We thank Seáno Murphy of Knocknagree (originally from High Mill Lane, Millstreet) for sharing this wonderfully historic photograph of 1956 showing the Millstreet Team playing an important Match in Macroom – a County Quarter Final. Seáno is pictured on the extreme left in the front row. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.) Seáno has just kindly shared the names of all in the picture:
Back Row from left: Ted O’Connor, John O’Shea, Denis Kelleher, John O’Keeffe, Con Corcoran, Brendan Moynihan, Teddy Kelleher, John Kelleher, Cormac Dineen, Neily Dennehy, J.J. Hinchion and Jim O’Connor (Dooneen). Front Row from left: Seáno Murphy, John Corcoran, John F. Daly, Dan O’Leary, Garda Mick Byrne stationed in Knocknagree – father of the former Garda Chief Commissioner, Pat Byrne (Goalie), Joe Buckley, John “Sing” O’Sullivan, William O’Leary, Pat Joe Kelleher and Anthony Manley.
Marking the Centenary on 1st Feb. 2021 of the death of Captain Con Murphy a dedicated Committee paid special tribute to his memory firstly at The Square, Millstreet today (Sunday, 31st Jan. 2021) at 10 a.m. and one hour later in Ballydaly. Here we share images from the historic events. Later in the week John Tarrant will share a full illustrated report in the “Corkman”. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.)
Pictured this Sunday Morning at the Monument in The Square – from left: Pat Joe Creedon, Noel Keating, Jerry Lehane and Donal Dennehy. It was Nora Kelleher, Minor Row, Millstreet who very kindly presented the historic banner to the organising Committee.The historic ceremony at Ballydaly/Rathduane this Sunday morning. Many of those present were related to the late Captain Con Murphy.Meave O’Leary from the Sliabh Luachra area laid the special wreath in memory of her late great-grand uncle Captain Con Murphy.Tim O’Sullivan of Sliabh LuachraJohn McCarthy recited a Decade of the Rosary while Tim Murphy addressed the gathering.
It’s almost twenty years since the Monument in tribute to the memory of the late Captain Con Murphy, was unveiled.
We extend sincere thanks to Artist Supreme, Tony Barrett of Tullig, Millstreet for sharing his magnificent original Painting relating to 1916. Tony explains: ” The Painting depicts the surrender of Pádraig Pearse on the event of the Easter 1916 Rising to the British Brigadier General Lowe and his son Captain John Lowe.
Elizabeth O’Farrell who was a Nurse attending on the day served as a go between and approached the British barricade waving the white flag of truce. She seems to have been airbrushed out of the history books so I painted this to as a remembrance to her, to her bravery and to her contribution at this historic moment.”
We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 10th Jan. 2021 at 7pm on C103. (S.R.)
In the middle of the 18th century, Kerry was making a name for itself in tourism circles. There was a desire in Cork to connect with their nearest neighbours.
As the road network was virtually non existent, a John Murphy from Castleisland was commissioned to build a 56 mile long stretch of road linking Killarney with Rathmore, Millstreet and Cork City.
He would have to include a total of 24 bridges along the way and raise the money himself to do so.
Having completed the work, Murphy was in financial ruin, but his road network helped one industry to thrive and flourish.
We invite you to submit your Requests for our weekly Music Request Show “Lunchtime Favourites” (Sunday, 10th Jan. 2021) on Cork Music Station which is broadcast today from 12:30pm until 1.30pm. This is our second Lunchtime programme of the New Year where our songs and music reflect the favourite songs and music of the past year as well as beautiful songs by Charlotte Church and Bing Crosby. Just email your requests anytime either to corkmusicstation @gmail.comOR to millstreetmuseum @gmail.com or text/WhatsApp to 086 825 0074. Or check out the Seán Radley Facebook Page. (S.R.) And we reflect on the Minor Row of a bygone era – 1994 and before…. All from our Millstreet Museum Pictorial Archives. Tap on the following images to enlarge.
The late Dan Hallissey – such a truly friendly gentleman – sets off home down Minor Row in the 1970s passing Lucey’s Garage. His wonderful donkey had just received four new shoes at Tom Radley’s Forge in The Square! This is the first of many pictorial gems we’ve been arranging to display in our renovated Millstreet Museum. (S.R.)
