A journalist is set to write a book on the history of the Irish in the city where she is based.

Yorkshire-based news and feature writer Sheron Boyle, pictured, has been commissioned to write a book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Leeds Irish Centre, part of which will examine how the Irish have shaped the city over the past 200 years.

Sheron, whose own family emigrated to settle in the county, was invited to write the book because of her strong ties to Yorkshire and Ireland.

The centre itself has been recognised as “the birthplace of televised darts”, having hosted former England cricketer Fred Trueman’s pub games programme The Indoor League in 1973, while music acts including Oasis and Val Doonican have also played there.

Sheron said: “My relations have worked at the centre and socialised there.

“I know the fantastic work it does for charity and how it looks after its own community from cradle to grave.

“I was delighted to be asked to write the book and hope to do the centre’s members and the Irish diaspora proud.

“I particularly like the fact that who ever walks through the doors of the venue is treated the same – be it the bishop or a rock band – and I know there are some great tales to be told.”

During 2020, the centre will host a range of events to commemorate its past and celebrate its future.

Tommy McLoughlin, who has managed the centre for the past 45 years, said: “We are proud of the place we have in the hearts of many generations of Irish people in Yorkshire and the 50th anniversary is a perfect time for us to highlight all the good work – in charity, sport and entertainment – that we do.

“Many people came here from the west of Ireland – my own family included – and settled in the region to work in construction, the mines and mills.

“We helped shape the county and appreciate how Leeds and Yorkshire welcomed us, particularly during sensitive political times.

“The Irish shaped the county physically as well as culturally and financially. The Irish Centre has for 50 years been the beating heart of the community and I hope the book will reflect that.”