Meitheal

Meitheal is the Irish word for a work team, gang, or party and denotes the co-operative labour system in Ireland where groups of neighbours help each other in turn with farming work, such as harvesting crops.  Neighbours who give their work to others are helped in turn with their own heavy seasonal tasks. To the heart of the concept is community unity through cooperative work and mutually reciprocal support.  Meitheal is the Irish expression of the ancient and universal appliance of cooperation to social need.

"The people of Mayo and the West have taught me over the years the true meaning and spirit of Meitheal, and have always been hugely supportive of my journey" said Mary Robinson.  "So I am delighted to respond to this initiative to ensure that my archive benefits Ballina and future generations"