Athy Celebrates Sustainable Living at “Future Ancestor Athy” Event
On November 2nd, the heart of Athy pulsed with the vibrant spirit of the inaugural "Future Ancestor Athy," a community event dedicated to sustainable living and the celebration of local heritage. Held along the picturesque banks of the River Barrow, this eco-art gathering coincided with All Souls Day and aimed to inspire responsibility toward the environment under the principles of the UNESCO-endorsed Earth Charter.
Celebrating Heritage and Nature
“Future Ancestor Athy” set out to immerse the local community in the historical and ecological significance of the River Barrow, known in folklore as Berba. By intertwining Athy’s rich heritage with the vital message of sustainable practices, the event cultivated a sense of accountability and connection to the environment.
Ciara O’Keeffe, a featured artist, crafted plates from clay sourced from the Slieve Blooms, symbolically breaking them and returning them to the river, underscoring the theme of reciprocity with nature. “The act of offering these plates back to Berba is a gesture of renewal and commitment to the land,” O’Keeffe expressed.
Attendees participated in afternoon exhibitions, installations, workshops, and performances that emphasized reconciliation with nature and a pledge to safeguard Ireland’s waterways. The event featured diverse artistic expressions designed to engage the public in environmental education.
Engaging Activities and Performances
The gathering showcased a range of captivating exhibitions. Vibrant installations lined the scenic riverside, with local youth prominently contributing. The Anchor Youth Club displayed eco-protest banners among the trees, making a strong call for climate action.
Various interactive elements were present, including handprint prayer flags symbolizing collective prayers for the Earth. Notable attractions included Deirdre Southey’s video installation “Berba’s Reverie,” which captured the essence of the river’s timeless narrative. In addition, James Lawlor’s photography exhibit, “Berba’s Animal Friends,” portrayed the diverse wildlife reliant on the river’s health.
Local talents shone throughout the day, with performances by Griese Youth Theatre, which presented the original piece “Cry Me a River,” integrating storytelling through song and dance to address urgent environmental issues. The teenage all-girl rock band I.F. energized the crowd with spirited music while underscoring the importance of youth voices in shaping a sustainable future.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
“Future Ancestor Athy” also emphasized hands-on workshops to foster creativity and environmental thought. Participants engaged in "Berba’s Bounty," a botanical ink-making workshop, where they created inks from local plants. This was complemented by a “Wall of Gratitude,” an initiative allowing community members to express their thankfulness to Berba, the Goddess of the River Barrow.
The "Soul Boats" installation featured handmade sustainable water lanterns adorned with indigenous poetry by Liam Regan, released onto the Barrow’s waters as a poignant expression of appreciation. Simultaneously, live screen-printing stations provided attendees an opportunity to craft eco-conscious art on sustainable materials.
Enriching Community Knowledge
An insightful “Walk & Talk” led by naturalist Cliff Reid enhanced understanding of the river’s ecosystem. Accompanied by ISL interpreter Aoife, attendees explored the cultural significance of waterways in Ireland, fostering a deeper connection to local heritage.
The event culminated in a ceremonial ritual, led by artist Ciara O’Keeffe, where participants offered unfired, compostable clay sculptures to Berba. This act reinforced the belief that present actions influence future generations, continuously reminding the community of their environmental responsibilities.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
The concepts and values highlighted during “Future Ancestor Athy” will resound in future initiatives such as Repair Cafés aimed at promoting sustainable living. The first of these gatherings is set for November 23 in Athy, followed by others focused on teaching repair skills and reducing waste. Funded by the Kildare Climate Innovation Fund, these events are a commitment to fostering a community-oriented approach to sustainability.
“Future Ancestor Athy” marks a significant step towards a larger movement aimed at cultivating environmental consciousness in the community. Plans are underway for the event to expand further in 2025, promising even greater engagement and a broader impact.
For more information on the Future Ancestor project and upcoming events, visit bluewayartstudio.ie.
As we reflect on the meaningful connections forged during this festival, we invite readers to share their thoughts on the importance of community initiatives for sustainability. How can we collectively honor our past while nurturing a greener future? Your voice matters in this vital conversation.
