Calling all Carlovians across London and beyond to St Patrick’s Parade & Festival – Sunday 12th March

* CALLING ALL CARLOVIANS IN LONDON *

“Your County needs YOU”

follow-me-up-to-carlow-london-st-pats-parade6Its countdown to London’s 2023 St Patrick’s Celebrations on 12th March and the County Carlow Association in London plan to be out in force to celebrate the biggest National Day in the world’s calendar.

And we invite you all to be there in your ‘Red Yellow and Green’ Carlow Jersey or Irish Top waving your flags and banners.
🇬🇳 The parade forms up on Piccadilly (eastbound) between Hyde Park Corner & Clarges Street.
🇬🇳 Nearest tube stations are Green Park & Hyde Park Corner.  Carlow group is Slot D11 forming up adjacent to Down St from 11.00 onwards.

#FollowMeUpToCarlow 🇬🇳

You’ll be made very welcome.

Also see the wonderful floats from Irish County Associations, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish Dancing schools.

Beigh fáilte romhat..

London St Patrick’s Day Parade has been in existence since the 1960s, when it was organised by the Council of Irish Counties Associations. It is now in its 20th year as a Mayor of London event.

Accessible to all audiences and attracting over 50,000 people onto the streets to watch, the parade aims to share a little of Irish culture with Londoners and visitors. This year includes 70 group entries consisting of floats (motorised and non-motorised) and walking groups, many with live musicians playing traditional Irish instruments, vocalists and contemporary Irish pop or jazz.

These entries consist of Irish associations, sports clubs, dance schools, community, church, union and interest groups and family contingents. The parade is also enlivened by several energetic international entries.

Be part of the colourful procession of Irish marching bands from the UK, US and Ireland, dance troupes and pageantry, including the Garda band from Dublin and the return of the popular Giant St Patrick.

The parade travels through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall.

The parade finishes in Trafalgar Square to a backdrop of Irish Culture with Music, Song, Dance and plenty of Craic on the Main Stage from noon till 6pm

The best of Irish arts, culture, food and music will be on show as Londoners and visitors join together to celebrate the significant contribution Irish people have made to London and the  surrounding area.

Main Stage Line Up

The Main Stage at Trafalgar Square boasts a world-class line-up of Irish culture and music, in partnership with the London Irish Centre with…

  • MC/Host – Riyadh Khalaf
  • Biblecode Sunday’s
  • Celtic Youth Orchestra
  • Celaviedmai
  • Junk Kouture
  • Craic Heads
  • Leon Dunne -Spoken Word artist
  • AIS X I Am Irish
  • Roxanna Nic Liam
  • Maguire O’Shea School of Dance
  • Sharon Shannon & Band
  • Sing-a-long with London Irish Community Voices Choir
  • Irish Film London Screen programme

Come out on Sunday and help paint the town GREEN (with a touch of RED and YELLOW also).  The parade leaves the top of Piccadilly at NOON forming up from 11.00 from outside Green Park Station.
following-carlow9-300x225It sets off at a jig and parades its way up Piccadilly, along Lower Regent, the Mall and Cockspur Street, rounding Trafalgar Square and finishing up in Whitehall.

Come along and join the craic in following the ‘Follow me up to Carlow’ and ‘County Carlow London Association’ banners.

Make it the event where all Carlovians in London can experience that ‘Special Gathering’ outside of the County of Carlow and Ireland.

* Have a fantastic St Patrick’s Day * 

* Lá Fhéile Phádraig Shona Daoibh *

* Sláinte *

Former Carlow Association London man Niall Sheehan from Kilcoltrim is All-Ireland Cross Country Champion.

It was celebrations all round when Kilcoltrim native Niall Sheehan and former committee member of the Carlow Association London running in the colours of Gowran AC claimed gold in winning the All- Ireland Intermediate Cross Country Championships in Tuam on Sunday last 22nd January.

Niall Sheehan raises his arms to an emotional All-Ireland win bringing the gold home to the County for the first time ever.

