Pensioners who worked in the city's heavy industries are living in poverty with high levels of limiting long-term illness but are too proud to ask for help when they are struggling. And Irish people in general feel socially isolated and believe organisations such as the council and health authority are not doing enough to help them.

They want "equal partnership with other black and ethnic minority groups" when it comes to training, employment, consultation, monitoring and grant applications.

The report, from Sheffield Hallam University's internationally-renowned Centre for Regional Social and Economic Research, found public bodies are not doing enough to address the needs of Irish people.

Although the Irish are the city's longest established ethnic minority group, "Irish" was only included for the first time as a category in the last census. The report says that while data is collected, the information is not always "fit for purpose" and public authorities are not targeting any resources to help the community.

The report was commissioned by a new group in the city called Sheffield Irish Association.

Chairman Gerry Kelly said: "This report is the first major study of the Irish in Sheffield and the needs of people living here. Scores of university students in the city are from Ireland, along with many professionals who have made Sheffield their home and are doing really well.

"But there is another picture of people struggling to get by, particularly those with long-term illnesses, and especially men who came to England in the 50s and 60s and worked all their lives in building, mining or heavy industry and are now socially isolated and living in poverty. We will be calling on all public services to play their part in properly monitoring the needs of the Irish and then making sure they shape their services to address that need."

The Irish Association says Sheffield Council and the two universities should also work with the community to promote an annual festival of Irish culture, music and dance in the city.

Report author Dr Rionach Casey added: "The report draws attention to the valuable contribution and rich cultural heritage of the Irish in Sheffield. It documents anti-Irish racism but also highlights the broad appeal of Irish music, sports and dance."

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