‘Calendar’ of events to mark 400th year of charter

A “calendar” of 121 musical events and torch-lit processions are to mark the 400th anniversary of a West Cork town’s charter.

The Clonakilty 400 Calendar of Events details 12 months of activities to celebrate the historic signing of the charter in May 1613.

Historian Dr Matthew Potter of Limerick City archives performed the launch at a special function in the town. The calendar, which features original artwork by local artist Tomás Tuipéar goes “live” on New Year’s Eve when hundreds of Clonakilty people plan to march at midnight to symbolise the community “walking together” into the commemorative 2013.

It includes 30 separate music events, 12 lectures and historic walks and seven church-based services. There are also four key events, central to the concept of a year of celebration, according to John Loughnan, chairman of Dúchas Clonakilty, the organising body. They include the Community March of Light on Dec 31, A “Lá Mór” on May 5 — the date the charter was signed — to which the President Michael D Higgins will be invited. A third key event is the entire month of August dedicated to celebrating both Clonakilty 400 and The Gathering.

“Locals in Clonakilty will invite the Clonakilty diaspora from around the world to come home and celebrate,” said Mr Loughnan, a town councillor.