WATCH: John Finucane MP opens Leitrim's Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School 2025

A crowd gathered on a warm Friday evening at Seán Mac Diarmada’s homestead to mark the official opening of the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School 2025.

Now in its 17th year, the school has become a source of immense pride for Kiltyclogher and the wider Leitrim community. It continues to offer a vital space to explore the life and legacy of Seán Mac Diarmada, providing a platform for academic research and public dialogue on the Rising and its ongoing relevance in Irish life.

Originally set to be opened by First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast John Finucane stepped in after O’Neill was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

In his first visit to Kiltyclogher, Mr Finucane expressed admiration for the local commitment to preserving Seán Mac Diarmada’s legacy.

“As I was driving down, I think there has to be an exceptional pride that the local community clearly have. The fact Seán Mac Diarmada came from Kiltyclogher, everything he stood for and how that has stood the test of time,” Mr Finucane told the crowd.

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He went on to speak about a renewed sense of “pride and strength” within Irish Republicanism, calling the summer school a “true testament not just to Seán but also to the people of this community and the wider Leitrim area.”

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Paddy O’Rourke, praised the organisers for sustaining the school’s success over nearly two decades.

“The school has always been invigorating and inspiring to people who attend it,” Cllr O’Rourke said.

“I’m sure it will be no different this year. We have to simply salute the committee who has kept this going for 17 years. It is the local community here who did this and is continuing to do it, and long may they do so,” he added.

Running from Friday, May 30 to Saturday, June 31, this year’s summer school will host a diverse and distinguished lineup of speakers. Attendees can expect thoughtful conversations on contemporary social, economic, political, and civic issues – rooted in the memory of one of Ireland’s key revolutionary figures.

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Among this year’s speakers are Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking, and Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda.

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Mr Finucane reinforced the value of the summer school in keeping history alive while shaping the future:

“I think Ireland is proud of its Republicanism and you couldn’t embody that more in the homestead here, in the way the local community remember Seán and what he stood for, whether it’s through the summer school or the museum.”

He also stressed the importance of supporting border communities like Kiltyclogher, stating: “We must look at opportunities whether it’s an economic way, tourism or the fact that whilst there may be a border, the reality for people here is that it doesn’t exist.

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"People live, socialise and work in a cross-border way so it’s about enhancing that but also recognising that the goal needs to be to end partition,” he concluded.

Sponsored by Leitrim County Council, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School continues to attract voices, from public figures to international academics – establishing Kiltyclogher as a vibrant centre for cultural and political dialogue – an initiative that honours our shared history, and sparks meaningful conversations about Ireland’s future.