The power of poetry has been to the fore of many discussions over the last few weeks following the death of renowned poet Seamus Heaney.
Cllr. Nicolas Crossan at the launch of the second Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award this week in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana. The award and related events are being coordinated by Buncrana Town Council and Donegal County Council to honour one of Donegal’s most famous descendants, Tip O’Neill. Photo Clive Wasson
Poetry and Power and the Diaspora will be the theme explored by Professor Paul Arthur in his special lecture on Saturday 21 September 2013 at 11am in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel as part of the second year of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award events.
Paul Arthur is a well known lecturer from the University of Ulster and has played a significant role in bringing political adversaries together and in the process has gained the respect of all political parties in Ireland, north and south, as well as wider afield, particularly in North America. His media contributions during the Troubles and the peace process are well respected for their informed even-handedness.
The 2013 Tip O’Neill Diaspora lecture will mark the connection of poetry with power with reference in particular to the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death and Martin Luther King’s “I had a dream” speech and the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburgh address.
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Director of Services with Donegal County Council ,believes that Professor Arthur’s contribution will be a highlight of the Tip O’Neill Diaspora weekend of events.
“I think this year’s theme is apt in its timing considering the recent loss of one of Ireland’s most prestigious poets. This lecture will appeal to many people from all walks of life as it has been shown over the last number of weeks that poetry transcends all boundaries and has the power to bridge differences and bring about change in a peaceful and long lasting way”
This lecture is open to the public and is free to attend. To book your place email: fdoherty@donegalcoco.ie .
The Tip O’Neill Donegal Diaspora event launch. Pic: Clive Wasson
