Community Conversation for Change event in Gaoth Dobhair today

Ionad Naomh Pádraig in conjunction with Paróiste Gaoth Dobhair is inviting the public to a special event in Gaoth Dobhair today.

‘Sean Teach Pobail Mhuire, Derrybeg – A Community Conversation for Change’ takes place on Sunday, August 18 at Scoil Mhuire National School, Derrybeg from 3pm-5:30pm.

This Heritage Week event launches what promises to be an out of the ordinary series of creative conversations.

Young, old, native, visitor, or ‘blow-in’ – if you live, love, learn, stay, play or pray in Gaoth Dobhair you are warmly invited.

And if you can’t make it on Sunday, this event repeats on Monday, August 19 at Scoil Mhuire National School, from 10am – 12.30pm.

Opened only six years after the Great Famine, the enterprising people of the parish made building their church possible by bridging a ravine in the hollow where Masses had been celebrated secretly during the Penal Laws.

Lofty, spacious and light-filled it is testament to their determination and deep commitment in the hardest of times.

Sadly, on August 15, 1880, swollen flood waters burst through the church floor, tragically drowning a number of Mass-goers.

Despite deep grief, the people repaired their church and diverted the river.

Replaced by the new St Mary’s Church, it served as a youth club before flooding yet again in 2009.

Desolate and deserted since, the parish is excited at exploring the possibility of breathing new light and life into its old spaces, so everyone belongs.

The inclusive, participative conversations that create a new future for this old church, are led by Mary Kerrigan, Place Maker~Architect and Engagement Specialist – in collaboration with Dedalus Architecture. Facilitation will be as Gaelige, in English and Ukrainian.

The event will take place both inside and outside so participants are asked to dress for the forecasted weather, wearing comfy shoes.

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