After several months of preparations, this Sunday 5th May will be the highlight of 2013 in Clonakilty, when the community celebrates and commemorates four centuries since the granting of a charter which set up the Borough of Cloghnykyltye – the pre-cursor to our modern day Town Council. President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife Mrs Sabina Higgins are guests of honour on this historic and proud day for Clonakilty.
As a community, we are remembering that on 5th May 1613 – 400 years to the day, the charter was granted and stipulated how who would run the affairs of the town. The roles of the Sovereign (Mayor) and Burgesses (Councillors), and the Corporation (Town Council) itself have evolved in the four hundred years to what we have today
But it is also a day of celebration of the best of the community over those four centuries, reflecting community spirit and positivity which has allowed Clonakilty achieve so much over this period.
All are invited to come to Emmet Square on Sunday from 2.00pm, where a carnival type atmosphere will be created by Musicians, Entertainers and people dressed up in costumes representing various periods and historical events associated with the last four hundred years in Clonakilty and Nationally.
All are invited to come to Emmet Square on Sunday from 2.00pm, where a carnival type atmosphere will be created by Musicians, Entertainers and people dressed up in costumes representing various periods and historical events associated with the last four hundred years in Clonakilty and Nationally.
The Presidential party will arrive at Emmet Square at 3.00pm and be welcomed by the Town Mayor, Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin. Clonakilty Brass Band, the Allegria Singing Group and Clonakilty Folk Group will provide music and entertainment followed by speeches by the President and the Mayor.
It is also hoped that the schedule will allow for the President and Mrs. Higgins to visit Spillers Lane where a 1613 market, with stall holders and shoppers dressed in 1613 period costumes, will be taking place.
Earlier, the President, and his wife Mrs. Sabina Higgins, will be accorded a Civic Reception at 1.00pm at the Old Mill Council Chambers, (over the library), by the Town Mayor Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin and his fellow Town Councillors.
As well as the formalities of the day while the President is among us, there will be a great atmosphere prevailing before, during and after, with a variety of music at Emmet Square continuing until around 7.30pm; the market will be in place until well into the evening, and various hostelries around town are putting on music.
Many people are going to great trouble to dress up in costumes which they will wear throughout the day in various parts of the town. And with Monday being a Bank Holiday, it will certainly be a day when the four centuries of Municipal Government in Clonakilty will be well and truly celebrated. And the weather appears promising as well!
People should be aware that car parking will be restricted at Emmet Square, Kent St., Bridge St. and part of the Library Car Park area for the duration of the celebrations. There will also be some restrictions to traffic entering the town centre area during this time, but stewards and Gardaí will be on duty at junctions to advise motorists. The advice is to come early to enjoy the day to its maximum.
Click here to see full list of events on the Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage website.
