Launch of Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-2023 Booklet

Individuals, community groups and organisations from across County Kilkenny gathered in Set Theatre on Friday 15th December to celebrate the launch of Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-23 and to mark the end of the Decade of Centenaries Programme in Kilkenny.

The booklet, which was launch by Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, collates the wide variety of events, projects and initiatives that were supported by Kilkenny County Council, funded under the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme. Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer and Kilkenny Coordinator for the Decade of Centenaries Programme commented: ‘This publication celebrates the engagement and commitment of communities across the County to uncover and commemorate their role in some of the most significant events in the history of modern Ireland and this event celebrates their contribution to making this programme such a success in Kilkenny.’

Cathaoirleach Michael Doyle paid tribute to the role of Kilkenny County Council in administering this programme commenting: ‘In the heart of this commemorative initiative, Kilkenny County Council has been a guiding force, administering the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme. Over the past 11 years, more than 300 projects and events have taken place under its supports. From research to re-enactments, walking tours to flag-raising, and from music events to lectures, our community has embraced a multitude of creative expressions that reconnected us to our past.’

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, addressed the assembled crowd commending the role of communities and local authorities in sensitively navigating the often-difficult stories of this period in our history. He also commented on the range of archival sources that have been made accessible throughout the process and importance of local archives in safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

A screening of Kevin’s Hughes most recent short film Come Back took place as part of the event, this film was funded under the 2023 Decade of Centenaries Programme. It was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin and comprising of Kevin Hughes, film-maker and Josephine Coyne, Kilkenny County Librarian reflecting on their highlights of the Decade of Centenaries it’s impact in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-23 book is available free of charge from the Heritage Office at Kilkenny County Council. Contact: heritage@kilkennycoco.ie or 056 779 4289.

Click here to download the Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-23 book. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit:  Dylan Vaughan