Mike Walsh, Chair of the Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, sent me his write-up on the last meeting – a talk by Deidre O’Byrne, which I posted a film of.  The next meeting this Wednesday ‘Vincent Jordan – Comhaltas Music and Talk’ promises to be interesting.  Here’s Mike’s words:

Exotic Fruits and Ancestral Ghosts

Where could you find such a fascinating and diverse combination, and in Birmingham of all places. Well it is part of the Heritage of Ireland, and all those who were lucky enough to have squeezed into the March Event of the Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, had all revealed to them by our visiting speaker Deirdre O’Byrne.

Her warm and engaging presentation on the disappearing Anglo Irish drew both a large crowd, and numerous thoughtful contributions from them, at the Event which commenced at 7pm on the first Wednesday in March. Among the many contributions from the audience was a well informed one from Leslie Blennerhassett, who comes from an Anglo Irish background. Though the name Blennerhassett may appear comparatively rare there is a well documented linage in Ireland stretching back many centuries.

Deirdre brought to life her view of the mystery of the local “Big House” when she was growing up, and her present admiration for their wonderful gardens which are now open to the Irish people. The enigma of the Anglo Irish was explored by both speaker and audience. This particular section of Irish society who have lived in Ireland for centuries and consider themselves Irish, and have indeed contributed so much to Irish culture through novels, poetry, and the arts, and in the preservation of the countries architecture and antiquities.

Yet they will observe the queen’s birthday and some have fought for Britain in both world wars. Some have even been given seats in the British House of Lords, perhaps no great honour when even the prince of darkness (Lord Mandelson) has received that honour.

The next Birmingham Irish Heritage Group will be ‘Vincent Jordan – Comhaltas Music and Talk’.  It will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 1st of April in the Munster Room upstairs at the Irish Club Deritend Birmingham. All are welcome, free of charge, and tea and coffee are provided.

Michael Walsh