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Sharpen your brain for Merriman School


The Merriman Summer School returns to Lisdoonvarna and this year’s theme is Thriving at the Crossroads: Rural Ireland in a Globalised World.
The school, which runs from August 15 to August 19 will directed by Bob Collins, chairman of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. He is also a former director general of RTÉ and former chief commissioner of the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland.
For a long time, the focus of Ireland’s identity was its rural, its agrarian base. Frequently romanticised, regularly misunderstood, it had an important part in the shaping of ourselves and of a sense of our ideal selves. The world that gave us that approach is long gone.
The face of the country has been transformed. Urban life and the urban experience dominate the international media and shape contemporary identities. Yet, rural Ireland continues to exist. Its landscape still proclaims its beauty. Its people make an impact on the life on the country. Its fields produce food that is consumed in many lands.
How does this rural Ireland co-exist with the globalised world? What is its future? This year’s school sets out to offer a positive but realistic perspective on the reality that is rural Ireland. It will look at the possibilities and potentials of the future. It will consider the question of community, will the institutions that sustain it survive? How does the virtual community relate?
Questions of farming, food, landscape, tourism, sustainability and environment will come under attention. Employment, emigration, planning and recreation will also be part of the mosaic that the school will engage with. Of course, poetry and literature will, as ever, feature at the school.
Speakers will include Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney; professor Kevin Whelan (University of Notre Dame); professor Chris Curtin (NUIG); Dr Ruth McManus (St Patrick’s College Drumcondra); professor Willie Smyth; Fiona Stack (Radio Kerry); David Meredith (Teagasc); Pól Ó Coimín and Siobhán Ní Ghadhra (Telegael); Rhona Ní Chearbhaill, a young scholar; Carmel Fox (Ballyhoura Development); Eddie Downey (vice-president IFA). The featured poets in the lunchtime readings are Harry Clifton (Ireland Professor of Poetry), Moya Cannon and Stiofán Ó Cadhla.
The school offers a wide range of events for visitors, who are welcome to come for a single event, a full day, or for the whole school.
In addition to lectures and panel discussions, there will be the usual morning symposia in English and in Irish, poetry readings from contemporary poets during Cúirt an Mheán Lae, a bus trip in Clare, music, songs and dancing at night and of course, lively conversation and convivial company.
Further details are available on www.merriman.ie.

 

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