CHURCH of Ireland rector, church builder, collector of traditional Irish music, Uilleann piper, professor of Irish and benefactor, James Goodman’s was a life well-lived.

Born in West Kerry, near Ventry in 1828, he ministered and was associated with the West Cork region for over forty years and was laid to rest in Creagh Graveyard near Baltimore in 1896.

Living in the epoch of the Act of Union 1800, the Great Famine 1845-1847 and the gathering momentum for Home Rule and ultimately Independence, he witnessed unsettled, if engaging times.

Saturday October 18th saw the launch of the second phase of what will now be referred to as The Goodman Centre.

In addition to the extant Goodman entrance arch and statue, an information centre, exhibition and Goodman peace garden are now open to the public from 9am to 5pm each day at Church Meadow, Bridge Street, Skibbereen.

The addition, a website, audio visual hub and school for Uilleann pipers is further envisioned.

Canon John Ardis, Bryan Harris (chairman) and Ken Chapple with Dave Hegarty (seated) who played variations from the Goodman collection.

The purpose of the exhibition (located within Abbeystrewry Church) is to share with the wider community and visitors, including historians, musicians and Irish speakers, information on this fascinating character and tell his story in the context of the era in which he lived.

The Goodman Peace Garden (located at the back of Abbeystrewry Hall) is an area restored from wilderness and is to provide a community-wide space for relaxation, reflection and meditation and, as the current rector, John Ardis said ‘even if this garden helps one person to have a peaceful moment when they really need it, it will have served its purpose’.

The exhibition opening hours are from 9am to 5pm each day and everyone is welcome to visit.