Reaching out across the country

IRELAND Reaching Out, the pilot project developed in South-East Galway from October 2010 through to July 2011 and culminating in a Week of Welcomes in June, is to expand countrywide.
Building on the success of last year’s launch programme, the Ireland XO project will have its 2011/2012 launch meeting on Wednesday, October 12 at the Loughrea Spa and Hotel at 8.30pm. Special guest at the launch will be David McWilliams.
The evening will consist of a short review of the Ireland XO 2010/2011 programme, including parish volunteer feedback on last year’s activities and from Week of Welcome participants.
“Much progress has been made since the summer break and reports on this progress and a sneak preview of the new Ireland XO website will be presented by the Ireland XO team, including some new faces to be introduced,” outlined Dolores O’Shea, project administrator.
The evening will also include reports on discussions being held with government agencies on the national expansion of Ireland XO and a report from the second Farmleigh II meeting where the Ireland Reaching Out project will be represented by Ireland XO chairman, Mike Feerick and David McWilliams. To round off the evening’s proceedings, Mr McWilliams will address the meeting with some reflections on the programme’s progress and some lighter comments on the Irish economy.
Also attending will be representatives from communities across the country who have expressed interest in launching Ireland XO in their areas, including parishes from Mayo, Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Donegal among others.
“All parish volunteers, current and new, and those interested in the project are invited to attend but as we are expecting a sizable attendance for this 2012 kick-off event, please email the Ireland XO team at info@irelandxo.com or call to RSVP at the office number below  if you wish to attend,” Ms O’Shea suggested.
The Ireland Reaching Out (Ireland XO) project is based on tracing Irish people who moved to America and their descendents and trying to attract them back here.
“Working through voluntary effort at a townland, village and parish level, we identify who left and trace them and their descendants worldwide, proactively engaging with them and inviting them to become part of an extended virtual community with their place of origin,” Ms O’Shea explained.
“The Week of Welcomes in June saw members of the local Irish diaspora returned from the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand for the event which was covered by local, national and international media, including the New York Times and the BBC. Key to the success of the Ireland Reaching Out project has been communities working to develop contact with their own local diaspora, not just that of the nation at large,” believes Ms O’Shea.
To learn more about getting involved contact Dolores on 091 842013 or email her at doshea@irelandxo.com.