Introduction / History
The Irish people have contributed significantly to European and world history, especially through preserving literacy and maintaining a Christian witness in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, and in the development of North America and Australia in the last two centuries.

The United Kingdom includes Northern Ireland, which is home to (mainly Catholic) Irish and (mainly Protestant) Ulster-Irish communities. Additionally, thousands of Irish people have migrated to England, Scotland and Wales in recent centuries; they and many of their descendants are often known as 'the Irish in Britain'.

The whole island was politically united with Britain in 1801. During a series of conflicts in the early 1920s, Ireland was partitioned (between north and south) and the territory which now forms the Republic of Ireland gained self-government. Northern Ireland experienced an intense and prolonged 30-year conflict – known as the Troubles – in the late 20th Century, followed by a successful peace process and the formation of a cross-community government.

Within Northern Ireland, the cities of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry are notably more secular and, throughout the region, a Catholic identity is often viewed as interchangeable with an Irish nationalist political identity. There remains a considerable need for the building (and rebuilding) of good relationships between Protestant and Catholic communities, and across the island of Ireland – many churches and individual Christians seek to make a difference in this area.

What are their lives like?
Family life is important and brothers and sisters are close, often living nearby in Northern Ireland. A relatively large number of people in the region continue to live in rural areas and are involved in agriculture; its economy is mainly comprised of government services and relatively small businesses, and tourism is a major source of income.

English is the everyday language and the Irish language (Gaelic) is taught in many primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Gaelic football, hurling, rugby and soccer are popular sports, and the Irish people are well-known for their hospitality and creativity.

Travel and trade between the UK and Ireland is significant with both societies being closely related to each other. Everyday life for British and Irish people is identical in almost every respect.

What are their beliefs?
Christianity was established in Ireland by Patrick in the 5th Century AD; the island's culture has until recently been heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism and, to a lesser extent, Protestantism after the Reformation. The majority of Irish people describe their religious identity as Roman Catholic although due to the rapid rise of secularism, many have only a nominal faith.

There is a history of tension between Protestant and Roman Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, which can be greater in areas affected by the recent Troubles, although considerable progress has been made in reconciliation since the 1990s. A strong affinity to nationality – in both communities – has often obscured personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

What are their needs?
There is a history of tension between Protestant and Roman Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, which can be greater in areas affected by the recent Troubles, although considerable progress has been made in reconciliation since the 1990s.

Many Irish people have a good understanding of Christian beliefs through their neighbours, their upbringing, or the influence of churches in the education system in Northern Ireland. However, church attendance and participation has decreased in recent decades.

Religious tradition is a significant influence with individuals and families often identifying with Catholicism in a general sense rather than expressing personal faith in Jesus. Across the UK and Ireland in general, society is becoming more secular and there is a great need for people to find their real purpose and direction in life, through Jesus.

Prayer Points
Scripture Prayers for the Irish in UK.
Pray that nominal and secular Catholics and Protestants will give their lives to Jesus Christ.
Pray for continued political and economic stability.
Pray for wisdom as Christians navigate through change in society.

References
Conflict Archive on the Internet, Ulster University: https://cain.ulster.ac.uk
Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down: www.saintpatrickcentre.com
Irish in Britain: www.irishinbritain.org
London Irish Centre: www.londonirishcentre.org