IRISH BRISTOL 2022 ANNUAL GUIDE

IRISH BRISTOL EDITION

2022

WWW.BRISTOLIRISHSOCIETY.ORG

IRISH BRISTOL CONTENTS

Welcome

Food & Drink

Irish Life: Support

History of the Irish Society

St Patricks Festival

Irish Bristol: History

Irish in Britain

Irish Life: Get Active

Irish Bristol: Get Social

Welcome from Paul Kelly the new Chair of Bristol Irish Society.

From Online & phone helplines to advise or face to face support its all listed here

Launches New Leaders Programme.

The guide to Bristol’s Irish venues to eat and drink.

The Parade and after party and Bristol Irish nights and events celebrating St Patrick’s Day

From sports teams to dance schools get out the great community groups to get involed with and support.

Learn about all the great work Irish in Britain do to support the irish communities.

The facinating story of Jane Couch in her Autobiography. In the old History section read about Patrick Cotter Bristol’s Irish Giant.

The social events and Quiz nights to get involved with and enjoy.

Published by: Editor: Leighton de Burca Creative & Design: Placemaking Bristol CIC Contributors: Advertising: leighton@placemakingbristol.co.uk While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content offered within this publication, Irish Bristol & Placemaking Bristol CIC shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the content contained herein or for interpretations thereof. This publication could include inaccuracies or out-dated content and is subject to change at anytime without notice. ©Placemaking Bristol CIC 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Placemaking Bristol CIC

IrishinBristol

Roadsweeping Specialists PMG have a large fleet of road sweepers and provide a first class service in the following areas of work:

• • • • • •

Road Sweeping Gully Emptying High Pressure Jetting Hand Lancing Back to Black BEAM Sweeping Compact Footpath Sweeper Hire

Where local information matters

BRISTOL IRISH SOCIETY WELCOME

I would like to welcome you to Irish Bristol 2022 Edition to mark the celebration of 23 years of the St Patrick’s celebrations in Bristol and the launch of the first year of the St Patrick’s Festival in Bristol.

The Festival celebrates the cultural intersectional heritage of the Irish communities in Bristol and the contribution they have made to the city.

The City of Bristol. It has been estimated that there are some 50,000 people in Bristol who can trace Irish descent and the annual Parade gives those people and the wider population an opportunity to come together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage on the Sunday nearest the feast of St Patrick on 17 th March. We hope to welcome as many people as possible to this Celebration this year and in years to come.

BristolIrishSociety

This years festival would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors B&A Group, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District, PMG for their support and the building of the community floats, Cotwolds Homes, McCarthy Marland, 365 Bristol, EMDEC, and Place Making Bristol CIC. We look forward to welcoming you to Bristol Irish Society events through out the year.

Paul Kelly Bristol Irish Society Chair

y l l e K l u Pa W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

HISTORY OF BRISTOL IRISH SOCIETY

O

Words by Amelia Dunford

n a Spring evening in 1999 in St. Patrick’s Church Hall, Redfield, Bristol there was a good turnout of Bristol based Irish people who were there to find out what was “going on” and to learn more from the organisers of their intentions for the future. With the knowledge that The Federation of Irish Societies (now Irish in Britain) was going to be a supportive arm it was decided to form a Bristol Irish Society – a non- sectarian and non- politically aligned organisation.

The aims and objects were for the welfare, education, social life and benefit of the Irish in Bristol and surrounding area as well as bringing the local community together. ` A committee was formed to get the organisation off the ground. A launch at The Council House in the presence of representatives of The Irish Embassy, Lord Mayor of Bristol and other civic dignitaries was held a few months after the initial meeting. This was followed by a grand launch dance in The Great Hall of Bristol Grammar School.

The dream was to have a venue of our own but funding was almost impossible and so the dream ended. The Society decided to hire venues for various events and activities.

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

BEECHTOWN SHOETIQUE

Civil Engineering Traffic Management Grab Hire Plant Hire 01275314198 or Info@emdecconstruction.co.uk www.emdecconstruction.co.uk

HISTORY OF BRISTOL IRISH SOCIETY

In those early days a few Festivals of Irish Culture were held. These consisted of Play Readings, Irish Films, Dances, Concerts, guest Speakers and other activities of a local nature like Skittles and Darts.

