With several staff and members of Coventry Irish Society already using Facebook for social networking, in particular keeping in contact with family and friends and sharing photos, the charity has now set up its own group in order to keep in regular contact with members.
In the past, the majority of people joining Coventry Irish Society and taking part in events and activities have generally been aged 60 plus first generation Irish. Through the new Facebook group, the Society has been able to reach younger people in the city with an Irish heritage, including second and third generation Irish. With over 300 group members aged from mid teens to late 60s, this is a quick and easy way of contacting people through a website that many people use on almost daily basis. The main advantage of this means members do not have to log into separate email accounts, but instead can automatically receive information and updates.
Events which have so far been promoted through the Facebook group include day trips, social groups and most popular, Irish language lessons and a new comedy night held at a local Irish club. The first comedy night was held at Flannelly's Club on November 28th, when 4 well received acts performed to a packed and good spirited crowd. There have since been 2 more comedy nights at Flannelly's, with Coventry Irish Society's Welfare Manager Simon McCarthy compering the evening. Simon says "this is a great new event that allows people to have a good party at least once a month! It is also a great opportunity for local performers to show the city what they can do. It is my view that Coventry is short of cultural events, including comedy and performance and therefore, the new free of charge comedy night is a contribution towards Coventry raising it's profile as a cultural centre'' The next night marking the relaunch of the club is on Friday 6th March, 9pm till late.
Facebook has proved a great success in attracting a younger audience to not only join to learn about and enjoy their Irish heritage to attend events, but more importantly, is an opportunity for second and third generation Irish in Coventry to tell us what they want to know about their heritage and how they wish to celebrate it.
Coventry Irish Society's own website will also be launched in the very near future, providing even more information and opportunities for people to interact through the internet. Check out Coventry Irish Society on www.coventryirishsociety.co.uk or our Facebook group (search for Coventry Irish Society under groups)