A Christmas Message from Cavan County Council Cavan Disapora Friendship

Cavan Enterprise

December 2018 Cavan is a county with a significant Diaspora population. We recognise the many opportunities for communication, networking and partnership for the Issue 3 vibrant community of Cavan living at home in Ireland Issue 1 and across the globe.

Our community is made up of people from every walk of life with a link to Cavan in some way, by ancestry,

through business or community connections as well as A Christmas Message from Cavan County Council Cavan Disapora friendship. We acknowledge the importance of Cavan County Council sustaining this unique Diaspora, creating a platform Courthouse, that deliberately connects with and supports this Dear Friend of Cavan Cavan diverse community of people. As well as reaching out Ireland to the Diaspora abroad, there is huge potential for Welcome to the final Cavan Diaspora Newsletter of 2018. I can scarcely local communities to reach out to their own diasporas believe we are once again entering the festive season; the months have Phone: 353 49-4378300 to build new relationships to benefit local development. flown by, a reflection of how busy 2018 has been. E-mail: [email protected] The offer from Cavan is strong: stunning landscapes, Another reason 2018 has perhaps seemed deceptively short is due to vibrant sporting communities, proud heritage, the unseasonably long winter of 2017, where Cavan endured extreme http://cavandiaspora.com/ incredible culture and a skilled workforce. weather conditions that many of you, particularly those living in the home.htm Geographically, Cavan has great links to the West, to United States and Canada, may find familiar. Here at home, however, Northern Ireland and to Dublin. such weather events present a significant challenge and we all owe a debt of gratitude to the fire, roads, water services and municipal district This diaspora engagement programme will create staff of Cavan County Council along with our Civil Defence and authentic pathways for communication by strategically Inside this issue: community volunteers for their bravery and hard work in combatting the reaching out to members of the County’s Diaspora. extreme weather. The community spirit and volunteerism on display Building 3-6 during these weather phenomena was truly inspirational. International Relations Throughout 2018, great progress has been made on a number of key capital projects throughout the county. Work has commenced on the Ballyconnell to Bellaheady recreational trail, the Kingscourt Water Cavan Enterprise 7-8 Treatment Plant officially opened in November, the N55 Killydoon to South of Corduff realignment scheme is progressing and in October the sod was turned on the new Virginia Fire Station. Special Events 9 & Housing is a subject that is rightly at the forefront of everyone’s mind at 12 the minute and Cavan County Council is working hard to fulfil its targets under the Rebuilding Ireland programme. Peace lV Voice of 11

the Troubles Cavan County Council continues to be guided by the Cavan Local Age Friendly 13-14 Economic and Community Plan in the area of community and enterprise development, and great strides have again been made this year with our Cavan partners in delivering the plans objectives which help improve the social Cavan Sports 15 and economic conditions in the county.

Continuing on from the great success of the Taste of Cavan, Cavan was this year named as one of the Top Ten Foodie Destinations in Ireland, Cavan Museum 16-17 further proof that we are punching well above our weight in the area of Food and Tourism.

Tourism & Arts 10, Enterprise development is always a key focus of your Local Authority 18-19 and I am looking forward to Cavan Town’s new Digital Hub opening its doors in early 2019. Making Cavan a more connected county, this ultra- modern facility will allow us to attract high-quality jobs to the county.

20 1 Message Continued Cavan Arts

231 young people have completed a 26 hour Our goal of promoting the county as a place to visit, to live and to do programme with 17 artist facilitators through a range of artforms showcasing their business takes on a renewed urgency when we consider the looming work for Cruinnui and culture night. Some of the project outcomes include art uncertainty that Brexit brings for us. We have sought to prepare and installations at venues, street art, banners, soundscapes and much more. See galvanise local business against the shocks that Brexit may bring and www.cavanarts.ie or Cavan youth arts lab facebook for more detail. the Local Enterprise Office, in particular, has been at the forefront of

Brexit-readiness and deserves great credit. PEACE IV Cavan Youth Arts Lab have a limited number of 2019 calendars and

postcards available. It is also important to consider the social impact such a seismic change

in our relationship with our nearest neighbours may bring and to reflect Contact Kim for yours: [email protected] 087-6691550 on the great effort and sacrifice that has gone into securing and maintaining peace on this island.

