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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: News from Kilkerley, Knockbridge, Louth and Shelagh
Kilkerley The usual communion rounds by clergy take place this week but note that Fr Gerry will do his calls on Friday (not Thursday). Family Tree Healing mass is in Knockbridge on Monday next July 6, at 8.00pm preceded by confessions and rosary. St Oliver Plunkett 400 celebrations take place in Drogheda on Saturday and Sunday next July 5/6 and on Sunday, July 13, in Louth Village there will be a procession from the church at 2.00pm to Ardpatrick for mass at 3.00pm with refreshments afterwards. Rally of Life takes place in Dublin on Saturday next, July 5, at 1.30pm. Bus leaves Dundalk at 12noon from Holy Family Church. Cost is Skerries, €20, details from Patricia 087 7671657. Remember in your prayers, Anthony Reilly, Courtbane, formerly Rathmore, Helen O'Connell, Dublin Rd, Haggardstown, Peter Holland, Skerries, who died recently. Good wishes to all who are hospitalised or in nursing homes or unwell at home presently. Dancing Dancing continues on Sunday nights in the Community Centre from 8.30pm to 11.00pm as follows- This Sunday, July 6, The Wicklow Man plays; Chris Dallet plays on Sunday, July 13, Silver Moon (Donal and Bobby) play on Sunday, July 20. Jackpot €15,000 Kilkerley Emmets Lotto Draw on Tuesday, July 1, had a Jackpot of €15,000. Numbers drawn on Tuesday, June 24, for jackpot of €15,000, were 05, 06, 11, 15. No winner. Match 3 winner got €200 for Susanne Dunne 5, 11, 15, 21. Thanks to all who support the lotto. Entry €2 or three for €5. join onlne via website or Clubzap. Flag Day Kilkerley Emmets Flag Day takes place this Saturday next, July 5. Hopefully you can spare some time to help out on the day and get your name in asap to Caroline Deery 083 4385007 or Catherine Shevlin 0876537411 for the Roster, to crew as many locations as possible around town. Blessing of Graves Cemetery Sunday will take place on Sunday, July 13, with 10.30am mass in the cemetery, weather permitting. Athletic Club There will be a three week break in training from July 1 and resuming on Tuesday, July 22. Blackrock Beach races take place this Thursday and as it is a Club event we are hoping a big number of members will attend to represent Kilkerley AC. Coaches will be in attendance. Emmets GFC Intermediate League Rd 12 is this Sunday, July 6, at home to St Brides at 3.00pm. Rd 13 on Saturday, July 12, at home to Roche Emmets at 7.00pm; Rd 14 on Saturday, July 19, away to Dundalk Gaels at 7.00pm; Rd 15 on Saturday, July 26, at home to Mattock Rangers at 7.00pm and Rd 16 on Thursday, July 31, at 8.00pm away to Stabannon. Next junior game is at home v Mattock at 7.30pm on Tuesday next, July 8. On Wednesday last our U14 Boys drew 2-14 to 3-11 in the A Championship Group 3 away to Dreadnots. On Tuesday last our minor boys U18 Div 3 lge team lost 4-12 to 3-17 to O'Raghallaighs at the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda. Scorers- Stephen Kelly 3-1; Adrian Conlon 1-4; Luke Shevlin and Ryan Holland 0-2 each; Tadhg Fitzgerald, Alex Babbington and Oisin McElroy 0-1 each. Then on Thursday last they drew 2-15 each away to St Kevins Lannleire. Our scorers- Luke Shevlin 1-5; Ryan Holland 1-2; Shea Finnegan, Alex Babington 0-2 each; Stephen Kelly; Adrian Conlon; Tadhg Fitzgerald, and Oisin McElroy 0-1 each. They play away to Clans this Friday at 8.00pm. Huge thanks to O'Callaghan travel, Dundalk for sponsoring a new set of jerseys for the minor team. #SupportLocal #ClubSponsor #Gratitude #OCallaghan Travel #MinorBoys. Your ongoing support is really appreciated and the club is proud to you as part of our team. Check out O'Callaghan Travel when planning your holiday. 042 9330600 info@ Further minor games - Thursday, July 10 away to Dreadnots; Friday, July 18 at home v Dundalk Gaels at 8.00pm; Thursday, July 24 away to St Pats at 8.00pm. In Div 2 league our U16 Boys lost at home 0-7 to 3-14 against Roche Emmets on Monday 23/06/2025. Our U10 Mixed played well in the Hunterstown Blitz in games with Clans, Plunkets and the home team. U9 Girls did well in the Blitz in Louth Village on Sunday morning last in games against St Pats, Young Irelands and St Mochtas. Our Girls lost in the U14 A Championship QTR Final 4-7 to 5-14 away to St Brides. Junior B Girls Team lost 0-14 to 2-7 on Sunday last away to Roche. Bowls Bowling in the Community Centre will resume on Wednesday, September 3, at 7.45pm, following the summer break. New members welcome from juveniles upwards. CES Vacancy The following vacancy exists in Inniskeen West Louth Development CE Scheme - 1 Caretaker Groundsperson for Kilkerley Emmets GFC. Eligibility applies to this vacancy. If you are interested please contact Cathriona O'Rourke CE Office on 087 2055119/ cathriona@ or any committee member of Kilkerley Emmets GFC. ALONE This organisation has a national support for older people to enable them to stay living at home for longer. Volunteers are needed in your area so if you are willing to provide companionship or make calls to Older