Diocesan News20 Mar 13

Village Grows Relationships With Unique Cross–community Event To Celebrate St Patrick’s Day

People in the village of Garvagh are finding a way of celebrating St Patrick’s Day that is building relationships and trust. The local Church of Ireland parish in Garvagh and the Glenullen GAA club held a special joint celebration event on the evening of Saturday 16th March.

A special evening of food, music and dancing was held in Glenullen Community Centre, on the outskirts of the village. It brought together members of the local Church of Ireland congregation, other members of the Protestant community and Glenullen GAA club. Local Rector, Rev Paul Whittaker, described it as “evening to build relationships, trust and to learn about each other’s culture”

Following a welcome from Gerard O’Kane, Secretary of Glenullen GAA club the celebrations continued. Music from the Church of Ireland Garvagh Parish Music Group, as well as the Hampsey Harpists (also from the parish), blended together with Irish dancing and plenty of Irish stew. Bishop Ken Good (Diocese of Derry and Raphoe) shared some thoughts on St Patrick and St Columba at the close of the event.

Local politicians, members of the Ulster Council of the GAA and local business people also joined in this special celebration. Speaking of the event Bishop Good said, “On this island we have a tremendous capacity for relationship. Sadly the events of the Troubles damaged relationships. I warmly commend the Church of Ireland parish in Garvagh, Glenullen GAA and the rest of the local community as they deepen relationships and trust”.

The St Patrick’s celebration took place at 8pm on Saturday 16th March in Glenullen Community Hall. The organisers are grateful to Coleraine Borough Council, The Honourable The Irish Society as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs for their financial support.

Photo: The Shamrock is Piped in – Two cultures find a way to celebate St Patick’s Day together in Garvagh