Niall Sheehan raises his arms to an emotional All-Ireland win bringing the gold home to the County for the first time ever.

He felt confident and good the week prior and trained and prepared well in the later part of that week with rest and massage for a few days beforehand.  The course was tough given it was set on undulating parkland. There were a number of steep hills, particularly one towards the end. The underfoot conditions added to the difficulty of the course as the ground was wet in some places. The weather was dry and bright with little or no wind – ideal conditions for Irish cross country.

Sheehan was well in contention over the early stages of the 8,000 meter course of 2 short 1km laps and 4 long 1.5km laps with the lead changing hands at different stages between himself Ian Guiden of Dublin, Toss Hayes of Kilkenny and  Tim O’Connor of Meath.

With about 2 km to go he made made his break and stretched the lead bit by bit on the last lap kicking for home with approximately 250m to go and keeping the gap between Colin Maher and himself at just over 20m.

After an emotional finish, Niall said “Winning the race was an unbelievable feeling. My emotions prior to the race were one of cautious expectation, however on crossing the line were a strange mix of relief, delirium and disbelief. I won it for Gowran and for Carlow.”

Niall  Sheehan (Gowran) All-Ireland Intermediate Cross-Country Champion with Colin Maher (Ballyfin) and Ian Guiden (Clonliffe Harriers).

Niall Sheehan (Gowran) All-Ireland Intermediate Cross-Country Champion with Colin Maher (Ballyfin) and Ian Guiden (Clonliffe Harriers).

Niall loves his sport and has been running some 13 years after playing GAA and soccer. He started in Secondary school with his first race in Knockbeg in the Carlow Interschools  “The best thing I like about running is that you can shape your training and racing around your life and also the buck stops with you. What I like most about racing is the big cross country and track races.”

His favourite place to train is the Nine Stones and Mount Leinster and along the Barrow Line and is totally against ‘The Blueway’ planned for it saying it’ll ruin the whole aspect of the area.

On the win Niall said afterwards…

“I haven’t won a race of this importance previously. I had no national titles at adult level to my name before Sunday, hence this makes the victory extra sweet. Unfortunately, my parents or my brother weren’t able to make it as it’s a busy season at home on the farm”

This was the first individual win in the event for a Carlow born athlete. Mick Kelly a neighbour of Sheehan from Ballymurphy lead for most of the race in 2005 and was still in the lead with 50m to go but was. outkicked to finish 3rd. It is noteworthy that Mick and Niall both run for Gowran as there are no athletics clubs in South Carlow. Tommy Payne the legend of Carlow Athletics finished 2nd in the snow in Navan in 1986 having finished 3rd the previous year. Denis Shannon was 8th in Naas some years earlier to Ray McBride.

And whats next for the champ.  “Although I finished up working in London prior to Christmas, I hope to travel across to Nottingham for the English Cross Country on the 24th of February to run for my club in England, Newham and Essex Beagles. There may be a local or low key race in the interim.

My training is going well at the moment I train 7 days a week, with two days Wednesday and Friday being a little bit easier. I undertake sessions with a group on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In addition to running either individually or as part of a group, I also undertake gym sessions individually about 3 or 4 times a week. My mileage totals approximately 60 miles a week, with some weeks towards the earlier part of the season being heavier, and towards the business end being lighter.

While I don’t play any other sport, I am a keen GAA and soccer follower. I am an ardent Carlow and Mount Leinster Rangers fan, and always attended Carlow’s annual trip to Ruislip. In soccer I follow the Irish national side with Manchester United and Hibernian (having previously lived in Edinburgh) being my club sides.”

Niall made another big move in his life after Christmas by taking up an appointment as a Quantity Surveyor in Dublin after 8 years in the UK, 4 them in London. We in the Carlow Association London wish him the very best and look forward to hearing more great news from this talented sportsman.

