A Chairde,
I am delighted to be introducing The Photo Album of the Irish: England coordinated by the Photo Museum of Ireland and families featured. The stories shared in this book each represent a unique experience of migration and family ties; however, all are threaded together
with common features of ambition, resilience, and finding community away from home.
Through the preservation of these family photos, we are offered an insight into the life of those emigrants who strived to instil their cultural values to the next generation, a feat made possible by the wonderful Irish centres spread across England. These communities and
centres are pictured throughout the album, marking them as a focal point of Irish life outside of Ireland. Through community events such as Irish Dance feiseanna, these families honoured their Irish heritage and traditions, connecting with their roots despite their distance from
home.
The stories of family migration are not without their share of hardship. Many families were separated from loved ones, suffered discrimination and fled civil unrest seeking a better life in England. The photos that documented their journey capture many happier memories on
film, showing the rewards gained through their strength and perseverance. The photos and stories also mark the ambition of Irish migrants, contributing to the NHS, pursuing third level education and driving innovation. Often these skills were brought home, whether through contributing to new building technology like the Roche family, or implementing running water in family homes like Seán Sexton. The individual family stories of education and innovation depict the wider success of emigration and developments that contribute to the successes of Ireland today. Each of these family photos tell a story of the extraordinary ordinary, the day to day life of Irish families that created homes and communities in England while cherishing their heritage.
The Irish Embassy is proud to support the diaspora community and this important endeavour to share stories that speak of resilience, achievement and a deep-rooted connection to Ireland.
Le gach dea ghuí,
Martin
H.E. Mr Martin Fraser, 2025
