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A closing event held at Omeath last weekend marked the conclusion of the Oirialla a Thugann Sinn le Chéile/Oriel Connects Us project, an International Fund for Ireland sponsored initiative that spent 18 months connecting the Omeath and Lislea communities through shared lived experiences and Oriel heritage.
Funding of over €100,000 was granted to the community initiative which aimed to help revive the language, culture and customs specific to the Oriel, an area within the South Armagh and North Louth border region.
The initiative was a partnership between Omeath District Development and Lislea Community Association.
The project ended on a high note, with a packed gathering on Sunday 26 April in the Dolmen Centre, Omeath.
Two informative talks on Coláiste Bhríde, covering both its Omeath and Rannafast sites, were delivered by Séamus Mac Dhaibhéid from Newry and Breandán Ó Dufaigh from Monaghan. The Oriel Traditional Orchestra provided the musical entertainment, with some new compositions alongside local tunes.
Project Co-ordinator Kathleen O'Brien of Omeath District Development was presented with flowers by members of the Omeath Historical Society in recognition of her management of the project. Particular praise was also given to Caoimhe Morgan, who taught the Irish language classes in both Omeath and Lislea, and to Kate Quinn, who co-ordinated affairs in Lislea throughout the project's duration.
Helen Thompson of Omeath District Development hosted the event at the Dolmen Centre and thanked the International Fund for Ireland for their support.
The Oriel Connects Us project, which ran for 18 months united the Omeath and Lislea communities in an exploration of their shared heritage and lived experiences, with Sunday's closing event providing a fitting conclusion to what was widely regarded as a very successful and worthwhile community initiative.