 

 

Caroline Cunningham part of the ‘Pure Thinking’ Carlow Post Office Inspires Project

As the curtain rises on the Carlow Arts Festival 2015 visitors to Deighton Hall have a treat in store for them on Friday 29th May at 8.30pm when Carlow’s Inspirational People Portrait Exhibition in conjuction with Carlow Post Office show the works of some 28 local talented artists.

Ed O'Connell completed project

Ed O’Connell completed project

‘Art feeds the soul’ they say. But this year in Carlow town ‘Art’ aims to connect and inspire its community through the collaboration of a group of artists who came together under the banner of ‘Pure Thinking’ community for a project with a very special theme with the Carlow Post Office building featuring portraits of inspirational Carlow people.
Caroline Conningham the Rathvilly native who created the now famous ‘MIND THE GAP’ painting that was presented to the County Carlow Association of New York on St Patrick’s Day 2015 by the Carlow Association of London is part of this Group.
This group ‘Pure Thinking’ was founded in 2007 by local hairdresser Connie Byrne saying “I have always been fascinated by people, teams and artistic projects”, says Connie, “a successful common goal is only achieved through team work and allowing all talents to shine through.
The portraits of the group have been prepared for the panels of the Post Office building reflect a vibrant Carlow community with a special Olympian, actor, artist, historical figures, loved one’s who passed away perhaps through illness and kindred spirits showing others how to enjoy life to the full.
Caroline chose a local artist and neighbour who according to himself is now an ‘octo-geranium’ (pun intended). Ed O’Connell retired from a teaching career in Carlow Regional College (now Carlow IT) having taught and introduced the course on ‘Industrial Instrumentation’. He is a light-hearted individual who enjoys singing, playing music, fishing, gardening and painting despite the difficulties of arthritis of the hands and feet upon other ailments. He continues to enjoy life and has many friends in his community.

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County Carlow Association London ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015 – Tuesday 9th June.

AGM-2015

2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 9th June.

The Carlow Association in London is going some 50 years with our 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held on Tuesday 9th June in

The London Irish Centre
50-52 Camden Square
London
NW1 9XB at 8pm

Do come and see how last year went and hear our plans for the coming year.

It would be great to see you there.

We would also like to meet up with the latest tide of Carlovians to London there also so please pass the word out to all your friends.

Tea and refreshments available.

Carlovians in London enjoy a night at the Irish Embassy

Carlovians in London were well represented on Wednesday 5th November courtesy of his Excellency the Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall at the 60th Celebration of the Council of Irish Counties Association in London.

Carlow Association London has been a strong supporter of the CICA for those 60 years and been involved in many of their social, cultural and charity events during that time.

Representing Carlow in London on the night were:-  Catherina Clarke, Bagenalstown.. John Kelly, Bagenalstown.. Cecelia Byrne, Bagenalstown..  Claire Nolan-Sturley, Carlow town..  Brenda Clarke, Bagenalstown & Anne Fennell, Carlow Town.

A great night was had by all – and each picture tells a story!

#followmeuptocarlow

Ceatharlach Abú

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46th Carlow Association London Annual Dinner POSTPONED

postponed-stamp

We regret to announce our 46th Annual Dinner scheduled for 18th October in the Crown Moran Hotel has been POSTPONED.


We are working with the hotel on this and will be announcing a new date in due course.


We apologize for this inconvenience.

Brendan Hennessy to host County Carlow Association London dinner on 18th October.

Our 2014 County Carlow Association Dinner is set for Saturday 18th October and travelling over especially from Carlow to MC our 2014 event in London’s Crown Moran Hotel will be  Carlow’s ‘very own’ Brendan Hennessy.

Brendan Hennessy to host County Carlow Association London dinner.

Brendan Hennessy to host County Carlow Association London dinner.

Known as the Michael O’Hare of Carlow and a great friend to the Carlow Association here in London Brendan has been involved in entertainment and broadcasting for over 20 years after starting out on his career as a comedian/impressionist winning many talent shows across Ireland.

