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Cuimhneamh an Chláir The Clare Oral History & Folklore Group |
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About us... |
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Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Memories of Clare) is an independent, not-for-profit, community based organisation that aims to record, document, archive and share the memories, experiences, customs, traditions and practices that characterise County Clare. We are motivated by a sense of urgency, mindful that our current elderly population may represent the last link to an older way of life in Clare. We intend to provide a platform for the dissemination of the material we collect through co-operation with community groups, schools, third level institutions, and the broader public.
Since, the establishment of Cuimhneamh an Chláir, The Clare Oral History and Folklore Group, over sixty of Clare’s elders have been digitally recorded by our entirely voluntary group. At the time of writing, five of those recorded have passed to their eternal reward. With each recording, the value of our work is reinforced by the realisation that once lost, no contrivance on earth can bring these unique memories back. An early policy, passed by the founding members of Cuimhneamh an Chláir was to provide each family of an interviewee, with a free copy of the recording. In the case of families who have since lost their loved ones, the opportunity to hand back a disk containing the voice and memories of their grandfather or grandmother, husband, uncle or grandaunt, has been an incredibly rewarding and gratifying act.
Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s ‘Cuairteoir’ Programme Cuimhneamh an Chláir has decided to refer to volunteer recorders as Cuairteoirí (singular Cuairteoir) as a conscious reference to the traditional practice of social visiting which was known as going on Cuairt. Going on Cuairt involved visiting houses in the locality where stories would be told, and often poems recited, songs sung and music played. This practice ensured the survival of Ireland’s ancient lore and tradition along with the creation and remembrance of local histories and traditions. As one of the main aims of Cuimhneamh an Chláir is to ensure the continued survival of such traditions we feel it is appropriate to refer to the ancient visiting practice in our work. The term (Cuairteoirí) also draws awareness to our desire to bring about a level of cultural renewal through the acknowledgement of the social and cultural value and continued practice of going “on cuairt”.
Below is just a small selection of our Cuairteoirí... |
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Executive Committee · Tomás Mac Conmara · Cllr. Pat Hayes · Cormac McCarthy · Eibhleann Ní Ghríofa · Richard Collins · Margaret McNamara · Gerry Kennedy · Harry Hughes · Tara O Neill · Sarah Fogarty
Advisory Board To ensure that Cuimhneamh an Chláir develops according to best practice and achieves maximum results, a special non-executive Advisory Board has been assembled. The latter contains representatives from the leading folklore and oral history, educational, cultural, academic, media and Age orientated institutions throughout Ireland, as well as relevant local stakeholders.
· Dr. Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh, UCD Folklore Department · Dr. Catherine O Connor, University Of Limerick · Dr. Hugh Maguire, Heritage Council · Emer Ní Fhlaitheartaigh, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae an Chláir · Rene Franklin, Clare County Archivist · Paula Carroll, Clare FM Presenter · Congella McGuire, Clare Heritage Officer · Eddie Lenihan, Folklorist |
