Cork County Council, in recognition of the importance of the War of Independence and Civil War and acknowledging the enthusiasm that exists within the County to commemorate the centenary of this defining period of Irish history, has announced the recipients of the County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme 2020.
The County of Cork played a most pivotal role in this four year period of Irish history that in the county alone saw the loss of over 500 lives. Many of the events spanning the period of 1920 to 1923 have great local significance, several having national and even international significance.
Some of the Groups in North Cork successful in the County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme 2020 are as follows:
· Ballydesmond Development Association – Renovation of existing memorial – €1,000
· Castlemagner GAA – Commemorative plaque and booklet – €750
· Clonbanin Ambush Committee – Monument, information board & publication – €2,500
· Cork Life FM – Commemorative radio show/podcast – €1,500
· Drishane Beg Train Ambush Commemoration Project – Information board & publication – €1,500
· Dromina Remembrance Project – Refurb of monument & publication – €750
· Mallow Development Partnership – Publication – €1,000
· Milford Historical Society – Publication €250
· Millstreet Monument Committee – Renovation of existing memorial – €1,000
· Mourneabbey Community Council – Publication – €750
· Mourneabbey Heritage Association – Renovation of existing memorial – €2,000
· Tullylease Community Council – Commemorative plaque & publication – €1,250
In County Cork during 1920 there were close to 100 significant War of Independence incidents including close to 20 ambushes alone, resulting in over 50 fatalities. That year in history and this year in centenary commemoration, Tomás Mac Curtáin from Mourneabbey in North Cork was assassinated and his successor, Terence McSwiney who had been a T.D. for mid County Cork in the First Dáil, died after 74 days on hunger strike. 1920 in County Cork saw the most significant Kilmichael Ambush, which resulted in 20 fatalities; the taking of the Military Barracks in Mallow and the official name change from Queenstown to Cobh in July 1920, to name but a few occurrences.
Speaking on the funding announcement, Cllr. O’Shea said “Cork County Council has been approached by numerous community organisations throughout the county, looking to undertake commemorative centenary events and initiatives in their locality. This fund will allow the Commemorative Programme for County Cork to do justice to the past and provide the support for those community groups, who today, seek to remember these important historical events. Cork County Council recognises the commitment of local communities in honouring the past and I want to wish the groups successful today the very best of luck with their respective projects”.
