THE IRISH community could lose out if they don't start making use of their facilities.

That is the warning from Patsy Moloney, who regularly brings top Irish artists to Swindon's Thistle Hotel.

He says the community, the largest ethnic group in Swindon, has now got to use their facilities on offer or lose them.

Mr Moloney, from Park North, said: "In the old days a lot of people came over from Ireland, but because of the tiger economy in Ireland, people are actually returning there.

"Younger people just don't seem interested in Irish traditional bands any more and if people don't start coming to these events they will die out."

Mr Moloney said it cost him a four-figure sum to bring top names such as the Brendan Shine, Ann Breen and country music singer Shawn Cuddy to the town, and even with well-known names in Ireland it was hard to pull in more than 200 people.

In recent years the town has lost the Irish Club in Dowling Street and the Shamrock Football and Hurling Club.

Mr Moloney also helps run the Moloney School of Irish Dance, and he explains their most recent event, a weekend long Feis at the Ridgeway School, cost more than £10,000 to stage.

He explained the majority of Irish clubs across the south of England were struggling, in areas such as Reading and Newbury as well as in Swindon.

Last year Mr Moloney was nominated alongside top Irish sports stars and celebrities in the Irish Post Awards, which recognise the achievements of Irish people living in Britain.

Mr Moloney's services to the community have twice been recognised by the Irish Embassy in London, which invited him to ambassadors' receptions.

The next event at the Thistle Hotel in Fleming Way is tomorrow night and features Chris Ball of My Lovely Rose of Clare fame with support by Shaun Michael Band.

Tickets are £8 and there will be a late bar until 1am.

To buy tickets for tomorrow's dance call Mr Moloney on Swindon 642368.