Seán Creedon originally from Rathmore sent in this picture and needs help with filling in the names. Seán was born in Gortnagown, which is the townland where the famous City is located and has been working in Dublin now for over 50 years.
Back row: L/r: Donie Hickey (Cullen), Seán Creedon (Rathmore), Denis O’Connell (Cullen), Tim Burton (Millstreet area), John Hickey (Gneeveguilla).
Middle row: L/r. Garret Hickey, Principal; Tony Shine (Derrinagree), Derry Murphy (Rathmore), Denis Kane (Gneeveguilla), Pat Hickey (Rathmore), Denis McCarthy (Carriganima), Tony Gallagher (Millstreet). Con Kelleher, (Cloghoulabeg, Millstreet), and Joe Garvey (Teacher).
Front row: L/r. T. C. Buckley (Millstreet area), Mick Hickey (Rathmore), Jerry Dennehy (Cullen), Con O’Connor (Millstreet area), Murty O’Sullivan, RIP (Cullen), Pat Buckley (Millstreet) Leo (?) O’Leary (Millstreet), Jerry O’Riordan (Millstreet area), Donie O’Leary (Rathmore).
We thank Jerry O’Riordan of Ballinatona, Millstreet for helping to further identify the remainder of the names from this most interesting Coláiste Pádraig photograph from the mid 1960s. Jerry’s extra identifications are in red print. Jerry himself is one of the Class Members. We thank Seán Creedon for providing the original image and we are very glad to be able to fill in the blanks from the original picture….And sincere thanks to Hannelie for uploading the feature. (S.R.)
On Sunday afternoon, 29th Nov. 2020, a very impressive Historical Reenactment Group having travelled from the Kilmichael Site visited Millstreet to pay tribute at Mill Lane to the memory of Captain Paddy McCarthy the centenary of whose death in 1920 occurs about this time. A superbly dignified ceremony took place by the Group who came from Cork City and County. Following an uplifting introduction the Proclamation was read with great feeling. Appropriate prayers were recited. Seán Ó Cróinín from Cork City delivered an excellent speech regarding the life and death of Captain Paddy McCarthy. A gentleman with beautiful native Irish sang in a magnificent manner “Mo Ghile Mear” and “Amhrán na bhFiann”. The Organisers recognised that due to COVID-19 the event could not be advertised but hoped that in time to come a much bigger Tribute Event could take place with a far bigger attendance – at a time when COVID-19 will be a memory. Here we share a selection of images from Sunday’s event and we thank Seán Ó Cróinín for sharing two images recorded at Kilmichael over the weekend. (S.R.)
We are most grateful to Seáno Murphy of Knocknagree and formerly of Mill Lane, Millstreet for sharing a very important memory and two historic images relevant to the recent Centenary Commemoration of the death of Captain Paddy McCarthy at Mill Lane on 22nd Nov. 1920. Seáno writes:
“Seán, in keeping with your report on Paddy McCarthy’s death I have to mention the story my mother Katty Dineen told me about the night he was shot by the side of Lena and Agnes Dennehy’s house. She (my mother) and her mother moved three doors down to Neily Hickey’s garage for safety. Paddy’s body was brought down and laid in front of mother’s window where he died the following morning. My mother had to wash away his blood from under the window. I am sending two photos to illustrate the exact location of that very window where he died and also of the back of Lena Dennehy’s house where he was shot.”
An image from the 1950s showing Seán Casey of Cloghoula taken in Mill Lane with Lena Dennehy’s house in the background outside which Captain Paddy McCarthy was shot. At that time the entrance to Mill Lane from Main Street was much narrower. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.)
Taken in 1947 – Seáno’s brothers – Jim and Frank outside their home in Mill Lane. It was by the window on the right where Captain Paddy McCarthy died one hundred years ago on 22nd Nov. 1920.
On this Sunday morning, 22nd November 2020 a special Committee assembled at Mill Lane, Millstreet to commemorate the late Captain Paddy McCarthy – a native of Meelin – who lost his life on this exact date one hundred years ago at Mill Lane. A wreath was placed by Tim Murphy and a prayer was recited to honour the hero of the War of Independence. Here we share a selection of images including a picture of the permanent plaque at the entrance of Mill Lane. Tap on the images to enlarge. A feature on the “Corkman” by John Tarrant will appear shortly. (S.R.)
