Arriving Home - the Irish Centre as a place of sanctuary

For many who have come through the doors of the Irish Centre over the past 26 years there is a sense of memory, in the words of a song; through the biscuits in the shop; on the tv screens when the hurling or rugby are shown live and the GAA takes over from the premiership. Ireland has undergone many changes since my parents left home in the 1930s and the Centre reflects the evolution of “Irishness” while delighting in the powerful cultural heritage that binds generation after generation. As a place of welcome and sanctuary, the Centre acknowledges that for migrants, however distantly or recently arrived there is a sense of loss, of leaving family, friends and familiar spaces. Edna O’Brien said that she didn’t know how much she would miss the things she was never fond of. For our arrivals, it is often those small things, small gestures, the soda bread, the jigs and reels that bring a sense of comfort and security to the generations who have arrived here seeking work, seeking adventure or escape, seeking food or shelter. Given the influence Irish culture has on the City of Liverpool it is not surprising to find that in the Centre as in the city, you don’t stay a stranger for long. Another writer, Colm Tobain talks about the loneliness you can feel on leaving Ireland and the Centre looks to provide that sense of connection, in the nod across the room, the singing of a verse the raised arms for a winning team. Our next generation feel this connection too as they beg for more Taytos and hurl themselves around the building, garden and playpark. They are safe, and they know this, and in this world that is something to be treasured.

Within our Boundary Lane home we share the festivals and changing seasons in ways that remind us of our heritage but also express ourselves in ways that are undeniably local. We are anchored in our community and as we have grown so have our opportunities to provide work or work experience, to develop volunteers to do practical work in the garden or the building, to build skills in managing and financing our little home. For so long, our struggle has been survival, We talked about keeping the lights on for our communities and new arrivals and now we feel fortunate to be able to look to the future with a greater sense of confidence. Our home can continue to be a hub for a whole range of creative, practical and wellbeing communities. In our world we are both learners and teachers, we pass on the language, music and art forms but also learn about our history and heritage and how these have shaped and formed us. We laugh. We laugh a lot and provide opportunities for merriment in a world that can hold rather too much sadness. So our home provides a space for being and doing but also for caring and maybe also a place to simply sit and not be alone.

In an increasingly fractured world, our sense of cohesion and support is so valuable, and we  will always aim to provide that sense of sanctuary and welcome to all who walk past our flag and through our doors.

Dr. Maureen Royce (Chair, Liverpool Irish Centre)