He has moved up the ranks in Irish entertainment over the years and now hosts some of Ireland’s biggest shows.  He has numerous Television appearances behind him and at the moment is a freelance Radio and TV Commentator working with Setanta TV, TV 3,  & Premier Sports TV.  Some of you might have tuned into him during the GAA leagues of the past few years and also the Rugby coverage of the Rabo direct league.  Hennessy’s latest work includes the All Ireland Hurling and football championships of 2014 and the Heineken Cup, he also had the honour of commentating on Leinster’s three great Heineken cup victories 2009, 2011 and 2012.

His stage work takes him to corporate events all over and as an MC he hosts a lot of high profile shows.  Brendan hosted 18 centres for the Rose of Tralee this year including the London selection at the Crown Moran and the Carlow selection at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow.

He describes himself as ‘one of the lads’ and has been a great ambassador for Carlow over the years promoting our county with every opportunity he gets.  For six years he hosted ‘Hennessy’s Weekend’ on KCLR allowing many a Carlovian in London – and across the world – to feel at home when tuned in to his dulcet tones.  Many thanks Brendan. Saturday mornings will never be the same again!

And how can we forget that magnificent journey with his ‘classic broadcasts’ on Mount Leinster Rangers great run in the AIB club Championships of 2013/14.  They were off the scale.  Brendan is now nominated for an Irish PPI radio award in December for his work on that.

On the Playing Fields he played rugby with Carlow from a very young age to adult and was a member of St Patrick’s boys AFC Carlow and was first team founded in 1975.  On the Gaelic pitch he played with Graiguecullen up to U21 level  but had to retire competitively at 21 due to a serious injury.  He’s a very keen golfer and a member of Deer Park golf club since juvenile, where his brother Thos is vice captain at the moment and will be captain for 2015.  He loves all sports, supporting Chelsea in football and Leinster in rugby.

His spare time – when he gets it – is spent on charity work, as a volunteer for the local Carlow charities , especially the Home Care team and the national charities in the Carlow area.

So sit back relax and enjoy Brendan who is making his debut at the Carlow Dinner as our MC.

Our 45th Annual Dinner is Saturday 26th October

Grace Kenny, Carlow's 'London Rose'

Grace Kenny, Carlow's 'London Rose'

*SAVE  THE  DATE *

*26th OCTOBER*

Carlow Association London’s Annual Dinner is Saturday 26th October and is all set to be a fantastic night.

London Rose of Tralee,  Grace Kenny whose roots are in Tullow will be the guest of honour at our 45th Annual Dinner on Saturday 26th October in the famous CROWN MORAN http://www.crownmoranhotel.com/ at 152 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, London, NW2 3ED.

Crawley native Grace was sponsored into the Rose of Tralee contest by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society and qualified through her dad Martin who was born on the Dublin Rd in Tullow.  She distinguished herself when she spoke with great pride of her Carlow heritage as one of the final 32 in the famous Dome in Tralee when screened on RTE live with Daithi O’Sé last August.

‘The Crown’ Pub is one of London’s most iconic pubs in North London and was cited by The Dubliner’s in their well-travelled song McAlpine’s Fusiliers – “The ‘craic’ was good in Cricklewood and they wouldn’t leave the Crown”

daniel-mulhall2The newly appointed Ambassador to the UK, Waterford man Mr Daniel Mulhall and his Australian wife Greta are also our guests.

The Ambassador who has already served in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam is only 6 weeks into his role and is looking forward to making the Carlow Dinner his first County Association event during his stay here in London.

