Introduction
Kilshannig Heritage Society was founded on 3/3/2022 with a view to availing of the impending roll out of the ICAN (Irish Community Archive Network) heritage project by the National Museum of Ireland and the Heritage section of Cork County Council which would offer to build a website and train operatives to manage and run it.
This was an opportunity not to be missed as the parish has a wealth of history, heritage and a fantastic range of archaeological sites that needed to be recorded, archived and made freely available to everyone. Our society was one of four groups, in County Cork, to be selected for inclusion.
The County Cork ICAN project was launched on 24th August 2023 when each of the four groups gave a presentation of their websites and the Kilshannig representatives are shown on the below photo.
Launch of Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) at Cork County Hall.
The County Cork Heritage Unit, as the point of contact for iCAN in County Cork, brings together four prominent local groups in this initiative: Bere Island Projects Group, Kilmurry Historical and Archaeological Association, Kilshanning Heritage Group, and Youghal Community Archives. Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork with members of Kilshannig Heritage Group. Picture courtesy of Brian Lougheed.
Kilshannig Launch
To make the occasion interesting and to encourage people to attend, the committee decided to lay on displays of local items of history and heritage and invited locals to bring artefacts for display. Over 15 tables were filled with a fantastic array of old implements, bottles, utensils, coins memorabilia, documents etc and photos of many are attached to this post. A comprehensive display of old photos was also included that evoked much study and comment.
Over 100 chairs were laid out and still, some people were standing. People seemed to enjoy the presentations and the chat over a cuppa as the speeches were short and relevant. Many lingered on for a good while afterwards to enjoy the chat and view the artefacts and we got enquiries as to when we will repeat the occasion which we might consider for some time next year. It was a very worthwhile exercise and brought people from the whole parish together in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The provision of light refreshments added to the occasion. Articles will be added continuously and people are asked to contribute if they have articles, stories, documents etc. that would be of public interest. Committee members will help in composing such articles and do remember we are constantly searching for old photographs.
Heritage Map
The Heritage map was well received and already about 150 copies have been sold and are now available at various outlets in the parish. The maps cost almost €5 each to produce and as a fundraiser we are charging €10 each. Along with an enlarged ordinance survey map of the parish the map includes much history of our parish, especially of old historic mansions and well over 100 heritage locations are identified and marked on the map, a rare presentation of our parishes history and heritage. Maps are also available from any of our committee and can be ordered online via our website or through social media and they also be available in local shops and pubs and Phillips Bookshop in Mallow.
Benemerenti Medals and Chalices
A highlight of the display was the presence of the three Benemerenti Medals presented by the Pope to three sacristans in the parish. Two chalices presented to the Catholic Churches were also on display and these five items will feature an a separate post on this website shortly.
Acknowledgements
We owe a debt of gratitude to Kilshannig GAA Club for making the function room available on the day.
A sincere thank you to the people who laid on displays of their family’s old artefacts, documents, photos etc that added enormously to the enjoyment of the large attendance.
An appreciation of those that baked and provided light refreshments for such a large gathering – well done.
The committee would like to acknowledge the funding provided by the national Museum via its iCAN project, the Heritage Council and Cork County Counncil Heritage Unit and the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District of the Council, without whom, this website and map would never have materialised.
A special thank you to John J. Kavanagh for the production of his outstanding book in 1990 on ‘Kilshannig and Surrounds’ a History and Heritage and his permission to use some of the articles in that book.
No Comments
Add a comment about this page