This year’s programme will explore the topical theme, ‘Brexit – Back to the Future’. A panel of world-class experts will gather to will reflect on the instability evident in the lives of our politicians, businessmen, academics and the wider communities – north and south, east and west.

Historical perspectives will be explored by leading historian and Sunday Independent columnist, Dr. Ruth Dudley Edwards and Prof David Wilson of the Celtic Studies Program and History Department at the University of Toronto. Dr Tim O’Connor, a distinguished Irish diplomat, and the first Joint Secretary of the North South Ministerial Council will discuss pragmatic paradigms for mutually beneficial cooperation and he will be joined by other experienced leaders of cross border cooperation.

Political commentator, Eamon Mallie, will chair the ever popular, Politicians’ Forum which will include a lively round up of views from leading politicians from across the island of Ireland such as Claire Sugden, Independent Unionist, East Londonderry and Former Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland and Bríd Rogers, Former NI Executive Minister and founder member of the SDLP . Other special guests include Mark O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa, and Robert Kearns, Chairman and Founder, IrelandPark Foundation, Toronto.

The Thomas D'Arcy McGee Summer School also includes a vibrant cultural programme which is headlined by fiddle maestro and Dundalk-native Gerry O’Connor who will be accompanied by fellow Dundalk flute player, Nuala Kennedy.  Cross border musical harmonies will be provided by the Altnaveigh and Carlingford pipe bands in a spectacular open air display at the Thomas D'Arcy McGee Exhibition Centre, to celebrate the bestowing of the Irish Canadian Person of the Year award to Pat O’Callaghan. The award’s first recipient was General John de Chastelain in 2018, and this year’s award and citation will be delivered by Ray Bassett, former Irish Ambassador to Canada.

To find out more about the programme or to enquire about ticket sales, please contact Programme Coordinator, Tommy Fegan, tommyfegan@gmail.com or visit https://www.carlingfordheritagecentre.com/events/thomas-darcy-mcgee-summer-school-2019/.

8th Annual Thomas D'Arcy McGee Summer School Programme