SETTLED and Traveller community members came together for a first-of-its-kind event in Rathkeale last week.
To a packed house, the ‘Rathkeale Together’ group hosted a seminar highlighting community cohesion and learning at the Rathkeale House Hotel.
More than 80 locals, speakers, and dignitaries came together including councillors, officials from Limerick City and County Council, and Bishop Michale Burrows of the Church of Ireland.
Bairbre Nic Aongusa, assistant secretary and head of community development from the Department of Rural and Community Development was among those gathered.
Gillian Baker from Adapt Domestic Services, Belinda Simiyu of the University of Limerick, and Martina Cusack from NorthStar spoke about their work with Rathkeale Together and how their agencies have been able to engage with the settled and Traveller communities through this collaboration.
The event premiered two videos, a beautiful poem written and performed by the women of Rathkeale, and a video about how Rathkeale Together strengthened community ties through support groups, International Women’s Day celebrations, art appreciation, a Funday carnival, the St Patrick’s Day parade floats, and the Christmas lighting of the town.
Bishop Burrows described the seminar as “hugely informative and enjoyable”.
“Clearly the fruit of much planning and attention to detail. The poem about Rathkeale reality really blew me away. It was truly excellent to be there,” he said.
Music was performed by singers and musicians from Rathkeale’s local secondary school, Coláiste na Trócaire, under the direction of Ms Jean O’ Brien.
“Those involved with Rathkeale Together have been thanked by the community, receiving nine per cent of all the Challenge Champion Awards to-date,” said Denis Robinson, the project coordinator.
“Our champions include both Travellers and settled people, committee members, the team, and reliable supporters. With these and other awards, including a national Pride of Place prize, we are proud to be Rathkeale’s most acclaimed community organisation.”
Rathkeale Together is a project that promotes cohesion among the people of Rathkeale and it develops openings to build on local leadership.
They facilitate women’s groups, a men’s group, a bereavement group, and children’s camps, as well as promoting learning through collaboration with UL, TUS, and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB.)
Patrons include the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, and the Methodist Church, with administration by West Limerick Resources at the service of the people of Rathkeale.
