THE annual Féile International Day at Conway Mill and the flagship West Belfast Talks Back event are the highlights on a busy Wednesday of events at Féile an Phobail.
12pm - Féile International Day (Conway Mill) - Our newcomer and ethnic minority communities deliver an exciting cultural experience with food, music, dance and art. Featuring foods from Syria, Palestine, Poland, Albania, Greece, Nigeria, Mongolia, Ireland and China. A wide range of diverse multi-cultural music and dance will be showcased from our community partner Beyond Skin.
1pm - Neutrality In a World Of Conflict: Frances Black and Paul Gosling in conversation (St Mary's University College) - In the emerging new world order, where superpowers wilfully break and defy international law, using armed aggression and invasion instead of diplomacy and negotiation, there is a renewed focus on Irish neutrality. The panel will discuss Irish neutrality and how it should be maintained in the face of pressure from European allies. They will consider how these questions feature in the constitutional debate and the alternatives to militarism for the development of sustainable peace and neutrality in Ireland and the world.
1pm - Rory O'Connor: To Defend the Republic (St Mary's University College) - Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD in conversation with historian Gerard Shannon on his book ‘Rory O’Connor: To Defend the Republic’ – the first biography of this important IRA leader of early 20th century Ireland. Gerard will discuss O’Connor’s central involvement in the fight for Irish freedom and his wider legacy.
2pm - Memories of Sevastapol Street with Marcas Ó Murchú (Falls Road Library) - The story of iconic Sevastopol Street, one of West Belfast’s best known streets will be illustrated using modern technology by archivist, musician and historian Marcas Ó Murchú. He will discuss many families, including his own The Murphys who lived at 5 Sevastopol Street since 1892 until 1985. Marcas will show many photographs and speak about his vivid recollections of the families who lived in the locality in the twentieth century. It will be hosted by the Falls Road Library, next door to where Marcas grew up in a home rich in Irish language, song and music.
2pm - Broods, Money and Moods Podcast (St Mary's University College) - Broods Money and Moods is a podcast exploring the emotional and financial realities of raising multiples and large families. For this special Féile edition, hosts Caroline and Cathy interview a parent of multiples from West Belfast, opening a conversation about the pressures, joys, and survival strategies that shape family life.
2.30pm - Political/Historical Tour of Lenadoon and Traditional music seisiún (Meeting point: Lenadoon shops) - Former Republican political prisoner Padraic Mac Coítír will lead a political tour of the Lenadoon Estate, exploring key moments in Irish history including the ending of the IRA ceasefire in 1972, the Hunger Strikes and plastic bullet killings. A traditional music seisiún will follow in Sarsfields GAC from 4pm.
3-7pm - Upper Springfield Senior Citizens Féile Party (Sliabh Dubh, Whiterock Road) - Senior citizens party featuring bingo, games, a sing along and a free buffet. A fun, relaxed and family friendly afternoon with plenty of craic for everyone.
3pm - AI, Big Tech and Ireland's Energy Futures: Patrick Brodie and Patrick Bresnihan (St Mary's University College) - With the rapid acceleration and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to ground the promises of AI in its material and geopolitical context. Drawing from their recent book From the Bog to the Cloud: Dependency and Eco-Modernity in Ireland, Patrick Brodie and Patrick Bresnihan will discuss how US big tech gained a foothold in Ireland, and where opportunities lie for challenging its unjust expansion into our environmental future
3pm - Noel Doran in conversation with Andrée Murphy (St Mary's University College) - After more than 50 years in journalism and 25 years as editor of The Irish News, Noel Doran reflects on his career in media, politics and public life. In conversation with journalist and Relatives for Justice Vice Chair Andrée Murphy, he will discuss the changing media landscape, key moments throughout his career and the role of journalism in shaping public debate.
3pm - Women In Trade Unions and a new United Ireland (St Mary's University College) - National leaders of the Irish trade union movement, Anne Speed and Patricia McKeown will speak about the importance of women trade unionists, past and present and in a new Ireland. Public service workers are invited to join the discussion on workers’ rights, trade union activism and the role of organised labour in shaping a new and united Ireland.
6pm - Annual Plastic and Rubber Bullets Vigil (Groves/Reilly Corner (Former Andersonstown Barrack Site) - Relatives for Justice annual white-line protest seeking justice for victims of rubber and plastic bullets will be held to commemorate those who have died and will reiterate the call for the banning of such lethal weapons.
6.30pm - War, Imperialism and Resistance (Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich) - In a period of overt warmongering, TD Paul Murphy will make the case for Irish neutrality, for opposition to Western imperialism, and stopping the European drive to war.
7pm - West Belfast Talks Back (St Mary's University College) - Féile an Phobail’s flagship event where the audience gets an opportunity to put their questions directly to a panel of political and civic leaders, journalists and experts from a range of fields. Expect lively debate and informed discussion on the issues that matter most.
