Gorey gives a huge welcome during Tiffy’s book launch
THERE was an atmosphere of welcome and inclusion during the launch of Tiffy Allen’s first book ‘A Hundred Thousand Welcomes - the story of City of Sanctuary,’ which was first launched at Trinity College Dublin and is now available nationally.
Tiffy, who lives locally and is a member of Gorey Writers Group, is the national coordinator of Places of Sanctuary Ireland and in her book she brings collaborative stories together to illustrate Ireland as the place of a hundred thousand welcomes, as the saying goes.
Places of Sanctuary Ireland is a network of groups in towns, cities, universities and colleges as well as local communities which share the objectives of promoting a culture of welcome and inclusiveness across every sphere and sector of society.
‘Overall the idea is to build communities of welcome in a broad sense and it’s something that everybody can get involved in. We bring people together and promote the idea that being welcoming is good for everyone,’ said Tiffy.
Although Tiffy has worked with groups all across the country, more locally she has developed relationships with refugees, particularly with the asylum seekers currently being accommodated at the Courtown Hotel.
‘On the night in the library, everyone left on a high as it was so positive. I believe Gorey is a place where all the seeds are there to become a place of sanctuary,’ said Tiffy.
The song All Are Welcome, All Belong could be heard sung by Cantabile Community Choir as the crowd arrived to Gorey Library, and their attention was kept for the night as the audience heard contributions from refugees who shared their experience of North Wexford.
Reem and Raneem, twins from Creagh College, read a story about traditional Sudanese music and food was shared which explored tastes from across the world.
‘It just thrilled me to see everyone be so brave and get such support, I think it was the beginning for some people making new friends. Hats off to everyone who took part,’ said Tiffy.
‘I want to thank Cllr John Hegarty for launching the book, councillor Malcolm Byrne, the local ceoltas group, my husband, my yoga class and the writers group as well as Wexford Local Development and all at the Courtown hotel, just all the people of Gorey who have been so supportive,’ she said.