Category Archives: Uncategorized

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 17 June 2021

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 17 June 2021

Journeys to a Truce: The Cage of The Barracks

Crown forces patrolled city centre streets en mass in June 1921. Orders were issued that all prisoners should be chained to the lorries so that they could not attempt an escape. In addition, if the lorry was ambushed by the IRA, the prisoner could be caught in the crossfire. Prisoners were also used when the lorries were being sent out on some essential business to discourage any ambushers.

Prisoners were mainly detained in Victoria Barracks. Seán Healy, Captain of A Company, 1st Battalion, Cork IRA Brigade No.1, in his witness statement for the Bureau of Military History (WS1479) describes that he was detained in a cell for three days before he was taken before the official photographer. He was compelled to pose for a photograph in different positions, and this was followed by the taking of his fingerprints. He was then removed to a place called The Cage in the heart of Victoria Barracks.

The Cage was erected on the barrack square and consisted of three large military huts surrounded by several rows of 12 feet high barbed wire entanglements with armed sentries patrolling around it day and night. Prisoners in The Cage were supposed to have taken part in the city shootings, and a notice was hung on the outside requesting identification. There were about 150 prisoners in The Cage – roughly fifty in each hut. There was an outer circle of barbed wire, which was covered with canvas. Between the two lines of wire the sentries patrolled. The outer wire had a number of spy holes, which enabled those outside to see in.

Seán describes that this camp was erected, as an emergency measure and was more or less a clearing station. During the three weeks that he was detained there he witnessed about 1000 prisoners passed through its gates. Most of the men were arrested on suspicion and their records were subsequently investigated. If evidence could be produced that any of them took part in actions against the crown forces, they were then court-martialled and sentenced by the Military Courts. In most cases they were sent to internment camps without any trial. Spike Island was the destination of large numbers who passed through.

As the stay was usually of short duration, no beds were provided but blankets, which had to be frequently deloused. Seán remarks; “We slept on low trestles on, which were placed three or four boards. The number of boards depended on the number of prisoners that had to be catered for. Large numbers of curfew breakers, tramps, down-and-outs and adventurers were brought in nightly, during curfew hours, and simply bundled into the huts…I was attached to No.1 dormitory”.

Newcomers were all screened next morning in the hope of finding some wanted IRA man, and the rest were released. The usual procedure was for a sergeant to enter The Cage, call out the names of some wanted men who were removed there and then, no information being given of the business for which they were required or of their destinations.

Amongst those brought in at night was an occasional spy, but the Cork IRA members usually had not much trouble in spotting them, and after hassling them this hastened their moving out again for their own safely. Military matters were never discussed with strangers and IRA prisoners generally were very guarded in their conversations as the smallest leakage would lead to trouble. The spies were specially planted for the purpose of seeking information regarding ambushes, etc.

Seán details that on the whole, life in these huts was not the worse situation it could be; “The food, which was supplied was fairly good, and we were allowed to receive parcels from outside friends. I must place on record the kindness of my former landlady, Miss Mary Farrell of Lower Road, with whom I was staying at the time of my arrest. This lady walked up the steep. hill to the barracks with food and cigarettes almost daily. She was one of those fine types of Irishwomen who bravely faced the perils of the time. No visitors were allowed near the camp and all letters were strictly censored”.

Reveille was sounded at 7am and lights out were at 10pm.  Activities brightened camp life considerably. Seán describes that there were sing-songs and dances, and Micheál Ó Gráda held Irish classes. Mass was said in one of the huts every Sunday morning by the Military Chaplain. Seán recalls: “Solitaries were brought up from their cells to attend Mass. Commandant Mick Murphy was amongst those unfortunate men. I saw him being marched up the centre of the Mass hut with a soldier on each side of him and nobody was allowed to go near him. No newspapers were allowed into the camp, but the fresh prisoners who arrived almost daily, to replace those who had been sent to Spike Island, Ballykinlar, etc., kept us supplied with up-to-date war news”.

