Minister Thomas Byrne launches Glencree Peace Walk 2021

 

Over 70 Peace Walkers to gather in Wicklow Mountains to Support Peace & Reconciliation

17/9/2021: Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne T.D. will launch the 5th Annual Glencree Peace Walk and lead over 70 Peace Walkers in a #Walk4Peace across the Wicklow mountains this Sunday (19th September).  The 9km peace walk will lead out from the Glencree Centre and those participating include families, members of the diplomatic corps, supporters and staff of Glencree.

Commenting in advance of the Glencree Peace Walk, Minister Byrne said: “In its 47 years, Glencree has earned a high value reputation for bringing people and communities impacted by political conflict and violence together to talk, listen, seek to understand each other and help build relationships. Glencree is an important resource for the Government, diplomatic community and all those working to find solutions to sustainable peace and inclusive societies in Ireland, within Northern Ireland, between Ireland and the UK, and at EU and international levels. I am delighted to support their work and peace walk fundraising event.”

Now in its fifth year, the annual Glencree Peace Walk coincides with UN International Peace Day which calls for 24-hours of non-violence and ceasefire. After the restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 last year which led to a remote walk, the return to an onsite walk was welcomed across the Glencree community. Having reached capacity, registrations for this years walk are now closed but supporters can walk and raise funds remotely during September.

Glencree Chair, Barbara Walshe said: “The annual peace walk is our only public fundraising event each year and is an important support to our peace and reconciliation work with women who have experienced political violence, victims and survivors of the conflict in Northern Ireland, minority ethnic and faith communities, and our most recent work with the next generation of leaders. Glencree will soon launch our strategic plan for the next 5 years which will guide our ability to adapt and respond to the changing circumstances and challenges of peace in Ireland, within Northern Ireland and beyond, and set the foundations for becoming a centre of excellence in peacebuilding. Glencree stands for the possibility that peace and reconciliation are achievable when we act on what really matters to us.  The peace walk provides the wider public with the opportunity to champion peace with us and help us raise funds for our vital peace work.”

Ends.

Registration Now Closed: Though registration for the 2021 Glencree Peace Walk is now closed, we welcome your support by walking and fundraising remotely during September. Click here to find out how to make a donation or start your own fundraiser for peace >

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For more information, please contact: Grainne Whitelaw, grainne.whitelaw@glencree.ie

#glencree4peace