Frank is the face of Cavan

Cavan is to be represented by construction specialist Frank O'Hare in a series of videos celebrating the links between Britain and Ireland. The initiative is the brainchild of of the London-based national charity and membership network 'Irish in Britain'.

'Irish in Britain' launched the new digital series for the run up to St Patrick’s Day, called “We are the Irish in Britain: county connections”. Through 32 short videos participants talk about the Irish county or counties they have a connection to, sometimes sharing a favourite spot from their county and a message for other Irish people in Britain after a year like no other.

Founder and director of the London Irish Construction Network, Frank O’Hare, represents County Cavan in the series. Frank originally hails from Maudabawn, Drumgoon. His video includes amazing drone footage that covers six counties: Cavan, Fermanagh, Armagh, Monaghan, Down and Louth.

Frank is very proud of his Cavan roots and still very connected with the area after 40 years in London.

The series is about celebration and connection, as well as reflection. Participants includes poets and politicians, campaigners and comedians, nurses and broadcasters, as well as business, GA and charity leaders. They weave an impression of the many ways Irish people contribute to the rich tapestry that is Britain in 2021.

Participants include broadcaster Bridgerton actor Jamie Beamish (Waterford), Andrea Catherwood (Antrim), chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan (Meath), Conor McGinn MP (Armagh), former London football manager Paul Coggins (Roscommon) and comedian Alison Spittle (Westmeath).

The messages include calls for diversity and inclusion, recognising the difficulties of the last year in terms of mental health, getting involved in your local community, and looking ahead to next year’s St Patrick’s Day when restrictions will have hopefully been reduced.

Conor McGinn MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ireland and the Irish in Britain, said: “The new County Connections initiative is a wonderful way to celebrate the strong links we all share with places that are special to us in Ireland. When many of us are missing loved ones and have not been able to get home for a year, it’s a nice way to bring together our Irish community here in Britain as we approach St Patrick's Day.”

Irish in Britain have been sharing the videos on their website www.irishinbritain.org and social media channels @irishinbritain from March 3.