Seán’s trial was not proceeded with afterwards as the Truce came into being on 11 July 1921. Others were not as lucky. Seán describes the case of Mick Leahy; “I remember Mick Leahy being released about 1pm on a certain Friday, and the very next night the murder gang called at the hotel where he was staying (Wren’s Hotel, Winthrop Street) They asked to see Mr Michael Leahy and when he appeared they immediately opened fire on him with revolvers. Thinking that he was shot dead, they took their departure. This man was very badly wounded but regained his health after a long illness”.

Caption:

1104a. Victoria Barracks, now Collins Barracks, Cork, c.1910 from Cork City Reflections (Amberley Publishing, 2021) by Kieran McCarthy and Dan Breen.

Kieran’s Question to CE and Motions, Cork City Council Meeting, 14 June 2021

Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized

Question to the CE: 

To ask the CE on an update on the Penrose Quay hoarding? Whilst acknowledging, the recent creation of a smaller hoarding space and the Crawford Art Gallery print display of historic Cork paintings, it is now over a decade since my initial asking of when this remnant of the Cork Main Drainage Project will be completed, and the site levelled off? (Cllr Kieran McCarthy) 

Motions: 

That Cork City Council in 2022 celebrate the 300th anniversary of the construction of the Church of St Anne, Shandon recognising its impact on the city and its unique landmark for Cork citizens (Cllr Kieran McCarthy) [co-signed with Cllr Tony Fitzgerald). 

That the City Council with Ballintemple National School traffic review the management guidance provisions in place for both school campuses currently. With an increase in the number of children attending Scoil Iósaf Naofa and increasing volumes of traffic in the surrounding community vicinities, the Board of Management feels that further traffic and pedestrian safety measures need to be implemented. In particular, the school seeks additional traffic calming measures on Crab Lane itself, an increase in visual awareness signage, and a pedestrian priority feature at the school gate itself, to ensure all car users are aware of the school gate. At the Boreenmanna Road campus, an additional lollypop person is sought for the senior school as an immediate necessity. A pedestrian crossing is sought in close proximity to the senior school as an important safety feature (Cllr Kieran McCarthy). 

That Cork City Council enhance their directions / signage in City cemeteries to help locate burial plots. Where the cemeteries are well maintained, in some of the older cemeteries it is difficult to locate faded inscribed numerical markers. In additional, that there be an increased effort by the City Council to put burial records online so they can be located, either on their own website or on Cork City and County Archives website, and especially through the use of volunteers (Cllr Kieran McCarthy). 

That Cork City Council calls on An Post to create a maintenance plan for the older green historic post boxes. These are historical artefacts which, literally, have history inscribed on them, and which deserve to be preserved and maintained. They are examples of craftsmanship and are part of our fine national heritage and Cork’s fine street furniture (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).  

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 10 June 2021

Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, Uncategorized
1103a. Empress Place, Former Black and Tan Barracks 1921, Summerhill North, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 10 June 2021

Journeys to a Truce: A Crown Interrogation

In mid-June 1921 Seán Healy, Captain of A Company, 1st Battalion, Cork Brigade No.1, was elated at the prospect of bringing off a successful ambush against crown forces. He had plans completed for a large ambush on a patrol of Black and Tans whose daily beat brought them through Silversprings Lane in Tivoli. About thirty fully armed Black and Tans passed through it every evening. The Company considered this lane as an ideal place for an ambush. The hills on both sides were heavily wooded, which would provide ample cover for the men. A-Company company were only awaiting sanction from their Brigade Officer-in-Command. However, events did go according to plan.

In his Bureau of Military History witness statement (WS1479), Seán recalls that at 11am on the morning of 14 June, Seán was in the Parcels Office at the Glanmire Station (now Kent Station) when two British Intelligence officers, in mufti, entered and he was trapped and arrested. He notes of his arrest: “I had no way of escape, being taken unawares. The railway station had been surrounded by military and police. I was placed under arrest and marched from the station to the nearby Black and Tan Barracks at Empress Place, under a heavy escort. When climbing the long flight of stone steps leading from the Lower Road to Empress Place, I felt that my race was run…It was obvious that I was in for a rough time. Heavy fighting was taking place in most parts of the country at that time. The enemy was being attacked on all sides. The Dublin Custom House was burnt down a short time previously. The temper of the Crown forces was very high”.