Captain Paddy McCarthyJerry Lehane very kindly presented to Millstreet Museum after the Commemoration a wonderfully historic 1932 Fianna Fáil official receipt relating to a fundraiser.
Author, Noel Bourke has wonderfully fond memories of his Summer Holidays together with his brother, Paddy in the Millstreet of the 1950s especially when they both arrived from their home in Kilkenny on their annual holidays being greeted by superbly welcoming Relatives from Murphy’s Terrace and Kippagh and beyond. Over the past few years Noel has dedicated lots of energy and time in comprehensive research. The fruitful result is this 272 page book “Millstreet Memories”which will very shortly be available to buy in Millstreet at “Wordsworth” in The Square, Millstreet at €15.00. I believe it can also be obtained by post for an extra €5.00. Some twelve poems are also included as well as excellent place name explanations. Blank and white photographs further enhance the publication. Had it not been for COVID-19 there was to have been an official launch of the book in Millstreet and in Ballydaly. Here we share some images of the book cover. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Sunday, 25th Oct. 2020 marked the Centenary of the Death of Cork’s Lord Mayor, Terence MacSwiney. Noel Keating placed a wreath in commemoration of the highly significant 1920 happening. Jerry Lehane and his dedicated Team created a very dignified feature at the National Monument in The Square, Millstreet at 11.00 a.m.. Terence MacSwiney had visited Millstreet in 1915. Here we share a selection of some 14 images recalling Sunday’s historic event. Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.) [read more …] “Remembering Terence MacSwiney in Millstreet on Sunday”
Drishanebeg Ambush Site looking west towards Millstreet. Tap on images to enlarge (S.R.)
Drishanebeg Train Ambush….Feb. 11th 1921
In anticipation of the quickly approaching centenary commemoration of the Drishanebeg Train Ambush of Feb. 11th 1921, members of the Committee, including Tom Meaney, recently visited and surveyed the Ambush site which is located at a railway cutting 400 metres west of the Railway Bridge on the Millstreet to Mallow road just 2 miles from the town. For many of the Committee, it was the first time they looked down the steep slopes to the railway tracks where the ambush had occurred and where local volunteers of the Millstreet Battalion and Flying Column successfully stopped a train containing British Troops, forcing their surrender and relieving them of their arms, ammunition and equipment before allowing it to continue to Killarney.
This successful and morale boosting encounter with the soldiers of the British Empire led the way in what was a very successful few months for the Irish Volunteers in Cork.
Just three weeks later the Clonbanin Ambush took place near Derinagree and in mid-June one of the largest ambushes of the entire conflict took place at Rathcoole. The rifles and ammunition captured at Drishanebeg were crucial to the success at both Clonbanin and Rathcoole. These events all occurred within a few miles of each other and together were a significant contributory factor to the Truce which emerged between the Irish Volunteers and the British Government on July 11th 1921.
So you might wonder why should events from a war fought 100 years ago, be commemorated?
One of the reasons we might like to commemorate historical events such as this is because the ordinary men and women involved in the War of Independence displayed extraordinary bravery, fearlessness and courage. They were farmers, schoolteachers, students, shopkeepers and labourers who believed that the injustice of British occupation of an Irish people was wrong and they were prepared to put their lives on the line for the cause of Irish freedom.
Like Pádraig Pearse in the GPO in 1916, they must have doubted their ability to win this conflict against the might and resources of the British Empire. This doubt, however, did not prevent them from trying, succeeding and finally establishing the Irish Nation that we enjoy today.
It is interesting to note that the Irish success inspired Nationalists across the globe from India and Malaya to Palestine and many African nations.
The inspirational courage of our forefathers and the immensity of their achievement is worth remembering and should be cherished. On February 11th 2021, the centenary anniversary, we have the ideal time and opportunity to remember their struggle and reflect on the nation we have become.
One hundred years after the event the Commemoration Committee now plan to commemorate the Drishanebeg Ambush,
Firstly by erecting an INFORMATION BOARD at the Railway bridge near the ambush site which will provide a synopsis of the key events and personnel,
Secondly, by COMPILING A BOOK which will examine the circumstances leading up to the event, the Ambush itself in detail, the personnel involved and the events of the aftermath.
