I spent a fabulously interesting day on a wind and rain swept Tullyhogue Fort, Cookstown courtesy of Cookstown District Council and in the learned presence of John Mc Cavitt and Northern Peer Productions. This was one of a number of events organised by Cookstown District Council to commerate the 400 years since the flight of the Flight of the Earls. The event was vividly brought to life by the members of the Northen Peer Productions dressed in full period costume who provided insight into what life was like in this part of Cookstown in the late 16th Century. The historian John Mc Cavitt was also on hand to discuss his most recent publication, The Flight of the Earls - An Illustrated History. The organisation of the event was excellent and it was free! Admittedly it was a wet day but it was disappointing to see so few people turn up to the event. In fact, I continue to wonder whay so few local people seem to take little interest in local history? When I was at high school in Cookstown about 30 years ago there was never any attempt to learn about local history. Yet there is such a vast resource on our doorstep. I certainly hope things have changed today. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of local history, especially in rural areas of the north, and the potential for tourism based on this. The Cookstown District Council are to be congratulated for putting together this series of events (and they continue for the rest of the week).
Additional information regarding the journey the Earls took in mainland Europe can be found here. Hugh O'Neill and Rory O'Donnell eventually died in Rome and are buried at the Franciscan Church of St Peter in Montorio.
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