When Seán was taken into the police barracks he was handed over to the Black and Tans by the military, as a temporary arrangement – the British Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Dove remarking that he would call back him back later. Seán was pushed into an office and the sergeant insitu demanded his name and address. Seán gave him the required information and his particulars were recorded. The sergeant then ordered two of his men to search Seán. They removed his coat, vest and shoes.

Seán remarks of being interrogated: “We had strict orders from G.H.Q. to remain silent during interrogations and to refuse to recognise the enemy Courts. Next questions were: “Are you a member of the I.R.A.? Another one of the Murder Gang? Where were you born? How old are you? What occupation do you hold? Where does your father reside? Knowing that the military officers were calling back for me again, I played for time and informed the interrogators that I would not answer any questions until my solicitor was present”.

Seán was then handcuffed and removed to a military lorry which was waiting outside and was conveyed to Victoria Military Barracks. Before leaving Empress Place, the military took possession of Seán’s belongings, which had been taken from him by the police. The lorry halted outside the main gates of the military barracks which were then opened by a sentry and Seán’s lorry was admitted. All alighted from the lorry and an orderly wrote down the usual particulars.

Sean was then un-handcuffed and escorted to the Intelligence Office: He remarks: “I was again searched and subjected to an interrogation by three Intelligence officers. Your name? Your address? Your occupation? Are you a Sinn Féiner? Did you take part in any of the attacks against our forces? What do you know about Sinn Féin dispatches being sent on railway trains? What business had you and three other Sinn Féiners outside the Cork University at 9am on a certain morning? etc, etc”.

The Intelligence Officer had information that Seán was prominent in Cork IRA Brigade No.1 and that he held the rank of an officer. It now became quite clear to Seán that a spy had given information against him. He again claimed privilege not to answer any questions until his solicitor Mr. Healy, solicitor, South Mall was present.

Seán was abruptly told that this was a military inquiry and under Martial Law they had a means of making him talk. The interrogation lasted about half an hour. After leaving the Intelligence Office, Seán was taken to a prison cell where he was kept in solitary confinement for three days and nights. The weather was exceptionally warm so that bed clothes did not bother him. The only ventilation in the cell was a small window, which was about ten feet from the ground and strongly protected with iron bars. The only furniture in the cell was the plank bed on which there was one army blanket.

A notice was crudely hand-printed on the wall over the cell door – “All who enter here are doomed men”. This was evidently done for a joke by some of the soldiers who were guarding the prison. Seán describes that he slept very little on those nights; “I was expecting visits from the Intelligence officers, who frequently took out their prisoners during the late hours for further interrogations, but for some inexplicable reason they did not interfere with me at night. The thought of the ordeals that confronted me did not help to induce sleep. Realising that if any of the various charges which could be brought against me were proved, torture, the firing squad, then the release by death, would be my end, I prayed that I would be strong enough to stand up to them all”.

To be continued next week…

Captions:

1103a. Empress Place, Former Black and Tan Barracks 1921, Summerhill North, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy).

Cllr McCarthy’s Upcoming Cork Harbour Festival Events, June 2021

Arts, Cork City Events, Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy will host three events for the upcoming Cork Harbour Festival. Two of the events focus on the rich history of the city’s bridges and the third focuses in on the history and sense of place on The Marina. The events and dates are as follows:

– Bridges of Cork, Online Talk by Kieran, Tuesday 8 June 2021, 7.30pm-8.30pm, FREE:

This zoom presentation explores the general development of the city’s bridges and why they were historically so important and are still so important in connecting the different parts of Cork City together. Details of the link for the talk are available at www.corkharbourfestival.com

– Bridges of Cork, Heritage Treasure Hunt, hosted by Kieran, Saturday 12 June 2021, 1pm, FREE, self-guided walk:

This treasure hunt is all about looking up and around and exploring the heart of Cork City whilst exploring the stories and place of the city centre’s bridges. Suitable for all ages, approx 2hr, with mixed footpaths on city’s quays.Meet Kieran at National Monument, Grand Parade, Cork, between 1pm-1.15pm on Saturday 12 June, to receive the self-guided treasure hunt pack, no booking required. Bring a pen.

