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Decade of Centenaries

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County Donegal Decade of Centenaries Commemorations 2012-2023   

The Irish Government’s Centenaries programme under the direction of Minister Catherine Martin, TD, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media was broad and inclusive. It encompassed the different traditions on the island of Ireland and aimed to offer fresh insights and constructive dialogue, and to foster deeper mutual understanding among people from different traditions. a nationwide programme was delivered that focussed on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives: a programme that promoted a deeper understanding of the significant historical events of this period 1912 – 1923 acknowledging that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland.    

Between 2012 and 2023 Donegal County Council’s Culture Division (Museum, Archives, Library Service, Heritage Office, Arts Office, Regional Cultural Centre) worked in association with individuals, groups, and organisations both locally and nationally to commemorate the events which impacted the lives of those living in Donegal 100 years ago. They explored the history of the Decade from the First World War to the Civil War and the early years of the establishment of the Free State. The Culture Division held a key partner role in the coordination, planning and delivery of the programme working with the Department, stakeholders from representative bodies and the community and voluntary sectors.  

The Decade of Centenaries provided opportunities to focus on the development of access to historical artefacts, records and primary sources from the time period. Donegal County Museum, the County Archives, the Library Service and Heritage Office shared their own collections through exhibitions and the creation of on-line resources and facilitated communities in the recording, preservation and display of material heritage related to the Decade of Centenaries. The Arts Office and Regional Cultural Centre worked with artists and creative practitioners to interpret the historical events of the Decade providing a platform to encourage reflection and the consideration of issues, both past and present, which were challenging and difficult.    

A century on, we are in a better position to explore the fullness of the history of the period, doing so with courage and a sense of inclusiveness. We have an opportunity to construct a future for all who want to call this island home, with our diverse histories and memories all respectfully considered.  

The process of ethical remembering, the reflections we have made throughout this Decade of Centenaries, can help all of us in our journey together, towards a shared future that is marked by inclusivity, diversity, possibility, and a sharing of memory in conditions of peace – in a diverse country of which we can all be proud.  

 

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