Two distinct eras of Irish storytelling collided at Muckross School House last week, showcasing how traditional culture adapts across generations for National Heritage Week 2026.

Representing the classic lineage of Irish folklore, renowned local historian, musician, and seanchaí Dáithí Collopy delivered an authentic masterclass in old-school storytelling.

Performing alongside his children Sadhbh, Siún, and Daithí Óg, Collopy relied on the ancient oral tradition to captivate the audience through spoken word, presence, and music.

Contrastingly, social media creator Eoin Reardon brought traditional heritage into the modern digital age.

Known for sharing his traditional green woodworking craft with millions online, Reardon hosted a hands-on workshop demonstrating traditional utensil crafting techniques while engaging attendees through the lens of modern storytelling.

The events brought together two completely different methods of preserving Irish heritage—one rooted in the timeless art of the fireside seanchaí, the other leveraging modern platforms like TikTok to keep historic skills relevant for a global, digital audience.

Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan.

Celebrations are continuing across Fossa following a hugely successful showing by Fossa Rowing Club at the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation All-Ireland Championships in Bantry.

Over 50 local rowers travelled to West Cork to represent the club across 19 crews during three days of intense competition against the top coastal rowing talent in the country.

Action began on Friday with strong performances from two U16 Mixed crews, before the Novice Mixed Final yielded the club’s first silverware of the weekend.

In a closely fought race, the Fossa Novice A crew put in a trojan effort to claim a brilliant third-place bronze, while the Novice B crew battled bravely to the finish line.

Saturday saw early morning action as crews gathered at the Bantry marina.

The club’s U16 Girls got proceedings underway, with the A crew securing qualification for Sunday’s final. Strong displays followed from the Sprint Ladies, while Alison Coffey featured in a composite crew masterclass.

The U18 Mixed crew put major pressure on the field in their final, before the U14 Boys finished strongly in their heat to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece event.

Flawless morning conditions greeted rowers on Sunday for the final day of racing. Fossa’s Pre-Veteran Mixed and Senior Mixed crews put in solid performances, followed by a standout display from the club’s youngest participants, the U12 Girls crew.

Despite deteriorating weather and choppy waters as the afternoon progressed, the Fossa Novice Men’s crew delivered the highlight of the day in Race 9, producing a superb team performance to capture All-Ireland silver.

Solid showings from the U18 Boys, Novice Ladies, and U16 Boys closed out a historic and proud weekend for the Fossa club on national waters.