This year, we welcomed one of the architects of the Good Friday Peace Agreement, Senator George Mitchell, to Cavan 20 years after the historic agreement was signed. In November, Cavan County Li- brary Service launched its ‘Voices of the Troubles’ Oral History Ar- chive, which contains interviews with over 100 people from Cavan and Fermanagh who were affected by the Troubles. This followed Cavan County Museum’s very moving commemorative service marking the centenary of the end of the First World War. These projects and events, which commemorate our sometimes-difficult past, are important reminders of why we work so hard to build a better, shared future for all in County Cavan.

This shared future also extends to the greater Cavan family, scattered across the globe. Some of you may return home this Christmas, while others will use the time to reflect on their relationship with their ances- The importance of the arts to the social and economic fabric of everyday life in tral home. If you would like to establish a connection with County Cav- County Cavan was emphasised at the launch of ‘Inclusivity and Ambition – A an in 2019, whether by visiting or even establishing business relation- Strategy for Cavan Arts, 2018 to 2023’ on Friday, 23 March at Johnston Central ships, I would encourage you to visit http://cavandiaspora.com to see Library. how we can build positive connections for the benefit of Cavan and it’s people, near and far.

Wherever you are in the world, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Tommy Ryan Cllr Madeline Argue Chief Executive Cathaoirleach

2 19 Building International Relations Cavan Tourism Among the main aims and objectives of the Cavan Diaspora Engagement Strategy 2017-2021 is to “create a platform of communications between those at home and abroad”.

Cavan on the up as a tourism destination! In Cavan we are very proud of our strong connections with our diaspora network that is active across the globe. We value the importance of maintaining and building on our links with our At over 8.203 million visits, overall trips to communities at home and abroad so as to create a platform of communications that allows the Ireland were up 7.1% in the first nine people of Cavan, at home and abroad to tell stories and share identity with clarity and pride. months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Although individual county breakdowns are not yet available for 2018, County Philadelphia Cavan welcomed 107,000 overseas visitors to the county in 2017, making a valuable contribution of €48M to the local economy. Tourism is now regarded as very important to the local economy. The standard of hotels and restaurants in the County is high with some stand out businesses regarded as amongst the best in the country. Neven Maguire’s MacNean House & Restaurant in Blacklion is considered one of the finest restaurants in the country.

Cavan County Council are in the process of implementing a ‘Tourism Development Strategy 2017 – 2021’. As part of this, efforts are ongoing by the Council to develop more things for visitors to do while in Cavan. Developments at Cavan Museum have seen the installation of a replica World War 1 Trench While we were unable to visit Philadelphia we sent our best wishes to the Official Cavan Society Experience, a peace garden and a replica of of Philadelphia for their annual dance in October the GPO in 1916. Visitor numbers have more than doubled as a result. In addition, New York investments have been made in Cavan Burren Park just outside Blacklion. These investments have allowed for the extraordinary 5000 year old natural heritage and breath-taking landscapes of Cavan Burren to be showcased to visitors.

Cavan is highlighted in Fáilte Irelands’ new marketing propositions designed to promote the country overseas. The island castle of Clough Oughter Castle, in the centre of Lough Oughter features heavily in Fáilte Ireland’s publicity for Hidden Heartland which promotes tourism which is active in nature. To find out more about Cavan as a tourism destination visit www.thisiscavan.ie or follow us on facebook, twitter or Instagram.

Cavan County Council Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive with officials of the Cavan Protective & Benevolent Association of New York leading out the St Patrick’s Day parade in March

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London Cavan County Museum 2018 (continued)

Children taking part in the Museum’s ‘Connecting People, Places and Heritage’ Cross Border / Cross Community Project enhanced the Peace Garden with a ‘weather vane’ and ‘buddy bench’.

