Lectures From Fifth Seamus Heaney Lecture Series Launched

Áine Lawlor, Director of the Teaching Council launched the publication of the lectures from the fifth Seamus Heaney Lecture Series at St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, entitled All Changed? Culture and Identity in Contemporary Ireland.  Áine spoke of the importance  and timely nature of this publication as a commentary on a moment in Irish history when we were on the cusp of change following a significant growth in our immigrant population. This influx of people from other cultures has presented us with many challenges and raised questions about issues such as our notions of Irishness, and identities negotiated in multilingual and multicultural contexts.

The contributors to this book examine these issues from a variety of perspectives and there is an excellent balance between Irish, international and ‘newcomer’ voices. Abel Ugba, Livingstone Thompson and Amel Yacef give us insights into their experiences as ‘newcomers’ to Ireland. Cathleen O’Neill and Rosaleen McDonagh highlight the plight of the marginalised in our society. The role of language and identity is explored by Jim Cummins and Máirín Nic Eoin. Mary Hickman reflects on the concept of diaspora and examines how Ireland might now interact with the Irish diaspora. Peadar Kirby examines the effects of globalisation on identity in the case of Ireland. The concept of identity and otherness is explored through a philosophic and religious lens by Richard Kearney, and through a dramatic lens by Chrissie Poulter.

Áine congratulated all the authors who contributed to the book. The publishers Duras Press and the editors Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Rory Mc Daid and Andrew O’Shea for bringing the chapters together into a thought provoking and accessible volume.

Copies of the book may be purchased for €15 from Duras Press, c/o Pádraig Ó Duibhir, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. There is free post and packing on all orders received before 1 April 2011. Please make cheques payable to St Patrick’s College.

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Friday March 18 2011