St. Colmcille’s Chapel in Gartan is an archaeological monument that is protected under the National Monuments Acts and will undergo conservation works in 2021.St. Colmcille’s Chapel in Gartan is an archaeological monument that is protected under the National Monuments Acts and will undergo conservation works in 2021.
Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council welcome the launch of the Colmcille 1500th commemorative year, commencing today, 7th December 2020.
The Councils in particular are delighted to see the extensive local programme taking place on 7th December by a wide range of organisations, which shows the interest in Colmcille and the appreciation of his legacy.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Rena Donaghey acknowledged the work of the Colmcille~Columba 1500 Steering Group in organising the extensive programme to mark the launch.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney said St Colmcille’s connection with Derry and Donegal was evident from the many landmarks, churches and schools which have adopted his name.
Colmcille was a significant figure in the early Irish church and is credited with the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and further afield. He is thought to have founded many monasteries, the most significant of these being the monastery at Iona. In Ireland, Colmcille is one of Ireland’s three patron saints, along with Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget and is widely celebrated, especially in Donegal and Derry.
Cross Border groups across the religious, civic, educational, and arts and heritage, tourism and leisure sectors have collaborated to build on the rich heritage of Colmcille and those who followed him to mark the 1500th year since his birth.
Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council are working in close partnership and have many joint projects and events planned to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of St Colmcille’s birth. The programme has been developed based on extensive consultation undertaken for the Audit of Columban Cultural Heritage commissioned by Donegal County Council, Derry City & Strabane District Council, Foras na Gaeilge and The Heritage Council as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan. The overall project is being supported by the North West Development Fund, in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government. Further projects are in development and supported by other funding bodies and the Councils.
The programme includes:
· Appointment of Colmcille 1500 Project Manager to coordinate the Colmcille 1500 commemorations;
· Conservation works to selected Columban archaeological and built heritage sites;
· Major cross-border exhibition on the life of Colmcille curated by Donegal County Museum and the Tower Museum in partnership with The Nerve Centre;
· Colmcille Digital Schools’ Folklore Project coordinated by the Donegal Library Service and Libraries NI in association with The Nerve Centre;
· Production of an educational resource pack for primary schools on the life and legacy of Colmcille;
· Academic conference organised by the Magee College campus of Ulster University;
· Cross-border production by An Grianan Theatre of Brian Friel’s play ‘The Enemy Within’;
Many more events are planned by both Councils and by many other stakeholders in Donegal, Derry and further afield, and will be promoted throughout 2021.
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Posted: 11:59 am December 7, 2020