We were the proud winners of a National Debating Contest in the 90’s when, in the final, we took on the might of Liverpool Irish Society and beat them in the final in Birmingham.

We secured a small office in The Grove from the City Council for a peppercorn rent of £1 a year.

This little office opened each Saturday morning to greet people, have a chat and a cup of tea and sell books, music tapes and small items of an Irish nature. Irish language classes took place in the office on Monday evenings. Sadly, we closed the office after our then Treasurer was attacked by two Orangemen using baseball bats. This happened on a Monday evening before the Irish Language class and thankfully the teacher was in the back room.

Luckily for us, one of the assailants hit the other one and spilt his blood!!! They were soon found and spent about 8 years “holiday” at Her Majesty’s pleasure!!

BristolIrishSociety

We have not pursued a search for another premises.

We organised some typical Irish dances but as the older community got older and younger folk weren’t at all interested in waltzes, fox trots and Sieges of Ennis the attendances dwindled and so did the dances. This was a typical pattern in Bristol. The GAA Clubs and Irish Dancing Schools also experienced the same decline.

Currently our focus is on one Annual Dance around St. Patrick’s Day and 2 Team Quiz’s a year.

Younger blood is now coming on board, we have a well read Bristol Irish Society Face Book Page.

Times they are a’ changing and with new younger folk we look forward to a different future. We have to evolve. There are a lot of young Irish adults coming to live and work in our city and we need to target them and get them interested.

Of course we have thousands of second generation Irish and for years these young people got involved in Irish culture, mainly Irish Dancing. Many of the boys play Gaelic Football.

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Irish in Britain launches Ceannairí Nua New Leaders Programme The Ceannairí Nua Programme is a community development initiative by Irish in Britain investing in the New Leaders of tomorrow

Irish in Britain are pleased to announce the launch of its next New Leaders Programme , applications for the 2022 programme will open in February 2022 and the programme will begin in May 2022. The programme will provide the opportunity to develop a new generation of community leadership for Irish diaspora organisations in Britain, bringing new and diverse skills to support the valuable work of our dynamic membership. The programme is provided free by Irish in Britain as part of our investment in the future of community organisation.

The New Leaders programme is a tailored course providing the essential skills, tools and information for those considering trustee and governance roles, and who have the passion and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of Irish people in Britain. It is a pathway for those interested in driving change, innovation and sustainability in our rich and diverse network. Brian Dalton, CEO of Irish in Britain, said “We are delighted to play our part in developing and investing in the Trustees of tomorrow; we recognise that there is huge potential and talent within our community to build successful and effective organisations. We also recognise the diversity in our community and we welcome applications from everyone who wants to make a contribution. This is an invitation to be part of our story and more importantly to be part of our future. We have much to celebrate and champion”

W W W . I R I S H I N B R I T A I N .O R G

New Leaders Programme

Seminars will run in London venues every six weeks over the course of nine months and participants will learn about the roles, responsibilities, and value of effective voluntary sector stewardship including: • • • • • • • • •

An introduction to the history of the sector A range of speakers in specialist and related fields.

Interactive learning on governance of voluntary and community sector organisations.

Tailored networking to understand the operational and strategic needs of the sector.

The opportunity to explore and model governance solutions through group learning.

Brokered introductions and placement opportunities with member organisations on completion.

Commenting on the launch Adrian O’Neill Ireland’s Ambassador to the UK said,

“The Ceannairí Nua/New Leaders Programme aims will inject additional talent and key skillsets into strengthening Irish community organisations here in the UK. It also provides the opportunity for those taking part in the programme to develop their leadership and governance capabilities. The Embassy of Ireland wishes Irish in Britain every success with this important programme.”

Chair of the Women’s Irish Network and past president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Angela Brady OBE PDSA also expressed support for the initiative saying, “The Irish community in Britain is rich in experience, diversity and skills. This is a great opportunity to be part of a vibrant community network and to make a positive difference.

Giving our time through volunteering is hugely rewarding and I wish Irish in Britain every success.”

If you would like to apply to take part in this programme please visit our website below W W W . I R I S H I N B R I T A I N .O R G

B&A Group, is an established, family owned company providing environmental consultancy, bulk excavation & earthmoving services and a range of recycled and quarried aggregates to the construction industry in the South West for over 30 years.

We are proud to support Bristol Irish Society with their annual parade and other activities promoting Irish culture in the South West.

