Northern Ireland

Mary Lou McDonald and Mick Lynch among speakers in Féile an Phobail debates

More than 90 debates and discussions will take place from August 1-11

Chairperson of Féile an Phobail Debates and Discussions Committee Professor Bill Rolston, Carol Jackson from Féile Debates and Discussions Committee, Féile an Phobail Coordinator Aine McCabe, 2nd Row; Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St Mary’s University College, Jim Gibney from Féile Debates and Discussions Committee, and Kennedy Centre Manager John Jones launch the Féile 2024 Debates and Discussions programme
(Front row) Chairperson of Féile an Phobail Debates and Discussions committee Professor Bill Rolston, Carol Jackson from the Féile Debates and Discussions committee, Féile an Phobail coordinator Aine McCabe; (Upper row) Professor Peter Finn, principal of St Mary’s University College, Jim Gibney from Féile Debates and Discussions committee, and Kennedy Centre manager John Jones launch the Féile 2024 Debates and Discussions programme
By Flávia Gouveia

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and trade unionist Mick Lynch are among speakers taking part in this year’s Féile an Phobail Debates and Discussions Summer School programme.

More than 90 debates and discussions are scheduled to take place in West Belfast between August 1-11.

A border poll, the health service, the economy and Palestine are some of the topics to be covered.

Emeritus Professor Bill Rolston, Féile Debates and Discussions committee chairperson, said: “We are delighted to have participants such as trade union leader Mick Lynch, GAA legend and pundit Joe Brolly, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald TD, British Labour Party MP Diane Abbott, and world-renowned barrister Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, who recently represented South Africa at the International Criminal Court in their genocide case against Israel.

“This year will be the biggest and best Féile Debates and Discussions programme yet.

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“It is the biggest in Ireland and possibly even in Europe.”

Professor Rolston added that there would be “something to interest everyone” and that the “high-calibre” line up promised to be “inclusive of all”.

John Jones, Kennedy Centre manager, said it was delighted to be associated with this year’s Féile.

Sinead Cavanagh, deputy CEO of the IntoMedia Group, also said: “We are delighted to support this year’s Féile an Phobail, a beacon of cultural celebration and community spirit. Its rise to become Ireland’s largest community arts festival reflects its significant local and international impact.

“The festival’s commitment to fostering dialogue, diversity, and the arts aligns with our values at The Irish News and Q Radio.

“The Irish News’ mission is to play a positive role in society by informing conversations and inspiring debate through compelling stories. The festival’s Debates and Discussions programme perfectly complements our shared vision to connect and challenge.

“We look forward to contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and supporting its mission to unite people through culture and conversation. It is a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and transformative event, and we are excited to witness the incredible talent and ideas showcased this year.”

All events will be free to attend.