ATU at UEx inauguration of Irish Studies Center

The Center of Irish Studies in Cáceres, based at the University of Extremadura (UEx), celebrated its official opening ceremony on March 24th. Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU, attended the ceremony on behalf of the EU GREEN Alliance, along with the Irish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Frank Smyth.

The Vice-Chancellor for University Outreach at UEx, Dr Teresa Terrón Reynolds, and other academic authorities including Dr Katharina Rennhak, President of the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS) and Dr Pilar Villar Argáiz, President of the Spanish Association for Irish Studies also attended the event.

As the main hub of the EFACIS, the purpose of the Center of Irish Studies in Cáceres is to promote interdisciplinary research on the language, literature, history, and culture of the island of Ireland and the Irish diaspora. The centre aims to bring Irish culture closer to the city of Cáceres not only through joint research interests but also through the links that exist between the city and Ireland. For example, Cáceres has a strong tradition of Irish music, having hosted the international Cáceres Irish Fleadh since 2004 with the support of the Irish Embassy in Madrid.

Through events and activities, the centre showcases Irish culture to Spanish communities, within the context of the EFACIS, and in partnership with members of the EU GREEN Alliance, including ATU and other EU GREEN partners with an interest in Irish studies. EU GREEN, led by UEx, aims to strengthen strategic alliances between universities in the European Union and increase international competitiveness within the European Higher Education Area.

Speaking at the inauguration via video link, Dr Orla Flynn said that the opening ceremony was a significant occasion for the entire EU GREEN Alliance and marked “a true celebration of Irish culture in the heart of Spain through the establishment of this important centre of research exploring the rich tapestry of Irish literature and culture.”

“Throughout the centuries, Spain and Ireland have traded, collaborated, and supported each other from ancient times to the Spanish Armada. Our shared history is deeply rooted in both cultures. The west coast of Ireland and especially our Atlantic coastal towns and cities have strong medieval linkages with Spain and our cultural DNA is intertwined through language, music, literature, and sport.”

Dr Flynn concluded by highlighting how the new centre can help to facilitate greater linkages between the two countries. “We hope that the connection with the Irish centre will be fruitful and lead to new opportunities for collaboration and exchange between our two universities. We're committed to working together to promote a deeper understanding of Irish culture and its place in the world and especially to bring our two nations even closer.”

To find out more about the Center of Irish Studies in Cáceres visit www.ciscaceres.weebly.com.