Contact B&A Group on 01179 829561 or visit www.bristolandavontransport.co.uk for any enquiries.

IRISH BRISTOL

FOOD & DRINK IRISH OWNED OR FRIENDLY VENUES

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Food & Drink

The Star Fishponds 359 Fishponds Road, BS16 3AF 0117 965 4685 Opening Hours Mon-Thurs 15:00-23:00 Fri-Sat 15:00-00:00 Sun 12:00-22:00

The Star is a recently refurbished pub in Fishponds, Bristol that has a traditional pub feel. With an emphasis on the community, The Star has a warm and friendly atmosphere with cheerful, welcoming staff.

The pub provides a broad selection of award-winning real ales from Nailsworth Brewery among other premium lagers, ciders and spirits.

The original skittle alley has been restored and the pub also has a pool table and two dartboards. The Star hosts a varied and eclectic range of live music seeking to provide fishponds with an alternative type of music venue as well as other pub entertainments

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Food & Drink

Coach and Horses 25 Gloucester Lane, Old Market Quarter Bristol, BS2 0DP 07923 539805 Opening Hours Mon-Thurs 11:00-23:00 Fri-Sat 11:00-01:00 Sun 11:00-22:00

The Coach and Horses in Old Market Quarter is one of Bristol’s pubs with a long historic connection with the Irish community and this continues to this day.

A great traditional pub with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere the Coach and Horses regularly shows Irish sporting events as well as the rugby.

With a great selection of drinks a traditional bar and separate seating areas. This is a must visit venue for a traditional pub day out.

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Food & Drink

The Lock Up 182 Church Rd, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9HX 0117 329 0707 Opening Hours Mon-Wed Closed Thurs 18:00 -23:00 Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00 Sun 12:00-19:00

In 2016, nestled in the heart of East Bristol, family team Aidan, Alex and Rob set about creating a new space for the community and beyond to enjoy great food and drink in a comfortable and relaxed environment. At The Lock Up you will enjoy high standards of food and drink, with a knowledgeable, friendly, professional team serving you.

We offer modern British dishes and our famous Sunday Roast. Our dishes are carefully prepared by our team of experienced chefs and we endeavour to source our ingredients responsibly and locally.

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Food & Drink

Seamus O’Donnell’s 25 Gloucester Lane, Old Market Quarter Bristol, BS2 0DP 07923 539805 Opening Hours Mon-Thurs 11:00-23:00 Fri-Sat 11:00-01:00 Sun 11:00-22:00

Seamus O’Donnell’s is a little bar where everyone can be themselves, We are very old fashioned and we’re the house of Guinness in Bristol, so of course you won’t find a better pint anywere else!.

We also have frequent live entertainment.

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL PARADE & STREET PARTY

We are delighted to announce the 23rd Bristol Irish Society St Patrick’s Day Celebrations takes place on Sunday 13th March 22.

11:30 Pre-parade gathering and getting ready at Trinity Centre 12:00 Parade assembly for floats located on Trinity Street 13:00 Parade departing from Trinity Street. Heading through Old Market then to Bristol Old City 14:00 At the Junction of St Nicholas Street and High Street the Parade ends.

People will be directed to turn right into St Nicholas Street. Those with tickets to the party are invited to go to Vodka Revolution.

Limited tickets will be available on the day. Lots of other close by venues are also hosting events and entertainment e.g. Seamus O’Donnell’s See the Bristol Irish Society Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Floats with people on, will be directed to turn left into Bridge Street.

Floats with no people, will be directed to continue on and drive over Bristol Bridge.

Wear Green & Be Seen if you’d like to get involved in any way get in touch via messenger or email info@365bristol.com

WWW.BRISTOLIRISHSOCIETY.ORG

St Nicks GAA Training@ Clifton Rugby Club The lads are training every Wednesday , 19:30 at Clifton Rugby Club. New players always welcome, if interested get in touch!

For more info www.stnicksgaa.co.uk Venue: Clifton Rugby Club

ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL

5 - 19 MARCH 2022

Bristol Ceilidh @ Folk House

11 March 19:30-23:00

The Molecatchers are back! With the very capable Jethro calling all the steps, no experience is necessary to get involved in one of our barnstorming Ceilidhs. We can’t wait to have them back at the Folk House again! No experience is necessary as we have an experienced caller on hand to talk you through all the dances.

