Ideas sought for celebrating 2016
Meath County Council is inviting submissions from anyone interested in participating in the development and delivery of Meath’s local programme, as part of Ireland 2016.
Ireland 2016 is a year-long programme of activity, in which everyone is invited to participate, to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising, to reflect on our achievements as a democratic state over the last 100 years and to look towards Ireland’s future. The national programme, which was announced by the government on 31 March, includes seven strands; State Ceremonial; Historical Reflection; An Teanga Bheo/The Living Language; Youth and Imagination; Cultural Expression; Community Participation; Global and Diaspora.
The Community Participation strand is being led by local authorities across the country and Meath has appointed Ciarán Mangan, who will be responsible for coordinating the local programme.
Whether you are a member of a local historical society, sports club, amateur drama club or community group, or even if this is something that is purely a personal interest, this is an opportunity to share ideas, pool resources and be part of the creation of a unique and distinctive local programme to mark Ireland 2016.
Speaking at the announcement of the call for submissions, Cllr Jim Holloway, Cathaoirleach, Meath County Council said: “Ireland 2016, as a year of reflection and engagement for everyone on this island, goes far beyond the formal marking of a key historical moment. It is a once-in-a-century invitation to people of all ages, at home and overseas, to shape and take part in a diverse range of historical, cultural and artistic activities, all designed to nurture reflection, commemoration, celebration and debate. There is a wealth of imagination, energy and vision available to us in Meath and I want to encourage everyone to get involved in their own way so we can make Ireland 2016 a truly national event.”
All those who make a written submission will be invited to partake in a facilitated session at a later date to share ideas, projects and initiatives of local interest. Interested participants are kindly reminded that the closing date for submissions is 22nd April. All submissions are to be sent to Ciarán Mangan, 1916 Co-ordinator,Meath County Library, Railway Street, Navan, Co Meath or by email to ireland2016@meathcoco.ie
Details of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are available at www.ireland.ie. Follow Ireland 2016 on Facebook and Twitter: #ireland2016 #eire2016