Heritage and culture, ingenuity and aspiration, goodwill, and a chance to show how, when things get wobbly, we shake off the dust and find new ways to do things, wherever we are.
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According to the Irish Central Statistics Office the net influx of Irish Nationals coming back to Ireland between 2006 and 2009 was just over 13,000…
Looking to the future, the ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) predicts that 120,000 Irish Nationals will leave during 2010 and 2011, and possibly upwards of 200,000 by 2015. “The Third Wave” Albeit smaller than in previous eras many of the reasons are similar. A contracted economy, limited job prospects, and government suggestions (see video, 6 minutes in) that emigration and exporting our talent isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some however would have a different perspective, e.g, Martina Devlin, The Independent. Whatever your views about emigration the effect on ordinary families is largely the same, and the direction that peoples lives take is still open to the same influences as in the past. THE NATURAL COURSE OF THINGS For most the plan will be to spend a year or so away from home, gain some experience, and consider their options when things start to pick up. That’s the intention to start with, but things change. A different career path offers itself, opportunities arise, or a new girlfriend or boyfriend appears on the scene, and gradually those original plans drift to the background. The same cycle that existed for previous generations will repeat itself – newly dispersed families. Many that leave will settle and bring their culture and heritage with them, they will pass those values on, and their new families will become part of the melting pot of diverse accents that is the Irish diaspora. AND THE POINT? As Gabriel Byrne recently put it… “Ireland forgets about the seeds that have gone away, but the seeds that have gone away have never forgotten about Ireland” So what can we do to change that, how can we change the way of thinking so that Ireland doesn’t forget? Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, has announced he will be introducing a Certificate of Irish Heritage; available to those of Irish descent who do not qualify for Irish citizenship. The announcement was made at the Ireland Funds Global Young Leaders Conference, and the certificate is expected to be available later this year. The address included some noticeable statements: - Any discussion of harnessing the Irish Diaspora for the 21st Century must commence with a recognition of how some 70 million people around the world can today trace their ancestors to this island. - The Irish Diaspora is not limited to Irish citizens living abroad or to those who have activated citizenship. Instead, it encompasses all those who believe they are of Irish descent and feel a sense of affinity with this country. Also drawn to attention was the Irish Constitution amendment introduced during the Good Friday agreement: “the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage”. THOUGHTS It’s not yet clear what the holder might be entitled to, how it will be implemented, or whether there’s a cost. Hopefully it reflects some new perspectives on Irelands relationship with its diaspora, and is being introduced on the basis that its existence will signify and, just as importantly, invite respect for one’s Irish heritage. To achieve the latter a broader strategy is required, one that encourages Ireland to re-engage with it’s diaspora as well as inviting the diaspora to re-engage with Ireland. More on that later… In July 1838, three soldiers filed claims for land in what is now Saint Paul, Minnesota. Edward Phelan, John Hays and William Evans were all natives of Ireland and were some of the earliest settlers to the area. The first St Patricks Day parade took place in 1851, and by 1857 the Irish were the second largest foreign-born group in the region. In the 2000 US Census 600,000 Minnesotans claimed Irish ancestry.
The center will provide services and facilities, and a degree of centralization, for the many clubs and organisations that promote and celebrate all things Irish in Minnesota. One of the aims is to become the local primary gateway to Ireland for all those of Irish ancestry living in the state. Having established the center the priority now is to acquire a suitable property, in the right location, that will serve as a year-round base of operations. MICC has recently found a building along the St. Paul / Minneapolis border, near the intersection of Como Avenue and Highway 280, that meets the criteria. Looking at the photos on the MICC website it certainly looks ideal. A variety of spaces that would cater for anything from small meetings, to dance and music classes, to conferences, and larger community events such as plays and dance evenings etc in the 3300 square foot ballroom area. The Challenge Here’s the link to the MICC website, and it would be great to do a follow up post in the future marking the next stage in the center’s evolution. Extracts from a letter by Alan Hennessy (Co.Cork) and Terrance O’Dwyer (New York) to Minister O’Cuiv: National Famine Memorial Day : 16th May 2010. Dear Madame Secretary, We are an Irishman (Mr. Hennessey) and an Irish-American (O’Dwyer) who are concerned over the seeming lack of awareness of the upcoming National Famine Memorial Day. Mr. O’Dwyer did not know of the 2009 Commemoration, but learned off through Mr. Hennessey, and together we have discovered that many–if not most people of Irish descent are simply unaware that May 16th is a day of remembrance in Ireland. In an attempt to increase awareness among the Irish Internet community, we have started a National Famine Memorial Day page on the website Facebook. That said, our expectations are not high – we would consider our efforts to be extraordinarily successful were we to attract 1000 people to our group. We recognize this period is busy for you and the Committee. Nevertheless, we respectfully ask that the committee issue a statement asking all Irish people outside of Ireland to pause for just 60 seconds at noontime [local time] on May 16 as a gesture of remembrance of the victims of An Gorta Mór. Our common objective is simple: to increase awareness of National Famine Memorial Day. Yours faithfully , Alan Hennessy, Terrance O’Dwyer Well done Alan and Terrance, and let’s get past that 1000 mark! “Get The Irish Home For Christmas 2010 Without Fear…”
‘My Goal is to stand up and let our voices be heard on immigration and how it effects many great Irish people living in the US who came for a better life. I support comprehensive immigration reform. I strongly supported the effort spearheaded by Senators John McCain and Senator Edward Kennedy RIP to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. So lets get the wheels in motion towards achieving a goal we can achieve in 2010.‘
This is an important subject and it’s great that Steve is helping to keep attention on it. The issue remains close to the heart of many thousands and actions like this ensure the Undocumented Irish stay on the agenda of policy makers rather than getting pushed to one side. On Facebook? – give Steve your support.
