Gaelic Clans of Airghialla
PROPOSAL
This document outlines the general concept for a major proposal to Interreg aimed at increasing tourism in the crossborder region of Ireland.
The area of concern includes: Counties Monaghan, Fermanagh, Armagh, Louth, and parts of Tyrone and Derry, the former kingdom of Airghialla.
Under the categories in the Interreg brochure, I would suggest that this proposal would be Priority One: Integrated Local Development Strategies. It also qualifies under Measure Two: Knowledge Economy
The development scheme is this:
Americans, Canadians, and Australians of Irish origin are primarily interested in one thing about Ireland: where they came from and what that area is like. They want to come to Ireland to explore their roots.
- what we are interested in first and foreemost is our own family roots,
- secondarily, we are interested in our Cllan and the places of importance to our family.
Currently, the area of heritage and genealogy within this particular geographic zone is weakly promoted and insufficiently supported. Services exist but they are not readily accessible. This proposal would place greater information on the internet, making it available to people worldwide.
I would suggest to you that one of the greatest assets of the central border area is its extremely rich heritage, rooted in the cohesion provided by the existence of the kingdom of Airghialla from 327 AD until its demise in the 1640s. For over 1300 years this area supported a rich gaelic culture. Hundreds of surnames evolved in this region and the descendants are now scattered across the globe, largely unaware of their origins, certainly unaware of the rich history of this region. This proposal would publish greater detail about that history and the particular history of each of the major clans on the internet. In addition, it would publish all surnames from this area on the internet with a description of where they lived.
Here are the major benefits local development would gain from implementing and supporting this proposal
1) Increased revenues from tourism
2) Increased employment by through projects (temporary and ongoing)
3) Preserving historical, traditional, archaeological sites, artifacts, and other cultural aspects related to the area and the Gaelic Clans of Airghialla
It would also be possible to implement a simultaneous proposal to increase the knowledge of local residents about their history. Much of local history is confined to scholarly journals and obscure publications. Part of this proposal would be to transfer that information to readily accessible and readable venues.
Every facet of this proposal will be collaborative, taking advantage of work already done or in process, capitalizing on those already interested and working in the field, and thus creating a synergistic effect, in particular by attempting to use websites already in existence but adding to the information already on those sites to be more suited to what the audience of expatriot Irish are seeking.
This project proposes the following:
- reconstruct the history of Airghialla on the internet and in popular print, making it available locally and worldwide.
- research and publish on the internet all of the clan surnames that come from the area defined by the boundaries of Airghialla as well as their specific areas of origin.
- develop a driving tour with appropriate maps (both on the web and paper maps available at tourism offices, hotels, Chambers of Commerce, etc.) illustrating clan sites such as crannogs, ring forts, castles, or tower houses, mark those sites with plaques discussing their historical significance, battle sites, ancient burial sites, etc. and develop relations with the hospitality industry throughout the extent of the entire kingdom.
- for each clan that controlled a particular area develop specific maps, brochures, and heritage information which will allow descendants from that clan to spend time in the area of their particular origin.
- collaborate with local historians and scholars of international renown to popularize the history of each area, to put the history in accessible and readable form.
- collaborate with local and national archeologists to prioritize heritage sites for enhanced protection, access, and signage, and, in a few cases, perhaps even restoration.
- hire photographers to provide high quality images for websites, maps, and brochures.
- develop local loop walking trails for specific heritage sites or larger clan areas.
- fund local improvements such as access and trails and clan gatherings or historical reenactments.
- establish genealogy research centers where none exist or improve the ability of existing centers to respond to requests.
- encourage greater research in the areas where it needs to be done. One example of this is a complete inventory of ancient graveyards and what details can be gleaned from these.
- Finally, media coverage is needed in the United States to both promote this project and to assure potential visitors to Northern Ireland that it is safe to visit. There still exists a stigma that must be dealt with if tourism is to increase dramatically. This will require collaboration with public and media relations firms in Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
This project is potentially extremely complex and I would therefore propose that it be started in the area extending from south Armagh, all of Monaghan, and southern Fermanagh, thus restricting the initial effort to selected tribes within Airghialla. This would afford us the opportunity to develop our approach before we extend it further to include all of Airghialla.
As you can see, this is a true cross border project with benefits to a wide array of Irish people with differing skill sets and lasting benefits for all people as their heritage is preserved and tourism increased in an area where tourism is now a very minor contributor to the economy. County Monaghan has the second lowest tourist visits in Ireland.
The majority of work proposed herein would be done by Irish in Ireland. I would propose that Irish Americans work on the development of the websites and collaborate with marketing firms to promote the area. Every other facet of the project would be handled by Irish in Ireland.
The other issue that must be handled delicately is one that also pertains to history. It would not be our purpose to open social wounds. The project would have to be broad and inclusive. By focusing on the ancient history of Airghialla one can avoid the more recent and still fresh events. Yet by focusing on surnames and home areas one can still provide appeal to Irish living abroad who want to know something about their home place.
I would also propose that the initial coordination and start-up be coordinated by myself in collaboration with others in Ireland.
You may see that some of the history of the kingdom, as it pertains largely to the founders of the kingdom and the overlordship of the MacMahon kings of Oriel is documented extensively herein:
This site provides an example of what can be done on the internet. In its 14 months of operation it has had 3,000 visitors and over 18,000 page views.
I am an individual based in the United States. I propose to provide overall coordination of the project. I can do that either as an individual or by either creating a new association or a relationship with an established association in Ireland. The project would most likely be based in Clones, a vital border crossing that is also the historic spiritual heart of Airghialla. I have applied for Irish citizenship and intend to travel to Ireland frequently and perhaps relocate their permanently. I await word from the Irish Consulate on my application.
Please advise me as to how I best proceed to formulate a formal proposal to Interreg.
Thank you.
Slan,
James P. McMahon
375 Cedar Tree Drive
Brookside, Utah 84782
Phone: 435-574-2711
fax: 435-574-0903