Beyond 1918 event proves popular as part of Good Relations Week

More than 40 people from across the district attended the ‘Beyond 1918’ conference which took place as part of Good Relations Week in Omagh Library on Thursday 20 September.

The conference, which featured contributions from guest speakers Philip Orr, Jimmy McDermott and Maureen Hetherington, explored the key historical events of the end of World War One and its aftermath.

Organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Rural Community Network and Libraries NI, the event also featured music, a question and answer session and an exhibition curated by the library. The conference was compered by Martin Snodden, a specialist in addressing conflict and its legacy, including developing Irish History courses as a means of acknowledging the past. A music interlude was provided by talented local singers Courtney McCaskie, Beth McElhatton and accompanied by guitarist Paddy Bradley. The event was brought to a close by world renowned fiddle player Tracey McRory.

Speaking at the event Martin Snodden said,

“These are two of the most critical years in Irish history. As World War One drew to a close the Irish War of Independence was launched on the back of a huge election victory by Sinn Fein and its abstention from Westminster. However, with the north eastern counties’ large support for pro-union candidates, not all Ireland had voted favourably for Sinn Fein. What were the issues? Who were the players? What were their positions? What actually took place? These are the questions that are particularly relevant to this period and were discussed at the event.”

This event was one of fourteen taking place in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area as part of Good Relations Week.

This project received financial support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s good relations programme assisted by The Executive Office.