THE official opening of the Old Forge and Museum in Churchill was performed on Friday by Nora Landers and fellow members of the Spa Fenit Community Council.
The centre will be open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is free but they do welcome donations.
The opening is the culmination of years of work by the Council which was formed back in 1985 and the latest in a long line of projects they have brought to fruition as Nora Landers outlined in her address at the opening.
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“We have developed play areas in the Spa and Fenit, upgraded viewing parks in Fenit and Kilfenora, created a memorial monument in Spa to commemorate a famous sea rescue, initiated the Tralee Fenit Greenway, but the one project that we take great pride in is the renovation and restoration of the Forge and the addition of the Museum here in Churchill,: she said.
In 2001 the Krehbiel Family in Churchill House donated the Forge to Spa Fenit Community Council and with financial support from the Krebhiel Family and grant aid from Tuatha Chiarrai, the Forge was repaired and restored in keeping with its original format.
On October 26th 2002 the Forge was officially opened to the public by Flor O’Sullivan, nephew of Flor O’Sullivan Snr who was blacksmith in Churchill from 1919 to 1965.
In 2016 the Community Council added a Heritage centre and Museum with additional financial support from the Krebhiel Family, Kerry Group , Stan McCarthy and grant aid from NEWKD.
The project was completed in 2019 with the installation of 20 visually stimulating panels which supplement the display of restored equipment and tools in the Forge workshop. In 2020 the Forge Project won a National Rural Networks award.
“We believe we have created a novel amenity which will be an interesting attraction for our community and also for the many people who visit the area,” said Nora.
The Churchill Forge outlines in great detail the skills and traditions in the life and times of the blacksmith.
“I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of all who have contributed to the success of our project especially our sponsors, Kerry County Council, Clann Credo, our donors, graphic designers, word editor, contractor, engineer, blacksmith, our volunteers and our dedicated committee and anyone who has supported the project in any way,” Nora said.