Limerick community comes together for unique seminar
IN A FIRST of its kind, Rathkeale hosted a seminar highlighting community cohesion and learning among the settled and Traveller communities in Limerick.
The packed event, organised by Rathkeale Together, included some 80 locals, speakers and dignitaries that included councillors, officials from Limerick City and County Council, as well as church leadership - Bishop Michael Burrows, of the Church of Ireland, and Bairbre Nic Aongusa, of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Gillian Baker, Adapt Domestic Services, Belinda Simiyu, of the University of Limerick, and Martina Cusack, NorthStar Family Support Project, spoke about their work with Rathkeale Together and how their agencies have been able to engage with the settled and Traveller communities through this collaboration.
The event, held in the Rathkeale House Hotel, premiered two videos - a beautiful poem written and performed by the women of Rathkeale, and a video about how Rathkeale Together strengthened community ties through support groups, International Women's Day celebrations, art appreciation, a fun day carnival, the St Patrick's Day parade floats, and the Christmas lighting in the town.
Bishop Burrows said the seminar was hugely informative and enjoyable.
“Clearly the fruit of much planning and attention to detail. The poem about Rathkeale reality really blew me away. It was truly excellent to be there,” said the bishop.
Beautiful music was performed by the singers and musicians of Rathkeale’s local secondary school, Coláiste na Trócaire under the direction of Jean O’ Brien.
Denis Robinson, the project coordinator, said those involved with Rathkeale Together have been thanked by the community, receiving nine per cent of all the Rathkeale Rising Challenge Champion Awards to date.
“Our champions include both Travellers and settled, committee members, the team, and reliable supporters. With these and other awards, including a national Pride of Place prize, we are proud to be Rathkeale’s most acclaimed community organisation,” said Mr Robinson.
Rathkeale Together is a project that promotes cohesion among the people of the town and it develops openings to build on local leadership.