Cumann Merriman has a long tradition of exploring
and reflecting on topical and pertinent societal issues. This year’s School in
Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, will take a close look at politics, society and
culture in the two Irelands over the past 15 years since the Good Friday
Agreement. Fianna
Fáil leader Mícheal Martin will deliver the opening lecture on Wednesday 14th
August at 8.30 pm. The closing event on Sunday 18th August at 11 am
will feature MEP Marian Harkin and Alliance MP Naomi Long and will be followed
by a special Burren brunch featuring local growers, producers and chefs. In
between there are over 30 speakers and performers, including Church of
Ireland primate Archbishop Richard Clarke, former head of the Northern
Ireland Civil Service Sir Ken Bloomfield, Director of the Irish School of
Ecumenics Geraldine Smyth and cultural critic Edna Longley. There's a special
round table of young politicians from North and South on Saturday 17th
in the afternoon. Cultural highlights
include an evening of poetry with Nobel Laureate and patron of the Summer
School, Seamus Heaney and his friend and fellow poet, Michael Longley; mid day
readings by poets Leanne O’ Sullivan and Gearóid Mac Lochlainn; and a
concertina recital by Jack Talty and Cormac O Beaglaoich. And of course there’s
singing and dancing at Club Merriman in the evenings. There is no
need to pre-register for the school, which is open to everyone. People may
register for the full school but are also welcome to attend individual events.
Those coming for a few days are strongly advised to book accommodation in
advance. Full details of the programme and speakers are available on www.merriman.ie
or by phoning 086 382 0671 during office hours.
