Jersey's Irish society celebrates 50th birthday

A community group which celebrates Irish culture in Jersey has marked its 50th anniversary with an evening of traditional food and dancing.

Jersey Irish Society was formed on St Patrick's Day in 1976 for the "preservation of the history, folklore, language, literature, sport and music of Ireland".

It held its annual Irish Festival Ball at the Royal Yacht Hotel, St Helier, on Friday, which was attended by people aged between two and 90-years-old, the organisers said.

The society said there was also a visit from Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham.

According to the 2021 census, 2.1% of Jersey's population was born in Ireland, equating to more than 2,000 Irish-born people.

"The society was formed for the promotion of all cultural events associated with Ireland and our heritage in this lovely island of Jersey," said Martina Wintour, co-chair of the Irish Society.

"We endeavour to do that with the events that we organised throughout the year."

Pamela O'Neill, also co-chair of the society, spent 27 years working as the Irish Consul for the Channel Islands.

"I looked after the Irish community in Jersey," she told BBC Radio Jersey.

"Whatever they wanted, and if we needed to go back to the Irish embassy in London, then they would do it through my channels in the role that I held.

"We did passports, we looked after people who were in a lot of hospital visiting in general looking after the Irish community."

Among those who took part in the anniversary ball was nine-year-old Erin, whose parents are Irish.

"I like it because it lets you express your feelings with the arms," she said.

"We jumping, going up on our tip toes, and bowing at the end.

"You don't majorly use your arms because they are normally glued by your side, but something is wrong if your feet are still."

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