Celebrating our Cultural Diversity

Clogher Historical Society/Cumann Seanchais Chlochair has partnered with two other community groups, The Cahans Project and Knockatallon Ramblers, to put together this exciting new project aimed at bringing communities together through the appreciation of each other's heritage. These three partners feel strongly that a better understanding of the past will bring about reconciliation in communities scarred by the Troubles. Those who participate will work together in a relaxing and fun environment to reach common goals. The experience will help dissolve the barriers that divide them and build positive relationships that will endure into the future.

Funders

The International Fund for Ireland (through the Rural Development Council for Northern Ireland) is the principal project funder. The project is grateful also for the support of County Monaghan Heritage Office, The Community Foundation for Ireland (through the County Monaghan Fund), Monaghan Credit Union and Ballybay Credit Union.          

          

Michael Treanor (vice-chairperson, County Monaghan Fund) presents cheque from The Community Foundation for Ireland to the project partners.

The Project

The project will take place between Summer 2010 and Summer 2012 and it is open to everyone. We encourage you to get involved, whatever your background. The project will include:

Who do you think you are?

A series of talks on the origins of our local communities and a 10-week genealogy club. Why not come along learn something new about your area and your community? Participants will be helped to build their own family and local histories - who knows what you might discover!

St Patrick's walk through Monaghan

St Patrick's walk from Tyholland to O'Lily Ford is told in an early 'Life' of the saint. He encountered local clans and had many adventures along the way. The organisers are commissioning a new drama based on the story and five or six schools along the route will work together to perform it at a local venue.

Eoghan Roe O'Neill's walk to the Battle of Clones

This series of walks based on the troubled times of the mid-17th century will be guided by Knockatallon Ramblers, accompanied by costumed re-enactors and wildlife and heritage guides. Walkers will travel together along the foothills of Sliabh Beagh and learn a bit about life in Plantation Ulster along the way.

A re-enactment of the Cahans Exodus

A community of three hundred Presbyterians walked with their pastor from Ballybay to Narrow Water in 1764, where they boarded a ship for the New World. The project will re-enact this historic walk over three days with the help of communities along the way.

Social events

There will be an opportunity to socialise with people from other communities through social events at key points during the project.

Diversity awareness workshops

Participants will be given the opportunity to attend these workshops which are designed to break down barriers between people and give them greater appreciation of others' viewpoints.