Posted by Maisie Culbert on Sunday 28 July 2013 at 16:31
The MacCarthys of Cork Cultural and Historical Weekend took place at the Parkway Hotel Dunmanway from Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June, 2013. This event was organised by the Dunmanway Historical Association with the support of the UCC. School of History. According to an ancient manurcript, this part of West Cork is known as tha Valley of Hospitality -- "environed with a ridge of hills, the most pleasant and romantic nature could intend, for sheltering and a watering spot designed to yield all the pleasures and desirable necessities of life "
The proceedings began on Friday evening with a Chateau McCarthy Wine Tasting to mark the launch online at CELT Website (www.ucc.ie/celt) the "Letter Book of Florence MacCarthy Mór. CELT, the Corpus of Electronic Texts, is the foremost project for history and culture online. Speakers were Beatrix Faeber, Hiram Morgan and Ben Hazard.
This was followed by a Talk entitled "The MacCarthy Chieftains of Gleannachroim" given by Mervyn O'Driscoll.
On Saturday morning the programme continued with very interesting and diverse Talks which were very well attended by people from far and wide, from Ireland, England, France and U.S.A. The following is a list of the subjects and speakers.
"Aspects of the Friaries of Kilcrea and Timoleague" by Denise Sheehan.
"The MacCarthy Reagh and the Ceann gan amhras Succession in the 15th Century" by Kenneth Nicholls.
"The origin of the MacCarthys" by Paul MacCotter.
" The Tower House Project at Derryhivenny" by Aideen Stevens.
"The Archaeology of the West Cork Flax Industry, c 1735 -1900" by Colin Rynne.
"The Book of Lismore" by Pádraig Ó Macháin.
"The MacCarthys of Bordeaux" by Barry Byrne
On Saturday afernoon there was a bus tour to Togher Castle, where a Talk was given by Phil MacCarthy on the history of the Castle. The homestead of Sam Maguire was visited. Next stop was at St. Patrick's Church, where the Plaques of the MacCarthys were viewed. On then to Ballinacarriga Castle, where its history was given by Flor Crowley.
On Saturday evening a gala dinner was enjoyed in the Parkway Hotel. Entertainment during dinner was provided by Nancy Long and her daughter with harp playing and singing. After dinner and speeches Comhaltas under the direction of Derry McCarthy provided Traditional live music and Irish Dancing. A very enjoyable night was had by all and new friendships were formed.
On Sunday morning a wreath was laid on the MacCarthy grave in Kilbarry Graveyard by Justin McCarthy who had travelled all the way from Florida to attend the weekend. The programme ended with a very detailed presentation on DNA by Nigel McCarthy in the Parkway Hotel.
Dunmanway Historical Association wishes to sincerely thank the School of History UCC for their support in this venture and all those who contributed to make it a very successful memorable event.
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