The history of Irish emigration requires better comprehension in modern-day Ireland, an eminent spokesperson for Irish immigrants voiced during the inauguration of a large-scale exhibit in Dublin, which charts the history of the Irish population in Great Britain. The exhibit, hosted at the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, recounts the experiences of many Irish individuals who moved to Britain from the early 1970s onwards. During this time, they often faced bias caused by IRA assaults in Britain.
The narratives showcased in the exhibit are partially supported by a grant from the UK National Lottery. These stories act as a reflection of our identity, shared Brian Dalton, the CEO of the Irish in Britain association. This body unifies 130 diverse Irish societies scattered across Britain. The tales of happiness and persistence displayed by generations of Irish immigrants are invaluable in aiding present-day Ireland in comprehending its own narrative, especially now when Ireland has become a desired destination rather than a place to depart from.
“Ireland has a deep history of emigration,” expressed Mr Dalton during the unveiling of the “Look Back to Look Forward – Fifty Years of the Irish in Britain” exhibit on Thursday evening. He added, “We need to acknowledge this part of our identity now.”
In the current era, two billion individuals reside in countries other than their birthplaces indicating that global migration is a constant phenomenon. The Irish people have significant firsthand experience of crossing frontiers and establishing fresh starts in foreign cities. The role of Irish migration is vital in the narrative of contemporary Britain. It is a common heritage that we share with our Commonwealth friends and neighbours, as well as the postwar evolution of Britain, Mr Dalton highlighted. He drew attention to the enduring solidarity that has been exhibited among Irish and Caribbean neighbours all around Britain.
Those Irish residents living overseas often have a more profound understanding of the dynamics of global change compared to those who have remained in Ireland and haven’t experienced being foreigners in other countries, the chief executive of Irish in Britain declared. “Perhaps this clarity comes from the constant adaptation, innovation, and partnerships we have fostered since leaving our homeland. The essence of being Irish has evolved, is still evolving, and will continue to do so in the future,” he concluded.
Reflecting on the shift of attitudes towards immigrants in the UK in the past ten years, Mr Dalton pointed out that the narratives of these people are often overlooked, or more concerning, distorted.
[‘Ireland seems to downplay the effects of The Troubles on the Irish communities residing in Britain’]
Previously showcased in London and other primary British cities hosting large numbers of Irish migrants and their descendants, this exhibition was transferred to Dublin with the assistance of a grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Aileesh Carew, the CEO of EPIC, stressed that the tale of the Irish diaspora in the UK deserves recognition in today’s Ireland. “We were certain this was extraordinary and contained countless narratives that begged for revival.”
Breeda Power, a prominent advocate for Irish prisoners overseas and the daughter of one of the Birmingham Six, Billy Power, recalled the challenges of growing up Irish during The Troubles.
Regrettably, she remarked, Irish individuals were often stamped as “drunks” or “terrorists,” compelling them to conceal their identity and only express their Irish roots in designated Irish venues referred to as ’Paddy Bars’.
Moreover, integration has been a struggle for those born in Britain to Irish parents, feeling neither English nor Irish, but rather ‘plastic’. This was not caused by their Irish accents but due to witnessing the prejudice and discrimination impacting their parents.
Their communication difficulties meant that Irish migrations didn’t often share their challenges with their families back home, “Many didn’t feel comfortable about revealing too much about their treatment to avoid causing unnecessary worry to their family back home.”
Nowadays, her daughter, born in 1999, has truly integrated and proudly acknowledges her Irish heritage amongst colleagues and acquaintances from diverse backgrounds without hesitation or self-doubt.