Michelle O’Neill to open Leitrim’s Seán MacDiarmada Summer School

The official opening of the Seán MacDiarmada Summer School will be conducted by First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill MLA on Friday, May 30.

Now in its 17th year, the Summer School has played a key role in raising public awareness of Seán Mac Diarmada, highlighting his pivotal role in modern Irish history and his rural roots in Leitrim. 

It continues to honour his legacy as a major figure in the 1916 Easter Rising while offering a platform for academic research and public discussion surrounding his life, the Rising, and their lasting impact on Irish society. 

The official opening takes place at 6pm on May 30, at the MacDiarmada Homestead – the last surviving home of a signatory of the 1916 Rising.

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Shuttle buses will run from Kiltyclogher village starting at 5pm, providing transport to and from the homestead.

Refreshments will be served at the Community Centre following the ceremony.

Evening presentations will begin at 7:30pm with a Keynote Address by Michelle O’Neill titled ‘Leadership for a new Ireland: Responsibility in a Time of Change.’

At 8:30pm, Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager will deliver a presentation titled ‘The Big Perspective of Small People.’

The theme of this year's Summer School is ‘The World Today: Different Perspectives.’

Events continue the following day, Saturday, beginning at 10:15am with a presentation by Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda in Manorhamilton, presenting ‘The Impact of Globalisation of an Indigenous SME – Merenda’s Story.’ .

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At 11:15am, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality will deliver her talk ‘Serving Children and young people in a Topsy-Turvy World.’

This will be followed at 12:15 pm by Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking, who will present ‘The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza.’

Lunch will be served in the community centre  from 1:15pm to 2:15pm.

The afternoon session begins at 2:15pm with Dr Brendan Kearney discussing the evolving nature of the agricultural sector in Ireland, with a focus on the impact of climate change.

At 3:15pm, acclaimed writer and commentator Michael Harding will present his talk, ‘Is History True?’ offering thoughtful reflections and analysis.

Sponsored by Leitrim County Council, the Seán MacDiarmada Summer School continues to attract respected speakers, including international academics and public figures, establishing Kiltyclogher as a hub for cultural reflection and informed discussion.

While its early years focused on historical forces shaping Irish identity at home and abroad, since 2016 the School has broadened its focus to include a wide range of contemporary topics, exploring social, economic, political and civic issues – ranging from healthcare to public engagement.

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