A mast from the past

Finnian Cox

Today, Thursday, sees the return of the Spanish Armada to Cork, mooring this time with peaceful intentions - marking an important anniversary for the town of Kinsale.

425 years since the battle that marked the end of Gaelic rule in Ireland, the Nao Santa María will berth in Kinsale harbour from today until 21 September.

Sailing around and being displayed in docks across Europe, the ship is a replica of one of the three taken by Columbus on his conquest of America (the original isn’t very seaworthy anymore).

The vessel will be open to visitors, with crew providing tours of the meticulously recreated decks and living quarters, alongside demonstrations of the maritime technology of the era.

Like the Spanish ships of 1601, the boat is docking for the benefit of the town - adding a new attraction to the weekend, complimenting the commemorations being put on by the Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society.

The weekend marks the decisive battle between the Gaelic lords Hugh O’Neill and Hugh O’Donnell, in the final days of their 9 Years’ War against the forces of Queen Elizabeth I, in which they were reinforced by the Spanish Armada.

Speaking on behalf of the society, Chairperson JJ Hurley said they were “thrilled” that the ship would join them for the occasion.

Mr Hurley thanked Cork County Council and Minister Christopher O’Sullivan for their assistance in making sure the Nao Santa María arrived on time, highlighting the efforts of both Cllr Alan Coleman and Cllr Marie O’Sullivan.

As well as the vessel’s presence, the weekend will see the 1601 Living History Display turning the Short Quay into a moving museum, with reenactors and historical demonstrations immersing onlookers in the past.

As well as this, the following weekend will see a number of historians and speakers putting on the Battle of Kinsale Seminar in St Multose Church.

The series of talks will be a chance for any budding or established history fan to understand the battle in greater detail, as well as its wider impacts on Irish and European history.