The crypt and church of an East Cork town, with links
to Walter Raleigh and Oliver Cromwell, is the focal point this weekend
for the 10th annual Youghal Celebrates History conference.The weekend promises an unprecedented array of talks, revelations and intrigue associated with a church that harbours strong historical connections to the 13th century and beyond.
Names associated with the church and its tombs include Raleigh, Cromwell, Richard Boyle and the poet Edmund Spenser.
Youghal was home to Raleigh during short periods in the early 17th century, while the town’s Cromwell Arch was named after the military leader who had wintered there in 1649 and later departed Ireland from the town.
The celebrations will be officially opened tomorrow by author and war correspondent Patrick Coburn, whose parents Claude and Patricia are buried in the church grounds. He will also deliver a short talk on his parents.
Other speakers and themes include:
* Clodagh Tait from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick: Birth and Death in 17th century Youghal.
* Bill Power from Mitchelstown: As you are now, so once was I — Death, Burial, Ritual and Design in the Churchyards of Youghal.
* Historian Julian Walton: Ballynatray, the Smyth Family and their monuments in St Mary’s.
* Tarquin Blake, Kinsale: Touring the abandoned mansions of counties Cork and Waterford — a photo essay.
* Willie Fraher, Waterford County Museum: Samuel Hayman, the historian of Youghal and the 17th century healer Valentine Greatrakes.
David Kelly, festival representative and Youghal architect, promised "an intriguing and informative weekend with highly reputable and entertaining speakers". Blackwater boat trips and field excursions to several east Cork graveyards are also planned, he said.
The festival is sponsored by the McCarthy family, owners of Tynte Castle, a medieval townhouse in the town centre. Conference prices range from €70 (three days), €50 (Saturday) and €25 (Sunday) with concessions available.
* www.youghalcelebrateshistory.com