Just when you thought the past year of commemoration had thrown up all you ever wanted to know about the Battle of Kinsale (1601), there's more.
Next month, UCC and Kinsale Urban District Council are bringing together academics from both sides of the Atlantic, although predominantly from Europe, to participate in a winter school which will cap the year- long schedule of events.
Although a milestone in Irish history and one that changed the Gaelic way of life forever, the battle had significant European dimensions because it marked the final attempt by the Spanish to invade English-controlled territory and dominate in Europe.
The key themes of the school are: Gaelic Ireland; Ireland and Spain; Anglo-Irish relations; Ireland and Rome; and Ireland and Europe today. For Dr Hiram Morgan of UCC's department of history, and Prof Joe Lee, this marks the culmination of a fruitful year which the commemoration galvanised both scholars and lay people to look at the battle afresh and the consequences with which this island is still dealing.
On Thursday, January 3rd, Prof Gerry Wrixon, president of UCC and patron of the school, will welcome the guests, and a memorial monument at Milewater, scene of the battle, will be unveiled.
Friday is devoted to lectures, and on Saturday Comdt Dan Harvey of Collins Barracks in Cork and Ms Nora Hickey, chairwoman of the winter school committee, will lead a tour of the battle site. Later, Supreme Court judge, Mr Adrian Hardiman, will be the pre-dinner speaker.
The school will conclude with a forum on Anglo-Irish relations and Ireland in Europe.
Speakers include the Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell, Mr Martin Mansergh,Department of the Taoiseach, Mr Stephen King of the Ulster Unionist Party and Prof Joe Lee, UCC.
E-mail address for the event is 1601winterschool@ucc.ie
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