Kinsale to mark 124 years Since First Feis

Kinsale will mark the anniversary of the first Feis in the town on Saturday, June 15th, with an outdoor event at The Short Quay at 2 pm.

Organised by the Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, the event will feature the All-Ireland-winning musicians from Ballinspittle Comhaltas, from the Kiely Walsh Academy of Irish Dance, Dan Twomey Tenor and renowned Irish musician Donal Savage.

'It is an important part of our society to mark such events. One hundred years ago, the revival of the Irish language and culture proved central to the rise of the Irish Independence movement,' said the Chairman of Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, JJ Hurley.

'Indeed, one of the central organisers of that event in 1904, Eamonn O'Neill, would later be elected as a TD for the area and was the  Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Dáil  on at least two occasions.'

Of course, this year's event is free, unlike the original offering, which had a charge of sixpence and an extra charge of a shilling for a seat.

In 1904, the event was serviced by two special trains travelling from Cork and Baltimore as the availability of personal transport at the time was a pony and trap or even a bike. 

One element that will echo the Feis of June 5th 1904 is the strong line-up of musicians and dancers, 'I am really pleased that some of the area's top performers have agreed to take part,' reflected JJ.

'Not only are these performers at the top of their game, but it is fantastic to see so many young people still so enthusiastic about Irish culture and ensuring the aims of those organisers of 100 years ago see their vision of promoting our culture continuing.'

Organised by the Kinsale Gaelic League members in 1904, promoting the language was essential.

Indeed, one year later, in 1905, Eamonn O'Neill and Seamus Breathnach, two local league members, were sentenced to prison for signing their names on their dog licence applications in Irish. 

With the importance of the language, Saturday's organisers have invited Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Gaeilgeoir and the history teacher to give a short introduction on the history of the Gaelic League and the importance of keeping the language alive. 

In the event of poor weather, the Temperance Hall will host the event. 

The Feis is subject to Cork County Council's permission.

Note to editor for more information contact JJ Hurley 086 1971870

Comhaltas Ballinspittle, who are set to take part in the Feis in Kinsale on Saturday