WCI Blayney Blades were delighted to receive funding recently from the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Communicating Europe Initiative. The funding was administered locally by Monaghan County Council who invited voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups/entities to submit applications for funding.
The Communicating Europe Initiative provides funding for projects intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives, and improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level. Projects should communicate European issues, the role of the European Union and Ireland’s place in Europe.
WCI Blayney Blades hosted two Intergenerational Workshops on the Importance of Voting in the Íontas Centre on Wednesday 22nd May. These workshops where hosted by Barry Eaton, Social Inclusion Officer for Monaghan County Council and Marion Mc Cullough who explained the history in EU countries of the importance of voting and safeguarding democracy. This is particularly relevant as the upcoming European and Local Elections will be taking place on Friday June 7th. The presentations also included details on the importance of voting, who can vote and how to register to vote.
WCI Blayney Blades would like to thank both Barry and Marion for facilitating the workshops, Eddie Kelly (Principal of Our Lady’s Secondary School) and Mary Mc Ardle (Principal of Castleblayney College) for facilitating the students to attend the workshops. They would also like to thank the ladies from their Age Friendly Group who attend the Intergenerational Workshops.
Commenting at the events Barry Eaton, Social Inclusion Officer, said “Monaghan County Council are delighted to work with our community groups in the county, including WCI Blayney Blades, to publicise the work and importance of the role which the European Union plays. Voting is an important part of the democratic process, and we encourage all citizens to come out to vote at the forthcoming Local and European Elections on Friday 7th June”.
Lorraine Cunningham, Coordinator of WCI Blayney Blades, said “these intergenerational events focused on explaining the voting registration process and how to vote at the polling station. They gave a brief explanation of the role of local councillors and of the work of our MEP’s. It was great to see that the local students and our older people were very enthusiastic about the forthcoming elections, and they fully believe that your vote is your voice”.
