Millstreet Museum celebrates 40 years
MUSEUM CURATOR SEÁN RADLEY HAS BUILT UP A VTABLE TREASURE TROVE OF LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Photo: John Tarrant
MILLSTREET Museum is an iconic local attraction, celebrating its ruby anniversary after just turning 40 years of its official opening.
From 1980, Millstreet Museum has grown and evolved, holding a treasure chest collection of momentos accumulated down through the years.
The Milstreet Museum Society was founded in 1978 and opened its doors two years later on St. Patrick’s Day. Cork County Council provided Millstreet Museum and Tourist Information Point with accommodation for an invaluable community service at the centrally located Carnegie Hall.
While Millstreet Museum Society has, mainly through their annual church-gate collection, funded the costs of lighting, heating, telephone, insurance, computer and overall development, no rent has been charged by Cork County Council.
Museum Curator Seán Radley said they have been very fortunate to be allowed to locate within such a very impressive and well maintained Carnegie Hall that’s been a landmark in Millstreet since 1912.
‘Record today because it’s history tomorrow’ is the motto of Seán Radley and evident from the collection of artefacts and memorabilia reflects local, national to international aspects with an emphasis on Millstreet going back many generations.
“The official opening took place on St. Patrick’s Day 1980 by Pádraig Ó Maidín, Cork Co. Librarian in the presence of the ‘Millstreet Rovers’ band and a very large attendance. Sincere thanks to the very many people who have been hugely supportive of our Museum work over the past 40 years”, said Seán.
The Millstreet Community Museum carries an extensive range of slides, photographs, audio and video tapes of local events built up over the decades. For many years, the centre also incorporated a Tourist Information Centre.
Indeed, Millstreet Museum holds some priceless treasures of Millstreet and Ireland and a refurbishment in more recent years met with a positive response in Carnegie Hall.
A trip to Millstreet Museum opens up to many hours of interest, bringing to life the town’s and its catchment area’s rich heritage and culture that appeals to home and overseas visitors.
There is a big focus on the Eurovision Song Contest in addition to an assortment of many other events that ranged from the Eubank v Collins big fight to
Photo: John Tarrant
Millstreet Carnivals to diverse religious artefacts, including the beautiful serene setting of the Tubrid Holy Well.
During major international events, the Museum and Tourism Centre have provided brochures along with regular guided tours of the town and the surrounding area.
Thanks to Seán Radley and colleagues, Millstreet people are proud of their museum while tourists marvel at the town’s ancient wealth. Long may it continue.