People once a week then call Fiona on 086 1366539 or email or sign up here: Full training and support provided. St Vincent de Paul From time to time families and individuals can find themselves in real need. It may be big or small, short or long term, so if you find yourself in that space contact our Help Line at St Vincent de Paul Society on 1800 677 777 in complete confidentiality or contact the local Kilkerley, St Therese Conference and you will also be treated with total confidentiality. Knockbridge Parish News Rally of Life takes place in Dublin this Saturday, July 5, at 1.30pm. Bus leaves Dundalk at 12noon from Holy Family Church. Cost is €20, details from Patricia 087 7671657. The usual communion rounds by clergy take place this week, but Fr Gerry will do his calls on Friday (not Thursday). Family Tree Healing mass is in Knockbridge on Monday next at 8.00pm preceded by confessions and rosary. St Oliver Plunkett 400 celebrations take place in Drogheda on Saturday and Sunday next July 5/6 and on Sunday, July 13, in Louth Village there will be a procession from the church AT 2.00PM TO Ardpatrick for mass at 3.00pm with refreshments afterwards. Remember in your prayers, Eamonn Kirk, Ballinclare, Helen O'Connell, Dublin Road, Haggardstown, who died recently. Vintage Club Our Knockbridge Vintage Club Road Run scheduled for last Sunday was cancelled due to a bereavement within our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. St Brides LGFA On Wednesday last, the U16 Div 1 Quarter Final away to Cooley ended in defeat 3-9 to 0-8. Training each Saturday morning at 10.00am for U11 and U12 Girls. St Brides Camogie Training in the pitch every Friday evening at 5.30pm for juveniles U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s. Centre Anyone wishing to book the Parish Centre for funerals and other occasions please contact Jean Myers directly at 042 9338670. ALONE This organisation has a national support for older people to enable them to stay living at home for longer. Volunteers are needed in your area so if you are willing to provide companionship or make calls to Older People once a week then call Fiona on 086 1366539 or email or sign up here: Full training and support provided. Hurling Club members are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Kirk. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and everybody in our community at this sad and difficult time. Eamonn will be remembered with great respect and his loss will be deeply felt across our community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. The senior team lost 3-16 to 3-12 on Wednesday last away to Truagh. On Monday of this week June 30, the re-fixture with St Fechins in the Maurice Murphy Cup Final was to be played. This Thursday, July 3, at 8.00pm it's a home match with Castleblayney and on Thursday, July 10, its away to Clontibret at 8.00pm. Juvenile training in the pitch every Friday evening at 5.30pm. U6s, U8s, U10s, U12s, all welcome. Golf Classic 2025 takes place on Friday, July 25, in Ardee Golf Club. 4-person scramble | €200/team (meal included). GUI/Non-GUI prizes; Tee times from 12:30 (€50 deposit); Tee sponsor options: €150 / €100 / €50; Contact Declan: 087 134 5234 Bootcamp Great skills were displayed by all at the St Brides GFC Skills Bootcamp held on Tuesday evening of last. A roaring success and well done to the organisers on a wonderful event! Massive thank you to St Brides Mothers and St Brides Dads and Lads for donating a new Skillmaster Rebounder for the bootcamp. St Brides GFC Eamonn Kirk RIP - St. Brides GFC wishes to express its deepest condolences to his wife, Áine, sons, Cillian, Emmett, and Nathan; daughter, Naoise and the entire Kirk family on Eamonn's passing. Eamonn wore the St. Brides jersey for many years and was a valued member of the team that played in the 2002 senior final. Off the pitch, he was deeply involved at the committee level and served as chairman of the club during the period from 2010 to 2012. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Áine, his children, Cillian, Emmett, Naoise, and Nathan and the extended Kirk family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Rd 12 of the main league for the Intermediate men's team is this Sunday, July 6, away to Kilkerley at 3.00pm. Rd 13 on Saturday, July 12 away to Stabannon at 7.00pm, Rd 14 away to Roche at 7.00pm on Saturday, July 19, Rd 15 on Thursday July 24, at home Dundalk Gaels at 8.00pm. Rd 16 on Thursday July 31, away to Mattock at 8.00pm. Junior men play at home to Newtown Blues at 7.30pm on Tuesday next, July 8. U16 Fixtures- (h) v Dundalk Gaels on Monday next, July 7; (a) v Irelands at 8.00pm; Monday, July 14, (h) v Plunkets at 8.00pm; Wednesday, July 16, (a) v Cooley at 8.00pm; Monday, July 21, (h) v St Nicks at 8.00pm. Lotto continued on Monday last, June 30, for a jackpot of €14,000. Numbers drawn on 23/06/25, (16, 20, 30, 32) for Jackpot of €13,600. No Winner. No Match 3 winners. Play Online at Tickets on sale (Priced €2, or 3 lines for €5) from MacNamee's Bar, Today's Local Shop, Lisa's Chipper, Harrys Bar, Dundalk, The