Latest news with #LeitrimCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Michelle O'Neill amongst speakers at Leitrim summer school honouring 1916 leader Sean Mac Diarmada
Now in its 17th year, the summer school, supported by Leitrim County Council, has established itself as a significant fixture in the national calendar of summer schools held across Ireland. The theme of this year's event is, 'The World Today 'Different Perspectives' Since its inception, the summer school has played a key role in raising public awareness of Seán Mac Diarmada, highlighting both his pivotal role in modern Irish history and his rural roots in County Leitrim. The event not only honours his legacy as a major figure in the 1916 Easter Rising but also provides a platform for rigorous academic research and public discussion surrounding his life, the Rising, and their lasting impact on Irish society. Up to 2016, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School focused primarily on the historical forces that have shaped us as a nation and as a people—exploring the roots of our identity both at home and abroad. Since then, the School has expanded its scope to include a broad range of contemporary issues, examining topics of social, economic, political, and public concern, including healthcare and civic engagement. The event has consistently attracted accomplished speakers, including leading international academics and prominent public figures, placing Kiltyclogher firmly on the map as a centre for thoughtful dialogue and cultural reflection. The 2025 Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School will commence on Friday, 30th May, with the official opening ceremony at 6pm at the Mac Diarmada homestead—the last surviving home of a signatory of the 1916 Rising. Shuttle buses will run from Kiltyclogher village from 5pm to and from the homestead. The official opening will be conducted by Michelle O'Neill MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the community centre. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The schedule for the evening is: 7:30 pm – Keynote Address by Michelle O'Neill MLA – Presentation Title: Leadership for a new Ireland: Responsibility in a Time of Change 8:30pm – Presentation by Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager – Presentation title: The Big Perspective of Small People Saturday's programme will open at 10:15 am with a presentation by Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda, Manorhamilton called The Impact of Globalisation of an Indigenous SME – Merenda's Story At 11:15 am Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality will deliver her presentation titled: Serving Children and young people in a Topsy-Turvy World. This will be followed at 12:15 p.m. by Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking and his presentation is The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza. Lunch will be served in the community centre from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The afternoon session begins at 2:15 pm with Dr Brendan Kearney, who will discuss the changed nature in the agricultural sector in Ireland – with particular emphasis on the impact of climate change Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook At 3:15 p.m., acclaimed writer and commentator Michael Harding will present his talk, 'Is History True?' offering thought-provoking reflections and analysis. Since 2020, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School has successfully adopted a hybrid model, with both in-person and virtual attendance. The committee is proud to welcome audiences from across the globe, including the UK, USA, Dubai, Switzerland—and, for the first time in 2025, extended outreach to the diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, and Seattle, Washington. Those wishing to attend remotely can register and access the live stream or individual lectures via our website:
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Michelle O'Neill amongst the speakers at Leitrim summer school which honours 1916 leader Sean Mac Diarmada
Now in its 17th year, the summer school, supported by Leitrim County Council, has established itself as a significant fixture in the national calendar of summer schools held across Ireland. The theme of this year's event is, 'The World Today 'Different Perspectives' Since its inception, the summer school has played a key role in raising public awareness of Seán Mac Diarmada, highlighting both his pivotal role in modern Irish history and his rural roots in County Leitrim. The event not only honours his legacy as a major figure in the 1916 Easter Rising but also provides a platform for rigorous academic research and public discussion surrounding his life, the Rising, and their lasting impact on Irish society. Up to 2016, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School focused primarily on the historical forces that have shaped us as a nation and as a people—exploring the roots of our identity both at home and abroad. Since then, the School has expanded its scope to include a broad range of contemporary issues, examining topics of social, economic, political, and public concern, including healthcare and civic engagement. The event has consistently attracted accomplished speakers, including leading international academics and prominent public figures, placing Kiltyclogher firmly on the map as a centre for thoughtful dialogue and cultural reflection. The 2025 Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School will commence on Friday, 30th May, with the official opening ceremony at 6pm at the Mac Diarmada homestead—the last surviving home of a signatory of the 1916 Rising. Shuttle buses will run from Kiltyclogher village from 5pm to and from the homestead. The official opening will be conducted by Michelle O'Neill MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the community centre. The schedule for the evening is: · 7:30 pm – Keynote Address by Michelle O'Neill MLA – Presentation Title: Leadership for a new Ireland: Responsibility in a Time of Change · 8:30pm – Presentation by Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager – Presentation title: The Big Perspective of Small People Saturday's programme will open at 10:15 am with a presentation by Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda, Manorhamilton called The Impact of Globalisation of an Indigenous SME – Merenda's Story At 11:15 am Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality will deliver her presentation titled: Serving Children and young people in a Topsy-Turvy World. This will be followed at 12:15 p.m. by Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking and his presentation is The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza. Lunch will be served in the community centre from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The afternoon session begins at 2:15 pm with Dr Brendan Kearney, who will discuss the changed nature in the agricultural sector in Ireland – with particular emphasis on the impact of climate change At 3:15 p.m., acclaimed writer and commentator Michael Harding will present his talk, 'Is History True?' offering thought-provoking reflections and analysis. Since 2020, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School has successfully adopted a hybrid model, with both in-person and virtual attendance. The committee is proud to welcome audiences from across the globe, including the UK, USA, Dubai, Switzerland—and, for the first time in 2025, extended outreach to the diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, and Seattle, Washington. Those wishing to attend remotely can register and access the live stream or individual lectures via our website:
