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24 March 2009

Dancing on Ice finalist and renowned investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre will be visiting Northern Ireland this Thursday to deliver a lecture in Belfast. The theme of his lecture – Fatherhood and Forgiveness – was inspired by Gordon Wilson’s story of forgiveness, whose daughter Marie was killed in the Enniskillen bombing.

MacIntyre, who has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most prolific undercover journalists, will be exploring ‘Fatherhood and Forgiveness’ as part of the 2009 Northern Bank Ulster Museum Lecture Series.

From exposing night-club bouncers, Nigerian con men, organised football violence, abuse within care homes and the illegal trade in wild animals, Donal has revealed remarkable insights and has also found himself at the coal-face of abuse as bricks were hurled at him while he broadcast live to the nation. More recently, MacIntyre has become a familiar face on ITV’s prime-time celebrity show, Dancing on Ice.

However, on Thursday 26^th March, Donal will be exploring the concept of fatherhood. He explains, “I wanted to elaborate on some experiences of recent times which have had a profound impact on me. For me, the story of fatherhood and forgiveness kick-started with Gordon Wilson’s example when his daughter was killed in the1987 Enniskillen bombing. Following that, I found myself in Mexico interviewing a man whose daughter had been kidnapped, raped and mutilated and he told me about his journey of forgiveness for her killers. It’s a broad-ranging subject and I’m keen to explore how we can celebrate fatherhood in the context of wider society.”

Donal’s lecture will take place on Thursday 26^th March, 7.30pm at W5. Tickets are £7 (group discount and student rate: £4.50). The Northern Bank Ulster Museum Lecture Series is now in its 29^th year. Still to come in the Series are best-selling author Salley Vickers (8^th April at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart) and journalist and writer Niall Stanage, who will be lecturing on Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office. For further information, visit www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/lectures or contact 028 9042 8428.