I was honored to participate in the Global Irish Forum that was held on April 19, 20 and 21 at Dublin Castle. The Forum was hosted by the Department of Irish Affairs: Irish Abroad Unit. Irish organizations from Australia to the United Kingdom were present.
North America was well represented by groups from Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) were well represented with the
The theme of the Forum was “Le Cheile Aris-Together Again.” The Forum was opened with an address from Michael Martin, TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense. Sean Fleming, TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora also addressed the delegation.
The first day included three panel discussions on the topics: “Responding to the needs of and staying relevant to, an evolving diaspora,” “Inclusively, diversity and belonging amongst Irish diaspora communities,” and “Building networks to promote economic, cultural and social connections between diaspora communities, their host countries and Ireland.” Also on the first day, the delegates met in small groups to share their ideas and concerns that are important to the worldwide Irish Community.
There was a special presentation on Consular Services and Passport Services, Citizen Services of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The first day concluded with a wonderful reception in the state apartments of Dublin Castle. New friendships and networks were started from the first day.
I was privileged to be interviewed as the National President of the LAOH; part of the interview was shown at the Forum. The Global Irish Forum was livestreamed and can also be seen on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
The final day included more panel discussions on our culture and influence. The titles of the panels were “Irish arts and cultural organizations as connections to the Irish diaspora and international audiences” and “Passing on the torch to future generations of the Irish diaspora.”
The day concluded with open discussions from the delegations and closing remarks from Joe Hackett, Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The delegates returned to their home countries with stronger ties to Ireland and Irish diaspora communities around the world. I was so honored and privilege to represent the LAOH and Irish America.
In addition to attending the Global Irish Forum, members of the LAOH presented donations from members throughout the United States to various groups in Northern Ireland. The LAOH Freedom for All Ireland Committee has provided financial aid to charities and agencies that encourage cross-community cooperation, economic development, social change, cross-border collaborations, Irish history and language education, nationalist infrastructure maintenance and construction efforts, and Irish unification initiatives based on peace and justice for all throughout Ireland. In addition to financial support, members of this Committee are advocates sharing information to support the full implementation of all parameters of the Good Friday Agreement.
The (LAOH) were honored to participate in the public launch at the James Connolly Center of the publication of Trasna na dTonnta – Across the Waves Women’s reflection on the Good Friday Agreement. This publication will be one that historians will value in their research on this period of Irish History. Women need to be remembered in their role in history.
I also attended the conference at Queens University on the Good Friday Agreement at Twenty-Five. What an experience to honor this important milestone and hear from the active participants who signed or had a role in this important document, including Senator George Mitchell.
My personal highlight of the trip was being invited to speak at the Relatives for Justice event, “It is Different for Mothers.” The event was the public display of portraits of mothers who lost their children during the Troubles. Many of the mothers featured in the portraits were present at the event and I was so humbled to be able to address them.
I quoted lines from the poem “Mother” by Patrick Pears. A friend, Mary Monty, from Belfast, went home that evening and wrote out the entire poem on a wooden plaque in the shape of a heart for me. What a special gift and memory.
The theme of the Forum was “Le Cheile Aris-Together Again.” The Forum was opened with an address from Michael Martin, TD,Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense. Sean Fleming, TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora also addressed the delegation.
The first day included three panel discussions on the topics: “Responding to the needs of and staying relevant to, an evolving diaspora,” “Inclusively, diversity and belonging amongst Irish diaspora communities,” and “Building networks to promote economic, cultural and social connections between diaspora communities, their host countries and Ireland.” Also on the first day, the delegates met in small groups to share their ideas and concerns that are important to the worldwide Irish Community.
There was a special presentation on Consular Services and Passport Services, Citizen Services of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The first day concluded with a wonderful reception in the state apartments of Dublin Castle. New friendships and networks were started from the first day.
I was privileged to be interviewed as the National President of the LAOH; part of the interview was shown at the Forum. The Global Irish Forum was livestreamed and can also be seen on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
The final day included more panel discussions on our culture and influence. The titles of the panels were “Irish arts and cultural organizations as connections to the Irish diaspora and international audiences” and “Passing on the torch to future generations of the Irish diaspora.”
The day concluded with open discussions from the delegations and closing remarks from Joe Hackett, Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The delegates returned to their home countries with stronger ties to Ireland and Irish diaspora communities around the world. I was so honored and privilege to represent the LAOH and Irish America.
In addition to attending the Global Irish Forum, members of the LAOH presented donations from members throughout the United States to various groups in Northern Ireland. The LAOH Freedom for All Ireland Committee has provided financial aid to charities and agencies that encourage cross-community cooperation, economic development, social change, cross-border collaborations, Irish history and language education, nationalist infrastructure maintenance and construction efforts, and Irish unification initiatives based on peace and justice for all throughout Ireland. In addition to financial support, members of this Committee are advocates sharing information to support the full implementation of all parameters of the Good Friday Agreement.
The (LAOH) were honored to participate in the public launch at the James Connolly Center of the publication of Trasna na dTonnta – Across the Waves Women’s reflection on the Good Friday Agreement. This publication will be one that historians will value in their research on this period of Irish History. Women need to be remembered in their role in history.
I also attended the conference at Queens University on the Good Friday Agreement at Twenty-Five. What an experience to honor this important milestone and hear from the active participants who signed or had a role in this important document, including Senator George Mitchell.
My personal highlight of the trip was being invited to speak at the Relatives for Justice event, “It is Different for Mothers.” The event was the public display of portraits of mothers who lost their children during the Troubles. Many of the mothers featured in the portraits were present at the event and I was so humbled to be able to address them.
I quoted lines from the poem “Mother” by Patrick Pears. A friend, Mary Monty, from Belfast, went home that evening and wrote out the entire poem on a wooden plaque in the shape of a heart for me. What a special gift and memory.
*Marilyn Madigan is the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