Big House Bar, Dundalk, McKeown's Bar, Dundalk, Wee House, Dundalk, The Copper Kettle and from the committee. St Vincent de Paul From time to time families and individuals can find themselves in real need. It may be big or small, short or long term, so if you find yourself in that space contact our Help Line at St Vincent de Paul Society on 1800 677 777 in complete confidentiality. Golf Classic Knockbridge Hurling Club Golf Classic 2025 takes place on Friday, July 25, in Ardee Golf Club. 4-person scramble | €200/team (meal included). GUI/Non-GUI prizes; Tee times from 12:30 (€50 deposit); Tee sponsor options: €150 / €100 / €50; Contact Declan: 087 134 5234 Yoga Class in Knockbridge Community Centre on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. For Booking or more information Contact Alan on 0857326964. All levels welcome. Fitness Class These Fitness Classes for females over 50 years of age continues each Monday at 10.00am at Stephenstown Pond. Bingo The bingo sessions continue in the Community Centre on Thursdays at 8.00pm. Further information from James Watters on 087 2568895. Louth St Oliver's 400th As we all know St. Oliver Plunkett whose 400th anniversary of his birth is being celebrated this year had a very close connection with Louth parish. He ordained Priests and lived with his Brother in Ard Patrick and to Celebrate this there will be a procession leaving Louth Church to Ard Patrick on Sunday 13th July. The procession will commence at 2pm. Mass will be celebrated at Ardpatrick at 3pm. This will be followed with refreshments. Lets hope the weather stays fine to help us celebrate this very historic event. Parish draw The Louth Stonetown parish fundraising draw was held last Sunday after Mass and the winner was Maria Shakey who received the prize of €150. The committee would like to thank all who helped sell or bought tickets. The next draw will take place on Sunday July 20th after Mass. Monthly Communion Fr. Campbell will do the monthly Communion rounds this week on Friday not Thursday. Blessing of Graves Blessing of the Graves will take place in Louth as usual on the first Sunday in August which is the 3rd of August at 6pm. This will be preceded by an Blessing of the Graves in the Monastery cemetery at 5.30pm. Congratulations We send congratulations to St. Mochtas Player Eimear Byrne who is part of the Louth football team who has reached the All the All Ireland Football semi final and we wish her and the team all the best. Best wishes We send best wishes to Paddy Kettle who has retired from his post with St. Mochtas school Louth. Paddy give tremendous service to the school and will be sadly missed. Paddy was loved by all teachers fellow staff but especially by the pupils. We thank Paddy for the great service he give to the club and wish him well in his retirement.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Boherbue, Buttevant and Clondrohid
Rev Fr Jim Kennelly The Parishioners of Boherbue and Kiskeam Parish are presently in the process of bidding farewell to their Parish Priest for the past 21 years Rev Fr Jim Kennelly. The change will take place in conjunction with the Diocesan reshuffle in mid-July. He will be dearly missed of course for a number of reasons, each one with their own story to tell. He was the first Cork native, a Millstreet man, to take the role of Parish Priest in the area. Many years ago his neighbour Fr Bill Radley and the late Fr O'Sullivan from Ballydaly were Curates in the Parish. During his reign he endeared himself right throughout the Parish and even though the words of the song state that '21 years is a mighty long time' it literally flew. Now, I'm not stating that we grew older quicker because of his presence, no not at all, but he was so easy to converse with and such a caring and helpful Priest that he will never be forgotten by this generation. We thank him and we will pray that he will have a long and happy retirement at the family home in Millstreet and as its just around the corner there is no doubt he will be visiting and helping out if required. When he first arrived in 2024 his Secretary Sheila O'Keeffe took up that role in the Parish and we too express our gratitude to her for all the help and additional duties, such as Mass booklets for special occasions etc., nothing was too much trouble. I believe the new Parish Priest will be announced this weekend and we will too welcome him and help to try and make his stay a happy and peaceful one. On Sunday last the Kiskeam side of the Parish held their Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell to Fr Kennelly followed by refreshments in the Community Centre. The Boherbue function takes place on Friday July 4th with Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 7.30pm followed by refreshments in the Pearse Memorial Hall where people will have the opportunity to chat with Fr Kennelly. Organising Chairman Ned Vaughan is encouraging Clubs etc with crests to wear their colours or uniforms as a mark of appreciation to Fr Jim for his support and encouragement during his time here. For those wishing to drop in