Cúil Aodha to unveil poignant local memorial to the famine
HAVING already enshrined the legacy of some of mid- Cork’s most important cultural figures on a stunning memorial wall, the village of Cúil Aodha is set to once again commemorate a seminal event in Irish history.
On Saturday September 1 a fully restored porridge pot, used in the Cúil Aodha area during the famine, will go on permanent public display in the centre of the village with a plaque to mark the event.
The dedication ceremony will take place at 3.30pm followed by a community party in Áras Eamonn Mac Suibhne.
The chair of the local Tidy Towns Committee, Gerard Lynch, said it would be an emotional event of significant historical importance.
“As time passes it becomes more important that as a community we remember the famine was not just an abstract event that we read about in history book,” he said.
“It was a very real tragedy that was visited on our forebearers in the very place that we still live in today.”
Mr Lynch said the local community had been planning the event for the past year and paid tribute to Con Lynch of Dirrinaling for his generosity in donating the pot to the local community.
“Thanks must also go to Donal Lynch and the staff of Lynch Trailers in Cúil Aodha who did such a great job in restoring the pot,” said Mr Lynch.
“All are more than welcome to attend the unveiling and the community-gathering afterwards. Events such as this are always enjoyable for the local community and the many people who return to the village each year to renew old friendships and meet some of our newer residents,” he added.
The community in Cúil Aodha is well-recognised for its innovative historical and cultural projects, none more impressive than the memorial wall unveiled last September.
A three-year project undertaken by Coiste Bailte Slachthmara Cúil Aodha in conjunction with Cork County Council, it incorporates 11 plaques commemorating locals poets, songwriters, singers, musicians and storytellers who have advocated on behalf of the Mhúscrai Gaeltacht over the years. These bear the names of Domhnall Ó Mullain, Amhlaoibh Ó Loinsigh, Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin, Domhall Ó Ceochain, Ruth Ó Riada, Padraig Mac Suibhne, Sean Ó Duinnin and Dómhnall Bán Ó Céileachair.
Two further plaques will also be unveiled to C Company Old IRA Cúil Aodha, Cumman Na mBan and the local landowner who donated stone for the project.
“These will be just the first of many more plaques to people that we will be erected at the site over the coming years,” said Mr Lynch.