Irish in Scotland making great strides

GLASGOW'S streets thronged with the sights and sounds of Irish culture as the St Patrick’s Day Parade, led by the St Roch’s Marching Band, made its way through the city in celebration.

The last 12 months have been a year of stunning achievements in the Irish community in Scotland, none more notable than the successes of St Roch’s—who brought the All-Ireland Marching Band title to Glasgow—and Ceann Creige, who contested an All-Ireland Camogie Final.

Both these remarkable organisations were joined by other valued parts of the Irish community in Glasgow, along with Ireland’s Consul General Jerry O'Donovan and Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren as well as individuals, families and well-wishers who had poured onto the streets to create a party atmosphere.

It was one of the biggest and most wide-ranging celebrations of Irish culture and heritage yet seen in Scotland, and joins the festivals held around the country as a sign of the strength and vibrancy of Irishness in this country.

Community spirit in action

“The success of the Glasgow St Patrick’s Parade is a shining example of community spirit in action,” Danny Boyle one of the key organisers of the parade, who worked to put in place the gala celebration with support from the Irish Consulate, told The Irish Voice. “The dedication and passion of local organisations like St Roch’s Marching Band, St James the Great CCÉ, Tír Conaill Harps, Glasgow Gaels, Ceann Creige, Conradh na Gaeilge Glaschu, and Irish Minstrels CCÉ make this event truly special. The incredible contributions of Coyle, McQuade, Harrison, McGrath, and Taylor Schools of Irish Dancing added an extra layer of brilliance, showcasing the artistry and discipline of Irish dance.”

With the activities and success of St Roch’s so integral to the parade, the event showed how the fruits of hard work and passion in the community can develop and multiply as the years progress.

“At the heart of this celebration is the legacy of Frank McArdle and Eoin Kelly (RIP), whose unwavering support and vision helped nurture our cultural confidence, ensuring that Glasgow’s Irish community continues to flourish and take pride in its rich heritage,” Danny Boyle concluded. “Together, these cultural organisations and individuals have created a powerful, enduring symbol of unity and celebration, bringing people together from all walks of life.

“Already we are looking forward to next year, and the chance to build on our success in 2025.”

Conradh na Gaeilge

Among the other organisations represented on the parade were Conradh na Gaeilge Glaschú, whose tireless work for the Irish language in Glasgow makes them a treasured part of the community.

They were delighted to join their friends and colleagues in the community, parading with pride through the streets of a city that has been changed and enhanced over many generations of Irish migration.

“Conradh na Gaeilge Glaschú were delighted and proud to take part in the Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival Parade,” the organisation’s Evin Downey said. “It was incredibly uplifting to be part of such a positive celebration of the Glasgow Irish community.

“To see all the thriving Irish sporting, cultural and community organisations from the city come together on the day was just very inspiring. A huge go raibh míle maith agaibh agus comhghairdeas (congratulations) to the organisers. Glaschú abú!”

Ambition and impact

The St Patrick’s Day Parade was one of a number of high profile events taking place in Scotland, which together highlight the ambition of the Irish community and the cultural impact Scotland’s Irish continue to make on the country.

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren spoke of this impact as she praised Glasgow’s Irish following the parade.

“This is a significant moment for Glasgow’s and indeed Scotland’s Irish community and it’s been a real honour to join the celebration of that rich and proud tradition,” she said. “Glasgow is celebrating its 850th anniversary and those from the island of Ireland and with Irish heritage have been central to our story of this vibrant, dynamic and international city.

“Today’s successful event can be a platform for us to build on the thriving links we already have across Ireland, North and South. Comhghairdeas agus Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!”

The organisations involved now look ahead to leading the celebration of Irish culture through the rest of 2025 with renewed vigour, with a range of exciting events already planned—such as Ceann Creige’s Irish Cultural Day in Clydebank this May.

Representation and growth

Looking back on the day, one proud onlooker told The Irish Voice: “It was a tremendous show of culture and community, the likes of which Glasgow has maybe never seen before in a parade setting.

“So I think for me, the number of families and children that were there was really encouraging that this isn’t going to be a one off, that hopefully this parade can only become bigger and better if it’s an annual fixture for Glasgow.

“I’m sure for many people there of an older generation it was quite emotional, many of them have fought tooth and nail to have their Irish identity represented and respected. It will never be respected by some quarters but I think the parade can really be the start of something for the wider Irish community in Scotland.”