Ireland XO is a volunteer-based, non-profit initiative which builds lasting links between the global Irish Diaspora and parishes of origin in Ireland.
SMART have taken part in the training programme and have been acting as Parish Liaison for a number of parishes in the South Carlow area. Many connections have been made with South Carlow diaspora, who have travelled to their ancestral homes mainly from the UK, USA and Australia.
The programme is based on a simple idea: reverse genealogy. Instead of waiting for people of Irish descent to trace their roots, Ireland XO volunteers worldwide are networking with people of Irish descent in their local areas, helping to build bridges between the present and the past by connecting people with the home parishes of their ancestors.
Since 2009, Ireland Reaching Out (Ireland XO) has helped thousands of Irish people discover the history of their families and reconnect with their parish of origin. Whether you have emigrated recently or have never been to Ireland, we welcome Irish people from all over the world and those who share an affinity for our rich and varied cultural heritage. We are a community with no geographical boundaries, connected first through bonds of people and place, and then developed through our shared celebration of culture and friendship, both online and offline.
Of the estimated 70 million people of Irish descent living outside of Ireland today, many are unsure of where in Ireland they originate from, or if there are any living relatives still there. We aim to help these people discover the story of their family history and reconnect them with the Ireland of today.
Click for more on Ireland Reaching Out (Ireland XO)
