in 1987 as Michael Gibney celebrated his 50th Birthday and received a surprise visitor!
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1988: 'Over 60s Club' Christmas Dinner
1988 saw the start of another tradition that has continued to today: the Christmas Dinner for the Pensioners Club. The 'Over 60's Club' continued to be a success in the 1980s. In the 1988 Secretary's report, D. Buckley (Secretary) reported that the group had gone on two outings: Llandudno and Blackpool.
November 1988 Nuacht
1989 Secretary's Report
1989 was a key year for the Irish Centre as there were many developments including:
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Irish Community Care became a separate organisation to the Irish Centre. It became an official charity after being granted Charitable status by the Charities Commission. A separate Management Committee was set up to run the charity.
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Major refurbishments were taking place in the bar area and in the two lounges.
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Preparations were under way for the Silver Jubilee.
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The entertainment reflected the different audiences and plans were being made to 'tap' into the Irish student population.
1989: Preparing for the Silver Jubilee
16th December 1989 signified the 25th anniversary of the unofficial opening of the Irish Centre. This anniversary was celebrated on Sunday 17th December 1989 with music by Tom Healy, The Antelopes and The Men of the West.
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Official celebrations for the Silver Jubilee in 1990 were being planned throughout 1989. The November/December 1989 Nuacht sets out some of these plans.
