An Orangeman has received a landmark award from a Catholic school in Belfast in recognition of his peace-building work. It was presented by the former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and came less than 24 hours after the poignant scenes of solidarity between politicians, police and the GAA at the funeral of Constable Ronan Kerr.
David Scott, an education officer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, said he hoped the Terry Donaghy/Bearnageeha Reconciliation award, would encourage other schools to engage in the promotion of understanding, 642-813
The Newsletter reported yesterday.
Mr Scott, whose role is to reach out and explain the values and traditions of the Orange Institution, said the pupils of St Patrick’s College on the Antrim Road had been very responsive to his work.
“They listen intently and they ask some very tough questions, which I am happy to answer,” he said yesterday.
“If we are to have a shared future then we need to understand each others’ history, culture and traditions.
“We need to have an appreciation that cultural difference is a good thing and should be seen as providing richness in society,” he added.
The education officer described the award as a great honour for the Orange institution.
“To be the first recipient of this award is an indication of the efforts the education programme is making in society.
“This acknowledgement by St Patrick’s should be a positive message to other schools and hopefully will encourage them to engage with us in promoting greater understanding.”
The award is named after deceased former Bearnageeha teacher Terry Donaghy, who later became a solicitor and peace campaigner.
His son Leo, said yesterday: “He always was one for reaching out to others and breaking new ground.
“We know he would really approve of this event, because it promotes peace and reconciliation.
“We, the family, are sure that he would have wholeheartedly approved642-812
of the choice of this morning’s recipient of this award.”
More at:
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/catholic_school_s_peace_award_for_orangeman_1_2578027