homebaking to the hall it will be open from 6pm onwards. ADVERTISEMENT GOLF SOCIETY Boherbue Golf Society held an outing to Killarney on Saturday. There was a good attendance and some keen competition. Results were as follows 1st Catherine Sheahan, Cork 42pts; 2nd Frank Sheahan, do., 40pts; 3rd Tadgh Leahy, Main St. 38pts; 4th Bryan Leahy, Airport Hill 36pts. Visitors 1st Batt Murphy, Monkstown 40pts; 2nd John Leahy, Watford, England and Causeway 39pts. Afterwards, all enjoyed a meal which was followed by the presentation of prizes. Society Secretary John McAuliffe presided. Football Both the Intermediate and Nevin Cup sides were in action at the weekend. On Thursday the Nevin Cup squad reached the final with a 3-19 to 1-7 win over St. John's in Millstreet Town Park while the Intermediate team recorded a 1-14 to 1-7 away win over Buttevant on Sunday. Here the sides were close until ten minutes from the restart when a two pointer from Andrew O'Connor was followed by a Jerry O'Sullivan goal and another orange flag from John Corkery to put the issue beyond doubt. Garda station The opening hours this week are Thursday 26th and Friday 27th from 7.30pm to 9pm. Active Retired Both trips organised by the Active Retired group are fully booked out with a waiting list. Retirement gift The Boherbue/Kiskeam Parish Account for the Retirement Gift from the Parish for Kennelly P.P is as follows A/C Name Fr Kennelly Retirement Fund Location Newmarket Credit Union IBAN IE38NEEU99224810181853 Closing Date Friday July 11th Please note that those wishing to present their own gift directly to are welcome to do so. Lotto The numbers were 15, 29, 30, 32. Lucky Dip €50 Connie the Pipe. €20 each Nora O'Connell, Killarney; Billy Murphy, East End; Anne O'Sullivan, Tureenavoscane. On line Helen Ducey. Seller Charles Ankettell. BUTTEVANT Heritage Group Buttevant Heritage Group are celebrating Irish Walled Town Network Day on July 5th and have organised a programme of events over that weekend to coincide with the event. Anybody who wishes to exhibit their items etc should contact Francis Trimm at the local Post Office. There will be numerous events taking place in the playground and the Market Green area. There will also be many stalls exhibiting their various wages and produce on the footpath along Richmond Street. There will medieval war combat and various other exhibits taking place. All will be under the watchful eye of Fionn MacCumhail which was expertly sculptured by local artist Michael Culloty. There will be something to keep all age groups entertained. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Vigil Mass The Vigil Mass for the month of July will be celebrated in Lisgriffin Church. Lisgriffin Church is to undergo many renovations including interior painting exterior power washing and treatment in the Autumn. A sloped pathway to the Church entrance is also on the agenda. Extra street lighting is also to be provided in the Church vicinity. St Vincent De Paul The Buttevant Conference of St. Vincent de Paul has a dedicated mobile number for those who may be in need of advice help generally of financially life in general. Assistance can be made in the strictest confidence by telephoning 086029477 or www Bingo The weekly bingo session cotinues on Monday night in the local G.A.A. hall where a substantial monetary jackpot can be won or shared. There are also numerous other monetary prizes associated with bingo sessions to be won. All get under way from 8.30pm. Running Club Buttevant Running Club held their annual 4-mile road race recently which attracted large attendance and was very well supported. Sponsored by Greenhall Motors annually this event has become more popular with each passing year. Club training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15pm. in the G.A.A. grounds. Over-18-years is the required membership age and hi-vis gear compulsory. Lotto The locally promoted Lotto Draw continues to be held locally on Thursday evening in the Buttevant Soccer Club Pavillion where a monetary jackpot of €6,100 can be won or shared on the choice of four lucky numbers to match the four lucky numbers drawn on draw night. Draw cards can be purchased at appointed local retail outlets or some club members. Your support is greatly appreciated. Buttevant Walking Club Buttevant Walking Club continue their activities weekly on Monday nights from 7p.m. Meeting point is adjacent to Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire. Cul Camp Buttevant G.A.A. club is holding their annual Cul Camp from July 7th to July 11th inclusive again this year in their local grounds. Golf Classic As a 50th anniversary celebration Buttevant A.F.C. will hold a Golf Classic in Doneraile Golf Club on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August inclusive. Teams of 3 will compete in a Champagne Scramble. Pick the best drive and play your own ball after that. One score to count at every hole. GUI handicap is playable on the day. Anyone without a handicap will be as follows; Gents 16; Ladies 24. Summer rules apply. Entry fee for a team of 3 is €150 which