Review of the Decade of Commemoration Cultural Seminar A capacity audience attended the Luton Irish Forum’s Seminar entitled ‘The Decade of Commemoration’ on Tuesday evening last [4th November] at 102 Hitchin Road. The evening began with a presentation by Dr Ivan Gibbons Programme Director of Irish Studies St Marys University. Dr Gibbons gave a detailed account of events leading up to the Easter Rising in 1916, the agitation for Home Rule, the outbreak of the First World War, the threat of conscription and ultimately the failure of the British establishment to grant the very limited Home Rule as promised due to both timing and the influence of the Ulster Unionist population. The 1916 Rising while not successful in gaining a united Ireland set in place a historic period in Irelands history leading to the foundation of the Free State, a bitter Civil War and the division of the country as it currently exists consisting of a 26 county republic and 6 counties remaining British. The Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall spoke about the period between 1912 and 1922 as the most eventful and influential decade in modern Irish history. It was important to commemorate these events in a way that is inclusive and respectful of different views on the past. He gave an overview of the progress made in Ireland’s relations with Britain particularly since the ratification of the Good Friday Agreement. Ireland’s influence in Europe and throughout the world was considerable as was the aid given to developing countries. He was confident that the Irish Government would very soon publish an inclusive plan to commemorate these historic events and welcomed the participation of the Irish Diaspora. The Irish President had recently joined other world leaders in paying tribute to those Irish soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War and the recognition given to those, soldiers and their families in Ireland demonstrated a changed mind set 100 years on. He looked forward to laying a wreath at the Cenotaph this weekend on behalf of the Irish Government. Luton Irish Forum Chair Tom Scanlon said ‘This was an historic evening - not only did the audience receive a comprehensive analysis of events which occurred 100 years ago, they were also able to gain a better understanding of current political thinking in their native land. We are delighted with the numbers in attendance particularly the number of young men and women who gave up their evening to attend and contribute to the debate. A big thank you is due to Dr Ivan Gibbons and Ambassador Dan Mulhall for their contribution to another resounding success at Luton Irish Forum. Images: Irish World Newspaper Coverage Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall and Dr Ivan Gibbons Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall, Dr Ivan Gibbons, Pauline Lavin and Cultural Seminar attendees Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall, LIF Chair Tom Scanlon, LIF Chief Officer Noelette Hanley and Dr Ivan Gibbons
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:37:40 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015