The dedication of a community group from Waterford to the preservation and promotion of the county’s heritage was recognised yesterday at the National Heritage Awards 2018 and closing ceremony for the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.
The special event at the Royal Irish Academy was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Seán Kyne TD and presented by RTÉ broadcaster, Mary Kennedy.
Hosted by the Heritage Council, the National Heritage Week Awards highlight Ireland’s ‘heritage heroes’, and showcase the most engaging and innovative National Heritage Week events.
Close to 700 nominations were received across five categories in 2018.
The Waterford County Museum / Gallows Hill Project was shortlisted for a Heritage Communities Award.
This category recognised events that brought communities together to celebrate National Heritage Week.
Its event, ‘Gallows Hill Community Excavation and Medieval Festival’ brought together members of the local community to understand a neglected archaeological site in the heart of Dungarvan.
This event set out to encourage new volunteers to take an active role in uncovering the hidden history of the site with a community excavation.
The excavation was then showcased to the wider community with an interactive and fun family Medieval Festival.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Kyne said: “It is a privilege to attend today’s National Heritage Awards and to meet just some of the individuals and community groups who proudly fly the flag for Ireland’s rich and varied heritage. Their efforts in this regard are recognised and greatly appreciated.
“Today’s event is also an opportunity to reflect on the success of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in Ireland in encouraging communities across the country to find out more about our Irish, but also our European heritage connections. I was delighted to see so many activities throughout the year that shone a light on our shared heritage. The fantastic projects recognised with the Le Chéile san Eoraip Award today demonstrate how far-reaching our heritage is, reminding us of our enduring ties with our European neighbours.”
Newly appointed Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Heritage Week and the National Heritage Awards highlight the fantastic work that is carried out in communities across Ireland to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage. I am delighted that today’s special ceremony marks my first public event since I took up the role of Chief Executive of the Heritage Council. It is wonderful to see such commitment to our shared heritage among individuals and community groups, and to celebrate this commitment with an exciting programme of Heritage Week events every year.
“I wish to offer my sincere congratulations, not only to the winning and shortlisted organisers and events, but to all those who were nominated and to everyone who takes an active interest in our country’s heritage. By engaging with our biodiversity, our built environment, our national cultural pursuits or any aspect of our heritage today, we are supporting its preservation for the next generation, and cultivating an interest in it among our young people. The call to action for National Heritage Week 2018 was ‘Share a Story, Make a Connection’, and we have to ensure that our heritage stories continue to be told, and new connections continue to be made.”
