the irish community in china
Irish people are becoming increasingly interested in China –its rich culture, its friendly people and its great strides in economic matters. Today the number of Irish living, studying and working in China can be numbered in their thousands and many Irish community, sporting, social and commercial organisations have been established in recent years.
There are four active organisations serving the needs of the Irish Community in Shanghai.
Le Chéile provides a wide range of family and cultural activities including Irish Culture classes for children, Christmas and Halloween family events, Bloomsday celebrations and other ad hoc social events (including the occasional Father Ted night!). The friendly and inclusive atmosphere of the organisation attracts a wide range of nationalities and it continues to develop strong relationships with many Chinese and Shanghainese bodies.
The GAA have a well established and supported football club, with bi-weekly training and recently the introduction of kids coaching. The Shanghai GAA women's team won this years All China Games in Shenzhen.
The IBF (Irish Business Forum) provides networking opportunities for Irish businesses and Irish business people and has a strong relationship with the International Chambers of Commerce and Irish State bodies in Shanghai.
The Shanghai Ireland Association organises the St Patrick's Ball and raises significant amounts of money for good causes here in China. The Ball celebrated it's fifth birthday in 2010 and is going from strength to strength and enhancing it's reputation as the best night out in Shanghai.
All four groups work together with the Irish Consulate to ensure the success of Ireland Week in Shanghai. The highlight of the 2010 Ireland week was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 13 March which saw thousands of Irish, Chinese and international marchers and spectators take to the streets in what is a unique honour for the Irish Community. The parade, sponsored by the Ireland EXPO Pavilion, was lead by Dr Sha Hai Lin, Shanghai's Municipal People's Government Deputy Secretary, Irish Government Minister Michael Finneran TD and of course Haibao, the World Expo 2010 mascot. The Le Chéile children gave a stirring rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann and were rewarded with a front page photo in the Shanghai Daily. Many other performers from Ireland and Shanghai took part in the parade and street carnival. The day closed with revelers partying until the early hours and raising a record amount for worthy causes at the biggest St Patrick's Charity Ball, now in it's fifth year.”
| Relations between China and Ireland have developed smoothly and rapidly since formal diplomatic relations were established in 1979 and ambassadors exchanged in 1980. Since that time visits to China by Irish delegations have become regular occurrences, due to the importance of trade and cultural links between the two countries. |
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THE IRISH COMMUNITY IN SHANGHAI
There are four active organisations serving the needs of the Irish Community in Shanghai.
Le Chéile provides a wide range of family and cultural activities including Irish Culture classes for children, Christmas and Halloween family events, Bloomsday celebrations and other ad hoc social events (including the occasional Father Ted night!). The friendly and inclusive atmosphere of the organisation attracts a wide range of nationalities and it continues to develop strong relationships with many Chinese and Shanghainese bodies.
The GAA have a well established and supported football club, with bi-weekly training and recently the introduction of kids coaching. The Shanghai GAA women's team won this years All China Games in Shenzhen.
The IBF (Irish Business Forum) provides networking opportunities for Irish businesses and Irish business people and has a strong relationship with the International Chambers of Commerce and Irish State bodies in Shanghai.
The Shanghai Ireland Association organises the St Patrick's Ball and raises significant amounts of money for good causes here in China. The Ball celebrated it's fifth birthday in 2010 and is going from strength to strength and enhancing it's reputation as the best night out in Shanghai.
All four groups work together with the Irish Consulate to ensure the success of Ireland Week in Shanghai. The highlight of the 2010 Ireland week was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on 13 March which saw thousands of Irish, Chinese and international marchers and spectators take to the streets in what is a unique honour for the Irish Community. The parade, sponsored by the Ireland EXPO Pavilion, was lead by Dr Sha Hai Lin, Shanghai's Municipal People's Government Deputy Secretary, Irish Government Minister Michael Finneran TD and of course Haibao, the World Expo 2010 mascot. The Le Chéile children gave a stirring rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann and were rewarded with a front page photo in the Shanghai Daily. Many other performers from Ireland and Shanghai took part in the parade and street carnival. The day closed with revelers partying until the early hours and raising a record amount for worthy causes at the biggest St Patrick's Charity Ball, now in it's fifth year.”
Useful Links
| Embassy of Ireland www.embassyofireland.cn/Ireland/relations.htm |
| Le Chéile - The Irish Community of Shanghai www.lecheileshanghai.com |