Afleveringen
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Each year The Heritage Council awards the Heritage Hero Award to an individual or organisation that has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage in Ireland.
In today’s podcast Greg chats with Patrick Boner from Burtonport, Co Donegal, winner of the Heritage Hero Award 2021. Patrick Boner has been involved with local heritage projects in west Donegal for over 20 years and has been involved with many projects in Burtonport and the Rosses.
He is author of ‘The Story of The Cope’, an acclaimed social history of Templecrone Agricultural Co-operative Society and is currently writing ‘Her Story - Sally the Cope’, continuing his focus on the cooperative movement locally. He has researched and produced the Dungloe Heritage Trail, contributed articles to several local history publications, magazines and local newspapers and has played a proactive role in commissioning reports and conservation works on heritage sites/buildings in west Donegal including the Cooperage in Burtonport.
Understanding the value of sharing heritage and reaching new generations, Patrick has embraced social media, promoting local projects online. He has also spoken to students in local schools and has organised field trips and boat tours to islands in the region, including Rutland.Through his involvement in heritage, he has acquired a personal collection of items, maps, photographs, postcards and documents, some of which he has now donated to the County Archives, County Museum, and Central Library to benefit future researchers, students and the whole community. He has made an outstanding and tireless contribution to the preservation, conservation, and promotion of heritage in west Donegal, has a passion for promoting the digitalisation of archives and has been involved in the organisation of many National Heritage Week events.
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The building which houses the Heritage Council in Kilkenny, which has historic links to former President Barack Obama is one of the oldest continuously used structures in Ireland.
It was constructed by Bishop Richard Ledrede (Bishop from 1317-61) using the stone from three parish churches. These churches had possibly fallen out of use after the devastation caused by the Black Death.
Bishop Ledrede was obsessed with combating heresy and he played a primary role in confronting witchcraft.
The Heritage Council moved into the former Bishop’s Palace , now called Áras na hOidhreachta in 2008. It was officially opened by President Mary McAleese, following a lengthy programme of conservation works by the OPW.
Excavations have shown there was much earlier occupation in this area. A monastery in this location from around 600 AD, was associated with St Canice.
Further excavations provided evidence, dating from the 10th and 11th centuries of antler comb manufacture and enclosure ditches.
Christian burials from the 8th – 10th centuries were also found at the lane at the front gate, proving this location is a vital link to Kilkenny city’s history.
The Palace continued as a Bishop’s residence, and centre of administration, during the medieval period.
During the wars of the 17th century the structure fell into ruin, and in the 1650s was described as being fit for cattle.
John Kearney, Bishop of Ossory from 1806-13, lived in the building. Remarkably, he was the great-great-great grand uncle of President Barack Obama.
The grounds were enlarged in the mid-19th century and a considerable amount of landscaping provided the outline for the garden’s current appearance.
In today’s podcast, Colm Murray, Architecture Officer with the Heritage Council, provides a unique insight into a building which has been part of our history for centuries.
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Tá ról riachtanach ag Oifigigh Oidhreachta Údarás Áitiúla, ag cur oidhreacht na hÉireann chun cinn, ag cruthú na bpolaisithe agus ag tabhairt comhairle ‘s eolais faoi cúrsaí oidhreachta. Sa phodchraoladh atá againn inniu, táimid ag céiliúradh Seachtain Náisiúnta na hOidhreachta 2021 in éineacht le beirt Oifigeach Oidhreachta a dhéanann cur síos ar an obair a dhéanann siad chun oidhreacht ár dtír a chosaint.
Míníonn Máiréad Ní Chonghaile agus Conor Nelligan eabhlóid na seachtaine, conas go bhfuil sé ceann de na himeachtaí cultúrtha is mó anseo in Éirinn gach bliain agus an ról atá aici ag cothú spioraid an phobail trasna na tíre.
Anuas ar sin, tabharfaidh siad a dtuairim faoin tábhacht a bhaineann lenár noidhreacht a chosaint don todhchaí atá romhainn.
Bain taitneamh as an seó.
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The prestigious Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) exists to set the benchmark for achieving ‘excellence’ across the Irish museum sector.
Established by The Heritage Council 16 years ago, selection under the programme is seen as a major accolade.
Each museum in the programme goes through a rigorous process to achieve high standards across a range of areas. These include how they care for their collections, as well as the manner in which they provide their education and exhibition programmes.
