Irish London During the Troubles

The myth of return was sacred to the majority of the Irish who left the 'ould sod' to work in post-war Britain. Generally this dream was left unfulfilled, and several English cities became their permanent homes, leaving them as the largest 'ethnic minority' in Britain. This accessible book focuses on Irish experiences in the most popular destination for Irish emigration in the twentieth century - London and the south-east of England in the times of The Troubles. Over 30 original interviews with first generation and second generation emigrants born in the English capital, as well as archival material, bring to life Irish Londoners and their experiences. Sorohan offers analysis of the under-explored theme of the formation of a coherent ethnic community among the emigrants through such organisations as the Catholic Church, the GAA and County Associations. He also analyses divisions and differences within the community along class and gender lines.