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Mayor praises Post at St. Pat’s launch
By Elaine Sheridan
 The
Irish Embassy played host to the official launch of the London St. Patrick’s
Day Festival with the luminaries of the city’s Irish community turning
out for the occasion.
Irish Ambassador David Cooney and his wife Geraldine welcomed invited
guests to the lavish surroundings in Grosvenor Square, right in the heart
of London.
And event media partner The Irish Post was there to make sure that our
readers get to hear all about this year’s festival right from the
beginning.
Complimentary copies of The Irish Post as well as official festival guides
were handed out to those who attended — helping to ensure that this
year’s St. Patrick’s is one of the best yet.
In his speech Ambassador Cooney spoke about how proud he is to be Irish
in London and how he was looking forward to being part of the celebrations
during the coming weekend.
Members of various Irish community groups were also present, as well as
a number of event sponsors and GLA staff.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone spoke about how celebrating Ireland’s
patron saint had now become one of the biggest events in the capital.
He thanked the many sponsors of the event, which is held in partnership
with Tourism Ireland, and praised The Irish Post for the important role
it played in launching the first festival in 2001.
He added that without the continued support of the many community groups
involved over the past seven years the festival would not be as successful
as it is today.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann musicians volunteered
their services for the evening and kept guests entertained with a selection
of well-known Irish tunes.
Guitar legend Joe Brown, who will be performing at the festival for the
first time this year, also took time out from his gruelling 50th anniversary
tour to attend.
Revellers can catch Joe on the main stage in Trafalgar Square from 2pm
on Sunday, March 16.
Throughout the evening there was a vibrant buzz around the room with everyone
looking forward to another weekend where the people of London will celebrate
the very best of Irish culture, heritage and hospitality in the capital.
Belfast-born television presenter Shauna Lowry also came along to lend
her support.
The ex-Animal Hospital presenter will help compere the main stage in
Trafalgar Square on Sunday. |