– The Marina, Self Guided Audio Trail with Kieran, 4 June 2021 -14 June, FREE:

A stroll down The Marina is popular by many people. The area is particularly characterized by its location on the River Lee and the start of Cork Harbour. Here scenery, historical monuments and living heritage merge to create a rich sense of place. The audio tour will be available here to stream live on your smartphone from 4-14 June 2021. Details of the link for the audio trail are available at www.corkharbourfestival.com

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 3 June 2021

Uncategorized
1102a. Haulbowline Dockyard, c.1910 from Cork Harbour Through Time by Kieran McCarthy & Dan Breen.
1102a. Haulbowline Dockyard, c.1910 from Cork Harbour Through Time by Kieran McCarthy & Dan Breen.

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 3 June 2021

Journeys to a Truce: Bold Moves and Round-Ups

One hundred years ago, military cordons were common place across Cork City Centre. Cappoquin born Michael O’Donoghue was a final year student in early 1921, who was studying for his Batchelor of Engineering degree (mechanical and electrical) in UCC. He was Engineer Officer of the 2nd Battalion, Cork IRA Brigade No.1. Michael in his witness statement to the Bureau of Military History (WS1741) describes one such round-up from late May 1920.

One Friday early afternoon towards the end of May 1921, Michael was having his lunch at his accommodation at the Shamrock Hotel when news arrived that there was a big round-up outside by the military and that the whole Grand Parade – Oliver Plunkett Street – Princes Street – South Mall was cordoned off. Michael was afraid of a systematic house to house search, so he collected his bomb parts, including a couple of empty mills grenade cases, and went downstairs into the small rear room at the back of the adjoining fruit shop.

Michael details: “Here, occasionally, customers had a quiet cup of tea or coffee or maybe ice cream and fruit. Luckily, there was no one present. I deposited my deadly load in the fire grate, beneath and behind some shrubs and flowers which were covering up the ugliness of the empty grate. Then I went back upstairs, finished my lunch, and got some large books which I carried beneath my arm. Down the stairs with me and out on the street. A military cordon stretched diagonally across the junction of Old George’s Street and The Parade. An officer and two sergeants were busy searching all males. A queue of men of various ages were resignedly awaiting search”.

Michael dawdled for a few minutes awaiting his turn; then, getting impatient, he went up boldly to the nearest NCO and presented himself for scrutiny and search. The officer looked hard at him, felt his pockets and all over his body with his hands and then asked him where he was going. Michal told him that he was going back to College preparing for an examination, which was true. He told him to pass on. In the evening Michael returned to the “Shamrock”. The military were gone. They had not even visited the digs, so the arnaments in the grate were still intact. Later he transferred the lot to the custody of Raymond Kennedy, Battalion Vice Officer-in-Command.

Michael’s final engineering examination in mechanical and electrical engineering was due early in June. Mick Crowley, second in command of Tommy Barry’s 3rd Brigade Column, came along to Cork, met him at the College and asked me to come along to Cork 111 Brigade and help him to reorganise the engineering services of that IRA brigade.

Michael eagerly accepted but told him that he would not be available to go to West Cork until after his June exam, then about to begin. He agreed. Michael describes a change of heart after the first three papers; “After I had answered the first three papers it was clear to me that I had not the remotest chance of a pass. Rather than mess up the rest of the exam. I withdrew and appeared no more that June in the exam. hall. I wrote home to father and mother explaining how I had missed doing some of the papers so to prepare them for the disappointment which they would suffer at not seeing my name in the pass lists for the B.E. degree. Of course, they knew little of my exclusive preoccupation with IRA operations and activities and did not realise at all that my own engineering career and University studies were only a very secondary consideration. I told them, too, that I was going to a temporary engineering job down in West Cork in Kinsale and that I might be back home later in the summer to prepare for the autumn exam”.