For the onerous task of researching and compiling the book on ‘The Drishanebeg Ambush’ and designing the Information Board for the centenary commemoration….Noreen Meaney, Séamus Buckley, Tim Murphy, Cathal O’Callaghan, Donough Reardon and Declan Crowley deserve great accolades and our thanks.
The Drishanebeg Ambush Centenary Commemoration Committee offer you the opportunity to support this project by making a donation towards the cost of this venture. The Committee is a community based, non-political group of volunteers who wish to commemorate the local men and women who were involved in this event.
To facilitate contributions for this project a GoFundMe page has been set up under the name of:
We thank Annabelle O’Sullivan, Jerry O’Regan and Hannelie O’Connor for arranging to share this truly superb image of Millstreet Carnival Fancy Dress Parade in the Autumn of 1951 (the year I was born!). Most likely the picture was taken by Frank Reen (Snr.) outside his Pharmacy looking across the road to the O’Regan Family home and capturing two young participants in the Parade. Members of the O’Regan Family, the Reen Family and the Justice Family are seen in the background of the image. Feel most welcome to share on our Comment platform the names of any further people you may recognise in this wonderfully historic photograph 0f 69 years ago. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.)
Following the recent presentation of the splendid 1916 Soldier’s Belt strongly believed to have been taken from Eamon de Valera following noble surrender at Boland’s Mills, Dublin in 1916 – Eileen Cronin of Scrahan, Knocknagree has recently very kindly sent by post a number of additional items for display in Millstreet Museum. These include a letter from New York sent in 1896 by a gentleman to his relatives in the Knocknagree area. (We shall share the contents of this letter in next Tuesday’s “Radio Treasures” on CMS.) Other items include a superb postcard collection of Cleethorpes in UK sent by Major John Robson in 1954 with an interesting “Post early” stamp at the back of the envelope. It was Major John who originally sent the historic Belt to Eileen in the 1960s. We sincerely thank Eileen for such great kindness to our Museum where we shall soon create a full display of the fascinating items. (S.R.)
A very old picture from 1960s…my uncle is far right Garry Murphy Prohous…and far left is Ger Cronin Killoween. ..Could the public identify the others? …Paddy Sullivan. (Two further people whom I can identify are Mrs. Kelleher who owned the Public Bar near Reen’s Pharmacy in Main Street, Millstreet – a true lady and at the centre is the very well known John “Sing” O’Sullivan …. Many thanks, Paddy, for sharing such an interesting image on our website …. And we thank Frank Reen and Bernie O’Rahilly (née Murphy) for just now sharing in our Comments Forum their truly comprehensive captions to the superb photograph….Seán Radley.)
We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this week’s programme at 7pm on C103 on Sunday, 21st June 2020. (S.R.)
This week on ‘Where the road take me’, John Greene concludes the three part programme ‘Inspiration from the past’.
The failure of the 1916 Rising, proved, that while the Irish were willing, they weren’t able or ready for the power of the enemy. Those who were rounded up in its aftermath were shipped off to Frongoch prison camp in a remote part of Wales, and left basically to their own devices. The camp now became known as a ‘University of Revolution’. As a result, when the ‘War of Independence’ came about, the Irish were still willing, but as a result of the secret training they received at Frongoch, they were now also ready and able. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″
We thank Photographer Supreme, Fr. James McSweeney for sharing this truly outstanding panoramic view of Millstreet from Tullig this Friday morning (1st May 2020). And we also include an historic postcard of Millstreet Town taken some decades ago…kindly shared by a Loyal Follower of our Millstreet Website. Two special treats on this 1st May 2020! Stay safe and well All. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.) [read more …] “Fr. James Captures Magnificent Image of Millstreet from Tullig”
We at Millstreet Museum are so very grateful to have today (Monday, 23rd March 2020) been presented with what we shall now entitle “The West End O’Connor Family Archive Collection” which consists of a truly magnificent collection of historic newspapers with fascinating supplements especially from the 1932 Eucharistic Congress in Dublin as well as a wonderful selection of booklets and newscuttings of very real relevance to Millstreet. Below we share 14 images of just some of this hugely appreciated Historic Collection which Mrs. F. O’Connor and Family of West End, Millstreet have shared with Millstreet Museum to be enjoyed by future generations. Sincere thanks to Jerry O’Connor who delivered these treasures today to my home….within recommended social distancing measures. The superb items will later be on display at our Museum Centre. Tap on the images below to enlarge. (S.R.) [read more …] “Millstreet Museum Presented with the West End O’Connor Family Archive Collection”
With some two pages of Millstreet-related photographs and a very interesting Guy’s Almanac description of Millstreet in 1914 – Issue 14 of “Discover Duhallow” is now available free of charge in local shops and outlets throughout Duhallow. All Issues may also be viewed online – justGoogle “Discover Duhallow”. We thank the IRD Duhallow Team who so wonderfully coordinate the fortnightly publication. We illustrate some pages from the current issue. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
We thank Brendan O’Keeffe for the following important update. (S.R.)
Carriganima Community Development has been making steady progress in organising the centenary celebrations for An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire. An tAthair Peadar, who was born in the townland of Liscarriguane, spent his formative years here. He was a renowned Gaelic scholar and a champion of the spoken Irish of the people. He wrote several works, and his novel Séadhna was the first novel in modern Irish. He died in March 1920, and it is only fitting that we, his own people, mark this important centenary.
The commemoration will commence on Friday, March 20 with an opening ceremony and a gathering of musicians in ‘The Pub’ – beginning at 8.30pm. Representatives of Carriganima Community Development will speak. Tim Joe O’Riordan will be the anchor musician, but all others are very welcome to join in.
On Saturday, March 21, there will be a guided bus tour to sites associated with An tAthair Peadar and his ancestors, including Carrignacurra Castle, Carraig na Madraí and Liscarrigane (the family homestead). The bus will leave the village at 12 noon, and return at approximately 4pm. Soup and sandwiches will be available for purchase in The Pub afterwards. All those on the tour must stay together, and comply with the Country Code. Carriganima Community Development is very grateful to the affected landowners for their permission to allow people to access sites as part of this tour. Prior booking is essential via Eventbrite. To book your place, please click here (You may need to hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key at the same time), or Google Tour An tAthair Peadar. This guided tour is compliments of Carriganima Community Development.
At 6pm, Rt. Rev. Msgr. James O’Donnell will lead a concelebrated bilingual Mass, before which he will bless a commemorative plaque, which is due to be installed in the Church. Local singers and musicians have been rehearsing for the Mass, and we welcome others to join in. After Mass, there will be a social gathering in The Pub, and refreshments will be served. Murt Kelliher will lead musicians, and again, others are welcome to join in.
The community has, under the stewardship of James O’Leary, compiled a book ‘Ár Scéal Féin’ – brimming with genealogy, stories, tales, heritage, history and folklore from the wider locality over the past one hundred years. This will be formally launched after Mass. Copies will be on sale, on the night, and patrons will have to be quick to get their copy of this momentous publication.
For further information, or if you would like to assist in any way, please email: carriganima2020 @gmail.com
Here we share a selection of images from our Millstreet Museum Pictorial Archives from the year 2000. Our pictures from 20 years ago refer to Ardfert, Aubane and Ballydaly. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Pictured at Ardfert Retreat Centre in 2000 – From left: Sr. Christina O’Sullivan, Peggy Twomey and Mary Dennehy.Three special images recorded at the official unveiling of the very impressive monument in honour of Captain Con Murphy at Ballydaly in 2000. Many famous people were in attendance.
Time for refreshments at Aubane Community Centre in 2000.
Presenter John Greene of “Where the Road Take Me” provides us with much appreciated weekly advance information regarding his excellent radio documentaries. But this Sunday (26th Jan. 2020) there is a Millstreet connection in that one of the main people interviewed is Sr. Bernadette Maria who is Coordinator of the Mercy Heritage Centre in Charleville Town. Along with Michael McGrath (photojournalist with “Corkman”), Michael Donegan and Kerry Corkery – Sr. Bernadette Maria recently visited Millstreet Museum (and “Cinnamon”) to explore ideas in advance of the establishment of a new Museum in Charleville. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Michael, Sr. Bernadette Maria, Kerry and Michael McGrath (who arranged the visit to Millstreet Museum from Charleville).
The Mercy Order of nuns have had a lengthy, historical and warm connection to the town of Charleville.
After receiving a donation of a house and five hundred pounds from local landowner Mary Clanchy in 1836, Catherine McAuley opened her second house outside of Dublin, here in the town.