In total, 47 have reached the pinnacle of the programme, having achieved full accreditation.
In today’s podcast, Lesley-Ann Hayden, MSPI Coordinator, and Brian Crowley, Curator of Collections in Kilmainham Gaol, take us through the evolution of the programme, its importance to the sector, and what the future holds for Irish museums.
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What is heritage?
It’s the culmination of our shared experiences over the millennia; it’s the who we are and where we’ve come from.
It’s the cultures and traditions which have fashioned the inhabitants of this island.
It’s the habitat and wonders of the natural world all about us.
So much goes into contributing to our collective memory; there are stones and buildings that speak of former days; our seascapes, wild places, gardens, parks, inland waterways, folklore and craft, all contain their own mysteries and harbour their own stories.
Over the past 16 years, National Heritage Week has been a focal point, bringing together communities and people across the country and is now one of the most significant dates in Ireland’s cultural calendar.
Last year, it catered for more than 800 projects and in response to COVID-19 guidelines, National Heritage Week last year moved away from events only, and invited heritage enthusiasts to create projects which could be shared online.
As a result of continued public health restrictions, National Heritage Week 2021 will retain the project element introduced last year.
“Open the door to heritage” is this year’s message from the Heritage Council.
In particular, we’re calling on ‘heritage newcomers’ to get involved in the celebration and we’re also encouraging those who may not traditionally feel included in heritage matters to get involved.
One of Ireland’s leading advocates for the promotion of heritage is Christy Cunniffe from Clonfert, Co Galway, who with more than 30 years of involvement in the sector, won last year’s coveted ‘Heritage Hero’ award.
In today’s podcast, he talks about the importance of National Heritage Week, which he says is a celebration of much we hold dear - and so much that we should preserve.
Let’s hear from Christy Cunniffe..
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Ireland’s network of heritage officers are employed by local authorities, in partnership with The Heritage Council. This initiative was started by the Heritage Council in 1999, and has been supported by them ever since through funding and technical support. Based all around the country, heritage officers play a key role in promoting awareness, pride and conservation for biodiversity and heritage. In today’s podcast, our guest is Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer with Monaghan County Council, who is a member of the Local Authority Heritage Officer Network. Shirley explains the importance of this partnership, the work of heritage officers, the value of biodiversity and heritage for sustainable development, and what we can do to be part of the solutions for biodiversity. On with the show..
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The National Biodiversity Data Centre, which was established by the Heritage Council in 2007 collects and manages data on Ireland’s biodiversity. The Data Centre is jointly funded by the Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In order to conserve Ireland’s biodiversity, we need to document what biodiversity we have, understand how it is distributed across the island of Ireland and its marine waters, track how it is changing over time, and communicate the importance of conserving biodiversity. Addressing these knowledge gaps and building the scientific evidence base to help its conservation is central to the work of the Data Centre. In addition to the core work, funding is provided to oversee and assist with implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (2021-2025), which is endorsed by over 61 governmental and non-governmental organisations in Ireland. In today’s podcast, Dr Liam Lysaght, Director of the Data Centre, explains why it was established and the strategic importance of its work, Oisin Duffy, Surveys and Records Officer, talks about the Citizen Science Portal and Niamh Phelan, Biodiversity Engagement Officer, discusses the Data Centre’s outreach and training work. On with the show..
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Irish towns, seeped in history and with stories going back centuries are embedded in the Irish folk memory. In order to preserve this vital part of our ancient past, the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) was established by the Heritage Council in 2005. It exists to help these urban centres become better places to live, work and visit.
A walled town is a town that had walls and features like gates, towers, and earthen ditches built around it, to defend the occupants, and control the flow of people and revenue in and out of the town. They were also seen as status symbols reflecting wealth and influence. While some walled towns date back to the Viking period, the majority date from the Anglo-Norman / medieval period. However, there are some examples of towns that were walled in the 1600s. Town walls and their associated features are now recognised as National Monuments. Most walled towns have only sections of the walls remaining, however, the circuit of the walls usually mark and define the historic core of the town. In today’s podcast, Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation with The Heritage Council, explains the importance of the scheme, and why walled towns remain an integral part of Irish life to this day. He also discusses Irish Walled Towns Network grants for interpretation and events projects, which support initiatives that help make the towns better places to live and to help raise awareness about the important heritage of the town, which leads to increased tourism and pride of place. Numerous interpretation and conservation projects that the Irish Walled Towns Network has supported have gone on to win awards like Chambers Ireland, and Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Community and Council awards. On the show we also chat with, Róisín Burke, Project Manager of the Irish Walled Towns Network, who gives an overview of the all-island organisation, with members from north and south of the border And finally we chat with Sarah McCutcheon, Executive Archaeologist with Limerick City and County Council, and Vice- Chair of the Irish Walled Towns Network Committee, who discusses the achievements to date in Kilmallock and Limerick City.
