The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

PLANNING permission has been granted for a permanent memorial to a Co. Armagh man who invented the penalty kick in football.

In 1890 businessman William McCrum put his proposal to the Irish Football Association and the International Football Association Board eventually approved the rule.

The memorial to Mr Mc-Crum on which work is due to begin later this year will consist of a memorial plinth and bronze bust.

It will be built on the actual site off William Street in Milford where he devised the penalty kick.

Local historian and Milford Community Development Association member Joe McManus described the difficulties in getting the memorial off the ground.

He said: “About five years ago the field where William McCrum invented the penalty kick was under threat as a housing development was to be built there.

“But after about three or four years we came to a compromise with the developer.

“Around the bust in what we’re calling McCrum Park there will be information boards explaining all about the penalty kick and William McCrum and hopefully it’ll become a major tourist attraction putting Milford firmly on the map as the home of the penalty kick.”