Major refurbishment took place in WWI Trench Experience by replacing all the sand bags and installing a ‘Gas Station’.

Indoors, Cavan County Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating artefacts from our past, such as the ancient arrowheads and swords wielded by our ancestors or the mysterious three-faced Corleck Head and Killycluggin Stone, which carry dark tales from our pagan past.

This exciting and vibrant museum takes history off the page and places you in the heart of our exciting past. The Museum continues to develop and enhance visitor experience year on year and is now regarded as one of the best in the country, a must-see attraction.

Cavan Association London Annual Dinner Dance at the Irish Centre Camden in November

London Golf

Visit of Cavan Association London golfing group to Slieve Russell and Farnham Estate Golf Courses September

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Cavan County Museum 2018 Wurzburg

2018 was another exceptional year for the Museum. While visits by school and tour groups increased significantly, walk in visitor numbers surpassed our expectations. The outdoor exhibitions continue to attract people especially the WWI Trench Experience, 1916 Rising and Battle of the Somme Exhibitions

In March 2018 the Museum launched another inspirational and thought-provoking exhibition ‘Road to War – Path to Reflection’ which tells the story of 15 people who died as a result of their part in the First World War. The exhibition details the lives of a number of Cavan men from different religious backgrounds who died on the same day and often in the same battle.

The Museum’s Commemoration Education Programme received The Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award and the Public-Sector Magazine National Award for Best County Museum 2018.

Planning permission approval has been granted for the provision of an additional Shared Space facility funded under Peace IV to be located at the rear of the Museum which will open in 2019. A pathway around The Nun’s Walk has recently started which will make this beautiful walk more accessible especially for wheelchair users and children.

Each month the Museum hosts varied events including drama, music, art, literature, quilting with many workshops and lectures of historical content.The generosity of people who continue to kindly donate interesting and historical memorabilia to the Museum’s already Cathaoirleach Madeline Argue and Cavan group getting ready for the St Kiliani Parade in unique collection is much appreciated. Wurzburg Germany in July

As an award-winning KURNACH tourist destination attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, Cavan County Museum also plays a key role in driving the local economy, attracting tourists from all corners of Ireland and overseas.

In November to commemorate ‘The End of the First World War’ Minister Heather Humphreys officially launched the Museum’s publication ‘A First World War Centenary Roll of Honour for County Cavan’ by Dr Michael Finnegan. This publication includes details on over 750 men associated with the county who died because of their involvement in the First World War.

Civic reception at Courthouse Cavan for Mayor of Kurnach, Germany with whom we have a friendship pact along with community and political representatives in August

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FRANCE Cavan’s First Community Sports Hub

In September over 600 people attended the #BEACTIVE Night of Sport and the Launch of

Cavan’s first Community Sports Hub, Kilnaleck Activity Hub in Dr Plunkett Memorial Park,

Crosserlough. The Hub was launched by Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Cllr Madeline Argue Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council.

The Hub's purpose is to put sport, physical activity and health and well-being at the heart of the Kilnaleck Community and aims to provide opportunities for existing clubs and groups to develop and become more sustainable through better structures and governance. The Hub aims to identify and support local sports clubs, coaches and volunteers through a programme of training and education Visit of representatives from twinned council Jaunay-Marigny, France to Cavan in August

Local commitment along with support from Cavan Sports Partnership will ensure a more active

and healthier population for both young and old.

To date just under 300 adults and young people have completed 15 very successful physical activities programmes. There are currently a number of programmes running and a schedule of physical activity programmes is planned for the New Year.

