Paul Maskey, MP for West Belfast travelled to New York to address an event hosted by Glór na Móna to celebrate 20 years of serving as an innovative community hub for grassroots language regeneration and youth work through the medium of Irish. The event also served as a fundraiser for an expansion of their programming and footprint Croí na Carraige a multi-purpose youth, community, family, and heritage center adjacent to our current building, Gael-Ionad Mhic Goill, in the heart of Ballymurphy, West Belfast.
Speaking to the more than 100 people who gathered at Rosie O’Grady’s, Paul Maskey said, “A big thank you to Glór Na Móna and a big thank you to you all for the welcome.
“As an elected representative I proudly represent the citizens of west Belfast who send their best wishes and appreciation to you all for being here and supporting this great cause.
“I have been very lucky over the years to have been able to visit America on many occasions, from having friends and family here and meeting the diaspora to talk about all things Irish and Irish Unity of course.
“A referendum on Irish Unity is achievable and winnable!
“A United Ireland – a new and shared Ireland – will unlock the full potential of our island and provide the basis on which a stronger and fairer society can be built.
“An Ireland of equals that caters for everyone including our native speakers.
“The help and support from Irish America over the years has been invaluable.
“I also want to place on record my gratitude for your role in our Peace Process.
“Without the help of Irish America, there would be no Good Friday Agreement.
“We are forever grateful for all that you have done. Irish America stood side by side with us as champions of peace and of progress, and continue to do so today.”
“When I was growing up in Belfast compared to the city I live in today is two completely different cities.
“The Belfast I grew up in was filled with dominance and injustice over the nationalist community. If you were an Irish speaker you were treated with contempt.
“Belfast took the full brunt of the conflict that raged trough our streets, Belfast was a city where unionist leaders tried to keep suppressed the nationalist/republican community. But there was always those who put their head above the parapet, there was always those who fought against the injustices and fought for equality.
“Today, Belfast reaps the benefit of those who stood up and made the difference and we owe them all our great gratitude.
“Glór na mona stands up for equality and against injustice.
“Over the years I’ve had many meetings and conversations with them, and it never fails to amaze me the drive they have for getting things done.
“Their work and commitment to enhancing the lives of so many young people and giving them the platform to do so is very special.”
The evening featured music from Chris Byrne and friends and other speakers included Conradh na Gaeilge President Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin and TG4 Presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.
