Here’s a write-up of the last Irish Heritage evening from Chaor Michael Walsh, who details the fascinating presentation given by James Moran around the subject of his latest book Irish Birmingham: A History. (A video of some of the presentation can be viewed here.)
The next Irish Heritage looks to be equally as interesting – local historian Chris Upton will be speaking about ‘A New Home in Birmingham – Early Irish Settlers in the Town’. It is next Wednesday 1st September from 7pm in The Irish Centre and is free.
Celebrating Irish Birmingham
Dr James Moran of Birmingham Irish Community presenting a Celebration of Irish Birmingham
An evening of celebration with a difference, celebrating the achievements of the Irish in Birmingham not just now, but for well over two centuries. The little known stories of the Irish in Birmingham, even as early as the eighteenth century and how they made their way in the Birmingham of every period.
Available to all, in the very recently published book by a young man, Dr James Moran, a vibrant product of the Irish Diaspora, born and raised in Birmingham. He gave an up beat presentation, of the contribution of the Irish to the growth of the city which is inherent in the title Irish Birmingham, as preference to Birmingham Irish.
Irish Heritage Group
Obviously very articulate, and delivered in a manner which energised the entire gathering at the August Event of the Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, upstairs at the Irish Centre. The story of the Irish in Birmingham from way back was revealed for the first time by James, enhanced by a PowerPoint presentation, displayed on a large screen.
He transported us to the world of theatre late 18th century Birmingham, and how Irishman William McCready actor-manager had made a success of the Theatre Royal in New Street.
Section of enthralled crowd at Dr, Moran's Presentation to Birmingham Irish Heritage Group
How, in order as they say to “get bums on seats”, he staged an anti French production during the war against Napoleon, but subtly weaved into it an Irish character that was contrary to usual depiction of the comic but stupid “Stage Irishman”. His Irish character Patt Bowling in his production The Magic of British Liberty had a hand in converting the popular image of the Irish, from wild blundering despised figure to capable controlled and loyal Brother Paddy.
Daniel O’Connell Guest of Birmingham Politicians
But how does this sit beside the reality of the British Liberty as enforced in Ireland, where Irish Catholics were forbidden to vote, buy land or publicly practice their religion. It is said that politics is the art of the possible, and this is even truer when you are running a business, taking your message so far that it ruins the organisation, benefits nobody.
This work of seeking opportunities of influencing views must have continued amongst the Irish in Birmingham, for a couple of decades later The Liberator Daniel O’Connell attended a Dinner and addressed monster meetings in Birmingham, as a guest of The Birmingham Political Union. This Birmingham Organisation was campaigning against the injustice of not having an MP to represent its large number of residents, and presumably saw similarities in the situation where much larger numbers of Irish Catholics were denied an MP.
St. Peters Church Destroyed
Monster Meeting of Birmingham Political Union in Daniel O'Connell's time
Incidentally James recounted how a fan of his work had contacted him, and explained how on his several visits to Birmingham Daniel O’Connell had used a particular chair. Long after O’Connell’s time, this chair had been preserved in St Peters Church in Broad St. Then during the hurricane of redevelopment this church disguised as a factory to escape attack when built, a heritage site of Birmingham Catholic and now Irish History was destroyed, and its contents likely transported to the rubbish tip.
However perhaps something was rescued, so look with a keen interest at any imposing chair when you visit a different restaurant or pub, it may have letters or a mark of O’Connell on it. Regrettably the recognition of Irish aspirations by the Birmingham Political Union was discarded as soon as that organisation made progress. Later that major personality in Birmingham Politics Joseph Chamberlain declared himself an ardent unionist.
Family of Padraic Pearse in Birmingham
James also drew attention to the part of his book which revealed the almost secret story, that James Pearse, father of Padraic Pearse lived and worked in Birmingham before immigrating to Ireland. No history of Irish Birmingham could be complete without a history of the early St Patricks Day celebrations, and this has not been neglected. More recent St. Patricks Days cannot be mentioned without recalling the work of Father Joe Taffe who was mainly responsible for the revival of the St. Patricks Day Parade and Festival, in which we take so much justified pride and pleasure in today.
Daniel O'Connell who campaigned for rights of Irish Catholics at home and abroad
I do not hesitate to voice the opinion of the keenly interested numbers, gathered at this Irish Heritage event, that Dr James Moran’s work is a major academic advance in documenting and consequently celebrating the work of the Irish in Birmingham. The layout of the book clearly bears the imprint of the academic, with footnotes so numerous that they open up a further avenue of exploration of Irish Diaspora history, which could keep one occupied for a lifetime.
Cheerful Experience
It was a cheerful experience to see and hear a very articulate young man born and bred in Birmingham and consequently without an Irish accent, unfurling his colours and using his academic talents to celebrate Irish Birmingham. His approach demonstrates that it is possible to work on preserving and celebrating ones origins and heritage, without surrendering to the feeling that one is prevented from doing so by the constraints of the society in which one lives and builds a career.
Copies of the book went like the proverbial “hot cakes” at this Irish Heritage Event. These events are held on the first Wednesday of every month upstairs at the Irish Centre in Digbeth commencing at 7pm. General public welcome with free refreshments following each event. Details regarding this valuable, rare and very readable book are available from Jenny Howard, Sales and Marketing Manager, Liverpool University Press, 4 Cambridge Street, Liverpool L69 7ZU. Alternately just turn up at the next Birmingham Irish Heritage Group Event at 7pm on Wednesday 1st of September.
It is also available to peruse in the archives of Birmingham Central Library, on Floor 6.
Michael Walsh
