Kilkenny wraps up Decade of Centenaries with launch of new 1912-23/2012-2023 booklet

A new booklet on Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-23 is available free of charge from the Heritage Office at Kilkenny County Council. 

Individuals, community groups and organisations from across County Kilkenny gathered in Set Theatre last Friday morning to celebrate the launch of the publication and to mark the end of the Decade of Centenaries Programme in Kilkenny. 

The booklet, which was launched by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael Doyle, collates the wide variety of events, projects and initiatives that were supported by Kilkenny County Council, funded under the community strand of the Decade of Centenaries programme. 

Cllr Doyle paid tribute to the role of Kilkenny County Council in administering this programme.

"In the heart of this commemorative initiative, Kilkenny County Council has been a guiding force, administering the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme," he said.

"Over the past 11 years, more than 300 projects and events have taken place under its supports. From research to re-enactments, walking tours to flag-raising, and from music events to lectures, our community has embraced a multitude of creative expressions that reconnected us to our past."

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan addressed the assembled crowd commending the role of communities and local authorities in sensitively navigating the often-difficult stories of this period in our history. He also commented on the range of archival sources that have been made accessible throughout the process and importance of local archives in safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer and Kilkenny Coordinator for the Decade of Centenaries Programme said: "This publication celebrates the engagement and commitment of communities across the County to uncover and commemorate their role in some of the most significant events in the history of modern Ireland and this event celebrates their contribution to making this programme such a success in Kilkenny."

A screening of Kevin’s Hughes most recent short film Come Back took place as part of the event, this film was funded under the 2023 Decade of Centenaries Programme. It was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin and comprising film-maker Kevin Hughes and Kilkenny county librarian Josephine Coyne reflecting on their highlights of the Decade of Centenaries and its impact in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny’s Decade of Centenaries, 1912-23/2012-23 is available free of charge from the Heritage Office at Kilkenny County Council.