Tag: Nellie McLaughlin

The Afri Féile Bríde Conference 2010 took place on 6 February in the Derby House Hotel, Kildare.

The event celebrated the wonder of our Universe, captured remarkably in the film ‘The Awakening Universe’, and through the reflections of Nellie McLaughlin whose book ‘Out of Wonder’ is also a celebration of the incomprehensible beauty, intricacy and vastness of the Universe.

The indomitable human spirit too can often confound us in its power and ability to inspire. Such is the case of Richard Moore who, amazingly, despite being blinded by a rubber bullet at the age of ten, has never wallowed in bitterness or hatred. ‘I learned to see life in a different way’ is how he describes his remarkable acceptance of circumstances that would plunge most people into understandable despair, bitterness and desire for revenge. Not only did Richard accept his blindness but he had an abiding ambition to meet the soldier responsible for firing that rubber bullet on that fateful day. He persevered in his quest until he succeeded and Charles, the soldier, joined Richard on stage during a very moving and inspiring session entitled: ‘Transcending Conflict: Freedom in Forgiveness’.

Richard and Charles told their inter-twining story highlighting the consequences of war and conflict. Richard also went on to talk about his work in Development in Tanzania and Ethiopia and the importance of achieving the UN Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half the number of people suffering from hunger by 2015.

As every year, the discussions were embedded in music through the wonderful performances of Fionnuala Gill and Liz Madden and her band.

Féile Bríde 2010 – Image Gallery

Unless indicated otherwise, all pictures taken by Susan Hensel, Afri.

Saturday, 6 February 2010

Derby House Hotel, Kildare.

Clár

1.10 Lighting of the Flame – Richard and Charles

1.30 Registration

2.00 Opening Music – Fionnuala Gill

2.10 Introduction

2.15 ‘The Awakening Universe’ – short Film

2.30 Response

2.40 The Evolving Story of the Universe – Nellie McLaughlin

3.40 Music – Fionnuala Gill

3.45 Tea Break

4.15 Music – Liz Madden

4.20 Transcending Conflict: Freedom in Forgiveness – Richard Moore with Charles

5.00 Discussion

6.00 Concluding Music – Liz Madden and friends

7.30 Dinner

9.00 Céili (free admission for conference participants)

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Admission to the conference: €20 (concession: €15)

Dinner: €20

For the full programme of the week long Féile Bríde Festival check out www.solasbhride.ie