They began by visiting the sick and poor, nursing in the Kilmallock workhouse during the famine of 1845 to 1852, and providing education to those who were willing to learn.
During the Crimean war, two sisters from Charleville were sent to nurse the sick and wounded, many of whom were Irish. Working in deplorable conditions, they received anything but a warm welcome from ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ – Florence Nightingale.
On this week’s edition of Where the road takes me, John Greene visits the Mercy Provincial Heritage centre, which is attached to the convent in Charleville. Artifacts from all of their work down through the years is on view here, including an educational exhibition from the fifties and sixties. [read more …] “Millstreet Connection with WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm”
We thank Breandán Ó Caoimh for the following very interesting Press Release regarding the upcoming Centenary Commemoration of the renowned An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire. (S.R.)An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire, Comóradh 100 Bliain
The people of Carriganima extend a céad míle fáilte to everybody to join with them in commemorating the centenary of An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire. The commemoration will take place over two days: Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. The renowned priest, scholar and author was born in the townland of Liscarrigane, in the parish of Clondrohid & Carriganima, and he spent his formative years here. The locality had a profound impact on his work. An tAthair Peadar was a strong advocate of vernacular Irish – the language of the people. His most beloved works includeSéadna and Mo Scéal Féin. These stories, among other works, are much loved by students and scholars of Irish to this day. Following his clerical formation in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, An tAthair Peadar, served as a priest in the Diocese of Cloyne, including in Macroom. He died in Castlelyons in 1922, and he is buried there. An tAthair Peadar is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern Irish literature. [read more …] “An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire, Comóradh 100 Bliain in Carriganima on 20th and 21st March 2020”
We thank Denis O’Mahony for alerting us to an ideal Christmas Present which is on sale at Boherbue Co-Op, Boherbue Supervalu and Tureen Creamery for the very reasonable price of €10.00 – the splendid “Tureen Creamery Commemorative Book incorporating a DVD”. Tureen is a Branch of Boherbue Co-Op located near Knocknagree. Here we share some five images from the recent launch of this historic gem. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.) [read more …] “Superb Tureen Creamery Commemorative Book & DVD”
We thank Catherine Desmond for the following Notice. (S.R.) : “I want to relay the following to Millstreet Tidy Towns and other interested parties: The Historic Monuments Committee of Cork County Council are holding three one day workshops at the beginning of December and invite you or any of your constituents who might be interested to attend. The theme this year is aimed at individuals and community groups and professionals interested in the cleaning and caring of archaeological and historic monuments and commemorative memorials. The training events aim to promote understanding and good conservation practice in relation to cleaning and maintenance of monuments, with a specific focus on cleaning and caring for carved stone, including headstones, and metalwork. · Hibernian Hotel, Mallow (Monday 2nd December2019); · Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal (Tuesday 3rd December 2019) ·O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty (Wednesday 4th December 2019). The workshops will be of interest to heritage, community and Tidy Town groups, commemoration groups throughout County Cork. Starting at 10am, each dailyworkshop will consist of illustrated presentations and talks in the morning and afternoon presentation of case studies by experienced professional specialists. The training workshops will be completed by 4.30pm. · The workshops as stated will be held at the following locations on the following dates: Hibernian Hotel, Mallow (Monday 2nd December 2019); Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal (Tuesday 3rd December 2019) and O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty (Wednesday 4th December 2019). It would be good if an individual or two from the Tidy Towns would attend. I, and I believe Hannah Kelleher, will attend the workshop at Clonakilty. I would be delighted if they could come to Clonakilty with me. It’s important that bookings be made immediately: the CCC run out of seats fairly quickly. If I have the names and numbers of interested individuals, I’ll make the bookings for everyone.”
For those interested in these superb Workshops please email millstreetmuseum @eircom.net or contact 086 825 0074 and I shall pass on names and telephone numbers to Catherine. Sincere thanks for reading this Notice and we wish every success to this very interesting Project…Seán Radley
Millstreet Museum Society and Millstreet Website Team very much appreciate the wonderfully uplifting generous response to our recent Church Gate Collection in Millstreet. The €2, 275.98 + €50.00 will greatly permit us maintain the two important local resources….meeting the costs (re the website) of web server and domain name….and (re Museum) the costs of insurance, heating, lighting and ongoing development. Special thanks to Millstreet Community Council and Millstreet Local Lottery for splendid support. And to those who contributed from abroad and who have direct Millstreet links – grateful thanks to All. One may assist anytime throughout the year by using our dedicated Bank Account the number of which is: IBAN – IE22 BOFI 9058 0334 0531 43 & BIC – BOFIIE2D.
