As part of the London Irish Centre 70th anniversary celebrations, the Irish Embassy in London hosted a special ceremony to honour some of the most significant contributors to the London Irish Centre community. This memorable evening formed a central moment in the Centre’s platinum anniversary programme, bringing together longstanding supporters, cultural partners and members of the Irish community in Britain to celebrate seven decades of service, culture and connection.
The London Irish Centre has historically reserved lifetime membership for individuals whose contribution has shaped the growth, resilience and direction of the organisation. Prior to this ceremony, only three people had ever been awarded this honour. They were Mary Allen, Margaret Brown, and Jim Quinn, who travelled from Ireland to join the celebrations in person.
During this year’s anniversary event, the London Irish Centre formally welcomed sixteen new lifetime members. Each has played a significant role in advancing the Centre’s mission of enriching lives through Irish community and culture, and each has shown a deep and sustained commitment to the organisation’s purpose, values and future.
In recognition of their contribution, the Centre’s resident artist, Niall MacCrann, created a bespoke etching for Jim Quinn and for each of the new lifetime members. These unique artworks were presented on the evening by Rosaleen Blair, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the Irish Ambassador, Martin Fraser.
Andy Bugler, The Bugler Group
Denis Bugler, The Bugler Group
Kieran Bugler, The Bugler Group
Siobhán Carey, Careys & The Carey Foundation
Richard Corrigan, The Corrigan Collection
Gary Dunne, Strategic Consultant to the London Irish Centre and former Creative Director
Sean Kennedy, former Chief Executive and former Chair of the London Irish Centre
Mary Kerrigan, former London Irish Centre Trustee
Jerry Kivlehan, former Director and former Chief Executive
Dermot Murphy, former Chair
John Nugent, Green and Fortune
Alex O Cinneide, Gore Street Capital and former London Irish Centre Trustee
Jacqueline O Donovan, ODPR
Larry O Leary, former Chair of the Council of Irish Counties Association and current Chair of the St Patricks Festival Community Advisory Group
Karen Ryan, Irish Music and Dance London
Paul Whitnell, President of BITA
Each of these individuals has contributed in a profound way to the London Irish Centre. Their leadership, creativity, generosity and belief in the Centre have helped to shape its role as a home for Irish community and culture in London. Their support has strengthened the Centre’s services, enriched its cultural programme and ensured that generations of people have been welcomed, supported and celebrated.
To award lifetime membership to sixteen individuals in a single ceremony marks a rare and historic moment for the London Irish Centre. It reflects the scale of contribution made by these supporters and commemorates the deep roots that connect the Centre with the people who have guided it forward.
Holding this ceremony at the Irish Embassy on the eve of the seventieth anniversary reinforced the significance of the occasion. It brought together past and present leaders, artists, partners, volunteers and friends in a shared moment of gratitude, celebration and pride.
The London Irish Centre offers its heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations to all of our lifetime members, past and present. Their collective impact continues to shape our mission and strengthen our future.
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