Killeagh history immortalised on DVD

An east Cork parish has compiled its entire history on three DVDs.

The collection, Killeagh Folklore Through the Ages, documents life in the townlands of Killeagh and Inch (population circa 2,000) but also provides a microcosm of Ireland’s changing landscape across its people, folklore, sport, music, drama, schools, shop fronts and more.

Supported by South and East Cork Area Development, the work was commissioned by the Killeagh Historical group and extends to eight hours of filming, photography, anecdotes, interviews and voice-overs, with references ranging from pre-Christian to modern times.

Much of the work, which took 18 months, was co-ordinated by South African Neville Dent, who moved to Killeagh 11 years ago.

A committee member with Killeagh Historical Group Finbarr Motherway believes “very few, if any, parish has undertaken a DVD project like this”.

Local-born cameraman Willie O’Mahony traipsed graveyards, churches, ring forts, streets and private residences to shoot 40 hours of contemporary footage to add to the 60 hours of archive film, personally amassed over 35 years.

“I’d expected enough suitable material for one DVD but the archives alone could have filled four,” says Mr O’Mahony, who found the process “very captivating”.

Scenes of festivals from long ago, ploughing championships, shop fronts and events such as circuses along with legendary May Day dancing and celebrations in Glenbower Wood are regenerated.

A busy Killeagh railway station is featured and the area’s five schools are documented.

Stately homes such as Dromdiah, Castletown and Ballyre are reminders of major national alteration; similarly local craftsmen shoeing horses in long gone forges and hurleys being individually manufactured.

• Killeagh Folklore through the Ages is available at Londis supermarket Killeagh, priced €20.