‘Celebrating History’ was a true highlight of 2019
LAST weekend will certainly go down as one of the heritage highlights of 2019.
From the 17th Annual Celebrating History Conference in Youghal to a memorable commemoration in Cobh, the weekend saw a host of different heritage events.
Those who were lucky enough to attend the Thomas Kent School of History in Fermoy were treated to a whole host of fabulous speakers, from Military Historian Gerry White to Academic Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh and learned about the relevance of the past in the future we that we collectively try to make for one another.
Many over the weekend also visited the 11th Annual Celebrating Cork Past Exhibition in Cork City featuring history and heritage groups from throughout the City and County of Cork. Some of the representative groups from the North and Mid- Cork area included the Aubane Historical Society; Knockraha Historical Society, Kilmurry Historical and Archaeological Association and Inniscarra Historical Society.
In total over 40 groups were present on the day with over 200 people in attendance – a great indication of the history and heritage that people love in the City and County of Cork.
Heritage in itself is multi-faceted; essentially the fabric that weaves people and place together. A place can have many different meanings to many – particularly true when we speak of natural heritage.
Across Europe there is a network of outstanding natural heritage sites – primarily Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs) – known as the Natura 2000 Network. Here in Cork County there are close to 50 such sites, giving a good representative of the wonderful sites of natural heritage that exist in the County.
In recognition of groups who work for the benefit of Natura 2000 Sites in their areas, the Natura 2000 Award Scheme has been put in place. The Award rewards excellence in the management of Natura 2000 sites and showcases the added value of the network for local economies. It pays tribute to all those who work tirelessly to make Natura 2000 a success whilst drawing public attention to its substantial achievements.
The Natura 2000 network works to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats, and is the centerpiece of the EU’s nature and biodiversity policy. It is currently made up of over 27,800 sites. In total, it covers almost a fifth of Europe’s land area and almost 10% of the EU marine areas, making it the largest coordinated network of conservation areas anywhere in the world.
Speaking of marine areas, Lough Hyne near Skibbereen was, in 1981, designated as Europe’s first and still Ireland’s only, Marine Nature Reserve.
In 2014, the European Commission launched the annual European Natura 2000 Award. Any organisation or individual can apply so long as their work is directly linked to one or more Natura 2000 sites. Applicants must fill in an online application form and submit it before the deadline on 15 October 2019. For more information and to apply, visit the environment section of the European Commission website - https://ec.europa.eu.
Upcoming events
Now as we turn our attention to upcoming events, we get the very clear sense that there is so much happening by way of culture and heritage events in County Cork these days.
On Thursday 3rd October in Blarney Secondary School, there will be a talk titled ‘Mary Elmes – The Quite Heroine’. Organised by the Blarney and District Historical Society the talk, which will be given by guest speaker Ms. Anne Twomey of the Shandon History Group, delves into the life of Mary Elmes from Ballintemple, who devoted her life to helping refugees and was responsible for saving hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi death camps during World War II. A bridge in Cork City was recently named in her honour and the talk should prove to be a most interesting one.
Just over one week later, on Friday 11th October at 8pm, will be an illustrated lecture titled ‘Dáibhí de Barra and the Manuscript Tradition’. Organised by the Carrigtwohill Historical Society and taking place in the Carrigtwohill Community Centre, the talk will focus on two manuscripts by Dáibhí de Barra: the prayer book in Melbourne and his account of the battle during the Tithe War at Rossmore Strand.
For more information, email carrigtwohillhistory@outlook.com and visit the website www. carrigtwohillhistoricalsociety.com.
Less than one week later will see the 3rd Annual Creative Ireland County Cork Conference, which will take place in the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow. This year’s conference focusses on importance of youthful engagement in all things culture and creativity.
The Programme is being finialised at the moment and will shortly be available on www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage/creative-ireland. In the interim, for more information and to book a place, email creativeireland@corkcoco.ie or phone 021 4285905.