Clon's time capsule buried till 2066

THE Southern Star was just one of several items that were placed in a commemorative time capsule that was buried in Clonakilty last Friday that will remain sealed for another 50 years. 

As part of Clonakilty Credit Union’s 50th anniversary in 2016, members decided to organise the burial of a time capsule to give people in 50 years’ time a snapshot of what life was like in Clonakilty at the time. 

‘We put in the latest copy of The Southern Star along with other magazines as well as an iPhone belonging to Arran O’Driscoll. We also put in loads of pictures of babies from staff members and the general public too,’ said Val O’Sullivan of the marketing committee. 

The call went out early last year for the people of Clonakilty to contribute items to the time capsule,  which would reflect the spirit of what was happening in 2016. From pictures to grocery receipts the Credit Union committee wanted to hear from everyone with their suggestions before they decided on the final items to be included.

‘We also included pictures of the revamped streetscape, plans for the whiskey distillery and pictures of the Street Carnival that was held in the town in June. We also put in caps and cups from the Credit Union and we got pupils from a number of schools to write pieces about themselves.’

Members gathered outside the Credit Union office on Kent Street last Friday afternoon for the official burial of the time capsule.

‘We actually got the original builder Paddy O’Regan from Pike Construction to dig up a slab outside as he knows the ins and outs of where  the pipes were and he went down about three feet and we then buried a water tank full of all the items which won’t be opened again until December 30th, 2066,’ added Val.

A commemorative plaque was then placed on the slab to remind those around in 2066 that the time capsule is to be opened. The burial of the time capsule capped off a very successful year for Clonakilty Credit Union as they celebrated the 50th anniversary since it was opened. From its humble beginnings at their first AGM in O’Donovan’s Hotel on Pearse Street on October 4th 1966, the credit union has grown substantially since then with over 9,000 members who avail of their banking and saving facilities.