Coppeen Grotto 1954 - 2024, 70th Anniversary Commemorations
COPPEEN GROTTO 1954 – 2024
70th Anniversary Commemorations, 8th December 2024
Colonel PJ Coughlan Manch was the architect who designed the grotto.
Neily Warren was the building contractor.
Mick Cosgrave was the main tradesman, tended by Jack Hurley, with Jack Dwyer & others.
White stone was gathered from surrounding farms. A large stone was blasted on Michael O’Driscolls land in Liscroneen, & the resulting stones which were collected by Barrett’s lorry, finished the grotto.
The statue was made by an Italian whose premises ‘Bernardo’s’ were in Paul St. Cork. Ned Barrett transported the statue from Cork on a load of ration bags. When he arrived in Coppeen, there were many helping hands to get it off the lorry. The cost of the statue was £30.
Wednesday the 8th December 1954 was cold, with an easterly wind blowing bits of snow. It was market day in Ballineen.
V. Rev Fr Cahalane PP, performed the dedication ceremony.
A cortège assembled in the schoolyard, & processed towards the grotto, where a large crowd awaited.
Two lilies from Madge O’Callaghans were planted.
In more recent years, two minature trees were planted at the back by Michael Buckley.
The Grotto Committee included:
Feenie O’Driscoll, Breda Barrett, Sheila Crowley (Pattie) Jackie & Tommy Collins, Charlie McCarthy.
On that same day, the grotto at Coolderrihy was opened & dedicated by V. Rev Fr. D.A. Aherne, PP, while an address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Crowley, Army Chaplain, Cork.
'Where the Road took me' by John Greene
Recently retired supreme Radio Broadcaster John Greene comes to Coppeen to speak about his fascinating life story.
Journal Launch - Coppeen, a Glimpse of the Past
Coppeen Archaeological, Historical & Cultural Society (CAHCS) is delighted to invite you to a momentous occasion—the launch of the fifth volume of our esteemed journal, "Coppeen, A Glimpse of the Past." This event also proudly marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of our society.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 23rd August
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: An Caipín
We are honoured to have Joe Creedon of Inchigeela as our special guest for the evening. The event will feature refreshments, lively conversation and plenty of craic as we celebrate this significant milestone in our community’s heritage.
This event is part of Heritage Week and is open to all. We warmly welcome everyone to come together and share in this celebration of our rich history and culture.
“The remembrance of very living local instances” - Voices from the West Cork Oral Heritage project: A public listening Event - An Cáipín Bar, COPPEEN
Voices from the West Cork Oral Heritage Project will be discussed and played at a unique Public Listening event in Coppeen as part of Heritage Week 2023 on 18 August, from 7pm - 8pm.
The talk entitled, “The remembrance of very living local instances” will be delivered by oral historian and author, Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, who is one of Ireland’s leading oral historians.
The West Cork Oral Heritage project have been collecting oral history and memories of some of the oldest citizens in West Cork for several years. Recently, with the support of a grant from the Heritage Council, they have commissioned Dr Mac Conmara to work with them to restructure the project and develop the next phase of collection. The event will involve sample audio from previous recordings made by members of the West Cork Oral Heritage Project and will be played and discussed in a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The event, being held at An Cáipín Bar in Coppeen, is free and all are welcome. Anyone interested in getting involved with West Cork Oral Heritage as a volunteer, is asked to come along and find out more about the work of the project and ways to become involved. For more information, email macconmaraheritage@gmail.com or ring/message Colum Cronin on 086 8531761
The West Cork Oral Heritage Project aims to tell the story of West Cork through its oral history and folklore, by recording, documenting and archiving the memories, experiences, customs, traditions, music, songs and practices of the area from the local people’s own perspective.
We are motivated by a sense of urgency, mindful that our current elderly population represent the last link to a past way of life in West Cork. If we do not act immediately, the loss will be immeasurable.
WE WELCOME VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US IN THIS CRITICAL TASK
Come along to Coppeen on Friday 18th August, Tomás will inspire you!
Murder Most Local - Guest talk with author, Peter O'Shea
“Murder Most Local” is a series of books by Ballycotton writer Peter O'Shea. His books cover North, South, East and West Cork murders and have given a unique and comprehensive account of historic murders that are likely unknown to most or simply forgotten in the mists of time. According to Peter, “murder is never more than a few miles away”. Join us for what promises to be a gripping guest talk by Peter O’Shea online via Zoom on Sunday 27th of February at 7 PM.
Peter O’Shea - Author pictured in his home village of Ballycotton