Home About Manifesto Blog Contact  
 

Kieran McCarthy

Kieran McCarthy is a born and bred Cork man. Growing up in Ballinlough he developed a great love for his hometown and today remains dedicated to promoting the past, present and future of this city (see www.corkheritage.ie for details of his work).

After attending Colaiste Chríost Rí, Kieran went on to study Archaeology and Geography at University College Cork. On completing his Joint Honours BA degree, he went on to undertake a Masters in Geography. Even after devoting four years to furthering his knowledge of the city, Kieran wasn’t satisfied to leave his love of all things Cork and is now completing a PhD on the River Lee Valley.

His commitment to instilling a sense of pride in the community is demonstrated through his involvement in two well-established school projects currently running in Cork. The first, the ‘Discover Cork: Schools’ History Project’, was founded by Kieran in 2003 and is now implemented in 90 schools across the city and county. The second ‘Understanding Europe’, is a European Studies Programme for transition years.

Kieran has also written seven books dedicated to Cork and has published a wide range of articles including his well-known weekly column in the Cork Independent ‘Our City Our Town’ which has built a loyal following over the past 10 years. Kieran believes in living life to the full and when he has any spare time he enjoys horse-riding and getting involved in community activities. He is also an avid fan of the arts. His many achievements include receiving the President’s Gold Gaisce medal award, the President’s Cup for singing in the Feis Maitiu and the Chief Scout Award.

Kieran is committed to his community and city and wants to lead the way forward in bringing Cork City into the next stage of growth and development.

Kieran's Portfolio

  • Occupation: Heritage Consultant, self employed, founder and director of Cork City and County Heritage Services
  • Secondary School: Colaiste Chríost Rí, Cork
  • Third Level Education: BA Joint Honours in archaeology and Geography (topics inc. Heritage management, town planning, environment and society);
  • M. Phil in Geography (topics: Cork City in the eighteenth century - heritage and development).

School Projects

  • Founder and leader on Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project, 2003-ongoing;
  • working with 70 schools in the city and satellite area, working with primary and secondary schools who undertake a local history project.
  • Ireland South Co-ordinator on the National Forum on Europe’s National Public Speaking Competition
  • liasing with 40 schools in Munster, working with transition year students who undertake a public speaking programme, which involves researching contemporary debates on the European Union
  • Ireland South Leader on Understanding Europe, a transition year European Studies Programme
  • working with Colm Burke MEP and transition year students in 30 schools across Munster; providing workshops for students who undertake projects on the European Union and the citizen’s voice in Europe.

Kieran's Publications

Author of seven books on Cork and its hinterland:

  • Pathways Through Time, Historical Walking Trails of Cork City (2001)
  • Cork: A Pictorial Journey (co-edited 2001)
  • Discover Cork (2003)
  • A Dream Unfolding, Portrait of St Patrick’s Hospital and Marymount Hospice (2004)
  • Voices of Cork: The Knitting Map Speaks (2005)
  • In the Steps of St Finbarre, Voices and Memories of the Lee Valley (2006
  • Generations: Memories of the Lee Hydroelectric Scheme (co-edited, 2008).

Columnist for 10 years with Inside Cork / the Cork Independant

Focus on the past, present and future development of the City and the region, with specific focus on the River Lee Valley, its heritage and people.

Kieran's Community and Civic Awareness Projects

  • Walking tours of Cork City for 16 years
    -          with general public, school children, university students, business groups & community groups
  • Lectures and workshops to community organisations
    -          from ICA groups to Lifelong learning Festivals) and Cork schools (visiting over 100 schools in Cork City and Cork County giving local history talks and workshops) 
  • Developing twinning links with San Francisco Cork branch
    -          Summer 2003 programme with the Irish Cultural centre and the Cork Association.
  •  Member of Ballinlough Pastoral Council
    -          Working on various projects with other members including setting up a folk choir, annual carol service, parish social and being a youth representative for the Cork City South Deanery on the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pastoral Plan
  • Beaver Scout Leader in Ballinlough for 16 years
    -          Former scout involved in Ballinlough All Ireland’s Melvin win in 1992
  • Former swimming instructor with Sunday’s Well Swimming Club, Douglas Pool
  • Lifeguard in Douglas Swimming Pool for 12 years 
  • Actor  - appearing in a number of Cork productions on the Cork Opera House, Everyman Palace,  Cork Arts Theatre and Firkin Crane stages
  • Active member and sponsor of Cork-Kerry branch of Showjumping Association of Ireland -Amateur rider, indoor and outdoor gymkhana participant; 1.20 & 1.30m

Awards

  • An Gaisce Gold medal, President’s Award Recipient
  • Chief Scout Award Recipient
  • Government of Ireland Scholar, Recipient of Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences Scholarship
  • Feis Maitiu Winner (President’s Cup and Gilbert and Sullivan singing categories)