Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society received top marks for their commemoration efforts for Kinsale’s Siege and Battle in the town on Saturday last.
Almost 425 years to the day that the Spanish forces landed in Kinsale to aid the Gaelic lords engaged in their nine‑years’ war, having inflicted several defeats on the Crown forces, including a victory at the Battle of the Yellow Ford, Kinsale played host to a Spanish Galleon once more.
Acknowledging the importance of the replica of Christopher Columbus’s Nao Santa María docking in the port to mark the commemorations,Chairperson of the society, JJ Hurley, praised the efforts of all those involved in securing the vessel over the weekend.
‘There is little doubt the ship has been a central point for our efforts to commemorate the important historical event this weekend, but without the work of our secretary, Fergal Browne, this would never have happened,’ he said.
‘I would also pay tribute to Cork County Council Official Brian Dunne, as well as Cllrs Alan Coleman and Marie O’Sullivan, who were also instrumental.
‘Of course, our friends at the Nao Victoria Foundation, who operate the ship, were outstanding in finding a window to fit us in.’
In addition to the large crowds coming to the town to view the ship, members of the public also had the opportunity to review military uniforms, weapons and practices, with members of Lord Edwards Own Reenactment Group playing a central role.
Included in this line‑up was a march from the historic Galleon, preceded by Tomás Ó Brógán delivering a proclamation to the people of Kinsale, first delivered by the commander of Spanish forces in 1601, Don Juan del Aguila, promising to bring no harm to the people of the town.
Brógán later delivered a demonstration and talk on military weapons and tactics to a large gathering at Short Quay, before the reenactors completed a march around the environs of the historic town.
Praising the efforts of the local historical society, Chairperson of the Bandon and Kinsale Municipal Area, Cllr Alan Coleman said, ‘Credit, where credit is due here, Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society continue to work hard to preserve the history and heritage of the area,’ he said.
‘Cork County Council will certainly continue in their efforts to ensure this will continue.
‘In addition to strengthening their links with the local authority, it is so important to see UCC also playing a significant part in helping to involve themselves in the commemorations.’
Next week the society will welcome Dr Hiriam Morgan, UCC, who has long been a supporter of the efforts to tell the story of the town’s heritage.
Joining Dr Morgan at St Multose Church for the history seminar on Saturday, September 26th, are Dr Ruth Canning, Maynooth University, Dr Jim O’Neill, and Dr Igor Perez Tostado, for what promises to be a fascinating day’s lectures on the Siege and Battle of Kinsale and its aftermath.
Tickets for this event are available at www.eventbrite.com — search Siege and Battle of Kinsale Seminar.
Photo: Historical re-enactors from The Lord Edwards Own, Oireas Historical Services and Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society march past the recreated Spanish galleon, Nao Santa María, in Kinsale to commemorate the Battle of Kinsale 425 years ago.
Picture. John Allen
