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.

By Trevor O’Sullivan

The very first Irish centre to be built in Britain in over two decades has been officially opened in Milton Keynes by the President of Ireland.

This year the Federation of Irish Societies (FIS) annual congress was hosted by Milton Keynes City Council.

And the weekend’s events began on Friday June 15 with a formal opening of the Milton Keynes Irish Centre by President Mary McAleese.

The centre is the first new club to open in 22 years.

After the formal opening the President was shown around the new centre including their new computer room funded by Dion.

She also greeted the many Milton Keynes members who turned out in force for the opening.

FIS director Eithne Rynne expressed her gratitude to President McAleese.

She said: “We were absolutely delighted to have the President attend. She has been such a good supporter to the Irish emigrant community not just in Britain but abroad. It was a fantastic recognition of the work of the federation and the Milton Keynes Irish Centre that she chose to come. We were very grateful to have her.”

The Irish President later attended the FIS Business and Community Luncheon in Jurys Inn Milton Keynes.

There she praised the work of the Federation of Irish Societies and its commitment to the Irish community in Britain.

She also commended those working and volunteering in the many Irish centers throughout the country.

The main business of the weekend was the AGM held on Saturday in the National Hockey Stadium, where the work carried out by the Federation Board was outlined to affiliates.

In particular the Capacity Building Project, which is funded by the Irish Government through its Dion grants, was discussed.

And affiliates were informed of the ongoing work within this project and the impact it will have for their working relationship with the FIS team.

FIS members called on the Federation to look more closely at the needs of Irish people having to return to Ireland at short notice to attend funerals.

Many called on the Federation to discuss the financial implications of such situations with Irish airlines, with a view to acknowledging the huge cost of booking seats at the last minute.