The much looked-forward-to event is the Number 1 fixture in our yearly calendar and the ideal opportunity for all Carlovians and their friends here in London to catch up for some good old ‘craic caint agus ceoil’. Delegates visiting from Carlow include Cllr Des Hurley, Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council together with Cllr Eileen Brophy, Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council as well as Bagenalstown Town Council and a ‘host of surprises’ – certainly a night not to be missed

last-years-dessert2Music for the evening is by Barley Mix

Add ‘Carlow’s 45th’ to your list of gatherings attended in the year  2013

Reception at 7.00 for 7.30 sit down

Tickets are £30 and available from

Catherina 07789226734

Ned 07802462741

Noreen 01293513189

Claire 02076094650

LONDON ROSE SHOWS HER CONCERN

London Rose of Tralee, Grace Kenny whose roots are in Tullow, Co. Carlow, and a native of Crawley, West Sussex, took time out of her busy schedule to visit Concern Worldwide’s London office to give some encouragement to this year’s Concern London Triathalon relay team.

PHOTO  L-R:  Natalie Jones (Run), Carla Thompson (Swim), London Rose Grace Kenny and Mila Robinson (Cycle) .

Photo L-R Natalie Jones (run), Carla Thompson (swim), London Rose Grace Kenny and Mila Robinson (cycle).

The event, on 27th and 28th July at London ExCel, involves a 10km run, a 40km cycle and a 1.5km swim. All proceeds raised for Concern Worldwide will go to their education and nutrition programme in Liberia where it’s estimated  over a third of children under five years old are stunted due to poor nutrition.

Concern team with Grace

Concern team with Grace

Grace is one of three British Roses from London, Manchester and Liverpool who were among 23 young women selected at the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival last month. And with the 9 already pre-selected 32 go forward to the televised stages of the International Festival in the Dome with host Dáithí Ó Sé later this summer.

Grace with Brian O'Connell, Special Projects manager Concern Wprldwide (UK)

Grace with Brian O'Connell, Special Projects manager Concern Worldwide (UK)

Several corporate teams are competing on behalf of Concern Worldwide but, with only days before the deadline for registration, there are still places available. If you fancy taking part or would like to support the worthwhile project contact maria.mcdonnell@concern.net or ring 020 7801 1873.

Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to tackling hunger and transforming lives in the world’s poorest places.  They are working for a world where no one dies for want of safe and nutritious food and use their expertise and local knowledge to help people and communities develop lasting solutions to hunger so that they can lead happier, healthier lives and lift themselves out of poverty.

Visit their website on www.concern.net and find out how you can help them to help others.

Carlow GAA away to Limerick this weekend in a rare National League double header.

Carlow GAA are away to Limerick this weekend in a rare National League double header

All Carlow GAA roads lead to Limerick this weekend as the two counties meet in a National League Double header in football and hurling at Pairc na Gael, Ennis Rd, Limerick. This is the very first time that both counties have met in both codes on the same day and it promises to be a very special occasion.

The day’s timetable is as follows

National Football League Div 4 ….throw in 12.45pm …..Limerick v Carlow

National Hurling League Div 1B…throw in at 2.30pm ….. Limerick v Carlow

The Shannonsiders under the auspices of the Limerick County Board extend a hearty “Cead Mile Falte ” to their visitors from Carlow in wishing them a pleasant trip to the Treaty City. Pairc na Gael is amongst the largest of the GAA stadium in Ireland and is the home and headquarters of the Limerick GAA with a capacity of 50,000.

Life in London on a social setting has brought together the County Associations of both Co Limerick http://www.limerickexiles.co.uk/ and also that of  Co Carlow http://www.carlowassociationlondon.co.uk/ at various functions and both organisations are really looking forward to this fixture. Both associations have been involved in various charity fun raisers in the past and are counting down the hours to relish the excitement of this one.

Limerick and Carlow Association members share the podium at a London Olympic event.

Limerick and Carlow Association members share the podium at a London Olympic event.

Here’s wishing that both teams have an injury free game and may the true winners be the sport of football and hurling.

Full match coverage on the day will be broadcast live on radio in both counties with coverage in Limerick live on95fm or on the internet by visting www.live95fm.ie whilst in the Carlow area you can tune in to 96fm or via the internet on http://kclr96fm.com/

Kclr96fm will be broadcasting live from 12.45pm

Kclr96fm will be broadcasting live from 12.45pm