By Lisa Ramsden
ANNIVERSARY celebrations marking 25 years of the Castlewellan Peace Maze culminated with a special visit from the President of Ireland.
Catherine Connolly’s arrival at the local forest park was the latest in a series of community and formal events in recent weeks.
The event, which happened on Tuesday September 29, brought together community representatives, partner organisations and civic leaders to reflect on the enduring importance of peace, reconciliation and shared understanding.
Environment Minister Andew Muir, whose DAERA department oversees the Forest Service, on which the maze was developed, was another special guest.
The commemorative visit was jointly hosted by County Down Rural Community Network and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) as part of the Pathways to Peace Project, a programme that acknowledges the legacy of the peace process while encouraging future generations to continue building positive relationships across communities.
The Peace Maze was the largest permanent hedge maze in the world at the time, and the concept and design of Beverley and Michael Lear.
During the event President Connolly, in her first engagement locally since winning last October’s presidential election, learned that the Pathways to Peace Project has provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved over the past quarter of a century, and the collective efforts that have helped shape a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Speaking at the event, Minister Muir said the development of the Peace Maze within Castlewellan Forest Park “is a powerful example of how our forests can bring people together, fostering understanding, collaboration and community cohesion while delivering wider benefits for tourism, education, health and wellbeing”.
He added: “Now more than ever, we need to take inspiration from the Peace Maze project which symbolises the importance of peace, reconciliation and negotiating impasses together.”
Doire Finn, NMDDC’s deputy chairperson, introduced President Connolly to the attendees and said: “We are delighted to welcome President Catherine Connolly here today.”
Noting how “the peace maze stands as a powerful symbol of hope, unity and reconciliation,” Ms Finn continued:
Nicholas McCrickard, County Down Rural Community Network’s CEO, acknowledged the “honour” of yesterday’s visit.
He said: “The President was delighted to learn about how CDRCN used the funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs to mark the 25th anniversary.” Mr McCrickard also pointed out that the event “reinforced the lasting significance of the Peace Maze as a living symbol of peace, partnership and shared aspirations for the future.”
Read the full story in the current issue of the Mourne Observer.
