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South East Fermanagh Foundation
South East Fermanagh Foundation, a group supported through the Core Funding Scheme for Victims + Survivors Groups, organised a group trip to Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff and the Battle of Aughrim visitor centre, Co. Galway for their members. The activity was organised in response to the needs analysis carried out immediately after the awarding of Core Funding. It identified that social trips that brought people (victims) together were needed. Members agreed at the time that they felt isolated and rejected over a long period and by becoming more active in society this might help. It was also important for members to feel they were in the company of people they could trust. It was therefore decided that a common purpose was needed to bring people together. Such a purpose was history, by going to Cavan County Museum that possessed the largest Orange Order Collection in Ireland and by going to the largest Battle site in Ireland in Aughrim. This Trip was the second part of looking at our member's early cultural history that started with a two-day display at the beginning of the month. All of this was to bring about how other periods of war within Ireland and Northern Ireland had took place before the troubles. Again to help in the healing process. RESULTS: Forty people attended the trip and judged it to be successful. Outcomes: Guided tour on the Orange Order and different Christian Religions, by a professional Historian. Our first stop was the Cavan County Museum. This was organised with a tour given by Eugene Markey a local historian. He started to explain the history of the Orange Order and constantly related to Co. Fermanagh and Co. Cavan were all of our members were originally from. Eugene explained many facts about the Orange Order and other related areas that surprised many of our members, as they were unaware of such happenings. Such areas covered was the story behind someone being 'left' or 'right' footed, how in the 1960's prior to the troubles, when Co. Cavan won the G.A.A all Ireland that the 'Sam Maguire' cup was being paraded through many small villages and that orange order bands were asked if they would play and take part whilst parading the cup, which they did. Much of the talk and information given related how all communities on both sides helped each other before the troubles. The group visited other displays in the museum to learn how Christian Religions had a lot in common. Outcome: A relaxing meal for the group outside Northern Ireland for members to relax and openly talk. Canon Trevor Sullivan started by introducing and welcoming the group to Aughrim. He discussed the healing process and explained when he worked in Belfast in the 1970's he worked with both sides of the divide. The Canon then led a discussion on the experiences of members and was able to use his skill to gain members trust. There followed a display of the largest Battle sight in Ireland and then a bus tour of the sight. The final part of this visit was the planting of an Oak in a Peace Garden by the group. S.E.F.F were given 50 Oak trees to plant as a symbol of peace. These are planted throughout South East Fermanagh. The day ended with a relaxing meal for the group outside N. Ireland where they were formally welcomed and given a private area to eat in.
BACKGROUND
CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM
BATTLE OF AUGHRIM INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE
