Dr D Ben Rees is a dedicated local historian and a prolific author. His latest book, 'The Welsh in Liverpool: A Remarkable History' has recently been published. On 24th November he will look at what he calls 'the Celtic cousins' - the Irish. He will talk about their huge migration into Liverpool - especially between 1845 and 1850 - and the tensions and violence they were involved in.

The 1836 'Report on the Irish Poor' will also be analysed. Their losses at sea, and how the Westminster Government responded well, under Sir Robert Peel, will be underlined - along with the different attitude that followed his fall from power. The anti-Irish views of Dr William Duncan in Liverpool will be compared with the strenuous efforts made by Reverend James Nugent and others.

Dr Rees will stress the involvement of the Liverpool Irish in the Fenian Movement - as well as in local politics, through the Home Rule councillors and the Irish Nationalists. The first and only Irish Nationalist MP at Westminster was the journalist T P O'Connor, elected in 1885 and representing the Liverpool Scotland constituency. The lecture will cover 'Ribbonism', the power of the Pub (and Publican) - and will also emphasise the proud record of the Liverpool Irish in so many different fields.