21 June 2001 Edition
Ex-Prisoner group goes from strength to strength
The AGM of Tar Anall reviewed the huge work that Tar Anall has undertaken in the year, especially through the work of Roisin Kelly working with young people, with the publication of ``Ag Teacht le Chéile'', and ``Left in Limbo,'' which give very personal recollections of life experiences of ex-prisoners' partners and children.
Leontia McKenna read a tribute to Jack Coney, who died earlier this year and without whom the Irish Political Prisoners Children's Holiday Programme would not have happened. Over the last six years, hundreds of the children of prisoners, ex-prisoners, the displaced and dead Volunteers have gone to the States for a holiday, staying with republican supporters in their homes, through the generosity of republican supporters in the US. Above all, the programme has raised awareness amongst the children and developed their respect and understanding of the conflict in which their parents and relatives were involved.
Training and Education has been central to Tar Anall's work. It has also provided advice and representation for over 3,500 people and has reclaimed benefits exceeding £1 million.
Tar Anall was funded last year by grants totalling over a quarter of a million, from the Belfast European Partnership, the National Lottery Charities Board, the Ireland Fund and the Community Relations Council. Gratitude was also strongly expressed to those organisations and individuals who have enabled the completion of the refurbishment project at Conway Mill. Tar Anall hopes to move into these new premises in September.
Tar Anall's AGM lifted the curtain on just one of the Coiste network of republican ex-prisoner groups, of which there are now over 20 in Ireland, and the immense scope of the overall project, as underwritten in the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that the needs of those involved in the conflict are met, that their part is recognised and they are enabled to play their full part in the community in building the new Ireland.
Leontia McKenna read a tribute to Jack Coney, who died earlier this year and without whom the Irish Political Prisoners Children's Holiday Programme would not have happened. Over the last six years, hundreds of the children of prisoners, ex-prisoners, the displaced and dead Volunteers have gone to the States for a holiday, staying with republican supporters in their homes, through the generosity of republican supporters in the US. Above all, the programme has raised awareness amongst the children and developed their respect and understanding of the conflict in which their parents and relatives were involved.
Training and Education has been central to Tar Anall's work. It has also provided advice and representation for over 3,500 people and has reclaimed benefits exceeding £1 million.
Tar Anall was funded last year by grants totalling over a quarter of a million, from the Belfast European Partnership, the National Lottery Charities Board, the Ireland Fund and the Community Relations Council. Gratitude was also strongly expressed to those organisations and individuals who have enabled the completion of the refurbishment project at Conway Mill. Tar Anall hopes to move into these new premises in September.
Tar Anall's AGM lifted the curtain on just one of the Coiste network of republican ex-prisoner groups, of which there are now over 20 in Ireland, and the immense scope of the overall project, as underwritten in the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure that the needs of those involved in the conflict are met, that their part is recognised and they are enabled to play their full part in the community in building the new Ireland.