Raising Hope for Our Common Home: Saturday, September 20th 2025

Raising Hope for Our Common Home

Saturday, September 20th 2025

Location: Knock House Hotel

 10.00am to 3.00pm

Cost: €15 per person

Join us for a special day at Knock House Hotel dedicated to caring for our environment and promoting sustainability. This inspiring event will feature renowned guest speakers Éanna Ní Lamhna, Jane Mellett, and Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, who will share insights on ecology, faith, and action for a better future.

Come together with others who are passionate about protecting our planet and learn practical ways to respond to the environmental challenges of our time. Let’s take meaningful steps—grounded in hope and community—to care for our common home.

All are welcome. Early booking is advised.

Book your ticket on Eventbrite Here

or For phone reservations, contact Nicola Mitchell at 094 93 88100 or email [email protected]

Guest Speakers:

‘Treading lightly on the earth’

Dr Eanna Ni Lamhna, scientist and broadcaster

Eanna Ni Lamhna qualified as a scientist in the 1970’s. She set up the Irish Biological Records Centre in 1974 and is responsible for the original distribution maps of mammal and insects. She lectured postgraduates on sustainability for 20 years in TU Dublin. She was President of An Taisce from 2004 – 2009 and more recently President of the Tree Council of Ireland. She is a judge of Environmental initiatives undertaken by local groups on a county level such as Pride of Place and Love Where You Live. She is a highly respected radio and television broadcaster on environmental issues. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science by the University of Galway in November 2024.

‘Laudato Si’ 10 Years on – Sowing Seeds of Hope’

Jane Mellett, Church Outreach Officer, Trocaire

Jane Mellett is the Church Outreach Manager at Trócaire. She is also a spiritual director, retreat facilitator and author. Jane’s work involves sharing the wisdom of Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home with faith communities, in a variety of settings. Jane has a specific interest in how faith communities can contribute to addressing the environmental crises our world currently faces.

‘Making Laudato Si a Reality – Pathways for Parish Communities’

Dr Brendan O’Keeffe, Geographer and Social Scientist

Dr Brendan O’Keeffe is a geographer and social scientist. He lives in Cahersiveen, County Kerry, and he is active in his local parish community. Professionally, Brendan runs his own research consultancy for the past six years. Previously, he was a lecturer, in geography, in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. He also has a practitioner background in community development.