includes a meal on the day. Entries and queries can made to the Club's email address: afcbuttevant@ Your support will be greatly appreciated. Sympathy Sympathy is extended to those who have suffered a bereavement or personal loss recently. Well wishes Well wishes go to those who are ill at home or in hospital at this time. Weather Do enjoy the good weather while it lasts and do take care. CLONDROHID Curra Road Grotto Rosary The annual Curra Road Grotto Rosary will take place on Sunday June 29 at 7pm Everybody welcome. Movement of Continuous Prayer for marriage and family life: Next 24 hours of prayer 12pm Friday June 27 to 12pm Saturday June 28. Please remember your Hour. Corpus Christi Procession This important annual ceremony took place after 9.30am Mass last Sunday. A great crowd attended, with many of those who received their First Holy Communion in May in attendance. They led the procession around the outside of church strewing flowers ahead of Fr Jim who was carrying the Monstrance. The choir sang their hymns and the congregation followed.. Thanks to all who helped, and took part. Singing in the Tavern This lovely sing a long group or tell a story group meet every second Monday night in The Tavern from 9pm. They would love to see you there. Jackie's Scoraiocht continues in The Laine Bar Ballinagree on the last Wednesday of every month. Give it a call. Weekly summer history tours These have commenced on Tues June 24, and will continue every Tues night at 8pm with Dr. Con Kelleher, starting at Macroom Bridge Choice of 3 talks. The Historic Centre, New Street, and Macroom 20th Century Centres of Entertainment.. Everybody welcome. Clondrohid Dev Group Its all systems go for this group at the moment, as they try to improve their marks in the Tidy Towns. Everybody can help by keeping the area outside their house clean and rubbish free. If you see the group out doing clean ups etc., please feel free to join them. Big Thank You to our CE worker. Active Retired Clondrohid Parish Active Retired headed off to Wexford last week for a few days holidays. A brilliant time was had by all, staying in the Talbot Hotel, and visiting places of interest during the days, Dunbrody Famine Ship, John F Kennedy Homestead, Wheellocks Strawberry Farm, and Johnstown Castle. Thanks to all who travelled and helped to make the break full of laughs, stories and memories. The weather was super, roll on next years one. Lotto
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Deaf Services Lanarkshire secure right to own and manage Shawhead Community Centre
Move follows organisation's successful Community Asset Transfer application. Deaf Services Lanarkshire has secured the right to own and manage Shawhead Community Centre in Coatbridge following a successful Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application. The organisation, which delivers community-based services, aims to remove communication barriers for deaf people throughout Lanarkshire. With the approval of their CAT application, the group will establish a permanent base at the centre, where they plan to deliver services, events and activities for the Deaf community and local residents. The facility will provide a dedicated space for the Deaf community, offer British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting services and training, and operate a drop-in centre. It will also develop further support and accessible events for the wider community. The group had to demonstrate how their proposals would enhance wellbeing, deliver inclusive services, and protect the underused building from closure. Sylvia McPhillips of Deaf Services Lanarkshire said the organisation was delighted with the news, adding. "Everyone involved is thrilled that we have been approved for the Community Asset Transfer to manage Shawhead Community Centre. "We have been looking for a suitable property for several years to meet the growing demand and develop our services for the Deaf community. 'We will also offer activities and spaces that can be used by the wider community here in Shawhead. 'By preserving this space for local people, we are determined that inclusion and accessibility will become central to our future plans." George Drinnan, a member of the Deaf Services Lanarkshire board, said the centre would offer significant benefits. He continued: "This is fantastic news. The centre will allow us to provide many tailored activities for the deaf community. "It will also help reduce isolation, giving people a place to connect, which will be good for mental health." Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of communities, welcomed the announcement, saying it reflected the positive impact of empowering local people. She added: "This shows how giving communities more say in how facilities are managed can make a real difference. "On behalf of the council, I congratulate Deaf Services Lanarkshire and look forward to seeing their plans come to life, benefiting the deaf community in Lanarkshire and residents in and around Shawhead." A Community Asset Transfer allows eligible community groups to apply for ownership, lease, or management of council-owned buildings or land. The process is made possible under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires applicants to demonstrate strong governance, clear community benefits, and sustainable plans for the asset.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QM hosts historic ceremonies at 19th Venice Biennale venue
