‘We want to connect more people back to Leitrim’: From Carrigallen to a global Leitrim diaspora

A new five-year strategy has been launched by Leitrim County Council to strengthen the county’s relationship with its global diaspora and create new opportunities for tourism, enterprise and cultural exchange.

The diaspora strategy, titled Growing Global Connections, was launched on Wednesday, August 5, at Margaret of New Orleans Birthplace in Carrigallen, an authentic 19th-century Irish cottage built in honour of Irish emigrant and philanthropist Margaret Haughery.

The choice of venue was particularly fitting, as Margaret of New Orleans emigrated from Carrigallen to America with her family when she was just five years old. She went on to devote her life to serving the poor of New Orleans and was one of the first women in the United States to have a statue erected in her honour.

Her story lives on in Carrigallen through the Margaret Of New Orleans Community Association. Maura Williamson, Chairperson of the committee, spoke of the significance of holding the launch at Margaret’s birthplace.

“To us as a committee it’s very significant because as a committee our ethos and thinking has always been to promote Margaret’s story and connect with emigrants abroad and rekindle her story,” said Maura.

“Our thinking is to walk in her footsteps and in the incredible woman she was in looking after people and treating everyone equally and just reaching out to those in need.”

The committee hopes to strengthen connections between people abroad and Leitrim.

“We want to connect more people back to Leitrim. Leitrim is a hidden gem with so much to explore,” she said, adding that she has heard many stories from people who have emigrated who want to connect back to Leitrim and explore their lineage.

Heritage tourism and genealogy are growing in Leitrim, and the event also saw the launch of the Leitrim Diaspora Gateway. The online resource contains genealogy and heritage resources, as well as information on tourism destinations, cultural and sporting events and business networks.

It is intended for people living abroad, those who have returned to Ireland and anyone exploring a family, ancestral or personal connection with Leitrim.

Margaret emigrated to America over 200 years ago, but the story of emigration remains relevant today. Although Leitrim is Ireland’s smallest populated county, its people are spread across the world. Maura sees parallels between emigration then and now.

“Now the younger generation are emigrating to Australia and America. All of this is going on and for people who have seen so much of the younger generation emigrate, we hope they will be coming back and remembering Leitrim, Carrigallen, and Margaret of New Orleans,” she said, adding she is hoping the diaspora strategy will “open many doors to bring people to all of Leitrim.”

As part of the strategy, there will also be a Margaret of New Orleans Diaspora Award, recognising outstanding contributions by a member of the Leitrim diaspora.

Community has a significant role to play in maintaining connections with the diaspora, something Maura sees regularly at the cottage and community centre in Carrigallen.

“People come for stories - they hear Margaret’s stories and they tell us stories about their family who have emigrated. It’s rekindling the art of conversation in many ways,” she said.

The diaspora strategy is organised around four pillars: Tourism and Placemaking; Community Engagement and Cultural Events; Economic Development and Enterprise; and Family, Heritage and Connection.

The launch event featured contributions from community leaders, performances by Leitrim Youth Arts and local artists, and an address by renowned author Michael Harding.

“The Leitrim diaspora includes people who were born here, those with family roots in the county and others who have developed a lasting connection to Leitrim. This strategy is about turning that sense of belonging into practical opportunities for our communities, cultural life and economy,” said Joseph Gilhooly, Leitrim County Council Chief Executive.

“We want to make it easier for people with a connection to Leitrim to return and visit, share their knowledge and experience, support local businesses and take part in the life of the county. The strategy brings together a range of established programmes and proposed initiatives to support that ambition.

“Central to this work is the Leitrim Diaspora Gateway. By bringing heritage resources, events and opportunities for engagement together in one place, it will give people around the world a clear and accessible way to renew and strengthen their connection with Leitrim.”