'Making History Talk' - as reported by Church of ireland Gazette
Making History Talk - Understanding 1916
Up to 150 people attended Making History Talk: Reflecting on 1916. Noted political commentator Alex Kane chaired the public event. Two speakers, Dr Brian Feeney and Senator Michael McDowell, reflected on the 1916 Easter Rising.
Organized by a number of Fermanagh churches, including the Church of Ireland diocese of Clogher, and Co Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge the event took place in The Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen on 13 October.
Making History Talk: Understanding 1916 was the latest in a series of public events organized to reflect on major events during this decade of historic commemorations. Following presentations by the speakers there was an opportunity for questions from the floor.
The Making History Talk series arose out of dialogue that has taken place between County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge, the Church of Ireland diocese of Clogher, as well as Enniskillen Methodists and Presbyterians. Out of this dialogue came a desire to hold a series of public events that will promote greater understanding and good relations in the community.
Rt Rev John McDowell (Church of Ireland bishop of Clogher) said, “History often strikes deep but different chords for each part of our community on this island. What events say to one part of our community will often say something very different to another”. He continued, “Every event in our Making History Talk series, including this one to reflect on 1916, is designed to increase our understanding of history and of each other”.
Grand Master of County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge Stuart Brooker said, “Making History Talk: Understanding 1916 is not about agreeing or disagreeing about our history. It is about having respectful conversations and increasing understanding”.
An important public event for all parts of the community will see Dr Brian Feeney and Senator Michael McDowell reflect on the 1916 Easter Rising. Alex Kane will chair this important public event. It is organized by a number of Fermanagh churches and Co Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge and will take place in The Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen on 13 October at 7.30pm.
Dr Brian Feeney is a noted commentator as well as being Head of History at St Mary’s College, Belfast. Senator Michael McDowell was former Irish Attorney General and Minister for Justice. He is also the grandson of Eoin McNeill. Alex Kane is a noted political writer and commentator.