National Heritage Week was celebrated in the Community Hall in Churchtown on Thursday 28th August 2014 with a talk entitled Images of Churchtown presented by Noel Linehan, Denis Hickey and Gerry Murphy. As part of the 14 topics covered on the night a presentation on the changes in primary education over the last 40 years was also presented by Dorothy Murphy and a short history of Churchtown creamery was delivered by John Hedigan. The other topics covered by Noel, Denis and Gerry were: RIC man Patrick J Walsh, Burton Park, Linen and Flax industry in Churchtown, Red Churchtown Marble, Gold Cup winner Cottage Rake, the Booney House, McNamara’s Band, Muintir na Tire, Presidential Visit in 2000 and Sister Ina Bowe. A short paper on music and song in the village written especially for the evening by Denis Pat Costelloe who lives in London was read by Gerry Murphy. The Cheltenham Gold Cup and other racing memorabilia were displayed on the night courtesy of Jim Culloty and Jimmy Gordon. The event finished with a spontaneous rendition – inspired by Denis Hickey – of Auld Lang Syne.
Many past pupils attended the event in what was the Old School which added to the occasion. Sadly three past pupils of the old and new Churchtown National School passed away during the week and they should be remembered especially in this report. They were: Eily Broderick (nee Duane) in London and her brother Tommy, a brother and sister in the space of a week, and Denny Egan originally from Ballygrace. We also remember Jim Culloty’s father Donal who passed away in Mount Corbett on Saturday night. Deepest sympathy is extended to members of these respected families. May their loved ones rest in peace.
The Churchtown Historical and Heritage Society wish to thank the Churchtown Development Association, especially its chairperson Bridgette Lorenz for the use of the Hall. At the meeting best wishes were sent to Jim Breen whom everybody looks forward to seeing back in the village. Refreshments were provided in the Community Centre courtesy of the Churchtown Historical and Heritage Society. Thanks to Jenny Fitzgerald assisted by Bridgette and Shannon Lorenz, Catherine Breen and Caroline O’Driscoll in this regard. Afterwards The Ballyhoura Ramblers performed in Boss Murphy’s. Two great heritage week events took place in Churchtown last Thursday night, many thanks to all who attended.