And so to our most recent delving into our Visual Archive of Millstreet Museum. The date is 21st May 2000 when hundreds of people climbed (or were transported on the back of Tony Healy’s Tractor!) Clara Mountain marking the 50th Anniversary of the placement of the original Cross on Clara Mountain in 1950. Mass was concelebrated in the presence of Millstreet Pipe Band and a wide cross section of people from near and far. It was Tadhg O’Driscoll who unveiled the official stone plaque. Here we share some 24 images from the truly historic occasion. Click on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.) [read more …] “Mass on Clara Mountain in May 2000 & Plaque Unveiling”
We thank Dympna Kirke (formerly of West End, Millstreet) for sharing this fascinating feature on the direct link both Dympna and her Students had in the recent highly prestigious Bloom Event 2019. Dympna writes: “Seán – I spoke to you about a Postcard Garden I did for Bord Bia Bloom 2019 with the students of Loreto College, St. Stephen’s Green. These Postcard Gardens are open to all organisations nationwide. The gardens are chosen based on the quality of the submission and the likelihood of the garden to meet the standards set out by the organisers of the festival. The Postcard Gardens are 3m wide, 2.4m high and 2m deep. This year Bord Bia Bloom received many submissions but could only accept a maximum of 14 Postcard Gardens so we were delighted to be accepted.
Dympna Kirke pictured beside the magnificent “Great Hunger” Garden at Bloom 2019. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
The theme of our garden was the Famine in Ireland 1845 – 1852 and was entitled ‘The Great Hunger’. As you will know – after the failure of the potato upon which the native population was largely dependent one million people died of starvation during these years and the same number was forced to emigrate. Our objective was to present that figure visually so that people could really understand the numbers involved. We did this by displaying the script of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem ‘The Great Hunger’ and repeating it on a continuous loop until a person could see one million characters on the back panel. Each letter represented a human being who died of starvation during these years and also a person who was forced to emigrate.
The key word in our garden was ‘authenticity’ so the potato foliage seen in the garden is a direct descendent of the original famine potato – the lumper. The water feature which is a central feature of the garden features what we believe to be an original famine pot. This pot is over 170 years old and we believe it may have saved many lives during those sad years. Incredibly – I found the pot – completely unwanted and unable to be sold – among broken concrete blocks and broken bricks in a scrapyard in Dublin. I simply couldn’t believe it. I sent photos of the pot to experts in the field who concurred with me in the belief that this was an original famine pot. This was of course going to be our central water feature and as you can see from the image it worked out very well. If this pot could tell a story….it started out being cast by the Quakers in Derbyshire and was sent to Ireland to help with the famine effort. It went to either a workhouse or was placed on the roadside to help feed the starving. Over the many decades it was found useful in either a farm or a factory and was used as a film prop over the years. In recent years it has been largely defunct and was dumped in a scrapyard in a place where broken/unsaleable items are left. However, In the past week it has been viewed by the President and his wife Sabina, over 100,000 people and been the centrefold picture in the Irish Independent of 5th June 2019. The pot has come a long way since being cast 170 years ago.
The garden is bordered by cut stone which was brought from the West of Ireland. The girls themselves built the stone walls using the basic principles of dry stone wall building and the planting is comprised of plants which one would associate with the West of Ireland which was particularly badly hit by the famine and the policy of mass eviction and export of food.
Our garden received a Highly Commended award from the Bloom judges but apart from awards it got a huge response from the public and caught the attention of the President and Sabina. I have attached a photo of myself with the girls and the President on opening day. We had a very successful week indeed at Bloom 2019 and I really do think that this experience will stay with these teenage girls for a very long time.
I’m also attaching some images of the garden itself and I hope your readers will find it interesting.” Sincere congratulations to Dympna and her wonderfully dedicated Students. It’s truly uplifting to learn of a direct link with Millstreet and Bloom 2019. (S.R.)