In early January 2019, Kilnaleck Activity Hub will host Community Transformation and we look forward to welcoming all members of the community, young and old to take part in the programme.

http://cavandiaspora.com/home.htm https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2018/december/ minister-cannon-launches-back-for-business-a-programme-to-support-returning-emigrants-.php

6 15 Age Friendly Cavan continued Cavan Enterprise

Cavan Older People’s Council members have taken part in ‘walkability audits’ in National Women’s Enterprise Day 2018 various locations in Cavan, to assess how easy it is to walk through an area, 106 Cavan female entrepreneurs join in nationwide celebrations documenting issues for a range of people with different mobility issues. Walkability audits took place at Cavan General Hospital, Kingspan Breffni Park GAA Grounds, On October 18th 2018 at Hotel Kilmore, Local Enterprise Office Cavan and Cavan Business Cootehill Town and at the Taste of Cavan food festival. Recommendations help the Women’s Club hosted one of the largest National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) events in various organisations to make improvements. Ireland.

Partners in delivering Age Friendly work in Cavan are Cavan Gaelic Athletics Club, ‘From Local to Global’ was the theme for this year’s national events. Our local event in Cavan, Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board, An Garda Siochana, Cavan County attended by 106 local female entrepreneurs and women in business, was opened by Heather Council, LocalLink Transport, the Health Service Executive and Cavan Older Humphreys T.D., Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, who said “NWED is a very People’s Council. These partners deliver many initiatives with the ambition of significant day that puts Irish female entrepreneurship into the spotlight and celebrates the developing Cavan as a great county to grow old in. Projects include improved huge strides Irish businesswomen have made both here and internationally. It is an transport services, educational and training courses for older people, smoke alarm opportunity to inspire the female entrepreneurs of the future, by showing them what is possible scheme and streetscape improvements, training for public sector staff in age friendly and why they should be thinking global. Irish businesswomen have shown they can be the issues, crime prevention programmes, enhanced health supports, sports activities best in the world and we must continue in this frame of mind.” targeting older people, and GAA supports to include older members of the community. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Madeleine Argue also addressed the event and spoke about how the success of Cavan Business Women’s Club demonstrates the need and desire to network and The Older People’s Council were shortlisted for the National Age Friendly Awards in be part of a local support system that encourages female entrepreneurship. 2018 for their ‘drop in’ information centre and again for the Chambers Ireland Local Government Awards for their intergenerational project. Bob Gilbert, Chair of the Guest speakers Mary McKenna, Tour America, finalist in the 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Cavan OPC and chair of the national network of Older People’s Councils, won the Year international category and local Stradone business woman Ann Rudden of Áine Hand prestigious Local Authority Members Association All Ireland Community and Council Made Chocolates, talked about how they grew their businesses from local to global, Award in the category of volunteer of the year award in 2018 for his work with the describing the many challenges they had to overcome along the way. age friendly programme. National Women’s Enterprise Day is a key milestone for Local Enterprise Offices around the country. Since it started twelve years ago, the popularity of NWED has grown every year with Pictured are Ann Gilbert; Bob Gilbert, winner more and more female success stories in business to highlight. The events are as important of Community Volunteer of the Year; Cllr as ever, as they connect female entrepreneurs and give them the opportunity to learn from Paddy McDonald, Cathaoirleach, Cavan each other to share business challenges and solutions. Marcella Rudden, Head of Enterprise, County Council; Cllr Suzanne Jamal, LAMA; Local Enterprise Office Cavan congratulated all of the women in attendance on their business Mags Murray, Chairperson of LAMA achievements to date and encouraged them to avail of the full range of business supports and Executive, and Eoin Doyle, Director of services available from the Local Enterprise Office. Services, Cavan County Council at the 2018 All Ireland Community & Council Awards presented, by IPB Insurance and LAMA (Local Authority Members Association).