From Amsterdam to Panama flying over Ballydehob, Co.Cork, SW Ireland. Couple of additional clicks and…
Slán Abhaile, Brilliant! Check it out at FlightRadar24.com (best on Google Chrome and Firefox browsers).
There are some limitations, such as not having the rights to show movies or programmes with English language content, however the new system will fill those gaps with other content so you’ll always get a live stream of TG4. It will find archived programmes and replace the content seamlessly. The technology behind the service is also improved on earlier versions, meaning that if you have high-speed Internet the download speed will adapt and you’ll get better quality video. This is a good step forward and a welcome development for everyone interested in the Irish language, both at home and abroad. If you’re not already familiar with the service… TG4 WeB TV. The Ireland Homecoming Study Programme (IHSP) was launched as a pilot on March 16th 2010 in Washington D.C by An Taoiseach Mr. Brian Cowen, and is part of the strategy initiated at the Farmleigh diaspora conference last year.
Non-European students have to pay fees to study in Ireland, but the new scheme means that those who qualify will pay up to 40pc less than the normal rate – hence of particular interest to those outside of the EU. Students will be able to stay with Irish families so it’s also a fantastic opportunity to add to the cultural experience whilst in Ireland. The deadline for applications is July 4th 2010, and spaces may vary from Institute to Institute. You can get more information and register your interest at the IHSP Website, and there’s also a Facebook page for a more social interaction! A great initiative, and here’s hoping the programme becomes a permanent fixture well into the future.
THE IRISH DIASPORA – REVITALISING OUR RELATIONSHIP. This proposal consists of two stages: 1 : Revisiting our history and reflecting on its relevance in a modern context. THE GLOBAL IRISH – Our History Production of a series of documentaries from around the world that:
In essence each documentary having three distinct segments that reflect on what it means to be part of the Global Irish community; a step-by-step account that focusses on the story of the Irish from the moment of arrival on a foreign shore to life in the contemporary world. Media: THE EMERALD CARD – A Sign Of Recognition Introduction of a global ‘Emerald Card’ that anyone can apply for on proof of an Irish heritage. Introduction of tourist, travel, leisure and hospitality sector initiatives in Ireland where presentation of the Emerald Card entitles the holder to various forms of acknowledgement. That’s the proposal. It isn’t meant to distract from areas such as citizenship rights etc, more to put some focus back on the history of the Global Irish, and to bring that story home. If you like the idea you can give it a ‘thumbs up’ at the your country your call website (if you’ve registered), and if you have any comments you can leave them below. UPDATE: 15th June 2010. (Not sure why they’d put a 5 year limit on it though, after all an Irish heritage is for life, right?) Shane and his girlfriend Victoria Clarke had the idea, Shane’s friend Gerry O’Boyle helped pull it together, and one week later a bunch of pals were recording in a rigged up headquarters in the back of The Boogaloo, Highgate, London. Great song and all proceeds go to Haiti relief via Concern, an international humanitarian organisation originally started by Kay and John O’Loughlin Kennedy back in March 1968 and operating in Haiti for the last 15 years. The ladies, the gents, and the ruffians…! Shane MacGowan – vocals Make it Haiti charity single No’ 1 – Facebook. Available on iTunes Download links also at Concern and Independent Records Ltd. Good on the lads and lasses for doing it for Haiti. |
  
By Ultan Cowley.  |
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