8/9/24: As part of our ongoing series of events to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Glencree is hosting a weekend gathering on the 7th and 8th September.

Day one of the two-day event focused on the Glencree Dialogue Series with three dialogues facilitated by Glencree's Community & Political Dialogue, Women's Leadership, and Intercultural & Refugee programmes. The dialogue series was attended by over 100 guests from across the island of Ireland and the UK. They included participants from across Glencree programmes with representatives from the women's, youth, refugee, intercultural and anti-racism, and republican and loyalist communities; members of the diplomatic community; representatives from across civil society; and Glencree funders, Members, neighbours, Board and staff team.

The morning panel discussion explored 'Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution at a Community Level – A Diverse Ireland Lens'. Moderated by Intercultural Facilitator, Doris Abuchi-Ogbonda, panellists included: Bronwyn April, Strength-in-Diversity Coordinator, Dublin City Community Co-op; Abdulai Mansaray, Law Student and Community Link worker; Aoife Redmond, Peace Players Northern Ireland; and Fahmeda Naheed Osman, Doras and Cork City Community Radio. Throughout the dialogue, the panel shared their experiences and perspectives on community and diversity. They highlighted the need to focus on commonality, collective action and a global perspective on peacebuilding and community as part of efforts to strengthen inclusion and diversity across the island of Ireland.

The second dialogue focused on the 'Unsung Heroines: Celebrating Women in Peacebuilding' was moderated by Emma DeSouza from the Civic Institute. Panellists included Catherine Cooke, Foyle Women's Information Network; Kathy Wolff, Community Relations Forum; Tara Grace Connolly, NI Human Rights Commission; and Amina Moustafa, Programme Manager, Glencree Women's Leadership Programme. The panel shared stories of peacebuilding successes, the important role women play in building and sustaining peace at a grassroots level and within marginalised communities, and the urgent need to attract the next generation of young women peacebuilders. At the end of the session, Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee paid special tribute to peace heroine and long-time Glencree partner, Eileen Weir from the Shankhill Women's Centre who will retire later this year. Naoimh thanked Eileen for her work over more than 30 years in building alliances across communities in Northern Ireland and her important contribution to the work of Glencree over the years.

In the afternoon session, the dialogue 'Between Memory and Legacy, Navigating The Dark Past of Irish History' was moderated by Glencree Community and Political Dialogue Programme Manager, Pat Hynes. Panellists Dr Ellen McWilliams, Professor at the University of Exeter, and Neale Jagoe, PhD Researcher at Queens University Belfast, shared their family experiences in the shadow of the killings in West Cork in 1922. The discussion highlighted the need to address and acknowledge the legacy of past hurts, the importance of language and the role of dialogue in building relationships and trust as part of the trauma-healing and reconciliation process.

Each session also featured a dynamic Q&A segment with high levels of engagement where participants contributed their unique perspectives and experiences. This interaction enriched the discussions and collective understanding of the topics discussed.

Speaking at the opening of the dialogue sessions, Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee said: "Our Glencree@50 celebration is not only a celebration of the wonderful people and work of Glencree, it also serves as a commitment to our future as a safe space for people to come and talk to one another, to work through the issues that divide us and to build lasting relationships across divides."

"Today will be for some, a fresh opportunity to start conversations about how we can learn from our past, live well together in the present and shape a better collective future. It will be an opportunity to hear new voices and continue conversations around these themes that we have been hosting over the course of our history as an organisation."

Throughout the day, guests also enjoyed the warm hospitality, the unique location, rich history and serene atmosphere of the Glencree site which has always been a key component in the many dialogues held over the last 5 decades. During refreshment breaks and lunch, which were catered by the onsite Armoury Cafe, guests enjoyed music by a group of young traditional players from around the country on the main lawn under a beautiful autumn blue sky.

Day 2 of the weekend featuring an afternoon dedicated to Glencree co-founder, Una O'Higgins O'Malley took place on Sunday 8th September. Details of this event can be found here >

Earlier in the summer, a Glencree@50 reunion weekend for Glencree Volunteers took place, details of which can be viewed here >

Further events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Glencree will continue throughout the year.

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