14 7 Age Friendly Cavan 14 Cavan engineering firms participate in Engineering Meet the Buyer event Cavan County Council has been running a very successful Age Friendly Programme since 2012, Local Enterprise Office Cavan took part in the EENGINEX Engineering Meet the Buyer working closely with very active members of Cavan and Matchmaking Event at the new Combilift factory complex in Monaghan on November Older People’s Council to deliver projects and improve 21st, offering Cavan businesses a valuable opportunity to engage in pre-arranged, face-to- services. Age Friendly work is carried out in face sales meetings with key buyers and other suppliers from Ireland and UK. the context of international population ageing. It is increasingly recognised that we need to prepare for a The event, which was organised by Enterprise Europe Network through the Local greater proportion of older people in society and Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland, also included support for businesses on issues enhance services to better meet their needs. such as Brexit and LEAN manufacturing, as well as an opportunity for delegates to tour the state of the art manufacturing facility at Combilift. Activities of Cavan Older People’s Council (OPC) during 2018 have included intergenerational work Local Enterprise Office Cavan is a partner on the Enterprise Europe Network initiative and with transition year students in schools, notably we were delighted to have such strong representation of writing projects, drama and art. The OPC has Cavan engineering firms participating in the event where also written and performed their own play called they met with potential new buyers and suppliers. ‘The Best Years of our Lives have Yet to Come’. This drama draws on older people’s everyday Enterprise Europe Network Ireland services helps Irish experiences in life and raises issues around businesses innovate and grow internationally. The network communication, transport, IT and serves as a connection in almost 70 countries around the intergenerational relationships. Bob Gilbert, Chair world and has access to over 600 different organisations. of Cavan Older People’s Council said “I believe Enterprise Europe Network helps business grow through that drama is one of the most effective vehicles tailored support, new business and technology for exploring and raising awareness of issues partnerships, commercial opportunities, licensing deals, affecting our society. This drama project explores and partner searches for EU funded R&D. a number of issues encountered by older people in their daily lives. The issues raised were suggested by the participants and the scenarios were created by them. This is proof of the enormous contribution that older people are making to our society. The end product was all made possible by our marvellous drama facilitator and director Maura Williamson who encouraged our creativity.”

Cavan Older People’s Council members visited the South West Age Partnership in Enniskillen and then hosted a return visit in Cavan. They hosted a multicultural afternoon of song, dance and food with the Congolese community who came to Cavan under a refugee resettlement programme.

8 13 French Parliamentarians visit Cavan County Council

A delegation of French parliamentarians visited Cavan County Council on Monday, 2 July to Special Events discuss the implications of Brexit. Pictured are (front from left) Senator Gisele Jourda, Senator Christian Cambon (President, Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Senate), Tommy Ryan, Chief Executive, Cavan County Council; Brendan Smith TD, Cathaoirleach, Former US Senator Cllr Madeleine Argue, Senator Jean Bizet (President, EU Affairs Committee of the French George Mitchell, one of Senate), Senator Didier Marie, and Lionel Paradisi-Coulouma, Deputy Head of Mission of the architects of the Good the French Embassy to Ireland. (Back from left) Senator Olivier Cadic, Deputy Christophe Friday Agreement, signs Naegelen, Deputy Pierre-Henri Dumont, Deputy Jacques Marilossian, Deputy Pieyre- the official visitor welcome Alexandre Anglade, Deputy Alexandre Holroyd, Deputy Bertrand Bouyx, and Senator Ronan book during his visit to Le Gleut. Cavan on Sunday, 8 April. Senator Mitchell visited the Senator George Mitchell Peace Bridge in Aghalane 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement was signed for an interdenominational prayer service for peace. Pictured (left to right) are Councillor Winston Bennett, Cllr Peter McVitty, Cllr Damien Brady, Tommy Ryan, Chief Executive, Cavan County Council, Senator George Mitchell, Cllr Paddy McDonald, Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley, Cllr Sean Smith, Martin Kenny TD, and Cllr Madeleine Argue.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Peter Sheridan (1792-1844): Founder of Argentina’s Sheep and Wool Madeleine Argue holds the Industry Peace Torch flanked by

