Promoting pride in our heritage

Where does your interest in heritage come from?

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a rural area in Co Clare, with a small two-teacher national school where the teachers engaged us in a number of environmental activities, including raising our awareness of local built and natural heritage. This, together with the positive contribution of my parents on a small farm, allowed me to understand the value of heritage from an early age and the interconnection of people, place and heritage.

I have since been inspired by the work carried out by many heritage professionals and vibrant community and voluntary groups throughout the country in researching, promoting interest in and creating awareness of, conserving and protecting and facilitating enjoyment of our rich heritage.

What aspect of heritage do you feel is unique to Ireland?

Heritage is multifaceted, from monuments, archaeology, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife, geology, heritage gardens, parklands and inland waterways. Every community has its own unique elements of heritage, those that contribute to its sense of place and engender local pride and ownership.

What is extraordinary, perhaps, is the obvious love of heritage and appreciation of heritage, which is evident from the engagement with the more than 2,000 events delivered annually during National Heritage Week (held in August).

One of Ireland’s largest cultural events, it engages more than 400,000 members of communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts. It raises awareness and encourages protection, preservation and enhancement of the numerous dimensions of heritage. It was a huge success again this year.

Any standout examples of heritage that are personal highlights for you?

There are many endless examples of quality heritage activities throughout the country. These are showcased in the National Heritage Week awards annually. Specific examples that I have had the pleasure of seeing through the years include the work delivered on the renovation of the wonderful town walls in Kilmallock and the numerous heritage education programmes in schools and communities, which support the promotion and awareness raising of the value of heritage in our lives.

Has the pandemic made it harder to engage with people on heritage?

Covid-19 has presented a number of challenges to the heritage sector, as it disrupted contracts associated with conservation and preservation of heritage and also forced the cancellation of innumerable events. It heavily impacted the lives of professionals in the heritage sector.

However, the heritage sector is adaptable. Additional Government supports were made available to organisations who changed direction and committed to new ways of working. The growth of the use of digital technology was a particular success, with numerous webinars, training and education events having moved online.

This generates capacity to improve accessibility of these programmes and expand the audience in a cost-effective manner.

Without doubt, the lockdowns were challenging, but presented individuals and communities with the opportunity to explore their own place, whether within the 2km or 5km limit or the greater outdoors, when restrictions eased. I believe there was a renewed appreciation of the wonderful heritage which is all around us.

What is your vision for the preservation and promotion of heritage?

In line with the legislative mandate of the Heritage Council, the preparation of a new strategic plan is about to commence, which will set the vision priorities for the Council going forward. From my perspective, key items for consideration in this strategy will embrace the council’s role in promoting interest, education, knowledge, pride and enjoyment of the wonderful heritage we have in this country.

My personal ambition is for an Ireland where heritage is respected and enjoyed in all its forms. This is a source of pride to communities, old and new, all generations, together with the many visitors who we will hopefully welcome post-Covid.