Latest news with #BIAS
Irish Post
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Jigs, jokes and a cup of tea with the Mayor in Brent
IN JULY, the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack, attended the Active Ageing Tuesday and Thursday Tea Dances in Cricklewood and Dollis Hill. Organised by the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS), these weekly gatherings welcome nearly 150 members of the local Irish community — offering warmth, laughter, and connection through music, dancing, and a game of bingo. The Mayor of Brent joined in the fun at the Irish Active Ageing Club last month Reflecting on his visit, the Mayor shared: 'Brent is still proudly the home of many Irish, and the sense of community was truly moving. The Active Ageing Club isn't just a weekly gathering — it's a lifeline. It keeps Irish culture alive, brings people together, and honours the generations who helped shape this borough.' The tea dance is a popular event Liz Dixon, who also attended the Tea Dance, said: 'It was such a joy to see the Mayor dancing — he really lit up the room. You could feel the happiness in the air. Everyone had a brilliant time, and we're so grateful to BIAS for everything they do to support the Irish community in Brent. These Tea Dances aren't just fun — they're essential. They bring people together and keep our spirits strong.' Ready for action at the tea dance The Mayor also paid a heartfelt visit to Tony's Bar in Willesden — anIrish pub at the heart of the community — to thank the team for their years of hard work and warm hospitality. Over a well-earned pint of Guinness, he reflected on the vital role Irish pubs, businesses, and citizens have played in shaping Brent. As Mayor, he's committed to honouring those who have helped keep the spirit of the Irish community alive across the borough. Irish Active Ageing Club: Every Tuesday from 12pm to 3pm, the community gathers at the Catholic Church of St Mary & St Andrew, 216 Dollis Hill Lane, NW2 6HE — and every Thursday at the same time at Trades Hall, 134 Cricklewood Lane, NW2 2DP.
Irish Post
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Warm welcome for new Mayor of Brent at long-standing Irish pub
AN IRISH bar in north London hosted a night of cultural celebrations while welcoming the newly elected Mayor of Brent Councillor Ryan Hack. Irish world champion dancer Joe McGeown was also a special guest at the event hosted at Katie's Bar in Neasden. The event was a 'celebration of Irish culture', the organisers said, with locals gathering to enjoy traditional music performed by Michael O'Hare. A long-standing establishment on Neasden Lane, Katie's Bar has served the local community for many years. Mayor of Brent, Councillor Mike Hack and World Champion Irish dancer Joe McGeown received a warm welcome at Katie's Bar Deeply rooted in Brent's Irish heritage, the pub is also a familiar place to Mayor Hack, who is a regular visitor to the popular spot. The event also celebrated dancer McGeown's remarkable achievement and his contribution to Irish dancing and the wider Irish community. As a two-time World Champion Irish Dancer, he proudly brought along his trophy to display on the evening. 'This event truly celebrated Irish culture and brought the community together to mark the return of an Irish Mayor,' McGeown said after the event. Northwest London - particularly Neasden, Kilburn, Cricklewood, and Willesden - traditionally boasts a significant Irish population. The London Borough of Brent has been twinned with South Dublin County Council since 1997 - a partnership built on deep historical and geographical ties between the two locations. Mayor Hack's personal connections to Brent's Irish community stretch back to 1970, when his grandparents emigrated from Mallow, County Cork, and settled in Willesden. Reflecting on this heritage at the event, Cllr Hack said: 'It's an honour to be the first Irish Mayor of Brent in nearly 20 years. 'I will always champion and celebrate Brent's Irish community.' The evening featured traditional Irish food, Guinness, and live music. As Mayor, Cllr Hack has pledged his support for the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS), an organisation established in 1978 to address the welfare needs of what remains one of London's largest immigrant communities. 'It's great to have an Irish mayor once again providing a voice for the often overlooked Irish community,' Mike McGing, CEO of BIAS, said. 'We look forward to working with Cllr Hack over the coming year.'
Irish Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
London borough celebrates Irish connections as Councillor Ryan Hack becomes youngest ever Mayor
COUNCILLOR Ryan Hack has been elected as the new Mayor of Brent, becoming the borough's First Citizen at the Council's annual general meeting held earlier this month. At 26, Cllr Hack is the youngest mayor in Brent's history. Because of the extent of its Irish population, this area of northwest London - which is surrounded by Kilburn, Cricklewood, and Willesden - has often been referred to as the 33rd county of Ireland. Since 1977 Brent has been twinned with South Dublin County Council in Ireland. This twinning arrangement was established in 1997 and is based on shared geographical and historical connections. Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack In 1970, Cllr Hack's grandparents had big dreams and emigrated from Mallow, County Cork, before eventually settling in Willesden. In his maiden mayoral speech, Cllr Hack expressed his gratitude, 'for the blessing of [his] Irish heritage,' and vowed to champion and celebrate 'Brent's diversity and community'. One of Cllr Hack's notable achievements was organising the first Multicultural St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Brent this year, sharing Montserrat's deep connection to both African and Irish traditions. He plans to host a Mayoral St. Patrick's Day Celebration during his tenure as mayor to honour Irish culture and unite people from all walks of life. Cllr Hack was the first person from his family to attend university and graduate with a Master's Degree from University College London. His first summertime work placement was stacking shelves in Irish-owned MP Moran Builders Merchants in Willesden, one of London's leading hardware stores. Ever since being elected as a councillor, Cllr Hack has used his platform to coordinate and campaign to improve residents' access to healthy food – mostly in areas of deprivation – by opening or supporting community kitchens as well as surplus food markets. As mayor, Cllr Hack will be supporting the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS), which strives to improve the health and well-being of the Irish community across North London and beyond. BIAS was set up in 1978 as a response to the welfare needs of the Irish community, one of the largest immigrant communities in London. Mike McGing CEO said: 'It's great to have an Irish mayor once again providing a voice for the often over looked Irish Community and we look forward to working with Cllr Hack over the next year.'