Doors open 19:00, Venue: Folk House Tickets: £10

Desperate Measures @ The Canteen

17 March 22:00

Irish Music Classes @ Avonmouth 5 & 19 March 10:00 - 13:00

Friendly, informal group of musicians of all abilities, meeting in St Andrew’s Church, Avonmouth, BS11 9EN two Saturdays a month.

Join us to play and sing traditional Irish music from 10 am - 1pm.

We work through a tune or two, break for refreshments, then join together in a session for the final hour.New faces welcome, just drop in. £7 suggested donation, ask for concessions.

Message through New Hibernia Facebook page.

Venue: St Andrews Church Hall Avonmouth BS11 9EN Tickets: £7 per person ask for concessions Chris Woodchuck & Chris James

13 March 15:30

Bringing their energetic vibe, we’ve got the perfect band for St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a momentous occasion as this show will be their 4th anniversary show. It’s 4 years to the date that they first played live! We’re pretty stoked to be a part of that. FREE ENTRY! Venue: Canteen Tickets: free Lilting Banshees @ Seamus O’Donnells

17 March 15:00

Formed in 2017, The Lilting Banshees are a group of young Bristol based musicians who collectively play Irish tunes to suit any occasion.

Venue: Seamus O’ Donnells Tickets: Free

Come down to the Coach and Horses in Old Market Quarter for some great entertainment. Loads coming up at The Coach over the next two weeks.

Saturday 12th March 2022 Six nations 16.45 England v Ireland Sunday 13th March 2022 We have live music from 4pm from Chris Woodchuck & Chris James Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th March 2022 Cheltenham festival. All races shown Thursday 17th March 2022 Live music from Chris Woodchuck and Chris James from 4pm onwards.

Friday 18th March 2022 Cheltenham gold cup Hope to see you all here Venue: Coach & Horses, BS2 0DP Tickets: free

St Patricks Party @ Propaganda 19 March 23:00-04:00 Propaganda is the UK’s biggest club night!

Deck out in green, grab a Guinness and join us to party as hard as the Irish to celebrate St Patrick’s!

Expect an unrivalled audio-visual mix, with Arctic Monkeys to The 1975, Paramore to The Killers, Billie Eilish to Tom Grennan and much more! Info @ www.thepropaganda.com Venue: The Fleece, BS1 6JJ Tickets: £5

WWW.BRISTOLIRISHSOCIETY.ORG

IRISH BRISTOL

IRISH LIFE

IRISH RUN & FRIENDLY ORGANISATIONS AND EVENTS

W W W . B R I S T O L I R I S H S O C I E T Y .O R G

Western Gaels GAA

Western Gaels Bristol GAA are Gloucestershire’s most successful Gaelic Football Club and are the only Gaelic Football club in Bristol that have both a Mens and Ladies team. We welcome people of all levels of ability and people who are just interested in joining the club in a non-playing capacity and just enjoying the socials!

If you’re interested in getting involved in GAA in Bristol, then reach out to us here or email pro.westerngaels.gloucestershire@gaa.ie. Alternatively contact us on our social channels linked at the top of the page.

All are welcome!

WANT TO KNOW MORE CONTACT US VIA SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL We are always looking for new players regardless of playing experience. If you are experienced player or new to the game and you want to get fit or make friends we would like to hear from you. Supporters and volunteers are always welcome too. www.westerngaels.co.uk

STUART IRISH DANCE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

STUART IRISH DANCE SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

Stuart Irish Dance is taught by Rachael Stuart (ADCRG) and George Deadman (Professional Irish Dancer) and is based in Fishponds, Bristol.

Stuart Irish Dance is home to three solo World Champions and ceili World Champions and our goal is to make dancers be the best they can be.

We accept pupils of all ages, our youngest students are four years old and our eldest dancer is seventy, we pride ourselves in being inclusive as we believe that Irish dancing is for everybody.

Rachael has taught dancing for over ten years and is a fully qualified teacher and adjudicator.

Rachael has experience teaching children and adults of all ages and has taught dancers from complete beginners into champions. Rachael has judged competitions all over Europe and is currently working on become an examiner.

George is a three time World Champion and has danced in many shows including Lord of the Dance, Celtic Illusion and Gaelforce Dance where he has performed as the principal dancer.

Dancing has taken him all over the world from Australia to China, his passion is teaching rhythm and performance to our dancers.

