This weekend once again sees the staging of the Peadar O’Donnell Weekend in Dungloe.
The event, which is now in its thirteenth year, has a been a great success through those years and the 2013 event which will run from Friday 18th October to Sunday 20th October in Ionad Teampaill Chroine Library, Dungloe, is expected to be as popular as ever.
This years theme will be ‘Ireland 2013 – Two Failed States?’ with a series of discussions, debates on the subject and will also see tours as well entertainment featuring music and readings befitting the memory of the man who the weekend commemorates.
Peadar O’Donnell was a native of the Rosses, born in 1893 and following his training in Dublin as a teacher, he took a teaching post on Arranmore Island.
An accomplished writer and poet, O’Donnell was also a political radical and committed socialist and joined the Irish Republican Army and went on to become a member of its executive army council in 1924. He was also a founding member of the Republican Congress. He passed away in 1986 having spent a lifetime involved in political activism and having many of his books and writings published.
One of the organisers of the 2013 Peadar O’Donnell Weekend, Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig explained the title theme and said that more than ever people would be taking part in the weekends discussions considering the state of the county’s economy.
“This year the theme will be looking at the issue of the failure of the states both north and south” Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said.
“Currently we have massive unemployment and emigration in Ireland due to the failed economy and the influence the IMF and ECB have on our country and we still have a portion of the north of Ireland under the control of a imperialist British government. Both situations have led to what can only be described as failed states and the reasons for it happening would have been something Peadar O’Donnell would have been actively opposed to.
“So we will be discussing the failed stated issue along with other interesting subjects such as the kind of Ireland we would like to see and the life of Peadar O’Donnell, with speakers such as John Douglas, General Sec. of Mandate, journalist Jim Campbell, activist and author Tommy McKearney with other leading academics, authors and politicians such as Mary Cullen, Pam Brighton, Angela Nelson, Bill O’Brien and Jennifer McCann discussing other topics.
“Another interesting talk will be given by Cllr Angela Nelson and Mandy Duffy on internment and human rights abuses, one close to the memory of Peadar O’Donnell as he himself was once a political prisoner. Bill O’Brien and Rev.David Frazer will also discuss ‘The Alternative Ulster Covenant – pages from our hidden history’.
There will also be a book fair, a book launch, a historical walking tour of the area and musical and recital evenings with artists such as Jinx Lennon, Kevin Glackin and Aussie Bryson. So there will be something for all tastes over the weekend and given its the 120th anniversary of Peadar O’Donnell’s birth it would be great to see as many local people out along with those who travel to the area to enjoy the events. The weekend brings a great boost to the local area and we look forward to seeing many new faces joining us and taking part.”
The weekend will begin at 8pm in Ionad Teampaill Chroine, Dungloe, this Friday and more information on the weekends events can be read at www.peadarodonnell.com.
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