Cork diaspora initiative expands throughout North Cork

Cork County Council is to to expand its diaspora initiative – which aims to connect Cork parishes with their global diaspora – to several new towns across North Cork.

The initiative, which has enjoyed success in building relationships throughout the world, will now open out to Castletownroche, Fermoy, Lombardstown and Mitchelstown following its success in Cork City and other towns across the county.

Cork Mayor Seamus McGrath said: “The Cork County Community Diaspora is a joint initiative between Cork County Council, Cork Foundation and the National Diaspora Programme ‘Ireland Reaching Out’ and will provide a fantastic opportunity for Cork parishes to discover their descendants, encourage them to visit while also significantly increasing international awareness of these locations in the first instance.”

Laura Colleran, Project Manager of Ireland Reaching Out said of the initiative: “We want to connect with parishes across the island of Ireland and get communities to engage with their diaspora. It is fantastic to see Cork leading the way in Diaspora and Community Development.”

Padraic Vallely, CEO of Cork Foundation, was delighted with the response to the initiative so far and said it is planned to host two training days, which will be open to all parishes across the county.

“We have had a very strong response with parishes from all across Cork County looking forward to engage with their diaspora. Following on from these training days, we aim to liaise with the relevant parishes, and help them reach out to the Cork community abroad,” he said.

If you are interested in tracing your area’s diaspora, visit www. IrelandXo.com