On Thursday evening last,4th December, Donegal County Development Board hosted a Donegal launch of the new IFI book – ‘A Fund of Goodwill – The Story of the International Fund for Ireland’ in the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny to recognise the contribution made by the International Fund for Ireland to Donegal.
Donegal has benefited greatly from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) over the past 22 years. Communities in all parts of the county have been able to undertake a range of projects due to the funding made available to them through the IFI. The fund has contributed greatly to the economic, social and cultural well being of the county.
The Chairman of Donegal County Development Board, Cllr. Francis Conaghan stated: “The fund has been an invaluable asset for the county, enabling the county to address and to tackle some of the disadvantages from which it has suffered over the years due to its border location and its peripherality from Dublin. The resources provided by the fund, allied to the effort of local communities, has resulted in some of our most disadvantaged and peripheral groups being able to provide essential facilities and local resources”.
The Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Gerry Crawford said that he was delighted that Donegal County Development Board were hosting this special launch of the new book, and that all sectors of the county are united in recognising the valuable contribution made by the IFI fund to Donegal.
Welcoming the book’s publication, Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund, said: “A Fund of Goodwill was commissioned to ensure that the legacy of the International Fund for Ireland, and of the noble role played by our donors, is available to all. I believe that Alf McCreary has succeeded admirably in that aim."
"Over the years of the Fund, the people of Donegal, among others, have shown great commitment and enthusiasm in addressing the isolation – both economic and social - imposed upon them in past decades. It has been a genuine pleasure to witness the positive change in Donegal over the past decade, and I have no doubt that the people of this county will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come."
The book’s author Alf McCreary said: “The International Fund’s story is one of co-operation on many levels, not only politically and economically, but also across the divides within communities and across the border. It is a complex story but also an inspiring story of how so many people committed themselves to doing their best in the worst of times.”
“It is my hope that this book has done justice to the story, and that it leaves an important record of a remarkable institution which emerged from a period of sustained conflict, and which has played a part in helping to create an atmosphere of co-operation in which peace could blossom.”
Mr. Michael O hÉanaigh, Director of Community, Culture and Enterprise, Donegal County Council stated: “One of the greatest resources possessed by Donegal is its Diaspora, those members of our community living in all parts of the world. We are working to ensure that the Diaspora is a resource for Donegal and that Donegal is a resource for the Diaspora. The International Fund for Ireland is a clear example of how the Irish Diaspora and Friends of Ireland in the donor countries have been able to make a practical and important contribution to this country. We hope to build on this ground work for Donegal and North West Ireland in the future”.
Those present at this special event got the opportunity to see at first hand a number of IFI funded projects from both the public and community and voluntary sector. Over 10 projects were exhibited in the Regional Cultural Centre and the IFI Chairman and representatives used this opportunity to meet the various project promoters to discuss the impact of the various projects on the region.
For Further information please contact Michael O hÉanaigh, Director of Community, Culture and Enterprise, Donegal County Council at 074 91 72222