2017 Conference Programme
Saturday 25th Programme 9.30am - 4.30pmSpeakers Jack Roberts - ' The Truth about the Sheela-na-gigs' Jack is an independent researcher, publisher, designer and artist. He has been carrying out research into the mysteries of Ireland for over three decades and is author and publisher of a number of books and field guides to the ancient & sacred monuments of Ireland. Jack is a regular contributor to our Conference and a great friend to our Centre and we look forward to another great talk this year. Titles include: The Sacred Mythological Centres of Ireland, The Sun Circles of Ireland, Sheela-na-gigs the Divine Hag of the Christian Celts. bandiadesign.com/ Félim Gibbons - 'Defining Myth - Confrontation or Acceptance' Félim is a retired Army officer. He worked as a researcher on the first iteration of Cruachan Aí Visitors Centre exhibition. Félim has published in military, archaeological and historical journals and is currently doing an M Phil in TCD. He is interested in conceptions of myth and the role this plays in violence and conflict. We are very lucky to welcome Félim back into the fold here at Rathcroghan, and look forward with great interest to his talk. Bernadette D'alton - 'Symbols of Medb' Rathcroghan's own Bernadette D'Alton, is our resident expert on all things Queen Medb and we look forward to another fascinating presentation this year. Maggie Pashley - 'Using the magic of your own mind' Sligo-based hypnotherapist Maggie Pashley will talk about how the natural occurring phenomenon of trance can be used intentionally to help benefit you in a myriad of ways. She will give you a few short experiences of pleasant trance states and finish with a relaxation to set you up for the rest of the day. www.maggiepashley.com Karen McGonigle - 'Laughter Yoga, Laugh Your Way to Health and Wellbeing. ( A tribute to Fred Walker) Karen McGonigle - Karen first heard about laughter yoga on the radio in 2005 and thought it sounded brilliant. In 2008 she got the opportunity to train as a laughter yoga leader. Soon after she started running classes in Athlone. She also did laughter yoga and Indian head massage on a weekly basis in a work therapy unit for people with special needs. They loved it. In February 2010 Karen appeared on Ireland AM breakfast show as part of a team promoting laughter yoga, and also supported the leader when she appeared on the Ray D'Arcy show later that day. Laughter yoga is a blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching, stimulated laughter and cultivated childlike playfulness. It brings a sense of fun and light heartedness to any group who takes part in a laughter session. It makes you feel really good and improves health and wellbeing. Karen’s session this year will be held in special remembrance of Fred Walker, who was a regular selfless contributor to our conference and who very sadly passed away this year. Ray Sawyer-James - ''Living Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times- Rediscovering The Nature of Mindfulness' Ray, who is the founder of OPAL has quite a varied working background including working in health care, social work, supported housing, counselling, business management and teaching in higher & further adult education on a range of academic and vocational qualification courses. His academic qualifications include a PhD in Philosophy, an MSc in Cognitive Psychotherapy, an MA in Applied Ethics, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling, a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Welfare, a BA (Hons) in Psychology and a Cert Ed in Higher and Further Education. 'We are delighted to welcome back Ray this year to our conference, where he will tailor a unique mindfulness workshop building and expanding on last years event' www.opalcentre.com/ Sunday 26th Programme 10pm - 4.30pmSpeakers
Sandra Delaney - 'Harvest Knot Workshop' Following on last years very enjoyable event Rathcroghan’s own Sandra Delaney returns this year to facilitate a crafting workshop on the manufacture of harvest knots, incorporating traditional beliefs and practices' - materials will be provided by Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. Josephine Stroker - 'Mindfulness Meditation' For the past 20 years Josephine has been involved in, Project management, Training for Transformation, Capacity building, fund raising, life skills and mindfulness coaching and mentoring and her qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Applied Social Studies (NUI, Maynooth), BA in Applied Social Studies (Waterford Institute of Technology), Diploma in Social Work (Christ Church College, Canterbury), H Dip in Social Studies (University of Kent), Diploma in Theology and Spirituality (Mater Dei Institute, Dublin), Diploma in Spiritual Direction (Jesuit Centre for Spirituality, Manresa, Dublin), QQI qualification in Training Delivery and Evaluation, and Certificate in the Care of People with Special Needs, (Castle Priory College, Oxfordshire). 'After a wonderful event last year, we are delighted to welcome back our local expert Josephine Stroker to facilitate a mindfulness workshop in the beautiful surrounds of Rathcroghan'. www.safeharbourtrainingandmentoring.ie/ Marie Main - 'Set dancing' For a bit of craic and relaxation, why not try a step or two under the expert tutelage of teacher Marie Main of the 'McManus School of Irish Dancing' Rathcroghan Visitor Cente - 'Tour' 'a walking and talking exploration of Rathcroghan incorporating Cruachan's Ancient Ritual Site and Ireland's traditional Entrance to the Otherworld - the Cave of Oweynagat, where we will use and explore some of the themes of the weekend' - this tour will be facilitated by the staff of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. (Please note that the tour incorporates crossing agricultural land and that the entrance to the Cave of Oweynagat can be very muddy, so appropriate clothes and footwear should be worn) |
Lunch of Soup and Sandwich is included in the Conference Price as well as tea/coffee/light refreshments throughout the weekend!
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