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Irish Post
2 days ago
- 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
01-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Mayoral honours for O'Farrells Butchers with recognition award
THE Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack, has presented a Recognition Award from Brent's Town Hall to the much-loved O'Farrells Butchers on Willesden High Road. The Irish butcher's shop sits at the heart of Brent's Irish community, in an area rich with Irish pubs, local traders, and cultural traditions. O'Farrells is a traditional family-run butcher shop specialising in free-range meats, with deep family roots in Dublin. The owner, affectionately known in the community as Dennis, is a familiar and respected figure, renowned for his tireless work ethic - operating the shop six days a week. Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack presents a Recognition Award from Brent's Town Hall to the much-loved O'Farrells Butchers on Willesden High Road Dennis has dedicated himself to the butchery trade since the late 1990s, earning a reputation for his craft, care, and commitment. With a passion for producing exquisite meats and sourcing cherished Irish products, he has created more than just a butcher's shop — it's a taste of home for many. Loyal customers, some travelling from miles away, return time and again for the flavours and memories that only O'Farrells can offer. The traditional family-run butchers, which specialises in free-range meats, has deep family roots in Dublin Dennis, visibly moved after receiving the award from the Irish Mayor of Brent, said, 'I never expected such recognition, but I feel truly honoured.' Reflecting on his connection to the area, he added, 'I love Willesden and having my butcher shop right in the heart of the community. I genuinely enjoy what I do — it means so much to be able to serve the high street and the people who've supported me over the years.' The Recognition Award is presented to exceptional individuals and organisations who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the community in the London Borough of Brent. Speaking after presenting the award to Dennis, the Mayor of Brent said, 'Brent is the home of the Irish and is proudly known as the 33rd County of Ireland.' He continued, 'It's deeply important to me to honour and celebrate the Irish businesses, citizens, and organisations that have helped shape and support our community over the years. Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of Brent.' The news of the award has been met with huge approval by local residents, many expressing their pride and affection for Dennis and his beloved shop. O'Farrell's Traditional Family Butchers are at 35 High Road, Willesden, London, NW10 2TE See More: Irish, London, O'Farrell's Traditional Family Butchers, Willesden
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.'
