Collecting oral histories and folklore preserves cultural traditions, personal experiences and community values. Furthermore, it helps maintain a sense of identity, offers unique perspectives and provides valuable insights into our past societies and traditions.
In collaboration with Michael Fortune of Folklore.ie, Tipperary Museum have compiled a series of interviews to preserve and share the rich traditions surrounding Irish funerals. This oral history project captures personal stories and reflections on the customs, rituals and practices that define the Irish approach to death and mourning. Through first-hand accounts, the project delves into the emotional and cultural significance of Irish funeral rites, from the wake to the burial. These narratives highlight how the community comes together to honour the deceased, offering a poignant glimpse into the ways in which families, friends, and neighbours navigate grief, memory and loss.
The interviews also provide a deeper understanding of how these traditions have evolved over time while remaining deeply rooted in Irish culture. The customs surrounding death are not just about mourning, but about celebrating life, offering support to those left behind, and strengthening communal bonds. The project explores the ways these rituals have shaped cultural identity and collective memory in Ireland, offering a window into a unique part of Irish heritage. This collection of voices and stories will serve as an invaluable resource for future generations, preserving the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
This oral history series captures the deeply personal and often painful memories of the family members of those who lived through the Irish Civil War, as well as historians and public figures who were involved in what came after. These recordings provide an intimate glimpse into one of the most divisive periods in Irelands history and reveal the complex human dimension of that conflict- beyond the political ideologies that split the Country.
Each episode features family accounts that range from hopeful beginnings of Irish independence to the bitterness that erupted between former comrades after the Treaty. There are moments of bravery, betrayal and the quiet suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
More than a historical record, this series is a platform for learning and understanding, for asking questions and preserving the legacy of those involved. It’s crucial for understanding the complexities of Irelands path to independence and the lasting impact of internal conflict on Irish identity.
