Highlights of Currow’s history and heritage make for eye-catching display in centre of community

THE long and rich history of a central Kerry community is being celebrated in a bright new display for all to enjoy that was unveiled to the public last week.

From its earliest origins to its ecclesiastical importance throughout the Middle Ages, the whole Currow story of the long ago is the fascinating subject of the new information display unveiled in the heart of the village last Tuesday.

It is the work of the Currow Rural Development company members who applied for a slice of the Kerry Community Support Fund last year towards compiling a short history of the area.

It’s a community that fairly demands it with evidence of human settlement in the area going back at least 4,000 years.

“Curow has a number of noteworthy sites of historical and archaeological importance,” one of those involved in the development Peter O’Connor said.

“The presence of a number of prehistoric sites including a standing stone in Parknasmuttane indicates that the region was occupied during the pre-historic period c4000 years ago. Other archaeological remains such as ogham stones, ringforts, souterrains and Fulachta Fia’s indicate that the Killeentierna region was flourishing over 1,000 years ago in what is known as the early medieval period,” Peter explained.

Other notable sites include the remains of a number of medieval churches including Killeentierna, Dysert, Ardcrone and Kilsarcon.

It is all laid out now on the information boards located at the entrance of Scoil Mhuire agus Naomh Treasa. “An invitation is extended to all to come and view them. We hope that these boards will provide a greater knowledge and understanding as well as a sense of pride in the local area,” Peter added.

Peter O’Connor, Siobhan Fleming, Margaret Hanifin (principal Currow NS) Robert Maguire, Paula McGaley, Michael Brosnan (photographer), Charlie and Ben Brosnan at the unveiling of a special plaque in Currow last week.