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Widespread sadness following death of former Leitrim Councillor Des Guckian
Mr Guckian of Derrywillow, Annaduff, Leitrim died on Thursday at North West Hospice, Sligo following a brief illness. Earlier this year, he stepped back from council duties due to health reasons with this daughter Councillor Irene Guckian Rabbitte being co-opted onto his council seat. He previously worked as a teacher at St Mel's, Longford and was a father of five. Mr Guckian was first elected to Leitrim County Council in 2014 and subsequently elected in 2019 and again in 2024. He served as an Independent councillor. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed. A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council said, 'Leitrim County Council was saddened to learn of the death of former Councillor Des Guckian, who passed away earlier today (Thursday) following a brief illness. "Des Guckian was elected to Leitrim County Council for the first time in 2014 and subsequently elected in 2019 and again in 2024. "He performed his role as Councillor with distinction until his resignation due to illness in April of this year. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his daughter Councillor Irene Guckian Rabbitte and all his family.' Tributes have been paid to the former councillor who has been remembered as a 'gentleman' who was always 'eager to help.' ADVERTISEMENT Carrick-on-Shannon and District Historical Society said, 'We are so very sad at this news. "Not only was Des a very principled hardworking representative, but his research into and knowledge of Irish history, particularly and around the Annaduff area, was fascinating. 'We will miss him. "Condolences to the Guckian family. Rest in peace, Des.' Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed. Mr Guckian is predeceased by his wife; Myra, brothers; Padraig and Seamus. He is survived by his children; Irene, Paul, Emer, Deirdre and Brendan, his sister; Ita Curran, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters-in-law, nine grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, work colleagues and friends. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
‘Always did what he felt was right' – Former councillor, 70s, dies after short illness as tributes pour for ‘true gent'
FORMER Leitrim County Councillor Des Guckian has died following a short illness. Guckian, who was aged in his late 70s, served as an independent councillor for more than a decade for the Originally from Annaduff, he stepped down from the council back in April due to Guckian's daughter, Irene Guckian-Rabbitte, co-opted onto his seat earlier this month following his resignation. Guckian began his career as a teacher at St Mel's College in He was first elected to Leitrim County READ MORE IN NEWS Sharing a statement to announce his tragic passing, Leitrim County Council said they were saddened to learn of his death yesterday. They said Guckian "performed his role as Councillor with distinction until his resignation due to illness in April of this year". Not only had he carried out work within Leitrim County Council, the fluent Irish speaker was also the author of several books. These included Deported: The Story of Jimmy Gralton, Effernagh, Co Leitrim, which told the story of the only Irishman ever deported from Ireland in 1933. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Paddy O'Rourke remembered an intelligent man, who had success as a historian and an author. He told Shannonside FM that Guckian was a champion of people whom he saw that were left behind. He said: "On behalf of the members and the council, I'd like to extend our sympathy to his family, his extended family and those who he engaged with through his time in politics." 'A TRUE COUNCILLOR' He told Shannonside FM: "Des was fearless. He always did what he felt was right, regardless of other people's opinions, public opinion, council opinion. "He went after what he thought was right, and if that meant ruffling a few feathers, we've all read the articles, we know the arguments he got himself into, but he did that from a good place in his heart where he felt that he needed to make a stand and he was willing to fall out with a few people if it meant getting the right result and I admired him for that." One local resident said: "Des was a Councillor and a half, got things done, and kept you informed. "He never deserved the flack and opposition at every turn. A true Councillor. Rest in Peace." A former student said: "I had Des as a geography teacher in St Mel's. He left and indelible mark on all of his students. Condolences to his family, he was a committed man." While a friend said: "Sad to hear of the passing of Des, we shared a common interest in Trade Unions back in the 1980's. "He was a true gentleman and always had the good of all as his goal. Sincere sympathy to his family at this difficult time. May his gentle spirit rest easy." 1 Des Guckian passed away yesterday Credit:
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Range of events for 'The Leitrim Gathering' to take place
An extensive programme of cultural, heritage, literary, food, recreational, music and dance events will take place in communities across Leitrim this weekend as part of 'The Leitrim Gathering'. The initiative which aims to celebrate place, connection, and heritage with Leitrim people at home and around the world was officially launched in Carrick-on Shannon last night. Leitrim County Council CEO Joseph Gilhooly said the gathering has received significant support from community groups. Mr Gilhooly said he was "encouraging Leitrim people everywhere to be part of the celebrations either by attending an event or sharing in the fun via social media". The launch of the Leitrim Gathering heard that the local authority hopes to engage with its diaspora to act as ambassadors around the globe for their native county. Chairperson of the Leitrim Gathering Steering Group Cllr Enda Stenson told the launch of the impact immigration had on his own family. He spoke of the diaspora's connection with the county. Carole Coleman, a member of the steering group, spoke of the importance of remembering those who have left the county in the past for a myriad of reasons and how they supported many people who remained at home. Leitrim County Council is undertaking a survey seeking to establish where the county's diaspora resides across the globe. The Leitrim Gathering coincides with the UK Bank Holiday weekend. Over the coming days, the county will host a diverse range of activities and events including Sessions at the Shannon, Leitrim Cycling Festival, Mohill Old Fair Day, Taste Leitrim, Kayaking on Lough Rynn, Leitrim Jamboree, Leitrim Women Through Time Exhibition and Genealogy workshops. Census 2022 showed that the population of Leitrim was about 35,000 people - an increase of 10% from April 2016.