Tribune News Network Doha During the pre-opening events for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hosted a series of historic ceremonies, discussions and celebrations on May 8, marking Qatar's heightened presence on this pre-eminent stage of the international art world. In Venice's Giardini, the heart of La Biennale di Venezia, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa welcomed Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro, President of La Biennale di Venezia Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, and Qatar's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy HE Khalid bin Youssef Khalifa Abdullah Al Sada to the site of the future Qatar Pavilion. When completed, the Qatar Pavilion will be only the third national Pavilion added to the prestigious Giardini in more than fifty years. 'Qatar will join the great chorus of nations in the Giardini, where architecture becomes diplomacy, and beauty speaks peace,' HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said before the invited audience of dignitaries, distinguished guests and media. 'Our Pavilion, crafted by the brilliant Lina Ghotmeh, will embody hospitality, resilience and our collective dreams. 'The Qatar Pavilion will be a home for exchange, for wonder, for the world — a place to engage in multiple dialogues that foster peace and inspire understanding. It will also be the place where we showcase the art, architecture and creativity of Qatar and our entire region of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.' HE Sheikha Al Mayassa then opened the temporary installation that Qatar is presenting on the site: Community Centre, designed by architect Yasmeen Lari/Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. Community Centre is part of the exhibition, 'Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa', Qatar's official presentation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition—La Biennale di Venezia. The exhibition continues at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti, where HE Sheikha Al Mayassa later welcomed guests to two discussions organised under the auspices of Qatar Creates and its Evolution Nation initiative, celebrating fifty years of Qatar's cultural journey. Yasmeen Lari, designer of Community Centre, conversed with renowned Indian architect Raj Rewal in a discussion moderated by Sean Anderson, Associate Professor at Cornell University and co-curator of Beyti Beytak. Speaking about the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, Yasmeen Lari said, 'The exhibition's theme of hospitality is about taking care of each other. So it is important to use materials that are not threatening to people and the planet and that have a certain warmth, like the bamboo of Community Centre. The decision by Her Excellency and the curators to bring Community Centre to Venice sends a very powerful message: wealth is not necessarily the criterion. It's how you treat the planet and how you treat the people.' For the second part of the conversations, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa engaged in a discussion about the future Qatar Pavilion with Lina Ghotmeh, founder and principal of the Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, moderated by noted architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said, 'This is a national pavilion that will reflect what Qatar does in the world, which is to support Arab voices across all pursuits—social, economic, and of course creative—and so it is important to have an Arab architect. Our goal is to elevate Arab creatives as well as others from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.' The Qatar Pavilion was conceived by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa with the support and guidance of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as a major new resource for the nation in its role of fostering dialogue and international exchange through its museums, exhibitions, artist residencies, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations and programmes. Envisioning the Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini as a highly important extension of this commitment, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa had requested a design that would speak to the values and histories that Qatar shares with others across its region while also engaging with the multi-layered fabric of Venice. Following the conversation with Lina Ghotmeh, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa officially opened 'Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa', ushering guests into ACP-Palazzo Franchetti's galleries and inviting them to an evening reception in the Palazzo's garden.
