Reverend Kingsley Sutton has been recognised in the National Heritage Awards County Award in County Cork for his project, ‘Amazing mosaics at the Church of the Ascension, Timoleague’. The project focused on presenting mosaics and other features of the church through lectures by stained glass expert Finola Finlay.
Reverend Sutton was among three other winners from Cork who were announced at a virtual ceremony presented by RTÉ broadcaster, Anne Cassin and attended by Minister of State for the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD.
The National Heritage Awards recognise the efforts of individuals, families and community groups across Ireland in ensuring the preservation, protection and promotion of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage.
Commenting on the award Reverend Sutton said, “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the hardworking team that is safeguarding the heritage of The Church of the Ascension, at Timoleague. Our sincere thanks to Finola Finley who was the guest lecturer for our national heritage day in August. She shone a spotlight on the history of the many stained glass windows which are another outstanding feature of this unique church building. Phase 2 of our conservation plan is soon to be completed, helping to protect the amazing mosaics of this hidden gem in West Cork. We are very grateful for all the financial help and support we’ve been getting, but we still need to raise at least another €250k to complete this project. Please consider helping by donating at timoleaguemosaics.ie. Thank you. We look forward to being part of National Heritage week again next year.”
The National Heritage Week Awards highlight Ireland’s ‘heritage heroes’, and showcase the most engaging and innovative projects from National Heritage Week 2021. To take account of restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19, this year National Heritage Week comprised a mix of online, in-person and community projects. In total, more than 1,050 projects and events took place around the country, as communities and individuals answered the Heritage Council’s call to ‘open the door to heritage’ and celebrate local heritage for the first time. Each heritage activity shared on the National Heritage Week website was considered for a National Heritage Week Award.
More information on the National Heritage Week is available at www.heritageweek.ie.
