merrion street

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan TD today Friday 10th August, 2012 officially opened the conference 'Melting Down' Exploring Themes of Emigration, Exile and Place in Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan.

The conference is an initiative of the Cavan County Heritage Forum on foot of the County Heritage Plan and supported by the Heritage Council

The conference will explore the subject of Emigration, Exile and Place, themes have that have shaped the lives of many Irish people around the globe including those who have left the country and those who chose to remain. This conference will provide a forum, conducive to well informed discussion, with real and personal experience being shared.

The conference is being held in tandem with the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and taps into the resources of both Cavan County Museum and Cavan Genealogy, both members of Cavan County Heritage Forum.

Minister Deenihan said: "I hope that all attending the conference will enjoy an excellent debate and exchange of ideas and experiences on this important topic. In light of the year ahead, especially the celebration of 'The Gathering' in 2013, I welcome the initiative of the conference organisers in using the Fleadh to explore the themes of emigration, exile and place.

"An interesting and varied programme of speakers from academia are contributing to and participating in this event and I have no doubt they will bring a variety of perspectives to the proceedings. The conference will touch on various aspects of migration - the story is a vast one. The proceedings will be enriched with words and song as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and I would encourage people to take the time to attend one of the upcoming events at the Cavan Fleadh."