Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:23:16 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/ PostNuke Powered Site en-us http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/images//images/aisling_logo_final_colour_wee.gif http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/ coolmccool@gmail.com http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article92.html We were in Mulranny again for our pre-Christmas trip and it was great to be back, but we were lucky to make it at all. There was torrential rain and howling winds all over the country and particularly on the Irish Sea. Before we left on the Friday evening we had called the ferry company several times to check if the ship was indeed sailing: we heard on the news that several sailings had been cancelled coming up to our departure date. They could not confirm sailing until we were picking up our last passengers in the car park at St. Agnes's church in Cricklewood before heading out onto the M1... Read Alex McDonnell's full account of the trip here... Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:23:16 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article91.html An Irish film inspired by the Aisling Project has won the most nominations for BEST FILM at this year's Irish Film and Television awards. Director Tom Collins says that his work on 'Kings' was motivated by Aisling, and by the work the charity carries out with disadvantaged migrants on the streets of London. 'Kings' which features Colm Meaney in one of the leading roles, has won considerable critical acclaim and will be shown in a special benefit screening for Aisling at Kilburn's Tricycle Cinema on March 14th. The screening is part of Mayor Ken Livingstone's Irish week celebrations... More about 'Kings' and director Tom Collins here... Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:27:46 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article90.html WORDFLIGHT - a new collection of prose and poetry by young writers from Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Europe and the USA, is now on sale in local bookshops, or direct from the publisher. Proceeds from book sales will be gifted to the Aisling Project London www.aisling.org.uk to assist homeless Irishmen and women to return home for a holiday in 2008. Perhaps you could consider buying a copy of WordFlight as a Xmas gift to support the homeless through promoting our local young writers. Thank you. Creative writing, publishing opportunities for emerging writers, WordFlight and much more: www.patrickkearneywriting.com Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:21:49 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article89.html Aisling began with a conversation between friends working with long-term Irish emigrants. We recognised that there was a hidden army of Irish people who had lost contact with home and were suffering loneliness, isolation and trauma as a result. Our big idea was to bring a group home to Ireland for a holiday. The very first Aisling trip was in September 1994 when we went to Kerry as guests of the Kerry Emigrant Support Group. The following year we were in Bundoran in Donegal. On these early trips we were learning on the job, taking people that we had known from the different places we worked. We would take people straight out of drinking rooms in hostels and off the streets. At that time the work was all voluntary and we had little time for preparation. Today, we have three trained professional staff, including a coordinator, an outreach worker and an alcohol worker. And we can prepare people well in advance of the trip and carry out detailed assessments. For months before a trip we are working with clients, on their health, housing, alcohol etc. or contacting relatives. However, sometimes it still doesn’t always work out as planned... Read more about Aisling's latest trip - to Tipperary... Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:07:18 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article88.html “Kings,” the first ever Irish entry for the foreign language Oscar, has been picked up by BFS Entertainment for theatrical distribution in North America. This will be the first time BFS, a long-established DVD distrib, has ventured into the theatrical arena. It acquired the movie at the American Film Market from London-based sales agent High Point Films. “Kings” is directed by Tom Collins and stars Colm Meaney. It’s the story of a group of Gaelic-speaking laborers who left Ireland to work on the building sites of London in 1970s. The cinema release will be handled for BFS by New York-based distrib Panorama Entertainment. Read more about 'The King's' and how director Tom Collins was greatly influenced by the work of the Aisling Project... Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:32:44 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article87.html Aisling’s dream of opening our own house for returning emigrants is well on the way towards fruition. The benefit night at the Luminaire in Kilburn recently helped raise a lot of the funds we need to begin serious work on the Aisling Community Resettlement Centre. We have for the last few years been working towards this goal and have drawn up detailed plans of how to achieve it. The main strategy is therefore to raise the necessary money to obtain a building and to fund the support services that returning migrants will need. Read more Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:35:20 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article86.html I can honestly say the work of the Aisling Project motivated me to make Kings. I had seen the Irish men and woman about the streets of London and felt that I had to do or say something. I was so impressed at what Aisling set out to do. Frankly, I was not brave enough to go and say that I would help, so being involved in film I thought maybe I could make a film. Originally, I was going to make a documentary but no TV station would support me so I thought, I got to make it bigger and different, something that cannot be ignored. I saw Jimmy Murphy’s play, The kings of the Kilburn High Road in the Tricycle on Kilburn High Rd. The best possible place to see it. It was a very moving experience; it was as if the audience where in tune with the actors.... Read full story Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:33:20 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article85.html John Donnelly at the excellent venue the Luminaire on Kilburn High Rd (above the Kilburn bar) is organising a massive fundraiser at the venue for Aisling with Finbar Furey, Andrea Corr, Damien Dempsey and others. This promises to be a great night out but perhaps not for the hard up - as tickets are selling for an amazing £250. John is confident that enough high rollers will support the event to fill this brilliant venue. The event promises to be a huge earner for Aisling and all earnings are going towards our dream of opening our own house in Ireland for returning emigrants. This long-held dream of Aisling will be a step nearer realisation, after the takings are counted on the 20th June at the Luninaire. Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:50:41 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article84.html Friday 8th December 2006: Comedian Ardal O’Hanlon, patron and life-long supporter of the Aisling Return to Ireland Project was today presented with a donation of €68,000 by the staff of Irish Life to help the charity with its work. The Aisling Return to Ireland Project helps Irish emigrants who are isolated and alone in a number of ways, including providing holidays in Ireland for long-term emigrants in what is for many a dream come true to come home again. It also helps emigrants reconnect with families and friends after a long number of years and operates a resettle in Ireland programme among other initiatives. Each year the staff at Irish Life Assurance nominates a charity of their choice and the Irish Life staff charity group concentrates all its fundraising activities for the year on this charity. This year two charities were nominated, the Aisling Return to Ireland Project and the Belvedere Youth Club in Dublin’s North Inner City. Money was raised a Cork to Dublin cycle, a mock wedding, a company raffle and poker classic. Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony at Irish Life today, Ardal O’Hanlon thanked the staff for their efforts. He said, " What I love about the Aisling project is that it has very achievable goals and is an unfussy organisation that makes a gigantic difference to people’s lives.” Belvedere Youth Club was also presented with a cheque for €68,000. The club is the oldest youth club in Ireland, established in 1918. It has over 500 members, both boys and girls aged between 7 and 18. The club runs a number of projects at its premises in Dublin and its holiday home in Wexford including an after school homework club, a sports team, weekend and summer caps, a special needs program and a drug awareness program. Peter McKeever, Chairman of Dublin’s Belvedere Youth Club said, “This contribution will have a positive impact on the lives of the young people we work with in the inner city, many of whom are vulnerable and at risk.” Sé Weston, Head of Irish Life Staff Charities said, “It is a very important tradition for staff at Irish Life to support charitable organisations. In most instances there is a personal connection to the charity in some way. It is important to staff to be able to make a difference. The company matches the amount raised by the staff. This support means a lot to staff and ultimately means we can make a substantial difference to the nominated charity.” Over the past number of years Irish Life Staff have raised over Euro480,000 for charities such as Alone, Special Olympics, The National Council for the Blind of Ireland and Downs Syndrome Ireland and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children. Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:58:43 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article83.html Hendon Gaels Metropolitan Police Gaelic Football Section 2nd International Police Gaelic Football Tournament The Tom Langan Memorial Trophy EVENT BRIEFING The Metropolitan Police Service Gaelic Football Team, the Hendon Gaels is hosting the 2nd International Police Gaelic Football tournament from 25th – 28th October 2007. The tournament is a celebration of Gaelic football and provides the opportunity for Police Services from Ireland, Northern Ireland, USA and England to meet and compete for the Tom Langan trophy. Tom Langan, was a Garda Police Officer and was an influential member of the County Mayo sides, which won All-Ireland Gaelic Football championship honours in 1950 and 1951. The 1st International tournament was hosted and won by the Garda in Dublin in 2005. The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern attended this event. The tournament was established with a common vision by Police Officers in the Garda to unite Irish Police communities across the 4 nations. The International Police Gaelic Football tournament is a catalyst in developing strong and positive relationships between the Police forces. The Police Services competing in the event include: * Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) * The Garda * New York Police Department (NYPD) * Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) A key focus of the event is promoting good relations between forces with a wide range of identities contributing to strengthening international communities by developing a sense of inclusion defined by common opportunities and mutual expectations. Sport has a strong track record of bringing people together. The International Police Gaelic Football event was developed on the principles of: * A common vision of cohesion and respect * The diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued * The establishment of strong and positive relationships between international Police communities The event focuses on “Building Bridges” bringing Police communities from 4 nations together with the view to supporting positive contributions to society whilst taking a stand against extremists who promote religious bigotry. A total of 300 guests will be participating in the event. The 3-day event will be launched at New Scotland Yard on Thursday 25th October. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair will be in attendance. As part of this event the Hendon Gaels will raise funds to support an Irish charity, the Aisling Return to Ireland project. The Metropolitan Police Service Gaelic Football Team will host the Gala dinner on Saturday 27th October bringing the event to a close. Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:54:18 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article82.html BBC World service presenter and Aisling supporter Deirde Melvin tells us about an important upcoming benefit gig: "London's first ever Rock Da Ceili Mash Up takes place 9th March at the Rich Mix Art Gallery Shoredtich. We've been given a beautiful penthouse room at the top of the new art gallery just off Brick lane. It promises to be an exciting rock /trad clash with Dj Jaso Resonance FM & John John Kennedy Xfm's new music guru going up against The Celtic Colleens & Hungry Grass." Sounds great - and it's all in aid of Aisling. *ROCK DA CEILI* London's first Rock Ceili Mash Up *MARCH 9TH 2007 Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road ,Shoreditch* Doors 7pm - 1am Rock DJ's John Kennedy XFM X-Posure DJ Jaso Phipps Resonance FM Dance Muinteoir - Tomas O' Dea Live Ceili Band The Hungry Grass Live Celtic Colleens ft Roy O' Shea Hosted by Deirdre (BBC World Service) All proceeds go to Aisling the Return To Ireland Project. Liverpool St, Old Street & Aldgate East are the nearest tubes. Join in the chatter around this one event on www.myspace.com/rockdaceili Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:43:30 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article81.html The Popes are headlining a sell-out night at the Camden Underworld on Friday March 2nd as a "TOM MCMANAMON MEMORIAL". All proceeds go to Aisling - just as Tom, their late and sorely missed banjo player and guiding spirit, might have wished. Others appearing include: DINGLE SPIKE, BEYOND THE PALE, FLYNT, BIBLE CODE SUNDAYS, OTHER BROTHERS, MCNAMARA’S and NORTHERN CELTS. This gig is now sold out. Tue, 27 Feb 2007 21:41:01 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article80.html There's an interesting news Irish play coming to the Royal Court Theatre - the theatre is a friend and supporter of the Aisling Project. Leaves, a stunning new play from playwright and novelist Lucy Caldwell, will open at the Royal Court on 19th of March 2007. Directed by Garry Hynes the co-founder and Artistic Director of Druid Theatre Company, Galway. The play is a co-production by the Royal Court and Druid Theatre Company. Lori is coming home from her first term at university. It’s only been a few weeks and already things have gone badly wrong. But none of the rest of the family knows, or understands, what really happened. This fiercely observed family drama sees three teenage girls struggle to define who they are, and why, and where they might be going. “‘We are where we come from?’ That’s not true. That’s not true because if that’s true there’s no hope for any of us.” Young Belfast-born writer Lucy Caldwell won the George Devine Award for Leaves, the premier award for new writing by an emerging playwright in the UK and Ireland. Caldwell’s haunting and lyrical debut novel, Where They Were Missed, was published in March 2006 by Penguin (Viking) and was short-listed for the 2006 EDS Dylan Thomas Prize 14 March- 7 April 2007, 7.45pm Saturday Matinees 17, 24, 31 March & 7 April, 4pm Tickets: £15 (£10 concession). All seats £10 on Mondays Box office: 020 7565 5000 or online at www.royalcourttheatre.com Tue, 27 Feb 2007 21:26:47 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article79.html Aisling would like to recall with great respect and fondness the legendary musician Tom McManamon who has died after a period of illness. Tom played with Shane MacGowan and with Shane's band the Popes, and also with the Pogues and was a legandary stalwart of Irish traditional music of all kinds. His family at one time ran the 'Little Favourite' pub in Holloway, which was one of the premier Irish music pubs in London. Tom worked quietly and effectively on Aisling's behalf - and his skills, talent and unique personality will be very sorely missed. Obituary on Pogues site here... Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:13:34 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article78.html Bridie Staunton, well-known Irish fiddler died at her home in North London 2004 and many of her friends and fellow musicians are getting together to celebrate her life and music at the Cellar Bar in Camden Town on 1st February, starting at 7.30pm. It is Bridie's Birthday and all funds are going to make a Fund Raiser for Aisling. Should be a great trad Irish music night - deserves your support! Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:59:52 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article77.html Top London-Irish poet Kevin Raymond has produced a new collection of his much acclaimed verse, bulging with a huge selection of Kevin's sharp, witty, and often poignant work. The new collection is entitled 'There's More'. A keen supporter of Aisling, Kevin is once again donating all the proceeds from his book to the charity. To obtain a signed copy of Kev's new masterpiece, send a donation of £10 or more to KTP Printers, 37G Princelet Street, London E1 5LP. A self-addressed A5 envelope stamped to the value of 75p will take care of P&P. All books will be sent by return post on receipt of donation and postage. Cheques should be made out to: The Aisling Project. Sun, 22 Oct 2006 17:39:47 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article76.html A recent Aisling trip to Ireland visited that hotspot for traditional Irish music, Doolin, in County Clare. Alex McDonnell give the run-down on the trials, tribulations, and sucesses of the trip. Read all about it in our Trips section. Sat, 30 Sep 2006 12:35:40 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article75.html More family reunions, more tears split, and hearts warmed, as Alex McDonnell relates the tale of the latest Aisling trip to Donegal. And all in his usual inimitable style, of course. Read full article on Aisling 2006 trip to Donegal... Wed, 16 Aug 2006 18:05:44 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article74.html Good friends of Aisling Patsy McGarry and Sean McGarry, who organised the phenomenally successful Streets of London benefit for Aisling in December 2004 at Vicar Street have done it again. It all happened last weekend and this time the venue was in the beautiful surroundings of Turlough Park near Castlebar in Mayo. Aisling are once more the beneficiaries along with our friends and neighbours Cricklewood Homeless Concern The line-up was a cracker too with Sharon Shannon topping the bill with her big band ably supported by the Furey Brothers, Lunasa and Dervish. An Aisling delegation attended and we had a thoroughly great time. 1,200 happy people people basked in the Mayo sunshine soaking up the fine traditional music and a few pints. Children ran around the landscaped gardens and it was pretty much idyllic. The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is launching a photographic exhibition on emigration called Streets of London to tie in with the festival beginning on 5th of July. I’ve had a bit of a preview and it has been well researched and beautifully presented. You can check it out at www.museum.ie Aisling would like to thank Patsy and Sean, all the bands, Pat King and his family and Jim Beisty for the loan of his cottage. Sun, 02 Jul 2006 13:41:14 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article73.html Steve Casey died this month (May). He came with Aisling to Ventry on our trip four years ago this summer. You can read about his homecoming in the account of