Bertie Ahern to deliver Mullingar talk on Good Friday Agreement

Bertie Ahern will be in Mullingar to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, and to launch the Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society journal, Iarmhi, next week.

The Good Friday Agreement was singed on April 10, 1998, and Mr Ahern was one of the chief architects. On on Wednesday November 22 at 8pm, he will deliver a talk in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

The bilateral international agreement ended more than three decades of violence in Northern Ireland and could arguably be credited with bringing peace and prosperity to the entire island, despite the present impasse consequent to Brexit.

Mr Ahern will discuss how the parties agreed to the new arrangements; and reflect on how the process can be renewed by the re-establishment of the power-sharing executive.

The meeting is being hosted by the Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society and Mr Ahern will also launch their journal Iarmhi (at 7.15pm).

The journal is a keenly anticipated publication in this area and this edition contains 25 articles on the history and heritage of north Westmeath, including one by archaeologist Dr Paul Stevens on the famous Clonfad bell foundry.

A reconstructed replica of the famous Clonfad handbell will be on display on the night of the launch.

All are welcome and refreshments will be served.