Why is it important to have an Irish Society among students?
At a university set in the heart of a large, cosmopolitan city like London it’s important to keep hold of your roots and be reminded of everything it means to be Irish. It’s great to meet so many other people from all over the world, but it is even greater to then be able to share the wonders of Ireland with them through the Irish Society.
One of the greatest privileges of having the Society is facilitating this multi–cultural exchange and representing Ireland on campus at both the big events and smaller collaborations alike. Part of the dynamic at university includes connecting with what we call the “part Irish and those who wish they were Irish” by meeting the never–ending stream of people who trace their roots to the Emerald Isle or have fond memories of visiting Temple Bar and wish they had those roots.
Most importantly though, we focus on connecting students who have come from all over Ireland at different stages of their academic journeys. Meeting the rest of the Irish at LSE is an incredible way for new students to gain a sense of community and support, whilst at the same time providing some great opportunities to get involved.
How long has it been running?
The Irish Society has been running since at least 2013 in its current form. However, the Irish have always had a strong representation at the LSE in the form of both students and leading academics. In fact, George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright and writer was one of the four founders of the LSE back in 1895. So, the Irish have always had a home at the LSE!
What sort of activities do you organise?
In the past, we’ve held academic discussions with academics, ambassadors, poets, politicians, and many more on topics relating to Ireland. We’ve found these a great way to connect our studies with being Irish, and to further explore the social sciences through a very personal lens. Of course, we predominantly run a series of social events such as pub crawls and viewing rugby and GAA matches.
However, we’re now looking to expand our activities into connecting with Irish companies to create networking opportunities for our members and the chance for Irish organisations to get involved on campus and with our academic events too.
Do you have people from across the Island of Ireland involved?
Yes, from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland alike with members hailing from all over. We also have quite a few non–Irish members and members that have various degrees of links to Ireland too.
What sort of issues/activities are people interested in?
All sorts, but particularly issues that relate to all areas of academia. Our members are also keen on job and internship opportunities as well as the chance to connect and learn about various sectors. Of course, any form of Irish cultural or heritage events are always of interest!
Tell us a bit about yourself, where you are originally from and what motivated you to get involved?
I was born in Dublin, and my parents are from Limerick and Clare, but I only lived in Ireland as a young child before moving to South East Asia for the majority of my life. So, having experienced such great Irish networks over there in my schools and wider organisations, I was motivated to continue getting involved by joining the Irish Society here at LSE to celebrate all things Irish and connect with the other Irish students.
It’s a great way to instantly meet people and have a connection with them just on the basis of being Irish, and I have since made some really great friends within the Irish Society. Being one of the few undergraduate members, as most of the Irish at LSE are postgraduates, it’s important to help bring a consistent level of membership and interest in the Society year on year.
Nevertheless, after a superb year of growth at present, I’m looking forward to the new heights we can take the Irish Society to in the future as we’ve really managed to connect with other universities and the wider London community this year!
- Contact details for the LSE Students Union Irish Society can be found here.