Another Success for Irish Rochdale

Date published: 04/05/2005

Celebrating an Irish community in Rochdale has never been so much fun, all thanks to Marie Callaghan and her helpers when they introduced the ‘Irish Rochdale’. And after a very successful St. Patrick’s Celebration Day Parade in March, a follow-up event proved to be just as successful, with a combination of talented performances, held at The Richmond Hall this week.

The event included a variety of acts including Cancan dancers, singers and performances with instruments, which was so catchy that the dancers even managed to get Rochdale PPC Lorna Fitzsimons up for a dance!

Marie Callaghan was impressed with the turnout of distinguished guests: “It’s a pleasure to have Paul Rowen and the Lady Mayoress, and Lorna Fitzsimons here see support us, especially at the time of the elections.” She said. “If my mum was here tonight she’d be so proud of what we’ve achieved, I’m so happy and so grateful to everyone involved.”

And everyone involved was happy to be there too; especially Ian Jenkins from the Springhill Hospice, as he and the British Heart Foundation received a generous £500 each from Irish Rochdale. Ian said, “Springhill Hospice is so grateful for the support of Irish Rochdale. Marie is such a lovely lady with a kind heart, and we are over the moon that she has done this for us. I wish Irish Rochdale the very best of luck with all that they do.”

Marie continued: “I’d like to thank secretary Diane Walsh treasurer Joanne Salt, my sons Jimmy and Joe, Margaret Hilton and her dancers, Mr. Khalid for the room at Richmond Hall, and of course all of the performers that participated.”