Duhallow showcases rich cultural heritage

A large number of community groups in Duhallow — covering parts of north Cork and east Kerry — are to showcase the resources that have made their region one of the most dynamic in the EU.

Discover Duhallow — a Day of the Region is the theme for ten days of cultural, educational, sporting and enterprise activities funded under the Leader Rural Development Programme.

Groups in 21 communities will organise almost 70 events under the initiative which is expected to be worth at least €1m to the region’s economy.

Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Minister Jimmy Deenihan will officially open the programme at a period costume-themed reception at the James O’Keeffe Institute, in Newmarket, on July 20.

IRD Duhallow, a community-based integrated rural development company, is the coordinating body for the event which is part of a European-wide initiative based on a concept created in Germany in 1999.

IRD Duhallow covers an area with 30,000 people. It is the only Irish partner in the project which involves bringing groups together to celebrate their culture and traditions and to revive events from their past.

Delegations from Leader companies in Scotland and Holland are travelling to Duhallow to see at first hand how the event is being organised.

IRD Duhallow chairman Michael Twohig said the Jul 20-29 programme is all about capturing the essence of life in the region.

Ceoltoiri Sliabh Luachra, which recently performed for President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina at Áras an Uachtarain, will present A Musical Trail Through the History of Ireland in Teach Cheoil in Rockchapel on Jul 27.

A new cross erected on the top of Clara Mountain, overlooking Millstreet, will be unveiled on the evening of Jul 20.

A week-long Sliabh Luachra Summer School in Rockchapel will feature master classes on traditional music and a workshop on the Irish language with Michael O Mhuireachtaigh and Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú as speakers.