A dhaoine uaisle, it’s a real honour to be here with you today.
I wanted to come here to recognise the inspirational work that the Ráth Mór Centre and Creggan Enterprises have been engaged in for more than twenty-five years. And to say, on behalf of the Irish Government, thank you.
The journey out of conflict has not been an easy one – for Creggan, for Derry, for Northern Ireland, or for the island of Ireland. It has taken hard work, perseverance, and commitment by many people to get to where we are today. It has taken a spirit of optimism. And you epitomise that spirit of optimism better than anyone. The journey is not yet complete.
Some communities, including Creggan, have not experienced the full benefits of the peace. We are very aware that economic and social conditions here and in other parts of Derry, and indeed in other parts of the north, are not what they should be or need to be. For over 25 years, your team at Creggan Enterprises has been to the forefront in community development and renewal, and has been a beacon for peace and reconciliation.
I appreciate the opportunity today to meet with you and to hear directly from women who are engaged in the Unheard Voices programme, and from young people involved in the Lifehack programme.Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and share your experiences.
For far too long, women carried so much of the burden of the Troubles, trying to sustain families in the most difficult of circumstances. Programmes such as Unheard Voices do so much to help women to build a better future.
I am also very grateful to hear from young people about the pressures and difficulties you face here. The future of all of us on this island depends on giving our young people a meaningful stake in a shared future. There is no future in violence or the threat of violence. All aspirations on this island can only be achieved through peaceful and democratic means. Engagement and respect are the best way of ensuring that everyone is included, and so I am very impressed by the work that is underway here.These programmes build on the experience and practice in social enterprise and development that are the hallmarks here at Ráth Mór and at Creggan Enterprises.
So, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership and vision that Conal McFeely has shown over many years. I also know that he has been helped by a wonderful group of people around him, and that you make this place what it is. It’s easy to talk about empowering each citizen, but much harder to put it into action. The work you do day-in, day-out, over many years, has that goal at its heart. For our part, the Irish Government will continue to do what we can to help you.
The Good Book reminds us that ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven’. Let us pray now for a time to heal, a time to cast away the bitter legacies of the past, a time to build a new future. Looking around, inspired by your work, I am encouraged to believe we will succeed.
Thank You.