The Connaught Rangers Association were part of a recent launch of a Cross Community Project in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on the 31^st May 2007. With the support of the Association, through it’s historical archives that it has compiled on the Connaught Rangers Regiment and it’s many members throughout the island of Ireland, the Connaught Rangers Association is now an integral part of this Project. Veteran Republicans and Loyalists joined with former British Soldiers, school children, project coordinators and the Connaught Rangers Association to launch this project teaching young people about the military history of Ireland. “R-PAST” aims to teach young people from the different communities of Northern Ireland the human stories of those who fought on all sides of conflicts over hundreds of years. The initiative includes histories of the United Irishmen, Connaught Rangers Regiment, The 36^th (Ulster) Division and the Easter Rising. Young people will hear from historians from both the Falls and Shankill Roads in West Belfast about the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and the Easter Rising of the same year. Coordinator, Frank Higgins, said the project aimed to bring together groups from different backgrounds through Ireland’s Military History. Former IRA prisoner, Martin Meehan, whose Grandfather Cornelius Clarke was killed fighting with the British Army in the First World War, said it was about “showing young people the futility of war but also showing them why people fight.” “People fought for all sorts of reasons, from political beliefs through to economic survival.” he said.  “What is important is that this generation learns from the past and the mistakes that were made.”  “We are entering a new era, but it is important that this generation understands the necessity of building a shared future. ”Veteran Loyalist, Winston “Winkie” Rea, said “There was an onus on former combatants to share their experiences with the next generation.”  “People who may have been trying to kill each other just a few years ago are now working together to show the next generation that there is another way.”  He said “By understanding other peoples experiences we will hopefully avoid the mistakes of the past.” The Connaught Rangers Association was acknowledged for it’s continued support to this project.  Our Chairman, Mr Joe Loughnane from Galway, gave a brief speech on how proud the Association is to be involved in this worthwhile venture.  Dr. Paul McHugh, Area Coordinator CRA N/Ireland and Vice Principle of Sleamish Intergrated College, Ballymena, arranged a wreath laying ceremony for all the forgotten men of the Connaught Rangers Regiment who came from Northern Ireland. Mr William Beirne, PRO CRA, carried the Association standard and many compliments were paid to it on it’s first visit to St. Anne’s Cathedral.  Mr Dermot Kelly our website designer and Mr Danny Tiernan, Teasurer CRA were also in attendance as was our Assistant Treasurer, Mr Patrick McHugh MBE and member Martina Beirne. Future visits to the Connaught Rangers Museum in King House is on the agenda after this successful visit to Belfast as many people expressed an interest in finding out more about the Connaught Rangers Regiment and of it’s Association. Visit the R-Past website @ http://www.irishregiments.com/r-past/