Winners of this year’s Siemens Feis Ceoil gathered for a performance in Dublin city to mark the first step towards creating he European Union over 50 years ago.
May 9th is celebrated by members states of the EU to honour the day in 1950 when the Schuman Declaration was made.
In the declaration read out by the French Foreign Minister, Mr Robert Schuman, called on France and Germany in particular to pool together their coal and steel production. The call heralded the start of a process that culminated in the founding of the European Union.
The European Parliament in Ireland along with the European Commission in Ireland organised today’s lunchtime concert at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street. The concert featured some of the Siemens Feis Ceoil 2002 prizewinners including The King’s Hospital Chamber Choir; Anna Cashell (Violin) Colette Boushell (Soprano) and Piano Trio - Cathy Stokes (Piano), Kylie L’Estrange (Violin) and Carina Drury (Cello).
The Euroepan Parliament also ran a two page information supplement on EU enlargement in the main pages of national newspapers today. It outlines the concept behind enlargement, benefits to member states and applicants and how EU enlargement will affect Ireland.
European of the Year 2001, Mr Tommy Gorman will tonight address the European Movement’s reception at Irish Distillers in Smithfield organised to honour European Day and the 30th anniversary of the Irish endorsement of the EC membership.
On May 10th 1972, Ireland’s European Community membership was approved in a referendum that saw 83.1 per cent of the 70.9 per cent turnout vote in favour of joining the EC. In January 1973 Ireland along with Denmark and the UK official became a member of the EC.
The EU theme is continued tomorrow at the European Commission in Ireland with Director, Mr Peter Doyle, addressing a reception at its offices on Molesworth Street. The occasion is to mark the anniversary of the referendum approving Ireland’s entry into the EC, a spokeswoman said.