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In today’s podcast we travel to Tralee, and hear how the town has been revitalised by a communal coming together to protect its past. Under the Historic Towns Initiative, a programme of investment to enhance Tralee’s historic buildings was set in train.
The Historic Towns Initiative which is run by the Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, promotes heritage-led regeneration in our historic towns.
A number of bodies - ranging from Kerry County Council to the Irish Georgian Society - contributed to the project, along with significant community involvement including children from a local secondary school who painted a series of murals based on the built heritage of the town.
The project involved the conservation repair of historic wrought iron railings at Day Place with all ten building owners coming together to embrace the project.
Main contractor, Ned O’Shea & Sons, and Brendan St. John, a blacksmith carried out conservation repair of all railings at the front of a terrace of ten buildings, developed by Justice Robert Day, circa 1805.
In addition, funding provided under the HTI went towards the conservation of historic window joinery at 17 Denny Street (built circa 1825), which included conservation repair and refurbishment of surviving original sash windows.
The street was laid out by Sir Edward Denny, a Tralee landlord, following demolition of Tralee Castle, which had been located in the heart of the town centre since the 1240s.
In this episode we chat with Victoria McCarthy of Kerry County Council, blacksmith Brendan St.John and Eileen Nolan, the owner of 17 Denny Street.
Enjoy the show!
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Every street corner, every meandering alleyway, every old shop façade tells its own story. Our streetscapes are woven into the heart of Irish life and are a crucial part of our heritage. The Historic Towns Initiative – run by The Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – aims to protect and preserve a vital thread in Ireland’s past. This year, a €1.5m fund had been made available for the heritage-led regeneration of 10 towns after a competitive process. These include Tralee, Co Kerry; Ballyshannon, Co Donegal; Ballina, Co Mayo; Roscommon, Co Roscommon; Sligo, Co Sligo; Tramore, Co Waterford; Birr, Co Offaly; Enniscorthy, Co Wexford; Navan, Co Meath and Callan, Co Kilkenny. The money will provide a vital jobs boost and act as an economic stimulus, helping to rebuild local economies with heritage as a focal point. The Initiative follows on from similar highly successful programmes in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Last year, €1m in funding was available under this scheme. In today’s podcast, Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation with The Heritage Council, explains the key components of the scheme, and how it plays into an overall heritage strategy. The programme is a joint initiative between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council.
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Maps provide a multi-dimensional pathway into our past, and The Heritage Council has ambitious plans which will embrace various layers of Irish life.Heritagemaps.ie – overseen by Project Manager Pat Reid – is currently working on a range of projects, such as tracking the history of Irish lace and Irish stained glass.
In today’s podcast, Pat explains how a recent mapping project linked up with the Irish Traditional Music Archive. This initiative referenced a particular song to a relevant townland or place name.
He points out that a recent map detailing Sheela na Gigs in Ireland went viral around the world, which received over 40,000 hits daily, bringing Heritagemaps.ie to a worldwide audience.
The response highlighted a particular interest the Irish diaspora has on heritage matters.
Currently, 20% of those accessing the site are from outside Ireland.The site has also been used , in previous years, by those planning a visit to Ireland, thereby making a contribution to the tourism sector.
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Happy St Patrick’s Day from everyone at The Heritage Council. In this special podcast linked to our national holiday, we speak with Sarah Myers, a Heritage in Schools specialist and tour guide at Kilkenny’s St Canice’s Cathedral.
Sarah has a special interest in folklore, medieval history and Church history.
She examines Patrick's legacy and the influence he had on Irish society at the time and she also explores the influence he had on Celtic Christianity.
We hope you find this podcast both informative and enjoyable.
Have a great day !
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Happy St Patrick’s Day from everyone at The Heritage Council! In the first of two special podcasts linked to our national holiday, Heritage in Schools specialist and storyteller, Seosamh Ó Maolalaí, expands on some of the fascinating folklore surrounding the patron saint of Ireland. We’ll hear two stories about St Patrick which will be told bilingually, in English and Irish. The stories will recount various aspects from the life of Patrick. Have a great day!