In the same time frame as Michael’s narrative, P J Murphy – a Company Commander of Fianna Éireann in Cork– the youth division of the IRA – describes a bold attempt to blow up a destroyer in Haulbowline Dockyards about 9.30pm on Wednesday, 1 June. The destroyer was to act an escort to the sloop HMS Heather, which was carrying prisoners to Belfast jail. The destroyer was lying in the basin of the dockyard. She was after test and had steam up in one of the boilers. The charge was placed between the boilers. The charge went off at 9.30pm and did sufficient damage to hold up the movement of prisoners. This job was headed by Volunteers from Passage West with help from some of Cork City’s volunteers. Next morning the yard was surrounded by Marines and RIC.

P J, who worked as an apprentice within he dockyard, was an insider. He was arrested by the RIC and handed over to a Marine Captain. He carried out the search of his tool kit. PJ details; “I was then brought to the Chief Engineer’s office and interrogated there as to my movements the evening before. I was released and told to report again that evening for further investigation. I did not report but got off the island as fast as I could. My indentures were cancelled by the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty”.

P J also describes in his witness statement that on 11 June 1921, a number of the Active Service Unit. were arrested in Mrs. Stenson’s public house, Douglas Street. They included Mick Murphy, Frank Mahony, Jerry O’Brien, C. Cogan and Jim Fitzgerald. Jim Fitzgerald was wounded; a few escaped, including D. Hegarty. P J elaborated that in order to fool crown forces as to the importance of their capture, three RIC barracks were attacked that night – Tuckey Street barracks, Shandon barracks and Douglas barracks.

Captions:

1102a. Haulbowline Dockyard, c.1910 from Cork Harbour Through Time by Kieran McCarthy & Dan Breen.

Kieran’s Press, Cllr McCarthy: ‘A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’, 30 May 2021,

Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Development

30 May 2021, “Mr McCarthy said it is a “really disappointing” decision and “there must be accountability for all involved.” On Twitter, he wrote: “There was no need for The Sextant to be knocked until plans were tied down fully”, A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’ — plan to scrap apartments for offices criticised, ‘A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’ — plan to scrap apartments for offices criticised (irishexaminer.com)

Cllr McCarthy: Marina Park Phase 1 Opening Delayed Until Late September 2021

Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Development

In a recent reply to a question posed by Cllr Kieran McCarthy at the mid May City Council meeting, Cork City Council have noted revised the completion date of phase 1 of Marina Park. Due to Covid 19, delaying construction works, the completion date is now late August/early September this year. The revised opening date is late September/early October.

Cllr McCarthy noted: The phase one works comprise the construction of a new public car park at the Shandon Boat Club end of the Marina, as well as a new cycle lane and pedestrian walkway – these are all now completed. One can also see that the installation of perhaps the most eye-catching part of the project – a noticeable red steel pavilion on the site of, and replicating, the central hall of the former Munster Agricultural Showgrounds. The sides of the pavilion will not be enclosed, and there will be possibilities for coffee pods and outdoor seating and arts and crafts”.

“Another feature will include water jets for children to play in as well as the provision of public toilets. The public can now see the sunken lawn areas and the diversion of a watercourse, as well as new pathways – all of which are taking shape at present. The project is a e.10m investment into the area, of which nearly came from EU Urban Sustainable Funds, which are part of the EU’s structural funds and are a crucial source of funding for cities”, concluded Cllr McCarthy.

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town, 27 May 2021

Cork History, Uncategorized
1101a. Front cover of Kieran's new book, Irish International Trading Corporation, Cork, Celebrating 100 Years (2021, IITC).
1101a. Front cover of Kieran’s new book, Irish International Trading Corporation, Cork, Celebrating 100 Years (2021, IITC).

Kieran’s Our City, Our Town Article,

Cork Independent, 27 May 2021

Journeys to a Truce: The Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork)

Details on the tit-for-tat violence between the IRA and Black and Tans during the War of Independence fill vast pages of Irish history books. However, not much is known on those who were Independence supporters in Ireland’s cities and regions, but who were also pragmatic and economically preparing for a Brexit of sorts from the British Empire. The question of “if we get Independence what do we do next” had not been quite resolved especially where Britain was also Ireland’s main trading ally.

