Big interest in new East Cork heritage book

Saleen, East Ferry and the adjacent areas of Jamesbrook and Rathcoursey are unspoilt gems in East Cork. It is a region rich in heritage dating back to prehistoric times. This scenic area is favoured by walkers and is a popular bird watching location.

For the past few years, Saleen & District Residents’ Association has facilitated an annual heritage walk of the area, led by local historian Charles Hayes. These walks, popular with all ages, have generated lively discussion as participants share their knowledge of the area. Such discussions prompted the need to gather hitherto undocumented oral evidence, memories and stories of the Saleen, Bawnard, Rathcoursey, East Ferry and Jamesbrook areas, from current and former residents, before the opportunity is lost forever.

This information has been included in a new heritage book ‘Times & Tales of an East Cork Community’ which will be launched on Saturday November 12^th at 7pm in Saleen National School. The stunning, full colour, hardback edition, with 280 full-colour pages, encompasses a unique mix of geography, history, archaeology and lore while also recording social history, local ‘characters’, local customs and lifestyles. It documents the many significant buildings and features of the area and the many changes from prehistoric times, through to Penal times and up to the present day.

In addition to written heritage, ‘Times & Tales’ provides a photographic record of the area. Saleen & District Residents’ Association appreciates the wide support of the local community in providing old photographs. These have been complemented by a range of recent photographs of people and places. We are particularly grateful to Austin Cleary (East Cork Studios) for the amazing front cover image of Poulnabibe Dolmen and also for many other images throughout the book.

The author Charles Hayes, a native of the area, is widely respected in East Cork and beyond. He taught History and Geography for many years in St.Mary’s High School, Midleton and has previously written a number of post-primary history and geography text books. ‘Times & Tales’ is edited by Michele O’Driscoll and published by the members of Saleen and District Residents’ Association, all of whom worked on a totally voluntary basis for the project. We are thankful to the numerous individuals and bodies who have contributed in so many ways to ‘Times & Tales’ and hope that all will now enjoy the fruits of what has been a big community event.

‘Times & Tales’ will be a delight to anyone living in, connected with or just merely interested in the area. It contains something for everyone … stories of land and sea – including farming, fishing, sailing, rowing and smuggling and local faces and places past and present. Learn about the former thriving fishing village of Rathcoursey, the Queenstown businessman who accepted the ‘King’s Shilling’ or local ‘characters’ with nicknames such as ‘Dublin’ and ‘Angel’.

All are welcome to the launch on Saturday November 12^th at 7pm in Saleen National School. ‘Times & Tales’ will be introduced by guest speaker Mr Barry Crockett, former Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery.

Interest in this limited-edition book has been such that many copies have already been pre-purchased. To order a copy, contact Jerry O’Brien at 086-8262746 or Liam Robinson at 086-2457019/021-4636995 (9am to 6pm). The book will also be on sale at the launch. Priced at €25, this is a book to treasure and a wonderful Christmas gift.

Any profits from the project will be used by Saleen and District Residents’ Association for further conservation and appropriate developments in the local area.

Keep in touch with Saleen & District Residents’ Association at www.facebook.com/saleenassociation