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Historic driving route is launched

August 22nd, 2019 10:05 PM

By Southern Star Team

Helen Collins and Anne Hales recently launched the Cork Rebel Way driving route of local historical sites.

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The Cork Rebel Way – a historical driving route around West Cork – was recently launched at the Kilmichael Ambush site. 

THE Cork Rebel Way – a historical driving route around West Cork – was recently launched at the Kilmichael Ambush site. 

This new tourism initiative brings visitors around West and Mid Cork’s history sites relating to the War of Independence and Civil War. 

The concept was launched by Helen Collins, grandniece of Michael Collins, and Anne Hales, granddaughter of Tom Hales. 

Instead of cutting a ribbon, the descendants of the pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty parties tied a ribbon together in a symbolic act of reconciliation. 

Tim Crowley, who initiated the project, said that ‘This bottom-up community-led initiative aims to bring tourism into the smaller towns and villages of West Cork to commemorate the people and places by telling their stories.’

An ecumenical blessing was led by Fr Pat O’Donovan (PP), Rev Greg Alexander (Methodist) and Rev Cliff Jeffers (Church of Ireland) emphasising the importance of  reconciliation. 

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