merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will this evening, Sunday 28th May 2013 officially open the Cush Interpretive Centre in Ballinvreena, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.

Cush is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Ireland, similar in archaeological importance to Lough Gur and the Hill of Tara. It was excavated by Sean P O Riordan in the summer of 1934/35. Sean P O’ Riordan was Professor of Archaeology in UCC at the time of excavation and also excavated Lough Gur. A 2nd and smaller excavation near the main site of Cush in the 1970’s by Mick Monk of UCC. This was carried out for the Office of Public Works. All artefacts excavated and found at the early Bronze Age site are now in the National Museum in Dublin.

Speaking ahead of the opening Minister Deenihan commented “I commend the Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society for its excellent work. It represents all that is positive about what can be done by local communities when people work together and I think most people will agree that this is a great example of what can be achieved by a vibrant rural community. Cush is a significant prehistoric site and I hope this centre will educate and inform more people about the importance of the place and its history.”

The aim of the interpretive centre within the refurbished and extended community centre in Ballinvreena is to inform visitors about the prehistoric site of Cush 1km from the centre. The space will consist of an audiovisual presentation, replicas of artefacts found on the site alongside interpretive panels and photography aimed at both young and old visitors.

For more information see www.ballinvreena.ie and www.visitballyhoura.ie