To resolve such a question in Cork city and region the creation of Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork) was set up in 1920 to facilitate international trade, both import and export, for local businesses. Its story is the subject of my new book, which is published by the present company, whilst also charting its journey in more modern times.

The company’s origins lay in the ambition of the Cork Industrial Development Association (IDA), which was founded in 1903 after the Cork International Exhibition. During the Irish War of Independence period, the Cork IDA played no small part in formulating schemes for the economic rehabilitation of the country. Without the cooperation of the Cork IDA, the Irish Consuls resident at New York, Paris and Brussels would have been very much restricted in their Consular activities on behalf of the trade and commerce of Ireland. Important national work was conducted through the agencies of these Consuls, for which the Cork IDA kept business connections open with.

In 1920 two important companies are highlighted as closely linked to the work of the Cork IDA – (a) Messrs Dowdall and Company, Shipping Agents of the Direct Lines to USA and French ports, and (b) the Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork) Ltd. The first named company aimed to promote direct trade whilst IITC aspired to build up business by purchasing from and selling direct to Continental and American firms. A gentleman’s agreement stood that no goods would be introduced into the Irish market, which would compete unfairly with the products of Irish industries.

The proposal to form the Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork) Ltd for the development of direct trading between Irish merchants and traders of other countries was generally welcomed by commercial circles in Cork. The company was in effect a private, self-help version of what state agencies do to support trade.

On 4 May 1920, the Cork Examiner recorded a preliminary meeting of persons interested in the company, which was held in the offices of the Cork IDA, under the Chairmanship of Mr James C Dowdall. Steps were taken to have the prospectus issued at an early date. Promises of substantial financial support were forthcoming from those present. The promoters aspired to secure outward as well as inward cargo for the vessels then running between Cork and the United States ports, and also for the vessels about to run between Cork and Continental ports. The company’s temporary offices were at 27 Grand Parade.

Central to the work of the Irish International trading Corporation (Cork) Ltd was its Company Secretary Liam De Róiste (1882-1959). Liam was an original member of the Irish Volunteers in Cork. In late 1916 and throughout 1917 Liam was an important figure to keep the re-organisation of Sinn Féin going in Cork, especially with Terence MacSwiney and Tomás MacCurtain being imprisoned for long periods of time during the years 1916-1918. Liam kept the re-organisation of the party strong, being involved in organising rallies in Cork in late 1917 for Arthur Griffith, Countess Markievicz, and Eamon de Valera. He was elected a Sinn Féin Councillor for Cork City in January 1920.

The American link for the new company was Diarmuid J Fawsitt who was born near Blarney Street in Cork’s northside in 1884. Diarmuid was active in cultural, industrial and nationalist circles, including the Celtic Literary Society, Sinn Féin, the Gaelic League, Cork National Theatre Society, and especially with the foundation of the Cork IDA. During the War of Independence, Arthur Griffith sent Fawsitt to the United States as consul and trade commissioner of the Irish Republic. He was based in New York.

With Fawsitt in New York searching for opportunities, Liam De Róiste as an enthusiastic secretary of the Corporation, a strong chairman was also required to lead the new company. James Charles Dowdall had a prominent role in industrial development and was president of the Cork IDA for a time in its early years.  He was educated at the Presentation Brothers College, Cork, and in Denmark and Sweden. On the death of their uncle, James and his brother Thomas joined with their cousin, Mr J B O’Mahony, in forming the now well-known firm of Dowdall O’Mahony and Company Ltd. This company was based at Union Quay, Cork, with branches at Manchester and Cardiff and was engaged in the manufacture of butter and margarine.

As the months passed in 1920 and 1921, the business of Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork) expanded. By December 1920, an array of import destinations was in place. Payment were given to Clyde Shipping Company Ltd for freight charges and the Bank of Ireland for Siemen’s and Company who brought in raisins from Malaga, Oosthock and Zoon Company, Holland for slated ties, the Lyon and Quin Company, Prague for chairs, the ZRB Hirdes, Holland for yarn, Verrieries de Dampremy, Belgium for Glass, Victor Zorn, Berlin for scissors and enamelware, National Glass Company, Philadelphia, USA for bottles, and baking powder from the Calumet Baking Powder Company, Chicago, USA as a trial order. Exports from Cork mainly encompassed butter boxes and egg cases.

