Vincenta Leyden, raised on the border of Northern and Southern Ireland, reflects on her complex identity shaped by the Troubles. Through poetry and art, she explores emotions and fosters connections among communities. Leyden urges a critical examination of inherited beliefs, recognizing the lasting impacts of conflict on everyday life and societal norms. Continue reading Vincenta Leyden
Manorhamilton, Ireland Nula McNulty is a lifelong resident of North Leitrim, Ireland, who returned home in 2003 after years working on Ireland’s east coast and two years in China as a food technologist. Raised on a mixed farm near the Northern Ireland border, she grew up during the Troubles with a father from the North and a mother from the South. Her upbringing instilled in … Continue reading Nula McNulty
In Manorhamilton, Republic of Ireland, Carmel Loughlin and Lauri McCusker share their experiences with the impact of conflict on mental health and community development. Loughlin reflects on lost family connections during the Troubles, while McCusker emphasizes the importance of collaboration beyond divisions for positive change and community building. Continue reading Carmel Loughlin and Lauri McCusker
Gerry Creamer is the youngest of five children. He grew up in a traditional, devoutly Catholic family in the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with the North.
Elaine O’Hara has spent most of her life in Manorhamilton with short stays in Cork and Belfast, just after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Continue reading Gerry Creamer and Elaine O’Hara
Israel Eguaogie was 17 when he left Nigeria and relocated to Germany as an asylum seeker. A decade later he moved to Dublin and soon after that, shifted north to Belfast. It was a decision that horrified his mother back in Nigeria, who had heard news reports of the sectarian violence in the country. But Israel said that he experienced the calm and the peace of Northern Ireland and recalled it was the first place since living in Germany, where someone said hello to him first. Continue reading Israel Eguaogie
Lewis Lyttle is an ex-Loyalist prisoner. He was sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder during The Troubles and was released early, with the signing of The Good Friday Agreement. Now Lewis works to facilitate cross-community groups with Black Mountain Shared Space. Continue reading Lewis Lyttle and Roxy Lyttle
Aoife Moore, an independent journalist from Derry, discusses the effects of British colonialism in Ireland, particularly on personal trauma and society. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and dialogue in healing divisions in Northern Ireland, advocating for empathy and understanding to transcend socio-political boundaries and foster reconciliation. Continue reading Bronagh McAtasney
Aoife Moore, an independent journalist from Derry, discusses the effects of British colonialism in Ireland, particularly on personal trauma and society. She emphasizes the importance of human connection and dialogue in healing divisions in Northern Ireland, advocating for empathy and understanding to transcend socio-political boundaries and foster reconciliation. Continue reading Aoife Moore
Public Theologian, Belfast Jonny Clark is the program manager for Public Theology at Corrymeela, sometimes called Ireland’s oldest peace center. Born in New Zealand and married to an American, Jonny has lived in Northern Ireland for 40 years. When he was growing up, his family moved to Belfast at the heights of The Troubles. As he says, “During a time when most people were not … Continue reading Jonny Clark
The series explores Northern Ireland’s journey toward healing after the Troubles, highlighting conversations with artists, educators, and peacebuilders. Despite ongoing tensions since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, these individuals use creativity to foster dialogue and rebuild trust. Each week features interviews and reflections, offering insights into reconciliation and the human spirit. Continue reading The Troubles
