Rural movement ‘more relevant’ than ever

THE community development movement Muintir na Tíre has never been as relevant as it is today in helping vulnerable and isolated members of society.

That’s according to chairman Martin Quinn, who told a commemorative event that service to community remained the cornerstone of service to country.

Former Mountjoy prison governor John Lonergan and Munster MEP Sean Kelly were among the attendance in Bansha, Co Tipperary, looking back on the history of Muintir na Tíre, which celebrates its 75th birthday next year.

The movement was founded in 1937 by Canon John Hayes, whose words were quoted by chairman Mr Quinn at the weekend event.

“Canon Hayes found that the secret of community organisation was simply to bring people together according to their vocation,” Mr Quinn said.

“People have always realised the great benefits that come to a community or country when unity of aim and effort existed among the people.”

He made an appeal to any incoming government not to cut the funding the organisation receives at state level and said Muintir na Tíre is more than an organisation, it is a community movement.

“Its first task in any locality is to remind members that they are not merely individuals with their own private interests, but members of a community — one big family. It fosters among them the community spirit, which is simply a spirit of service to the community.”

In 1940, Canon Hayes had noted: “We expected far too much from politics and we got far too little.” Martin Quinn said the same remained true in 2011.

“This past week, the media have run out of words to describe the current political situation: grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre, unprecedented have been replaced by many new expressions.

“I am more concerned, however, about words such as fear, poverty, loneliness and isolation.

“For these are the words that I keep hearing from people in communities around the country.”

Muintir na Tíre is putting a lot of time into working with people who find themselves in isolation and it came to national prominence in November and December by coming to the aid of many during the harsh weather.

The national helpline the organisation operated for the duration of the cold spell was “a magnificent example of care and concern for the elderly and the vulnerable,” Mr Quinn said.