The Opening of St Michael's Irish Centre & the 2000s
St Michael's Centre opened as an Irish Centre on the 10th September 1999. It became home to many of the traditions of the old Irish Centre and embraced new traditions too throughout the 2000s.
This was the first St Patrick's Day celebrated at St. Michael's Centre in 2000
A poster for St Patrick's Day 2001
A poster for St Patrick's Day from 2007
This was the first St Patrick's Day celebrated at St. Michael's Centre in 2000
St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day is the holiday that honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is observed on 17th March every year. It was originally a day full of religious services, but now also encompasses celebrating Irish culture. St Patrick's Day celebrations happen all over the city in Liverpool.
Music and Dance
Music and dance play a key role in the Irish Centre as they offer a first-hand connection to heritage and allow Irish culture to be continued. A lot of the music and dance events have been written about in various newspapers and journals which means we are awaiting copyright permission to publish them. If you need more information, the Centre has copies that can be looked at for educational purposes.
Eisteddfod 2005
In 2005, the Bolger Cunningham School of Irish Dance won the ‘Celtic Music: Massed Ensemble’ title at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod. The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2005 Adjucation Form stated that:
‘In essence – this was a celebration in music and dance that expressed something significant: that music and dance had the ability to express something even as powerful as humanity overpowering even the most terrible moments in history.’
You can watch the award winning performance below and you can pop into the History Room to see the trophy in the cabinet!
Kathleen Cunningham receiving the trophy
City of Culture 2008
In 2008, Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture. Many events took place across the city to celebrate its rich and varied heritage and culture. Irish President Mary McAleese visited Liverpool, including St Michael’s Irish Centre itself.
For more information about the events held to celebrate, visit https://cultureliverpool.co.uk/2008-2/
‘From Skibbereen to Scotland Road’ was a concert held to celebrate Irish culture. It was performed at St George’s Hall, then another performance at the Irish Centre due to public demand.
Take a look at the flyer for the performance to the right and the photographs below from the performance in St George's Hall!
Michael Coyne on stage
Musicians on Stage
Dancers performing the Ribbon Dance
Michael Coyne on stage