In September 2016, several large signs to mark key locations on the Battle of Kinsale were stolen. The remaining signs were removed by the local authority for safe keeping.
Nine years have almost passed since the historic markers were taken and despite the best efforts of the community, including the Chairman of Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, JJ Hurley, only two signs from the haul have ever been recovered.
The signs that were recovered surfaced in the North East of the country, both appearing in auction houses. This would suggest the signs, which have been described by Dr Hiram Morgan, UCC, as of historical significance in themselves, are still in the country.
The signs were originally erected in the late 1950s, by Board Failte, are large and bulky and not easily transported.
It is something of a concern to the history community in Kinsale that no markers are now in place to record one of the most important Battle sites that not only had a profound effect on the history of Ireland but also on the world.
Despite the local authority promising to replace the signs in 2016, there seems no progress on procuring new markers.
For Chairperson of the local Cultural and Heritage Society, JJ Hurley there is an urgent need to see movement on the issue.
‘The siege and battle of Kinsale is a unique site, possibly the only remaining Elizabethan Battle site that has not been built over in the world.’ remarked JJ.
‘It has great potential, and we need to explore those possibilities.
‘Last year as part of Heritage Week, we hosted a very successful reenactment event of the period, which proved exceptionally successful.
‘However, the permanent signs are crucial to telling the story of the site, and it needs addressing.’
On the issue of the stolen signs, JJ has called on people to keep an eye out for the stolen heritage markers and any sightings should be reported to the Gardaí immediately.
