Press Release:

    With the end of the year drawing near, 2018, as the European Year of Cultural Heritage, also draws to a close. Around the country and indeed around Europe, a variety of different events and projects took place to mark the year and here in the County of Cork, a publication was undertaken to examine the county’s historic place within Europe, titled ‘Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective’.  The publication was launched on Monday 10^th December by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy.

     A launch also took place at the European Committee of the Regions’ building in Brussels. The invite came from Committee members Cllr Kieran McCarthy (City) and Cllr Deirdre Forde (County) who deputised for the County Mayor for the launch. Cllr McCarthy outlined to the invitees, many of whom were from Ireland and several of whom who were from other member states, the role of the heritage officer scheme in Ireland and introduced County Cork heritage officer Conor Nelligan. Cllr McCarthy noted; “it is important to showcase the stories in the book – from the perspective of Cork’s role in the Atlantic region but also the role of many individuals in Cork’s rich past who influenced the course of European history. It is also an appropriate time to promote the Cork region especially in a time of Brexit”.

   Drawing on the expertise of a range of different authors – Elena Turk, Connie Kelleher, Denis Power, Cal McCarthy, Tomás MacConmara, John Hegarty and Clare Heardman, who each provided a chapter and a selection of sites for the publication, the scope of the book is a wide one, covering archaeology, ecclesiastical heritage, maritime heritage, Revolution, Culture, Architecture and Natural Heritage. Community groups from around the county also submitted some wonderful examples of local connections with Europe, both through people and place, and one can easily glean from the pages how much of an influence Europe has had on Cork, but too, how Cork has had its influence on Europe over the many years.

   At the Brussels launch the Deputy Mayor Cllr Deirdre Forde noted: “What we learn from the publication is the extraordinary influence that the European mainland has had in Cork over the centuries and millennia, but also, that County Cork as a place is unique, and it too, has played a very strong role in the shaping of Europe over the many years”.

    Europe and the County of Cork: A Heritage Perspective’ has hit the bookshops and copies are also available to purchase for €10 at on Floor 3 of the County Hall. This publication will be of interest to any reader with an interest in Cork’s history and its place in Europe. For more information on this and other Heritage Initiatives visit the Heritage Website of Cork County Council (www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage) or contact the Heritage Unit on 021 4276891.