Lá Fhéile Bríde 2020
Location
Putteridge Bury House, Luton
DATE
February 1, 2020
Activites
Afternoon Tea Event
"Fantastic, engaging and educational event. It makes me feel part of my Luton community.”
Elaine Lister
What we’ve accomplished:
4th
LIF women’s history project
3
generations engaged aged 9yrs - 81+yrs
75
guests at the afternoon tea event
41%
first generation Irish
37%
second generation Irish
8%
third generation Irish
16%
non-Irish
58
guests were surveyed of which:
40%
attending for the first time
60%
were returning guests
95%
said the event enriched their knowledge of Irish culture and heritage
Lá Fhéile Bríde 2020 (St Brigid’s Day) was celebrated with our fourth annual Afternoon Tea event on the feast day, 1st February, highlighting the many achievements of women in sport.
Some 75 guests enjoyed chatting with friends old and new at the beautiful Putteridge Bury House just outside Luton. The 2020 Afternoon Tea programme showcased the stories of two women from the local Irish community; Sandra Hayes and Ann “Tiger” Woods, and the Luton based Claddagh Gaels - the only Ladies Gaelic Football Club in Britain not affiliated to any men’s club. The event also featured stories of the Lutonian women who defied an FA ban in the 1930s and played illegal football matches at Luton Town Football Club. Guests were also treated to stories of legendry Irish sportswomen such as Maeve Kyle – Ireland’s first female Olympian and Katie Taylor – the highly-acclaimed two-weight world champion boxer.
The afternoon included presentations, a display of trophies and medals from local sportswomen, and traditional music played by talented local duo, Sinead and Callum Turner.
Luton Irish Forum marked Lá Fhéile Bríde 2020 (St Brigid’s Day) by hosting its fourth annual Afternoon Tea event on St Brigid’s Day [1st February] celebrating the achievements of women in sport.
Some 75 guests enjoyed chatting with friends old and new at the beautiful Putteridge Bury House just outside Luton. The 2020 Afternoon Tea programme showcased the stories of two women from the local Irish community; Sandra Hayes and Ann “Tiger” Woods, and the Luton based Claddagh Gaels - the only Ladies Gaelic Football Club in Britain not affiliated to any men’s club. The event also featured stories of the Lutonian women who defied an FA ban in the 1930s and played illegal football matches at Luton Town Football Club. Guests were also treated to stories of legendry Irish sportswomen such as Maeve Kyle – Ireland’s first female Olympian and Katie Taylor – a two-weight world champion boxer who has been described as “pound for pound one of the best boxers in the world” by BoxRec, the sports official record keeper.
The afternoon included presentations and traditional music played by talented local duo, Sinead and Callum Turner. There was also a display of trophies and medals from the local sports women and the beautifully decorated banner created especially for the occasion by Luton Irish Forum’s Calligraphy Group.
Attendee Elizabeth Lea commented "It was absolutely fabulous; I had a fantastic time and feel proud to have Irish ancestry.”
Elaine Lister said "Fantastic, engaging and educational event. It makes me feel part of my Luton community.”