Cultural icons of Muscraí Gaeltacht remembered
NEW MEMORIAL WALL WILL HONOUR THOSE WHO HAVE ADVOCATED ON BEHALF OF THE REGION
THE legacy of some of the most important figures in the rich and vibrant cultural history of the mid- Cork Gaeltacht has been enshrined on a new memorial erected in the village of Cuil Aodha.
The completion of the three-year project, which has been undertaken by Coiste Bailte Slachthmara Cuil Aodha in conjunction with Cork County Council, will be celebrated through a programme of events taking place in the village on Saturday, September 9.
A memorial mass will be celebrated in Seipeal Cuil Aodha at 2.30pm, after which attendees will be led by pipers to the memorial site in the heart of the village.
On arrival 11 plaques, commemorating locals poets, songwriters, singers, musicians and storytellers who have advocated on behalf of the Muscraií Gaeltacht over the years, will be officially unveiled.
These bear the names of Domhall O Mullain, Amhlaoibh O Loinsigh, Diarmuid O Suillibhain, Domhall O Ceochain, Ruth O’Riada, Padraig Mac Suibhne, Sean O Duinnin and Dómhnall Bán Ó Céileachair.
Plaques will also be unveiled to C Company Old IRA Cuil Aodha, C Company Cumman Na mBan and the local landowner who donated the stone for the project.
Coiste Bailte Slachthmara chairman Gearoid O Loinsigh told The Corkman that an individual citation will be read out before a relative of each of those being remembered will unveil the plaques.
“These will be just the first of many more plaques to people that will be erected at the site over the coming years,” said Mr O Loinsigh.
The days events will conclude with a celebration in Arus Eamon Mac Suibhne, with all invited to attend.
Mr O Loinsigh said the functionality of the site has been further enhanced with the incorporation of a recycling bin area.
“Local artist Nora Dineen has spent many hours turning the recycling bins into a fairytale wonderland. I would like to pay tribute to her and all of those who have worked so hard to transform this site, the support of Cork County Council area engineer James Dwyer and all of the staff at the Macroom council office for their magnificent support,” he said.
“I would also like to thank other major contributors to this wonderful project including Udarás Na Gaeltachta and ESB Wind Developments Grousemount,” he added.
Traffic restrictions will be in place through the village from 3pm - 4.30pm on the day of the unveiling.