Limerick man to the fore as Council of Irish County Associations marks platinum jubilee
Celebration night for London-based organisation
A NIGHT of celebration for the Irish community in London is to take place next month.
The Council of Irish County Associations, or Cica will, on Saturday, September 21, hold a special event to mark its 70th anniversary.
The secretary of the group is Caherdavin man John Giltenan, who is playing a key role in organising the platinum celebration at the Mazenod Social Club and Community Centre in Kilburn, north-west London.
Cica serves as an umbrella organisation to oversee the almost 30 county associations which exist in the British capital.
Based at the London Irish Centre in Camden, it supports people from across Ireland.
“Cica was established because back in the late 1940s when people were coming over from Ireland - emigrating because there were no opportunities - to help rebuild in the infrastructure of Britain after World War II,” explained John.
Seventy years on, and the organisation is as strong as ever.
It’s expected at the birthday celebration, there will be a large delegation from Limerick city and county.
That’s because its own county organisation, the Limerick Association in London, is also marking 70 years in business this year.
“It will be a dinner, dance and a jubilee tribute highlighting the work of the council over the 70 years,” said John, who is also a stalwart of Na Piarsaigh GAA Club.
He believes Cica is the fourth longest-serving Irish organisation in London, after the GAA, the Irish Literary Society and the Irish Embassy.
The fun begins at 7pm, with a three-course dinner being served from 8pm.
Music will come from popular London Irish musician McGinty and his Diddy Men.
There will be a gala raffle, with all money raised going to a welfare fund to help Irish people in London who may have fallen on hard times.
John said the event “promises to be a truly memorable and special occasion”.
Tickets are still available for the night, priced at stg £40 per person.
A special jubilee programme will also be produced, and companies are being invited to take out advertising space in this.
John has asked that all ticket sales be finalised by Monday, September 2.
For more information, you can telephone him at 0044-7956855957.
Alternatively, email him at [email protected]
Or you can write to Cica London at The London Irish Centre, 50 - 52 Camden Square, London, NW1 9XB, Britain.