Council to screen film covering the events of 22 June 1921 to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland

As part of its programme of events to reflect on the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is screening “Stretch Out the Hand”,  a film written by respected Northern Ireland author and historian, Philip Orr.

“Stretch Out the Hand”, deals with the historic occasion of the inauguration of the new parliament of Northern Ireland, which took place in Belfast City Hall in the presence of King George V and his wife, Queen Mary.

In his opening address, the King issued a powerful plea for peace at a particularly fraught time in Ireland’s history.

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, said;

“the decade between 1912 and 1922 featured many important moments in our shared history and it is right that we remember them based on historical accuracy, their impact and consequences, and through mutual understanding and respect in the context of an inclusive and accepting society.

Philip Orr’s film deals with one of those seminal moments, the opening of the new Northern Ireland parliament on 22 June 1921 and focusses on the story of a young couple who played a role in the historic occasion. It gives a voice to their hopes and fears for the future and I am very much looking forward to this screening”.

The film will be screened online on Monday 7 June 2021 at 7.00 pm. To register to view the film, please email goodrelations@fermanaghomagh.com.

This event has received financial support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Good Relations programme assisted by The Executive Office.

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