RNZ News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Manurewa's first Pan-Pacific Strategy takes final step
Committee chair Penina Ifopo presents the draft Pan-Pacific Strategy to a full house at Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre. Photo: Facebook / Centre for Pacific Language Manurewa is set to adopt its first Pan-Pacific Strategy, marking a milestone for the South Auckland community where nearly 40 percent of residents identify as Pasifika. The strategy will be formally presented to the Manurewa Local Board Thursday, driven by a tight funding deadline and push to include all Pacific voices. Speaking ahead of tomorrow's presentation, committee chair Penina Ifopo confirmed the strategy had received strong support. "We asked three simple questions online: Do you support it, don't support it, and why? And the overwhelming response was support. No one said they didn't support it," she said. The strategy was shared with the public on 30 April at Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre. A packed room of Pacific elders, church leaders, educators, youth workers, and elected officials welcomed the milestone but raised concerns about the short timeframe and the inclusion of smaller Pacific nations. "This is about making sure our Pacific community isn't left behind again," said Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata. "This strategy gives us a tool to unlock long-term funding and bring visibility to Pasifika in Manurewa. But we need to get it on paper now." The 10-year strategy outlines six short-term priorities: The committee developed the strategy through surveys, online submissions, and community talanoa. Ifopo said the community built the strategy for themselves. "We're not politicians, but we speak action," she said. "While we have the opportunity and the funding, let's move, otherwise this becomes just another document gathering dust." Auckland Council facilitator Akerei Maresala-Thomson said the process connected data with tautua (service), to ensure the final strategy is both meaningful and financially empowering. "We want to lock it down, so there's no excuses for our community to miss out again." Throughout the evening, speakers urged the strategy to reflect the full Pacific spectrum - especially smaller nations. "There's about 2400 of us Tokelauans in Aotearoa, even less in Manurewa. We make up less than 1 percent of the Pacific population here," said community leader Matt Enelio. "Our language is endangered. How can we make sure our people are represented in this plan?" Fesaitu Solomone, chief executive of the Centre for Pacific Languages, echoed the importance of inclusive design and engagement - particularly for often-overlooked communities. "We need to look for those communities, engage with them so they feel like they're part of Manurewa and the Pan-Pacific Strategy." Although few young people attended the event, their contributions helped shape the plan. "Youth was one of our key priorities," said Maresala-Thomson. "Not many turned up in person early on, but they engaged online. That feedback informed the February talanoa and helped shape the subcommittee that refined the strategy." Youth representative D'Angelo Baice provided a voice on the committee. With only one Pacific member currently on the Manurewa Local Board, Ifopo also called for greater community participation in local government. "We're not doing well in civic participation," she said. "We're not voting. It doesn't speak the language of our young people. But we must engage so that we can have the voice." Community members are encouraged to share final feedback by 7 May via email or directly with committee representatives. The strategy will be submitted for endorsement on Thursday afternoon. "We need you, we need your thoughts," Ifopo said. "We're inviting the whole village to come along. This is our work together." While some called for more time, many agreed the opportunity was too important to miss. "We've waited long enough," said one elder. "Let's not miss the boat." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
