IRD Duhallow Celebrates Ireland's 50 Years of EU Membership

By Nollaig Murphy, Development Officer

IRD Duhallow’s Nollaig Murphy meets with Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs & Defence Peter Bourke at EU 50 celebrations at the National Concert Hall.

On the 9th of May 2023, a major commemorative event was hosted by An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin in the National Concert Hall. As part of the EU 50 programme, celebrating fifty years of Irish EU membership, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, the Royal Irish Academy of Music and others, partnered in an initiative whereby schools and other groups were invited to learn and rehearse the EU anthem "Ode to Joy".

This programme culminated in a very special gala concert whereby the EU anthem was played as part of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s symphony "No. 9 in D Minor, The Choral". This was performed by the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Brophy. Accompanied by the EU Choir, together with Irish and European soloists, this exceptional performance marked what many view as one of the most significant milestone events in Irish foreign policy. This symphony - which is over 200 years old - was adopted as an anthem by the Council of Europe in 1972 and the European Union in 1985 serves to inspire us to remember our collective vision as Europeans.

Encompassing the poem "To Joy" by Fredrich Von Schiller, this piece of music embodies ideals of shared humanity and universal solidarity, values which remain relevant to this day.

In his opening address, An Tánaiste welcomed the attendees which included ministers, diplomats and invited guests, with an opening address which outlined the Irish journey to EU membership. Noting how the optimistic hope of a more prosperous future helped the Irish people to vote yes to joining the European Communities on the 8th of May 1972, Mr Martin described how this was one of the most consequential moments in Irish history. Describing how in the early stages of membership change was initially hard to notice, the aggregate impact of the accession has been remarkable.

An Tánaiste highlighted how EU membership helped Ireland to think for itself and become better. With the benefit of hindsight, it is quite amazing to think that in the early 1970s, it was questioned whether Ireland was just ‘too poor’ to join the European Communities. In 2004, Ireland ushered in ten new member states as part of our presidency of the EU, yet at the time of our own accession many were worried about what the many impending changes would mean for the future of our country.

However, faith and a hope for a more prosperous Ireland prevailed and the transformative impact of European membership is seen across aspects of Irish Society. This leap of faith has ultimately changed how Irish people see themselves as part of the world and the story we tell ourselves about our identity as Europeans. Change may have come about slowly but confidence also began to grow, trade began to flourish, and new opportunities were welcomed in Ireland.

IRD Duhallow is proud to be involved in EU 50 celebrations through its project work and was delighted to be invited to provide representation at this significant occasion celebrating Europe in this fiftieth anniversary year, with CEO Maura Walsh and Development Officer Nollaig Murphy both in attendance.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow and Nollaig Murphy attending EU 50 Celebrations at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.