Ancient Irish traditions and their continuing influence in Queensland will be explored during an upcoming conference in Brisbane convened by the Queensland Irish Association and the Queensland Studies Centre, Griffith University.
“Irish Ways, Queensland Days” will present recent research findings that transform our understanding of the Irish cultural legacy and its role in colonial and contemporary Queensland.
The conference will be held at the Queensland Irish Association, Tara House, Elizabeth Street Brisbane on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September, 2002.
Dr Belinda McKay, Director of the Queensland Studies Centre at Griffith University said the conference speakers would present a range of topics including ancient Celtic spirituality, the Celtic revival and Irish heritage in Queensland. The conference will include Irish music and folklore.
“Over the centuries, Irish culture and spirituality have exerted a powerful influence on Western civilisation, but the nature and the extent of this influence are still not widely appreciated,” Dr McKay said.
“Moreover, there is an urgent need for a reappraisal of the way that the Irish cultural legacy survived and was re-shaped by the Irish Diaspora.”
International speakers include Irish archaeologist Isabel Bennett, and Professor Warwick Gould, Yeats scholar, University of London.
Brisbane speakers include Dr McKay and Dr Jennifer Harrison, research historian at the University of Queensland. Laurie Muller, Peter Carey’s publisher at the University of Queensland Press, will discuss The True History of the Kelly Gang and the ongoing popularity of the Ned Kelly legend. The Hon. Matt Foley MP, Minister for Employment, Training & Youth and Arts, will give the dinner address.
Registration (including GST, lunches and refreshments): $132 per person. Concessions for unwaged persons, day and session registrations are available.