participants in the Sri Did you know that it was a Cavan man who helped to start Argentina’s wool and sheep industry? His name was Peter Sheridan. Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global torch In 1817, Peter Sheridan, along with his two brothers, Richard, a landowner and Hugh relay that seeks to Thomas, a physician, decided to emigrate from Cavan to Buenos Aires. Between them, they promote peace and opened a textile merchant business. In 1824, Peter Sheridan bought one hundred merino understanding across the sheep from the government of Buenos Aires. The government had imported the animals globe in September. The from Rambouillet, Paris. Peter Sheridan then entered into a partnership with John Harrat, Peace runners visited with whom he ran the estancia Los Sajones near Ranchos. Sheridan and Harrat were the first people in Argentina to mass-produce wool. They favoured merino breeds, such as the Cavan as part of a 20,000 negrete and saxony elector. km journey through 47 European countries. In 1844, at the time of Peter Sheridan’s death, his farm had 40,000 pure-bred sheep grazing at 16 outposts. Peter was reputed to have employed more Irish people than any other Irish businessman in Buenos Aires. He was also appointed to the city council and served for a time as harbour inspector at Riachuelo. Peter’s wife was Mary Sheridan nee Butterworth. The Sheridan’s had two children, Enrique and Isabel. Enrique Sheridan (1836-1864), became a celebrated landscape artist having being educated in Europe. Both Peter Sheridan and John Harratt are credited with having started Argentina’s sheep and wool industry.

12 9 Lecture to launch ‘Voices of the Troubles’ Archiving the Musical Heart of Cavan ‘Voices of the Troubles’, an oral history archive, which records the often-neglected experiences of victims of the Troubles in the border communities of Cavan and Fermanagh, was officially launched by Minister Heather Humphreys at an event to launch the Cavan Cavan County Council’s Arts Office, I.T. Department, and local traditional musicians are PEACE IV Action Plan in October. creating an archive of Cavan’s past and present traditional musical heritage.

The project comprises a collection of 85 audio interviews, conducted by Maurice O’Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore on behalf of Cavan County Library Service. ‘Voices of the Troubles’ is unique in that it brought Catholics and Protestants, Nationalists and Unionists, together to share their experiences with each other and to record them for posterity.

This project, funded under the Peace IV programme under the Building Positives Relations element, was devised to seek to address a problem whereby, due to the history of division in Northern Ireland and the border region, some sections of society have not developed the capacity to deal positively with difference and division.

While the history of conflict in Ulster is well-noted, less attention has traditionally been paid to victims in areas where the concentration of violence was less but the impact wrought on the people there equally As part of the Creative Ireland Programme, Cavan County Council’s Arts Office and IT devastating. Department will work with the Irish Traditional Music Archive to safeguard and make accessible to future generations an archive of music, video, photographs and manuscripts capturing the This project engaged with over rich tapestry of Cavan’s traditional music heritage. 100 participants in 85 audio

interviews, who recounted how The process will see a permanent archive created of material including the ‘A Call from the Musical Heart of Cavan’ collection, created by Martin Donohoe, producer and musician, their lives and the lives of family working with Cavan County Council’s Arts Office and the musicians and singers of County members were affected by 30 Cavan as a Millennium Project. years of conflict in the province. Many of these individuals, who lost fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and partners, were telling their story to the world for the first time. Martin Donohoe created a comprehensive archive of County Cavan’s traditional artists as part

of the recording process and he continues to archive the traditional arts in County Cavan today. The finished tapes will create an audio archive for Cavan County Council which chronicles the lives of a border community during the turbulent period 1968 -1998. The archive will allow the The original four CD set, consisting of 102 tracks, was mostly recorded at The Ramor Theatre, public gain a direct understanding of the period. Virginia, Co Cavan between 1999 and 2000. Almost two hundred musicians gave generously of their time and talents for the recording process. The interviews were handled in a sensitive manner allowing participants the opportunity to This archival project will add to and complement the ‘A Call from the Musical Heart of Cavan’ discuss their feelings and emotions in many instances for the first time. One person collection by capturing the next generation of Cavan musicians and compositions. interviewed noted "Many people have spoken on our behalf, but now we can speak for ourselves". This is an opportunity to express your interest in contributing to or assisting in this important archival project. To find out more, call 049 437 8546 or email [email protected]. The archive will be available to the general public to listen to through Cavan County Library Service from 30 November.

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