that trip to Kerry in ‘Broken hearts and broken bones’ on this website. As a young man in Kerry he had worked as a fisherman, had a family and had been quite prosperous.... Read full tribute to Steve Casey by Alex McDonnell Sun, 04 Jun 2006 14:51:25 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article72.html Michael was a long-time resident of Arlington House known by his nickname of ‘The Singer’ or ‘Tipperary Mick’. He was indeed a great singer and would give his versions of many a ballad and show-band favourite to anyone who would listen or anyone within ear-splitting distance. He came with Aisling to Mulranny one year where he made great friends with everyone in the local area and another year he came to Wicklow. During his time in Wicklow he was accompanied by a BBC film crew who filmed him meeting with his brother Liam in Thurles... Read full tributes to both friends of Aisling by Alex McDonnell Mon, 29 May 2006 12:24:50 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article71.html Howdy folks, I'm sure most of you remember (and attended) the fantastic Frank and Walters gig at WaterRats last year where we managed to raise almost £2000 for the Aisling Project, well we're doing it again with the mighty Dave Couse on Sat 6th May. You'll probably know (whether you realise it or not) Dave as the frontman of the sadly departed A-House and author of such classic songs as "Here Come the Good Times", "Endless Art", "Why Me" etc. Dave who is fresh off the back of his nominations for best Artist and best Album at this year's Meteor/Hot Press Music Awards (Irish equivalent of the BRIT awards) is playing London for the first time in years and for one night only. With up and coming Irish band the Overzealous Lovers in support, a couple of drinks promos and DJ Dancing Kev spinning classic tunes, it promises to be a bit special but of course we're relying on your help to make it as successful as last year! Any help you can give with spreading the word about the gig, forwarding emails, putting up posters etc would be hugely appreciated!! Dave and the band are very generously giving up their time and talent so that as much money as possible will be raised for the Aisling Project to aid the trojan work they do with homeless people in London, particularly with Irish homeless. Tickets are a measly £10 and are available either by contacting us directly or by logging on to www.ticketweb.co.uk but get in quick as we don't want to be turning away people on the night like last year. For more information about the night and the charity check out our sp@nking new website at www.latelateshowlondon.com where we've also got photos from the Franks gig and sample Dave Couse mp3's for your delectation. See you down the front Aonghus & Fiachra Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:12:35 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article70.html Whiskey You're The Devil is the title of the latest installment of Alex McDonell's long-running saga - revealing the tragedies and the triumphs of Aisling's March 2006 trip to Wicklow. Read it all here... Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:07:28 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article69.html In another of his accounts of Aisling trips to Ireland, Alex McDonnell writes of how West meets East in Mayo. And not always without some pain and heartache, either. Read Alex's moving tale of the 2005 Aisling trip to County Mayo. Read Alex's full account here... Sun, 19 Feb 2006 22:01:11 +0000 http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/Article68.html Bridie Staunton, well-known Irish fiddler died at her home in north London last year and many of her friends and fellow musicians are getting together to celebrate her life and music at the London Irish centre in Camden Town on 27th January, starting at7.30pm. Bridie emigrated from Mayo in the 1950’s and her own family did well in London and she had a special consideration for those less fortunate emigrants. Every Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day she would play for the Irish residents in Arlington House, the largest hostel for homeless men in London, where many of the residents are Irish. It is for this reason that the concert will be in aid of Aisling Return to Ireland Project, which began in Arlington House and now helps Irish men and women from all over London return to Ireland for a break and to reconnect with their homeland. An impressive line-up of musicians will feature many of the best musicians on the London traditional folk circuit and include; Brian Kelly and friends, J-Owen, Northern Celts, Paddy P, Gervais and friends, The Clarkes, Sonsifolk Billy Stevens and many others. Come along for a great night out and support a worthy cause. The venue: The London Irish centre, 50 Camden Square, London NW1 The date is 27th January The show starts at 7.30pm Tickets are £8 and £5 concessions available on the door Contacts: AlexMcDonnell (Aisling) 0207 813 1478 Les Coughlan (Northern Celts) 07832 113578 Tue, 17 Jan 2006 10:11:59 +0000