In November 2006, RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, came to Crawley to record The Irish Experience radio show, which focused on the Irish living in Britain.

Crawley was one of four locations in the UK chosen to take part in the programme and the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society were delighted to organise show that was broadcast during December 2006.

The Irish Experience was recorded at the Tavern On The Green with three additional shows recorded at Manchester, Newcastle and London. The Crawley show was recorded on Thursday 30 November and broadcast on RTÉ Radio One on 15 December 2006 at 9pm.

The Irish Experience has a cult following in Ireland with most attention paid to the ‘Dancing on the Radio’ segment. Crawley’s ‘Dancing on the Radio’ was provided by music from Blackthorn and dancing from the O’Brien School of Irish Dancing.

The Crawley programme included interviews with local people, live music provided by Blackthorn, Brogue and The Celtic Colleens plus Irish dancing. Paschal Mooney, RTÉ presenter and Irish Senator, introduced the broadcast and acted as the interviewer.

RTÉ was not the only broadcaster to come to Crawley to showcase Irish events organised by the community. ITV1 showcased the Saint Patrick’s Weekend in 2006 and the BBC attended the Saint Patrick’s Parade that took place this year, on 18 March 2007. From TV to Radio, the Irish in Crawley have been making their mark.