On the 5th of August, Dr Cian Ó Concubhair, Assistant Professor with the School of Law and Criminology had the opportunity to participate in a fascinating panel discussion on potential futures for policing and justice in Ireland in Belfast as part of Féile an Phobail.
The panel considered the challenges for policing and justice in a new Ireland, including the integration of structures, potential for reform and transformation, and dealing with the legacy of the conflict. They considered what needs to needs to be done to prepare for constitutional change. Chaired by Journalist Allison Morris, with panellists Professor John Doyle, DCU; Linda Dillon, Sinn Féin MLA; and Dr Cian Ó Concubhair, Maynooth College.
Cian said of the event, “Despite the intense rain, the lecture room in St Mary's University College Belfast was full – and the attendees were impressively engaged and knowledgeable. A really well-organised event. It was a real privilege to participate. It involved conversations about the politics of criminal justice and security that were far more frank than anything we have down South.”
Féile an Phobail was established in 1988 as a direct response to the conflict in the north of Ireland. Its purpose was to celebrate the positive side of the community, its creativity, its energy, its passion for the arts, and for sport. It furthermore aimed to provide events and entertainment at a price that the majority of the community could afford. In August 1988 the first Féile opened with a relatively humble parade of floats, bands and GAA clubs walking in their club regalia to an open-air party in Dunville Park. Street parties were organised throughout the West. Door-to-door collections were made to fund day trips to the seaside for pensioners and outings for young people.