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Ireland’s youth are increasingly sounding the alarm about climate change.
Many want to be at the vanguard of social and environmental change.
But what has sparked this growing level of environmental awareness in the younger generation?
In today’s podcast, we speak with three third-level environmental activists
They played a central role in an ambitious campaign to eliminate the sale and use of single-use plastics on the campus of Trinity College Dublin.
TCD Plastic Solutions was a student campaign group launched in 2017.
After their 2018 ‘Plastic-Free Trinity’ petition secured almost 6,000 signatures, the College committed to phasing out non-essential single-use plastics.
In 2019/20, they laid the groundwork for a ‘plastic free’ Trinity Ball, and launched Envirolend - a reusable crockery set that’s available for all societies to use.
In 2020/21, they integrated into the newly founded Green Campus Sub-committee on Waste.
Throughout this time, the campaign was supported by the TCD Environmental Society, which aims to inform students on issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Scheme, one of the greatest social and economic developments in 20th century Ireland.
In today’s podcast, we speak with Deirdre McParland, senior archivist with ESB.
She looks back at what life was like in Ireland before electricity, as well as the impact and legacy of rural electrification.
Also, we talk to Aoife Murphy, a Chartered Engineer who has worked in New Zealand and Ireland.
After moving to New Zealand in 2010, the Christchurch earthquake struck which led Aoife to working for over six years repairing homes damaged by the earthquake sequence.
In late 2016, with a view to moving home, she applied for a scholarship with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in the UK.
For nine months, she travelled the UK and Ireland learning all about the various skills involved in the repair of historical buildings.
In 2018, Aoife was awarded Engineers Ireland’s Chartered Engineer of the Year Award.
She was also part of the project team who were awarded for the Heritage and Conservation Award for the Swords Castle East Tower Consolidation project.
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This month we mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of decimalisation in Ireland. On today’s podcast, Michael E. Kenny, chairman of the Numismatic Society of Ireland, and Michael Kenny, a retired museum curator, whose working life included twenty years at the National Museum, chart the long and varied story of money and coinage in Ireland. Discover how Irish people have been influenced by the use of money. How has money reflected social and economic trends?
Landmark dates marking major changes to Irish coinage: 1823, 1928 , 1971 and 2002. Also, the Vikings, coinage, siege money and politics…
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Whether you own a flower box, or run a farm, you can play your part in protecting our bees. Currently one-third of our 98 wild bee species are threatened with extinction.
Helping biodiversity calls on all of us to manage our natural habitat in a different way.
Pollination is crucial in maintaining the quality of our food supplies.
Caring for pollinators is also of economic importance to our farmers, while protecting environmental health.
Last week, the National Biodiversity Data Centre published a report "Working Together for Biodiversity". It highlighted what has been achieved through the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan in its first five years. Implementation of the Plan was coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre - a programme of the Heritage Council – which tracks changes in Ireland’s wildlife. In publishing the Plan in September 2015, Ireland became one of the first countries in Europe to address this issue.
This plan was a collaboration between The Heritage Council, Biodiversity Ireland, Bord Bia - Irish Food Board, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
It is supported by more than 100 governmental and non-governmental organisations.
The Plan identifies 81 actions to make Ireland more pollinator friendly.
In today’s podcast, project-manager Úna FitzPatrick, a Senior Ecologist in the National Biodiversity Data Centre, explains the background to what is a landmark development.
We also chat to Lorcan Scott, Wildlife Officer with The Heritage Council, about his work and the Council’s involvement in this area.
Finally, we talk to John Fogarty, a dairy farmer, from Tipperary.
He explains how small changes are having a big impact on biodiversity on his land.
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In this episode, to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science we’re speaking with Hugh Tinney, whose mother Sheila was the first Irish woman to earn a PhD in mathematical science.
Dr.Sheila Tinney was also among the first four women admitted to the Royal Irish Academy.
We also talk to Dr Eucharia Meehan, chief executive and registrar of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
She charts the history and heritage of science in Ireland and its legacy for contemporary living.
The travel back in time as reflected in this podcast highlights some remarkable change when considering times past with the present.
The story of Dr. Sheila Tinney, a pioneer in her chosen field – brings us back to segments of our heritage which have evolved unimaginably over the decades.
Enjoy the show!
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