Cork’s monumental role in shaping modern Ireland

A FEW days ago, the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council’s most recent publication, entitled ‘Heritage Centenary Sites of Rebel County Cork’, was launched in the County Library HQ, by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Séamus McGrath. Also speaking at the launch was Chief Executive Tim Lucey and Director of Planning John O’Neill. Conor Nelligan, Heritage Officer/ ‘Ireland 1916’ County Coordinator also spoke.

The publication takes a look at the monumental role played by the County of Cork over the pivotal years that shaped the Ireland of today, from the arrival of the Normans up to and including 1916, the War of Independence and the Civil War. The launch was well attended and all present saw a wonderful visual presentation of a range of the photographs that feature in the publication.

Cork County Council is already busy distributing the publication and if not already, copies will shortly be available in Cork City bookstores and throughout the County, including bookshops in Midleton, Fermoy, Macroom, Bandon, Clonakilty, Kanturk and Mallow. Copies are also available for purchase online via www.corkcoco.ie/heritage thanks to the Skibbereen Heritage Centre and the book can also be picked up from Floor 3 of the County Hall.

The book is itself a most ambitious one, covering all of the last Millennium and the main events and people of County Cork that contributed to Ireland’s fight for independence. The publication also contains a number of revolutionary sites that can be visited by the public today; in short the book should appeal to anyone with an interest in learning why Cork is known as the Rebel County.

Speaking of the Rebel County, the centenary year has been a tremendous success in Cork and in acknowledgement of this, Cork County Council has recently won the National Public Sector Magazine Award for best County Council website promoting the 1916 Centenary Initiative. The Award was accepted at a recent event by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Séamus McGrath with Chief Executive Tim Lucey; Chair of Cork County Council’s 1916 Centenary Commemorative Committee Cllr. Frank O’ Flynn, SEO Corporate Affairs Nicola Radley and Heritage Officer/ ‘Ireland 1916’ County Coordinator Conor Nelligan, also in attendance.

Throughout the County of Cork in 2016 over 500 events were undertaken by over 200 different community groups. These events, projects and initiatives were promoted continuously throughout the year by Cork County Council, both online and by way of numerous email updates. The centenary year has been an outstanding success in County Cork and this is thanks to the community groups who have all played their part. Cork County Council, from its Mayor and Chief Executive to its 1916 Centenary Committee and Executive Staff has been most supportive of the Centenary Programme. The award is testament to the commemorative work done in the County this past year and given Cork’s pivotal role in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, plans are already underway for commemorations in the years ahead.

One event highly deserving of commemoration is the story of the Aud and crew and its connection with County Cork. This Saturday, December 17th, Cork County Council, with the support of the Government (through the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs), will be officially

At the launch of the book, Heritage of Centenary Sites of Rebel County Cork at the Library Headquarters at County Hall were, from left: Nicola Radley, SEO, Cork County Council; Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Cork County Council; Conor Nelligan, Heritage Officer, Cork County Council; John O’Neill, Director of Services, Cork County Council; and Cllr. Seamus McGrath, Mayor of County Cork. Conor Nelligan Heritage Officer/ ‘Ireland 1916’ County Coordinator; Chair of Cork County Council’s 1916 Centenary Commemorative Committee Cllr. Frank O’ Flynn, Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Séamus McGrath, Chief Executive Tim Lucey and Nicola Radley SEO Corporate Affairs pictured at a recent event in acceptance of t he National Public Sector Magazine Award for best support of the 1916 Programme.

launching an exhibition in memory of the crew of the Aud on Spike Island in Cork Harbour.

Spike Island was the only Irish soil that the crew of the Aud set foot on in 1916 and the official launch of this exhibition will, in this the centenary year, honour the efforts that the crew of the Aud made in support of Ireland’s cause. The Aud was the boat intended to bring over 20,000 rifles for use in the Easter Rising, but having been detected by the British, the boat was subsequently scuttled by its captain, Karl Spindler. Attendance at the launch is open to all, however, places on the boat over and back will be limited. Those seeking to attend are therefore required to RSVP to cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie prior to Friday 16th December.

The week ahead also sees a number of interesting heritage events. Commencing on Thursday 15th December in the County Library HQ there will be a video exhibition by Mary Keane featuring interviews with some of the former attendees of Coláiste Iosagáin, Baile Mhúirne, including Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. The exhibition will focus on their thoughts on the Irish language and methods they believe would assist in Irish language sustainment and development today.

The next day, Friday 16th, will be an entertaining one in Kanturk when the Moses Bridge Miscellany 1916-2016 Souvenir Issue will be launched. The publication is packed with stories, songs, poems, anecdotes and images from the Barony of Duhallow and beyond, with an accompanying 14 track CD compilation - Spindlers Twist - including the single Here’s to you Karl Spindler written specially to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rising. The book will be launched at a concert of traditional music with Geraldine O Callaghan, Graham Guerin and guests at the Trade Union Hall, Kanturk.

In Mallow on Saturday December 17th, the Library is delighted to host the very popular ‘The Way We Were: a look back at life in Ireland a century ago.’ This was originally commissioned as part of Cork County Library’s 1916 commemorative programme and has been very well received in many of the county’s branches. It’s told through stories, songs and music and is performed by the wonderful Michael Twomey of ‘Cha and Miah’ fame, along with soprano Linda Kenny and musician Alan Carney. It is a most entertaining event and audiences have enjoyed the sing-along aspect. It takes place on Saturday 17th December at 2.30pm so is a great festive treat. It’s free of charge but please book a place by calling the library on 022-21821 or drop in for more information.