Tipperary Peace Convention praised by Taoiseach and President for its 'tireless efforts'

In a message to the International Day of Peace ceremony in Tipperary Town last Thursday, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said that the Government was committed to strengthening the ideals of peace, at a time of complex global challenges.

The UN International Day of Peace, is an important opportunity to reflect on our values and the types of societies we wish to promote, said the Taoiseach, who commended the work of Tipperary Peace Convention on their valuable work.

The work of Tipperary Peace Convention was also commended by President Michael D Higgins, who delivered a message to the ceremony.

“For almost 40 years now, all those who have been involved with Tipperary Peace Convention have been engaged in an admirable programme of work, in promotion and celebration of peace. Such work has been an inspiration in the pursuit of a more harmonious and fulfilling future for all.

“Peace is the cornerstone upon which we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world, and the theme for this year’s International Peace Day, Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Sustainable Development Goals, resonates deeply with our shared global commitment to building a better future. May I express my deep gratitude to the Tipperary Peace Convention for your tireless efforts, hard work and dedication in promoting and celebrating peace.”

The International Day of Peace Ceremony took place at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, John Street, Tipperary Town. Martin Quinn, honorary. secretary of Tipperary Peace Convention, welcomed the attendance and reminded everyone of the importance of the day.

“On this International Day of Peace, we are reminded of the crucial role each of us plays in building a more peaceful and sustainable world. It is a day when we reaffirm our commitment to the global goals and our shared ambition to create a better future for all, he said.

The attendance included representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, honorary consuls, Churches and Religious, local authority, An Garda Síochána, various Representative Bodies, local and national organisations. Music was provided by Cahir to Sing and Bunscoil na Cathrach; Aoife O'Farrell of Rockwell Music Academy and Aaron O’Donoghue of St Ailbe’s School.

Readings and reflections by Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Burgess; Dr Mary Honan, Daniel O’Dwyer of the Abbey School; Wassem Al Kurde of the Syrian Community Tipperary; Filip Vurm, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Czech Embassy; Susanne Rogers of Social Justice Ireland; Eddie McGrath of the Tipperary Men’s Group; John O’Heney, Director of South Tipperary Hospice, and Jimmy McGovern from the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Team at University of Galway.

Religious reflections were provided by Rev Mike O’Meara, Archdeacon Eugene Everard, Charles Lamb of the Quakers Community and Trisha Rainsford of the Bahá'í Community Ireland.