PICTURES: Music, dancing and storytelling - Roscrea marks Heritage Week

Marking National Heritage Week the Roscrea Heritage Society arranged an exciting series of events to showcase the wonderful heritage of one of Ireland’s oldest heritage towns.

To coincide with National Heritage Week (Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th August), the Society put together a range of events to showcase the wonderful heritage right on our doorstep.

On Saturday, 15th August, the Black Mills Session commenced the programme of events with a tribute evening dedicated to the late, great, Anthony Bourke. A conversation with Anthony during National Heritage Week in 2022 was instrumental in inspiring what has since evolved into the fourth annual series of the Black Mills Sessions.

It was therefore both fitting and deeply meaningful that his memory was honoured at the very place where it all began.

Caoimhe Flannery (MC) was delighted to welcome Valerie and Erin Bourke, along with friends and supporters, to join father and son Dinny and David Quirke for a very special evening combining music, friendship and remembrance.

David treated the audience to a selection of his own songs and joined Dinny for a number of lively and poignant performances, creating a wonderful evening filled with music and memories.

In keeping with Anthony’s generous spirit, all proceeds from the evening were donated to Roscrea Hospice.

On Monday (Aug 17th) at Stapleton’s Bakery members of the public were warmly welcomed by Joe Stapleton, a fourth-generation baker, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of this much-loved family business.

The visit began at the site of the original bakery on Limerick Street, where Joe shared the story of the bakery’s beginnings in Roscrea in the 1970s, and its origins in Borrisoleigh in 1920.

Founded by Joe and Mary Stapleton, the bakery has remained committed to quality-first baking, using the finest ingredients and traditional methods to produce its much-loved range of breads and baked goods.

Participants then took a short stroll to the current premises in Parkmore, where, once suited and booted, they were welcomed by Marta, the bakery’s General Manager.

Marta gave an engaging tour of the production process, offering a fascinating insight into the work behind the scenes and the high standards that have been maintained by the Stapleton family for over a century.

The visit finished with light refreshments and goody bags filled with a selection of Stapleton’s fabulous breads to take home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, celebrating both a thriving local business and the enduring heritage of one of Roscrea’s treasured family enterprises.

The Society would like to extend a huge thank you to Joe, Marta and all the staff at Stapleton’s Bakery for their warm welcome and for such an engaging and enjoyable tour.

On Tuesday, 18th August the Courthouse was the venue for the annual Rambling House - night filled with laughter, stories, songs and rhymes, bringing together young and old from near and far.

Since the Society’s inaugural Rambling House during National Heritage Week in 2016, the event has gone from strength to strength, celebrating the very best of Irish cultural heritage.

Long before radios or televisions, people gathered in homes to share news, reminisce, sing songs and tell stories, no literacy required, just a good ear and a love of tradition.

There was no invitation needed and no one was turned away; simply a warm and welcoming space where everyone could come together and enjoy a magical night of Ireland’s living heritage.

The Society would like to extend a huge thank you to Michael McEvoy and Pascal Ryan for stepping into the role of Fear an Tí on the night, and to everyone who came along to play music, share stories, sing songs and help make the evening such a success.

Also a special thank you to Anne, Mary and Margo for the use of the venue and for all their help throughout the evening.