By Dan Walsh at Templeshannon, Enniscorthy
The Ground We Carry, a Photovoice project inspired by Dr. Maria Quinlan, was launched today (Thursday) with an exhibition and publication at Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre in Enniscorthy.
Sarah Kelly said the exhibition was about much more than photographs and “is an opportunity to celebrate the people of Templeshannon and recognise the value of local voices, lived experiences and community life.”
Ms. Kelly expressed thanks to Dr. Maria Quinlan, Wexford Local Development, Enniscorthy Community Alliance the Shannon Way Project and, most importantly “local participants who gave their time, shared their experiences and trusted us with their photographs.”
Declan Cloke explained PhotoVoice which he described as “a powerful development tool that allows us to use photography to tell stories of their lives, their surroundings and their communities.
“Every photo in this exhibition represents a personal perspective and together they create stories about identity, connection, history, pride, hope and belonging,” added Mr Cloke.
Kathleen Doran said “everyone in the project is passionate about what is good in our county and passionate about the areas that need attention.
“Participants highlight places of beauty and significance of the area including Vinegar Hill, the Twenty-On Steps, The Heap of Clay, the Grotto, Shannon Chapel, St. Cooraun’s Well and many more,” concluded Ms. Doran.
Mary Corrigan pointed out that “today’s launch is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. She said the photographs celebrate the community “but they also encourage us to continue the conversation.”
“They remind us to value what is good about our community while also recognising where improvements are needed.
“We should not be discriminated against because we live on the east side of the town. This project shows that our people have valuable knowledge, ideas and solutions and when communities are listened to and given opportunities to participate positive change becomes possible,” concluded Ms. Corrigan.
The opening ceremony was attended by Cllr Aidan Browne and Rev, Tom Dalton, Administrator St. Aidan’s parish and concluded with Tim Corrigan singing ‘The Croppy Boy’
WexfordLocal.com 