The cross border ‘Oriel Connects Us’ cultural and heritage programme funded by the #internationalfundforireland communities in partnership program was officially launched on 21st May.
This programme partners Lislea Centre in Co Armagh, and Omeath District Development in Co. Louth.
IFI board member Katy Hayward spoke at the event, saying “By looking into our past, we can reawaken and re-thread the commonalities that bring us together and which can help us to forge an even better future. Projects like these make such a significant contribution at grass-roots level to the connection between communities, helping to harness the creative strengths and talents and providing an opportunity to come together with a shared sense of purpose. I commend the work that has taken place to date and acknowledge the tremendous contribution of all project partners.”
Helen Thompson, of Omeath District Development said “This programme is driven by two separate communities each with their own individual history who are enthusiastic about their shared heritage, place, language, poetry, music and song of the Oriel and this is timely as there is now a widespread reawakening of the Irish language. “
Liam Hannaway, of Lislea Community Association, said: “We are delighted to rekindle a relationship with Omeath which was there 60 years ago. The programme will enable residents of our community of all ages to share our unique cultural connectiveness.”
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of IFI for this project and to everyone who attended to celebrate the launch last week.
Press Releases:
https://www.newry.ie/articles/news/eur100k-ifi-funding-for-omeath-and-lislea-community-project
Katy Hayward, Helen Thompson, Eamon Hannaway, Kathleen O’Brien
Development), and Kate Quinn (Programme Co-ordinator, Lislea Community Association)