The Leeds Irish Centre project began in 1968 backed by the famous local brewery Joshua Tetley & Sons. On behalf of the Irish Community, Irish National Club Committee member Michael Rooney, then a Leeds councillor, had previously taken responsibility for acquiring the three acres of land in York Road, close to an area known as 'The Bank' where considerable numbers of Irish immigrants settled after the great Irish famine which peaked in 1847.
The 20th century saw many new major building projects in the city
including St James' hospital (at that time the largest in Europe) as well as
huge road and motorway projects. This ensured a plentiful supply of work for
emigrants from all over Ireland with particular numbers arriving from north
Mayo. West Yorkshire still had a thriving
tailoring and engineering sectors, domestic and nursing jobs were plentiful, so
it is no surprise that many Irish people made Leeds
their home.
Throughout its lifetime, Leeds Irish Centre has been focus for the now established Irish community in the city. It has served as a first port of call for many emigrants and continues to provide a friendly 'home from home' for the community. It has provided facilities and served as a HQ for many of the city's many Irish cultural, welfare, sporting and social organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann (Irish Musicians Association) GAA (Gaelic Athletics Association) Leeds Irish Welfare Society, Leeds Irish Golf Society, Leeds St Patrick's Day Parade, Leeds Irish Historical Cultural Society, Leeds Irish Festival, Leeds Irish Charities Association, Leeds Mayo Association, Lucht Focail, Leeds Irish Health & Homes, many Irish dancing schools and The Irish Arts Foundation.
Perhaps one of the greatest ongoing achievements of the Irish Centre is what is affectionately known as 'The Tuesday Club'. Established in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, it provides a warm and friendly environment for elderly Irish in Leeds, many of whom had lost partners and friends over the years and felt isolated. The Tuesday Club features a wholesome meal and entertainment as well as a chance to catch up with old friends. From humble beginnings of five people who attended the opening day, numbers swelled to over two hundred within a few weeks and there is now a waiting list of ninety!
It is worth noting that the Irish Centre has not only existed for the Irish community in Leeds. It has served as a valuable resource for many groups from across the city, whether as a friendly place to socialise, a very well presented set of function suites, or indeed as in its capacity as one of the premier live music venues in the city.
The Leeds Irish Centre was opened on 23rd January 1970 although the official opening ceremony was held on the 8th June 1970. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, The Leeds Irish Centre is staging a week long celebration beginning with a gala dinner on 5th June 2010. Also; look out for a commemorative forty year publication detailing the highlights of the Irish Centre's history to be published at the same time.
Somewhat fittingly, the 2010 Lord Mayor elect for the City of Leeds, Councillor Jim McKenna, is a Dublin man!
For further information contact Leeds Irish Centre 0113 2480807 www.leedsirishcentre.co.uk
Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, Leeds LS9 9NT