If you would like to get in contact please contact Rachael on 07824553554 or email stuartirishdance@gmail.com

@StuartIrishDance

@StuartIrishDance

HORIZON DANCE COMPANY SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE EST 2019

HORIZON DANCE COMPANY SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

Horizon Dance Company was founded in March 2019 and is based in Bristol, UK. We are registered with The Irish Dancing Commission, An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), based in Dublin, Ireland.

We encourage adults to pursue their passion for Irish dancing – whether they are just starting out or have danced for many years.

Our classes teach the main traditional Irish dances, along with a strong focus on Irish dance performance.

We believe in striving for a high standard of Irish dancing while celebrating the art form in a supportive and encouraging environment. We are passionate about connecting with audiences and inspiring others through our energetic and exciting dance form.

Horizon is directed by Katie Smith, a native Bristolian. Katie started Irish Dancing at the age of 7, inspired by watching the iconic ‘Riverdance’. After falling in love with the art form she has enjoyed a dancing career spanning over twenty years, performing at prestigious venues including Harrods, Trafalgar Square, SS Great Britain, Reading Rugby, Move It London, and on ITV. For more information or to book our performance troupe please email Katie at info@horizondancecompany.com or Call 07745149824 horizondancecompany.com

horizondancecompany

horizondancecompany

W W W .H O R I Z O N D A N C E C O M P A N Y . C O M

SCOIL RINCE CEIM OIR SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE EST 2007

SCOIL RINCE CEIM OIR SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

The O’Malley School of Irish Dance is based in Bristol under the direction of Kate O’Malley, TCRG. We offer traditional Irish Dance classes for children (4+) and adults, from beginners through to World Championship level.

Our classes are fun and a great way to keep fit whilst learning a fantastic dance style, now celebrated the world over. Dancers will get to learn light shoe and heavy shoe dances as well as team ceili dances and display routines.

The school was established in 2007 by Kate O’Malley and since then, has reached an impressive 9 World Championships and are the current Regional and Great Britain Champions (Junior Mixed Ceili), British National Champions (Under 13 Girls Ceili) and Regional Champions (Senior 4-hand).

Whilst our competitive dancers train hard for such important events, we also love to perform at local celebrations such as St Patrick’s Day, weddings, corporate functions and parties. We’ve opened Bristol Harbour Festival and took 50 dancers to surprise the shoppers in Cabot Circus with a Flash Mob. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced dancer wanting to get back in to it, we’ve a class for you!

The O’Malley School is registered with An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha in. Dublin, the largest Worldwide Irish dancing governing body, classes are insured and teachers are DBS checked.

For more information or to book our performance troupe please email Kate at omalleyirishdance@hotmail.co.uk or Call 07934 444877 ceimoirbristol

www.ceimoir.com/

Organisations

IRISH IN BRITAIN Established 1973

Irish in Britain is the national membership body for Irish community organisations in Britain – providing support and representation for our diverse network and championing our community’s interests.

The Irish community is made up of many inspirational organisations and individuals, our purpose is to bring together these many voices – to share expertise, to represent, to campaign for and support the growth and wellbeing of our community and the infrastructure around it.

Irish in Britain was formerly known as the Federation of Irish Societies, established in 1973 when the Northern and Southern Federations came together to create a single national body. Our membership is made up of societies, groups, clubs, services and individuals, who become Friends of Irish in Britain, and they play an integral part in bringing ‘Irish in Britain’ to life.

We are driven by the creativity and energy of our members and wider community and value their expertise and knowledge. We thrive on this to create conversations to lead, champion and connect the Irish in Britain.

WHAT WE DO We help build sustainability into our member organisations; promote healthy living; draft policy positions and campaign for issues that matter to the whole community.

We deliver work in many different areas including: • • • • •

Research into the Irish community in Britain Policy and advocating for the Irish community on a range issues – from welfare reforms to dementia services Parliamentary work – providing the Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ireland and the Irish in Britain Campaigning – from raising the profile of the Irish cultural contribution to Britain, highlighting the need to address heart health through our Green Hearts initiative, to providing the template for memory–loss/dementia friendly communities through our Cuimhne strategy.

Community Development – providing advice, guidance and support to Irish groups, societies and clubs across Britain to help ensure their sustainability and growth.

