Lá Fhéile Bríde 2021

“It introduced me to several Irish comedians I didn't know and most importantly I laughed a lot..it reminded me how proud I am to be Irish.”

- Ann Milner

What we’ve accomplished:

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guests were surveyed of which:

Take over 75 attendees, traditional afternoon teas and an afternoon of great comedy and it’s bound to be a winner! That was how Luton Irish Forum marked Lá Fhéile Bríde 2021 (St Brigid’s Day), with their 5th annual event, this year, celebrating Irish Women in Comedy. And of course…it was all over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a special message from HE Ambassador of Ireland, Adrian O’Neill, attendees spent the next two hours learning about and laughing along with clips of Maureen Potter, June Rodgers, Julie Walters, Kathy Burke, Caroline Ahearn, Derry Girls, Aisling Bea and the Dirt Birds. Mrs Brown and Mrs Doyle both featured and the audience voted Mrs Doyle as their firm favourite. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family, both in the UK and Ireland.  

Margaret Bradley, originally from Co Derry, talked about how her mother always gathered rushes to make St Brigid’s crosses, a skill that has been passed down to Margaret, who will be demonstrating this for Luton Irish Forum members. 

There were some very special guests; Gerry Molumby Director of the Triskellion Irish theatre company who donated a beautiful handmade St Brigid’s Cross and Sarah Finucane from The Craic is back magazine.  Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins, Luton’s two female MPs completed the guest list. Rachel kindly offered some House of Commons chocolates as one of the raffle prizes. Lorraine Castagnoli, only one of the attendees who was celebrating her birthday at the event was the lucky winner and said she would be back next year. 

Forty Traditional afternoon teas, made freshly on the day by the family team of Jack Berr Caterers, were delivered to Luton attendees. One person commented “Thanks so very much to the ladies who delivered my afternoon tea this morning in the rain, made my day, thanks a million!”

Attendees were full of praise for the event. Elaine Lister who was among family from the UK and Ireland said, “Thank you to the Irish Forum for still hosting this much needed event, women in comedy is very apt for this year and has made me laugh and remember very good people and shows. Thanks so very much…have learnt more again today, nice to see everyone too, very much needed I am sure for us all.” Ann Milner remarked “It introduced me to several Irish comedians I didn't know and most importantly I laughed a lot..it reminded me how proud I am to be Irish.” Rachel Hopkins, a regular supporter of this event commented that the afternoon was “Informative, funny, entertaining,” it “brought different generations together celebrating Irish women in comedy” and was a “great way to spend a couple of hours!”

Tom Scanlon Chairman of Luton Irish Forum closed the Afternoon Tea and expressed his “hopes we can celebrate together again next year, but in person.”