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. [...]]]> 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,
Member of the Irish Academy of Public Relations and Communications
Cork.

Terrance O’Dwyer
New York.

Well done Alan and Terrance, and let’s get past that 1000 mark!

 Steve MacSweeney, originally from Tralee and now living in New York, has started a Facebook page in support of the undocumented Irish in the US. Steve has been actively involved in lobbying and his mission statement on FB reads:

‘My Goal is to stand up [...]]]> “Get The Irish Home For Christmas 2010 Without Fear…”

 
Steve MacSweeney, originally from Tralee and now living in New York, has started a Facebook page in support of the undocumented Irish in the US. Steve has been actively involved in lobbying and his mission statement on FB reads:

‘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 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.‘

 
Steve’s Facebook page, as of writing, has over 7500 members and growing, and there’s also a good article at IrishCentral.com.

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. Just popped into the garden, looked up, and there she was!

Couple of additional clicks and…

Slán Abhaile,

Brilliant!

Check it out at FlightRadar24.com (best on Google Chrome and Firefox browsers). [...]]]>

From Amsterdam to Panama flying over Ballydehob, Co.Cork, SW Ireland.
Just popped into the garden, looked up, and there she was!

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 [...]]]> Irish Language station TG4 is to re-launch its online television service later this week, providing both live and catch-up programmes (available for one month) to Irish domestic and international viewers.

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 programme is available to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Irish emigrants and offers a [...]]]> 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.

The programme is available to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Irish emigrants and offers a semester of study, two semesters, or an entire undergraduate degree at one of Irelands Institutes of Technology.

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. 2 : Strengthening the global relationship in a recognisable and meaningful way.

THE GLOBAL IRISH – Our History

Production of a series of documentaries from around [...]]]>

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.
2 : Strengthening the global relationship in a recognisable and meaningful way.

THE GLOBAL IRISH – Our History

Production of a series of documentaries from around the world that:

• Explore the early stories of Irish emigration to those regions

• Highlight the impact and achievements of Irish emigrants in those regions

• Portray the contemporary relationship between Ireland and the Irish and Irish descent abroad, their personal links to Ireland, their sense of Ireland from afar, their life in their country of residence, and what it means to have an Irish heritage

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:
Broadcast monthly on Irish television, and available online to a global audience.
Released on DVD for national and international distribution.

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.
The competition closed on April 30th and the two winning proposals will be announced on 17th September 2010. Doesn’t look like the idea for an Emerald / Discount Card is in the running, but at least the government seems to think it’s a good idea – as reported in the Irish times.

(Not sure why they’d put a 5 year limit on it though, after all an Irish heritage is for life, right?)

You get the real thing, and you get a great opportunity to learn English as well. You’ll take part in farm activities, eat with the family, and find yourself totally immersed in the English language. You’ll get [...]]]> I’ve written about Language Travel Ireland before, but their farm stay programme deserves a special mention.

You get the real thing, and you get a great opportunity to learn English as well. You’ll take part in farm activities, eat with the family, and find yourself totally immersed in the English language. You’ll get full board accomodation with your own room, and have English lessons from a private teacher ensuring you get the best from your stay.

 
Here’s what Johanna, a young German student, had to say…

“It was first journey without my parents to another country and I’ve enjoyed it very much. The house of my family had a very nice garden. In the evening, we had a barbeque in their garden and a few friends came. They were really nice and they told me a lot of their lives. The English lessons with my teacher were good and we had a lot of fun. One day, we went to Fota Wildlife Park and I saw giraffes, monkeys and a lot more animals. Another day, we drove to Galway and went to visit their relatives. While we were driving through the beautiful scenery, my teacher and her two daughters sang Irish songs. I enjoyed my trip to Ireland and definitely I will come back.”

LTI offer a unique and authentic experience, and if you’re looking for a farm stay holiday you should really check them out. Here’s their farm stay programme. Enjoy!

For decades now fear has prevented progress whenever the subject of emigrant voting is raised. Knee-jerk reactions have stopped policy makers in their tracks, concerned they’d be heading down a dead end road.

The reasons for change are more apparent these days:

21st century [...]]]> Time for a fresh debate, and in a modern context?

For decades now fear has prevented progress whenever the subject of emigrant voting is raised. Knee-jerk reactions have stopped policy makers in their tracks, concerned they’d be heading down a dead end road.

The reasons for change are more apparent these days:

21st century migration is seeing new generations leave and it’s important they don’t feel excluded. The old times when emigrants boarded the ship and said goodbye no longer exist – technology and cheap travel keeps Ireland close at hand. Exclusion doesn’t fit a modern world.

A vote means attachment, and attachment encourages a sense of belonging, responsibility, and an interest in staying informed. A vote ensures the relationship is fostered and protected.

Ireland is trying to engage with its ‘business elite’ abroad. An emigrant vote removes future hurdles – tomorrows ‘elite’ will already feel that connection with Ireland Inc quite naturally.

Moving our thinking away from being a peripheral European country to a globally connected community (or nation) is a powerful proposition with new opportunities. Approach it as a two-way street with shared responsibilities and we’ll see shared benefits in return.

Here’s some recent articles by others on the subject:

The Irish Post
GlobalIrish.ie
Independent.ie
The Irish Times
Amhrán Nua
David McWilliams
IrishAbroad.com

So the question is not really whether Ireland should bring in emigrant voting (in my opinion anyway), but how it can be implemented in a way that allows representation and participation without biasing or slanting the results…

Global Irish constituencies: the UK, Europe, Nth America, Sth America, Australia, Africa, Asia maybe? Time limits on eligibility..?

I’ve kept this simple but what’s your thoughts, what am i missing?

Irish people on the whole tend to put a high value [...]]]> To the people at the top, a short message to say that the reporting by one of your assets (TV3 Ireland) on the health of Irish Minister Brian Lenihan was perceived by the majority of Irish viewers as cheap, disrespectful, and tasteless.

Irish people on the whole tend to put a high value on life, and using information about someone’s personal state of health to report a so-called ‘scoop’ isn’t well received.

One wonders if there is pressure on TV3 to improve financial performance, and whether the UK model of moulding audiences into acceptance of lower standards is part of a strategy. Your address, Pall Mall, London, is historically associated with Gentlemen’s Clubs and Fine Art – that doesn’t sit well with what is perceived as a crude tabloid style.

(In case you are unaware of what you are associated with).

If Doughty Hanson want to make profit from the Irish market we’d appreciate it if you could ensure your media assets offer consistent value and decent standards to Irish society in return. If you want to be gentlemen you might ask your Director of News at TV3 to issue a sincere apology to Mr Lenihan and his family.