For more information please visit our website www.irishinbritain.org

W W W . I R I S H I N B R I T A I N .O R G

History

PATRICK COTTER Irish Giants Of The 1700s

In the 1700s several famous Irish show giants made their living exhibiting themselves in Britain and across Europe. Amongst them the skeleton of Patrick Cotter (1760 – 1806) was studied in detail. Patrick Cotter was born 19 January 1760 in the small seaside town of Kinsale, County Cork. A life-size replica of Cotter ‘the Giant of Kinsale’ is on display at Kinsale Museum, along with his giant boots and a memorial to his life.

Cotter O’Brien was spotted working as a brickie, aged 18, by a travelling showman who enticed him towards the ‘freak show’—which promised far more money.

Being eight feet tall with a reach far higher, Cotter didn’t need a ladder to reach the roofs of the cottages he worked on. Once in England, Patrick Cotter O’Brien adopted the stage-name O’Brien, in keeping with the legendary folkloric family of giant Irish kings. It was on the English side of the Irish Sea that he earned himself the nickname ‘the Bristol Giant’ and more money than he could ever have earned as a brickie.

On September 8, 1806, Cotter O’Brien passed away at the age of 46. As with many of the world’s tallest people, Cotter O’Brien death came at a relatively young age and directly from the strains of having such a large body. No hearse long enough to accommodate Cotter O’Brien’s 284cm casket could be found upon his death.

Instead, fourteen men were called upon to carry him to his grave. Cotter O’Brien left £2,000 to his mother and requested his body be entombed behind 12 feet of rock to prevent exhumation.

Despite his wishes, Cotter O’Brien’s body was exhumed three times in 1906, 1972 and finally in 1986. Due to the redevelopment of his gravesite in 1986, the Giant of Kildare was finally cremated after a church service in his honour. His remains were exhumed in 1972 and were examined in great detail and described in a book: The Irish giant by G. Frankcom & J.H. Musgrave. Cotter was subsequently reburied but in 1986 during a redevelopment in the area his remains were identified and then cremated after a church service. photos and text Irish post, Bristol Museum, wikipedia

Books

The Final Round:

The Autobiography of Jane Couch Author: Publisher: ISBN-10: Language: First Published:

Jane Couch Pitch Publishing 1785315625 English 9 September 2019

About the Author Jane Couch has collaborated with Abi Smith to tell her story. Abi has ghost-written three books, Kristina Rihanoff: Dancing Out Of The Darkness, Chloe Ayling: Kidnapped and England netball star Geva Mentor’s memoir, Leap. She has also written biographies of Russell Howard, Mickey Flanagan and Cara Delevingne. Abi’s work has been serialised in the Guardian and Mail on Sunday and she has written for OK!, Entertainment Daily and the Express.

The Final Round is the inspirational story of one woman and her fight to be able to box. Growing up in Fleetwood with no career aspirations, Jane Couch’s world changed overnight when she watched two American women boxers on TV and knew she’d found her calling. However, at that time, women weren’t allowed to box in the UK - so Jane had to train under the radar, sparring illegally with men and travelling abroad to fight. She had to prove herself at every turn, but with a country that wouldn’t let her do what she loved, she was up against the ropes. But Jane fought back. In 1998 a court of law found the British Board of Boxing Control guilty of discrimination, and she became the first female to be awarded a UK licence to box. Far from being celebrated, she was ridiculed and labelled a ‘freak show’, the subject of TV chat-show debates. Having paved the way for women to box, Jane found herself hung out to dry by the male-dominated boxing establishment. Her story is one of passion, guts and determination.

Copies of this book are available to buy on www.amazon.co.uk

IRISH SOCIETY QUIZ

Everyone is welcome to join the society and if you have events you run or would like to run for the Irish communities get in touch and Join our volunteers events group.

Throughout the year Bristol Irish Society runs quiz nights and other great social events which enable people from the Irish community to meet up with old friends and make new ones. The quiz nights are always great fun. We would like to do even more social events so come join the Irish Society.

Resourceful recycling responsible & reliable waste management

Skip hire

Grab hire

Waste recycling centre

Average Skip hire delivery time

Average recycling rate

45 Min

Tipper hire

Waste compactors

Roll-on roll-off

Wheelie Bin Service

McCarthy Marland Resourceful Recycling

95%

TM

www.mccarthymarland.co.uk Call: 0117 941 2555