The HAI was represented by Jillian Brennan (CEO) and Valerie Gliffe at the recent commemorative event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures took place in the Abbey Theatre on Sunday 2nd April and it celebrated a diverse set of voices and perspectives on this island, including contributions from poets, musicians, and writers from both sides of the border and beyond.
During his speech, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was right to pause and remember the decisive steps taken towards peace a quarter of a century ago. Tánaiste Micheál Martin also spoke and he said “Twenty-five years ago, difficult choices, hard compromises and real leadership achieved what some thought impossible, peace in Northern Ireland. Today, our island is at peace. Those difficult choices were worth it. And while that peace is imperfect, life on this island, and in particular Northern Ireland, is so much better. This is undoubtedly worth celebrating.”