Kieran McCarthy’s new book Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork), Celebrating 100 Years is a commission of the company and is now available from the company’s premises on Tramore Road, Cork, or telephone 021 4705800 or email info@iitc.ie

Captions:

1101a. Front cover of Kieran’s new book, Irish International Trading Corporation, Cork, Celebrating 100 Years (2021, IITC).

1101b. Letter head for Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork), 1927 (source: Company Archives)

1101b. Letter head for Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork), 1927 (source: Company Archives)
1101b. Letter head for Irish International Trading Corporation (Cork), 1927 (source: Company Archives)

Kieran’s Cork Harbour Festival Events, Early June 2021

Cork City Events, Cork History, Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Events

– Bridges of Cork – Online Talk:

  • 8 June 2021, 19:30 – 20:30, In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy.

Cork City’s growth on a swamp is an amazing story. The city possesses a unique character derived from a combination of its plan, topography, built fabric and its location on the lowest crossing point of the river Lee as it meets the tidal estuary and the second largest natural harbour in the world. Indeed, it is also a city that is unique among other cities, it is the only one which has experienced all phases of Irish urban development, from circa 600 AD to the present day. Hence its bridges all date to different times of urban growth and possess different architectural traits. This zoom presentation explores the general development of the city’s bridges and why they were historically so important and are still so important in connecting the different parts of Cork City together.

Bridges of Cork – Online Talk ~ Cork Harbour Festival

FREE, Register here: https://forms.gle/pazrXi1nVPQFSqKJ7

Daly's Bridge, AKA Shaky Bridge, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy)
Daly’s Bridge, AKA Shaky Bridge, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy)

– Bridges of Cork Treasure Hunt:

  • 12 June 2021, 13:00 – 13:15, In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy.

They say the best way to get to know a city is to walk it – in Cork you can get lost in narrow streets, marvel at old cobbled lane ways, photograph old street corners, look up beyond the modern shopfronts, gaze at clues from the past, be enthused and at the same time disgusted by a view, smile at interested locals, engage in the forgotten and the remembered, search and connect for something of oneself, thirst in the sense of story-telling – in essence feel the DNA of the place. This treasure hunt is all about looking up and around and exploring the heart of Cork City whilst exploring the stories and place of the city centre’s bridges.

Suitable for all ages, approx. 2hr self-guided walk, mixed footpaths on city’s quays.

FREE, Join: Meet Cllr Kieran McCarthy at National Monument, Grand Parade, Cork, between 13:00-13:15, no booking required. Bring a pen. Self guided heritage treasure hunt.

Bridges of Cork Treasure Hunt ~ Cork Harbour Festival

St Patrick's Bridge, Cork, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy)

St Patrick’s Bridge, Cork, present day (picture: Kieran McCarthy)

– The Marina – Self Guided Audio Trail:

  • 4 June 2021 – June 14, 2021, 06:00 – 23:55,In association with Cllr Kieran McCarthy, FREE

A stroll down The Marina is popular by many people. The area is particularly characterized by its location on the River Lee and the start of Cork Harbour. Here scenery, historical monuments and living heritage merge to create a historical tapestry of questions of who developed such a place of ideas. Where not all the answers have survived, The Marina is lucky, unlike other suburbs, that many of its former residents have left archives, autobiographies, census records, diaries, old maps and insights into how the area developed. These give an insight into ways of life and ambitions in the past, some of which can help the researcher in the present day in understanding The Marina’s evolution and sense of place going forward. Take a walk with us and discover more.

The audio tour will be available here to stream live on your smartphone from 4-14 June 2021, The Marina – Self Guided Audio Trail ~ Cork Harbour Festival

Autumn at The Marina, Cork (picture: Kieran McCarthy)
Autumn at The Marina, Cork (picture: Kieran McCarthy)