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Rochdale revels in St. Pat’s celebrations  The
Irish Tricolour was flying high in Rochdale over the weekend to celebrate
the town’s St. Patrick’s festivities.
Members of Rochdale’s Irish community were joined by MPs Paul Rowen
and Jim Dobbin, as well as council leader Alan Taylor, deputy leader Irene
Davidson, Keith Swift and Ted Flynn at the launch.
Mr Rowen, whose mother hails from Co. Limerick, said: “I was pleased
to see so many people attend.
“Rochdale has a big Irish community who have and continue to play
a significant role in the development of our town.
“Like every community in our town, it’s important to celebrate
occasions like St. Patrick’s Day and I make no apology for doing
so.
“I used to leave Rochdale every year and spend my summer holidays
in Limerick and have always been proud of my roots from both sides of
the Irish Sea.
“Rochdale has a proud history of celebrating our cultural diversity
from all quarters.”
Event organiser Patrick Maguire who hails from from Co. Meath added: “It
was a great occasion and I know that the Irish community in Rochdale really
appreciate the flag flying, marking our very special celebration.
“We are now looking at other ways to celebrate our day for next
year and hope even more people will be involved.”
Rochdale is now looking forward to its St. George’s Day celebrations
which take place next month and residents are being asked to suggest ways
to best mark the event by e-mailing Mr Rowen at paul@paulrowen.co.uk.
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