As part of Heritage Week celebrations, Buttevant Heritage Group arranged a “meet and greet” event at the Market House last Sunday. This occasion was arranged in co-operation with Kilmallock, our nearest medieval walled town.
It involved the Kilmallock Wheely Wheelers being announced by the Town Crier, John O’ Connell before being welcomed by the local Heritage Group gaily attired in medieval costumes. It is all part of the goodwill and friendship which has been established between these two Norman medieval walled towns.
Buttevant was walled by Lord Barry in 1317 AD while Kilmallock, the Fitzgerald stronghold, was walled in c. 1390 AD. Both towns experienced serious attacks during the major wars inflicted by our history with consequential damage to their town defences, Kilmallock walls having survived better than those in Buttevant.
Having treated our guests with goblets of mead and other refreshments and being entertained by Buttevant’s well known medieval singers, Kilmallock Wheely Wheelers headed back to be in time for the medieval parade, part of Kilmallock’s walled town day.
A friendly camogie match and an underage football match also took place in Kilmallock between these two towns honouring our native game as part of Heritage Week. It is all part of the friendship and goodwill fostered between these two ancient towns, both of which are listed among the 24 walled towns of Ireland.
To finalise Heritage Week, Buttevant Heritage Group will hold lectures by Professor O’ Rian U.C.C. and Eamonn Cotter Archaeologist on Sunday, August 26th Market House Buttevant at 3pm.